Week 1 -DONE

HELLO WORLD!

I am down with one week of fitness focus and creating a healthier (and hotter) me. I have never been one of those people who celebrate little successes because to me, the big finish line is the one you celebrate. But is that positive? The answer is NO folks. In order to remain consistent, I really need to celebrate the little wins. Because they're so important. We have to happy with where we are right now, in this moment because even though it may not seem like it-we're changed. One week ago, I was stuck in a rut just living day to day feeling exhausted and bloated and just uncomfortable. Now, I am up early ready for the day after I get in a good workout. Isn't that strange? Just one week, makes a difference. And that's why we have to celebrate the little wins. Because in a month, I can't expect to be happy with my body unless I continue to celebrate the little changes. You can't keep waiting or expecting to be happy in the future if you're not happy right now. How silly is that?

Imagine this: a man who is unhappy while he's poor and working to become rich will still be unhappy when he's rich. Why? Because he was never happy in the moment and the place he was at before. You have to maintain the attitude in order to allow change and the transformation to really make an impact.


This week has flown by in a retrospective sense. But honestly, it takes one week to notice the change. I already see the difference- I'm listening to my body, I'm drinking more water and I'm remaining positive. This week, I didn't work out for two days but life happens!

Those first three days, I was sore and putting my body through something new. It was a crazy weekend and I didn't have the time on Saturday and Sunday. But I was able to workout on Monday and push ahead. I don't want to punish myself for missing those two days because why should I? It's my first week, I am still finding out what's my limit. And my body needed those rest days. It's okay. I feel great and I am still motivated and ready to continue!

XOXO

Why YouTube is Essential to Your Fitness Regime

Hello darlings!


YouTube has the be on my favorite social medias ever! I love posting pictures on Instagram, I adore Facebook and Tumblr but YouTube has become one of my favorite sites! Not only is there an endless amount of videos to watch on practically anything in the world, it is essential to your fitness regime!

Let me explain: YouTube has countless of personal trainers, fitness/health experts, young adults, popular celebrities posting videos on how they stay in shape, how they lose weight, what their diet is, how they stay motivated and more! I have become addicted to watching these type of videos because they truly do help! It's important to realize that while your on your personal journey, it's great to listen to others going through the same thing. I love watching videos of people I would love to look like! I may not achieve their body one day but I do want to know what they do in order to stay fit and be healthy.


Everyone is different and everyone's body is different. But how cool is it to research about what works and what doesn't from other people? It's like a little community where you get to learn about their own regime, or quirks or tips. It's really important to spice up your fitness routine and to incorporate new advanced moves to your favorites. YouTube helps with that! You can search any type of workout, or search about different techniques or just watch videos of people who are working on getting fit too! You can mix and match or apply any advice you hear (in moderation of course) and add it your own!

I love the fact that the fitness and health world is filled with people who are old, young, new to the fitness world or a veteran in all things fitness. It's important to listen to others, to join in on their mindset and continue to find out what works for you. What may work for this person may be the worst thing for you but it's through your research that you find all that out. How can you expect to maintain that motivation, mindset, and encouragement without listening to others?

XOXO

5 Reasons Everyone Should Wake Up Earlier

Time to rise and shine everyone!

Waking up early to some people is the worst fate in the world. However, waking up early has so many great benefits! I personally have been struggling with this (who hasn't?) but with this new month in tow, it's time to be up with the worms! 

1. No One Else is Up

Imagine, especially if you have roommates or a big family quiet time is rare. It's almost unheard of! But when you're up even 15 minutes earlier than everyone, you have some alone time. You get to organize your thoughts, your room, take your time with your morning routine before the craziness erupts. I love this time of the morning, it's serene and definitely worth it. With this extra time, you can do anything! 

2. You're able to Manage Your Time More Wisely

Being up early is like the clouds parting on a sunny day. You gain clarity, and visibility! Now, you can create your schedule for the day and work on those time management skills. It's hard to manage your time and break down the day. But you can do this! Now, you have time to create a healthier choice of meals for the day, and create the time when you want to work out. There's no rush and it won't feel like there's not enough hours in the day when truly we all have the same amount of hours. Time is precious, don't spend it sleeping but make those wise decisions.

3. NO Excuses

With more time on your hands by now being the early bird, there's truly no excuses! How can you say you don't have time to workout? How can you say you're too busy? How can you say you're too tired? You can't! If you're up early, GO workout! If you're planning your day, pencil in the time to workout! There's no excuses so push those negative thoughts away and go for a run!

4.  You're More Productive

Time is a game changer in life. The more you have, or the earlier you start your day, the more things you get done! Just 15 minutes earlier, or even an hour earlier gives you more time in the day to get that checklist done and more! Every time I wake up earlier, it's surreal on how much I can get done. I'm done with my morning routine, I've made my bed, cleaned up my room, check my email, make coffee for the whole family, and have breakfast by the time I'd normally get up. How crazy is that? See how time is precious and how time is so valuable. Plan your day, get all those things you want done on your checklist and you'll be amazed! 

5. Breakfast 

BREAKFAST TIME (enough said). Every health article and anything related to foods will mention how important breakfast is. I LOVE breakfast foods and would eat them anytime of the day. Waffles, pancakes, yogurt, bananas, coffee, parfait's, the list goes on! But it's so easy to skip breakfast or grab a donut on the way to work. By giving yourself the gift of time, you've allowed room to eat breakfast. A good nutritious breakfast that will curb your hunger till lunch. If that's not enough reason to wake up early in the morning, I don't know what is. 

XOXO

How to Stay Motivated in the Winter

Hello everyone!


It's almost upon us guys. The dreary, the dreadful, (wait for it) WINTER. It is technically Fall at the moment and despite the beautiful yet unpredictable weather sometimes its hard to stay motivated. But if it's hard now, how will will winter pan out??

Don't worry, I've got your back. Despite the cold, the wind, the chill, the runny nose you will experience (despite your best efforts) I have come up with some motivating techniques and advice! With winter, the first priority is that you remain warm!

1. Remain Warm

This means, you need to wear the right clothing. Don't go for thin flimsy crop top you had on over the summer but instead grab that thick jacket or sweatshirt. Although you may be working out, it is better to layer up. The warmer you are, the less excuses you will have later on. Put on thick socks, if your feet is warm-you're warm.

2. Get Inspired

Now that you're warm with no excuses in sight, you have to get a little inspiration. If you are being rational, you'll want to argue how it's winter and you're layered up so there's no reason to workout. YOU'RE WRONG. Go on tumblr, go through your summer photos, go find that Instagram picture of someone (or you) that inspires you. This person, their figure is someone you would love to look like. You may want their toned legs, or sculpted abs, or maybe even their slim slightly effortless figure but whatever the case let them become an inspiration for you.

3. Plan Ahead

This is very important. Critical. Vital. Once you're warm, with an fitness inspiration in mind, it's time to plan. You need to plan your workouts prior to getting in the car and going to the gym. With this weather, being effective and consistent is crucial. It's cold outside, so it's safe to say you want to make sure you're getting the most of your workout. Make an outline of a routine and commit to it. If cardio is your thing, stick it to. If it's yoga with the occasional Pilates class go for it! Or if you're not a gym person, make sure you're focused. Create a home workout, or plan out a run outside. But don't waste time, and intend to go through with the workout.

With the chill in the air, there's a higher chance of getting sick and wherever you are possibly hypothermia. You can't be too cautious. Also, with working out in the winter there's benefits. Being in shape will help you do daily activities, keep you constantly in motion so the cold isn't seeping into your bones, and will help you push through those holiday seasons.


4. Dream of Summer Days

Although it may be winter, that doesn't mean you can't be working toward that summer body. Just imagine, once winter is over but you've remained consistent with your workouts: you will be shedding layers and revealing those kissable abs underneath. The weather will be warmer, and instead of grabbing loose shirts, you can start reaching for those crop tops!

Overall, be safe and remain positive. You can't change the winter but you can still remain warm, get inspired, plan ahead, and dream of those summer days! Don't get discouraged.

XOXO

Back at the Gym--New Staff??

Good morning lovely people!

Yesterday was my first official day back at working out. I have gotten a wake up call! It was a reality check for me when I went to the doctors on October 26. I don't want to be too emotional but it was so embarrassing when the topic of my weight came up. I HAVE NEVER WANTED TO BE ONE OF THOSE PEOPLE.

With that said, I went running yesterday for the first time in a couple of weeks (months??) and it was amazing. I've missed having a routine and being able to go shopping with a smaller waist and leaner legs. I went running yesterday and I was able to do some conditioning exercises. I incorporated some ab sequences, yoga and worked on my legs. I mean, who else wants a good looking but?? LOL. You're lying if you say you don't want that bubble but everyone talks about. I personally want the bubble but for myself. Who cares what boys think anyway? I want to be hot FOR ME. I want to be sexy FOR ME. And later, if the right guy appreciates it, it's a win win situation.

BUT anyway, back to the post. I went to the gym this morning and I was shocked. I have always been one of the those gym fitness addicts that new the staff by first name and had long conversations with them. When I was going regularly, they greeted me by name and we were friends. It may sound weird but I loved those conversations. It's such an amazing feeling to connect with like minded people, people who understand why you wake up at 6am to go workout and why you want to workout again at 10pm or midnight or 3am. It's such an addiction and a relief when you're working up a sweat. It balances me honestly. I am NOT myself when I don't work out and I'm not focused on my health. Its weird but it drives me. It motivates me.

This morning, I was greeted by virtually a stranger. As I was working out, I didn't recognize any of the personal trainers or staff at the front desk. I was just a nobody and it was peculiar. I wanted that feeling and those conversations again. I need to create a routine and take it day by day. I will return to the gym and hopefully make some new friendships.

I am so excited but I don't want to get ahead of myself. It's a new week and I'm ready to continue. Who's with me??

XOXO