Gym Bag Must Haves

I hate it when I get super excited and ready for a workout and I get to the gym and I've forgotten my head phones. That is the worst feeling. It's a mood killer. No one wants to be the girl on the elliptical reading subtitles on ESPN. After that happened to me I decided to keep a gym bag in my car. It has been a true lifesaver. When I'm ready to leave for the gym I can just get in the car and go. Getting my workouts in are important to me so I have to stay ready. Want to know what's in my gym bag?  I'm so excited to partner with Vaseline to share my gym bag must haves.

1. Start with a great bag.

This tote has been my 'gym bag" for years. I love it. It holds so much stuff. So before you start grabbing all the goodies I'm about to share choose a spacious cute bag.

2. Music is life.

The very first thing I have in my bag are headphones. You can not do the gym without music. I mean you can but squats are so much better when Yo Gotta is playing.

3. Shower caddy in a gym bag.

Don't forget to pack a bar of soap, flip flops and a shower cap if you plan to shower at the gym. Leave your loofah at home and use a wash cloth. Gym showers are meant to be quick. Get the job done and get out of there.

4. Moisturize.

I live in the Pacific Northwest and it is cold here. After working up a sweat and drying back out I need to moisturize my skin to keep it healthy. Vaseline® Intensive Care™ Cocoa Radiant™ Lotion contains pure cocoa butter to leave skin deeply moisturized plus Vaseline® Jelly that absorb deeply to heal dry skin, revealing its natural glow. 

Save $2.25 when you buy two Vaseline Intensive Care Cocoa Radiant Lotion 10oz or larger.

5. Sticky socks & gym shoes.

If I decide to take in a class these socks help me keep a grip during yoga, PiYo or barre. I don't like wearing my gym shoes anywhere but the gym so I keep them in my bag/car.

6. Water.

Staying hydrated is super important. I never leave the house without a bottle of water.

So what do you think? What's in your gym bag? As a fitness instructor, I motivate people everyday to live stronger healthier lives from the inside out. You can help make someone feel that way by purchasing a Vaseline lotion or jelly. Every purchase will support Direct Relief in a buy one to help heal one promotion. Learn more about The Vaseline Healing Project to find out how you can help.

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Vaseline® Intensive Care™ Cocoa Radiant™

Cold Weather Workout Tips with Mizuno #BreathThermo

This post is sponsored by FitFluential LLC on behalf of Mizuno. All opinions are my own.

They are calling for snow in the forecast this week. Snow. I haven't seen, touched or felt cold crisp air in years. I'm excited for a real winter and all of the different weather changes that come with it. Getting outside for runs has been challenging with all of the rain that we get here in Washington.

I have managed to figure out how to get my workouts in despite the weather and I'm going to share my secrets with you today.

Secret One:  Get the proper workout attire for cooler weather. Your workout will be cut short if you are too cold and wet. Catching a cold isn't an option for busy Moms like us so we have to be dressed appropriately while running. I like the Breath Thermo line by Mizuno. This shirt generates heat using moisture from my body. It's lightweight and it stays dry. I wish I had this shirt in every color. Maybe Santa will see this post and gift them to me. I've been a really good girl this year.

Oh. And I don't want to forget to share that the gloves I'm wearing have storage pockets! Don't we love surprise pockets?! They also have a swipe finger making it easy to manage your running playlist.

Secret Two:  Have a plan. This one might be a no brainer but you have to plan your workouts. I plan for the entire week. There's a weekly calendar on my fridge that manages my entire life. If you're ever at my house and want to get all up in my business read that thing. You'll find our family meal plan for the week and my workouts for each day right there with all of our appointments. I don't skip it if it's on that calendar.

Secret Three: Keep it simple. Try following the same workout plan for an entire month. I like alternating between cardio and strength/toning workouts. For example, M/W/F might be toning days and T/Th/Sat might be cardio days. I also limit my workout time to 30 minutes a day. The only exception to this is when I run or attend a group fitness class.

Secret Four:  Don't take December off. This time of year isn't exactly fitness focused. Do you know what that means? That means your favorite running trails, machines and classes will have low attendance and more space for you! This is the perfect time to learn a new machine at the gym, try a new class or discover a new running route. When January comes you'll already be so ahead of the curve. Don't wait for 2017. Start now!

Does cuffing season keep you from getting Summertime fine? It doesn't have to. Check out the #BreathThermo line from Mizuno to stay warm and dry. Let's push through the cold weather season together. What's your favorite cold weather workout?

Healthy Wake-Up Routine

I have been compensated by Sundown Naturals® and Pollinate Media Group for this post as part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group® and Sundown Naturals® but all my opinions are my own. #pmedia #GoodnessGiveaway #sharethegoodness http://my-disclosur.es/OBstV

For the past three months I have been sharing my journey to a healthier me. Today I thought it would be fun to share my healthy wake-up routine. Hopefully this will encourage someone who is on the fence about starting their own healthy lifestyle.

As Moms, we sometimes forget to squeeze a little time in for ourselves. Over the summer I decided to start waking up before the kids to give myself some "me" time. The thought of waking up earlier than I had to made me cringe until I started seeing how awesome it made the rest of the day go.

My goal in the mornings is to kick start my day with a workout, a healthy breakfast, a shower and a few minutes to make sure my patience is fully charged. As you know, every morning I do a thirty minute workout based on my workout schedule for the month.

Working out first thing in the morning is my way of making sure I get it done. I get my workout in before the day gets in my way.

After my workout is done I grab a bottle of water and I heat my breakfast up. If you follow me on Snapchat you know I'm a fan of the almighty egg muffin. I make them on Sunday to heat and eat during the week, timesaver.

While my muffins are warming up I take my Sundown Naturals® Adult Gummy Vitamins. I'm currently taking the Multivitamins and the Biotin. The Biotin is an extra boost to my beauty routine and the multivitamin supports my new active lifestyle. I also like that the vitamins are gluten free adult gummies. I purchased them during a back to school trip to Walmart (this is the place to buy them for yourself AND vitamins for the entire family) and they have been a great addition to my routine. I love that the Sundown Naturals® vitamins are free of gluten, dairy and artificial flavors◊.

When breakfast is over I take a shower and prepare for the day. I get dressed, watch a bit of the news and take a few minutes to enjoy the peace before the business of the day takes over. My mornings are calm and peaceful and that sets the tone for my entire day.

When I'm fully charged and feeling relaxed I'm a better person to be around and I'm sure my kids

enjoy that.

How do your mornings start? Try waking up an hour before your little ones to give yourself sometime to get the day started. Consider getting in a workout and having a healthy breakfast.

Take this quiz to see which Sundown Naturals® Gummies are right for you. Enter the Goodness Giveaway Sweepstakes today! Head into Walmart and purchase at least 1 Sundown Naturals® vitamin product for a chance to win weekly prize packages and a grand prize! Every week, one winner will be selected to choose from 1 of 4 prize packs – Yogi Pack, Fitness Pack, Foodie Pack, or a $100 Walmart Gift Card. Simply upload a picture of your receipt here and you are entered for a chance to win some incredible prizes now through 11/1!

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. ◊Applies to all products manufactured after 5/1/15. Please check back of label as manufacture dates may vary.

Operation Snap Back™: 21 Day Fix Extreme FINAL Results

Yesterday was the last day of my 21 Day Fix Extreme challenge. For 21 days I worked out, ate clean and ran 25 miles with the girls from Operation Snap Back™. I completed all of my challenges and I'm still alive.

Not gonna lie, this past week was hard. I was tired. Mikey caught a cold. Moses started crawling. The laundry piles got higher and higher but we all made it. 

To say that I am amazed at my results would be an understatement. I honestly can not believe I went from not even being able to suck in my stomach to not having to suck in my stomach at all. What a difference 21 days can make.

I'm even mentally in a better place as far as food is concerned. I still crave all my favorite things but moving forward my goal is to enjoy them in moderation. Let me be clear - I still plan to eat all the things I love. But from here on out I'll be eating clean more and indulging myself less.

I'm going to practice some restraint and keep moving toward my goal of maybe one day having an ab or two.

BEFORE PHOTO - JULY 11, 2016

AFTER PHOTO - JULY 31, 2016

Here are the most important lessons I learned during the past 21 days:

- Giving myself 30 minutes a day to workout isn't going to make this family fall apart.

- I will never like burpees.

-A life without french fries is not worth living.

- Eating clean is much easier than I thought it would be.

- I may need to give up certain dairy products for good.

- Waking up early to workout is worth it.

My next 21 day challenge starts today. This time around I will be alternating my workouts between 21 Day Fix Extreme and Cize. I will be keeping my same meal plan. My goal is to eat clean for another 21 days and on the 21st day I will eat whatever I want for dinner. I like to celebrate with a treat meal.

Here are my measurements from start to finish:

July 11, 2016               July 18, 2016                    July 24, 2016                July 31, 2016

Chest - 33.5                  Chest - 33                        Chest - 32.5                 Chest - 32

Left Arm - 12               Left Arm - 12                  Left Arm - 12              Left Arm - 11.5

Right Arm - 12            Right Arm - 11         Right Arm - 11.5 (muscle?) Right Arm - 11.5

Waist - 32                    Waist - 30                        Waist - 29                     Waist - 28

Hips - 40                      Hips - 39                          Hips - 39                      Hips - 38.5

Left Thigh -24             Left Thigh - 22.5             Left Thigh - 22.5          Left Thigh - 22.5

Right Thigh - 23.5      Right Thigh - 22.5           Right Thigh - 22.5        Right Thigh - 22

I lost a total of 11 inches. During August my goal is to continue to tone up. I really don't want to lose any more inches. If you have any questions about what I'm doing feel free to ask. Visit the Operation Snap Back™ Facebook page to join the next fitness challenge and be motivated through your own journey. 

Operation Snap Back™ Link Up: The No Sugar Challenge

Last week on the Facebook page I shared that I was doing a meats, veggies and fruits only challenge with a friend. At the beginning of the week I was skeptical about the results I would see but towards the end of the week I definitely noticed a change.

First of all I was less bloated. Way less bloated. The puffiness in my face, arms and tummy went down quite a bit. This reminded me that my body responds (good or bad) to what I'm eating. I'm not one of those people that can eat whatever I want as long as I'm working out. I have to eat right too and this challenge reminded me of that.

The next thing that I noticed was that my metabolism shot up. Brace yourself for TMI - but I was very regular. More than I've ever been since having Moses. It's been great. Pooping makes me feel like toxins are being released so I'm normally pretty bummed if I miss a day of pooping. Aren't you glad you know that about me now?

One of my favorite benefits from the challenge was the fact that my skin seemed to respond really well. My skin seemed brighter and clearer. I actually have a glow that I didn't buy from MAC - that's been nice too, not gonna lie.

So I'll be doing the challenge again - as soon as I finish eating this Chinese we're having for dinner. I plan to start again this coming Monday. I'm running a 5K in May and my training for that will start April first.

Before this post is over I also want to share that my husband participated in a fitness show this past weekend. It was such an eye opening experience to the sport. We learned a lot. Mainly - that you are literally what you eat. He did great and he plans to do another show soon!

Do you have a fitness related post or story to share? Fatima and I would love to hear your story! Use the hashtag, #OperationSnapback on Instagram or drop your link here to share your blog post. 

32 Before 33: Run a 5K

The other day I registered for the Color Vibe 5k with some of my Momfriends. Running a 5k is one of my goals for the year. If you haven't seen my list of 32 Things to Do Before 33 check it out.

I was suppose to be doing a running challenge this month with Operation Snapback but our month has been packed and I haven't been able to participate as much as I wanted. When I do find time to run I forget to turn on the freaking app so it's been a bad month for me. 

I have been speed walking (like old ladies do) to pick Sav up from school several times a week though. That's got to count for something.

And yes, that is spit up on my shirt. The boys seems to do well riding in the stroller. When it's loaded it's pretty heavy and I get some good toning workouts in using it as a weight on a decline ramp. Save loves walking home from school too so it's been a win for us all.

Next month i have to step up my cardio if I'm going to make it thru a 5k. I don't want to be the slow one that's about to pass out!

What fitness goals are you working on?

Easy Workout for Moms

For the past few weeks I've been experimenting with different workouts during various times of the day to see what works best for myself and my little ones. I initially started with going to the gym at 5am to get my workouts in before anyone was awake.

But due to the baby still not sleeping through the night and my pumping schedule I just couldn't do without those last hours of sleep. Once 5am was ruled out I tried working out during the afternoon right before school pick up and that is where I found my sweet spot.

What kind of Momfriend would I be if I didn't share my newest workout with you? I've teamed up with Dove to share my everyday workout with you and tips for getting it done.

Here are my best tips for making sure you are prepared to workout...

Find a time that works for you. 
What are your fitness goals? How many days of the week do you want to exercise? Which days during the week would you like to workout? Consider experimenting with a few different days, times and workouts to see what you can commit to on a regular basis. I found that Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays work best for me and I schedule my workout for the hour leading up to school pick up. If you'll be bringing kids with you think about scheduling your workout during their happiest time of the day. Nothing ruins a workout like cranky toddlers and fussy babies.

Dress for your workout. 
Dress for your workout when you wake up. Your yoga pants will actually get to do some yoga on your workout days, yay! Use your Dove Dry Spray Antiperspirant to keep yourself dry during your workout and the activities that are sure to follow. Dove Dry Spray Antiperspirant goes on instantly dry so it's perfect for Moms like me that get dressed quickly. Your underams will be moisturized resulting in softer smoother skin and you'll be protected from odor and wetness which is perfect for your workout! To learn more go to  Dove.com/trydry. #TryDry

Plan your meals.
Make sure you've prepped your meals and have snacks packed for the kids if you're bringing them.

Gather your gear.
Grab your sneakers, resistance bands, yoga mat, headphones (make sure your music device is charged!), water bottle, stroller and you're ready to go. I like leaving all of my workout items in the basket of my stroller. When it's time to head out all I need to do is grab a bottle of water and I'm set.

Now that you're ready here is my daily workout that any Mom can do with her kids in tow...

Stretch - Get your body warmed up!

Cardio - I speed walk but feel free to run if that's your thing.

Toning (Bicep Curls - 3 sets of 15 reps)

Yoga - Choose a pose of the day or find an app to guide you.

Cool Down - I stroll home from school pick up.

Easy enough, right? I hope my tips and easy workout has inspired you to #TryDry. Remember the new Dove Dry Spray Antiperspirant is the latest beauty trend that you must try. I personally love the Soothing Chamomile scent. It's light, feminine and it keeps me cool and dry.

Will you be trying my workout and the new Dove Dry Spray Antiperspirant?

This post is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group® and Dove Dry Spray Antiperspirant, but all my opinions are my own. #pmedia #instantlytrending #DovePartner #TryDry http://my-disclosur.es/OBsstV

Operation Snap Back™ Link Up: My Workout Playlist & Progress Report

Next week my #grandfinalebaby will be four months old. Can't believe it. Time is flying.

I finally feel ready to start getting serious about getting back in shape. Getting to the gym and getting any type of exercise in has been a challenge but I have been eating well to compensate for it. Since eating well is half the battle I'm giving myself credit for that.

My water intake has been pretty good. I drink at least 70 ounces a day. I'd like to get closer to 100 ounces but I'll take that 70 for now. I limit myself to one soda a day first thing in the morning.

Nothing wakes me up better than an ice cold Dr. Pepper.

For the first week of the Operation Snap Back™I thought I'd start by sharing my playlist for workouts. Music is such a big part of my life and when I'm working out I have to have my music blasting. Here's what's in my Operation Snap Back Playlist at the moment...

Beautiful - Snoop Dogg feat. Pharrell

Blessings - Big Sean feat. Drake

Blow - Beyoncé

Drunk in Love - Beyoncé feat. Jay-Z

Feeling Myself - Nicki Minaj feat. Beyoncé

***Flawless - Beyoncé feat. Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

Girls, Girls, Girls - Jay-Z

Girls, Girls Girls, Pt.2 - Jay - Z

The Glamorous Life - Sheila E

Hola Hovito - Jay-Z

How's It Goin Down - DMX

I Don't F**k With You - Big Sean feat. E-40

I Luh God - Erica Campbell feat. Big Shizz

Mercy - Kanye West feat. Big Sean, Pusha T, 2 Chainz)

Ni**as in Paris - Kanye West & Jay-Z

Partition - Beyoncé

Post To Be - Omarion feat. Chris Brown, Jhene Aiko

Renegade - Jay-Z feat. Eminem

Same Damn Time (Remix) - Future feat. Diddy, Ludacris

Still Not a Player - Big Pun feat. Joe

Uptown Funk - Mark Ronson feat. Bruno Mars

Motivation - T.I.

U Don't Know Me - T.I.

ASAP - T.I.

Bring Em Out - T.I.

Stay Fly - Three 6 Mafia

Upgrade You - Beyoncé

Lollipop - Lil Wayne

Got Money - Lil Wayne

Stuntin' Like My Daddy - Birman & Lil Wayne

Cash Money Millionaire - Lil Wayne

What Up Gangsta - 50 Cent

Many Men (Wish Death) - 50 Cent

In Da Club - 50 Cent

Wanksta - 50 Cent

P.I.M.P. - 50 Cent

Drop It Like It's Hot - Snoop Dogg & Pharrell Williams

All I Do Is Win - DJ Khaled feat. T-Pain, Ludacris, Snoop Dogg & Rick Ross

Stronger - Kanye West

Good Life - Kanye West feat. T-Pain

Flashing Lights - Kanye West

Can't Tell Me Nothing - Kanye West

Jesus Walks - Kanye West

Otis - Jay-Z & Kanye West feat. Otis Redding

Power - Kanye West

All Falls Down - Kanye West

Clique - Kanye West,  Jay-Z & Big Sean

The New Workout Plan - Kanye West

Good Morning - Kanye West

Champion - Kanye West

H A M - Kanye West & Jay-Z

Swagger Like Us - Jay-Z, Kanye West, Lil Wayne & T.I.

Make Me Better - Fabolous feat. Ne-Yo

Breathe - Fabolous

Can't Deny It - Fabolous feat. Nate Dogg

Look at Me Now - Chris Brown feat Lil Wayne, Busta Rhymes

Kiss Kiss - Chris Brown feat T-Pain

Run It! - Chris Brown feat Juelz Santana

I Can Transform Ya - Chris Brown feat. Lil Wayne, Swizz Beatz

Loyal - Chris Brown feat. Lil Wayne, Tyga

Fine China - Chris Brown

Aston Martin Music - Rick Ross feat. Drake, Chrisette Michele

The Boss - Rick Ross feat T-Pain

Stay Schemin - Rick Ross feat. Drake, French Montana

Push It - Rick Ross

So Sophisticated - Rick Ross feat. Meek Mill

Hustlin' (Remix) - Rick Ross feat. Jay-Z, Young Jeezy

The Devil is a Lie - Rick Ross feat. Jay-Z

Magnificent - Rick Ross

I'm Not a Star - Rick Ross

House Party - Meek Mill feat Young Chris

Bag of Money - Wale & Meek Mill feat Rick Ross, T-Pain

Maybach Music III - Rick Ross feat Jadakiss, Erykah Badu

Free Mason - Rick Ross feat Jay-Z

MC Hammer - Rick Ross feat. Gucci Mane

Live Fast, Die Young - Rick Ross feat. Kanye West

Started From the Bottom - Drake

Hotline Bling - Drake

Finna Get Loose - Puff Daddy & The Family feat Pharrell Williams

Top Back - T.I.

Still Fly - Big Tymers

Get Your Roll On - Big Tymers

7/11 - Beyoncé

Formation - Beyoncé

Down in the DM - Yo Gotti

My fitness goals are to tone up. I don't have a goal weight in mind I just want to comfortably fit in all my clothes. We don't have a scale in our house. I don't want to be obsessed with a number so I base everything off of how I feel and look. If I feel I look good then I consider that success.

Here I am today...

Now head over to Off the Potomac and see Fatima's Operation Snap Back™progress. She's the creator of the online community that motivates women to strive to meet their fitness goals. If you're new here join the Facebook page and share your sweaty selfie with us on Instagram using #OperationSnapback.

Got a fitness post of your own you want to share with us? Leave your link below and we'll swing by and show you some love!

An InLinkz Link-up

Fitness Tips for Busy Moms

One of the goals I had for 2015 was to get in better shape. Doesn't everyone have that goal every year though? It seems that way. Anyway, it's practically April and I have managed to make fitness a bigger part of my lifestyle. 

I went from occasionally going to the gym to wanting and needing to workout. If I go more than two days without a workout I start to get that gym itch. Mentally, I have transformed into a person that desires to exercise. That little attitude shift has done wonders for me. 

If you're a busy Mom like me and are looking for ways to become more active here are some things that have worked for me...

1. Get a good stroller - I personally love my BOB stroller but any stroller made for jogging/running will work. Going for a walk or run is always a nice outing for the baby and a great way for you to burn calories.

2. Make a playlist filled with your favorite music - Put all your faves on a playlist. Grab your headphones and go. Music makes me want to dance a bit harder, walk a little longer and run faster. I also listen to music while I'm cleaning to help boost my heart rate a little.

3. Spend some time at the playground - I know we all take our kids to the playground but when was the last time you actually ran and played with them? Let me tell you, that is a good workout. You all will be so exhausted afterwards.

4. Make lunch easy with meal planning - I eat a salad for lunch almost everyday. It's easy to make. Its fast and it's healthy. Play around with different salads until you find one you love. Make sure you always have those things on hand to make lunch quick and healthy. 

5. Workout DVDs - DVDs are great to have as a plan B. Rainy days, sick kiddos or scheduling mix ups don't have to ruin your workout plans. Pop a DVD in while your baby is napping and get in as many minutes as you can. 

6. Drink plenty of water - It is recommended that we drink half of our weight in ounces of water everyday. Being well hydrated will help you make it through those tough workouts.

7. Snack healthy - As Moms, we are always on the go, keep some 100 calorie packs, nuts or a banana in your purse. 

8. Join a new fitness class - I have tried everything from yoga to pole dance to barre classes. As you know, I love barre class. Find a class that agrees with your body and where you are on your fitness journey. There are so many benefits to group fitness. I love the fact that the classes are led by instructors who know what they are doing. Once you become a fan of a class you'll quickly become a fan of working out in general.

9. Rest well - Quality sleep is so important. Get as much rest as possible.

10. Sneakers & Sports Bras - Either one of these will ruin your workout if they aren't good enough. Take some time to find the right fit in both.

11. Fitness Apps - Download a couple fitness apps. I really love the Nike Running app to track my walks and runs. The Nike Training Club app is full of workouts for all fitness levels. You can do them at home with little to no equipment. I also have the Pure Barre app on my phone. I can look at the class schedule and reserve my spot in class right from my iPhone.

12.  Get some workout buddies - I don't have any workout buddies (which is why I love group fitness) but I do belong to a fantastic group of motivating women via the internet. Operation Snap Back® is a movement that inspires women to reach their fitness goals. Our next fitness challenge starts April 1st. We'll be using the Nike Training Club app to push ourselves to get lean, get tone and get strong. Join us. You'll be glad you did!

13. Yoga ball, Yoga mat, dumb bells and fitness tube - These items are all you need for a good workout at home. The yoga ball even came with an instruction manual to help guide you through several different exercises. 

14. Pinterest - Pinterest is full of workouts. Just type what you're looking for in the search and lots of options will come up. You can literally find anything. And it's free!

15. Vitamins - A good multivitamin is always a nice addition to your fitness, beauty and wellness regimen. 

I hope my tips inspire you to take your fitness routine to the next level. You can do it! Don't forget to join me over at Operation Snap Back® for this month's challenge. It's going to be fun!

Leave your fitness tips, comments or questions below! 

Pure Barre: 10 Tips for Beginners & 5 Immediate Results

Okay. So as you might remember I attended my first Pure Barre class a few weeks ago. I instantly fell in love. Now that I've attended a good bit of classes I thought I'd share some tips for beginners and what results you can expect right away. (of course results will vary)

10 Pure Barre Tips for Beginners

1- Before attending your first class watch this video. I didn't find this gem until after my first class. My second class went so much better. When class is over ask questions about any movements you were unsure of. This will help you get the most out of your time in class.

2- Wear socks with sticky bottoms. Think of the socks they give out at the hospital. You want those. They'll have some available for purchase at the studio if you can't find them. Yoga pants/capris and tank tops seem to be the go-to look for class. Save your shorts for running.

3- Drink plenty of water before class. Being well hydrated will help with possible cramping in your arms, legs and core.

4- Remember that the smaller the movement the bigger the result. An inch is really an inch.

5- Embrace the shake (of your body) at the Barre.

6- Listen to your body. The instructor will give out modifications; use them if you need to.

7- Don't give up. Push yourself to stay with the workout.

8- Don't be late. Class starts on time and you don't want to miss the warm-up.

9- Bring a friend. Trying something new is always easier when you have familiar face with you.

10- Focus on yourself, your body and your fitness goals for 55 minutes. You'll be glad you did.

5 Immediate Results of Pure Barre (that I experienced)

1- After my first class I had an amazing mental shift. If you like the feeling of being challenged and pushed then you'll love Pure Barre. Like me, you will probably be addicted after your first class. Before Pure Barre I liked working out but now I must workout. I'm on a different level mentally than I was before with my fitness goals and workout regimen. 

2- It only took about three classes for me to start noticing that I was becoming more tone. My abs and "seat" are already feeling and looking so much better. My husband even mentioned that he could tell Pure Barre was agreeing with my body.

3- Becoming more flexible is another fitness goal of mine. During class you'll stretch yourself out a lot. My flexibility has improved since my first class. My nose is getting closer and closer to my knee.

4- I like to think that being apart of a class like this is a twofer. Not only do I get an amazing workout but I also get to have a sense of community that I can't say I had before. My schedule doesn't allow me to take the same class time every week but I do notice that many of the ladies know each other. I consider making new friends a huge benefit to taking this class or starting any new hobby.

5- My fit-esteem (a word I'm pretty that I just made up. so here's a definition. {fit * eh-steem} - the way one feels about his/her fitness goals. Ex. "My fit-esteem is so much better since starting my classes at Pure Barre. ) is so much better. Every time I make it through a class I feel so much better about myself and what I just accomplished. It's evidence that I am so much stronger (physically and mentally) than I ever gave myself credit for before. I have raised my own "Barre" and I know now that I am capable of doing so much more with my body.

my goal is to get on my highest tippy toe with that leg higher and straighter

I'm telling you if you haven't tried a class yet you're missing out. If you're in San Antonio the location here is super friendly. I've had several instructors and they have all been great. Is there a Pure Barre in your area? Have I convinced you to try a class yet?

31 Before 32: Join a Pilates Class

I can barely write this post because my arms are so sore. Last night I had my first experience at a barre class. Have you heard about this? It's a mix of Pilates and barre work. Apparently, I'm late to this party because all of my friends knew about it. Why didn't anyone tell me?!

First of all, the studio was super cute. It was clean and bright. The traffic around the location was a bit crazy but I did go to class during rush hour so there's not much that can be done about. I'd happily leave my house a few minutes early if it means I can feel this good.

Secondly, class started on time. I love it when things are on time. The instructor was very motivating without being over the top. She kept class going at a steady speed. I could hear her praising people and giving words of encouragement all throughout class. She even praised me a couple times! I liked how the instructor walked around and corrected your form if something was off. During the cool down she helped me with one of my stretches and I think that's what sealed the deal for me.

So, I'm not going to sugar coat it. This workout worked me all the way out. I would have to say that every part of it was challenging. I workout three times a week at the gym and this was by far better than anything I've done in a while. The barre work that we did for our thighs was tough. There were times when my legs were actually shaking and I could feel my muscles contracting. My abs feel stronger than they did before class and I can definitely feel my workout in my "seat".

If you are someone who likes a crazy good challenging workout Pure Barre is for you. I personally like workouts like this. I like the way my body feels when it has muscle shock. That lets me know something is working and I can step my game up. The fact that I actually made it through class without passing out is amazing. I'm stronger than I thought.

I'll be returning for more classes. Even though I've only been to one class I think I'm hooked. I kind of want to go back Thursday but Savannah has soccer so I'll go back for another class next week. I'll be sitting down this week and picking a class pack to purchase.

If you're in San Antonio I highly recommend Pure Barre San Antonio for an efficient all over body workout. All it takes is fifty-five minutes and you'll feel a difference in your body. I'm so glad I gave this a shot. Now I can check "join a Pilates class" off m'list!

Have you heard about or tried a class like this? What's your favorite workout right now?

*This review is not sponsored. I paid for my own class. I'm sharing because it was awesome! :-)

Pole Fitness Experience

In an effort to keep getting fit fun I tried out a pole fitness class last night. I had heard great things about these dance classes so I figured it wouldn't hurt to try them out. There's only one pole studio here in San Antonio and that's how I ended up at Soft Sensuous Moves.

The reviews for the studio online were great. My expectations were really high and SSM did not disappoint.  Before class we all had to choose a name for our alter ego. I chose the name Caramel. It was the only thing I could come up with on the spot. I kinda wish I had known we'd have to pick names before hand. I'm one of those crazy girl's that actually cares about what my fake stripper name is. I think I picked a good one though.
My instructor was Victoria Contortia. I wish I had taken a pic with her. Her teaching style was so direct but fun. She made everyone in the class feel very comfortable. During the "Try Me Out Pole" class we learned a lot; more than I was expecting in an intro class. The fact that all of the women in class were doing spins by the end of class speaks to the talent of the instructor. All of the women in my class were completely different. We were all at different stages in our fitness journeys.

After this class I have to say that I have a whole new level of respect for strippers, exotic dancers (because I'm not sure if those are two different job titles) and all other women of the pole. You have to be in some serious shape to do this for a living. Dancers definitely earn their dollars. 

Have you tried a pole fitness class? Do you plan to try anything new to change up your workouts?
*I was not compensated in any way for this post. I paid for my own class. This review is based on my own experience with Soft Sensuous Moves.