How to Stay Fit and Healthy This Spring

Happy Spring!!




With the Spring season we often think of flowers blooming, beautiful sunny days and trees  in blossom; however, so me of you may be experience the dreaded spring allergies. I was hit by a pollen bus last week, and am now recovering from scratchy throat, plugged ears, constant sneezing, and bathing myself in antibacterial. Which found me pondering, "How can I stay healthy during this season," when it almost seems doomed that I'll be sniffing Flonase and carrying a box of Kleenex with me.

Here are some of my tips and tricks to make sure you won't be confined to your bedroom this Spring.

1. Drink Lots of Water. It's important to stay hydrated, it's one more thing tthat can cause you to stay strong against the cold and flu bugs. Nothing is worse than experiencing a double dose of allergies and cold/flu symptoms.

2. Stay  Moderately Active. It may not be the best idea to head out for a walk/run in the midst of pollen season, but staying moderately active can help fight against any major issues. Although Bikini Season is around the corner, choose activities that are low impact, but efficient (i.e, HIIT, Elliptical, Walking, strength training, yoga, barre, Pilates, etc.)

3. Schedule in 1-2 REST days each week. Moderately exercising is important for your health. Although many of us are looking to lose weight this season, over-exerciseing can deflate your immune system leaving it vulnerable or  catching a bug. Choose a few days to give your body rest.

4. Incorporate Honey into your Diet. Honey has antibacterial properties that can fight against both allergies and cold and flu bugs. I try to take a spoonful of honey each day ( I have an allergy blend that I got from Whole Foods). Allergy blends are a type of honey that is made from pollination of local flowers/flowering trees Also for colds you can combine a teaspoon of hone, juice from half a lemon and hot water into your coffee mug and have a soothing tea to clear throats and aid in feeling better.


Good luck this season!

Comment below of any tips or tricks you have to fight against Allergy season.

How to Make Fitness a Lifestyle and Not Just a Routine

How to Make Fitness a Lifestyle and Not Just a Routine

I've walked the fine line of working out and healthy living, and working out to lose a few pounds and working out obsessively, that for over a year, I never took a rest day.

Extreme exercise was ever present after having a child. I typically ran 6 days a week, about 28 miles a week. I also included an additional 60-90minutes of strength training on top. Occasionally I'd add a hot yoga session in on days that I didn't strength train. I was the fittest I'd ever been. I had energy that allowed me to play with my daughter and went to work happy that I had exercised. However, on days that I woke up late, or didn't get lots of rest (this happens from time to time as a parent). I found myself grouchy and frustrated, thinking "I have to get a run in." Then 1-2 after a run, I'd be a happier person.























However, I knew this wasn't healthy, in the back of my mind I often put exercising over personal health, I devoted EVERYTHING to making sure that I was able to wake up in the morning an fit into my jeans (which is ironic, because I worked out so much that I usually just stayed in fitness clothes all day).

Eventually, I have come to let it go and be more moderate in my exercise. Instead of size being my motivator, it is more about endurance. Do I have enough endurance to run 3 miles? Am I getting stronger? Can I do the splits? Focusing on cardio, strength, and flexibility, seems to be a better overall achievement when it comes to fitness and healthy living.

I have read several books on myths of exercising, and I'm sure you have seen articles boasting about shorter jogs being better for you than long distance. Sure you will shead more pounds the more you work out, but are you compromising your health as you are doing it?























Here are a few tips on how to focus on staying and keeping fit, while making time for other things.

1. Create a morning routine: I usually wake up, get coffee, read my Bible, and then make time to workout. Occasionally, I will meet up some of my friends for a stroller run, so on those days I have time for cleaning, blogging, or other activities that need my attention in the morning. I enjoy working out in the morning because there are still quiet moments and then I've already exercised and can actually put on those jeans.

2. Make time for other activities in your life: This past Christmas I got a Kindle Fire, and was so excited to be able to read on the fly, without working about a giant book fitting in my purse.

3. Have REST days: REST is just as important as exercising. Not only is it physically healing, but also mentally rewarding. It becomes part of your routine more when you have the availability of have a few days off. If you need to schedule them do so. I operate the fact that I plan to workout everyday, os if something comes up and I'm not able to, then I have a rest day, and something ALWAYS comes up. :)

4. Have fun: Look for activities that are fun. Incorporate some thing new into your routine, whether it is a new workout, location, style of exercise, keeping it new and exciting will help your will power on those difficult mornings.

5. Find a friend to workout with you: As I mentioned I have friends who run with me on occasion. We strap up our kids in the stroller and head off on a 3-5 mile route. It is so much more fun having someone there to keep you entertain as you climb hills or burn those thighs.

6. Self-evaluate: Check in from time to time about how you are feeling while working out. Try to step back and look at the overall picture. Are you spending too much time? Are you not spending enough? Is a part of your life suffering due to this schedule? This helps keep fitness in perspective. and that it is a journey and not a finish line.


I hope you find this helpful. Share in the comments below ways that keep you motivated and in check about your fitness.

Friday Favorites: Shades of Grey

Friday Favorite: Shades of Grey

1.Yoga Top with Inner Top by H & M at 24.95
2.adidas 'Run' Print Tight  by Stella McCartney at 100.00
3.Bungalow Hoodie in Heather Grey by Joah Brown for 72.00
4.'Yoga Sling 2" Sandal by Sanuk at 37.95
5.Summit Half-Zip, Zig Zag by Albion Fit at 74.00
6.All-Shirred Up Pullover by Zella at Nordstroms at 38.50



Favorite Posts

Caroline's Five Favorite Reads by Cup of Jo
Flybarre in Boston is Open for Shaking by Sarah Fit
5 Foods You Should be Eating in the Spring by Mommy, run fast!
Leprechaun-Approved Banana-Blueberry- and Spinach- Pancakes by FitSugar
13 Saint Patrick’s Day Recipes Under 200 Calories Each by Chocolate-Covered Katie
How to Make a Font out of Your Handwriting by College Prep

Linking Up With Jill and Heather

What is your favorite way to shake up your routine?

App Review: Under Armour Record

App Review: Under Armour Record

Under Armour is an up and coming brand. It seems like their presence is everywhere. They recently created a basketball shoe for Stephan Curry. You can find it here. Along with adding athletes to their brand, they have created great attention with their new app, Record. Under Armour recently acquired MapMyFitness, Endomodo, and My Fitness Pal. This is quite a large acquisition, I have used all three apps and found that Record has a similar structure to MapMyFitness.  A great aspect of Record allows you to connect a large variety of devices to enhance personal fitness tracking.

You can see that Under Armour allows for the user to connect a large variety of devices and apps, including MyFitnessPal.

You can also track and log workouts and view your workouts on a feed. The feed allows you to choose between your feed and viewing your friend's feed, allowing the user to comment and like a workout.

The app also allows you to log your weight, take/upload photos and videos, track and log workouts, create posts, and log sleep. It is a comprehensive app and allows for you to also choose and create challenges that may be personal or with friedns that you invite to join.

I used MapMyFitness for running and found that it often had the best GPS tracking than my other apps (Nike+ and Strava). Record seems to be just as accurate in their GPS tracking. I really like the options that Record has for tracking and logging workouts, you can log stroller, dog, race, and distance runs as well as adding a variety of classes too.

Pros

Easy to use

Connect a variety of devices

Accurate GPS tracking

Tracks Sleep, Weight, Exercise

Ability to create challenges to complete

Cons

Not all apps and devices are available to connect

Barre3 Review

Barre3 Review

I recently tried the trial version of Barre3 and absolutely loved it. As a barre instructor myself, I often have a hard time coordinating child care in hopes of making it to the gym. Most of my workout routines are at home or out on the street running. Barre3 is fabulous! They have a variety of workouts ranging from 10-60 minutes in length. It allows you to view from any device ( I used my Apple Computer, My iPhone, and my Kindle Fire). You will need to have a ball, weights, mat and chair for most videos, but there were a few videos that only required a few of these items or none at all. 

I tried quite a few of the videos ranging from 30-60 minutes. Barre3 has made it easy to do it anywhere. I mostly did the classes at home, but was able to take it with me when we went to my in-laws. One of the great features of the online Barre3 workouts are the modifications. All the workouts I watched featured 3 instructors, one taught the class, one modified the positions, and one increased the work load or did the exercises as taught. I liked this feature because it allows the viewer to find where their range and workload is. 

Barre3 also allows flexibility for those who wish to continue their membership. There are three options: monthly ($15/mo), 6 months ($70), or yearly ($120). The year membership comes with a Barre3 ball!! They also feature programs to keep you motivated (28 to Great, and 7 Day Slim Down).

Pros:

Great flexibility for viewers

Advancements and modifications in each class

Programs to stay motivated

Easy to follow format

Can access from anywhere

Fun and energetic teachers

Cons:

Viewers may not have access to ball or weights

Last Minute Valentine's Gift Guide

Friday Favorites

It's almost Valentine's Day. Here are a few of my favorites!

























1.GU Chomps in Strawberry w/ Caffeine by GU Energy Labs ($
2.S'well Bottle in Cabana ($35)
3.Women's UA Shimmer Tote by Under Armour ($39.99)
4.Hidden Dry 2 in Pink by Balega ($11.00)
5.Garmin Forerunner 10 GPS Watch in Pink ($95)
6.Grid Foam Roller in Pink by TriggerPoint Therapy ($40)
7.Headband in Undersea Crystals  by Victoria's Secret ($12.50)

8.Be Mine by Sticky Be Socks ($15.00)

9.Plus Bar in Energy Chocolate by Greens Plus ($31.95/12 bars)

31.75/ box of 16)

Favorite Posts of the Week

Fitness
When Intuitive Exercise Doesn't Feel Good by Nutrition Nut On The Run
12 minute workout to tone you up by Purely Twins
Write a Manifesto by Jill Conyers
Valentine's Day Total Body Partner Workout by Fitness and Feta

Health
The Benefits of Coffee by Fitness On Toast
How Much Coffee Is Too Much by FitSugar
The Best Plant Based Proteins by FitSugar

Running
What Do You Need To Run For Your First Marathon by NYCRunningMama

Book Review: FIT2FAT2FIT

Book Review: FIT2FAT2FIT

This book title alone holds the reader captivated. The icon of a muscular build increasing in size and then toning out again, is a snapshot of what this book is a bout. Drew Manning, a personal trainer describes his frustrations with clients of his that would sign up to 'make a change,' in their life and after a few short sessions never return and give up. Manning describes a personal experience when he was training a family member of his. This client was doing well and at a family gathering Manning witnesses his client indulging a bit too much in the food, beginning a downward spiral of unhealthy eating soon leading to unhealthy living. One may read this book and see Manning as too hardcore, a tyrant against the food industry. But as the book continues and Manning decides for himself to gain weight and see IS it really THAT hard to start a workout program when you have distanced yourself from training and the gym. Mannine stops exercising and eating healthy and over the course of 6 months gains 75 lbs. He describes himself as tired, apathetic, and depressed. With gaining so much weight, Manning finds himself sabotages his healthy attempts throughout the day:

"I can't do it, it hurts."

"Food will make me feel better."

"I'm too tired to workout."

"I can't do it, it hurts."

My favorite part in the book is a chapter that is written by his wife. She not only sees how it affects Manning, her husband, but herself and their family.

"Don't judge me until you've walked  a mile in my shoes."

Gaiam TV Review

Gaiam TV Review

Gaiam is well known for their association with yoga as well as the myraid of workout products they sell. They are a trusted brand and one that I am familiar with. Gaiam was one of the first yoga videos I watched and fell in love with the flow. So I decided to try their 10 day free trial. The website is set up similar to Netflix. There are different categories: Most Popular, Recently Added, and such. It was easy to navigate around the website. I used the search bar to help me find what I was looking for. After searching for 'yoga,' it allowed you to also advance your search by choosing a length of time, style of yoga, and instructor. I found this to be helpful after I began to find instructors that I enjoyed. There were 1141 videos on yoga, so this feature was very helpful. Gaiam TV also has inspirational videos, spiritual videos, dance and ballet, as well as meditation guides. It provides a great selection for all stages of yoga, whether you are brand new or a spiritual guru. After your 10 day free trial, it costs just $9.95 a month.

You also have the ability to save videos on your playlist. This was a wonderful feature because then I didn't have to keep looking and searching for something I might like. I would spend a few minutes before each video and find a few more I liked, it also helped me stay accountable to finishing their videos. These were the videos that I tried and LOVED:

Kathryn Budig's Aim True Yoga: Authentic Flow

Rachel Wainwright: Ballet Pilates, Pilates Booty, Yoga Pilates Morning Mix

Faith Hunter: Shiva Flow

Kate Kendall Flow Barre: Spicy Buns, Total Body Bliss

Ashley Turner: Strength and Stamina

Pros:

Lots to search from

Great instructors and Sequences

A whole zen experience

My Playlist feature

App accessible from iPhone or Android Tablets

Reasonable price (9.95/mo.)

Cons:

Search Bar was helpful, but could be simplified

Friday Favorites

Friday Favorites

1.Seamless Long Sleeve Tee by Victoria's Secret by (56.50)
2.Lululemon Wunder Under Pant Full-On Luon In Garden Party (59/00)
3.Stay Gold, Leggings by Albion Fit (78.00)
4.Wanderlove Hot Pant by Teeki (72.00)
5.Seamless Reversible Sport Bra by Victoria's Secret (39.50)
6.Goddess Ribbed Legging by Alo Yoga (94)
7.Flatter Me, Wine Hoodie by Albion Fit (68.00)
8.Knockout by Victoria Secret Capri (66.50)


Here are also some of my favorite posts this week:


Running
How to Run a Sub-30 min 5k or Sub 60 min 10k by Another Mother Runner
Key Nutrients for Marathon Training by Carrots N Cake
It's Scientifically Proven: Slow, Short Jogs Are Better For You by FitsSugar

Fitness
Staying On Track With An App by Dance, Flow, Lift
Flowing Bodyweight Workout Circuit by Pumps and Iron
Valentine's Workout Mix by Fitnessista
Lower Body Workout by Working Out &Eating In
Legs+ Arms+ Abs Bootcamp Workout by Peanut Butter Fingers

Health
The Easiest Raw Chocolate Pudding by Fitnessista
How Eating Red Can Help Your Heart by FitSugar

Book Review: SPARTAN UP!

Book Review: Spartan Up!

Spartan races were introduced to me while watching Extreme Weight Loss with Chris Powell. That show is so inspiring, especially an episode when a contestant went through a Spartan race. I felt a sense of pride and immediately wanted to know more about this Spartan lifestyle. Once Spartan UP! came out, I was expecting it to filled with intense dieting and exercise routine. but that is not what this book is about. Spartan UP! describes the unfolding of what is now known as the Spartan nation. De Sena talks about his desire for adventure and how we all have a sense of wanting to explore and challenge ourselves. The book is full of participant's inspiring stories and quotes, while also empowering the reader to challenge their current state of life.

(Borrowed from Spartan.com)

I highly recommend this book, it really has a great message of striving for and achieving greatness.

All thoughts and opinions are my own. 

Product Review: Portable Pilates Studio

Product Review: Portable Pilates Studio

I was able to try out the Portable Pilates Studio. I was so excited when the brown box was awaiting at my door. I opened it up and assembled it quickly and easily. That night I put in the DVD and completed all three workouts.

What I loved about it was how versatile it was. Sure, its a little big and I probably won't take it to the park, but I can use it standing, sitting, or lying down.

What I really liked about Empower Fitness is the support they have for women. After having a baby, I have been eager to get back into shape. It's not easy, day after day, to find the motivation to stay fit and well. I appreciate their ability to provide products and quick workouts for those of us with little to no time. Even though my love for running can dominate my workout schedule, I love to throw in new things. When I got to try out the Portable Pilates studio, I went online and  found that they have other fun exercise tools.

The other great thing about Empower Fitness is that they have a site for workouts that are available here on their website.

I found that there was a lot this piece of equipment could do. The videos guide you in a routine that has you put the feet in the hoops. The routine was both fun and challenging (I struggled when it came to my hip flexors and my arms were burning.).

It's a little big, but not bulky. I found it to be slimmer than my yoga mat and fit nicely in my mat carrier. It runs for 29.99 plus it comes with a DVD I thought it was pretty reasonable for how much it accomplishes!!

I have used it a few time on my own, and also as a balance bar. It is easy to slip the bands off the ends of the bar. 

Pros:
Great workout
Versatile
Easy to assemble and use
Workouts fun

Cons
Bulky
Can't take it anywhere (like a yoga mat or running shoes)

Sponsored by Empower Fitness. These opinions are my own :)

Workout Wear: Under Armour HeatGear Sonic All-In-One Capri

Workout Wear: Under Armour HeatGear Sonic All-In-One Capri

My husband bought these on Amazon for me at Christmas time. I was so excited to receive another addition to my workout wardrobe. I must say these were a winner for several reasons. First, these fit over the knee and are known as crops or capris. This type of running pant is great for those mid range temperatures (40-75 degrees Fahrenheit). These pants especially are great because they don't rid up your leg as you are running. Many times I find that my capris/crops hike up my leg and begin to bunch. These pants fit well and are a second skin. They are not compression, so do not provide any benefits that come with compression tights.  Thirdly, they possess an anti-microbial technology that allows for each wash to completely rid the pants of their last run smell. In addition, they are also a great wear to prevent chaffing do to runners where shorts. I like the addition of a hint of pink too. These pants are SPF 30+, part of the HeatGear nature (designed to regulate core temperature and keep you dry and enhance performance in any workout).

I did read some reviews on this product that suggested a close check on the size chart. There were complaints about the pants not fitting. This was not the case for me.

Pros
Tight fit
A touch of color
Long lasting and are able to be rid of smells (anti-microbial)
HeatGear technology
SPF 30+


Cons
No ventilation or breathability patches
Not compression
No pockets to store small items like keys

Book Review: Hell Bent

Book Review: Hell-Bent

The title alone is intriguing enough to make you want to know more. Reading the cover further you will see: Obsession, pain, and the search for something like transcendence in competitive yoga. Competitive Yoga sounds like an oxymoron; yoga is synonymous with peace and zen. So to find transcendence in a world of competition seemed interesting, like a secret cult known to only a few...that is exactly what this book is about.






















The author Benjamin Lorr writes this memoir of both his journey to fitness and the underworld of yoga.  He shares his story of being overweight and one day being convinced by a friend to try Bikram Yoga. One day, turns into thirty, and then 365 days. Lorr was able to make his way into the secret society of competitive yoga one pose at a time. Lorr opens the closed door of the secret society of Backbenders, known by few. The Backbenders is composed of devoted yogis that manipulate their body in intense poses.

Loor  recounts his experience at a Bikram teacher training that will have you sweating along with him. You'll meet the unforgettable character of Bikram Choudhury, the founder of Bikram Yoga.