Tuesday, January 8, 2013

I survived the first week of my workout challenge!

"People with clear, written goals, accomplish far more than people without them could ever imagine."

The start 31 Days of Working out and I'm up for the challenge! ...the ULTIMATE CHALLENGE is "Sweating Once a Day" for 365 Days. If I can do a workout at least once a day for 31 days straight, I can continue on for the months to come. A New Year's resolution doesn't have to only last for one week or one month, I am ready to take on an entire year.
  • DAY ONE New Years's Day 1/1/13
    • Hot Power Fusion at CorePower Yoga South Loop 6:15-7:15PM
    • Took Diana F.'s HPF and it was so great to take HPF! It has been quite a few months since the last time I took HPF. Something I thought was wonderful that Diana shared in class is that while many of focus on our New Year's resolutions, each day is a a new day and if you fail at something..you still have another day ahead of you that you can create a new goal for yourself.
    • One of my favorite quotes about failure: "If you have made mistakes, even serious ones, there is always another chance for you. What we call failure is not the falling down but the staying down."
  • DAY TWO 1/2/13
    • Cardio Box at On Your Mark West Loop 9:30AM
    • Such an amazing workout with Annette from OYM. Cardio Box was challenging but so much fun!!! It was great being able to hit different combos and incorporate some cardio workouts with boxing. The turbo punches were intense and I thought my arms were going to fall off at one point haha. Definitely was feeling the soreness the day after (& the day after that too!)
    • Set your "Motivational Mantra" for 2013 to clear your mind and focus. Try not to focus so much on what your specific goal or resolution is for the year, instead focus on specific word or phrase that can help motivate you throughout the year. This word or phrase can symbolize what is in store for you this year.
    • Also taught Yoga Sculpt/BootCamp at TruHarmony 6-7PM
"FEAR is what stops you...BELIEF is what starts you...COURAGE is what sustains you."
  • DAY THREE 1/3/13
    • C2 at CorePower Yoga Bucktown
    • Getting caught up in resolutions for 2013, try focusing on the present moment and not lose focus of what is happening now. "Let go of the ego."
  • DAY FOUR 1/4/13
    • Hour of Power at TruHarmony Yoga
  • DAY FIVE 1/5/13
    • Vinyasa Flow 60 Minutes at TruHarmony Yoga 8-9AM
    • Great way to start the morning off and start to energize and wake up! 
    • Also taught Yoga Sculpt/Bootcamp at TruHarmony Yoga 9:15AM-10:15AM
  • DAY SIX 1/6/13
    • Vinyasa Flow 60 Minutes at TruHarmony Yoga 2-3PM
    • Donation Class benefiting Funny Bones Improv 
  • DAY SEVEN 1/7/13
    • Vinyasa Flow 75 Minutes at TruHarmony Yoga 7:15-8:30PM
    • Great way to wind down on Monday night 
365 Day Guide to Exercise Tips
1.  "The best kind of exercise is the one that comes with a lifestyle change. Remember that your resolution to exercise more is supposed to last the whole year, not just for the next few weeks or months. Make a deal with yourself to keep your resolution all the way until it’s time to start making new ones."
2.  MAKE SPECIFIC GOALS. 
For me six workouts a week & at least one day of rest. For someone who hates running, I signed up for the Shamrock Shuffle (4/7/13), I ran it last year and my final time was 54:16. I would like to finish in 45 minutes or less. I would also like to sign up for another "fun run" mid-year and late-year (Hot Chocolate or Turkey Trot). Blog about workout week at least once a week!
"A goal without a plan is just a wish."
3.  SET YOUR SCHEDULE.
At least one workout day of high intensity/cardio and the following days balanced with yoga, spinning, functional training etc. 6 Days workout with one day of rest. Also setting my workout schedule will help me keep track of what workouts I'm doing as well as helping me keep track so I can blog about it!
4.  VISUAL YOUR NEW SELF.
Building more lean muscle. Toned arms!!! Stronger core!!
5.  MIX IT UP.
Incorporating different types of exercise into my routine. Mixing it up will also allow me to stay motivated! It's also a great way to try out different types of workouts. Yoga. Indoor Cycling. Boxing. Circuit Training. BootCamp. Krav Maga. Surfing (when I go back to LA). Beachcruising. & so much more!
6.  FIND A WORKOUT BUDDY.
It's great to plan with a workout buddy! In my first week I took CardioBox with my sister. Took yoga this weekend w/ my friend. This week I'm cycling with my buddy!
7.  GET YOUR GEAR.
Wear comfortable clothing! & make sure you have the right gear for specific workouts. Comfortable workout shoes! 
I received a really awesome gift from Lululemon Rush & Walton!!! I am so excited and cannot wait to start using my new mat! "THE MAT" basically the Rolls Royce of yoga mats!!!
8.  MANAGE INJURIES.
"Take steps to prevent injuries." Super important to warm up before and after working out! Being mindful of soreness or tight muscles. Also taking any modifications when needed throughout classes.
9.  BE PATIENT.
Change doesn't happen overnight. "Remember that this whole process is a lifestyle change and it requires patience and commitment."
10.  REVISIT YOUR GOALS.
If the goals are too easy, might need to reassess the goals. 
11.  DO SOMETHING.
Day of rest doesn't necessarily mean doing "nothing." It just giving myself an opportunity to allow my body to rest and take it easy. (I also don't count teaching as a workout for myself bc that's not my intention to get a workout in while leading a class) Today for example, I didn't actually go do a "workout" i.e. go to class or go to the gym, but I did walk about 3.2 miles total today. Walking to and from work or around the city instead of taking a cab or public trans. (yes even in 30 degree weather today!)
12.  CONGRATULATE YOURSELF. 
 "Make it a point to recognize your success." It's important to recognize the hard work that's been put into the process. The level of commitment and time put into working out on a regular basis! Also just having the opportunity to congratulate yourself for the physical and mental accomplishments gained!

Here's to the new year! 2013 IS GONNA BE BADASS. 

Wednesday, August 1, 2012

LOLLAPALOOZA PLAYLIST & concert memories

 So with Lollapalooza coming up this weekend (and since I won't be there this weekend..wahh) I thought it would be fun to have a LollaPalooza themed playlist and share a preview of the 2012 lineup!




Link to Spotify Lollapalooza Playlist


 "Choose not a life of imitation." Such a great line from one my favorite RHCP songs! (I actually didn't feature it on this playlist specifically..they're so many RHCP songs to choose from) I'd definitely have to agree that those are some "lyrics to live by."

I love pretty much all of these bands and seeing this year's lineup actually reminds me of some of the concerts I've been to back home in California...brings back some great memories of great times spent with some of my best friends. It's amazing how music can bring people together..how you can literally feel the energy of the crowd...how a song that you love so much can completely lift you up and have you jumping up and down in the air (or even motivate you to push that much harder in your own daily workout!).

San Diego Street Scene 2006 w/ my sister Ria, our friend Kris & my BFFF Glen (saw Kanye West, Bloc Party, Snoop Dogg)
Girl Talk at the Grove in Anaheim 2009 w/ the "U R Club" w/ Glen, Ana & Cristelle ( we had to bring the most amount of recycled cans to get VIP passes)
 COACHELLA 2009 hands down...the best concert I've been to in my life!!!

PS


Friday, July 27, 2012

TruHarmony Yoga & Lululemon

Since TruHarmony Yoga was chosen as "studio of the month" I got to teach a complimentary class at the Lululemon 900 N Michigan Ave. store and it was so much fun!

The staff was so great and even had me to come in to do a fun photoshoot modeling some of their new products!
I decided to go with the "Optimal Tank" in Pow Pink with metallic silver. It's a fun bright neon color that I thought would be great for the summer; not only for teaching but to wear in my own practice!
I love the design in the back with the double straps and the built-in bra that provides plenty of support (also comes with removable cups to add more shape and coverage). The staff at Lululemon were nice enough to give me this top as  a thank you for teaching a complimentary class for their store! (YAY!!!)
I loved this top so much that I even wore it at TruHarmony Yoga's "Keep Calm and Party On" event and paired it with a BCBG skirt and stilettos. The moisture wicking Luxtreme fabric also kept me from sweating through my shirt when I was getting down on the dance floor. =P



Monday, July 9, 2012

Yoga Schedule 7/8/12 -7/15/12, "Keep Calm & Party On," What's in my Yogi Bag

Yoga Class Schedule
Tuesday 7/10/12
Wednesday 7/11/12
Friday 7/13/12
Saturday 7/14/12
Sunday 7/15/12

  • COMPLIMENTARY Vinyasa Yoga Class at Lululemon 900 N Michigan Ave. 11AM-12PM
  •  TruHarmony Yoga is "Studio of the Month" at Lululemon & I'll be teaching!!!

2nd Edition of "What's in my Yogi Bag"
I LOVE my new "Surf 'n' Turf" Tote in beachy floral dune print.

It's the perfect bag for the summer that fits all my yogi essentials but also is water resistant so it's just what I need when taking it to the beach. The tote also has an interior removable bag, which comes in handy if you want to separate your wet clothes, towels, etc. 

What's Inside?
A summer essential! It's hydrating and light, so it doesn't leave a greasy feeling on your skin. It's also pretty water resistant so still stays after teaching yoga. =) I also still get a pretty decent tan after applying this sunscreen, but don't get burned. (also necessary if your'e doing some beach yoga!)

Pictured is the deodorant bar but I actually recommend using the body lotion. It's not featured on the website, but you can find it at the store in Wicker Park. (they have the cutest beauty supplies there too soaps and bars shaped like cupcakes & cakes) This lotion not only smells great but it's lightweight and absorbs excess sweat & elminates odor keeping you smelling fresh.

 
It's not as heavy as a regular foundation and also has SPF 25 that provides great coverage for my skin. There's an array of shades you can get from light to medium complexions (I use toasted beige).

My favorite pair of sunglasses ever. Polarized lens. Classic frame that comes in all kinds of prints & colors to suit your fancy. nuff' said.


Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Summer Sculpt Playlist, Donation Ride & Donation Class

All songs can be downloaded on Spotify!

Wednesday 5/30/12
Friday 6/1/12
Sunday 6/3/12
Save the Date!!!! Donation Classes

Friday June 1, 2012
6:30PM


Donation Ride at Flywheel Sports Gold Coast benefitting Sherri's From a Whisper to Roar Non-Profit Organization for Ovarian Cancer
Donations Only


Sunday June 3, 2012
Yoga Sculpt Donation Based Community Class
I'll be teaching 2:00-3:00PM
benefitting
Suggested Donations: $10







Tuesday, May 22, 2012

Yoga Class Schedule & Donation Classes

Tuesday 5/22/12
Wednesday 5/23/12
Friday 5/25/12
Save the Date!!!! Donation Classes

Friday June 1, 2012
6:30PM


Donation Ride at Flywheel Sports Gold Coast benefitting Sherri's From a Whisper to Roar Non-Profit Organization for Ovarian Cancer
Donations Only


Sunday June 3, 2012
Yoga Sculpt Donation Based Community Class
I'll be teaching 2:00-3:00PM
benefitting
Suggested Donations: $10







Monday, May 14, 2012

Yoga Class Schedule 5/14/12-5/18/12

Monday 5/14/12
Tuesday 5/15/12
Wednesday 5/16/12
Thursday 5/17/12
Friday 5/18/12