Tag: grit by brit

Posted on

Love Your Body Day #3: H2O FLOW

love your bod image 5

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

Posted on

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

love your bod image 3

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

Posted on

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

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!

Posted on

FLOTUS SWAG

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

Posted on

#CARDIOPARTY with me in NYC!

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

Posted on

Already 3 Pounds DOWN!

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)

photo(41)

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.
Posted on

3-week New Year Kick-Start with Candace

New Year New You!

photo (22)

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

Slide1

Slide2

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!

Posted on

Top 10 Tips for a Happier & Healthier 2013

Happy_New_Year

Earlier this year I was talking to my mentor about my passion for fitness and vision to create my own workout DVD (have you bought your copy yet?).   She said to me, “Brittani, in your head it’s just a dream, but on paper it’s a goal and therefore a responsibility.”   Since then, I made a habit of typing up my personal goals, printing them and taping them above my desk.  The past few days I’ve been drafting my 2013 goals.  Below are just my “fitness/health” goals, but I also set goals for my spirituality, career, relationships and finances…

My Top 5 Fitness Goals for 2013

While setting my 2013 goals, I started reflecting on some key lessons I learned in 2012 which have very much influenced my new goals and outlook on 2013.  I’ve turned these lessons into “tips” which I wanted to share with you.  I hope these wise words help you as much as they’ve helped me.  Those who are closest to me know that I LOVE to be inspired and am walking vat of “1-liners” and inspirational quotes.  So, I’ve made a point to scatter in many of my favorite quotes in this blog post.

Brit’s Top 10 Tips for Your Best Year Yet

  1. Strive for EXCELLENCE not PERFECTION – My weight loss journey taught me a lot about striving for “perfection” and the damage it disappointment it causes.  Life is about balance.  It’s not all or nothing.  Whether your New Year’s resolution is to lose weight, save money or run a marathon,  you must be realistic about your human nature.  The fact of the matter is that YOU WILL SLIP UP.  You will have a day that you spend too much money, eat too much or miss your workout.  However, your “slip ups” do not define who you are.  Your determination to get back on track and keep pushing toward your goal is what makes you EXCELLENT.  That’s #GRIT 
  2. Set HIGHER GOALS – “You’re stronger than you think you are.”  This is my mantra and the GRIT by Brit tagline.  It rolls off the tongue so easily, but it can be so hard to believe at times.  In 2012 I started to realize that I am capable of doing things far beyond my imagination and, guess what,  so are you!  We are powerful beyond measure, but our self-doubt and fear of failure limit us.  This year I’m going to take more risks and be willing to look like a fool for the things I believe in the most.   Be on the lookout for amazing things from GRIT by Brit in 2013 😉  “Shoot for the moon, even if you miss, you’ll land among the stars.” – Les Brown.  
  3. Give thanks EVERYDAY – I started keeping a journal in 2012.  On days that didn’t have much write, I just jotted down a list of things that I was grateful for.  It could be anything…great dinner with a friend, good workout, a client presentation that went well, sunshine, clean air, etc.  It didn’t seem like much at the time, but looking back on my 2012 journal entries really shows me how blessed I am.  Having a grateful and joyful spirit creates a self-fulfilling prophesy of more great things.  Like the country church folks say, “When PRAISES go up, BLESSINGS come down!”
  4. SERVE OTHERS to understand your calling –  This year I realized my “calling” (or one of them at least).  To  me, our calling manifests itself when we are able to help others by doing something that we are naturally good at and super enthusiastic about.  Teaching fitness classes allows me to do just this.  Challenge yourself this year to find that thing that allows you serve others and makes you tick.  “Helping others is the way we help ourselves.”   -Oprah
  5. Invest in PEOPLE not in PRAISES –  Many times this year I would find myself getting anxious about how many Facebook likes I had, DVDs I sold or positive reviews I got on Amazon.  The fact of the matter is that these “praises” come and go and do NOT create sustaining joy.  What really satisfies us deep down in our souls is knowing that we have truly made a positive impact in someone else’s life.  When I get emails from blog readers or students in my kickboxing classes that express how I was able to help them lose 20 pounds or have more self-confidence, it is the greatest joy and feeling of success! “The greatest success we’ll ever know is helping others succeed and grow.”  
  6. Learn from SUCCESSFUL PEOPLE – I spent a lot of time with “older” people in 2012 and boy did it serve me well.  We often think that our problems are “unique” and forget that the world has been turning and people have been living for thousands and thousands of years.  Therefore, what we’re going through, someone else has already been through.  Talk to people who are successful and have overcome obstacles.  Their personal stories and words of wisdom are priceless and powerful.
  7. Stay FAR AWAY from chronically down-trodden and negative people –  The harsh reality is that our lives are a direct reflection of the 5 people we associate with the most.  Are you struggling with unemployment, depression, anxiety?  Take a look around you and there’s a very high likelihood that your closest friends and associates are struggling with those exact same issues.  “Misery LOVES company.”  So push yourself this New Year to cut the negative ties and develop some positive ones.
  8. SWEAT EVERY DAY – Exercise is like a free happy pill, so take one.  You guys know that I’m a fitness junkie.  It’s my passion.  But even if you aren’t crazy about working out, it’s so important to make exercise a consistent part of your life.  It increases serotonin, gets endorphins flowing,   reduces your risk for cancer and strengthens your immune system.   The key is to find a workout that you truly enjoy.  So go pop in a new group fitness class, workout video or something else that gets you sweaty.  “Exercise is the cheapest, most effective anti-depressant”… and it makes you sexy 😉
  9. Eat lots of FRUIT & VEGETABLES – This seems so simple, but it can be so hard.  Just keepin’ it 100%.  Managing my weight became SO MUCH easier when I forced myself to eat lots of  fruits and veggies throughout the day.  To start off, I just packed 1 apple and 1 orange in my work bag everyday and made sure I ate them both before 5:00pm.  Processed foods have too many calories and too few nutrients.  When we eat too many of them, we end up hungry and deficient of the nutrients that our bodies need.  We also end up having to exercise twice as much to compensate for the excess calories.  If you are serious about maintaining a healthy weight in 2013, you must increase your fruit and vegetable intake.  “You can’t out exercise a bad diet.”
  10. BE THE PERSON you want to attract –  Where my single ladies at? If you’re like me and pushing 30, you often ask yourself the million dollar question, “When will I get married and have babies?”  I talk to my dad about this all the time and he always tells me to just “enjoy life to the fullest and focus on bettering myself.”  When I turned 16 he wrote me a letter with his top 10 life lessons for me.#1 on the list is to “Keep God at the center of your life” and #2 is to “Choose your mate wisely.”  He says it is the single most important decision I will make in my life.  So don’t worry ladies (and gents).  “Just keep grinding, keep shining and never-never settle!”  The law of attraction says that we will naturally attract positive, loyal, loving partners when we truly inhabit those qualities ourselves.  “We are single for a season and married for a reason.”

So now I leave you with my favorite song to get you “fired up” for the New Year.  Remember, the best is ALWAYS yet to come.  Here’s to 2013, your best year yet!

Be blessed.

Lots of love, Brit 🙂

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J91ti_MpdHA&w=560&h=315]

Posted on

Gettin’ that Pure Barre “Ledge” – Studio Review Pure Barre Dallas, TX

picstitch (8)

“Tuck up, up, hold…up, up, tighter freeze…”

I recently bought a holiday pass to Pure Barre, $50 for 2 weeks of unlimited classes.  I hadn’t tried the format before but have heard good things about it, so decided to give it the “GRIT by Brit” review.  Today I finished my 5th class and now I have a decent handle on what this “barre workout” stuff is all about…

The first class was alright…I left feeling like I got a decent workout but nothing spectacular.  However, the second time I went to class, my booty was on fire!  Good technique is key to feeling the burn. To get the most out of this workout,  you must have proper form and do the exercises correctly.  The barre method is based on isometric training, which basically means that you contract your muscles and make sharp tiny movements to strengthen and tighten them.  Isometric training is an effective form of resistance exercise but still requires you to do cardiovascular workouts. This means that doing barre method workouts alone, will NOT suffice for your recommended amount of exercise.

Workout Summarypicstitch (9)

  • Duration: 55 minutes
  • Vibe: The workout is set to music (mostly top 40) and all of the exercises go with the beat of the track.  I like that I can get “lost” in the music when the burn is really gettin’ going.
  • Instructors: Really nice and inviting.  They walk around the room to adjust your form and ensure you’re getting the most out of your workout.
  • Format:  You start by doing a total body warm up routine, then move on to working each of the target muscle groups: arms, thighs, seat, abs, lower back.  You spend about 10 minutes on each muscle group.
  • Equipment: You use a variety of “toys” like light dumbbells for arm work, resistance tubes for thigh work and a small bouncy ball to hold between your thighs and SQUEEZE

Pure Barre IS for you if:

  • You are already pretty lean and just want to tone up
  • You work out consistently and are looking for a new form of resistance training to challenge your muscles
  • You’re already a fan of barre workouts but are looking for a class with hip music and a young vibe
  • You like dance and ballet

Pure Barre IS NOT for you if:

  • You are trying to lose a lot of weight.  Assuming that you do not plan to workout for 2 hours per day, you’d be better off spending your 55 minutes doing a workout that makes you sweat and gets your heart rate elevated. (Also everyone in the class was pretty lean..just keepin’ it 100%)
  • You only like athletic workouts.  Pure Barre has more of a finesse to it which may seem prissy.  However, I consider myself an “athletic” type and I really liked it, so the jury is still out…

P.S.  The “Pure Barre Ledge” is the little crease that connects the top of your thigh and the bottom of your seat 😉

Are you a Pure Barre fan?  Let me know!

gritbybrit-purebarre