Squat your way to a fabulous booty!

Hello all! I hope you have been keeping up with your Summer Launch Challenges.  If you haven't started, it's not to late. Pick your first 2 challenge options and get started.  I promise it'll make you feel better, motivated and hopefully become a new habit and way of life. :)

If you read my last blog, you know that what we eat is the biggest part of our fitness and body physique.  It makes such a huge difference in how our body responds to working out and allowing it to function at it's best, but along with that needs to be a healthy amount of activity and exercise as well.  I know it's a lot easier said than done, but taking that first step is one of the most important you will take.  Try to start off maybe 30 mins a day for three days a week then work yourself up to 5 days a week.  Over time you will notice such difference in your energy, attitude, well being and over all outlook, it will be much easier to increase your work out time.  Not to mention the amount of endorphins you produce during your workouts will have you smiling in no time. 

To help you get started, I found a really cool and simple squat challenge you can do anytime and anywhere. This will help get you off the couch, on those feet and one more step closer to that fabulous perky booty we all dream about having.  :o)

Thanks to PopSugar Fitness here is a 4 week squat challenge that will not only work your glutes but your legs as well!  In just one short month you'll be up to 200 squats a day.  Don't let that number intimidate or scare you away.  You have to start somewhere and this challenge definitely takes the time to build you up to multiple reps with rest days in between. 

**Remember when doing your squats; have on loose clothes and stable sneakers.  I know it's tempting to just get it done while barefoot in your living room,  ha, but stability and the right posture is key to not hurting yourself.  Always stand with feet at least shoulder width apart and don't let your knees pass over your toes.  That puts to much pressure on your knees and can do damage over time.  If you seem to be having a hard time avoiding that, make sure you are keeping your back as straight as possible and pushing your bottom out behind you as if you were about to sit down in a chair. 

If you'd like a printable version of this workout to hang on your fridge or carry with you, you can find it here on the PopSugar website!
http://www.popsugar.com/fitness/Printable-Squat-Challenge-31141646

Enjoy!!

Easy At Home Workout Circuit

In my last couple post I told my friends and readers that I would be posting some exercises you could easily do at home.  I know not all of us have access to a gym, a class or even a rec center.  Not to mention it can be very intimidating walking into a gym, especially if you are just starting your fitness journey and are not real sure about where to begin.  The lack of a personal trainer guiding you, the overwhelming sight of multiple machines and the eyes of everyone who looks like they were born in a gym scoping you out can be, well...less than welcoming.   Have no fear, there are so many ways you can train at home with little to no equipment and still get that cardio and strength training necessary for success.  Allow yourself at least 30 mins to get that heart rate up for an extended amount of time and you are off to a great start.  If you are just starting to incorporate a fitness regimen into you lifestyle, set yourself some realistic and attainable goals. You don't want to get discouraged before you can even get started.  Start off with 2 or 3 days a week at 30 mins each session and gradually work up to 5+ days a week at 1hr each session.  Skies the limit!

Now before I post this workout, let me preface it with this...I am not a picture taker! Ha.  It wasn't the most comfortable thing for me to take pics of myself in work out positions at 5 1/2 months pregnant, but I did it for you! :) So if I can come out of my comfort zone, I'm hoping you will too and try this workout circuit.  Perhaps next time I can take some more professional pics or maybe even find pics of others doing specific exercises, but to get started we'll just have to roll with my homemade photo session in my dining room.  Alright friends, here we go!

These exercises will focus on legs, arms and core.  Perform each exercise for at least 1 min.  It doesn't matter how slow you have to go, the goal is to not give up and keep it going for the entire minute.  You are welcome to allow yourself a 15-20 second break between each set and drink some water, but if you can keep it going, do it! This will emphasize more of a HIIT affect on your workout.  Now I used 12lb weights, but you should choose a weight that is appropriate for you or start off with none at all. Remember, the goal is to build up your strength as you go and soon you will be upping your weight.  Make sure you find your own pace that works for you. Some will start off much slower with less weight and some of you will want to go heavier weights and at a much faster pace.  The goal is to give it your all, whatever level that may be.

1 minute per exercise. Once all 5 sets are complete, repeat circuit:

SET 1
Dead Lifts-
Starts with weight in front of you, arms relaxed.  Lower them down to your ankles with slightly bent knees and a straight back. Keep weights as close to your legs as possible then raise back up to standing position.  This is great for legs and glutes.

 Squats with weights-
Start with feet about shoulder width apart and weights next to side for balance or held end to end in front of chest.  Slowly squat until your thighs are parallel to floor or as low as you can.   Remember not to let your knees go past your toes, that puts to much pressure on your knees. 
*tip: pretend to be sitting back in a chair then return to standing

 Russian Twist with weights-
Sit in a V-shape on floor with weight in hand and feet off the ground.  For a more moderate start, just keep heels on the floor.  Now twist weight from side to side.

SET 2
Hammer Curls-
Stand with feet shoulder width apart and start with weights by your side. Raise weights simultaneously to your shoulders, palms facing towards body, then back down to sides.

Jumping Jacks (30 secs or continue to 1 min for extra cardio)-
Try an updated version of this classic.  When you jump and land, make sure heels touch the ground with toes pointed out and knees slightly bent .  This will add extra work on the thighs.

Jump Rope (30 secs or continue to 1 min for extra cardio. No rope necessary)-

Full body stretch to crunch
Start out lying on your back with arms and legs extended. Hold them up off the floor a bring body into a crunch position. Shoulders should be off the floor and knees bent up to chest with arms now on outside of legs pointing in opposite direction. Return to full stretch position never resting head or feet on the floor. This will work those core ab muscles.

Set 3
Tricep Curl in Plie Squat-
Stand with toes slightly turned out and lower yourself into a plie squat.  For a more moderate start, just stand with feet shoulder width apart. For more advanced, drop your plié squat as low as you can. Hold weight behind head with elbows pointing straight up.  Do your best to keep your upper arms still and in place next to your ears. Only the upper arm and hands should move. Lift weight into a full arm extension then back down again.

                            

Leg Pulse with weight-
Start on your knees and elbows.  Place a weight in the crevice behind your knee.  Lift foot up towards the ceiling until leg is parallel with floor.  Hold there and pulse for 30 seconds then switch legs.

Extended Leg Sit Up with Toe Touch-
Lie on back with legs on floor and feet at least shoulder width apart.  Do a full sit up and touch right hand to left toe, then switch left hand to right toe. Lie back down and repeat.

Set 4
Bicep Curls-
Stand feet shoulder width apart and weight down by your side. Keep elbows next to your side and raise weights up to shoulders, palms always facing up. Repeat

                          

Forward Lunge with weight-
With weights by your side, pretend to be taking a large step forward and stop.  Keep your back straight up and down and lower bottom towards the ground.  Again, remember to not let your knee pass over the front of toes.  If need be, take a wider step and drop back knee lower to ground. 
Repeat on other leg.

Pointing Dog-
Get on all fours on the floor. Extending your right arm forward and your left leg straight behind you, hold for 15 seconds. Try your best to keep both arm and leg parallel to the floor. This will work your balance and core.  Repeat on other side.

Set 5
Shoulder Raise-
Start with feet shoulder width apart and weights in front of you.  Lift arms up keeping them extended in front of you. Raise to shoulder height and hold for 1-2 seconds then return to start.  Sometimes you may have to use a lower weight on shoulder exercise vs your biceps. That's okay, the key is to keep going!

                       

Burpees-
Yes, everyone's favorite! Squat down to floor and jump legs into a full extension behind you with palms on floor and arms fully extended.  Jump legs back into a squat position and then jump straight up into the air with arms extended above you.
For a more moderate approach, step each leg back into extension behind you one at a time and then step back into squat and stand up.
For a more advanced approach, hold weights in hand and do a push up once on ground with legs fully extended behind you, then continue to hold weights in hand when jumping.

                       

Reverse Crunch-
Lie on back with legs straight up into the air.  You can place hands on floor, palms down, under the bottom of your back for more support.  Lift legs straight up into air until hips come off the ground and slowly return to floor.

                        

*Repeat entire circuit 2 or 3 times for a 30-45 min workout.  Always remember to stretch your body after a workout and take long slow breaths.  Drink plenty of water before, during and after workout.  It's important to stay hydrated. 


**Please note:  if you are pregnant, please consult your physician for approval before performing any of the above exercises. 



5 4 3 2 1...Summer Prep Challenge!

Yes, can you believe it, summer is a short 12 weeks away?!  Although I am soo ready for this crazy winter weather to quickly fade my mind has only gone as far as spring.  It's my favorite time of year when I get to plant new flowers, work in my herb garden, afternoons outside with my daughter and fun in the sun.  However summer is right on it's tail and you know what that means..yup, that fun in the spring sun quickly becomes bathing suit time at the pool and sundresses!
So, I received a challenge in my HIIT class today called the 5 4 3 2 1 Summer Launch Party.  It's a really cool way to challenge yourself in preparation for those upcoming summer weeks and is definitely a list of achievable goals if you put your mind to it.  I want to invite all of you to join me and make a difference in your daily choices and create a healthy lifestyle for ourselves. So let's gear up for summer, get your self discipline in check and take the challenge!

Step 1 - pick 2 options from the list below
Step 2 - stay committed and complete both options each day for 5 days out of your week.
              (that gives you 2 days off)
Step 3 - keep track of your progress each day

*TIP- you can keep the same 2 options for the entire duration of the 12 week challenge or you can switch it up and choose 2 new ones each week, it's totally up to you.  If you need to work on a specific area more than others, than focus on it for 3 or 4 weeks until you feel comfortable moving onto something else.  The goal is to stay committed and complete the challenge whatever it may be.

Challenge Options:

• Exercise at least 30 mins a day (check blog as i'll be posting some 30 min exercises you can do right at home in your own living room!)
• Drink 1/2 your body weight in oz of water per day
• Get at least 7 hours of sleep each night
• No fried food or fast food
• No soda
• East at least 3-5 servings of fruit and veggies per day
• Start your day with a healthy breakfast
• Set aside some personal time for spiritual/soul care/relaxation each day
• Eliminate sugar from your diet
• Eliminate gluten from your diet
• Eliminate soy from your diet
• Eat something healthy that you have never tried before (search Pinterest or this blog, there are tons of options!)
• Make up your own challenge option! 

There you have it! Let's all keep each other motivated and accountable.  Find a friend, call your mom or sister and ask them to join you.  This is a good way to help keep you going.  Feel free to comment below and let us know what challenges you have chosen or any cool healthy recipes you might want to share with us.  
5..4..3..2..1 Goooo Team!! :o)
 

My (pregnant) Fitness Journey

It has been so long since I have written I hadn't even realized it had been about 6 months!  Life gets crazy like that sometimes I guess. Then I think about it....with a 3 yr old running around, the start of a new school year where I took on a role as a pre-school teacher and my husband having a work schedule completely opposite of mine, the days seems to speed by.  Somewhere in all that busyness I also found out I am pregnant so that took my mind in a whole other direction and it's hard for me to find that alone time needed to sit down and type. Oh the life of motherhood.  Yet through it all I have somehow found a way to keep my fitness a priority.  (trying through all attempts anyway).

Back in January 2014 I had signed up for a HIIT class at one of our local rec centers.  I had finally found a class that kept me motivated, inspired and looking forward to my next class.  It wasn't long before my 2 day a week class became 4 days a week and I was starting to see results!  That was the kicker..seeing results.  Wow, I would look in the mirror and examine myself and actually see changes in my body. I could definitely see a difference in my stomach and arms which now seemed to be firm and tone. My rear end didn't seem to droop as it once had and the cellulite on the back of my thighs was fading.  I tend to carry all of my weight in the lower half of my body. Chop it up to genes, but that's how all the women in my family seem to be.  As siked as I was for my arms and stomach, my legs and butt were and forever will be my main focus.  I don't want to paint the wrong picture about my self image or body weight.  I have never necessarily struggled with weight or body issues for any extended amount of time. However, after turning 30 and then having my first child at 32 I realized I couldn't just depend on my daily activity to do the job anymore, I had to put forth effort which was something I had seemed to avoid for so many years.  And mind you, let's be honest, with out some type of tone to your muscles, saggy skin and cellulite exist in all shapes and sizes.  No mater how slim I was pre-baby to how thick I had gotten post-baby, the consistency of my legs were still the same.  Just sad looking.  It's one thing to feel hot in a pair of skinny stretch jeans that suck everything in..it's another to actually LOOK hot in a two piece swimsuit!
I was excited to be on this new fitness journey of mine and looking forward to becoming  much more confident and fit in my mid 30s than I had ever been.  It is NEVER to late to start and the women in these classes showed me just that.  My instructor, Debi, is a true motivation in just being her.  She is  a 40 something mother of 4 with a rock solid body and fitness regimen out of this world.  Nothing slows her down but she continues on new fitness adventures and goals constantly!  There is something about having an instructor or trainer that exudes everything you are striving to be.  (I have had previous ones that almost repelled me from wanting to attend class)  Even my classmates are an inspiration in my drive to keep pressing forward.  In a high impact interval training and boot camp classes that are nothing short of exhausting, I was among, if not the youngest person in my classes! These women show up 4 days a week and give it their all constantly pushing forward and challenging themselves and me.  It is a reminder that fitness is not an age, by any means...it's a lifestyle.  Over the next few months I became stronger and healthier than I'd ever been.  Learning that your body and fitness is actually 80% food and 20% exercise I had to quickly change my eating habits.  I was not about to sweat and put forth that much energy into something only for it to be counteracted by what I chose to put in my mouth.  I began to listen to others and do research on clean eating.  Reading everything I could and finding recipes that would help make the transition easier not only just for me but for my family as well.  Now don't think that I am some expert on health and fitness.  Everyday is a challenge and I'm learning more and more as I go, but everything is showing me that we are moving in the right direction.
A few months ago I found out I was pregnant.  Although very excited to have another chance at bringing an amazing life into this world I have to admit that the fitness journey I was on did cross my mind.  See when I was pregnant with my daughter I wasn't on any type of work out schedule or plan.  In fact, working full time and traveling as much as I did was all the work out I needed. (or so I thought)  I didn't give much thought to how I ate because everyone around me kept telling me 'oh you're eating for two' or 'this is the one time in life you get to eat whatever you want and not care'.  I have now come to realize that was some of the worst advice I have ever received.  I gained way more weight than needed or necessary and was left feeling extremely insecure and defeated after giving birth. My body was in a shape and form it had never been in and I wasn't even sure how to begin to get to a healthy place.  So this time around is different.  I feel much more prepared and educated on how to approach being fit and pregnant at the same time.
The number one thing to remember is being pregnant is not a pass to sit down and put your feet up for nine months!  Your body and your baby need you to be fit.  Healthy mother means a healthy baby.  There are soo many benefits to working out while pregnant and here are just a few:
1. It can make for an easier labor and delivery
2. You produce more endorphins which are always a helpful thing
3. You are likely to gain less unnecessary weight
4. It can aid in constipation
5. You have more energy
6. You will likely experience less leg swelling
7. You may be less prone to morning sickness
8. You'll bounce back faster after delivery
9.  Can increase the chance of your child having a healthier heart
10. You keep your immune system humming
And these are just a handful of the many many reasons why being pregnant should not slow you down but only encourage you to press forward.

The point is not to top out during pregnancy but to maintain a healthy lifestyle, so of course their are precautions you must take.  First, you must be willing to listen to your body. Watching your breath and heart rate are the most essential to keeping a healthy pace.  When you feel your heart rate rising to much or to fast, slow down or take a short break.  This is a good time to catch some extra water to stay hydrated and just step side to side. You never want to allow yourself to become out of breath or to a point of dizziness.  Know when it's time to slow down and take the more moderate route and then keep a steady pace while breathing slowly.  There is no need to push yourself to an uncomfortable level, it's all about keeping your body moving and using those muscles.  You'll be surprised at what your body is capable of doing during a pregnancy.  I always thought that working my abs or doing any kind of core workout was going to be out of the question, but it's actually just the opposite. Working your core helps to prep your body for a more successful delivery and helps the muscles to achieve a quicker recovery afterwards.  So whatever you do, don't count those ab exercises out, do whatever your baby bump will allow you to do and go for it!

Now remember, if you were not working out prior to being pregnant than this is not the time to pick up a new regimen.  Perhaps find something less aggressive such as walking, prenatal yoga or simple strength training at home.  But if you have been working out, don't let your pregnancy derail you from continuing...it's the best thing for you and your baby!

I know not all of us have the time or access to a class or gym, so I'm going to be posting some exercise routines on my blog that you can do in your living room at home with a simple set of weights.  These routines will be good for expecting mothers, those in post baby mode and for those who desire to begin their own fitness journey and need a place to start. So stay tuned, those are soon to come!!

Thanks.

Fashionable Trends For Fall

It's definitely been a while since I have done a post on fashion.  In fact I think it was last fall when I wrote on how to transition your summer maxi dresses into fun stylish fall ensembles.  Yes, it's been way to long and I have all intentions of posting a lot more on fashion and tips going forward. So to kick of the new fall 2014 season, I have put together something that I hope will help all of us be inspired and creative in our closets this year!

Here are some fun trends to try out this winter season and be inspired by.  Don't feel the need to conquer them all (unless you are just a super fashion enthusiast) but pick the ones that best suite you.  Remember, each trend can be amped up or toned down in order to compliment your personal style.

And remember, fashion is meant to be fun...so enjoy!

 

*for further information on any item of apparel or accessory seen in this blog post, please visit my Polyvore account and view items at the link below

http://sara-carrera.polyvore.com/?filter=sets

Animal print has become a staple to the modern woman's wardrobe.  You can see it on everything from sneakers, to handbags and scarves.  The key though is to take it in small doses and not to overdue it.  If it is an entire animal print dress you are wearing, (like the one pictured above) then make sure everything else you wear is a solid color, no prints. Keep the focus on the dress.  If you are wearing your animal print on an accessory, then limit it to just one item.  The images below will give a good example of how to do just that. 

 

Skinny scarves are super cool and sleek looking and have almost a rock star Steven Tyler kind of vibe.  Throw them on with a simple white tee and jeans or with a beautiful dress and jacket and your set! Check out the looks below.



Oh sportswear, how you've won my affection! Ha. No seriously though, how cool is it that sportswear is not only something we throw on to grocery shop, run the kids around or work out in, but now we can even step out into the world feeling super trendy and stylish.  And not to mention..super comfy! To pull it off with a trendy twist, only use one or two sportwear pieces at a time together.  Wear the drop crotch pants with a pair of sandals or heels, dress your crew neck sweatshirt up with some sassy boots or sport those fun bright colored sneakers with an oversized sweater and skinny jeans. 



 

 

Metallics can always be a little intimidating, especially when all extra shiny.  If you aren't feeling up to lighting the entire room with your sparkly gold ensemble, just try it in one statement piece instead.  A shiny metallic clutch with an all black dress or gold sequined sneakers with jeans.  Regardless of where you choose to sport these eye catching shades you are sure to shine!  Check out the example below of how to take a gold sleeveless tank and dress it up or down depending on your mood.

Patch Jeans are some what of a blast from the past and can be super fun to wear.  Personally, less is more seems to apply here, but some designers are not holding back!  Help keep a more mature look in your jeans by adding simple and more classic pieces like a nice wedge or boot and a solid color blouse.  This will help keep the focus on the patches and the outfit from getting to overwhelming and busy. 

The A-line silhouette is one of my absolute favorite.  It seems to compliment just about any body type as long as you are willing to show some leg.  You can wear this style skirt or dress year round by adding the right accessories.  In the hotter months it blends perfectly with a sandal or high heel shoe and in the colder months is super chic with tights and ballet flats or boots.  This fall try it in a tweed or heavier fabric and some colorful leggings or tights.

Geometric print dresses were a huge hit in the 60s and have made their way back around to the fore front of fashion several times and this winter season is no exception.  Geometric prints are such a fun way to bring art and color to your outfit with minimal effort.  Get inspired by some of the looks and ensembles below.

 

 

Ahhh, Sneakers.  I have always been a fan of sneaker, but I mean who isn't.   This comfortable foot oasis is a vacation in comparison to a 4 inch stiletto yet what was once reserved for athletic wear is now a huge part of the fashion movement.  Bright colors, crazy prints, wedges, low top or high, there are very few limits in the world of sneakers.  So if you're looking for comfort but don't want to look like you just came from the gym, try a colorful pair with a fun print and add a crop top sweatshirt paired with a blousy pant.  Below shows some fun styles and a way you can achieve that look.

 



Heardgear is crucial for the fall/winter months, especially if you reside anywhere in the north USA.   This year you will see the wide brimmed wool hat come back in an array of colors.  I absolutely love the cobalt blue fedora below with a slight turned up brim. 

 

 Backpack, backpack. (in the infamous Dora backpack tune! ha) is always easy and so helpful.  Backpacks come in any shape, size and design these days and range from low price point to a thousand dollar find, but either way it goes they are super cool.

 The shiny oxford always seems to have a nostalgic tap dance vibe to it and can be hard to pull off.  But when paired with the right pieces, this classic style can evolve your outfit into something super hip.  Try to avoid pairing with regular blue denim jeans and team up with a crisp black pant or jean instead.  Or try it them with some tights and a skirt for a dressier vibe. 

The infamous poncho.  Nothing says fall more than a nice warm poncho and a pair of worn in boots.  These long time favorites are an easy way to stay chic and comfortable this season.  Throw it on with some dark denim and a pair of boots for an easy going yet trendy vibe.

Military khaki is all the rage right now and can be found just about anywhere in a multitude of options.  Try H&M for some fun trendy pieces that won't break your bank.  This famous shade of green is here to stay so find your favorite items of the season and channel your inner soldier.

 Who doesn't enjoy a little school girl plaid every now and then?  I'm so happy to see this trend alive and well again this year because I thoroughly enjoyed my plaid flannel and black boots last fall season and will definitely be sporting them again.  Perhaps I'll venture out even a little further and spring for a pair of plaid pants or shoes.  Whatever I end up doing, there's just something about plaid that makes me smile. :o) 

 There is something so country about shearling yet so sleek at the same time.  This year we see it pop up on the trim of shoes, (no ladies, not the boots with the fur type) handbags and so much more.  Aim for a more sophisticated appearance when trying this look by picking something in a sleek black or darker shade of grey. 

These Aspen sweaters take me way back to a time in life when things were much simpler and so was my wardrobe.  These comfy and sweaters exude a girly innocence and can make for some fabulous looks whether dressed up or down.  Try to keep this look simple with a pair of jeans and sneaker or mid-calf boot.