Image: Inspirational Leggings and Sports Bra from Lorna Jane (disregard my ugly corn on my pinky toe – I ain’t flawless)
TGIF! You know what that means, it’s time for Fitness Fashion Friday (FFF). This is a milestone FFF edition – post #5. I’m a sucker for inspirational quotes, so of course I love activewear that’s covered in motivational mantras. “Name it and claim it!” “Speak it into existence!” – these are just a couple of my mom’s old country sayings. If I could put them all on tank tops and sports bras I would. In the meantime, I’ve been rocking’ this inspirational Lorna Jane activewear. I wore the pink sports bra to teach my cycling class yesterday and I feel like it energized the pack – my class was jamming’! What do you think?
Before you head out for the weekend, don’t forget to enter my giveaway for a black & pink GRIT tank top. Just post a comment sharing what “GRIT” means to you. I can’t wait to read your responses. Also, if you looking for a way to kill time this Friday, you can peruse through the first 4 Fitness Fashion Friday posts:
Image: Purple Feel the Beat Tank (Lucy, $59); Grey Dance Workout Capri (Lucy, $89)
Yo yo – happy humpday & happy October! You guys gave such great feedback on the Labor Day Leg Workout + Lucy Activewear Giveaway that I decided to put together another leg workout and review my new gear from Lucy!
First off, I’m obsessed with this Feel the Beat Tank. I love the look of strappy workout tanks but because I’m on the “bustier” side I always have to wear a sports bra under them during workouts – totally takes away the cuteness. However, this Lucy tank is super supportive and has just the right amount of padding so that I don’t nip out. I taught my PiYo class in this tank last Friday and felt comfortable, secure and sexy during the entire class. You can see a pic of me and my class on Instagram.
Next I got the Dance Workout Capris. These are my first pair of workout pants that aren’t leggings, fitted capris or booty shorts. Long story short, I love them! I’m planning to wear them again to Zumba this Sunday with a little crop top or sports bra that shows my belly. It’s crazy how the older I get the less body conscious I am. I would have NEVER shown my midriff when I was 23. Funny how self-confidence and security grow over time, especially when we learn to really love ourselves… Anyway, I digress. The dance workout capris are great because they fit low around my hips and have a nice wide waistband so there’s no “love-handle” action. While they are lose-fitting they aren’t baggy, which keeps a feminine look. Most importantly, they are made of an interesting, moisture wicking fabric that can handle my sweat as I shake around on the dance floor. Are you a fan of dance pants?
Love the “XY” design on the back of the Feel the Beat Tank (lucy)!
Last but not least, here’s your leg workout! I wanted to design something for the dancers out there, so this is my “Long Lean Legs Workout.” The purpose of each exercise is to build muscle strength through isometric movements (i.e. holding poses and/or making small tiny movements). If you’ve ever taken a barre class, you should know about the “little squeeze” or “tiny pulse.” This a quick and simple routine that you can to complete in 10-15 minutes. It’s a great follow up to a run or other cardio workout. I hope you enjoy the workout and treat yourself to some Lucy activewear!
Happy Monday friends! Hope you had a relaxing weekend and are feeling energized for a wonderful week ahead. I had a weekend full of positive indulgences and I’m feeling super satisfied this morning. On Friday, I had the privilege of teaching PiYo at Fossil World Headquarters in Dallas. To my surprise, the entire Michael Kors jewelry team came to my class and boy did they rock it out. We had a fun, sweaty, lunch break indeed! There’s nothing I love more than meeting new people and connecting over our love for fitness and active living! Also, shout out to Fossil for being an amazing company that supports healthy living among its employees.
Teaching PiYo at Fossil World HQ
On Saturday, I did my usual 2 Hour Saturday Detox workout with my gym buddies at 24 Hour Fitness. I’ve been working out with these ladies for 3 years now and they are truly my best friends. They even starred in my workout DVD (you thought they looked familiar, huh?). We did our usually 1 hour Turbo Kick class followed by 1 hour Body Pump class. We’re also planning a hiking and wine trip in the coming weeks which I’m very much looking forward to!
My gym buddies and I after Turbo Kick class
After class, I enjoyed a nice long shower, rubbed my body down in Marc Jacobs Lola perfumed lotion and headed to Athleta for a little retail therapy. We just got Athleta in Dallas like 4 months ago. I already like this brand because some of the Athleta employees came to my PiYo class this Summer and passed out free headbands to the students in my class – how nice is that? I ended up buying 2 cute black workout tanks. Both are kinda sheer and have a cool open back (I’ll post pics soon on Fitness Fashion Friday). I wanted something that would go well with my neon sports bras and head bands. The tanks are exactly what I was looking for.
Checking out the Fall collection at Athleta
I have to admit, this was actually my first time ever shopping at Athleta. I was pleasantly surprised by the bright colors, chic styles and super friendly staff. I think I may become a regular customer. The ultimate determining factor will be how their yoga pants/leggings fit me – I haven’t tried any yet. Do any of you shop at Athleta?
Loving that bright colors are on trend for all seasons!
Later on Saturday night my college friend from Cornell, Nicole (pictured on the right) planned a lovely ladies night for our Dallas crew. We went to Painting with a Twist where you BYOB and take a paining lesson. I had a blast! Not only did I get to hang out with my friends, but the icing on the cake was that we painted a picture of the Eiffell Tower. I have a soft spot in my heart for Paris because my birthday is July 14th, Bastille Day. I’ve never been to Paris but I want to go SO badly – the City of Lights, sigh…
Ladies night wine & painting party!
Nonetheless, I’m super grateful the good times I shared with my friends. Overall I had an amazing weekend and I’m looking forward to more goodness this week. I can’t believe it’s going to be October! Time flies when you enjoy good workouts, good shopping and good friends 🙂
Me and my friend Crystal showing off our masterpieces!
Happy Monday friends! Thanks for sharing your weekend plans last Friday – you guys are an active bunch! I’ll announce the winner of the Onzie knot-back tank top giveaway tomorrow, so stay tuned. For those who didn’t participate in the giveaway, how was your weekend? Mine was a little bittersweet but overall fantastic. Here’s the “run down” of what “went down”…
On Friday evening I hung out with my friends at Fossil Corporate HQ for their National Run at Work Day celebration. We coordinated a “fun run” and enjoyed healthy snacks. Afterwards I was pretty tired so I just called it a night. I had to wake up bright and early to teach my PiYo class. This was my last class of the Summer (tear). Two of my favorite students bought me a really nice Lululemon yoga mat and matching headband as an “end of the summer thank you” gift – so sweet! My yoga mat is super raggedy and dirty so I needed a new one BADLY. I was a so grateful that I cried like a baby before class. There’s nothing better that doing something that you love to do and helping people in the process. I feel so purposeful when I’m teaching. It’s my calling. What do you love to do?
My last PiYo class of 2014 at the W Dallas Hotel #bittersweet
After class, I headed to Dallas’s North Park mall for a little shopping and walking around. I spent way too much time in my new favorite activewear store, Lorna Jane. Have you guys checked out their stuff? It’s like Lululemon but brighter and funkier – I’m obsessed. The clothes are super high quality and designed to flatter the female body while providing athletic support. In particular, their yoga pants make me look like a have a booty – YES! I highly recommend.
A girl can never have too much activewear – loved my shopping sesh at Lorna Jane
On Sunday I did my grocery shopping for the week. I don’t have to travel for work this week, which means I get to cook real food at home. I was instantly energized by the site of yummy fall veggies. I love butternut squash and pumpkin-anything. Over the next couple of weeks I’m going to explore some new healthy fall recipes. What are some of your favorites fall dishes?
Loving Fall! Yay for pumpkins and squash!
To wrap up the weekend my sister, Kortani, came over for dinner last night. We made these super savory Tex-Mex chicken enchiladas (I’ll post the recipe tomorrow). They were delicious and we have a lot left over, so I’ll enjoy them all week.
Homemade, high protein Tex-Mex chicken enchiladas! SUCCESS 🙂
While our food was delicious and the vino was flowing, the best part of my Sunday night was the company. I love my little sister so much and am so proud of the woman she has become. Hopefully you got to spend some quality time this weekend with your friends and family too!
Quality time with my lil sis – doesn’t get any better than that!
Happy Fitness Fashion Friday! We are officially at week 3 – are guys liking this new tradition? Let me know! (Here’s links to my outfits from week 1 and week 2 in case you missed them.)Today, I wanna show off my new, super sexy activewear from Onzie. Now let me preface this by saying that I NEVER show off my tummy when I’m working out so this was a bold move on my part. This week I stepped out of my “gritty” comfort zone and rocked this bustier and matching leggings to yoga class. The top isn’t super supportive so I couldn’t wear it for a Turbo Kick or cycling workout. I added my Vinyasa scarf from Lululemon for a little coverage before and after class. BTW, this scarf is amazing! You can wear it like 10 different ways, even as a vest (as I am doing below). All in all, I felt strong and sexy in this outfit. Better yet, on the Onzie website they put together cute outfits for styling ideas – you can check them here!
Added the Vinyasa scarf from Lululemon – wearing it as a vest! (you can wear it like 10 different ways – amazing!)
And now it’s giveaway time! First off, the winner of last week’s GRIT tank top giveaway is Chelle! I was very inspired by her personal definition of “grit.” This is what “grit” means to Chelle: “GRIT is that rod of steel that runs through the backbone of every woman out there kicking butt in the world, corporate, fitness or otherwise. She may greet you with a gentle smile or look perfectly polished and pulled together even during the toughest times but the thing that keeps her going when she wants to stay in bed kicking and screaming and crying about the inevitable trials in her life is her inner GRIT.” Congrats Chelle! Your tank top is on it’s way to you!
In fact, I was SO inspired but all of your comments, that I’m actually combining them into a cute quote printable. I’ll post it so you can each have a copy. The energy that I feel from hearing the voices of so many powerful, positive, gritty women is absolutely amazing – thanks again for sharing you guys!
Today I’m hosting ANOTHER giveaway thanks to Onzie activewear! In case you can’t tell, I’m an Onzie junkie. Did you see my outfit from their Spring collection? The wonderful folks at Onzie hooked me up with this adorable, one-size fits all, knot-back tank top from their Fall collection. I’m feeling kind of random (and nosy) today, so I just wanna know what your weekend plans are? Football game, dinner with friends, family time, working out? To win this tank, just post a comment sharing your weekend agenda. I’ll announce the winner next Tuesday, September 23rd. Happy Friday! luv, Brit
Post a comment to win this adorable Onzie knot-back tank!
Good morning friends! I hope your day is off to a good start. I overslept and missed my spin class, so I did the T25 Core & Cardio Beta workout in my living room this morning. You can see me action on Instagram (Warning: I’m hot sweaty mess – don’t judge!) Also, I want to share this print I discovered from Lulu & Georgia. I LOVE it so much that I bought a copy and am going to put in a really cute frame. Does this quote inspire you? To me, it’s so simple and direct. Pearls are created when little piece of sand or dirt (grit) enters an oyster shell. Then inside of the oyster the grit gets coated and over time becomes a pearl. Isn’t that beautiful? It captures the reality that the greatest things in life are simply “trash” transformed into “treasure.” Through patience, pressure and persistence anything is possible – that’s the truth!
Speaking of grit, tomorrow I will announce the winner of my signature GRIT tank top giveaway. It’s not too late to participate – just post a comment telling me what “grit” means to you. I’m loving the responses so far – very inspiring!
Last but not least, I’m officially encouraging all of the Dallas readers to sow their grit by waking up bright and early this Saturday morning and join me for the very last PiYo class on the wet deck of the W Dallas Hotel. As usual, class it totally FREE! We start at 9am (arrive at least 15 minutes early to get a spot) and bring your own yoga mat. To celebrate a super successful Summer, we are having a special “Burpees & Breakfast” event. After class you can enjoy FREE snacks from Cook Hall and drink specials – yay for $5 Mimosa pitchers! Am I the only person who enjoys vino after vinyasa?
Last #piyo clas @wdallashotel is this Saturday – see you there!
See you Saturday and show remember to show your GRIT!
Hello friends. It’s been a crazy work week for me here in Chicago. During high-stress times like these it’s so important to keep up with my workouts or else I feel super groggy. This morning I did this Core + Cardio Workout in my hotel gym. It got me a good sweat so I wanted to share 😉 The entire workout takes about 30-35 minutes. If you don’t like the stationary bike, feel free to hop on the elliptical or treadmill instead.
I’m jetting off to NYC tonight for a conference – hoping to sneak in a ride at Soul Cycle while I’m there. Also, can’t wait to see the Dallas crew this Saturday at my PiYo class at the W Dallas Hotel!
Let me know how you like the workout! Lots of luv, Brit
Hello ladies and gents. Hope you are wrapping up a lovely weekend. Mine weekend was super busy (just how I like it). Last week I didn’t have to travel to Chicago for work because it was a shorter week with Labor Day. This gave me the opportunity to go to my favorite fitness classes in the evenings and volunteer at my community placement with the Junior League of Dallas. On Friday, I woke up super early, made some black coffee and taught my 6am spin class at 24 Hour Fitness. I LOVE my playlist right now – “Undressed” by Kim Cesarion is my jam!
Up early enjoying my coffee in all of my Cornell gear – GO BIG RED!
After class I showered at the gym and headed to my office in Downtown Dallas to work for the day. We had breakfast tacos catered in from Taco Cabana – yummy! After catching up with my colleagues, completing my expense reports and finishing some client work, I scurried over to the nail salon for a mani/pedi. Now that its September, I got a Fall color – “chinchilly” by Essie . What do you guys think? What’s your favorite Fall nail polish color? Also, I had a major sweet tooth and treated myself to a McDonald’s ice cream cone (only 140 calories – not terrible right?)
Showin’ off my mani and enjoying my Mickey D’s ice cream cone (yes I needed to get some gas – I was “Ridin’ on E”)
On Friday night I went our for a sushi dinner with my friend Casey. I love that my friends are so engaging and positive. Just being around positive people can totally put a smile on my face. It’s like sunshine. We didn’t stay out too late because on Saturday mornings I teach PiYo for the W Dallas Hotel. Class was PACKED this weekend (as you can see). I think everyone was trying work of the Labor Day BBQ…or just savor some fun in the sun. It was a hot, sweaty BLAST!
Teaching my PiYo class last Saturday. I threw in some extra ab work 😉
I chilled out and ran a couple of errands on Saturday afternoon. That evening I had a BALL at my little sister’s 23rd birthday party. My sister, Kortani, is a Texas Tech Varsity Pom Squad alumn and now dances for the Dallas Cowboys. She decided to throw a pole-dancing party for her b-day and invited all of her dancer friends. I was super intimidated. We ended up drinking wine, dancing and have a really good time trying out new moves on the pole. My mom came along and took lots of pics. Long story short, I have so much respect for girls who can legitimately pole dance – HOLY CORE STRENGTH!
Kortani (sis), Lexi (her Yorkie), Mom and Me enjoying b-day cake and food after the pole-dancing!
My sister 23rd birthday pole-facing party! That’s the whole crew and our instructor – so fun!
Woo hoo – I got up there! #twerkin
This morning I had a some quiet time and reflected on my week and what I want to happen during the week ahead. I skipped church today (oops – don’t tell my mom). For breakfast I toasted a whole wheat English muffin and topped it with almond butter and strawberry preserves. I also made a giant pot of black coffee which I sipped slowly throughout the morning. I need to start being careful about my caffeine intake – I’m a coffee junkie! Drinking lots of water it critical if you’re a heavy coffee drinker like me. While I enjoyed my breakfast I also learned some new moves for my Sunday afternoon Turbo Kick class – teaching Round 62. Have any of you ever taken a Turbo Kick class? If not, I highly recommend. Especially if you take it with me 🙂
Spending my Sunday morning learning new Turbo Kick choreography for class!
After my Turbo Kick class I stopped by parents house to watch a little bit of the Cowboys game. After seeing that it was going to be a total disaster, I cut my watching time short and headed home to clean up my place and chill. I was so happy that the orange roses I bought 4 days ago are still alive and kicking. They are the perfect touch to my little bachelorette pad. I’m going to have to throw them away tonight though because I’m catching a 6am flight to Chicago tomorrow morning for work.
Enjoying fresh flowers in my clean bachelorette pad!
Now I’m packing up and getting ready to wake up early. I still need to plan my workouts for the week. Maybe I’ll do my old trusty hotel room workout tomorrow night. What are your workout plans?
Wishing you a wonderful week ahead filled with fun, fun and more fun! Lots of luv, Brit
Image: Neon Yellow Headband, Living OneLuv; Tank, TJ Maxx (old, bought 2 years ago); Camo Leggings, Onzie (gift from my gym buddy Lew)
Happy Friday gang! So today I’m officially starting a new GRIT by Brit Tradition: Fitness Fashion Friday! Every Friday, I’ll post pics of my favorite activewear outfit from the week. This week I wanna show off the outfit I wore yesterday to teach PiYo at Fossil Corporate HQ in Dallas. All of the class members are super trendy, well-dressed Fossil employees so I had to bring my “A-game” when picking my outfit. I think this was the perfect combo of FUN and FIERCE. What do you think?
Neon/Black Pattern sports bra from Target C9 Activewear on clearance for $10.99 – woo hoo! #c9atTarget
Image: Wishing you a happy September – HELLO FALL!
Happy September to you! First and foremost, I want to announce the winner of my Lucy Activewear Giveaway. I asked you guys to share your favorite leg workout, and boy, did you! My legs were on fire just reading all of your leg exercise ideas and personal favorites. It was tough to pick to a winner, but after giving it much thought, I’m happy to announce that Mari is our winner! Here’s her favorite leg workout: My fave leg exercises are jump squats, box jumps and split squats because you feel them right away and they are super effective. With the right amount of reps and sets, I am definitely feeling them the day after Congrats Mari. Your Lucy Activewear is on its way to you!
I hope you guys had a wonderful Labor Day weekend – I did! I kicked things off by teaching my beloved PiYo class at the W Dallas Hotel on Saturday Morning. I’ve been so humbled and amazed by the huge turn out we have week after week. For those of you who live in Dallas, I highly encourage to come check out a class. I’ll be teaching FREE PiYo classes every Saturday morning through September 27th.
Teaching my PiYo class on Saturday morning (that’s me on the left, facing the class)
I actually got a double dose of sweat on Saturday. After my PiYo class I scurried over to 24 Hour Fitness for Turbo Kick class with my Dallas gym buddies. I’ve been working out with this crew for 3 years now. Rain or shine, we meet at the gym for Turbo Kick every single Saturday morning at 10am. Working out together pushes us to go extra hard and have fun! It’s so great to have “fit friends.” Do you have gym buddies who you regularly workout with?
Me and my Saturday morning workout crew! Post-workout sweaty smiles 🙂
I also enjoyed lots of non-working out activities. On Saturday afternoon my neighbor/buddy, Emilio, and I got some rest and relaxation by our pool. We shared a bottle of white wine and read the September issues SELF, O, and Fitness magazines. Yesterday, I went to a yummy Tex-Mex brunch with two of best friends in Dallas, Crystal and Neka (pictured below). After enjoying my spinach enchiladas, chips and guacamole and girl talk, I went on a shopping spree at the new Lorna Jane that opened in Dallas North Park Mall. (Remember I won a $500 Lorna Jane gift card at the Idea Blogfest – yeah buddy!) I got a ton of bright, fresh new workout clothes – eek! I’ll be posting lots of Lorna Jane photos and product reviews in the next few weeks.
Me, Crystal and Neka at Mi Cocina in West Village, Uptown Dallas for Labor Day Lunch
Today I’m back to work in full on “grind-mode.” Fortunately it’s yoga week in Dallas so I’ll be teaching some extra PiYo classes which I’m really excited about. In addition to working out and working at my corporate job, I’m also planning some special Fall workouts and recipes so be on the lookout! Lots of luv, Brit
