GRIT By Brit – Page 41 – A blog by Brit Rettig Wold, CEO of GRIT Fitness

Super Simple 4 week Slim Down

December 4, 2012 3 Comments

Meet my lovely cousin Chasity, our newest 4-week challenge chick on GRITbyBrit! We are just coming off of a very successful 4-week challenge story with Alex who lost 7 pounds and rocked a sexy new dress for her 29th b-day. Now Chasity is taking the challenge up a notch and striving to lose 12 pounds! I tried to make her plan very SIMPLE because it can be really challenging to be disciplined on SO MANY areas. Hopefully, many of you can try the plan for yourself and share your success stories with me.

Be sure to check back for Chasity’s progress report. Let’s go Chasity – wish her luck!

Chasity’s Goals:

Lose 12 pounds

Healthier eating habits

Tone upper body/ thighs

Increase Stamina

Tone lower abs/ muffin top

Workout Schedule: 1 hour M/Tu/Th/Sat/Sun
Workout Likes: Yoga, Pilates, Cardio/Dance style workouts
Workout Dislikes: RUNNING
Eating Habits: “I eat breakfast daily usually oatmeal during the week and a “country breakfast” on Saturdays 🙂 Frozen dinners for lunch during the week or sometimes I will eat fast food-raising canes is my often my choice. Dinner is just whatever I can get fast because I’m usually starving by the time I get home (meaning I tend to go for unhealthy food). I do snack a lot on like chips, pickles, cheese its, gummy bears, Oreos, cheese. I have Starbucks very berry coffee cake – my weekly treat. I don’t drink soda or coffee. During the week I don’t eat after 7 except on weds (eat after I get out of church around 9ish)” – Chasity

CHASITY’S 4-WEEK PLAN:

Cardio, Total Body

Get IN – Get SLIM – Get OUT

November 28, 2012 No Comments

I hope all of you had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday with your friends and family. I sure did. However, this week back at work has been really busy and kinda stressful 🙁 I’ve had a hard time getting to the gym consistently, so during a quick break today I put together a “Super Efficient Gym Circuit” to help me get back on track. My intention is to get a solid mix of cardio and overall resistance training in the workout. Of course I also want to burn as many calories as possible. Most importantly, because exercise is the cheapest and most effective stress reviler and anti-depressant, I want to take full advantage of the benefits!

The workout takes 1 hour, should burn 600-700 calories and fully utilize all of your major muscle groups. I’ve built in a lot of complex exercises that engage 2 major muscle groups at the same time, which makes the overall workout more efficient.

The resistance training section requires 2 medium-heavy dumbbells (at least 10-15 pounds each). Overall, it’s probably difficult to do this workout home, but it’s definitely a good option for the gym when you want to change-up your usual routine. Try it out and let me know how it goes – enjoy!

Lots of love, Brit 🙂

Workout Reviews & Ratings

MAKE SWEAT SEXY @305fitness NYC

November 27, 2012 3 Comments

You should know by now that I’m a sucker for being INSPIRED. Anytime I discover a new fitness format or fitness leader who makes me want to work harder, be healthier or simply have more fun, I’m eager to share ASAP. Well this is certainly the case with Sadie Kurzban (@SadieKurzban) – a girl after my own heart. Just graduating from Brown University, she took the plunge and started her own fitness company in NYC – 305 Fitness. This girl has some serious passion, drive and focus. At the ripe age of 23 she is doing it BIG! When I was 23…hmmm, let’s not go there 😉

Sadie strives to bring some “Miami Heat” to NYC through her hot, sweaty, sexy 305 fitness workout. She invited me to attend a class last week, so I wanted to share my experience first hand.

(above) Sadie on the right & @DJBourgeois strikin’ a pose after our sweaty workout

So let me start off by saying that I’m NOT a great dancer. My little sister is essentially a professional dancer and always teases me about how “stiff” I am. Going into the 305ftiness workout I was a little self-conscious, not gonna lie. Fortunately most of the people in the class were girls around my age and all very cool and friendly. I was able to loosen up pretty quickly because everyone else was so easy going and Sadie did great job of setting a fun and welcoming atmosphere. Also, the dim lighting and glow sticks let me “escape” to a “Miami” dance club where I had a free reign to bust a move 😉

Here are my hot facts about 305fitness…

Duration: about 1 hour
Format: Cardio dance workout – Hip Hop, Latin dance & little kick boxing, no resistance training
Intensity: Moderate – High; you can control how hard you push but def expect to sweat a lot!
Cool Stuff: Dark room with disco ball, glow sticks and live DJ on the 1’s and 2’s – yeah buddy!
Venue: Various dance studios and venues around NYC – totally a “pop up” fitness class
Price: High – you have to pay $20-30 per class. There’s a Living Social deal running to buy a package of classes. 305 was also featured in Daily Candy so keep your eyes peeled for more deals!
Website: http://www.305fitness.com/

Overall, I had a great workout, great time and met some great people. I highly recommend checking out a class if you’re in NYC and wanna get your sexy, sweaty swag on!

(above) Me at my first 305fitness class – it was a blast!

Get to know Sadie!

305 fitness founder and your workout leader

What does GRIT mean to you?

For me, GRIT is all about the fiery commitment towards becoming the best version of yourself that you can be. It’s not about being better than the person next to you on the treadmill or on the sidewalk. GRIT is about pushing your own limits to become the very best you.

What made you pursue a career in fitness?

The best part about my job is that I get to help others reach their goals. I’ve always been fascinated by the magic in connecting with others and coaching them through a challenge. If I weren’t doing this, I think I would be a middle school teacher – it’s such an awkward age and those kids are like play-dough: dying for someone to come in and leave a big impression.

When someone tells me that she lost 40 pounds and kept it off or another person tells me my classes were the only thing that helped them get through a painful breakup, I feel like I’m living my life’s purpose. Being able to stay in shape is an added bonus to my job but what I love most about my work is helping others.

What song always gets you going?

“Heart of a Lion” by Kid Cudi

What exercise makes you feel sexiest and why?

Pushups. I know that sounds ridiculous. But there is something so sexy about a woman doing military style push-ups.

What do you say to motivated when you’re completely exhausted?

I don’t let the debate start because once I do, I know which voice in my head will win (the lazy one!). There are so many reasons to not work out or to not eat right. I try not to give myself a choice by planning ahead. Before going to bed, I lay my sneakers and gym clothes right next to my bed so I don’t give myself an opportunity to have an inner debate. Like Nike says, “Just do it.” Once I go to the gym, I always end up feeling better and it usually gives me a second wind of energy.

Just for Fun

Cyber Monday Sale! 50% off GRIT by Brit Ultimate Body Burn DVD

November 24, 2012 3 Comments

Special offer just for my Facebook friends, Twitter and GRITbyBrit blog followers – on CYBER MONDAY (Nov.26th) you can purchase my newly released total body workout DVD for 50% off! To take advantage of the offer, follow these 3 steps:

Go to my eStore: https://www.createspace.com/353954
Enter discount code: EFG4H3UU
Purchase your DVD!

Enjoy and thanks for supporting. Lots of love! -Brit 🙂

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fjZR1ClWFbE]

Inspiration & Motivation

4-week SHRED: THE END… is just the beginning!

November 23, 2012 2 Comments

Happy BLACK FRIDAY everyone! What better way to celebrate Black Friday than trying on some hot, sexy new clothes and being able to fit them all? Well that’s exactly what Alex is getting to do today. On this very special Black Friday, Alex has officially completed her 4-week SHRED challenge and is celebrating some BIG WINS! Here is her update – enjoy 🙂

So my GRIT by Brit 4-week SHRED Plan has come to and end I can proudly say…

I lost 7 pounds and lost an inch or two in the waist
I could fit into a dress I purchased in April and look good in it!
Made it to see my 29^th birthday and felt amazing
I learned the key for being balanced = there’s a time to rest and a time to run hard!
I made working out a priority by squeezing in workouts such as squats and taking the stairs when I couldn’t do a full workout routine.

Better yet, I’ve also learned 4 important things about myself, my fitness habits and my diet during the 4-week SHRED plan…

Counting calories is key – NO guessing allowed! Counting my calories helped me realize my weakness for breads. It also showed me I needed to decrease my intake of snacks like nuts and fruit to a healthy daily amount.
GRITbyBrit Ultimate Body Burn DVD is awesome. I pressed play and was determined to sweat it out. I burned tons of calories while working out and even more throughout the day. I love this DVD and will incorporate the burn series weekly as a strengthen segment.
BURPEES. I can’t believe the GRITbyBrit Ultimate Body Burn DVD and The 4-week SHRED Plan had me accomplishing burpees! Although I am still weak in this area to simply do more than one is a major accomplishment. I pushed myself and could hear Brit’s voice pushing me too! Mission accomplished!
Maintaining a Healthy lifestyle is an ongoing effort. I learned what works for me and my body. I learned many areas I was weak in and started to adjust and make plans for weeding them out. In terms of diet, it isn’t about being “raw” or “organic” but more importantly about finding what works for you. For me, I learned I was a lazy vegetarian who was enjoying too many potatoes, nuts and processed soy products. I also learned due to some of my bad eating habits, my body wasn’t getting critical minerals such as omega-3s. I’ve made some good diet adjustments. While I’m not perfect, I have definitely made many strides and am happy to see what I have done. The end of the 4-week SHRED is just the beginning of even bigger, better and healthier things to come for me 🙂

Inspiration & Motivation

Who’s that bada** Under Armour chick?

November 20, 2012 No Comments

Meet my friend and honorary GRIT Girl,

Natalie Uhling

www.natalieuhlingfitness.com

I met Natalie about 1 year ago when I was staffed on an 18 month assignment in NYC. I started going to her Turbo Kick classes just after falling in love with the format and becoming a certified instructor myself. After taking just one of her classes, I was HOOKED! She has energy that is absolutely unreal and she always looks so good while working out – damn girl! I always try to match her enthusiasm and passion when teaching my own Turbo Kick classes in Dallas.

(below) Me and Natalie goofing around after Turbo Kick last Saturday

Not only is she an awesome fitness instructor, she’s also the fresh, fierce face of Under Armour Women! Natalie proves that GRIT is BEAUTIFUL. She inspires me – so today, Natalie is officially an honorary GRIT Girl!

If you live in NYC, you should def check out one of her classes. Natalie teaches Turbo Kick at 24 Hour Fitness – Midtown and Megaformer Pilates at SLT. All of her classes exude energy, are tons of fun and SUPER challenging. CLICK HERE to see her weekly schedule. You’ll also appreciate Natalie’s authenticity and genuine spirit. Not only that, but she works her BUTT off in EVERY class. I’m talkin’ sweat puddles on the floor – this girl is not messin’ around!

So now I’m sure you guys are asking the same questions I was about this super fit model chick. Here are Natalie’s answers to some of those questions:

What are your top 5 tricks to looking good while working out?

Wear your hair in a high messy ponytail.
Accessories with an Under Armour headband.
Wear great leggings!
Make sure your sneakers are colorful.
Wear a neon colored sports bra … it makes you feel full of energy!

Describe your diet? Any tips you want to share?

I am a Pescetarian. Basically what that means is I am a vegetarian that also eats fish. As far as diet goes … try to eat as clean as you can! Eat for your body and most importantly listen to your body’s needs.

What you do recommend as the right mix of weekly cardio and resistance training/toning workouts?

I honestly don’t think there is a magic number or workout formula, everyone is different. It is important to listen to your body and do what you are craving. The more you are in touch with your body the better you will feel.

What song always get you going?

Right now it has to be “Clique” – Kanye West, Jay- Z & Big Sean!

What exercise makes you feel strongest and why?

Turbo Kick! It makes me feel like a bada** every time I teach because it is super intense! I am all about INTENSITY!

What do you tell yourself to stay motivated when your completely exhausted?

I think about all my students who have been waiting all day to come take class! It gets me excited and motivates me every time. My students are my motivation.

What advice would you give to someone who is just starting to work out?

Start slow and gradually build up! The last thing you want is to get hurt. Also, find a workout that inspires you and gets you excited about exercise.

What does GRIT mean to you?

GRIT is about inspiring others to lead a healthy and positive life. GRIT gives you tools that will help you be successful in your everyday life.

Inspiration & Motivation

Holiday Weight Gain – Keep the pounds at bay on Turkey Day

November 18, 2012 2 Comments

It’s almost Turkey Day ladies and gents! While you’re giving thanks and spending time with the people you love DON’T be like the average American and pack on unneeded pounds – you’re better than that 🙂

Here’s my top 10 list to keep your weight in check on Turkey Day…

Wake up and work out. I like to think of this as “putting a credit on my account.” Since I know there will be lots of irresistible food coming my way, I do at least 1 hour of cardio on Thanksgiving morning. Lots of my NYC and Dallas fitness instructor friends are holding special thanksgiving day classes, so do some research the day before and prepare to attend one! You can also do the GRIT by Brit Ultimate body burn DVD 😉
Eat breakfast. It’s natural to want to sleep in on your day off and “save room” for the big Thanksgiving meal, but doing so will make you binge because you are so hungry. Go ahead and eat some oatmeal, fruit or protein in the morning to keep you from inhaling food later on.
Drink up before you eat up. As always, hydration is key on Thanksgiving day and on any day. Drinking a liter of water before your big Turkey dinner will make you feel full and keep you from over eating.
Fellowship first. Be sure to chat and spend quality time with your family and loved ones before devouring your food. Enjoy your total holiday experience not just your meal.
Be “grateful” without a “plate full.” Instead of loading up huge servings sizes, go for quality over quantity. Try small portions of a variety of foods and really savor the taste.
Color is King. Make sure that your plate is colorful! These means it should have lots of veggies on it: green beans & sweet potatoes are excellent. They are full of fiber and nutrients, will digest easier and satisfy you longer.
Enjoy the rare stuff. Don’t get full on rolls, chips and dips and other foods you can have every other day of the year. Instead, enjoy those one-of-a-kind holiday foods. Eat them slowly and enjoy every bite 🙂
STOP when you’re full. Keep in mind that your stomach is the size of your fist. Don’t hurt it and over expand it by simply eating too much.
Enjoy some “tea time.” Sip hot tea (preferably green tea) after your meal to help aid digestion and also to keep you from going back for seconds out of boredom or convenience.
GIVE THANKS. Because life is good and a joyful spirit is good for your health!

Inspiration & Motivation

4 Week Shred: Alex Thrives in Week 3

November 15, 2012 No Comments

looking good now — Alex at a recent event representing Sporty Afros & looking FAB!

Be sure to check out Alex’s complete 4-week GRIT by Brit Shred Plan and come back next week for her final report!

Alex’s Week 3 Update:

Scale Deception – I’ve discovered that when I don’t see the numbers change on the scale, I should also take a look at my clothes. I was amazed at the clothes and how they were fitting. I took a photo of my new pair of jeans verses my old jeggings. To see the change was amazing!
Time Off – My doctor has me reducing my stress level thus I am making sure I get my 7-8 hours of sleep each night no matter what. I am drinking a lot of tea and have found a recent new tea to help bring down stress levels and relax. Tea is great for the skin and is an easy way to drink more water.
Exercise – Even if I am not meeting the goals every day with the plan, I am making each step and min count by keeping my heart rate monitor on. I had a pretty crappy run outside last week, but what made me smile was the calories burned.
Mental & Spiritual Strength – I am feeding my spirit and mind with educational opportunities but also the word (read: The Bible). Mostly during the day I am listening to sermons and uplifting music. This is making the day go by so much faster and my mood a lot better.
Grocery Shopping – I am loving Trader Joes as I get a chance to try new foods but also save a lot of staples. Since I have a salad every day, I can pick out a variety of salad toppings and bagged lettuce at the store $1-$2 cheaper. I also keep breakfast at my office now. I brought breakfast a few weeks ago to offset the amount of growing Halloween candy.
Food and Choices – The choices are becoming easier each day. I still love my bread but I am finding alternatives. The biggest changes are in my snacking as I have decrease my nuts/granola and fruit. I only have berries for my fruit and half or small apple or banana after a workout. I also started back eating fish as I am not having enough omegas, bored and needed to change a few things in my diet. I am keeping things in check much better. Dieting sucks and I binge badly after a few weeks (or days! lol) so being realistic about my life and time has helped amazingly.

Overall, I am feeling really good about myself and my progress especially since I am a few days out from my birthday 🙂

Workout Reviews & Ratings

SoulCycle: Join the cult…or maybe not?

November 13, 2012 13 Comments

(above) Me and my girl @marissagibbons after a ‘Sick Sunday Soul Sweat’

This past Sunday I tried out SoulCycle at NYC – Tribeca. The NYC studios held a special “Soul Service” contributing all proceeds to Hurricane Sandy relief efforts. A good sweat and a good deed made an attractive combo for Sunday Fun-day. I’m gonna get straight to the point and give you guys the “hot facts” about the “Soul Movement”…

What’s all the hype about?

All the COOL KIDS are doing it – Move over CrossFit! SoulCycle is the hottest AND most expensive fitness class on the street right now! Studios are only in New York and LA and the Soul Movement is so strong that Soul Cycle was recently acquired by Equinox. Several “A” list celebrities have joined the “cult” including but not limited to Lady Gaga and Kelly Rippa. Being a part of the Soul Cycle cult is definitely a status symbol in NYC and LA.
Spin Class + FULL BODY workout – About 30 minutes into the ride, we used light hand weights conveniently placed under our saddles and started a hardcore upper body toning circuit. SHOULDERS ON FIRE! Also throughout the class, the instructor led several moves to engage our core.

Why is it so expensive?

Not just expensive, but REALLY expensive! The classes are $32 per 45 minute session making them the most expensive group fitness classes in the United States! Here a few reason I can justify the price (in moderation):

Immaculate facility – Awesome brand with the SOUL CYCLE theme AND motivations slogans consistently portrayed.
Unique culture and fitness experience – The bikes are really close to each other and the room is pitch black lit only by candle light. They keep the music thumpin’ so you can truly “escape” during your workout.
Boring instructors are NONEXISTENT – All of the instructors are highly energetic and bring a personal enthusiasm that isn’t annoying. Very motivating leadership.
Supper friendly and knowledgeable staff – The front desk staff was super helpful especially since it was my first time. They got me a pair of spinning sneakers, set up my bike and walked me around the facility

Pros?

INSANE ENERGY! Many of the instructors have backgrounds in acting and music so they know how to pump up a crowd and stay on beat with the music – so necessary.
COMMUNITY VIBE. During the class all students moved side to side and up in down in the same direction so we look like a synchronized music video – I loved it! Even better, I got a sweet welcome tweet before the class. I can appreciate any club that shows GRIT by Brit some love – ya heard?

Cons?

As a single method gym, Soul Cycle could get boring over time. However, if you’re already a regular spin class goer, this could be a suitable alternative.
With the steep price, you may be likely to skip classes when money is tight. Consistent fitness habits are crucial!
As a certified indoor cycling instructor I noticed that the class does NOT uphold true cycle principles and form. If you are a hardcore cycling enthusiast, this workout will seem very superficial.
Cycle shoes are required. So you either have to bring your own or pay an additional $2 to rent a pair (whoa, couldn’t they include that in the $32?)

Ultimate verdict?

I had an awesome time at my Sunday Soul Session! I could see myself attending a class here and there when I need to change it up – maybe once every other week. I definitely think Soul Cycle is something you should test for yourself. If you’re a group fitness junkie, like me, you could easily be tempted to join the cult. Even if you aren’t, at least you’ll FIT IN with the “cool kids” and maybe snag a celebrity sighting 😉

(above) My boy @caseygib after our ‘Sunday Soul Session’

Just for Fun

GRIT by Brit Ultimate Body Burn DVD on sale now!

November 12, 2012 2 Comments

Get your copy at AMAZON or at my eStore!

It’s launch day – YAY! The time has finally come and I’m so excited to share my passion, energy and positive fitness spirit with you in video mode! Purchase your copy of GRIT by Brit Ultimate Body Burn ASAP – it will certainly be one of the best decisions you make this year!

You must have GRIT to make it through this workout! GRIT by Brit Ultimate Body Burn is a high-intensity, total body 30 minute workout set to endorphin-pumpin’ music (fun is SO necessary). It also includes a bonus 20 minute core, booty and thigh workout! This fitness method utilizes light-medium hand weights to maximize calorie burn and guarantee intensity without building bulk. Kick Boxing, Athletic Drills, Plyometrics, Pilates, Anaerobic Intervals and Resistance training are also incorporated for a complete, exciting workout that hits every major muscle group while keeping your heart rate elevated. You can get it all – effective, fun total body fitness and time to handle your busy schedule!

There’s two ways to purchase the DVD:

My eStore : https://www.createspace.com/353954
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/GRIT-Brit-Ultimate-Body-Burn/dp/B009WSBHAI/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1351692145&sr=8-2&keywords=grit+by+brit

Have FUN, SWEAT and get FIT with

Brit & the GRIT Girlz!

You are stronger than you think you are! #GRIT

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