Summer Ready! 10 Tips You Need to Look and Feel Your Best This Season
Summer is just around the corner, and it's time to get ready for the season of sunshine, warm weather, and outdoor fun! Whether you're planning a beach vacation, a pool party, or just looking forward to enjoying the sunny days at home, here are some lifestyle tips to help you make the most out of your summer and get ready for the upcoming season.
Summer Ready! 10 Tips You Need to Look and Feel Your Best This Season
Stay Hydrated
As the temperature rises, it's crucial to stay hydrated to keep your body functioning optimally. Make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day, especially during outdoor activities. You can also include hydrating foods in your diet, such as watermelon, cucumbers, and oranges, which are high in water content and can help keep you hydrated.
Protect Your Skin
Sunscreen should be a non-negotiable part of your summer routine. Exposure to harmful UV rays can damage your skin and increase the risk of sunburn, premature aging, and even skin cancer. Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 and apply it generously to all exposed skin, including your face, neck, arms, and legs.
Don't forget to reapply every two hours, or immediately after swimming or sweating. And don’t forget your eyes! They need protection from the sun as well. The strong UV rays during the summer can harm your eyes and increase the risk of eye conditions like cataracts and macular degeneration. Make sure to wear sunglasses with UV protection that block out 100% of UVA and UVB rays. Look for sunglasses that wrap around your eyes for maximum coverage and choose ones with polarized lenses to reduce glare, especially when you're around water. Don't forget to also wear a wide-brimmed hat for extra protection.
Get Your Summer Wardrobe Ready
It's time to put away your winter clothes and update your wardrobe for summer. Invest in lightweight and breathable fabrics like cotton and linen that are perfect for hot weather. Opt for light-colored clothing, as they reflect heat and keep you cooler. Don't forget to add some stylish sunglasses, wide-brimmed hats, and comfortable sandals to complete your summer look.
Stay Active Outdoors
Summer is the perfect time to enjoy outdoor activities and get moving. From swimming and hiking to biking and beach volleyball, there are plenty of fun ways to stay active during the sunny season. Regular physical activity not only helps you stay fit and healthy but also boosts your mood and energy levels. So, make the most of the longer days and warmer weather by incorporating outdoor activities into your routine.
Plan Your Summer Vacation
If you're planning a summer getaway, now is the time to start planning and booking your travel arrangements. Whether it's a beach vacation, a camping trip, or a city break, plan ahead to get the best deals on flights, accommodations, and activities. Research your destination and make a packing list to ensure you have everything you need for a stress-free and enjoyable trip.
Stay Cool and Comfortable
As the mercury rises, it's important to stay cool and comfortable in the summer heat. Dress in loose, light-colored clothing that allows air to circulate and keeps you cool. Use fans or air conditioning to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature, and take cool showers or use a damp towel on your neck and wrists to lower your body temperature.
Eat Fresh and Healthy
Summer is the perfect time to enjoy a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables that are abundant during the season. Incorporate plenty of salads, smoothies, and grilled vegetables into your diet for a nutritious and refreshing summer meal. Opt for lighter and cooler foods, such as yogurt, salads, and chilled soups, to help you stay refreshed and hydrated.
Take Care of Your Hair
Summer can be harsh on your hair, with exposure to sun, saltwater, and chlorine from swimming. Take care of your locks by using a hair sunscreen spray to protect your hair from UV rays, and rinse your hair with clean water after swimming to remove saltwater or chlorine residue. Deep condition your hair regularly to replenish moisture, and consider using a wide-brimmed hat or a stylish scarf to protect your hair from direct sunlight.
Plan Outdoor Social Activities
Summer is the perfect time to connect with friends and family and plan outdoor social activities. From BBQs and picnics to outdoor movie nights and beach bonfires, there are endless opportunities for fun and memorable gatherings. Plan ahead and make a list of outdoor activities you want to do with your loved ones, and create lasting memories while enjoying the warm weather.
Practice Relaxation Techniques
Summer can be a busy season with lots of activities and events, but it's important to also prioritize self-care and relaxation. Take time to practice relaxation techniques like meditation, yoga, or deep breathing to reduce stress and stay balanced. You can also create a calming outdoor space in your backyard or balcony with some comfy seating, soft lighting, and relaxing music to unwind and enjoy the summer evenings.
Getting ready for summer involves more than just packing your bags for a vacation or buying a new swimsuit. It's about taking care of your health, staying safe in the sun and water, staying active, and enjoying quality time with loved ones. By following these lifestyle tips, you can make the most out of the summer season and create unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime. So, put on your sunscreen, grab your sunglasses, and get ready to embrace the warmth and joy of summer! Happy summer preparations!
Summer Ready! 10 Tips You Need to Look and Feel Your Best This Season
Stay Hydrated
Protect Your Skin
Get Your Summer Wardrobe Ready
Stay Active Outdoors
Plan Your Summer Vacation
Stay Cool and Comfortable
Eat Fresh and Healthy
Take Care of Your Hair
Plan Outdoor Social Activities
Practice Relaxation Techniques
How to Stay in Your Best Shape While Stuck at Home
It’s been 7 weeks since shelter in place orders started in California, and most of the country has experienced similar restrictions since March. You guys know I love my regular workouts so not being able to get out to the gym has been tough. Staying in shape during quarantine has not been easy! In between the limited physical activity and a pantry full of quarantine snacks, it has been a struggle. It’s totally understandable if you have been completely distracted and overwhelmed by everything going on in the world. After all, we are living through a global pandemic! However I find that physical activity is about more than just keeping up with appearances. My workout routines help me maintain a sense of normalcy in these crazy times, and staying active is good for both physical and mental health. I’m sharing a few of the ways I’ve been staying fit while on lockdown. Hopefully some of these help you guys get or stay motivated!
Have a Daily Fitness Schedule
I try to keep my days as structured as possible while on lockdown, since it keeps me from feeling bored. Part of that includes scheduling my workouts the same way I would if I were going to a fitness class. Some days I plan to work out in the morning or in the evenings, but the time is always scheduled and I stick to it. Staying consistent is half the battle. Everyone’s circumstances are different; it may be challenging to find time to yourself if you are swamped with work while remote, still commuting to your place of employment, or quarantining at home with small children. If fitness is important to you, try your best to carve out time. It can be as little as 20-30 minutes if that’s all you can spare!
Find New Workouts Online
The good thing about having to work out from home is the endless array of free fitness resources. You can do ballet barre, HIIT, bodyweight workouts, yoga, anything. While some studios are charging for access to streaming workouts, there are thousands of free ones on YouTube or IG live. Popsugar and Chloe Ting are in my regular rotation on YouTube, and occasionally Core Power Yoga. When my husband joins me for a workout, we do more weight focused circuit training, usually from former MMA fighters.
Having the variation helps keep things from getting stale and keeps your body guessing. Test our a few different workout routines and see what works for you, and subscribe to a few channels you like. You’ll get notifications when new workouts are posted. And check out fitness studios and personal trainers on Instagram. It seems like there is a different IG Live workout almost every day!
Get Outside if You Can Socially Distance
If you feel safe and can maintain distance, take your workouts outside! The weather is starting to warm up and a good old fashioned walk is a great way to burn some calories and get some fresh air. Pop on a pair of ankle weights if you want to make it more challenging. We try to do a 30-45 minute walk every day to get some sun and break up the afternoon. If you want more intense cardio, take a run! I’ve never been into running, but since I’m trying to mix up my workouts and challenge my body, I’m giving it a go.
Invest in Some At Home Workout Equipment
If you haven’t already, get a little stock of at home workout equipment. Stuff like resistance bands and body bars are great for stepping up your workout intensity. Plus they are easier to store than dumbbells or bulky fitness machines. A lot of sites sold out of fitness equipment in April when shelter at home orders were in full-swing, but you should be able to find more options. And while you may be able to return to the gym in the next few weeks, that may not be the best thing to do! I’m not sure when gyms will reopen in Los Angeles, but I do plan to work out from home at least until mid-June. I just don’t want to exercise caution and avoid getting caught up in the first wave of anything when businesses start to reopen.
Don’t Neglect Your Mental Health
Physical and mental health are 2 sides of the same coin. The coronavirus pandemic has had a devastating impact on millions of people’s lives around the world. Try to make room to take care of your mental and emotional health as best you can. These are unprecedented times and our health and safety is number 1.
Hope this helps and that we are in the home stretch of coronavirus lockdown!
1 Year Keto! Surviving the Keto Diet Long-Term and Why I Finally Gave it Up!
It’s been just about a year since I started the keto diet! I dove into keto in February 2019, pretty much giving up carbs cold turkey. My results were amazing! I lost weight quickly and ate more of the foods I loved, with none of the weird side effects that were commonly reported. I never once experienced keto flu, keto breath, the dreaded keto crotch, or any of the negative side effects of the keto diet. The first few months were pretty much a breeze and I reported on my progress periodically on this blog and on my Instagram.
As much as I love the diet and despite how effective the keto diet is at managing weight, I’ve decided to take a break. It is wildly effective, and pretty easy to maintain, but it had some major health drawbacks that are making me put it on pause. Keep reading for why I broke up with the keto diet, how keto impacted my health long term, and what steps I’m taking for healthy weight management!
Health Risks and the Keto Diet
I’m not going to spend a lot of time discussing what keto is. At this point it’s so popular and there are so many resources that can give you an in-depth overview if you are looking for one. But in a nutshell, keto is a high fat, low carb diet that is proven to help with weight loss and weight management. It worked incredibly well for me, but after being on the keto diet for almost a year I did have some negative health effects. After my last physical I learned that my cholesterol was crazy high, blood sugar was completely out of whack, and I had high inflammation. I had also been experiencing night sweats off and on for months and couldn’t figure out why!
After going over my lab results with my doctor, she strongly suggested I reset my diet to get my system back in order. The high cholesterol was common with the keto diet, especially when you find yourself practicing more of a dirty keto diet than a clean keto diet. She also mentioned that my blood sugar was relatively high for someone on keto, because the keto diet basically eliminates sugar. I was also severely fiber deficient. Even though I use fiber supplements daily on the keto diet, I wasn’t getting anywhere near the recommended amount, and hadn’t in almost a year. I underestimated the importance of fiber in a diet, but it’s good for way more than just keeping things regular! Fiber is pretty important for overall digestion and bowel health, plus it helps manage your blood sugar and cholesterol, 2 things I was having issues major with.
Dirty Keto vs Clean Keto
There are a few different ways to keto diet, but 2 of the most common are dirty keto and clean keto. Dirty keto means you are adhering to the high-fat low carb principles of the diet, but eating more unhealthy options and fast food. I definitely fell into dirty keto for a while, forgetting the difference between good fat and bad fat. That meant a diet full of processed foods, red meat, fast food, and foods that are high in saturated fat. Steaks, cheese and butter were basically my best friends! Clean keto focuses on getting your fat from healthy sources, like fatty fish, olive oil, nuts, and avocados. So, while I did lose weight from regularly eating lettuce wrapped double cheeseburgers with bacon and sausage egg and cheese breakfasts, the results were proving to be disastrous for my health.
Giving Up the Keto Diet
I’ve spent the last few weeks giving my body a break from the keto diet to get back on track. I do plan to restart a cleaner version of the keto diet in a few more months, once I feel like my system is stabilized and functioning in optimal health. I just need to give my body time to reset from my old dirty keto style of eating!
Since I moved away from my semi dirty keto diet, the mysterious night sweats have disappeared and I will know more about my cholesterol and sugar when I do my blood work next month. While I still generally practice a low-carb diet, my focus is more on making sure I hit my fiber goal. My doctor recommended getting 30-35 grams of fiber a day and challenged me to get that fiber from a plant-based diet, not just taking additional supplements. Getting that much fiber is harder than it sounds, especially if you are not relying on processed foods like fiber bars. The high fiber diet means my daily carb intake is usually around 50 grams, and when I was on keto it was always under 25 grams. So while that is considered a low carb diet, it keeps me out of ketosis.
And yes, I have already gained weight back! I’m trying not to stress about it since health is more important, but I have definitely noticed a difference in my body. It’s only a few pounds and I’m letting it rock while being mindful. I definitely don’t want to dramatically gain or lose any weight this close to wedding dress shopping!
I will also say that my doctor made it clear that she is not anti-keto, just that I need to find a way to clean it up and make sure my nutrients are balanced. So if you are concerned about the potential health risks of the keto diet, talk to your medical professional and work with them on a diet plan that can help you maintain the keto diet without compromising your health. I’m an LA girl now, so it was easy to find a doctor that focused on medicine and also nutrition. She was able to give me great tips on meal planning and food prep that would enable me to continue a low-carb lifestyle in a healthier fashion. If you are thinking about doing a modified low-carb diet, focus on finding the balance between healthy fats, carbs and fiber. Try to stay away from processed foods and foods high in cholesterol as well!
Hope this helps if you are thinking about starting or stopping the keto diet! Overall, it’s important to make sure you are staying healthy and balanced in any diet you choose to follow. Let me know any questions in the comments, or tips about keto if you are on the diet as well!
6 Months Keto Update: Maintainance, Set-Backs, Progress and More!
My 6 Month Keto-Versary is just around the corner! I’ve been meaning to update you guys on how the diet is working for me and managing it long-term for awhile, and 6 months is the perfect milestone! I can say for sure that I’m passed the point of thinking of keto as a fad diet and more now consider it a lifestyle. I’m no longer trying to lose weight, and am happy with my results. But overall I feel like the diet works amazingly for me, let’s me eat most of the types of foods I want, and allows me the flexibility to have long-term success. Here are a few things that have changed for me after staying on keto for 6 months!
I Adjusted My Macros
I use My Fitness Pal to track macros and when I first started my goal was 20-25 grams of carbs a day. That led to the quick weight loss I experienced in the first few weeks. Since my goal has shifted to keeping my weight stable, I increased my carb intake to around 30-35 grams on average. My carbs still mostly come from vegetables and berries, but I will occasionally have a glass of wine, or a few bites of a dessert that would normally be completely off limits. Which brings me to my next point . . .
I Cheat on Keto A Lot More
When I first started I was pretty hard core and dedicated to seeing results. Now that I no longer care about losing weight, I’m more liberal about having occasional cheats. Full on cheat days are still pretty rare, but I would guess I go over my carb goal on average once a week. I say guess because I don’t necessaily count macros on things I just have a few bites of, but I am guilty of picking at a few of my boyfriend’s fries or eating something saucy which is usually a no no because sauces tend to be high in sugar. I have also fallen off the wagon HARD a few times, indulging in carb-binges that I loved in the moment but regretted the next day. After maintaining a low-carb and basically no sugar diet for so long, overindulging can shock your body and leave you feeling sick, crampy, and withdrawn as you digest. I’m not saying the occasional bowl of pasta or plate of French toast isn’t worth it, but keep in mind how you will feel after!
I Stopped Weighing Myself
I haven’t set foot on a scale since April! Instead of worrying about my weight, I think more about inches I’m losing or gaining. My workouts have shifted to be almost exclusively strength focused, with special emphasis on core conditioning because I have ALWAYS wanted better abs. My workout mix typically includes a HIIT class, Ballet Barre, hot yoga and boxing or Krav Maga. I also started doing 10 minutes of ab work 4 to 5 times a week. I’ve been doing that regularly for about a month, following YouTube videos from Chloe Ting and MadFit and I love my results! I lost an inch on my waist after about 3 weeks of dedicated ab workouts, but gained back half an inch after a carb binge in San Diego last weekend! So yes, I learned that my progress can very quickly unravel and I may need to be more disciplined as I try to get more sculpted!
Intermittent Fasting Suddenly Got Really Hard
When I started keto I also regularly practiced Intermittent Fasting, usually eating between the hours of 12-8. I rarely got hungry before noon, and was sometimes easily able to go as late as 1:30 without even noticing. The only time I would eat past 8 is when socal obligations required me to, and usually when that happened I could easily start eating later in the day since I wouldn’t be hungry. But something happened after my move to LA! Maybe it was the sudden change in my normal schedule or adjusting to my new lifestyle, but for some reason keeping my fasting schedule has become such a challenge. I always think it’s more important to listen to your body than it is to follow arbitrary timing, so when my body tells me it’s time to eat I listen. However I have noticed that I start feeling ravenous around 10-10:30am, which is way earlier than I used to eat when I first started keto. I’m not sure what if any difference it’s making so I’m just keeping an eye on it and listening to my body.
I’m Taking More Supplements
When I first started, the only supplements I added to my routine was magnesium. I typically take a multi-vitamin, Omega 3, Collagen and Biotin anyway, so magnesium was just to make sure my electrolytes stayed balanced. However because of my increased carb intake and more frequent cheating, I figure adding in more keto focused supplements could help me stay on track. They can be expensive, so I will let you know if they are worth it in my next update, because right now it’s too early to say. But when I first started the keto diet I didn’t take any of the most commonly used supplements, like MCT Oil and ketone bases. My results were great, but your body does plateau, so I’m switching things up a bit to make sure it keeps working for me!
I Still Don’t Like Keto Desserts
I’ve found a few keto recipes that work for me, like zucchini lasagna, almond flour pancakes and cauliflower rice stir fry. However the dessert recipes are always disappointing! The textures and taste are just never good enough to really be satisfying. When I’m craving sweets, I’m more likely to just eat a bowl of berries and cream or a piece of Lily’s Chocolate. That usually comes in around 7 to 10 grams of carbs and is way more worth it than a cardboardy keto cupcake with 4 grams of carbs!
Let me know any burning questions about keto in the comments or on Instagram! And shop my look and some of my keto faves below!
30 Day Keto Update - Results and 7 FAQ's!
If you’ve been paying attention to my Instagram stories, you’ve probably seen me mention starting the keto diet and amping up my workouts. I wanted to give you guys some background on why I started, my results after being on the keto diet for 30 days, some frequently asked questions about maintaining the keto lifestyle, and some of my favorite keto recipes that are helping me stay in shape! Get ready for a long post because we are diving in!
What is the Keto Diet
In short it’s a diet that focuses on fat first, and virtually eliminates carbs from your diet in an effort to get your body to burn fat as it’s primary fuel source. I’m not going to go into all the details of the diet because there are A LOT so I’d encourage you to do research
Why I Started the Keto Diet
Even though I’ve always been in relatively good shape and maintain a regular workout schedule, I noticed that my weight had been slowly creeping up over the years. It was a tiny bit at a time, but I noticed it sticking, especially after I started traveling more and getting into a new relationship which meant lots of time indulging! I had been yo-yo dieting, losing weight fast when I wanted to shape up for a trip or through the summer, then packing it back on pretty much as soon as I started eating normal. I did juice cleanses back to back, which have a place in your regimen but are not a sustainable way to maintain weight. At my most extreme I was calorie counting with My Fitness Pal and logging less than 1,000 calories a day! It was tough, ineffective, and I was miserable.
I noticed a lot of friends, acquaintances and coworkers mentioning being on keto and loving the diet and results, so I started observing how they ate and what they thought about keto as a lifestyle. I wish I could say I carefully prepared to start the diet, but I actually dove in and quit carbs cold turkey while on a trip to LA! I instantly noticed how carbs are EVERYWHERE and how intense it would be to really track them. But I also enjoyed being able to eat foods I loved that I had deprived myself of when on my strict, low-fat diets. I ate real bacon, full-fat dairy, a whole avocado a day, and snacked on nuts. While at a Mexican restaurant one night in LA, I didn’t even miss skipping tacos and ate a huge bowl of carnitas and sautéed veggies! Overall even though I wasn’t eating any carbs or sugar, I stopped missing them after a few days and instantly felt happier!
Have you seen results from the keto diet?
My results have been amazing! On my other diets I would barely lose a pound a week, and often it was water weight. In one month on keto I lost 6 pounds and 3.5% body fat! Yes, I lost that much weight eating bacon, cheese, and burgers! I expect to plateau pretty soon, especially because I’m already pretty close to my goal weight, but I’m so happy with the results.
Did you have any weird side effects from the keto diet?
If you Google keto side effects, you will find a LONG list of side effects, everything from bad breath, keto crotch, fatigue, dehydration and constipation. I did not experience any of these! I changed my supplements which helped keep things balanced, so I take omega 3’s, fiber, and magnesium. I also manage my sodium intake by drinking bone broth or salt water and the only time I got a keto related headache was after cheating aggressively and slamming a piece of birthday cake. Which brings me to the next question!
Can you have cheat days on the keto diet
In short no! If you are in ketosis and cheat, you will immediately be knocked out of that metabolic state. Yes, you can recover and get back in, but for best results you really need to stay consistent. My goal was to go 45 days without cheating, but I only made it 30! I do plan to have a few cheat days around my birthday and a trip in June, but for the most part I plan on making keto a consistent lifestyle choice and permanent way of eating.
So what can you eat on keto?
Staples on my grocery list every week are ground turkey, different types of cheeses, deli meat and nuts for snacks, salmon, leafy greens, zucchini or zoodles, eggs and avocado. I intermittent fast 5 days a week so don’t really do breakfast. Generally speaking I’m not a fan of processed foods or carb/sugar substitutes, so I focus on foods that are nutrient rich, satisfying and naturally high in fat and low in carbs. Some of my favorite recipes are Bolognese sauce with zucchini noodles, bacon and cheddar frittatas, roasted salmon with avocado salad, and a big, cheesy, messy lasagna with zucchini cut into planks instead of pasta. Typically, lunch is a big salad with leafy greens, a whole avocado, some protein, and olive oil, blue cheese or ranch dressing since I love them and they are high in fat but low in sugar. And when I have time I experiment with recipes as long as they don’t call for ingredients that are weird or overly artificial. Last Sunday was classic fried chicken but using almond flour instead of white flour, and keto “ice cream.”
Does the keto diet interfere with your social life?
Keto really hasn’t interfered with my social life at all, but you do need to exercise discipline when dining in a group. It’s tough when sharing apps or small plates, or when you are dying to pick at your friend’s fries! Usually when dining out I’ll look for fish and veggies, steak or a burger with no bun, or something like that. There are usually plenty of options to choose from. Drinking a lot is discouraged on keto, but I’m not giving up everything! My new go to drinks are vodka sodas, tequila and fresh lime juice, or whiskey on the rocks. I also have taken to keeping little packets of stevia on me, so I can add a sprinkle to a drink and make it taste more like a cocktail without adding sugar.
As much as I love this diet, it’s definitely not for everyone and everyone experiences it differently. Make sure you do your research on what the keto life is really like and if it’s for you. And if you have more questions or want to learn more about my keto meals in real time, follow me on Instagram!
3 Workouts You Need to Try This Summer!
Is it just me or is it getting harder and harder to stay in shape every year? IDK if it's my age, being in a relationship, my social life or what, but for some reason I keep gaining and losing the same 5 pounds! In an attempt to diversify my workouts and keep the body snatched, I've been checking out new workout classes in the city every so often to keep my muscles guessing, build strength and stamina, and of course not get bored doing the same workout all the time! Here is my review of some of the new classes I've tried and a few that are on my list to review as a fitness and lifestyle blogger.
Brrrn
Hands down the coolest workout I've tried this year! The new studio has a series of workout classes that take place in cooler temperatures - 60 degrees, 55 degrees, and 45 degrees. Check out the descriptions of their classes and the Infrared Sauna and take advantage of the BOGO deal they have on site for new students!
Aerial Hoop
I've been a fan of Body & Pole for years, frequenting their pole and other dance and cross-training fitness classes. I did take a few lyra, or aerial hoop classes and was terribly awkward, but I've been feeling like I might give it another go. It's extremely difficult, and also a challenge because I struggle with motion sickness, but it is on my list for this summer or Fall!
Y7 Yoga
Hot yoga in the summer is no fun, but come Fall I love the steamy hot workouts. I've heard amazing things about Y7 and their hip-hop inspired yoga classes. And since a new location just opened closer to my office I'll be able to finally fit them into my regular workout flow.
Let me know what workouts are your go-tos or new ones you want to try!
pin me for later!
4 Vacation Workout Tips You Need to Stay In Shape on the Road!
As much as I love travel, there is one downside - struggling to stay on your health game! Temptation is everywhere, and between the dining out, sipping cocktails, and all the local goodies you have to sample. It's gotten harder and harder to stay in shape as I've gotten older, so I really have to find ways to stay balanced.
When I travel for just a long weekend I usually skip the workouts . When I have less time to explore I want to focus on getting the most out of the experience. Plus it's really not a big deal if you only miss a few days in the gym. But my recent trip to Spain was almost 10 days long, so I knew I needed to get in exercise at least 3 or 4 times on that trip! Here is how I was able to squeeze in my sweat sessions while on a long vacation! If you struggle with fitting in workouts while traveling, keep reading!
1. Pick a hotel with a gym
A lot of hotels have fitness centers, so when you are starting your search, look for properties that have gym listed as an amenity. Even if it isn't a fancy one with a lot of high-tech equipment, you can still get a quality workout session done.
2. Use your room if you have to
If you end up at a hotel that doesn't have a gym, you can still make do with what you've got! Download or print out free workouts that don't require equipment and get to work in your room. Remember, you can do push-ups and squats anywhere! I also usually travel with a pair of resistance bands, and here are some band-only exercises I love!
3. Make fitness part of your itinerary
Go hiking, take a long walk through town, or check out a local fitness studio. If you prioritize staying in shape while on your journey, you will find a way to make it happen! I love checking out new workout studios, especially when it can be part of your vacation (for example, yoga classes in Tulum).
4. Don't be afraid to leave your friends
Not everyone will share your priorities or want to spend their time the way you do. If you are traveling in a group and you find yourself being the only one that wants to get a workout in, then go right ahead and do it! If you have group activities planned that you don't want to miss, get up earlier or plan which days will be your workout days and which will be off.
Let me know if you care more about staying fit even when you are on the go, and how you accomplish that! And if you like my workout look, shop the story below!
The Secret Weapon in my Gym Bag
Thank you Biofreeze for sponsoring this post.
Biofreeze® helps me with pain management so I get back to living life to the fullest. Biofreeze® Professional Pain Reliever products are sold over the counter and provide fast acting pain relief thanks to the United States Pharmacopeia (USP) grade menthol. They are also free of parabens and propylene glycol.
When I start to get achy I apply the products as needed. The tingly, cooling sensation is similar to the feeling you’d get from applying an ice pack to treat pain, but without the drippy bag, so they are much more convenient for on-the-go. I love the roll on and spray formulas for the easy application, especially in hard to reach places. Plus they are nonsystemic, non-narcotic, and contain no NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), salicylates or addictive substances – here’s to temporary pain relief with no drowsiness or weird side effects! Now let me get back to focusing on crushing my workout goals and excelling when I need to!
I was selected for this opportunity as a member of CLEVER and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own
4 Ways to Crush Your Fitness Goals
Images by Earl Jackson
I'm usually on my fitness A-Game hard core from March until May or June. However by the time July and August roll around I start slacking. It could be the fact that barbecue season is in full effect, or I'm spending my days downing rose at a rooftop lounge instead of trying a new fitness class. In any case, the older I get the more any bit of weight starts to stick, so I'm trying to be more attentive to my habits and not let it up. Here are my tips for staying motivated year round, that don't include comparing yourself to celebs or Insta-models!
1. Go back to something you love
It's always great to try something new, but returning to a workout routine that you love can shake things up and make you look forward to your sweat sessions. For me, I've always loved yoga but never made it part of my weekly workout schedule, so I'm making more effort to fit it in instead of always trying something new.
2. Get digital help
If you can't afford a trainer, turn to social communities or training apps to help inspire you. I'm fan of the #BBG squad on Instagram, and have heard great things about the Nike app and Vi, an artificial intelligence personal trainer.
3. Go shopping!
Nothing motivates like a new outfit. So grab some cute new gear or accessories to get you going. My Frends headphones are a must since I can't survive workouts with no music. And these cute cutout leggings were the perfect look to make me want to get more gym time in.
4. Plan a Trip
The best way to keep you from slacking in the gym when summer winds down is to have a trip on deck, preferably one that will require a bikini. Mine is typically Art Basel, when I venture to Miami in early December, right after Thanksgiving.
Any tips I missed? Let me know in the comments how you stay on your A-Game!
How to Get Fit the Fashionable Way
January may be the official start of fitness season, but the weeks before Memorial Day mean it's time to kick it into high gear! Even though I work out regularly year round, I still think of this time as the opportunity to reassess my fitness goals and progress since the start of the year I think I have a workout formula that is working for me so I’ll be sticking to it, just stocking up on cute workout gear to show off the body I’m sculpting! Here are some of my favorite workouts and what to wear to each of them.
Cycling
I usually loathe cardio but consider it a necessary evil, so try to get it in by cycling. I love the high energy and intensity of the workout. Whether it’s at a trendy studio or your local gym, slip into a moisture wicking tank and cropped leggings and get ready to sweat!
Cross-Training
I have yet to try Crossfit but it’s on my list this year. Until I finally take the plunge, I make it a point to get into a cross-training class at my gym. The workout blends strength training and cardio drills for an intense full body workout. My go to look is capri leggings, colorful sports bra with light, breezy tank layered on top and my classic Nike cross-trainers.
Pole Dancing
There is no better way to work your legs, arms, core, back and glutes, while at the same time building flexibility. I’ve been a regular at Body & Pole for some time, and their classes have help me get amazing results and have more fun in the process than any other workout. Most pole classes require a lot of exposed skin to help you grip the pole, so short shorts and a good sports bra are necessary.
Boxing
Sculpt your arms and core while releasing stress and feeling like a bad ass? Sign me up! It’s no wonder boxing is a favorite workout of some of today’s top stars and supermodels like Gigi Hadid . When I hit the studio, I opt for a sports bra, cropped tank, and boxing shorts, plus wrist wraps for extra protection.
Yoga
Flexibility is my second biggest fitness goal this year. I spend at least 10 minutes stretching after each workout and I do a longer 30-45 minute stretch and foam roll session at home weekly. I am also committing to doing yoga at least once a week to keep all the muscles I’m building long and lean. I like loose fitting lightweight harem style pants since they are nice and breezy but fit tighter around the ankle so they don’t fly around too much. Pair them with the Nike studio wraps that keep your feet from slipping as you sweat.
What workouts are your favorite? Any ideas I should add to my list?