I love Zumba. Legit. I have been doing Zumba since the day it came out. Ok well it came out in 2001 but I started really going to classes in 2007, my freshman year of high school aka the time I could join the gym.

Throughout all my life, Zumba has been a constant. I went to high school, Zumba; graduated high school, Zumba; started college, Zumba; graduated college, Zumba; and even now, post college life, Zumba.


Zumba gets a bad wrap, it seriously does and its annoying. Just because the main audience is older ladies does not mean it isn't a killer workout. Let's talk about the class as a workout, okay?

1) It's super fun. Like you yell and scream and laugh. I do Zumba just to stay sane from all my boxing classes.
2) Ultimate core workout. Have you ever actually held your abs in while dancing? It hurts. Now do this for an hour and you have a strong core.
3) Over 7,000 steps. You kill that goal of 10,000 steps in one hour.
4) You can go at your own speed and difficulty. Yes, there are older women in my classes but everyone does their own thing. Sure you can follow the teacher but you wanna throw in a kick or salsa step? Do it.
5) It is genuinely one of the funniest classes you can take. Laughter and fun is something that aren't usually associated with working out so why would you not what to incorporate that?
6) There are plenty of YouTube videos with Zumba routines so if the gym isn't your thing, you can Zumba from the comfort of your own home!

If you are nervous going into a class, drag a friend. But if you can't talk a friend in to it, introduce yourself to the instructor, they are just as excited that you took this fitness leap as you are!


WHAT TO EXPECT: Laughing, Yelling, Cardio, Dance Moves aka Salsa
AVERAGE CALORIES BURNED IN HOUR: 450-600 calories
WHAT TO WEAR: Anything. If you can dance in it, you can wear it.
THINGS TO DO AFTER CLASS: Drink water and stretch!

See you on Wednesday!

XOXO

I've decided to try and do one of these class reviews from an average athletic woman's view point. Lets see how this goes.

~~CARDIO KICKBOXING~~

Now, I take this class 4 times a week but with three different teachers so I can give you all the pluses and minuses of how very different that can be!


First class, it is a morning class so that brings a whole different group of people compared to night classes. When looking for a class, think about you as a person, are you better at AM workouts or PM workouts. AM brings out more moms and PM brings out younger and older people. Blah blah blah but this class is A LOT more cardio based. Not as much technique but lots of jumping.

While that class is a lot jumping and moving, the second class is more about high reps and intensity which is perfect because its a good hump day night class. Sweat it all out.

The third and final class is all about technique and building a routine. To be truthful, its always key to know what you are actually supposed to be doing and how not to hurt yourself.

All three are different but all different in good ways. So if you are thinking about joining a cardio kickboxing class, think about how they can all differ but offer positives to your workout.  Not everyone LOVES kickboxing but it is a full body workout and it doesn't require actual fighting. You don't have to hit anymore and if your class does require that, use gloves.


If you ever feel uncomfortable in any class, 1) ask how to do a move easier or 2) leave. Cardio kickboxing is great for getting high cardio and weights in an hour all at once.

Be prepared for a lot of sweating and nonstop leg movements but it has by far become my favorite class (no matter what version of the class I have).

WHAT TO EXPECT: Sweating, Cardio, Loud Music, Sweating
AVERAGE CALORIES BURNED IN HOUR: 400 to 800 (I burn 800 in an hour and a half class)
WHAT TO WEAR: Tighter bottoms, loose top so you can breathe
THINGS TO DO AFTER CLASS: Drink LOTS of water and eat something high in protein

Until Monday!

XOXO

Seeing as today I was running all around New York City, this blogpost is a bit late but it's my birthday so I am going to let it slide. I took to Twitter to ask what you wanted to read about this Friday and coming up first was "How To Stay Motivated."

It is officially the day that people give up on their resolutions. They put in a solid week and by the 8th, gym memberships just seem like a figment of the imagination. TBH, if I wasn't paying like so much a month for the gym, I can see how that happens.



Well I am here to give you tips and tricks on keeping your mojo when it comes to kicking your booty into shape.

1. Remember that you paid for it. Whether it is your gym or the veggies in your fridge. That is money you spent so you might as well use it.

2. Have a Goal Event. This event doesn't have to be big. It could be simply, wanting to feel better about yourself by the first day of summer. Mine is gotta be bikini ready for Brazil. In February.

3. Start Small. Don't go in thinking, "Right gotta lose 15 pounds in 2 weeks." Because you won't (and if you do, you probably aren't doing it the safe way). The moment you notice you won't be hitting your 15 pound goal in 2 weeks, you'll probably ditch the idea all together. Personally, I aim to lose 1/2 pound to a pound a week. Not insane and it lets me have little successes that keep me going.

4. Join a Class. This could be a yoga class in person or even just subscribing to a certain YouTuber and doing their newest video at a certain time. Check in. Having other people know you are there helps you not want to a miss a day. I take about 6 classes throughout the week. If I miss one, the next time I'm in class everyone asks where I was. Suddenly I feel really bad that I am missing a class with my "friends."

5. Get to Know the Instructor. This goes hand in hand with #4. Get to know that YouTuber or the head person in your class. Know their name, what they do for a living. The more you know about them and feel comfortable with them, the more likely you are to 1) show up and 2) push your body to limits. I've met a number of my instructors' family and even friended them on Facebook. You'll never really succeed in a class if you don't feel like you are being helped.

6. Have a Good Gym Playlist. Working out without music is like going on a picnic with no food. Possible but not nearly as fun. Download an app and listen to something. Anything. I listen to podcasts, radio and 8tracks. You'll want to actually start the workout if you have something to look forward to.

These are just a few things that I think can help you really get into the workout mood. Once you really start to workout and enjoy it. You'll see why I go twice a day. There is an energy after working out that is amazing and I look forward to it everyday.



I believe in you. If you want to get in shape this year. It's totally possible. Keep these few tips in mind and get that booty you've always dreamed of!

See you Monday!

XOXO

I love working out. Obviously. But there are definitely some times where I just don't see the end of a workout. Everyone has their own ways to workout, whether that be in a class or by yourself. Personally, I love a good workout class. Don't get me wrong, I kick it hard at the gym by myself but classes are super fun.

Anywayyyyy, this blog post is about how to get through your workout. Some days you just aren't feeling it but you still drag your booty to the gym (props to you). While you are trying to get your workout on and feeling like you just can't push harder, these tips are for you.

1. Sing (or lip sync) the music playing
       I learned this tip during a cycling course. Singing helps regulate your breathing. So while you feel like you can't catch your breathe, sing along.

2. 10 Second Secret
      Anyone can do anything for 10 seconds. It's true. When you hear "10 seconds" you usually push whatever you are doing. Doing a plank? Countdown from 10 and then do it again. Suddenly you've done your plank for a minute. Bam.

3. Water Up
      When I feel like I am near death, I drink my water because 1) its a break from the workout for like 15 seconds and 2) I ain't trying to pass out mid workout.

4. Do the Modified Move
      Reminder: its better to keep moving than die after going hard for 45 seconds. If you are taking a class, instructors are trained to know modified moves so just ask. They would rather you do that than give up. If you are doing your workout alone, take off weight or google the easier move.

5. Think of your Goals
    The amount of times I just wanted to end the workout because I wasn't feeling it are insane but if you can think of your goal, whether that to be overall healthier or to lose weight, it won't happen if you just give up.

6. Know your Limits
     Sometimes it is just better to know your body. If you think you could get hurt because you are doing a half butt workout, stop. Listen to your body.

7. Just Imagine you are Working Out with Harry
      TBH, just wanted to look at these pics for a bit.


I'm sure I have more tips but these are the ones that push me through every workout. Stay strong and don't forget to think of yourself. I'm proud of you for deciding to work on yourself.

See you Monday!

XOXO