Brit’s Fit Holiday Picks: Top Fitness Gifts…a Gym Rat’s Dream!

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Alright Gang – it’s that time of year.  I can’t believe we are only 2 weeks away from Christmas!  In my lifelong efforts to be like Oprah, I’ve compiled Brit’s Fit Holiday Gift Picks (my version of Oprah’s Favorite Things).  Unfortunately, I’m NOT a baller and you will NOT receive a free gift set of the items above.  However, because I’m in the Christmas spirit, I will send a free GRIT by Brit workout tank top to the first 20 people who email me their preferred color (black or blue), size and mailing address (email [email protected]).  You’re welcome 🙂

So let’s get to right to it.  My holiday fitness wish list goes a little something like this…

  1. OMG That’s Paleo? Recipe Book ($19.85) – So I started following Juli Bauer on Instagram and quickly became a fan of her blog/social media community PaleOMG.  Her recipes are super savory and made with the fitness enthusiast in mind.  She gets creative with the Paleo diet which is awesome if you’re sick and tired of eating the standard “burger no bun.”
  2. Quest Bars Variety Box ($26.99) – If you guys remember my post on the Best and Worst Nutrition Bars, Quest Bars topped my list due to their low sugar, high protein, high fiber and great taste.  There are SO many yummy Quest bar flavors, so I would love a variety box.  They are also convenient “meals on the go” especially when I ‘m traveling for work.
  3. Nike FlyKnit Multi Colored Sneakers ($129.90) –  I’m a Nike FREE junkie partially due to functionality, but mostly due to style.  However, the new Nike FlyKnit sneakers  are supposed to be really light, flexible and comfortable.  Also, they have this cool multicolored print that I love.  I will definitely be getting some of these.  Probably 2 pairs.
  4. Lululemon Reversible Wunder Under Yoga Pants ($92)- These leggings are bold fuchsia on one side and black on the other.  Plus they fit like a glove and give your booty a nice little lift.  I would wear these to yoga and then continue to wear them to prance around in the grocery store – word.
  5. Nike Twisted Headband ($15) – Because I’m a headband junkie, 2 different types of headbands made my list.  This one is a new design by Nike that’s also very wide and twists like the Turban one.  However, this is made of dri-fit moisture-wicking fabric and looks more sporty.  I will wear this one to the gym and actually workout in it.  I REALLY want one.  Bad.
  6. Puma Women’s All Sport No Show Socks ($14) – These socks are the perfect texture – not too thick and not too thin.  They keep my feet relatively dry during sweaty workouts and don’t show at all.  Simple and effective.  Just my style.
  7. Up 24 by Jawbone ($149.95) – So, you guys already know I’m obsessed with my Jawbone UP wristband.  I wrote a product review a few months ago and my only beef was that there is no blue tooth capability.  Well, that’s not the case anymore!  The new and improved Jawbone UP 24 now has blue tooth capability so you don’t have to manually plug it into your iPhone to sync.  I like to think I influenced that product enhancement.
  8. Focus T25 by Shaun T & Beach Body ($119.85) – As much as I want to be a Shaun T hater, he has a way of sucking me in.  I’ve never tried Insanity, but I’m intrigued by this new T25 program.   Essentially, the program is like Insanity but more “focused.”  Each workout is only 25 minutes long and is promised to deliver the same results as a longer workout.   Also, since I’ve come to the realization that I can only do a home workout for 30 minutes before I start to zone out, I’m even more eager to try T25.  I plan start the Focus T25 program the day after Christmas.  I’ll give it a formal GRIT by Brit review and share with you guys.
  9. C9 Champion Cold Weather Pull Over Fleece ($21.24) – This is super cute, super warm and super inexpensive.  You can get it at Target. Enough said.
  10. Bosu Ball ($79.95) – Like 3 years ago I had a personal trainer and he always made me do Bosu Burpees and Bosu Plank stability drills.  Since then I kind of stopped because I usually just go to group fitness classes.  But, this holiday season I want to buy a Bosu Ball to keep in my house so I can start incorporating the exercises back into my routine.  They are super effective for cardio and strength training.  Actually, I’ll do a blog post on my favorite Bosu Ball exercises…
  11. Tribal Print Turban Headband ($10) – Aren’t these headbands presh?  So, I don’t necessarily want to wear these to the gym, I just want to wear them with gym clothes.  They come in all different patterns, but the tribal prints are my favorites.  They give me the perfect balance of looking chic yet effortless.  You can get them on Etsy.
  12. Olive Oil Deep Conditioning Replenishing Pack ($10 for 3 packs) – These deep conditioning treatments are my saving grace.  I sweat a lot.  Like my hair is wringing wet after a tough workout.  I have to be diligent about hydrating my hair, so I do use one of these replenishing pack treatments each week.  It’s a good, weekly, deep conditioning routine especially for women with hair texture similar to mine which tends to dry out.
  13. Lululemon  Yeah Yoga Tank ($58) – How cute is the back on this?  I like this tank because it’s supportive for those of us who are bustier, but also cute and sexy with the backless crisscross design.  I can wear this to yoga AND to kickboxing because it provides enough support.  Also, the fabric is thick and fits very snug, which I appreciate.
  14. Foam Roller ($15-20) – Foam rolling is my massage substitute.  It’s also a  good warm up for high intensity workouts (along with some light cardio).  The foam roller allows you to massage deep into your muscle fibers, generate heat and break up lactic acid.  It’s a really good tool to have around your house if you do lots of high impact and high intensity workouts (i.e Kickboxing, Boot Camps, CrossFIT, etc.).
  15. Sporty Afros G+ Hair Spray ($5-10) – I started using this product from Sporty Afros after I got a sample in a swag bag.  It’s amazing!  The spray is made specifically for athletes.  So after a workout when my hair is sweaty, I spray it heavily on my roots and lightly on my ends, then comb my hair with a wide tooth comb.  It helps prevent breakage and keeps my hair moist.  Most importantly, it doesn’t feel greasy.  I’m a fan!

What’s on your holiday wish list?

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Wine Country Weekend Reflections #CaliSwag

Happy Monday gang!  I’m just returning from a wonderful weekend in wine country – Sonoma County, CA.  I headed out West to celebrate my bestie’s 30th birthday.  I’m so grateful for good friends. I’m also proud to say that despite our busy agenda, I got a solid workout in on Saturday morning = 30 minutes of hills sprints.  My thighs are still on fire!

Here are some pics from the weekend for you to peruse.  Now that the wining and dining #caliswag style is over, it’s back to work and back to my workouts!  Stay tuned for some new routines this week – lots of good stuff in store for you.  Love you lots, Brit

IMG_5856Chillin’s pool side at Francis Ford Coppola Winery

photo (2)A little wine country scenery – I love Sunflowers

photo (3)My friend Jan (directly behind me) and the rest of b-day celebration crew

photo (4)Crossing the Golden Gate bridge on my way back to the San Fran airport

photo (2)Posing with a BIG smile and LOVING heart for all of the GRIT gurls & guys

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The time of my life…reflection from my get away to Greece

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Who has a case of the Mondays?  I DO! 🙁

Sorry for my lack of blog posts over the past 9 days.  Me and 3 of my BEST friends went on the ultimate girls getaway to the Greek Islands – eek!  We spent 2 nights in Athens, 3 nights Mykonos and 3 in Santorini.  I truly had the time of my life.  Even though the scenery was breathtaking and the food was delicious, I’m most grateful for my amazing friends.  It’s so nice to have people in my life who accept me for who I am… flaws and all.  On top of that, I actually have fun with them!  Could there be anything better?

Now that I’m back to the US and back in my usual routine, I’ll also get back to posting workouts and diet tips for you guys to enjoy  🙂

Here are some pictures from my trip. Hope your week is off to an amazing start!  Lots of luv, Brit

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Fitness for the SOUL: My fun-filled weekend in NYC

Last weekend, my lil bro Austin (@Austin_Rettig) came to visit me in NYC.  He’s a Freshman Men’s Basketball Player at the University of Tampa.  Because I’m SO VERY PROUD of him, I decided to treat him to a weekend in the city for his Spring Break.  We kicked off the weekend with a stroll through Central Park…

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Then hit up the Big East Final Four at Madison Square Garden

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We started Saturday with some vintage shopping in the East Village…

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and ended it with a hearty meal in Little Italy.  We were really missin’ our sister Kortani (@toots_boots) because nobody loves pasta as much as she does.

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I taught a KILLER Turbo Kick class on Sunday morning at Turbo NYC (if you haven’t been to my class, I hate that for you).  Austin, helped me with the audio and cut some new tracks to “Harlem Shake” and “Snapbacks and Tattoos.”  After class we shot a new YouTube workout video that I’ll post tomorrow – be on the look out 😉

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After gettin’ our praise on at HillsongNYC, we took the Q train to Brooklyn where we supported our home town hero, Derron Williams – DALLAS stand up!

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Finally, we topped off the weekend by stuntin’ real hard b/c Derron’s mom gave us a serious VIP hook up – thank you Miss Denise!

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Yeah…what you know about that family pass with the courtside action? hehe – I was pumped!

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So grateful for my family.  My soul sings with gratitude #BLESSED

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Merry Christmas to my amazing family & friends!

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Not until about 3 years ago did I start to really appreciate the quality time I spent with my family and friends.  Often I measure my personal success by my academic and professional achievements, money earned, Twitter followers and Facebook likes.  However, none of these things bring me the sincere joy that my personal relationships create.  I feel such a sense of peace, purpose and self-assurance by knowing that there are people in my life who truly have my back.  Despite my shortcomings, my imperfections and my bad habits, they love me just the way I am.    This holiday season, I’m challenging myself to invest in my relationships as much I invest in my job, my fitness regimen and in the stock market because sowing positive seeds into other people prepares the MOST bountiful harvest of all!

I don’t have many words for this post, just an extraordinary expression of gratitude for my loving, understanding, amazing family and friends.  I thank God for you all – Merry Christmas!

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(above) My sister, brother and me after church yesterday

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Black Friday Fitness Gift Picks: My fitness Christmas wish list goes a lil’ somethin’ like this…

1. Workout pass for 10 classes from Fitist

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This pass is actually my dream come true!  There is NOTHING I love more than trying out new group fitness classes.   Fitist basically allows you to buy a package of group fitness passes and use them to go to tons of the TOP fitness studios in your city.  I’m talking Barry’s Boot Camp, FlyWheel, & top tier yoga and Pilates studios, let’s do the list people…get involved.

2. Under Armour Braided Neon Headbands

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My gym buddies at TurboKick in NYC wear these all the time and I think they are super cute.  They instantly make me feel energetic, so I’m determined to get some of my own!

3. Lululemon Sexy Flow & Go Tank

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It’s just hot…enough said…

4. Jade Yoga Mat

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I used one of these for the first time during a SHRED class at SLT yoga in NYC.  I loved it because I sweated all over it and it didn’t get slippery.  There’s nothing more annoying and distracting than a slippery yoga mat…ya heard?

5. Raw Protein Powder

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My 2013 New Years resolution and personal commitment is to be a full-fledged vegetarian (pray for me).  So I’ll need lots of vegetarian protein supplements to get me through the year.  I heard this one is legit and tasty so I figured I’d give it a try.

6. Champion Long Sleeve Dri-fit Workout Tops

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I bought 2 of these randomly from Target over the Thanksgiving holiday and I’m hooked!  They fit super snug and are super cute.  I wear them indoors while working out without getting too hot.  Also, they look really cute with black booty shorts 🙂  You can buy them at Target for about $20 – I want more!

7. Neon Nike Free Train Sneakers

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I already have 5 pair of these and I’m determine to get number 6.  I like the Nike Free Train instead of the Free Run because I mostly do group fitness classes with a lot of lateral movement and jumping.  The Free Runs don’t give me the support I need.  Also, I love the Free Trainers because they’re comfy AND cool.  Every damn day – JUST DO IT!

8. Nike Pro Leggings

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I’m a Nike groupie and these bad boys are sexy and WARM.  Living in NYC I can wear these leggings during my workouts and also wear them home without freezing my booty off…a good look.

9. Nalgene Flip Top Water Bottle

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I like this water bottle because I can quickly chug water during my workout and pop the cap back on.  The cap is super snug so if I knock the bottle over I don’t have to worry about spillage.  Also, they also come in cool colors and I wanna write my name on one and decorate it with stickers!

10. Champion Neon Sports Bras

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These are also at Target and hot!  They provide great support and won’t cost you an arm and a leg (about $15).  I like that there are tons of neon colors!   I wear them under a ripped up T-shirt or a solid black or gray workout tank.  I can never have too many!

What’s on your Christmas Fitness Wish List?  Any holiday picks you want to share?

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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?   

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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!

  1. 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!
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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 😉
  5. 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!

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Gritty and Nautical

Happy Labor Day everyone!  I hope your weekend was joyous and well.  Mine certainly was.  I went to Boston to celebrate the wedding of one my dearest b-school classmates.  Despite living in Boston for 2 years, I experienced a completely new side of Bean town = Southie.  Usually, I try to stay away from Southie at all costs (read: Gone Baby Gone & The Town), but I was pleasantly surprised by history, “grittiness” and authenticity of the neighborhood.  I enjoyed a nice 5 mile run around the South Harbor and had a killer vegetarian sausage breakfast burrito at Sophia’s.

After the wedding, I hopped a ferry to Martha’s Vineyard for a night.  The island exhibited a wealth of racial and cultural diversity (I was expecting to only see Sperry’s and blondes). My friends and I kept up the physical activity with paddle boarding at the beach.  SO FUN!  Took me a while to get my groove.  I definitely bit it like 3 times, but it was totally worth it.  If you’ve never tried paddle boarding, you must.  My core and booty are super sore today 😉

While the food was great and the scenery was unreal, the best part was the company.  As I reflect on the weekend, I’m so grateful for my positive and loving friendships – something I TOO OFTEN taken for granted.  Thank God for good friends.

   

So, here’s to Bean Town, Martha’s Vineyard, and all things Gritty and Nautical.

Me and Dave soaking it all in before heading home

 

 

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Fitness for the SOUL: Power of Positive Energy – Reflections on a wonderful weekend in San Fransisco

I very much believe in the Law of Attraction. The energy we cultivate is the energy we attract, be it positive or negative. That said, I’m eager to jump into environments that exude positive energy. These are opportunities to fill myself with optimism, hope and encouragement. As a result, I’m able to attract positive people and life circumstances.

Last weekend I headed to the West Coast to visit one of my best friends from business school. We spent most of our time in Palo Alto and one evening San Fransisco. I had a great time just catching up, eating good food, enjoying a long run and walking around the Stanford University campus (my 1st time there). Few places inspire me more than university campuses – oh the possibilities! Especially, Stanford considering its academic excellence and athletic superiority. I’ve watched several Olympic athletes the past 2 weeks who are Stanford Alumni. Anyway, I felt very inspired while I was there so I wanted to share some pics from my “positive place.” Today I’m pumped up and eagerly anticipating a wonderful week 🙂

Where’s your positive place?

How are you going to surround yourself with positive energy this week?

How can you be a source of positive energy to others?

Below: Some fun shots of me representing’ for the GRIT GIRLZ and being a Stanford Soccer Groupie 😉

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