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hair shots | my secret weapon
If you've been following me for longer than a few weeks now, you've probably gathered that working out and staying active is a big part of my life. I try and work out 5-6 days a week and I love it. The only problem with this though, is showering. I know it's not good for your hair to wash it everyday, but I'm not one of those girls who "glistens" when they work out. It's a full-on, nasty, sweat.
Because of this hair-washing dilemma, I was SO happy when I discovered Hair Shots. It's an on-the-go hair fragrance that comes in tons of amazing scents. (My favorite is either coconut mango or strawberry!)
These bottles are only $11.99 and so easy to just throw in your purse or gym bag. I rarely have time to come home after a work out, shower, fix my hair, and then head out for the day. So, I carry one of these little bottles around in my purse, spray it in my hair after I work out, and go straight to a lunch meeting or errand-running!I also use Hair Shots after I get out of the shower, either before or after I blow dry my hair. I am all about really expensive shampoos that are good for your hair, but those aren't always the best-smelling ones. Hair Shots makes your hair smell amazing, but without being too overpowering or conflicting with your perfume! It's also heat activated, so it will smell even better once you hit the gym or start working up that sweat.Just wanted to share this new discovery with you in hopes that you love it as much as I do! :) You can check out their website here and follow them on instagram here!
5 FRIDAY FAVES - FITNESS EDITION
For our 5 Friday Faves this week, we've picked our top 5 fitness items! Working out and running is such a huge part of both mine and Lo's lives, so we wanted to share the items with ya'll that make working out so much more enjoyable for us![show_ms_widget id="7774416" image_id="8055704" width="819" height="609"]1. Favorite sports bra:
This all depends on your activity. If it's for a highly active/intense workout, I love to have a lot of support, which is why the Under Armor Eclipse sports bra is my fave. If its for light activity (walking, yoga, etc.) you can't go wrong with a good Target sports bra. So comfortable and easy to wear all the time (but, try and resist!). I have this in probably 4 different colors...
2. Favorite running shoe:
For everyday running, the Nike LunarEclipse takes the cake. What I love about Nike is that they manage to make an amazing product, but keep style in mind at the same time! I love this turquoise LunarEclipse.
3. Favorite workout companion:
Fitbit flex. I had been wanting a steps tracking device for a while and did my research on the different brands. I was won over by the amazing reviews for the fitbit flex and all of it's capabilities. And, let's be honest, it was the cutest one. It tracks my steps throughout the day, mileage from my runs, and my sleep at night. My husband bought it for me a few months ago and it has not left my wrist since!
4. Favorite running sock:
Crazy to think that such a small item makes such a massive difference in running; but it does! I love these tab back socks because they keep your feet from blistering, the sock doesn't slip down into your shoe, and provides the support your foot needs.
5. Favorite pre-work out snack: banana and almond butter - every time! My favorite almond butter is from Trader Joe's.
Shop our favorite fitness products here!:
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juicy couture sport.
Holy cow, Juicy Couture Sport?? This is brilliant. What do you guys think of this collection?
in the gym.
Who's with me? Cute work out clothes make exercise way more appealing and exciting...maybe even fun (what?). If I am honest, though, my wardrobe doesn't keep me from total boredom, so I have to change up my get-in-shape training sessions during the week (I see better results this way too). Here are my favorite outfit combos for each:
'Just Do It' Tank/'Pro' Racerback Compression Bra/Nike 'Legend 2.0' Capris/'Flyknit Lunar1' Running Shoe
Nike 'Leg-A-See Signal' Leggings from JD/Nike Free from JD/'Luisa' Draped Tank
'Sporty Stripes' Organic Pants/Peace Hem Top/'Upbeat' Seamless Compression Tank
holy moly.
Uh oh. Soul Cycle just debuted on ShopBop. #dangerzoneI mean. This lookbook. #inspo #hitthegym
TRX: Movement at It's Max
My entire life has been full of fitness and health initiatives, but it wasn't until this past year that I was introduced to TRX. I can not believe I deprived myself of this suspension training device for such as long period of time. It is a body definer involving body weight resistance. Oh, and did I mention its versatility? It is transferable. Yes, it can be easily taken to New York City, Hawaii, or the mountains as it easily rolls up in a suitcase and hangs on a door. This is a training method that deletes all excuses and rather creates a challenge for the body that will only inspire others to get in shape.
In retrospect, I would imagine myself to be a goal maker and a dream pursuer. TRX reflects these motives. It is a way to celebrate physical achievement, and it is a work out that eliminates all excuses!Learn how to build muscles and endurance here.Download exercises here.Purchase TRX kits here.
Shape Up Video: At Home Fitness Moves for your Core
We know you are busy bees, and that is why we had owner of Omega Performance Training, Eric Hughes, put together a conglomeration of fat-blasting work out moves that are in-home friendly. Stick to these exercises for a week or two; there is no doubt you will start seeing toned results! Stay tuned for more videos to come. Warning: the next one might look a little like SNL.
Exercise 1: Hip Bridge
Lying flat, knees at 90 degrees. Press the heels into the ground raising the hips until the glutes are tight and the hips are fully open - your body should be straight from your shoulders to your knees. This can be done on one leg or with both legs.If both legs - Hold :30-:45, rest :15, repeat 3-4xSingle Leg - Hold :15-:30, rest :15 switch legs, repeat. Repeat entire sequence 3-4x
Exercise 2: Superman
Lying face down, press your legs tightly together, and squeeze your glutes to raise your legs off the ground. Squeeze the shoulder blades back, together, and down with the arms either by your side with the thumbs pointed down or up in a "Y" position with your thumbs up. This should lift your chest and shoulders off the ground. Keep your abdominals tight and braced the entire time. Be careful not to pinch the low back or hyper extend your spine.Hold :15-:45, rest :15, repeat 3-4x
Exercise 3: Bottom to bottom air squats
In a normal squatting stance, squat down to hips even with the knees with weight in your heels. This is your starting position. Perform as many air squats as you can for 10 seconds, then hold in the start (bottom) position for 10 seconds. Repeat for a minute. Maintain a straight back, eyes forward, and abs tight.Start with 10 seconds on 10 seconds off for 1-minute and increase the time as you feel comfortable. Be strict on your form - posture matters! 3-4 sets.
One Simple Way to Tone Your Arms
Two months ago, I hit a work out wall. I was B-O-R-E-D. So I started boxing with the incredibly talented, hard-core Rudy Barrientes. Can I just say this has renewed my excitement for exercising? This fun, challenging, personally competitive and stress relieving addition has revealed to me that my body can perform to extremes that I never thought was possible.I never expected these lessons would come with daily homework. I guess that resulted from my inability to do ten "real" pushups in my first session.Here is the assignment that took my arms to a whole new level: Do 100 pushups a day for one week. You can spread them out. Make sure your form is correct. The next week, increase to 150 pushups a day, and increase to 200 the following week. Once you have hit this point, maintain the pattern every day or every other day. Now I do 200 pushups in every session, and my arms have dramatically toned up without adding bulk!Make this a part of your everyday routine! Side note: push-ups are guaranteed to strengthen your abs and chest as well.Photo
Real Ways to Create and Maintain a Flat Belly
Eat at the magic hour: Have a snack that contains protein between 3 PM and 4 PM. It will boost your metabolism and balance your blood sugar.Beef up on a belly-zapping hormone: Eat as close to zero grams of sugar as possible. This will keep your insulin levels low, and also keep your glucagon levels high. Glucagon, a hormone, helps keep your belly flatChew on this: Chewing prevents bloating. Chew food until it is like applesauce in your mouth. Digestion begins in the mouth, and better-digested food means less gas and bloating.Size matters: Eating portion-controlled meals will reduce your abdominal flab.
The key to decreasing ab-flab is to build muscle while improving your overall state of health. One of the ways to do this is to keep your insulin sensitivity high! To do this, incorporate these tips into your life:
Tighten the reins on refined carbs: One of the primary reasons people develop diabetes is their overconsumption of refined carbs and sugars, which causes their pancreas to continually pump out more and more insulin.Have some healthy fats: Another way to increase your insulin sensitivity is by optimizing the rate at which your body processes carbohydrates by eating plenty of healthy fats.Stay active all day: Most people hit the gym regularly, but they succumb to long periods of inactivity during the rest of their day. This is asking for trouble.