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

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 have been on the fence trying to decide if I wanted to update my blog on another day but I have decided yes! While you may see my snaps or videos of me while I'm at the gym, I hardly talk about how important health is to me. So I saw this as the perfect opportunity to talk about all things healthy.

Like everyone, weight has always played a major role in my life. While I have remained the same weight since I was 17, I never felt healthy. The summer after graduation I decided to do something about that. My family did actually. Our family has always been active but we decided to change our lifestyle.

If you want to follow my fitness tumblr, I highly suggest. nomoreexcuses110.tumblr.com I am always updating it and find it important to create a community to really push yourself when it comes to getting in shape. The tumblr community is amazing but the Blogilates community is perfect for the people who need a friendly push (aka me). Both can be major support systems if you let them.

During this first Fitness Friday post, I wanted to show you how to make my new favorite smoothie. The recipe is from Blogilates so all credit to her!

YO YO! It's the time of the month where I share with you my favorites. In case you cared, this is where everything is from!

College is awesome. A time to go out, meet people, hit up the bars but somedays, you just need a relaxing night in. And that is just what I did this past Saturday. If you ever want a relaxing night in, just check out this blogpost for some ideas!