You vs You

Everyone is at a different place in life and same goes for fitness – everyone is at a different place. Everyone has struggles and successes so when you see someone that is where you want to be, before you take even a second to get discouraged – know that someone is looking at you, wishing they were where you are. STOP COMPETING – just try to get better than YOU were yesterday.

Take pictures, take measurements, keep a fitness journal and track YOUR journey. Scales can be very misleading so ditch the scale and look in the mirror – that’s your competition.

 

youvsyou

Get fit while watching your favorite sports!

With the NFL in full swing and MLB playoffs heating up don’t forget about your health! Watch all the games you want but get fit while doing it! 👊💪

So put the pizza and beers down 🍕🍕 🍻🍻 and do these workouts with friends, family and kids!

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There’s always time to make to for fit!

Go O’s and Redskins!

Depressed? Go Exercise!

There are many studies showing a direct correlation between happiness and physical activity.  Here are some facts about physical activity.

  • Releases endorphins
    • Endorphins are those “feel good” chemicals that are produced from cardiovascular exercise. The body has positive reaction to exercise naturally so that feeling after you get through a tough workout out–yeah those are endorphins!
  • Increases serotonin levels
    • Having low levels of serotonin has been connected to depression, but guess what naturally increases serotonin levels….yep-EXERCISE! Serotonin affects your mood, ability to sleep and your appetite. So get moving and release those  good natural chemicals!
  • Improves sleep
    • Lack of sleep, restless nights and insomnia are effects of depression. Exercise releases endorphins and serotonin chemicals for “feel good” result and sleep aid but also your body will need rest with the increase activity level you are physically and mentally spent which will allow you to relax and get quality shut eye!
  • Distraction
    • Now that you are feeling good (endorphins) and sleeping well (serotonin) you are able to focus on you and the natural positive chemicals being released in your body preventing negative or discouraging thoughts that are common with depression.

Exercise has many many positive side effects  – do yourself a favor and get moving!

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Dessert: Skinny Pumpkin Cheesecake Brownies

NEWS FLASH: It’s OK to indulge! Have dessert – just not all of the dessert!

When you make any meal yourself, you can be sure of the ingredients that you are putting into your body, same goes for dessert!

I made these brownies and they were super easy and delicious!

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Remember living a healthy lifestyle doesn’t have to boring and plain!  Learn to make your food and desserts! Now just dont go and eat the entire pan!

For this recipe click here and follow @sallysbakeblog on instagram for lots of recipes and tips!

Weight loss vs Fat loss

This question is tossed around all the time. Often times you here females say they want to lose weight but are scared to lift weights because they fear they will get “too big.”

Females don’t produce the same testosterone levels as men so you can lift and lift but it’s damn near impossible for you to bulk up like a huge bodybuilder. So from now on don’t even allow yourself to think that!

Plain and simple: the more muscle you have the faster your metabolism works in a resting state.

Therefore the more muscle mass you have the more calories you burn in a day at a resting heart rate.

Example: Man A and Man B  weigh 175. Man A has 10% body fat, Man B 30% body fat. Man A has less body fat (more muscle) will burn more calories naturally in a resting state than Man B with more body fat (less muscle). Dont worry about the number on the scale – worry about your body fat and lean muscle mass.

Ok–youre not feeling it… here’s another example

Take a look at this picture:

fat-loss-vs-weight-loss

A pound of muscle is a lot smaller than a pound of fat – even if you aren’t losing “weight” you can (and will) change  your body through gaining muscle!

Focus on FAT LOSS and not weight loss.  You may or may not lose a few pounds,  but gaining lean muscle and losing body fat will definitely result in you liking what you see in the mirror!

Keep your head up 🙆☝and stop looking👀👀 down at the scale!

Look in the mirror and see how your clothes fit :):)💪👊

Try something new

We all get into a routine or pick exercises we like but the way to results is to push yourself to a new limit! 👊
Many gyms offer all sorts of classes, no harm in trying one out. You may find a new passion! If you don’t like it, try a different one. ✔✔ Whether it’s yoga,  pilates,  kick boxing or a spin class the variation will target your muscles in a different way. 💪💪💪
I did my first spin class today and it was tough🔥🔥🔥.  Am I gonna go back?  Definitely. I’ll try to improve and get better each time.  Don’t think you’ll be a pro right away, work into the class and I bet you’ll see the results in your body and the way you feel!

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Yes, I do

I got married in July and like most women wanted to make sure everything looked perfect.  I take a lot of pride in my physique because I work and have worked really hard to stay in shape over the years. I played sports in high school and I stay really active in college. It was post college I really began to learn more and more about fitness. The time was right when I moved to Texas to take a personal training course so it was about 5 months after I got my certification I got engaged and about 6 months after that, the big day. My personal motto is if you stay in shape you’ll never need to “get” into shape. I like to keep active so I don’t have to do any crazy diets or 2-a-days to get bikini ready, class reunion ready or in this case wedding ready.

I did want to target certain areas, mainly my arms and back. I’ll post some of my wedding workouts and moves I found most effective!

Check back for wedding workouts plus anything and everything fitness.

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Photo: Ian Sbalcio

Sunday BUNSday

Happy Sunday!  If you can’t make it into the gym today don’t worry, I got you!

3-5 rounds of this booty blasting routine will keep you on track and best part, it will take at MOST 35 minutes of your day! Get everyone involved family, friends and neighbors!

Pin,  share,  tag your friends and tackle this Sunday BUNSday workout!

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Take your fitness goals to work!

A healthy lifestyle is more fun with friends! Try to get a group a work to walk during lunch or a group gym session after work instead of happy hour!

Why not make it a challenge? Try to start a weight loss challenge at work and you can hold each other accountable! Nothing like some friendly competition!

Your healthy lifestyle and habits will spread throughout your office and help everyone in the long run!

And remember to have fun!

For more ideas visit on getting a challenge started at work: Click Here

Family Fun for a Good Cause!

ImageJoin us on Saturday, November 1, 9:00 a.m. at Bluemont Park located at 329 N. Manchester St. Arlington, VA 22203 for a Family Fun Run and Dog Walk all to support Paws2Care. The organization helps children battling cancer, children with special needs and children of wounded warriors.

Beamer the Therapy Dog is on the Nationally Certified Pet Partners Therapy Team. He visits children in hospitals offering some fun and laughs! Come out and support this wonderful cause and get your whole family moving! It’s a win win! Don’t miss it!

CLICK HERE to Register today!!

 

Here is Beamer with some of his friends!

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