Seriously, What Is Your Dream?

Do you dream about taking a vacation? 

How about a nicer car? 

Do you want a better job?

Want to start your own business?

Whatever it is, you can make those dreams your reality. We are all dreamers, but little of us are doers. When you know your ideas are amazing, why keep them as notes in a book or just a silly dream? One thing I always say is "don't talk about it be about it". If you spend tons of time wondering "what if"...just imagine how much actual work you could get done building your dream in that time. 

I used to sit in my apartment and research everything I could about fitness. I would look at diets, and workouts. I wanted to do a competition for about 3 years. I have no clue why it took me 3 years to do, but after achieving that and pushing myself to get out of my comfort zone I learned one thjng. I become proud of myself when I do it. When I become proud I become confident, and I start doing more. The momentum keeps going and I begin risking more and achieving more. The cycle has led me to get my dream job, and start two side businesses. I also have been able to take more trips, because I was able to make more money than ever. It all started with a dream, and following it. 

I could go on for days, but the point I am trying to make is. Not only when it comes to work, but when it comes to every goal or dream you have. You need to make that goal a MUST. You need to do everything in your power to MAKE it happen. There are no if ands or butts when you put everything you have in to achieving your goals. 

The only person holding yourself back from your dreams are yourself. Life is too short to not see them through.

SF INFINITY: Best Moves for Your Butt

We joke about calling SF Infinity a "Glute Building Community," but the truth is ... that we are! The muscles we sit on all day are some of the most important and biggest muscles in your body. And who doesn't like a nice toned bum?

Here are some exercises to work on those glutes:

 

-SQUAT

 

-DEADLIFT

 

 -FRONT SQUAT

 -STEP-UPS

-SUMO SQUAT

-LUNGES

-BRIDGES

-CURTSEY LUNGE

-BOX JUMP 

Fitness Classes You MUST Try in San Francisco

Is it hard for you to get motivated to hit the gym? Sometimes you need to try something new and exciting. Add a fitness class to your weekly routine for that extra push you need to maximize calorie burn and achieve your fitness goals.

My favorite SF classes:

SF Infinity: Of course I love Infinity. Lindsay and I designed our ladies only workout community to kick you in to shape while having fun. While jamming to awesome music we warm you up then begin with 15 Minutes of cardio, followed by 15 minutes strength, and we finish with a 15 Minute challenge. After the workout we have an event planned with a local business. We partner with a variety of fitness, wellness, and health related companies to share what SF has to offer. We highly encourage our workout crew to hangout outside of Infinity, so keep reading to see which class you want to try with your new infinigirl. Click here to sign up for one of our classes.

The Pad Yoga: I die for some yoga after a week of strength training. The Pad Studios is my favorite studio in SF. I love the bright and clean vibe, and the instructors know their shit. Seriously, I leave this place not even remembering what just happened to me. I am able to workout and relax. When else does that happen? Click here to see class schedule.

Barry's Bootcamp: Finally, an ass kicking workout. SF fitness peeps are hardcore, so it's about time we get more hardcore gyms. Barry's is opening up next week. The classes are designed for maximal calorie and fat burning. Expect 30 minutes of cardio and 30 minutes of strength training. This place will also be equipt with an über healthy fuel bar to enjoy a post workout snack with your bestie. Click here to check out Barry's Bootcamp SF schedule.

BodyRok: Whenever I think Pilates, I think of not so fit girls flipping around on the floor expecting a six pack. Well this is NOTHING like what I expected. BodyRok is equipt with SPX reformers(what I see as normal reformers on crack), and some really fun instructors. I have never left a class that didn't involve weights shaking the way I was. It is super hard, but the best part about it is it's only 45 minutes. Don't worry it's plenty of time to get your butt and core work in. Sign up for a Pilates or spin class here.

SoulCycle: Ok I have to be real with you, SoulCycle is super Marina. Blonde skinny girls walking in and out all day long. Don't let it intimidate you! It is actually a really really fun workout with some even more fun music. Grab a friend and try it, because it's always better suffering with a gal pal by your side. They have tons of classes, so no excuses. Sign up here.

TRX: We are so lucky to be in such a fit city. TRX headquarters are based in SF. This means the best instructors and the toughest classes are just a short walk away from your front door. Try a TRX class for a total body workout. I love TRX classes, because you can steal moves and start adding them in to your gym routine! Check out the class schedule here.

Workout Clothes: What To Wear For Different Activities

When it comes to working out, you need to dress the part. Ladies, we need to make sure our "assets" are in place and our feet are supported. Proper workout gear is a MUST before you set foot in a gym or trail. I am going to list what you need for the gym, yoga class, or running (outdoor activities).

GYM GEAR:

INOV8 SHOES: I find Inov-8's better for the gym, doing box jumps, classes, lifting, or any gym work.

Lulu crop pants:

Gym tank: $26

 

RUN GEAR:

Nike run hat: $24

BROOKS running shoes:$120

Athleta Run Pants: $64

Lululemon Top Speed Sports Bra: $52

Run tank:

YOGA GEAR:
Yoga Mat:

Yoga sports bra: $42

Yoga pants: $72

Yoga tank: $48

Hats On Hats On Hats

So many of my friends say, " I wish I could wear that". Well, to be honest, when I look at most clothes and accessories I think the same thing. The difference is, I actually try it and go for it. 

Not many people take fashion risks, because it's so much easier to go with what we know looks good. Trying a new accessory like a hat, can spruce up an outfit in seconds! There are so many styles, colors, and brands. Here are some of my faves! 

Wide brim felt hat: good for blocking the sun &/or rain, wear with sweaters, long sleeve maxi dresses, shorts & graphic tees, also great for travel. 

Sports team hats: good for hiking, running, dressing down a fancy outfit, wearing around town while running errands, gym sessions, and road trips.

Panama hat: This summery hat is perfect for days at the park, brunch, beach days, tea, horse races, pool parties, wedding showers, and walking around town.

This black fedora is a definite fashion statement. This can be worn year round with dresses, shorts, jackets, boots, sandals...anything! I highly recommend a hat like this.

Every girl needs a good floppy hat. They are perfect for spring and summer. Awesome for strolls, brunch attire, weddings, baby showers, beach days, vacationing, daytime outings, and outdoor events.

Last but not least, a knit beanie. When it's windy out, I have to throw a beanie on before leaving my house. In order to keep my hair from flying all over the place a beanie is a must. Colorful beanies are great because you can wear them day and night. This one was $6 at Forever 21! 

Achieving Your Fitness Goals

When you have set a goal for yourself, make sure you see it through. Some goals aren't realistic, so here's some ways to set goals you will can can acheive

1. Make sure it is maintainable with your lifestyle. Once you know that, make it your routine. 

- example: you want to workout 6 days a week.

       -Can you schedule this every week? Look ahead, and do it!

       -On days where you see a conflict, can you wake up early or go to bed later to get it in?

       -Put this goal as a priority, and put it before events or gatherings if they aren't important. Go to the events after your workout.

-example: you want to change your eating habits.

       -Great! Now what? Saying it doesn't mean you've taken action. Are you going to pack your meals everyday? Start planning out your meals and make sure you are getting an adequate balance and variety of food in your plan. You can even plan your "treat" meals if you know a special occasion you want to not have a planned meal.

       -Seek help from a dietician to quit the guessing game. You need to make sure you don't mess up your metabolism with eating too much or too little. David is the best, feel free to email him dmg2140@tc.columbia.edu.

- example: losing 10 pounds in 3 weeks.

       - yes.. it's doable, but crash dieting can really mess up your metabolism. What's the point in working that hard, and not earn lasting results. You will gain it back in half the time it takes to come off.

2. Make sure it's realistic.

-example: I want to look like Kim K.

       -Kim K. is bangin, but she's also genetically built different than you and I. With proper weight training and nutrition you can definitely build an hour glass shape, but you can't change your bone structure. Darn, I am 5'9 and Caucasian, it's just not in the cards for me.

-example: losing weight for my girlfriends wedding.

       -yes, you want to look good in pictures. My advice is to start early. Don't wait for the two weeks before. Your body needs time to adapt and adjust to your new habits. 

       - Juice cleansing isn't going to last. You lost water weight and feel lighter, but that weight is coming right back if you don't change the way you eat after the cleanse.

3. Re-assuring success 

- example: tell your friends about your goal

         -Your friends need to understand why you are doing what you're doing. Telling them you're on a diet, they will most likely tell you that you don't need it. Telling them you need to feel better in your skin is a whole other story, and I'm sure they will support you. 

          -If your friends aren't supportive, and only support your bad habits (or encourage them) it's time to reassess your friends.

- example: reward yourself

         -when you reach your workout and nutrition goals spoil yourself with something. Workout clothes, cofee or tea, makeup, a massage, mani/pedi, hair products, or something else you enjoy.

I hope these tips help you reach your goals! They help me with mine :) 

Gone Bananas Smoothie

I have a smoothie obsession. They never get old as long as I mix things up a little. I happen to have some perfectly ripe bananas and decided to make this smoothie after my workout.

It's pretty delicious, and I definitely recommend adding the cinnamon and vanilla extract. If you want it a little more sweet (maybe your bananas aren't very ripe), you can add stevia for extra sweetness.