Home Yogi.

If you don’t have time to go a yoga studio we have a solution for you! You can experience yoga right at your own home.  I personally know sometimes it’s hard to leave your house to make it to your favorite yoga class. Also some yoga studios are too expensive.  PopSugar provide some tips on how you can practice inner yogi at home. 

Start slow: There's no need to dive into a 45-minute sequence from the get-go; start with just 15 or 20 minutes when creating your home practice. You'll be more likely to stay committed to your new routine if the length of your practice doesn't seem so daunting. Get started with our 20-minute total-body yoga sequence.

Timing's everything: Every day, do your best to hit your mat at the same time. Whether it's first thing in the morning or once you're home from work, a stable routine will train your mind to crave a regular practice time. You also won't have the excuse about where to find the time to practice if it's seamlessly built into your busy schedule.

Pick poses wisely: A great yoga teacher once told me to choose two poses I love and one I hate when building a practice at home. The ones you love will have you feeling confident and graceful, but the ones we hate are the ones our bodies need the most!

Create a sacred space: Make a sweet home for your practice. Whether it's a corner of your bedroom, a section on your living room floor, or even your back porch, find a place where you'll have ample room for your mat and for fluid movement. Consider lighting a candle or two to kick up the ambience a notch.

Have the essentials on hand: Whether you're a beginner or an advanced yogi, watch this video to learn all about the essential tools for yoga you should have at home. In addition to the quality DVDs we suggest, try out our 10-minute yoga sequences from YogaWorks and Jennifer Aniston's yoga teacher Mandy Ingber or this flat-belly yoga sequence from Travis Eliot to complement your practice and offer the instruction you need.

KEEP READING

Obsessed with Hannah Bronfman.

Obsessed with Hannah Bronfman can be an understatement. She is our MuseMe Icon! We love her style, music taste, and of course her fitness game. She is the co-founder of Beautified and the founder of HBFit. She is a great inspiration that we had to share with you! Check out her latest article on Teen Vogue about her fitness game. Also follow her on all social media platforms! We would love to meet her one day!

Here's a preview:

"My new-found health-conscious attitude led me to launch hbfit.com, a place where I could offer advice on healthy living. I figured there was no way I could be the only one out there who yearned for a healthier lifestyle—or at least a settled stomach! I started HBFit last year with recipe recommendations, workouts, go-to beauty products, and easy style guides for readers to try at home."

KEEP READING

Collette Takes on TRX.

Another one in the books!

As I was talking to my trainer today, he asked me about my fitness goals, etc and whether I think TRX training is working for me. Here's my response: "YES!" 

I have only been doing this the past month, but let me tell you- I'm not as strong as I thought! I can spend hours at the gym pumping da iron (in Arnold's voice), doing crunches and such but one hour of TRX totally kicks my butt! 

Here's what it is:

•TRX stands for Total Body Resistance Training 

•The only weight involved is your own bodyweight, and it's all core based

•You control the resistance level by adjusting your body position

•Since it can be set up anywhere, you can do the exercises virtually anywhere 

After my first class, I felt pretty challenged because of this new-to-me exercise and the fact that I struggled through it a little. Now, I'm factoring in that I gave birth nearly 6months ago and unfortunately wasn't allowed to have a very active pregnancy but I'm not using it as an excuse to pity my lack of core and body strength. I am using it as a reminder however, that this weakness I feel is only temporary! 

In the few weeks that I've been doing the TRX Training, I can already tell that it's working. I'm holding suspended planks longer and doing more reps per exercise interval. The best part about it all is that this exercise is low impact, high results and is suitable for all fitness levels. My group contains a range from 20-somethings to seniors! 

In answer to my trainers question of what my fitness goal is, I'm trying to get myself back in shape in general and for the half marathon I'm running this June. 

So, do I love this workout? Yes

Would I recommend it? Absolutely

Cheer me on and stay up to date with my training and adventures via my Facebook page and Instagram! 

-----------------------------

Xoxo

C

KEEP READING

Fuel My Workout Now.

We all need a good pre-workout snack to help fuel a effective workout. Personally, I know how it feels to workout and in the first fifteen minutes I have lost all my energy. Here are a few pre-workout snacks that really has worked for my daily workouts.  Lets just say on a side note on how delicious these snacks are and yes of course healthy! 


Protein Smoothie

An easy-to-digest protein smoothie is a great option if you need to fuel up before a workout, and this vanilla protein smoothie is perfect. Slightly sweet and simple to make, you can whip this up not too long before your workout. For more smoothies, check out our healthy smoothie recipes roundup.



     Fruit and Oatmeal

For a long run or intense workout, you need the right fuel to keep your energy up. A small bowl of plain oatmeal (not the packaged kind), a little sweetener, and a sliced banana will keep you full and ready to go.







Honey Almond Butter and Apple
Just like dessert: mix one banana, a spoonful of honey, a scoop of protein powder, a tablespoon of cocoa powder, and one tablespoon of almond butter together; spread on apple slices; and enjoy. This snack will sustain you during any intense workout!



For the rest of this article check out PopSugar.

KEEP READING

Foodie Friday: Green Tea Blueberry Banana Smoothie with Hemp Hearts

Hello everyone!

I had my favorite healthy smoothie this morning. It's super easy to make and perfect for when you're in a rush. Just throw all the ingredients in the blender, put it in your favorite to-go cup, and run out the door.

Also, no extra sugar is needed because the banana acts as a natural sweetener. Yay!!

Do you have a favorite smoothie? Do tell us in the comments below!

Green Tea Blueberry Banana Smoothie with Hemp Hearts Recipe

KEEP READING

Foodie Friday! Homemade Skinny Croutons + Breakfast Salad

Good morning and Happy Friday!

Introducing Foodie Friday! Chauncey and I have decided that a fashion & lifestyle blog is not complete without food. Foodie Fridays will feature what we're eating and a few recipes.

Here is my recipe for "Skinny" Croutons, followed by what I put in my salad. This recipe will show you how to make a healthier version of  regular store bought croutons.

Ingredients:

6 slices Sara Lee 40 calorie whole wheat bread

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon pepper

3 tablespoons olive oil

1 tablespoon parsley

3 cloves minced garlic

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees

2. Combine salt, pepper, parsley, and minced garlic



2. Chop 6 slices of bread into 1 inch cubes



3. Pour the herbs and spices into the bread and toss with 3 tablespoons of extra version olive oil



4. Spread the bread out onto a cookie sheet lined with foil (make sure to use non-stick spray on the foil).



5. Bake for 20 minutes or until desired crispiness and top onto your favorite salad.



Breakfast Salad:



Lately, I've been eating breakfast salads. I get super hungry in the mornings and found out these keep me full until lunch. My salad is made of mixed greens, slices of red onion, smoked salmon, and roma tomatoes. I don't use salad dressing. Instead, I poach an egg and use the yolk as "dressing" (the egg also adds protein).

KEEP READING