CROSSFIT FOR LIFE {06.23.2015}

Back in late 2013 I had heard, from a previous co-worker, about Crossfit. She explained that it was high intensity work with great benefits. I have always wanted to try Crossfit but have always been hesitant since I usually like to challenge myself, but sometimes, even with the most challenging workouts, I still don't feel like I've worked hard enough. I'm sure some people would disagree and say "a workout is a workout," but I don't believe that anymore. I used to think that, back before I lost my 35 pounds, before I realized what good losing weight has done for me body both internally and externally, more importantly for my attitude. I am much happier since losing the weight. I still go to the gym daily and push myself to be better than last week but I just feel like I need a little more...push!

 

Being a cheerleader majority of my life, I always had a coach or two yelling at me to run, tumble, workout, get fit. After High School and Cheer, I didn't have that. My life completely changed. Going from a very fit and active sport to nothing, was difficult. Over the years, since 2013, I have thought many times about Crossfit but again, just psyched myself out and decided not to go. Finally, after researching and learning more, I realized that it sounds just like what I need.

 

So what did I do? Well, I set up for E and I to attend our very first Crossfit workout...tomorrow! E isn't too thrilled but I am. I mean, I'm nervous, that's for sure! But I think having a group of people working towards the same goal is a good thing for us. We need to be challenged just a little more. We need to be encouraged. We need to make sure that, when we workout, that we are using that time wisely.

 

I am so excited that I decided to start figuring out what I'm going to wear. Ridiculous right? (see side photos for outfit options) But training for a healthy mind and body is kind of like going on a date. You get an hour to work hard and make it count. Then at the end of the night, if you worked hard enough, you might feel like you've succeeded and got the best work out for your money and time.

 

I am still waist training during the day, so far, I have seen some results. I will do an update on this soon. We are also following along with the 21 Day Fix eating plan.

 

Have you tried Crossfit? Are you a current Crossfitter? Let me know what you love about Crossfit. Interested learning more about Crossfit? Check it out here, for the Houston, TX location!

I will post a follow-up from the Crossfit workout on Thursday.

 

 

 

 

 

 

WAIST TRAINING {06.17.2015}

I'm sure you've heard about waist training before from the likes of celebrities such as Kim Zociak, Kim Kardashian, Snooki, Jessica Alba, Khloe Kardashian, Lily James (Cinderella), JWoww, the list is endless.



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Maybe you've thought about trying it out but just aren't sure. Well, I know how you feel. I finally gave in and decided to order my first waist trainer. I wanted to take part in the waist train society. Let me first start by giving you some benefits of waist training.

 

1. High compression helps to firm and tone your stomach, love handles, and lower belly fat
2. Increases blood circulation and stimulates perspiration on your abdominal area
3. Offers back support and aids back pain
4. Promotes healthy lifestyle and a healthy mind

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Of course, you have to keep in mind that this is just a tool to assist you with toning and tightening. If you wear this all day and then continue to eat fast food, odds are, you won't see any difference. My plan is to continue working out seven days a week and eating with my healthy portion control system.

If you are interested in trying it but want to see results from someone else before trying it yourself, then you're in luck! I will be starting my waist training tomorrow and will give you a full review at the end of the seven days.

 

If you already have a waist trainer but need a partner, or maybe you just received it but aren't sure what to do, you can join me. Here is my waist training "plan."

 

First, I will only be wearing the waist trainer during the day. Majority of the information sites I've read on waist training suggest wearing the trainer for up to four hours when just starting out, then adjusting time to six to eight hours a day once comfortable and used to the fit of the waist trainer. In addition to wearing the trainer during the day, I will also be working out seven days a week but will not be wearing the waist trainer during cardio workouts, I will only wear the trainer during lower/upper body workout days. You can see my workout schedule and healthy eating portion control information here!

 

Stay Tuned as I will be posting some info-videos for those that are interested in learning more about waist training.

 

Oh, check it out! All new blog posts will feature "Wednesday Wonders" to give you insights on new items or products that you'll love!

 

 

Wednesday Wonders: As Father's Day approaches, if you are in need of a gift, why not get dad something he'll love? Visit: http://shaved.by/cvLPH for the Dollar Shave Club! Dad will love the monthly, high quality razors. No more standing at the grocery stores sorting through the expensive options or purchasing the cheap, low quality razors. While there, check out there full range of products that dad can use with his new razors!

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*Disclaimer: I am not affiliated with the Dollar Shave Club and was not paid for this advertisment.*

 

BODIFICATION {06.11.2015}

Last night was so fun, I can't even begin to explain, but here I go.
Happy "Day Before Friday" Day! 

 

So recently, I have been wanting to change up my workout routine. Although I absolutely love the stair master, I realized that I needed to break ties and find something different to challenge my body daily. So I found Zumba and Yoga!!!

 

I've heard from so many people that Zumba is fun and energetic, almost like you don't even know it's a workout. Well, I have to agree. The trainer last night really made it feel like I was just enjoying some fun dancing out on the beach. We did hip-hop, salsa, and meringue. The body movements were fairly easy, for a first time Zumba-er, and for the most part, every one, first timer or veteran, could keep up with our bubbly instructor. The music was great! I was pleasantly surprised. I guess I always assumed that it would be boring background music but we danced to real songs that you could sing along to, like me, while dancing to really get involved, get excited, and get moving. I also enjoyed the fact that the class was small enough to move around and breathe, but large enough to not feel singled out like the whole room is just staring at your back. Most of the Zumba-er's were wearing yoga-like pants and workout shirts, I opted for shorts because I wanted to be as cool as possible. I didn't take pictures in the class but this picture pretty much represent how fun it really is!

 

I will say, I think too many people are worried about "looking silly," but bottom line is, you are there to workout, get fit, and have fun. To be honest, everyone probably looks silly or feels silly but no one cares because everyone is to busy having fun. If you haven't already, I challenge you to take on just one Zumba class and let me know how you liked it. Besides, like Grandma always said, "how do you know you don't like it, if you haven't tried it?"

 

 

 

 

Tonight, I get to enjoy one hour of relaxing Yoga. I have been waiting for this all week. I guess really Yoga and Zumba were tied, and maybe Cycling too. Last night, after Zumba, I went to Target to pickup my yoga mat. It's cute, not pink, but cute lavender. It will work.

 

I wanted to share with you, especially those who are considering yoga, some of my favorite yoga pieces and what to pack in your yoga bag.

 

Yoga Pants, Yoga Shirt(s), Water Bottle, Towel (not pictured), Yoga Mat, Headband, Sports Bra

1) Dankskin http://www.walmart.com/search/?query=danskin%20pink%20tank&cat_id=0

2) Victoria's Secret PINK https://www.victoriassecret.com/pink/yoga-pants

3) Scunci http://www.walmart.com/ip/Scunci-Everyday-Active-Braided-Headband/41316328

4) Victoria's Secret https://www.victoriassecret.com/victorias-secret-sport/sports-bras

5) AdNArt Perma-Frost http://www.amazon.com/AdNArt-Perma-Frost-Bottle-Double-Freezer/dp/B0091RCNLC

6) Target/Yoga Direct http://www.target.com/p/yoga-direct-yoga-mat-lavender-1-4/-/A-15132159#prodSlot=medium_1_1&term=lavender+yoga+mat

7) Nike http://www.footlocker.com/product/model:190199/sku:55159015/nike-free-tr-fit-3-print-womens/black/pink/?cm=GLOBAL%20SEARCH%3A%20KEYWORD%20SEARCH

 

 

Those are just a few of my favorites! Although it is not pictured, it is very important that you bring a towel. I am also pretty excited about mastering some yoga poses. Here are some of the beginners poses that I want to master. This week, so far, has been quite fun. Changing up the workout schedule and enjoying new classes. Although we haven't officially started our new portion control program or workout plan, we wanted to take this week to get prepared. It's always good to get your body ready for something big. Stay tuned for tomorrow morning's post. I will talking about our upcoming portion control program and workout plan. If you want to join us, I will detail out all the things you will need to take part in this. I am really excited to see where we will be over the course of the next few months as we try to shed off the remaining 20 pounds we are eager to lose.

I look forward to posting details about the yoga class.

 

Have a great and beautifully blessed day

FIVE FRIDAY FITNESS FAVS {03.06.2015}

Here are five things that I loved this week!

First on my list: Victoria's Secret Fresh & Clean Lotion & Body Spray

I cannot express how important it is to keep lotion on your hands and feet. Soft skin is amazing but the major benefit of lotion besides soft skin, is moisture. Moisture does incredible things for your body so pick up your favorite lotion and get to work. My favorite thing to do is use it after my morning workout and before I go to bed. Don't forget to spray a few spritz of your favorite body spray/perfume, nobody wants to smell you at the gym - be a lady and keep smelling amazing!

Number two on my list - HOT LEMON WATER! Every morning, upon waking up, I make myself a nice warm cup of lemon water. Besides all the incredible benefits, which I talk about here, this is a great way to wake up. My house is always freezing in the mornings, and this allows me to get ready for the gym and feel nice and cozy, at least until I have to drink the freezing cold pre-workout mix...

Next up, my Nike pink chevron shoes. So, it doesn't really matter what type of Nike's you wear or what color, just make sure that the shoes you are choosing to wear to workout in are 3 things: 1) comfortable, 2) safe, and 3) light. You don't want to be stuck in the midst of a workout and your feet start killing you, you also don't want to try and go into a wet sauna if your shoes do not have good traction, and lastly, make sure they do not weigh your feet down. If you need to, stop by your nearest Foot Locker and let the experts help you choose the best fit for the best workout.

Fourth on my list is PINEAPPLE! This has been my nightly "treat." I wanted to eat at least 6 meals a day and one of those meals/snacks was supposed to be after dinner. I had trouble thinking of healthy options that were both good and good for me. When I realized that fruit can be just as much of a treat as an ice cream bar, I ran with it. So for my nightly snack, I choose pineapple. It's sweet, delicious, filling, and healthy!

Last, but definitely not least, my VSX Sports Bra. You'll probably see me make tons of posts about Victoria's Secret, but does that really surprise you? The VSX Sports Bra is incredible! Not only do I wear it to work out, I wear it to work, around the house, pretty much anytime I can. The support is amazing! Keeps the "girls" up and my posture is so much better due to the "racer-back" style. This sports bra is definitely worth every dollar. One of the best things is, it was fitted for me. Too many times women head to Target or Wally-World to get sports bras and they end up not fitting, are uncomfortable or the support is not there so their posture is horrendous. Make sure you choose a sports bra that is comfortable, you don't want to go through a 30-minute,45-minute,or even 1-hour workout and have to deal with back pain due to your breasts not being supported, so spend the extra money for the extra benefits.

As always...

Thanks for reading and Enjoy!