Life Hacks Every Girl Needs To Know

I was on a girls trip in Tahoe a few weeks ago and my girlfriends laughed at how many little tips and tricks I knew (mostly how to keep wine cool and fresh LOL). They said "life hacks by Thea" and right then I noticed how many little life tips and tricks over the years I've learned from friends, family members or just by being in dire need for a quick fix. Here are some life hacks that I think every girl will benefit from knowing.


DRINKS:

Champagne!
Who doesn't love a great glass of champagne? Sometimes we just want 1 glass and another a while later, but the bubbles stop being so fizzy. Well, there's a life hack for that. All you have to do is put a spoon in your champagne (bowl up and handle in the bottle). This will preserve the bubbles. Crazy, right? It works!!

Wine
Do you ever go to the store and get home wanting to pop that bottle.... BUT it's not cold yet :( Well, I have just the tip to speed up the cooling process
- Get a wash cloth or a bundle of paper towels 
- Soak them under wet water
- Wrap the wet towel around your bottle
- Place bottle wrapped in wet towel in the freezer

- Should be chilled within 10-15 minutes

BEAUTY:

Dry shampoo
Have you ever been running around and you feel like your hair looks a bit oily, but you don't have any dry shampoo? What about when you are at home heading out and you run out of your dry shampoo? Is there anything worse? I have a hack for you! This happened to me recently and I used my translucent powder in place of dry shampoo, it worked like a miracle! I just put the powder on my hands and worked it through the base of my hair. The result was fresh looking non-oily hair! Whatever loose translucent powder you have should do the trick!

Toothbrushes are like liquid gold
Flyaways- do you have weird flyaways or baby hairs that always annoy you? I got your back. All you need to do is spray some hairspray on a toothbrush and push those flyaways out of your face. I promise they will stay put!
Brows-Are you on a trip and your brows are looking wild? A tooth brush will do the trick to tame those guys!

Hair dye- Dying your hair at home, but you literally suck and always get die on your forehead? Put some die on a toothbrush and use this to apply around your forehead and ear area. 

Makeup remover
I always run out of makeup remover, so a super cheap and easy way to remove your makeup is using an organic conditioner. It works wonders and I just completely stopped buying makeup remover. Just place it on your eyes and rub away the makeup- all you need to make sure of is that it isn't super scented (most aren't).

Top knot bun
You know how everyone buys these things for the perfect bun? Well if you don't have one, a sock will do. Yeah seriously, grab yourself a long tube sock (dark hair use a dark sock, light hair use a light sock)
- Cut the closed end off the toes of the sock
- Roll the sock up to look like a donut
- Put your hair in a pony
- Place the "donut" at the end of your hair
- Roll your hair in to a bun.

I saw this video years ago and have been using this technique ever since.

Smooth looking lipstick
Don't you hate having cracks in your lipstick or visible dry skin? All you need to do is take your toothbrush and brush your lips. Yes, this will exfoliate and get rid of dry skin! Another thing that works well is mixing brown sugar with just enough honey (or olive oil) and scrubbing your lips, then washing it off with a warm washcloth.


How to not bloat when flying
Do you bloat and/or your feet swell when you're traveling? Me too. There's a trick around it. Green tea. Get to the airport and get a large green tea from Sbux or Peet's and drink throughout the flight. Alternately, you can pick up green tea extract and pop a few before you travel. Green tea is a natural 


CLOTHING:

Off the shoulder tops
Have you ever worn an off the shoulder top that keeps creeping up over your shoulders? It's so annoying when the sleeves won't stay down. I watched this video, and it changed the game for me. Now, I do this and have ZERO issues with my tops scrunching up. 

Double sided tape
Low cut top- are you nervous you're going to flash the world with either your bra or your nip? Just apply some double sided tape on either your skin to the fabric or from your bra to the fabric.
Bra straps- are your bra straps showing in your tank top? Apply some double sided tape from your bra to the fabric, and that should help. Also if your bra in the back of your top keeps showing you can do the same.

Washing whites
Do you have a stain, but aren't sure how to get it out and not burn a hole through it. The trick is to throw some soap in to the bottom of your washer with some bleach and start the washer with Nothing in it for about 1 minute. Once the soap and bleach have blended with the hot water you can toss in your whites. Works like a charm every time!


If you think your friends or family can learn a thing or two from this post, please share :)

Links I Love

1. I love peeking on Oxygen's website to see the workouts the post, it gives me ideas on how to incorporate new moves in to my training.

2. I joined this group BOSSBABE a while back and love listening to their new podcasts and signing up for their podcasts.

3. I check out 7x7 pretty often and since San Francisco opens and closes new stores so frequently, this site keeps me in "the know". I always know what festivals are happening, restaurants that are opening, and shops to stop by. They also cover some other towns in The Bay, so check it out!

4. If you're in to this kind of stuff, I am always checking my Horoscope online. 

5. Refinery29 has some really fun content on their site. If I want to read up on the latest gossip, learn what new makeup has been released, or even read up on feminism.. I can stop here!

6. I love fashion, and love that Revolve features new brands and looks weekly. It gives me ideas on how to style what's in my closet.

Summer Travel Workout: No equipment needed

Over the last few months I've been traveling a bit more than usual. When I'm on vacation I love to relax, but I also sometimes feel like breaking a sweat. I love finding local places to hike or explore, but if I wake up early and want to sweat a little I try to get some energy out by doing a bodyweight workout like this.

Warm up: (be sure to do a short warmup and stretch out)

Complete A,B & C then rest for 30 seconds repeat for a total of 3 times through this circuit

Circuit 1 (complete 3x)

A) 20 squats

B) 20 side lunges (10 each leg)

C) 20 glute bridges (or hip thrusts) lying on a mat 

Circuit 2 (complete 3x)

A) 15 push-ups

B) Plank with 20 shoulder taps (tap your opposite hand to opposite shoulder while keeping your hips neutral)

C) 15 burpees

Circuit 3 (complete 3x)

A) 20 walking lunges (10 each leg)

B) 20 walking plank (hold a plank walk to your left for 10 and to your right for 10)

C) 40 mountain climbers 

Circuit 4 (complete 3x)

A) 15 full sit ups 

B) 30 Russian twists

C) 15 leg raises (both legs together)

Say you have a trip planned, make 30 minutes of time for this. Maybe you don't have a trip planned, but need a short workout to do in the park or in your living room- this is perfect!

SoulCycle & Why I Don't Hate It

You may have seen over the last few weeks that I've "checked in" to SoulCycle & while it's a bit out of my normal routine, I want to chat in a bit more detail about my experience.

Let's first address the elephant in the room. $30 for a spin class is ridiculous, like really ridiculous. Now that that's been addressed we can get to the nitty gritty.

I have found over the last 8 years of being engrossed in fitness that many people who are in to fitness are the most picky and judgmental people around in regards to what kind of training is best. The people who don't love to workout hard love barre, the hippie vegans love their flow classes, skinny people who used to play sports love to run, people who hate lifting love to cycle, and gym rats love to lift. Well all these assumptions are quite close minded, and in my opinion BS. All types of people like different types of exercise for different reasons. Most people have a bit of crossover and like a few different types of workouts, but what I've come to find is that most people find that one activity they love and they do a lot of it. 

I think people love to hate SoulCycle, they love to hate Crossfit, and the list goes on.

1. Paying for workouts

I luckily don't lack the motivation to workout, but many do. Paying for a class likely ensures your commitment to showing up. Once your there, having guidance and an instructor guarantees you get more bang for your buck than just showing up to a gym and hopping on an elliptical. It's also nice to do something nice for yourself every once in a while giving back to your body. From a budget perspective, I don't mind spending the money on fitness. Fitness is the one non-negotiable for me, did you read about my musties or listen to my musties? 

2. From an exercise physiology perspective 

Many people in fitness are up in arms over the fact that SoulCycle is more choreographed and less about the actual cycle. People say it's a bit "dancey" and also way too "fake" for them. In every single class I've taken the instructors focus on proper set up, form, and let you know modifications. I also love the dancey feel, it makes the class more fun!

3. Dark rooms, loud music, too hot 

Yes. The rooms are dark, loud, and warm. I don't mind it. I think that's my favorite part. I am 100% in the zone & the music is so loud I don't have the distractions of my own head saying "I can't". It is quite warm, but this is to ensure you get warm fast and stay warm, remember the class is only 45 minutes. 

4. Not that different from other spin classes

Well, it actually is a whole lot different. I honestly don't enjoy spin nearly as much when I go to a class at Crunch or 24 hour fitness. I love the dark rooms, loud music, motivating instructors, and riding to the beat. That doesn't exist at many other spin studios. I leave here seriously pumped on life. 

5. Not something you can do everyday

True. I don't go to SoulCycle everyday. Lately, I have been going more often due to being away from home & the gym I belong to. To ensure I get my workouts in while not staying at home I have been running, doing home workouts, and going to SoulCycle. 

Not sure if this will inspire you to try a class, but I'm hoping this will open your mind to why people might take SoulCycle. If you put down your guard for a second, you mind discover something you really enjoy! 

You Think You're Fit? Try this!

I killed myself in the gym yesterday and thought I'd share what I did. Who is ready for a challenge?

Warm up:

0 incline

1 min 4.0 side shuffle

1 min 6.0 run

1 min 4.0 side shuffle

1 min 7.0 run

1 min 4.0 side shuffle

1 min 8.0 run

1 min 4.0 side shuffle

1 min 9.0 run

1 min 4.0 side shuffle

1 min 10.0 run

1 min 4.0 side shuffle

1 min 11.0 run

1 min 4.0 side shuffle

1 min 12.0 run

Workout:

CIRCUIT 1- complete 3 exercises then rest 60-90 seconds after all 3, then repeat 2 more times

15 Sumo squats

15 Leg or Hamstring curls

30 Pop squats (good video demo here)
CIRCUIT 2- complete 3 exercises then rest 60-90 seconds after all 3, then repeat 2 more times
15 Leg press (1 leg)
15 Leg press (other leg)
15 reverse lunges (1 leg)
15 reverse lunges (other leg)
30 ice skaters
CIRCUIT 3- complete 3 exercises then rest 60-90 seconds after all 3, then repeat 2 more times
15 Dumbbell deadlifts
15 glute kickbacks (1 leg)
15 glute kickbacks (other leg)
15 squat jumps

CIRCUIT 4- complete 3 exercises then rest 60-90 seconds after all 3, then repeat 2 more times
15 Leg extensions
15 Air squats (squats without weight)
30 jump lunges

Cardio finisher:

0 incline

1 min 5.0 

1 min 6.0 run

1 min 5.0 

1 min 7.0 run

1 min 5.0

1 min 8.0 run

1 min 5.0 

1 min 9.0 run

1 min 5.0 

1 min 10.0 run

1 min 5.0 

1 min 11.0 run

1 min 5.0 

1 min 12.0 run

Finding The Right Personal Trainer For You

I've been meaning to write about this topic for a while, and it's taken me longer than expected to finish. A lot goes in to finding a personal trainer. There are a few super important factors that go in to choosing the right fit, so before you get one make sure you read through these.

1. Availability

You would think it's weird that I put this as #1. The most important thing when it comes to finding a trainer is finding someone who can train you at the times you're available (choose a realistic time where you aren't cutting it too close). You might fall in love with a trainer, but if your schedules don't match up it won't be a good fit,

2. Personality

This person isn't only your trainer/coach, this is someone who you are comfortable talking candidly about insecurities, goals, sometimes work stress or relationship issues. They may become your friend, so pick a trainer who seems "cool" and someone you truly vibe with off the bat.

3. Training style

Before finding a trainer, try to make a list of what you're looking for. Do they have a degree in exercise science? What about specific certifications (TRX, CrossFit, Olympic Lifting, HIIT). What's the trainers background (bodybuilder, college basketball player, or lost a lot of weight in their past). Do you have an old injury and need someone with a physical therapy background? Be ready to ask these questions.

You need to also chat with them about what type of coach they are. Are you someone who wants a drill Sargent, someone completely focused on form and movement, someone bubbly and fun, or someone who is more calm and understanding after you've had a long day. These are all things to think about.

4. Price

Trainers aren't cheap. 9 times out of 10 what you are paying the trainer is no where near what the gym pays them. That being said, make sure you budget for a trainer and if you want a specific number of sessions to let the trainer know/prep so they know how to program workouts accordingly. In SF Bay Area anywhere between $80-$120/hour is normal. 

5. Goals

After chatting with your trainer about your goals, make sure they understand them. A great trainer will know what you need to do to get there. A lot of time homework is given out. It's on the client to make sure they are doing what's asked of them to achieve this goal. For example, if you're a basketball player, but you never practice your shot on your own time then a lot of your time that would be used to progress you to new things will be wasted since your shot is so off. 

10 Reasons Why Trying To Be A "HOT" Girl Will Make You Broke

Being a girl is super awesome, right? Guys think we have it easy. We get free club entrances, and free dinners on our first few dates. I mean it is super easy to have a model face, perfect skin, have awesome bodies, and make it look easy. Little do men know how much money goes in to being a girl (especially during the holidays).

1. Haircuts: 
Split ends are not ok, but what the hell it costs $50-$400 dollars to get our hair done every 6-8 weeks. That is only if the hairstylist doesn't fuck the color up and we only have to stop by once in that 6-8 week span (unlikely).

2. Nails:
When you are a busy bitch like me you are usually running around town in workout clothes. We have to get our nails done just so we don't feel like boys running around in sweats. If we get regular polish that will chip in about 20 minutes, so we get gel & $45 dollars later we are feeling fresh, and broke.

3. Fitness classes:
Girls are all supposed to have perfect bodies. Big (and perky) boobs, round butts, and a tiny waist. Gym memberships now run from about $50-$180 a month. This doesn't include the cost of personal trainers so we know how to properly do exercises ($65-$180 an hour), Pilates classes to lengthen and tone ($18-$30), spin classes to keep on trend($20-$35), and yoga to stay flexible ($15-$30).

4. Clothes:
Guys make fun of girls for shopping. Guys won't date a girl who doesn't have good style. Therefore, we have to keep up with the trends. Good jeans cost well over $100. Boots start at $50-$300. A nice top runs around $30-$130. A nice jacket $60-$300. Hundreds of dollars later we have one outfit that cost about half our rent.

5. Makeup:
Every girl has gotten the "are you tired?" question when they show up to work without makeup on. Gosh! We are almost forced to put shit on our face to make us look "presentable". According to a study from Mint, the average woman spends approximately $15,000 on beauty products during her lifetime. Of that, $3,770 goes to mascara alone (I mean, it does brighten your whole face). Next time I want to buy a car and can't come up with the money, I will thank my full face of makeup for that!

6. Face wash, lotions, & potions:
Wrinkles? Oh, hell no! We buy shit tons of sunscreen, eye cream, face wash, a Clarasonic, toner, night cream, and the list goes on. We are scammed in to buying everything we can to make us look youthful, fresh, and have clear skin. I can't believe it when I leave the estheticians office on how much money I just spend and how much I walk away with.

7. Spray tans, tanning lotions, bronzer:
Nothing is worse than a girl who is pasty white, right? The last thing you want to do is get in to a bikini when you match your white towel. Spray tans cost an upwards of $40 and if you want it to last then you better buy the $30 lotion that helps it stay. If you don't want to pay $40 for a spray tan you most likely are willing to get a "steal" and spend $20 on a gradual at home tanner.

8. Waxing & Threading:
It is totally unacceptable to have bushy ass eyebrows, and GOD FORBID your vagina isn't waxed. If you have hairy arms, you better wax that too. This is where the "pain is beauty" comes in to play. Waxing and treading will cost you $100+ a month if you are going every 2 weeks. As we all know, girls aren't supposed to have hair like normal human beings.

9. Bras, panties, and Spanx:
Girls want to wake up looking like a supermodel. Unfortunately, less that 1% of the population looks like one. The other 99% are spending money on push up bras, thongs, and Spanx to keep everything "in it's place". Sadly, after dropping our hard earned cash on lingerie we will never look like Gisele.

10. Health and diet foods:
Green juices, organic salads, tea cleanses, and the lose 5 pounds in two week diet program will cost you way more than just eating regular "fat people food". I want to be skinny, so of course I am willing to spend my lifes savings at Whole Foods.

 

The list goes on so for the people who get plastic surgery, Botox, teeth whitening, eyelash tinting, eyelash extensions, or anything else... BE READY TO BE BROKE. Dudes better pay for our damn dinners after all we do to stay looking this fly! Beyonce (bless her) did NOT Wake Up Like Dat.

Girls Are SIX Times More Likely To Drop Out Of Sports Than Boys

I read this statistic and was shocked. Then I realized, no, it isn't a shocking statistic. It's an unfortunate statistic.

Why are girls dropping out? Studies show 

1. Lack of access

2. Transportation 

3. Social stigma 

4. Quality experience 

5. Cost 

6. Lack of positive role models 

It's such a bummer for me to read a statistic like this. Sports have help shaped my life. Playing sports has taught be to be confident, work in a team, stick to my commitments, push harder than I thought I could, it taught me communication, sticking to a schedule, how to be social, how to be a leader, along with many other life skills.

I encourage all you women to pick up sports, or some sort exercise. The benefits go far beyond looking good! More women need to experience the empowerment of fitness and sports. 

Juggling & Balancing Your Life

The more women I meet, the more I notice how crazy each of our lives are. We're all just trying to run the world ... working long hours, making time for relationships, social events, reading, having "me time."  And all the while, trying to have a nice butt & flat stomach. Being a woman is not easy. My answer, speaking as a "real girl" is that you cannot always balance your life!  You can't control every part of every day. Sometimes, you have to loosen up and go with the flow. Some nights, you might not get enough sleep.  Other days, you might have less time to workout.  It's all OK.

My favorite part about finding balance is understanding that there is no such thing. It's not something you find and keep forever. Parts of your life will feel more balanced than others; life is dynamic and always changing.  My tip: Find and stick with a routine that works for you, but also allow yourself to deviate from time to time (it's inevitable).

Personally, I have gone through so many "extremes" in my life. I'm finally in a place where I feel quite balanced (meaning perfectly imbalanced). I went from obsessing over food, workouts, and trying to be stick thin that I put my social life, friends, and mental health on the back burner. I reached my aesthetic goals, but forgot about all the other things I value in life. Now - I continue to workout like a maniac and eat healthy, but allow myself to deviate from my plan. I value travel now, make time for dates, go to fun events with friends, and make sure to enjoy some delish fro-yo from time to time. 

Find what works for you, ladies. Once you do, your whole life will change. 

Who I've Been Following & Why

I love Instagram for the fact that I get to choose what my eyes see every time I look at it. I choose the people I follow wisely. I choose to follow people or businesses that inspire me, make me smile, motivate me, make me try something new, or give me ideas.

@shopvandevort

I love this insta page for styling inspiration. Sometimes I get too routine with what I wear, and this helps fuel some inspiration. They have a very hippy/boho look to their style, which I love! 

@crossfitgames

The games are coming up this weekend! They post some seriously motivating images. The athletes inspire me to work hard, never give up, and to have fun. Tons of these images make me realize, you don't always need to be training with someone to know you are supported. 

@songofstyle

Aimee has the cutest fashion sense. Although I wear lulu everyday, I love seeing her out of the normal fashion taste. She does boyish, chic, boho, girly, and everythjng else SO well! 

@amberdodzweit

Ok seriously Amber is beautiful, so you can follow her just for that. The reason I follow her is because of her story and her message. She has no problem giving a big FU to the fitness modeling industry and the misrepresentation of it. I love this, because similar to here I've been there. Fitness modeling isn't all that, and she helps reassure that being athlete is more important than being a model.

@Bloomthat

I love when beautiful, colorful, and fresh flowers pop up on my screen. Lately, this page has inspired me to make my own flower arrangements. 

@fabletics 

First off, I love fabletics clothing. Secondly, they have amazing info on their page. Workouts, clothing, recipes, quotes, and a little bit of everything else that's awesome. Make sure to check them out. 

1000's Workout: Partner Workout

Partner Challenge: This should be completed with 2 people. Grab your bestie, your boyfriend, hubby, or sibling! 

LEG AND CORE WORKOUT

In a group of 2 you must complete between the two of you ( only one person can work at a time. Break up the number of repetitions however you want).

1000's workout

100 squat jumps

100 Windshield wiper leg raises

100 burpees 

100 partner 1 leg lunge (one partner is holding the other partners back leg)

100 bicycle crunches

100 walking lunge with kick back

100 side plank with knee to elbow crunch

100 power lunges (back lunge with a jump)

100 v-up sit ups 

100 1 leg raises

This is a fun one, enjoy! 

Fab Workout Clothes by Fabletics

I am so proud to announce I am now an ambassador for Fabletics. Fabletics is a new fitness clothing line co-founded by Kate Hudson.

Some things I love about the products:

Cute designs: These clothes are girly enough to make you feel cute at the gym, sporty enough to make you feel not too done up, the fit it great (you won't be pulling your pants up all day), and the material is seriously comfortable!

Affordable: These clothes are quality, but won't break your budget.

Convenient: Get workout clothes sent to your door every month! Cute, and gives you the inspiration you need to get your workout in.

Personalized: Each month you get clothes that are based on what you like. Colors, fit, style, and by the exercises you enjoy.

Could this site be any better?

Here's my favorite outfit right now!

The Salar capri: Pink Grapefruit BUY HERE
The Aventura tank: Heather White BUY HERE
The Sevan sports bra: Heather Grey BUY HERE


Get 20% off your first outfit by clicking here

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.

Finally!!! A Fitness Community Designed For Women

Calling ALL Ladies!

This week is the launch of Infinity that my good friend, Lindsay Farrel, and I are starting.  We're super excited to bring together some of the most amazing women we’ve met in our local community ... all of you!  For many of you, our first interactions were through fitness and after getting to know you, we’ve taken away much more than that. 

Most of you live in San Francisco, one of the fittest cities in the U.S. where health and fitness is a large part of our lifestyle.  Even though we're surrounded by it every day, it's hard to keep up with that lifestyle unaccompanied and what better than accountability from your best girlfriends. This is what can pull you out of bed early on a Saturday morning regardless of how much wine you had the night before!  

We’re all members of this SF fitness community, and have the ability to thrive when feeling uplifted and supported.  As women, we deal with creating work life balance, relationship drama, financial stress, and body image issues (to name a few). Each one of our unique stories can be shared, and that is where we have the ability to empower one another to take on anything we set our minds to.

Many of you have brought up the idea to us about bringing together the people within this San Francisco community -- the people who we see everyday in the gym, or out and about in our neighborhoods.  Your feedback has helped us design Infinity, a high intensity outdoor workout followed by local "hangout" events to make new friends and get to know each other.  

Our launch date is Saturday, March 1^st.  We'll be holding Infinity every Saturday from 10am - 12pm, including the workout at Fort Mason and event.   This weeks hangout will be at Thrive juice bar.

Look out for more detailed information in the next email!  In that next email, expect it from:

info@sf-infinity.com

Or:

Thea Nolan – thea@sf-infinity.com    

Lindsay Farrel – lindsay@sf-infinity.com

Cheers to 2014- How to set goals and resolutions you'll stick to

My email has already started to blow up. Clients are starting to feel sluggish, stuffed, and not like themselves. Statistics show that the average person gains 2lbs during the holidays.

These last few months may have gotten you off your healthy routine, but it's never too early or late to start back up. January is the most popular time to set new goals.

New Years resolutions are extremely popular. Holidays tend to put stress on people at work (to finish the same amount of work in less time), traveling and not being in your routine, finances sometimes become tight. People tend to eat more and drink more when stressed. 

On January 1st most people set new health and fitness goals, financial goals, relationship goals, and travel goals after spending months under unbearable stress. So what should you do about it?

Take advantage of the popularity, and make your own detailed resolutions. Check in with yourself every day for the first 21 days. It takes about 21 days to create a habit. After that check in every 5 or 10. Don't lose sight of what's important to you.

When you set your resolutions:

-Be Specific: write down detailed instead of broad goals.

-Make sure the goal is Measurable: how will you know when you reached it?

-Make sure the goal is attainable:  can you personally acheive this within the given time?

-be relevant: is it worthwhile? 

-make sure it's time driven: how long are you giving yourself? 

My personal goals:

Fitness goals:

January: and will re-evaluate and alter on feb 1

M: leg day and cardio

T: cardio and yoga

W: body rock 

T: upper body 

F: rest or body rock

S:rest or body rock 

Su: long run yoga 

Run a half marathon in February.

Nutrition goals:

Drink 1 day a week

Sweets 1 day a week

Limit eating out 2 meals a week

Optional: count calories

Blog goals:

By February have a new set up 

Blog 4-6 times a week 

Start advertising more starting in January 

Look in to fashion ads and email for sponsors in February 

Career goals: 

New fun cerification by march 

Get a promotion or recognition for changing policies at work 

January: boot camps with Lindsay on Sunday 

Financial goals:

Start an account in 2 months that I can't touch for 10 years.

Start to look in to investment options and meet with someone in February.

Travel:

Save to visit 2 places this year I've never been

Visit Brittany in Austin 

Other goals:

Volunteer at least 1x a month

Seek Public speaking opportunities 

Find a community or create one of women (with Lindsay)

I'm still milling mine over, but I'm curious- what are your goals and resolutions?!

London Trip: Balance, & Lack There Of

I just got back from a much needed trip out of the country. In the last few months I have gone through a lot of "personal issues", and have been mourning the loss of a few family members. I really felt like my trip came at the perfect time.
I was able to do all the things I had hoped to. I had nice dinners, afternoon tea, brunch, Sunday roast, fish & chips, a pint of ale, saw many sights, shopped a lot, and laughed a lot.

I didn't focus on what I was eating, or how much exercise I was getting. To be honest, it felt really good for people to not see me as "THE FITNESS GIRL".
I do love love love helping people reach their fitness goals, motivating people, working out, and eating healthy. I also know that I was losing balance in my life, and this trip helped me find it. That being said, I am back to my healthy eating and normal routine.

Do you ever feel like you get out of whack? Do you ever feel like you need your life to be out of whack to find out what you really want?

I do.

Buddy Up!

Are you lacking motivation or an excuse to get fit? Does it seem like your motivation only lasts a few weeks, days, or hours? Time to get a buddy!!!

There are many different forms of buddies that may all positively relate to your fitness. I am going to list and explain some ways of becoming successfully fit with a buddy.

FRIEND: I have been quite successful when teaming up with a friend to get fit. My great friend Kate was my ROCK when I decided to compete in my fitness competition. We did it together. Although we weren't working out all the time, we were there for support 24/7. We literally called to motivate, complain, laugh, and cry together. I seriously remember numerous phone conversations where one of us were sitting in our car outside the gym not wanting to go in, and we would support each other and make sure we got in there. If you have a friend who wants to get fit then use her/him for support. Call, text, email, facebook, workout together, cook together, get coffee together, and be there for one another
FAMILY MEMBER:
Tell your family members how much getting fit and changing your lifestyle means to you. Try to include them in your new healthy habits, instead of yell at them for having other habits (p.s. I learned the hard way on this one). Family members in my experiences take a little more time to persuade, but when you buddy up with one you can really find the support you desire. I personally love working out with my sister on a day I need to switch things up. She is a great triathlete and can run LONG.
ROOMMATE:
I am fortunate to have had some amazing roomates in the last 5 years. Girls who will try anything, which is awesome because we are all at different fitness levels. I have gone on numerous runs with them, yoga classes, bar classes, hikes, grocery trips, cooking parties, and of course chats about nutrition. Roommates who are on-board with healthy eating will accept your habits even if they are uber healthy!
TRAINER:
A trainer A good trainer will be there for you to hold you accountable. They will educate you on healthy living, and teach you the habits you need to learn to be successful in reaching your goals. A trainer will always be pushing you to a level you never knew you could reach. They will be there for guidance, support, and a seriously hardcore workout. If you have the extra money, this is a great tool to ensure you succeed in your goals.
DIETICIAN:
If you are completely lost, and really want to make sure you are eating proper nutrients then I would suggest seeing a dietician. A dietician will know exactly what to advise you on eating, they will teach you how to incorporate the things you love, and hold you accountable to healthy habits. Dieticians are extremely up with the new research, and know what to suggest for special diet needs (celiac, lactose intolerant, vegan, etc.)

I suggest when you are ready to hop on the fit-train, to FIND A BUDDY. Someone you feel comfortable with, and someone whose advice you would listen to.

How To Start Your Transformation

I have never been so flattered with compliments like I was this past weekend. Every time I ran in to people I haven't seen in a while I was lucky to have been spoiled with kind words. I couldn't help but feel spoiled with love.
I was SO happy that people rooted me on and told me I inspired or motivated them (those are the best two compliments I could ask for). I noticed, people actually got the fact that I did this competition to challenge my mind and body, not try to look good in a bikini on a stage. That wasn't my reasoning for competing at all. Knowing that I can help others reach their goals by motivating them is why I continue to push hard every day.

SO NOW IT'S YOUR TURN. START WORKING HARD, MOTIVATE PEOPLE, AND TRANSFORM.

It isn't easy to change old habits. Think about it, you have created these habits over years and years. The change won't happen overnight, but the consistency of working towards a change makes it a lifestyle. It took me about a year to lose the freshman 15 I gained. People gave me a hard time for about...... A YEAR. The only thing that kept me going was....ME. Knowing that I needed to make the change kept me working hard.

How to make your change: Start adopting more healthy habits! I.e. If you workout 3x a week shoot for 4. If you eat healthy 3 of 4 meals then shoot for 4 of 4. If you workout 30minutes then shoot for 1hour. If you eat out 3x a week eat out 2.

Start small, and these little changes will change your life. I promise. I started by ordering salads out. Then salads with no candied nuts, then changed  to getting no nuts or cheese on my salads. A few weeks later no nuts, no cheese, and no dressing. Small changes make BIG differences, up to 350-400 calorie differences!!!!!!!!!

You can transform your habits, which will then transform your mood, and your BODY. Now is the time. Start your transformation, you are the only person who can transform YOU. It is your responsibility to control your happiness, confidence, and you have the power to change!

Behind The Scenes: Photoshoot with Mike Byerly

Man, what a weekend! Competition and all, Kate and I decided to keep with the diet a few more days and do a fun fitness photo shoot! We had the honor of working with Photographer Mike Byerly and Hair and MUA Amanda Kroon! Kate and I slept a few hours after traveling from So-Cal to Nor-Cal and woke up at 4:30am for our photo shoot (yeah we have dedication). We got prepared for the day and just ENJOYED. We laughed and played the whole day. Amanda and Mike were the nicest, most professional two people we could've asked to work with. We got some great shots ranging from fitness to commercial and even some glamour! At the end of the day it was nice to reward ourselves with a fun playful day as friends! Here's a sneak peek Behind The Scenes

Competition Update

9 days until my competition!I don't think I knew how much work this would be until I got wrapped up in it! I am so glad my friend Kate is doing the competition with me, her support has meant the world and knowing I am not alone feels great! I am working my tush off, and although I'm completely drained I am pushing through. I have learned so much about myself up until this point, I have to finish strong!!!!! My body is pretty tired from intense workouts, but I feel healthy and fit! I don't know what I would do without all my friends, family, and coaches support! Some days are harder than others, and knowing I have people who support and believe in me is the best feeling ever. If you want to come out and support, here are the details. Competition Details: EVENT SITE Veteran's Memorial Auditorium 4117 Overland Avenue Culver City, California 90230 Saturday May 26th Finals 6:30 Tickets: $40 Unfortunately, this is a LONG event and may not get out until late at night! Past our bedtimes, possibly around 11pm. Thank you for the continued support, I just gotta finish strong:)