NOW SHOP AWAY!

XOXO

Staying motivated is hard. You started off the New Year strong and now it's the end of March and losing weight (or gaining muscle) seems so far away. I'm right there with you. Started off strong and suddenly you are back to your starting weight. WHAT HAPPENED? Life happens yo.



This past week I decided to get back on the motivation train (if thats a thing) and share my tips with you!

1. Stop weighing yourself everyday. Aim for once a week.
2. Remember why you started. To feel healthier.
3. Change up your diet. And drink A LOT more water.
4. Try a new anything. A new TV show. A new way to walk home. A new diet. A new pair of socks.
5. Get new sneakers! Look jazzy.
6. That gym cutie ain't gonna be checked out by anyone anymore. You are helping the world by going.
7. Workout at home? Download an app that counts your steps. You'll have a daily goal.
8. Follow fitness-y people on Instagram. Its amazing how much they can motivate you.
9. Buy yourself a cute outfit but in the size you want to be (realistically, I know I'll never be an XSMALL). A goal.
10. Yeah summer is a good goal but a healthy life is a better goal.
11. Download a good podcast. But only listen to it when you workout. You'll want to know what is happening next.

You did it. You finally booked that vacation. You go. You have an amazing time. You eat every food you can get your hands on and go out every night because YOU ARE ON VACATION. Now you are back. And its time to start working out again.

And it sucks.

Seriously.



All is not lost because I am here to help. Mainly because I just did all of that. I missed 11 days of working out because the whole point of a healthy lifestyle is relaxation. Brazil was amazing but I mainly sat on a beach and drank coconut water and beer. I came home to face reality and realized 20 minutes into my Total Cardio Body class that this may not have been the best way to face it.

Here is how to slowly get back into your routine:

1. Yoga. It's slow and there are many ways to hold a position for the less flexible.
   
2. Jog. Don't run. I nearly blacked out trying to get back to where I was just 2 weeks before.
3. Recognize you may have put on some holiday weight. Everyone does. Don't sweat it, just focus on your eating and you'll feel more like yourself eventually.
4. Lift. But knock it down a few plates to what you were lifting pre-holiday. Work your way back into it.
5. Sleep. I realized when I sleep, my body is able to see whats up aka fix itself.
6. DRINK WATER. If you feel that lightheadedness before the big knockout, drink water.
   
7. Slow down. I thought I was able to get back into my two a day workouts but I realized for my body to get back into it, we had to go slowly.
8. Breathe. Not enough people do this. In your nose, out your mouth. Learn to control your breathing and you can get through anything.
9. Ask for modified moves, every and all workouts have modified moves. Google them.
10. Remember vacation is meant to be a time to have fun and relax so don't be so hard on yourself that you did just that.
    
    
    
    I hope these tips were helpful. Stay strong and go drink some water.
    
    
    XOXO!

Working out the gym is great but yo that can be mad money$$$$$$$ so I'm here to tell you how to kick some butt in the comfort of your own home because it can be done!

Here are some options:

1. On Demand- if you are given the gift of on demand television, in between all the movies to watch and tv shows to catch up on, there are actual workouts! Yoga, pilates, boxing and even Zumba! 
2. YOUTUBE- dude, blogilates, tone it up, JUST YOUTUBE SEARCH "workouts" and bam. I personally love Blogilates (I have her app and everything. Add me: Mavis Slade). She always kicks my butt and I'm covered in sweat by the end. Here is an article I wrote for HerCampus with all YouTubers I watch for workouts.
3. Steps- Whether you have them in your house or your neighbor does, find some steps and start your walking! Once you feel comfortable walking, start to jog and then move to running the steps. 
4. Jumping Jacks- CARDIO! This is such a killer move and if you keep doing jumping jacks you'll feel something,
   
5. Burpees- Pair these with jumping jacks and you've basically done half my workout.
6. Run around the block- seriously just go for around the block and then move on to two blocks and three, etc.

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

You've been kicking butt. You've been killing it at the gym. Eating the right foods. Then one day you wake up and just feel blah. Like you've gained 20 pounds and you aren't sure how you can even go outside. We've all had these days; you are DEFINITELY not alone. Even the fittest person has off days so don't worry if you have a little bump in the road.

Here are some tips and tricks on how to get over that bump without feeling completely defeated.

1. Take the day off. If you don't feel like going to the gym, don't. Missing one day isn't the end of the world.
2. Make yourself your favorite breakfast. Or the heathy alternative. Breakfast may not be everyone's favorite meal but it can make or break your day.
3. Throw on your favorite outfit. Or sweats. As long as you feel comfortable and fabulous, that is the ultimate way to get over a crappy day.
4. Check out your fitspiration. Now, not all fitspiration is great but sometimes seeing your goals can help remind you why one day isn't going to ruin your goals.
5. Take a walk. Anywhere. Walking burns calories but it can be peaceful. Two birds with one stone?
6. Bathtime. Or shower. Just stand or lay down in some hot water. Somehow it calms you? Insane.
7. Remember why you started this journey. To be a better you. Weight shouldn't play a major role when it comes to how you feel (but dude I totally understand, I cried when I realized I gained my 5 pounds back) but you are trying to be stronger and healthier. One day doesn't derail that journey.
8. Eat cake. YOLO man. Seriously, you want a piece of cake? Eat it. Feeling like poop happens so make it a bit better with a piece (not a whole) cake.
9. Dance around. Little Mix always cures me of a crappy day. Dance around, be silly, take dumb selfies. Don't let your bad body day ruin the awesomeness of life.
10. Seriously, don't be hard on yourself. One day is 24 hours or 1,440 minutes of your life. One day of feeling off is so small in a percentage of your life. Remember how far you've come and how amazing you feel on the other days.


I'm so proud of you for taking on this crazy fit life but its worth it. I have an off day like every week so you aren't alone. If you ever need to talk, hit me up on Instagram or Twitter and we can compare bloating feelings (#JustGirlyThings, more like #JustPeopleThings). Keep your head up, tomorrow won't be that bad, I promise.

See you on Monday!

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

In case you haven't noticed the running theme of these outfit blogposts, it is comfort. Why should I be uncomfortable throughout the day? Legit, no reason.

Leggings. Some say you can't wear them as pants, I say you can. Some say you need to be a certain weight to wear them, I say screw them. Fashion isn't weight based. WEAR THE LEGGINGS!

I have traveled wide and far or well at least within the 20 miles radius of my house for my favorite leggings. Here are my Top 7 Leggings (in order from least favorite to most favorite). Let us explore the wild world of comfortable pants.

1) Champion Target High Waisted Leggings in Black

2) Champion Target High Waisted Leggings in Printed Grey


3) Under Armour ColdGear Leggings in Black


4) ADIDAS Originals 3 Stripe Leggings


5) Under Armour Leggings in Black with Grey Mesh Panels (I can't find the exact pair)

6) BooHoo Get Fit Leggings


7) Champion Cropped Leggings in Black

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

I participated in my first spin class this past Tuesday. Long story short, I still can't feel my butt. My roommate and I figured it out, it was because of the seats. For many asking what it is like to join a spin class and be like somewhat in shape, this is what it is like.

I was late for class and I immediately regretted it as the only bike open was dead center front row.


Our instructor played some pumping music which I was all kinds of down with.



After the first song. FIRST SONG! I was covered in sweat.



Like I couldn't even see. Thank god the bikes are stationary.



About 20 minutes into the workout, I can't even lie. I wanted to throw up my ice cream sandwich I had for lunch.



Once it hit 30 minutes, I knew I only had 25 minutes left.



The actual cycling wasn't as bad as I thought. It sucked don't get me wrong but when you want to look hot, your legs have to get a little hot in the process.



Then the teacher put on Beyonce and I somehow managed not to miss a word while feeling like I was in my own personal hell. But once again, I was all about it for the sake of chocolate ice cream and mac and cheese.



Last song came around and I couldn't tell if I wanted to cry or laugh but somehow I managed to giggle as I looked down and realized my entire shirt was a different color.



After we stretched and cleaned off the bikes, I felt hot? Not just temperature but my confidence shot up like 12 points (idk if thats a lot but thats how much better I felt about myself). It was definitely a mix of me remembering I just survived my first spin class and the fact that I just worked off that ice cream sandwich.



Either way, I can't wait until next Tuesday.

XOXO -M.S.

P.S. If you ever get the chance to hit up a spin class, do it.