Brit Rettig Wold – Page 42 – BRITTANI RETTIG WOLD

October 21, 2012

Tight Tummy, Sexy Stomach, Cut Core Workout

You guys are insatiable when it comes to ab workouts! 🙂 Well rest assured, those who ask shall receive. Here is the latest ab workout I designed. I’ve been trying out a lot of new fitness methods in New York City and in Dallas, so I’ve built-in my favorite moves from a variety of formats. Your abs will be on FIRE – guaranteed!

Also, here’s a legit ab exercise article from Web MD: 9 Tips for Fabulous Abs. AND, if you missed my “Six Pack by Summer Vol. 2” workout a few months ago, you can download it here: https://gritbybrit.com/2012/05/28/abs-for-days-yeah-buddy/

Exercise Demonstrations:

Twisting Knee Lift (but throw squat in between each one)

Tin Solider Walk

Plie Squat lean side to side

“Frogger” jumps in plank (but you don’t have to do the push up)

“V” Sit Hold

Speedbag Twisting Crunches (Russian twist w/speed bag arms)

Bicycle crunches

Suitcase crunches

October 14, 2012

The Beauty of Balance…living a healthy lifestyle

To be fit requires only physical strength and endurance, but to be well requires additional elements of mental, emotional and spiritual development. I don’t know about you, but I often overemphasize the “physical” element of my wellness because it’s more tangible and makes me feel productive. However, simply relaxing, enjoying life and spending time with the people we love is just as, if not more, important than exercise. This weekend I focused on the “mental” and “emotional” aspects of my wellness with some good ole’ fashioned friends and family time.

On Friday night, I hosted a ladies’ a book club with my fabulous girlfriends in Dallas. Positive energy filled the room as we laughed, ate good food, sipped EXCELLENT wine (thanks to my girl Amy Hampton, Founder and Owner of Sociologie Wine) and engaged in heartfelt and inspiring fellowship…

Then on Saturday, my mom and I drove to Lubbock, TX to visit my little sister who is on the varsity dance team at Texas Tech University. It was a great opportunity to share what’s been on our minds and enjoy the authentic, West Texas culture. We also went to the Texas Tech football game to watch my lil’ sis cheer and dance on the sidelines. People have always told me that I’m a lucky charm, and this week I proved them correct. TX Tech football upset #5 West Virginia. Yea buddy – GUNS UP, Red Raiders!

While this weekend I didn’t workout as hard as I usually do (i.e. skipped my 2-hour Saturday Detox) I appreciated the beauty of balance. As we all start a new week, I encourage each of you take a moment and reflect upon your overall wellness.

Is there an element of your wellness that you tend to neglect?

One that you overemphasize?

October 10, 2012

Wednesday Workout: Sweat, Tone, Sweat!

Good morning everyone! Here’s your Wednesday Workout. I tested this bad boy on Monday night and it’s definitely GRIT by Brit worthy. The workout requires a stationary bike and 2 light hand weights. The key is to stay on the bike and cycle for the entire duration of the workout. It takes about 1 hour to complete and you can expect to burn 500-700 calories. You can also expect to sculpt some lean sexy arms in the process. Try it out and let me know how it goes. Lots of luv, Brit 🙂

October 9, 2012

4-week Challenge Final Update: Lak’s Top 5 Lessons for Healthy Living

4-week Shape-up Challenge: Lakshmi’s Final Update

I’ve spent 4 weeks on the Grit by Brit shape-up plan and in the infamous words of Ms. Brit, “I’ve seen some things.” Maybe more accurately, I’ve learned some things – about myself, my habits and my goals:

Success is a commitment – I’ve finally realized that when it comes to my body and my health, achieving a goal does not happen at a finite point in time. It’s a continual commitment. There is a reason that the phrase is “healthy lifestyle,” and not “healthy moment.” Achieving a healthy lifestyle requires commitment to a healthy life. It’s not one of those quick fix wedding boot camps – be intensely committed for 3 weeks, look buff for the big day and then stop once he’s passed you the ring. Being healthy is something that I need to consider every time I want to eat something or be active (or not active).
It takes a village – Hillary Clinton was so right – you can’t do this alone. Get supporters to cheer you on when you’re doing well. And to scold you when you’ve fallen off the wagon. Talking about my healthy life goals reinforced them in my head (the whole “speak it into existence” idea) and helped make those around me accountable for my success, too. No one wants to watch someone fail in health. If you tell people about who you want to be, they will enable success.
My body is smarter than I am – My brain is my worst enemy. It tells me I’m hungry when I’m not. It tells me I need to stop cycling when I shouldn’t. It tells me to not get out of bed when I need to. Turn the brain off. I learned to listen to my body. Am I hungry? Let me ask my energy level and stomach. Can I go further? Let me ask my legs and heart. Sometimes the answer is “Yes, stop! You’ve worked too hard” and other times it’s all “Lakshmi, please, your grandmother could keep going.” Whatever the question, I learned to let my body answer instead of my brain.
I am not perfect – Brit was continually telling me to not be so hard on myself. I find that when I hold myself to the expectation that my healthy behavior must be 100% compliant with the plan, I fail hard. And once I fail, I can’t pick myself back up. I need to lower the expectations of myself and minimize the impact of the failures so that I can get right back on-track.
I am perfect – You all read about how a woman mistook me for being pregnant. My self-esteem after that episode was low. WAY LOW. But then I realized, I am who I am. I am a fertile looking woman, who is great as she is. I have (finally) realized that the whole idea that people come in different sizes isn’t necessarily because they have varying abilities to portion control. Instead, it’s sometimes just because you were handed those genes. I was at the Levi’s store this weekend (amazing transition from genes to jeans) and noticed that all their fits had positive names (Slight, Demi, Bold, Supreme Curve). This taught me my size – no matter what it is – is awesome.

Thanks friends for reading! And thanks Brit for being both my good cop and my bad cop.

Missed one of Lakshmi’s updates? Catch up on her journey here:

Kick Off, Week 1, Week 2, Week 3

October 4, 2012

Thursday Thigh Burn

YO YO YO – Here is the workout I just completed this morning. I threw some new exercises in, so if you get confused, below are some pictures of me doing them to guide you. The total workout should take you about 30 minutes and you can expect to burn ~300 calories in the process.

Only 3 words can describe my Thursday Thigh Burn = BOOTY ON FIRE!

Try it for yourself and let me know how it goes.

CHOOSE to have a great day 🙂

October 2, 2012

Lak’s Week 3 Update: #workouthairproblems

Lakshmi’s Week 3 Update

Hi pals – Week 3 of my Grit by Brit 4-week plan is done and I’m still going strong.

I had a little drama in the workout arena this week because I had a Keratin hair treatment. For those who are blessed with naturally silky smooth hair, when you get a Keratin hair treatment, you can’t wash your hair for three days. How does one stick to a workout regime? #texturedhairproblems. My body was so in the habit of hard core workouts that I started to feel really antsy when I couldn’t workout. Like cranky and irritable. My work around was to bike and use the elliptical, but just to go really slow so that I wouldn’t sweat. Yes, the calories burned were significantly less, but I felt much better. Moreover, I was more amazed by the fact that my body was telling my brain, “Get your workout on!”

I had some moments going off track in the food arena, but by in large, I’ve stayed on track. The G by B plan has done an excellent job of telling me what to eat and when to eat. But, I realized that I need another rule around how much to eat to really kick me into gear. Being 5’2″, I just don’t need as many calories as I want to eat. Any guidance here, Brit?

Brit’s Advice for Lakshmi

In regards to you #texturedhairproblems I suggest you check out www.sportyafros.com – “Where Hair and Sports Collide”
As for the calorie intake, Lak is definitely right. There is only ONE true way to lost weight = Burn more calories than you consume. For the last week of the plan, try to keep your calorie intake to 1,400 calories per day on days that you don’t work out and 1,600 per day on days that you do work. YOU CAN DO IT!

October 1, 2012

Brit’s 5 Favorite (Fit) Things

If not for these 5 things, I’d have a very hard time living a healthy and lively lifestyle. Here’s why I love them and why you should love them too – enjoy!

Starbucks Venti iced green tea “Straight Up” (no sweetener no added water) – When I’m hungry (or bored) this is my #1 go to. It’s filling, hydrating, taste great, loaded with antioxidants and serves as a natural metabolism booster. Also, by ordering it “straight up” I consume ZERO calories!
Pedometer – If you remember my Pedometer Diary post a few months back, I tested this thing out just for fun, but I find that it really helps me stay more active during the day. I tend to get up from my desk and walk around every hour or so. I also intentionally park far away from my office building to meet my step goal.
Daily Devotions – Fitness isn’t only limited to our bodies, it extends to our minds and souls. That said, I carry a really small daily devotional handbook that I got as a high school graduation gift. It’s nice and concise and organized by “life topic.” I find that just taking 5-10 minutes each day to a read a few lines and give thanks to God really helps keep me in a positive mindset and grateful spirit.
Apples – Because I travel every week for work, my stomach situation gets a little “off track” if you will. Apples are a super fiber source, easy to carry, keep my breath fresh and most importantly, keep me regular 😉
TaeBo DVDs + Billy Bands – I became a TaeBo groupie when I was 15 and Billy still gives it to me like he used to in my teens. The Billy Bands add resistance for extra calorie burn and toning. Also, I just pack the DVD and bands in my suitcase and easily workout on my laptop in my hotel room. Super convenient!

What are you favorite things that keep you fit? Let me know!

September 25, 2012

Kill your workout RUT

Despite the sincere joy and stress relief I receive from my exercise regimen, there are times that simply get sick of working out. It’s usually because I’ve been doing the same routine for a long time and need a change up…or I’m just being lazy, in which case I’m often guilty putting off workouts until “tomorrow.”

That said, my “Kill your RUT workout” consists of exercises that I NEVER do (except the push ups). I’m going to do it before work tomorrow morning along with some moderate cardio. Hopefully it’s enjoyable and gets my fitness juices flowing!

Try it for yourself and let me know what you think. Also, here’s an honest and practical article on “5 Ways to Beat Exercise Boredom.”

Lots of love and CHOOSE to have a great day! – Brit

September 21, 2012

4-week challenge: Sasha O or Prego?

Lakshmi’s Week 2 Update

Sasha Obama wore this adorable dress to her father’s speech at the DNC. I promptly purchased and wore it Wednesday for a work event. Not going to lie, I felt good in it. It accentuated my waist and was flattering (so I thought). I went to the work event, where the first person I spoke with had met with me a year ago. She said to me, “It’s great to see you again. And I see you have a baby bump.” Pow. All my confidence (I had even posted on Facebook about how great I felt in the dress) just disappeared like that. Unfortunately, there’s something about my body type that causes me to get mistaken for being pregnant all too often (I know, weird). I played the bigger person and instead of socking her in the face I said, “You’d be surprised how often I am mistaken for being pregnant. I must have a pregnant glow. When it does actually happen to me, I’ll be radioactive!” But I can joke all I want. It still really hurts. And when it hurts, I need some carbs. So Brit, I did eat carbs after 4 pm on Wednesday. But can you blame me? I was eating for two (PLEASE NOTE: THAT STATEMENT IS A JOKE).

Really tough to get the workouts in this week. I was in Boston Wed – Thursday AM. And am in Richmond Thursday AM to Friday night. Working a ton – so my options to workout were between the hours of midnight and 4 am. Sooo…I didn’t workout Thursday and Friday. I’ll get back into the groove on Saturday, I promise!

Here’s the dress I wore Wednesday. Isn’t it adorable? (the black and white one). No one mistook Sasha Obama for being prego.

Brit’s Advice for Lakshmi

Accentuate the positive – when you reflect on your week, ALWAYS think about everything you did WELL first. If you start with your “slip ups,” it’s too easy to get discouraged and eventually quit your shape up efforts.
Don’t think in absolutes – you will never have a perfect day, so don’t beat yourself up if you sneak a cookie or miss a workout. Just think about living a “balanced” life and schedule some extra workout time or a super lean meal to compensate for your “slip up”

September 19, 2012

Wednesday “Get Right” Workout

Hey Gang! As usual, I hope this message finds you joyous and well. Here is the workout I did this morning before work. It was efficient and effective. Try it for yourself and let me know how it goes. Have a WONDERFUL WEDNESDAY and CHOOSE to have a great day.

Lots of luv,

Brit