grit by brit – Page 20

30/60/90 Fitness Class Review

February 12, 2013 No Comments

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(above – action shots from my 1st 30/60/90 class)

Last week I checked out a 30/60/90 group fitness class with #rock star instructor, Zack Schares (follow him @zaxfit). I’ve always been a little skeptical of this group fitness format because it seemed very “boot camp” style and I’m not a fan of such. I prefer choreographed workouts. Workouts I can jam to. Way more fun. Obvi.

HOWEVER, my 30/60/90 class was a very pleasant surprise that left me profusely perspiring and pleased indeed 🙂

Here’s the scoop…

Duration: 45 minutes
Locations: 24 Hour Fitness and Equinox clubs in New York City; Click here for a full schedule of classes
Calories Burned: ~450-600
Style: Cardio intervals, plyometrics on a step, and resistance training using hands weights
Vibe: Depends on the instructor, but booty bumpin’ music is key – the workout can be done to the beat of the music and is MUCH better when done so!

5 reasons to check it out…

Let’s HIIT it! High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) is the foundation of this fitness format. I’m still not really sure why the class is called “30/60/90″…we did some drills for 15 seconds and 45 seconds so I didn’t make the connection. BUT the point is that you do some high intensity intervals and intermix them with lower intensity resistance training. You guys know I’m a HUGE fan of HIIT training, the most efficient and effective way to work out, hands down.
90’s step aerobics anyone? Be ready for some old school step aerobics moves. The workout has a sneaky way of building them in, which I actually found to be really fun! These moves are mostly during the cardio intervals and go well with the music. It’s nice because you can jam while you step and sweat.
Hard “CORE” There’s a lot of plank holds, side planks, and squat thrusts (aka burpees) which really work your abs and lower back. A strong core is critical for balancing, good posture and sexy abs. I was really happy with the movement for my middle!
Sculpt. Super. Sexy. Muscles. During the workout we used moderately heavy hand weights to tone our arms. My shoulders are my favorite body part, so the narcissist in me enjoyed watching myself in the mirror, pumpin’ iron in my new racer back tank – holla 😉
*Pump up the Jamz* My instructor, Zack, blasted the beats (which seemed to be the norm). It was easy for me to get lost in the music during the really challenging cardio intervals. Music makes me move and this class had some juicy jamz!

(below – #SELFIE before and after class; I clearly got a good sweat)

Inspiration & Motivation

Love Your Body Day #5: Eat Good to Feel Good

February 8, 2013 10 Comments

We ARE what we EAT…. You’ve heard the saying over and over again but most of us (including me) still struggle to maintain a healthy, nutritious diet. Since today is the last day of my “love your body” series I figured I’d talk about the #1 way to love your body = nourish it with healthy food!

Here’s 10 fantastic foods that make you FEEL & LOOK good courtesy of bbcgoodfood.com:

BLUEBERRIES The ultimate immune-boosting food. Rich in anti-oxidants.
BROCCOLI Guards against cancer and is rich in a wide range of anti-oxidants, vitamins C and E, folate and iron.
CARROTS High in carotenes, known to boost the immune system.
LETTUCE AND SALAD GREENS Tangy varieties, such as chicory and endive, stimulate the liver, making them great detoxifiers. Most lettuces contain valuable amounts of vitamins, minerals and anti-oxidants.
BEETROOT Bursting with minerals and has anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, immune-boosting and detoxifying properties.
BRAZIL NUTS You only need to eat two or three a day to benefit from their great combination of immune-boosting nutrients: vitamin E, selenium and B vitamins.
GRAPEFRUIT Has immune-boosting, antiseptic, wound-healing and anti-bacterial properties.
GARLIC Strengthens the heart and blood, and has anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-viral properties. Also thought to help lower blood pressure. A key ingredient is allicin, which has cancer-fighting potential.
CRANBERRIES Best known for helping to prevent and treat urinary tract infections, especially cystitis, in women. They have both anti-fungal and antiviral properties.
GINGER Stimulates the immune system and circulation.

Love your body today by eating well. We can’t out exercise a bad diet #GRIT

Just for Fun

Love Your Body Day #3: H2O FLOW

February 6, 2013 2 Comments

It’s Day 3 of my “Love Your Body” series, and today I encourage you to Drink Up (water that is). H2O is vital for your vigor. On days that you exercise, drink at least 2 liters (4 over the counter-size bottles) and on days that you don’t exercise shoot for at least 1 liter. Doing so allows you to reap lots of luscious health benefits.

Love water to love your body…

Faster Metabolism. “Eight glasses of water a day not only prevents dehydration, but increases resting metabolism.” – University of Utah Study
Regular Digestion. The right amount of Fiber and Fluid keep you “regular.” My magic cleanse formula has always been 1 apple and 1 bottle of water 😉
Calorie Control. Being well hydrated makes you feel full, so you eat less. Also, since water has zero calories, you can keep your mouth busy with no penalty.
More Energy. Water energizes your muscles so they can fire away in your workouts. On the flip side, dehydration makes you lethargic.
Temperature Control. Adequate H2O keeps your body temperature in check. This is especially important when your working out or in a hot climate.
Balanced Bodily Fluids. Your body is 60% water which mostly consists of bodily fluids. These fluids are critical for executing your bodily functions. Stay hydrated to keep your bodily fluids in balance.

Love your body today by staying hydrated and letting the H2O FLOW! #GRIT

Inspiration & Motivation

Love Your Body Day #1: Get HATE out of your HEART

February 4, 2013 1 Comment

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Happy February! Today marks the beginning of my “Love Your Body” series. For each of the next 5 days I’ll share a healthy, body-lovin’ tip. Our health is essential to our being, so cherish your precious temple of your soul – your BODY!

Lots of luv,

Brit 🙂

Get HATE of out of your HEART

Let the grudge go. Holding a grudge does NOT cause any pain to the person who hurt you (they couldn’t care less). Your grudge only causes pain to your body. Several university studies have proven that holding a grudge is bad for your health. Joseph Neumann, PhD, a clinical psychologist explains, “When I treated patients with cardiovascular disease, I was struck by how many were bitter, angry, and depressed,” says Neumann. “It clearly affected their health and their ability to heal.” On the flip side, a study by Harvard Women’s Health Watch found a link between forgiving and improvements in heart rate and blood pressure.

The reality is that life isn’t fair. People will treat you unfairly, hurt you, cheat you and, on top of that, get away with it. But we must CHOOSE to not let our pain or anger ruin all of the good things we have in life. Eventually, we reap what we sow. So don’t worry about getting back at that awful person, just let the grudge go!

Love your body today by forgiving and letting old hurts be history #GRIT

Home Workouts

Work it out like Beyonce Super Bowl Sunday – 10 Sizzlin’ Commercial Break Exercises

January 29, 2013 5 Comments

Inspiration & Motivation

STRONG to the finish: Candace’s Progress on the New Year Kick Start Plan

January 22, 2013 3 Comments

Candace’s Week 2 Update

“Week 2 of my GRIT by Brit New Year Kick Start Plan was a bit quiet, I was able to get in a couple of workouts early in the week and stick to my eating plan. My challenge plans were a bit derailed due to travel to DC later in the week. I did try doing sit-ups and push-ups while watching TV one evening. I was able to knock out 200 crunches and 100 push-ups during commercial breaks. It was a great way to burn calories while watching my shows. Unfortunately, I’m up 1 lb. from the end of week 1. I’m looking forward to getting back on track and going hard in week 3.” – Candace

(below – sit ups with a dumbbell during commercial breaks)

(below – Candace knockin’ out some push ups to tone the core and upper body)

Brit’s Tips for Candace

Great job staying active despite not going to the gym every day. “Commercial Break” exercises are effective and efficient so keep it up! Next time take up the intensity and do some jumping jacks, burpees or squats during commercial breaks. These exercises burn more calories and engage more muscle groups.
Be extra strict about sticking with your eating plan this final week, especially on days that you miss a workout. It’s important to keep the calorie intake down on these days since you won’t burn as many calories during the day.
Have a little black coffee in the morning for an extra jolt. We know that coffee, in moderation, increases your energy and focus to help give you a push in this last week.
Most importantly – STAY POSITIVE. This is the final push and you are well on your way to achieving your goal. You got this!

Inspiration & Motivation

FLOTUS SWAG

January 21, 2013 No Comments

Happy Inauguration Day & Happy MLK Day! Check out my new Michelle Obama Bangs…what do you guys think?

FLOTUS – First Lady of the United States

“Anyone can be great because everybody can serve” – MLK

New York City

#CARDIOPARTY with me in NYC!

January 19, 2013 4 Comments

Hey guys! I hope this post finds you joyous and well.

I’m starting to teach independent Turbo Kickboxing classes in NYC – Flat Iron next weekend. Going forward I’ll have class EVERY SINGLE Sunday, rain sleet or snow 🙂

Come join me and invite all of your friends! Obviously I put together the BEST playlist for us to jam to. It will be tons of fun and very, very sweaty 😉

For details and to purchase classes go to www.turbonyc.com

Inspiration & Motivation

Already 3 Pounds DOWN!

January 14, 2013 1 Comment

Candace’s Week 1 Update

“Week 1 of my New Year Kick Start Plan was better than I expected, I’m down 3 lbs.! I downloaded the My Fitness Pal app, which has really helped me keep track of my calories. Packing my lunch and snacks each day was a great plan, as I can easily control what I’m consuming. Getting in 6 days of cardio workouts was tough, I only did 5 days. My goal is to definitely hit 6 days this week. Looking forward to week 2 and keeping up the progress.” – Candace

(below – Candace preparing her lunches for week 2)

Brit’s Tips for Week 2

Keep up the good work – While you should be thrilled about your quick results, don’t get complacent. Keep pushing yourself to be disciplined in your healthy eating and in maintaining your challenging workout schedule.
Stay hydrated – Completing intense cardio workouts 6 days per week means you are sweating more than usual. Dehydration will slow down your metabolism and hinder weight loss, so be sure to drink 2 liters of water per day.
Get your beauty rest – As a busy corporate woman I’m sure your days are packed full with work and working out. Be sure you are getting enough sleep at night (shoot for 8 hours) so that your body has an opportunity to recover. Sleep deprivation hinders weight loss as well.

Just for Fun

3-week New Year Kick-Start with Candace

January 4, 2013 3 Comments

New Year New You!

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Get to Know Candace

GOAL: lose 10-12 pounds and 2-3 inches
Exercise: I currently do PiYo, 24 Cycle and TRX training, but I would like to incorporate more cardio options. I like Turbo Kick, but I’m not very coordinated, so I feel like I’m not properly maximizing my efforts in the class. I’ve considered trying an actual boxing class and I’m open to any other recommendations you have.
Focus areas: I would really like to tone my upper body, core and lower body (basically all over!). I also would like to increase my endurance for strengthening exercises.
Diet: I have a major addition to sugar, more so sweets (chocolate, cookies, cupcakes). I know I have to practically eliminate sugar to get the results I’m seeking, so I have a strict eating plan that I’ve used in the past that I’ll try again. Any suggestions you can provide would be helpful. I don’t really have any other major eating problems, I generally stay away from salty snacks, beef/pork, bread, fried foods and fast food. I love fruits and veggies, so I need to stock up for generous portions each day. I also need to focus on increasing my water intake, I usually only consume 40-50oz. per day.

Brit’s 3-week Plan for Candace

Start Date: January 7, 2013
End Date: January 27, 2013

Check back every Monday for Candace’s progress report and see how she knocks out these 10 pounds! If you are looking for a New Year Shape Up Kick Start, try the plan yourself!