Showing posts with label fitness. Show all posts
Showing posts with label fitness. Show all posts
Wednesday, July 16, 2014

Tory Burch X FitBit Collaboration

Tory Burch FitBit Cuff
Tory Burch X FitBit Cuff
Users wax poetic about their FitBits. David Sedaris, anyone? The Nike FuelBand is a different story (I have one and never use it).  Now fashionable FitBit users will be waxing even more with the Tory Burch x FitBit collaboration.

The designer has produced a chic geometric cuff ($195) and pendant ($175) that can help you stay stylish while tracking your movement.

Tory Burch x FitBit Pendant
Tory Burch X FitBit Pendant/Image via ToryBurch.com
The cuff can go anywhere and will look great stacked with other bracelets on your arm while the pendant adds an elegant Art Deco look to a number of outfits. I think the gold and black contrast is beautiful.

To use these, simply snap the tracker out of a FitBit Flex bracelet and place it into the cuff or pendant. It will track your steps, distance traveled and calories burned just like the original piece of equipment. You can snap the tracker back into the FitBit Flex to track your sleep patterns.

These are available for pre-order at Tory Burch and will ship no later than 8/31, according to the website. For those people that love all things Tory, this is something that hits the right note for the Tory Burch fan who is also a fitness fanatic.

I think it's a chic way to track your daily activity. What do you think? Love it? Hate it? Will jewelry have you using your FitBit more?

Browse The Tory Burch x FitBit Collaboration

Monday, July 7, 2014

Motivation Monday: How to get your diet back on track After an Indulgent Weekend

exercise motivation, go to the gym pillow
This WILL be happening today.
I hope you had a great July 4th weekend. I was supposed to be on a Mediterranean cruise right now but had to postpone it to a later date. Instead I spent a relaxing weekend at a friend's lake house. It was a weekend of indulgence for which I am trying to balance out today with diet and exercise.

I had a green smoothie for breakfast the last two days made of simply kale, a banana, fresh peaches from Ham's Orchard, water and a splash of coconut water. It's delicious. Here are more smoothie recipes. I like to eat fiber-rich foods like watermelon or cauliflower after an indulgent weekend. It's filling without providing too many calories. Try this Buffalo Cauliflower Bites recipe from Mind Over Munch. Amazeballs!

Here's some diet and fitness news to help kickstart your week and get you back on track if you overdid it this weekend.

 Diet And Fitness News You Need To Know 
If you ate or drank too much this weekend don't worry. Eat a produce-heavy diet, drink plenty of water and exercise the next few days. Consume too much salt? Again, load up on water. Drink too much booze? Drink coconut water, Emergen-C (I love both of these) or some other electrolyte replacement beverage and eat a potassium-rich food like a banana. Here are more ways to help you fix bad diet decisions.

It's scientifically proven that exercise improves your life. It sharpens your memory, speeds your metabolism, helps you sleep better and reduces stress. Need more evidence? Read the rest from a recent study by Cleveland State University here.

Heading to the beach this summer? A) Don't forget sunscreen! B) Take a few minutes to exercise. From sand lunges and beach crawling to simple jogging or skipping, here are the best exercises to do at the beach.

SO, it turns there is such a thing as a negative calorie food. Sorta. It's ice. Think about it. Ice requires heat from your body AKA calories to warm it and burn it. Of course, there's a diet book to go with this.

You should drink coffee before you workout. It improves circulation and increases muscle fuel. Find out the other reasons why coffee is the BOMB here.

 Shop This Story 

Friday, June 6, 2014

An Interview With Exhale Co-Founder Fred DeVito: Why Core Fusion & Barre Classes Are Great For Men

One of the best Father's Day gifts you can give your favorite dad is one that will make him a healthier man.


exhale, core fusion, dallas, barre class
exhale's Core Fusion class
I have become addicted to exhale's Core Fusion Barre classes Dallas' Hotel Palomar.  They do a better job of lifting my booty than just about anything else.  There are a few men who take the classes but not many.  I contend guys should consider these workouts for two reasons:
  1. It's a phenomenal way to strengthen your entire body, particularly your core, while gaining flexibility.  
  2. It's a great way to meet girls!  The girl to guy ratio is usually 10:1.  That's why I am dragging my 27-year old brother with me.  True story: one NBA player told me "If you want to meet the hotties you gotta take pilates." Wise words.  I digress.  
Exhale Core Fusion classes were co-created by Fred DeVito.  He and his wife, Elisabeth Halfpapp, are the athletic brains behind the program that is a true gamechanger.

exhale spa, Fred DeVito, barre class, dallas exhale spa class
me and exhale co-founder, Fred Devito

During his May visit to Dallas, he shared the benefits of barre and Core Fusion classes for men with me prior to teaching a booty-kicking Core Fusion Barre class.

"We focus on things in our class that men don't focus on: flexibility and core strength," Devito said.  "Men focus on cardio and weights.  They’re good at that."

"The philosophy is that you’re only as strong as your weakest link in a chain.  If you strengthen the weakest links in your body, your entire fitness level will improve.  You’ll reduce the risk of injuries.  You’ll perform better, look better and feel better."  

"To get there it takes dedication, consistency and commitment.  You gotta work your butt off and you have to allow some time to see results and that’s difficult." 

DeVito suggests signing up the father or sig-o in your life for a class you're not taking. 

"Men don’t want to be in the situation where they’re looking stupid," he admits. 

"Get him to a class you’re not taking because then he’s not worrying about what you're thinking about him."

That's smart.  I'm trying to get not only my brother but also my husband to join me.  I know I'll give them crap for looking awkward while trying to master the moves.  

The Takeaway
In all seriousness, a series of classes, gym membership or session with a personal trainer is a great gift for the man in your life.  Whether he's looking for a change of pace or starting a program, he'll notice an enormous gain in strength, flexibility and stamina by taking these types of classes.

Click here for the latest exhale Dallas class schedule.

Core Fusion Extreme
As for what's next for exhale, they will be rolling out Core Fusion Extreme, a high intensity interval training class in a few weeks.


Image via Instagram.com/exhalespa

"It incorporates station work where they will be five stations.  You’ll rotate around and do 45 seconds of each exercise multiple times. It is a kick ass class.  When you’re done with the stations there’s center core work for balance and stability."

It's a one-hour class that will feature TREX suspension training, plyometrics, heavy weights and sliders.

"It’s all based on our core fusion principles and on working with correct form.  A lot of classes are about speed (i.e. how many reps can you do in 45 seconds).  We’d rather you pace yourself and work correctly so you don’t get hurt and build your endurance and stamina."

Don't have an exhale near you?  You can exercise with one of their DVDs.


Scroll through the selection below to learn more. 






*exhale provides classes on a complimentary basis.  Opinions expressed here are my own. 
Thursday, June 5, 2014

Diet And Fitness News You Need To Know

So there is a list of the Top 10 Most-Hated Foods in the US.  Of course there is.  Kitchen Daily did the dirty work.   Guess what's #1?  Brussel sprouts.  Try them roasted with balsamic vinegar.  You'll never look at them with disdain again.

Image via ThorPorre
As for the others hated food items:

  • Garlic - LOVE the flavor.  The breath we're left with?  Not so much. 
  • Cheese Fondue - not sure I've ever had it! 
  • Tofu - again....huge fan.
  • Celery - I love this veggie in all forms: raw, juices, with peanut butter on it. 
  • Oysters - one of life's delicacies. 
  • Mayonnaise - I hate it. 
  • Mushrooms - one of my favorite things to eat. Grilled portobellos? Oh my. 
  • Licorice - yep.  Gross
  • Cilantro - I don't get the hatred for this fine herb.

Here's what else caught my eye in the diet and fitness world this week: 
Have you taken a break from exercise and are looking to get back into it?  If so, go slowly.  You can't expect to pick right back up where you left off.  Learn how to tackle exercise after a workout hiatus.

Change your attitude about exercise, change your weight.  Thinking of exercise as "playtime" can be an effective in helping you lose weight.  If you think of it as fun rather than a workout, you might be less likely to compensate your calorie expenditure with extra food.  Confused?  Read this. 

Are you vegan?  Gluten-free?  Not down with dairy?  Keeping kosher all the time?  Here's how to maintain your diet without coming off like a jerk.

How about 10 vices that are good for you?  Chocolate, booze and coffee....I'll take it.

Thursday, May 29, 2014

How To Get A Yoga Mat That Is Perfect For You

I can speak to the fact that one size does not fit all when it comes to yoga mats.  I am too long for most of them when I do downward dog.  The folks at Gaiam have a GENIUS solution: a Yoga Mat Finder.


They suggest taking into account four distinct factors when buying a yoga mat:
  1. Thickness
  2. Stickiness
  3. Price
  4. Style
I would suggest length, too.  Regardless, this is a great way to get a yoga mat that works for you.
Click here to find your perfect mat(ch) with the Gaiam Yoga Mat Finder.

Browse a Selection of Yoga Mats

Diet & Fitness News You Need To Know

chicago, food, food porn, royal pies
Clockwise from L to R: Kissing a fish at Dirk's Fish Market, Mushroom & Kale Pie at Pleasant House, Hibiscus Tea Soda at Pleasant House, Otto Gepperth at Gepperth's Meat Market 
I spent Wednesday in Chicago, chronicling food porn and eating my way through the city for a video shoot.  It was awesome, indulgent and motivation to stay committed to my fitness and healthy eating regime.

Here's the latest diet and fitness nuggets you need to know:
Image via Instagram.com/ElleMcPhersonIntimates

When "The Body" shares fitness tips, it's time to listen.  50-year old supermodel Elle McPherson (yeah, 50!) shared her healthy living tips with British Vogue.  Her advice is practical: move every day, make fitness a priority, get your sleep and drink lots of water.  Read the rest here.

From a 50-year old Aussie to a group of 99-year old fit Aussies, these senior citizens prove you're never too old to exercise.  It IS the fountain of youth.

Pregnant?  Exercise benefits both you AND your baby (check with your doctor first!).  Learn how exercise made my pregnancy a breeze.

How about the Ice Diet?  Turns out eating ice burns calories because it requires your body's energy to melt the ice.  One doctor suggests this can be an actual weight loss tool.  My take: the calorie burn is minuscule. Don't bank on this being the next big diet thing.

And in case your curious, I shared my fitness and healthy living approach with D Magazine's new Be Well blog.  This got me thinking: If you only have 20 minutes, what's your go-to workout?


Thursday, May 15, 2014

Diet And Fitness News You Need To Know

"Fountain of Youth" photoprint by Charles Gilhousen 
Exercise is the fountain of youth.  There's science to back it up.

Image via Instagram.com/MarioTestino

The Met Gala may have come and gone but Vogue offers timeless advice for getting in shape for a formal gala.  Seriously.

Image Via Pava

More proof why the Mediterranean Diet is rock star.  

Image Via JuTa

5 things to cut out of your diet today: artificial sweetener, instant rice, canned meat refined, white flour foods and dangerous vitamin supplements.  I gave up fake sweetener about four years ago and haven't looked back.  Game changer.

image via http://www.maangchi.com/

How about the Korean Diet?  Soy Bean Paste, anyone?

And finally, this might frustrate you: when natural foods aren't....natural.  Really?  Really.
Wednesday, April 30, 2014

Mother's Day Gift Ideas for Fitness Junkies

If your favorite mom loves to workout, she will loves any of these gifts.

Balance Ball Chair Kit
Balance Ball Chair Kit
Understandably, giving a workout-related gift can be delicate.  Some women would think that means "Does you think I'm fat and need to exercise?".  Not at all.  These are gifts that say "I love the way you look...keep killin' it."

I own a number of these goodies (the stability ball chair, weighted hoop, and foam roller just to name a few). The ones I don't own, I'd love to have.

Scroll Thru for Mother's Day Gift Ideas for Fitness Junkies




Massages are also an outstanding idea.  You can never go wrong with a gift certificate to a nice spa.

Additional Mother's Day Gift Guides 

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Sunday, April 13, 2014

Are Some of Us Born to Loathe Exercise?

Forget love.  Do you have a hate relationship with exercise?  It might not be your fault.

Running the Jerusalem Half-Marathon in 2009
Apparently some of us are simply hardwired to loathe exercise.   Researchers at the University of Missouri bred pairs of rats that voluntarily spent a lot of time running on wheels in their cages and compared their baby rats with the offspring of rats that didn't seem to enjoy running.

The rats of "active parents" were likelier to exercise.  When scientists examined their brains, they found that the running rats' Nucleus Accumbens lit up while exercising.  WTH are Nucleus Accumbens?  Well, it's part of the brain that is associated with pleasure and enjoyment.

All of this is published in the Journal of Physiology and is better explained in Parade.

So are are you destined to hate exercise?  Not so much.  The lead researcher in the study, Missouri biomedical professor Frank Booth, Ph.D., indicated that no matter what deck of gene cards you're handed "people can decide to exercise".

Taking a barre class at exhale spa
C'est Vrai.  I personally believe I am one of the folks hardwired to love exercise.  As far back as I can remember, I loved running, riding bikes and horses.  That has translated into a lifestyle as an adult that enjoys participating in these activities as well as working out at the gym, taking classes and more.

Hardwired to exercise or not, it's one of the few things you can do that can instantly lift your mood.  Don't believe me?  Go for a walk for thirty minutes.  I dare you to tell me you don't feel better.

As I have gotten older, exercise isn't so much about looking better.  It's about feeling better.  This approach to exercise can work for you, too.  It's the one thing you can do to set the tone for the day and improve your outlook automatically.


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Tuesday, March 4, 2014

Three Awesome Exercise Machines You Probably Aren't Using But Should Be

There seems to be a new machine at the gym almost daily.  The thing is, we tend to get in an exercise rut and stick with the machines that we know and love.  Over time, doing the same thing repeatedly doesn't challenge us that much.

Time magazine lists three pieces of gym equipment we aren't using but should be.  Two of these are some of my favorites.

The Rowing Machine - This is a favorite of mine!

A great rowing machine workout guide
A great rowing machine workout guide
You can torch serious calories on this AND tone your back muscles AKA "fight bra fat".  Check out the rowing machine workout guide to get an idea of ways to create and effective program.

The Stair Climber or StairMaster - It's one of my gym go-to's.  You can always ramp up the intensity to get a good interval workout.
StairMaster Stepmill 3
StairMaster Stepmill 3
It's a booty kick AND, according to Kansas City exercise physiologist Greg Justice, you can burn more calories on this machine than walking on a treadmill at the same pace because you're using more muscles.

Suspension Trainers - these were just installed in my gym.  Candidly, I haven't even tried to use them because I don't know how.  

Image via Gilt City
According to the article, you can get a nice total body strengthening workout in a relatively short period of time.

The Takeaway
Don't be afraid to try new equipment or a new workout.  It gets you out of your comfort zone, challenges your body and might just reinvigorate you.

Time to follow my own advice and get a TRX Trainer lesson!

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Tuesday, February 25, 2014

We're Fat, Sick & Getting Closer to Death. Why?

We're stuck at our desks for eight hours a day, we're not moving our bodies and our diets are made of mainly processed crap.

Well, that sucks.

This is all according to a recent study.  Even more depressing: obese women average about 11 seconds of exercise a day, resulting in about one hour per year while obese men get about 3.6 hours of exercise per year.

In the era of constant streams of information (including blogs like these) telling us that exercise will change our lives and help us live longer, where is the disconnect?  Why are people not getting the message and taking control of their health?

The study's lead author, Edward Archer a nutrition and obesity researcher at the University of Alabama, Birmingham, intimates we're that kind of lazy.

"We've engineered physical activity out of our daily lives and that's causing the health disparities that we have in this country," Archer tells HealthDay.

Think about it, so much of our every day life is automated and engineered to make us lazier: the remote control, being able to control our lives with our laptops and iPads, drive through everything.  You get the idea.

What does the multitude of wonderful technological innovations encourage us to do?  Spend more time at our desks, getting sicker, fatter and closer to death.  It's a slippery slope.

True words
The thing is, exercise is freaking awesome.  No other way to put it.  It's freaking awesome.  Nothing eliminates stress, makes you feel better about yourself and makes you look better than exercise.

Don't have enough time to workout?  Bullsh&%.  You do.  You just don't make it a priority.  It doesn't have to be 90 minutes every day.  You can get in great shape exercising 30 minutes most days of the week while mixing in a longer pilates class, a game of tennis, a round of golf or whatever floats your fitness boat once or twice.

Exercise is truly nature's antidepressant.  Make the commitment to do it five days a week and notice how much better you feel about yourself.  The improved physical appearance is simply a nice bonus.

Be honest: why do you struggle with making a commitment to exercise?



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Monday, February 17, 2014

Have We Already Given Up On Our 2014 Fitness Goals?

I asked that question this Saturday when I was able to find a parking spot for my 10:30am yoga class at 10:22 at Equinox.  

Stick with me.  This was the first Saturday of 2014 that the parking lot wasn't completely full and I didn't have to arrive at the gym at 10:15 to get a spot for the 10:30 class.  In fact, the class wasn't even nearly full.  I wasn't stuck in the corner near the dirty yoga mats.  I was able to secure a spot smack dab in the middle of the room. 

This got me wondering: Have we already given up on our 2014 resolutions to get in better shape?

Experts say most people give up just after a month.  I know that sticking to a diet and staying committed to an exercise program isn't easy.  It's much easier to cancel a 6am workout in favor of an extra half hour of sleep in or go to happy hour after work versus a hitting the gym on a Monday. 

I am not a doctor, scientist or medical professional but I do have years of "exercise experience" and acquired knowledge.  When you exercise your body releases chemicals called endorphins.  These endorphins trigger a positive feeling in the body.  You know that "runner's high"?  Thank those endorphins.  Exercise truly is nature's antidepressant and the fountain of youth.  
Fighting through a barre class!
You do not have to kill yourself exercising, either.  I've said this a million times on this blog but there are a number of ways you can get your heart pumping, burn some calories and do your body some good: 

  • Run, walk or bike outside.  Just move. 
  • Take a class - I fell back in love with yoga and barre classes in 2014.   
  • Work out with a trainer - I started working out once a week with trainer, Steve Burgess, and it has truly changed my exercise game.  I've learned so much. 
  • Download the {free!} Nike Training Club app and do one of its workouts. 
  • Hula hoop - it's a workout.  Promise.

My workout log
Another trick?  Try logging your workouts.  It's a great way to set goals for yourself and monitor your progress.  I have logged my workouts since college.  There's nothing better than looking back over the past few years, seeing what you did on a particular day and how you felt about it.

The Takeaway
Don't give up on those resolutions to get in better shape.  It's one of the best things you can do for yourself to make you feel better in an instant.   The weight you lose or extra muscle you gain are simply a nice bonus.  



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Friday, January 24, 2014

Confession of a Fitness Fashion Victim

Do you worry about how you look when you work out?  I don't.  You don't either, right?

Turns out, we're in the minority.  Many women equate the yoga studio or pilates class as a bamboo-covered runway to show off their latest workout fashion finds.


Don't believe me?  The popularity of Lululemon and Nike activewear is so lucrative that other fashion designers are getting into fashion/fitness game.  Tory Burch wants to do a golf line while H&M is launching its H&M Sport line.

I realized I was the fitness fashion victim during a yoga class at exhale recently.  I was wearing tattered, 7-year old leggings from Target and an old Texas Rangers t-shirt I had scored during a Rangers/Astros series in 2012. Frankly, working in sports I score so many free t-shirts that I didn't buy workout clothes.

The offensive T-shirt
That is changing.  During this particular class, I felt like I was wearing a plaid shirt and Doc Martens amidst couture clad yogis.

I always equated workout wear as an unnecessary expense, thinking my shorts and t-shirts would do just fine.  I'm wrong.  There is also some functionality to activewear.  Shirts with a banded waist won't ride up and expose my stomach while I'm trying to do a headstand.  Longer pants can help with crow pose to keep sweaty legs from slipping on my forearms.

After doing some legwork, I found adorable and affordable activewear options:

C9 by Champion women's mesh cami tank
C9 by Champion Women's Mesh Cami Tank
I bought this cami tank top at Target and LOVE it.  It doesn't expose my stomach when I am doing crazy yoga poses and the built-in bra is pretty supportive.  Double bonus?  It's only $18.39! 

C9 by Champion Reversible Capri Tight
C9 by Champion Reversible Capri Tight
C9 by Champion offers some adorable tights that are reversible.  It's like two pairs of leggings in one.

Nike Principle 2.0 Dry-fit Jacket
Nike Principle 2.0 Dry-Fit Jacket
Over the years, I have accumulated a nice collection of Nike jackets.  These have a fashionable slim fit and do a good job of keeping you warm.  I have had this pink one going on five years.  It has withstood numerous long runs AND bad t-shirts.  At $58.50, it's a worthwhile investment.

AND you can support a team you love while working out or running around town and look fashionable in the process.  Look at what I found:

Texas Rangers workout hoodie




Dallas Cowboys Fleece Shorts 

I'm still on the hunt for cute Stars & Mavs workout gear.  If you find some, please let me know! 
Thursday, January 9, 2014

Exhale Spa's Core Fusion Cardio Barre Class Review

How many calories burned in core fusion class
exhale spa co-founder Elisabeth Halfpapp, center

What is Core Fusion Cardio Barre? 

Exhale core fusion cardio barre review,
The cardio portion of Core Fusion Cardio Barre

It is a one-hour strengthening and fat-burning class that sculpts your muscles and gets your heart rate up. It was created for the busy person who wants to get a full body toning and cardiovascular workout simultaneously.

The class begins with 30 minutes of exhale's signature plank runs and other heart-pumping moves followed by a short recovery period.  After the cardio session comes full-body toning moves with light weights, as well as your own body weight.  The toning portion incorporates yoga moves and has dance influences.

Friends, it's a workout.  There were moments during the hour-long class that my legs were shaking, my heart was racing and I was praying for strength.  Those are all good things, though.   It has helped me rediscover tiny muscles I didn't know I had.  The feeling you get from working those minuscule muscles is uniquely different than lifting heavy weights.  It's an overall sense of having worked, in a good way.

The class ends with a solid stretch, something many of us sacrifice for the sake of time.

"The really important part is stretching at the end," exhale co-founder Elisabeth Halfpapp told me.  "We work really intense and we want to have the strength and flexibility component as well as the cardio and strengthening."

What's the Burn Factor? 
I know a lot of us are about the numbers.  How many calories do we torch in this class?

"We had Self magazine track the burn for us," Halfpapp told me after I took her class in December.  "On average it's 375 calories per hour, give a little bit, depending on body weight and your BMI (body mass index)."   

"What's amazing is that you're not only burning calories in class but because we're gaining muscle density, it (muscle density) needs more calories to function and you're burning more calories at rest." 

The Takeaway 
Cardio Fusion Cardio Barre is a challenge.  While I was completely spent after the class, I wasn't terribly sore the next day.  This class can transform your physique using your own body weight or lighter hand weights which can result in that lean, sinewy look.  Do it consistently and certain body parts will get that desired "lift"...no scalpel needed.

 

*Classes were offered on a complimentary basis for review purposes. The opinions are completely my own and based on my experience. For more information, please visit exhalespa.com.
Thursday, November 14, 2013

4 Easy Ways to Exercise While Stuck at Your Desk All Day

You know the feeling.  That sloth-like, achy-back, sore-hips sense that grips you when you're stuck at your desk, in an uncomfortable chair for eight hours a day or more.

Studies repeatedly tells us that sitting at our desks for an extended period of time will kill us.  Nice.

So how you do combat the effects of sitting in a chair all day or prevent what I like to call "wide-ass desk booty"? I envision my booty getting wider and flatter, like a pancake, the longer I sit behind a desk.

lifespan treadmill desk
Treadmill Desk/Courtesy LifeSpan Fitness
If you don't have one of those fancy (or expensive!) treadmill desks, here are great ways to sneak in exercise:

  • Take the long way to get some water or use the restroom.  
  • Try to move for at least five minutes every hour.  For example: at 8:55 do 100 jumping jacks, 9:55 100 squats, 10:55 100 tricep dips, 11:55 100 desk pushups and so on.  Find a private space if you don't want co-workers to make fun of you. 
  • Don't laugh at this one: contract your abs while sitting at your desk.  If you don't want to get on the floor and do traditional situps, simply contract you're stomach muscles as if your bracing for a punch.  Do it for thirty seconds at a time throughout the day.  It's effective. 
  • Do a series of yoga poses and stretches.  A simple half moon stretch or cat cow pose feels amazing. 
cat cow pose
Cat Cow Pose/Courtesy LapBandSurgery.com

mountain pose
Mountain Pose/Courtesy: Yogr.com
Entrepreneur Magazine has some additional suggestions like visiting the park during your lunch hour, incorporating fitness into meetings AND working out at your desk.  Sound familiar? 

The mini-break you take to get the blood moving is worth it.  It will make you feel better and likely more productive when you plop back down. 


Tuesday, September 17, 2013

Diet or Exercise? What's More Effective When It Comes to Weight Loss?


Should I diet or exercise to lose weight?  Which one is more effective?

It's a constant discussion whether either you're trying to drop just a few pounds or 30.  Ultimately, it's a combination of the two that work.

But when trying to drop a large amount of weight the challenge can be daunting.  It's usually a basic premise of move more, eat less crap and more of the good, real stuff that works.

I am a big believer that 30 minutes of exercise a day will change your life.  Dramatically.  I also subscribe to the Mediterranean diet philosophy that focuses on produce, olive oil, fish and wine.   I lost 50+ pounds more than a decade ago and have kept it off even after having a baby.


Yet you see studies and those motivational pictures on Instagram that scream "A FLAT STOMACH STARTS IN THE KITCHEN" or "YOU CAN'T OUT-EXERCISE A BAD DIET."

All of that is true but nothing gives you the immediate satisfaction and endorphin rush of a nice, 30-minute workout to get the blood flowing.

A new study proves that.

It's a big, scientific-jargon-filled piece outlined in the October's Annals of Behavioral Medicine but the results are clear: it's best to diet and exercise at the same time but you might see results if you start with exercise first.  Once you see the benefit of a few weeks at the gym and you start seeing changes in your body, improving your diet might be the next natural step.

Just try moving for 30 minutes.  It will make you feel like a new person.  Promise.

Looking for some great exercise options?  Here are a few of my favorites:
  • Walking or running - being outside in the fresh air does WONDERS
  • Pilates - great for the core
  • A workout from the Nike Training Club app - they don't pay me to endorse it....it's just that awesome
  • Hula hooping - it's like a natural corset for your core
  • My full-body toning routine that can be done anywhere and requires no equipment.  Perfect for the gym-averse.


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