Tag: grit by brit

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Dallas Grit Fitness: Studio Set Up – Home Stretch!

Hey guys!  I hope your week is off to a good start.  I was feeling pretty chipper this morning, but then the reality of the MASSIVE AMOUNT of work I have to do to get my studio set up hit me like a ton of bricks – AHH!  From writing the press release, conducting instructor orientation, planning the grand opening party and finishing renovations, I don’t expect to sleep much in the next month.  The frustrating part is that so much of what needs to be done I can’t do by myself.  Having to rely on others is definitely giving me a life lesson in humility.  Alas, lots of progress is being made so I’ll rejoice in that regard.  We have come such a long way!  Remember when we started with the demolition work?

Oh hey – we have mirrors! Let me take a selfie

The most recent accomplishment is mirror installation!  Alpha Glass company installed the studio mirrors last Thursday!  They really open up the space and make it feel like real studio.  I think this is the most excited I’ve been so far.

Paint – check, Floors – check, Mirrors – check! 3 huge renovations milestones DONE!

Tomorrow the electricians will come and install additional power outlets,  lighting and the sound system.  I’m really excited about the lights because they respond to the bass in the music 🙂  I went to Guitar Center and totally geeked out from all of the lighting options (see below).  Finally, I decided to buy the Ultrabar colored lights.  Can’t wait to have these installed tomorrow!

Checking out all of the cool studio lighting options! So fun

After Thanksgiving the real fun begins – decorating!  While decorating seems simple, it also requires professional help – UGH!   Is there any particular fitness studio decor that you like?  If so, post a comment and let me know!

Stay motivated this Monday! xoxo, Brit

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Neon Activewear + Cycling Playlist

Happy Monday morning to you!  I hope you had a good weekend.  I had a really busy weekend myself (more to come on that later this afternoon).  I’m actually feeling kinda tired this morning, so I’m planning to rest and recover today.

On Saturday morning I taught my usual 8AM spin class at BEYOND Pedaling.  I was super pumped because I got to rock my new Chic Bra Top from Onzie.   Not only does it have a funky neon pattern, but the back has a sexy strappy design – oh hey! I paired with with my neon Living One Luv Headband and wore my Target C9 sports bra underneath for extra support (I’m a little on the busty side).

Little #selfie before cycling class – So excited to rock out my playlist!

In addition to my fab new workout clothes, my playlist also pumped me up for an energetic class.  It’s crazy how much time I spend each week making up my playlist – like ~4 hours per class for realz.  A solid playlist is crucial for a good class.  That said, I figured some of you may be fitness instructors as well, so I’m making a personal commitment to start sharing my playlists as much as possible.  Here’s the 45-minute cycling playlist we “tapped back” to during my last cycling class…

After the ride, my class was super sweaty and had big smiles on their faces – 2 outcomes that always make me feel good as a fitness instructor.  They liked the mix of Top 40, Hip Hop and Old school on this playlist – yay!

What’s on your workout playlist?  I’m always looking for new songs.  PLEASE post a comment and let me know what you jam to.  Share the love 🙂  I’ll catch up with you later this afternoon.  Until then, HAPPY MONDAY!  xoxo, Brit

Posing after class at BEYOND Pedaling with this fabulous crew! I love their energy!
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Fitness Fashion Friday #12: New Workout Clothes from Warrior Elements

Image: Grinning from ear to ear at the site of new activewear! My favorite 😉

Happy Fitness Fashion Friday my friends!  Yay for the upcoming weekend.  I have been teaching a crazy schedule this week (5 spin classes in 2 days!) So I’m VERY ready to relax and unwind this weekend.  Before I head out, I want to share some photos and thoughts from a recent fitness + fashion event.

Last week I was super excited to receive an invitation to special clothing line debut from a local Dallas designer, Gail Warrior.  Gail is a high-profile, Dallas-based entrepreneur and founder of The Warrior Group, a commercial general contractor, and the Heart of a Warrior Charitable Foundation. She’s also a lifelong fitness and healthy cooking enthusiast, so creating the Warrior Elements clothing line was a natural fusion of her professional experience and her personal passions for health, fitness, fashion and motivating others.

The clothing line debut took place at Equinox Preston Hollow and was super swanky. Not only did I get to check out awesome new activewear from a local Dallas designer but I also enjoyed delicious treats and “mocktails” (i.e. healthy non-alcoholic cocktails) throughout the evening.

Enjoying yummy goodies at the Warrior Elements Debut!

As for the Warrior Elements clothing line, I liked the consistent theme of Earth, Wind, Fire, Water.  Each item in the collection is a associated and color-coordinated with one of the elements.  For instance, the blue workout clothes are a part of the Water collection.  Most importantly, I loved the positive vibe I got from Gail and her team.  There’s nothing more important than good energy – right?

Here are a few more photos from the evening.  If you’re looking for new activewear this holiday season be sure to check out Warrior Elements.  Let me know what you think!  Until then, I’ll catch up with you on Monday.

Have a wonderful weekend! xoxo, Brit

Checking out the Warrior Elements Women’s Activewear – lots of fun styles to choose from
Crystal Pollard (left) and Gail Warrior (right) posing for the camera. Crystal is a fellow group fitness instructor with me at 24 HR fitness – we go way back 😉
Models showing off the Warrior Elements Activewear
Ladies getting their shopping on - wonderful night of a food, fashion & fun!
Ladies getting their shopping on – wonderful night of a food, fashion & fun!
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5 FIERCE Thigh Workouts – Get Trim, Toned Thighs!

Hola friends!  How’s it going?  My Thursday is off to a good start.  I just finished teaching my back-to-back cycling classes at BEYOND Pedaling.  I have to teach one more class this evening, but until then I’m blogging and working at my fitness studio.

In honor of  “Throwback Thursday” I decided to share 5 of my favorite thigh workouts from the blog.  I designed these exercise routines over past 3 years and they each take a different approach to toning and strengthening the thighs.  Some use hand weights, some are body-weight only and others incorporate more endurance training.  Whatever your preference, I’ve got something for you.  But one thing is for sure, each workout is gritty and will give your thighs a good burn!

Each workout has instructions and photos to guide you through the moves.  If you have any questions, just post a comment below or shoot me an email to brit@gritbybrit.com.

Enjoy!  xoxo, Brit

1. Thursday Thigh Burn Circuit

Body weight leg workout with endurance segments.  Feel the burn! (30 minutes)

2. 4 Effective Moves for Firm Thighs

Get ready to step and lunge your way to sexy sculpted thighs. (20 minutes)

3. 10 Minute Legs & Thighs Workout Video

Fun, efficient thigh workout that includes cardio intervals to get you sweating! (10 minutes)

4. Bye Bye Jiggly Thighs

Hardcore thigh workout with lots of reps to build strong, lean quads and hamstrings.  (30 minutes)

5. At Home Leg Tone: Get Killer Legs in Your Living Room

Home workout requiring no weights.  Fire up your legs without leaving your living room! (30-40 minutes)

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Fitness Studio Review: The Barre Code Dallas, TX

Image: From left to right, my friends Ashley, Julie (instructor), me and Andria after our Brawl workout.  I was happy to rock my Fire Cracker capris from Lorna Jane!

Hey friends – happy workout Wednesday!  I hope your week is going well.  I’m working away at my new studio, Dallas Grit Fitness.  We are in full swing decorating and getting ready to welcome our fierce, fabulous instructors for orientation in 2 weeks.  I’m excited and honored to have the most energetic dancers, trainers and yoga instructors join my team!

In honor of workout Wednesday, I wanted to share some insights from my recent visit to The Barre Code Dallas, Design District.  Turns out The Barre Code Dallas Master Trainer, Julie, was actually the Group X Manager of 24 Hour Fitness who auditioned me for my very first fitness instructor position!  When I walked into the class and saw that she was teaching, I totally freaked out.  Such a small world!

While The Barre Code offers several barre formats my friends and I decided to try out the “Brawl” class because it seemed the most intense.  “Brawl, which has been recognized by SELF magazine as one of the best workouts in the country, is an intense class that combines cardio kickboxing sequences with strengthening work for the thighs and glutes.”  As a Turbo Kick fanatic, of course this is right yup my alley!

Here’s a quick run down of my experience…

  • The Class – Brawl is a 50 minutes, high intensity cardio kickboxing class.  We did the whole class in socks – no sneakers!  Fortunately the floors are a soft rubber that you can bounce on.  About half way through the class, we got down on the ground and did 10 minutes of core, thighs and booty toning exercises.  Then we ended class with one final cardio push and a cool down.
  • The Instructor – So I may be biased because I know Julie and personally like her style, but she was awesome!  I always appreciate fitness instructors who actually do the workout with the class and practice what they teach.  Julie rocked it out!
  • Music – We kicked, punched and jumped around to a mash-up of Top 40 music.  It was remixed into a continuous flow that synced well with the moves.  The sound system was great – I could feel the beat!
  • Who was there – Barre Code is a women’s only gym.  Most of the ladies in our class were in their 20’s and 30’s and all dressed in super cute activewear.
  • Loved – The high energy of the class.  We never stopped moving!
  • Hated – I didn’t bring a towel and had to creatively wipe my sweat on my clothes.
  • Final Verdict – After class I was drenched in sweat, my thighs were on fire and I had a smile on my face – the 3 signs of an effective workout!  I highly recommend.
My friend Ashley, invited us along for the day. She’s a regular at The Barre Code
Ladies checking in at the front desk for Brawl class!
The studio was perfectly accented with thematic fitness equipment – gotta love pink kettle bells 🙂
Afterwards we were sweaty and tired so we treated ourselves to a yummy dinner at Ascension
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Dallas Grit Fitness: Site renovation almost complete – we have a floor!

Image: I literally ran outside and jumped around in front of the truck delivering my studio floors!

Great news gang!  We are less than 2 weeks away from fully renovating my very first fitness studio, Dallas Grit Fitness – YIPPEE!  Last week marked the completion of a major renovation milestone as our floors were installed!  I was so excited when the floors arrived, I couldn’t stop jumping around and cheering.  You can see me in action on this Instagram Video clip.  Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm, right?

Floor installation at Dallas Grit Fitness was no easy task since our space was formally a chiropractor office.  We had to demolish all of the existing carpet and tile to create a smooth surface for the new studio flooring.

Now that the hard work is done, I’m excited to move on the to fun part – decorating!  I got lots of cool wall art and lighting for the studio.  We will also install a full wall of mirrors and the sound system this week.  It’s really coming together.  I can’t wait to share my energy, passion and grit with you in person.  If you live in Dallas or ever come to visit, you must pop in to Dallas Grit Fitness for a sweat session! 🙂

Tearing up the existing carpet and tile
Smoothing out the surface to ensure the floor is completely level
All smooth! Waiting for the surface to dry to until we start laying the floors
Floors are installed and the black base was molded to the wall – almost ready to dance!

Get ready for the most FIERCE, FUN, FABULOUS fitness studio in Dallas!   xoxo, Brit

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Fitness Friday Friday #11: Leopard + lucy

Image: Coral off the shoulder top (lucy), Grey sports bra (C9 at Target), Black animal print leggings (Onzie), Nike Free Sneakers 

Happy Fitness Fashion Friday!  So technically, these are “cheetah” print on my leggings, but “Cheetah + lucy” doesn’t have the same ring as “Leopard + lucy”  so we’re gonna go with the latter.  I’ve officially busted out my long sleeve activewear now that the cold weather is upon us (tear).

I’m headed to NYC this weekend.  Two of my close friends from business school, Matt & Lily-Hayes, are getting married!  I plan to pack this outfit as my “travel wear” for my flight back to Dallas next Monday.

While in NYC, I’m checking out a couple of new fitness studios that have sparked my interest: AKT In Motion (a new dance cardio club that seems really cool) and 305 Fitness (founded by my friend Sadie & just opened a new flagship studio in the West Village).  I’ll be sure to take lots of pictures and write a full review to share here on the blog.  Welp, I guess that’s all for now.  Happy Friday friends!

Loving the detailed animal print & shimmry finish on these leggings
Oh hey off-the-shoulder swag! Holla back at ya Monday morning!

Have a great weekend! Luv, Brit

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Washboard Abs Workout

Image: Showing off my “washboard abs” during a styling session at Lorna Jane (love this outfit BTW – I wear it to teach cycling all the time)

Hey hey – happy Workout Wednesday!  As promised, here is your workout of the week – Washboard Abs.  I’m getting floors installed at my studio, Dallas Grit Fitness, today .  Yay!  This is the last major renovation milestone before I can start decorating and, ultimately, teaching classes.  I’ll be hanging out at the studio all day, so I plan to knock out this ab workout while “overseeing” contractors.  Should be good fun.

It’s been a while since I posted an ab workout, so today I’m bringing you my most comprehensive, complete, core exercise routine.  During this workout you will engage your abdominals in 3 different positions: 1) Standing Up 2) On you hands and toes in the plank position 3) In the traditional position, on your back.  This helps ensure we work the complete core for washboard abs!

Warning: This workout takes about 25 minutes to complete.  You can’t rush through it.  BUT, I promise you will feel the burn.  For best results, do this workout 2-3 times per week for 4 weeks along with rigorous cardio workouts.

Give it a whirl and let me know how it goes.  If you have any questions about the exercises below, just post a comment and I can explain.  Have a wonderful Wednesday!  Love, Brit

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Dallas Grit Fitness representing at lucy!

Image: Me and my friend Andria shown’ our grit – GRRRRR!

Hey Friends!  Happy Tuesday.  I hope your week is off to a good start.  Just wanted to share a few photos from my event at lucy Dallas last weekend.  I was there promoting my new fitness studio, Dallas Grit Fitness.  We enjoyed a fun day of photos, goodies and 30% off all merchandise!  lucy Dallas will be one of the proud retail partners of Dallas Grit Fitness.  Stay tuned for more fun events and discounts from lucy in partnership with Dallas Grit Fitness!

I’ll be back tomorrow with your workout of the week – Oh Hey Workout Wednesday 🙂  Luv, Brit

Me and the lucy Dallas store manager – excited about Dallas Grit Fitness grand opening!
More fun representing Dallas Grit Fitness!
Giving away GRIT DVD’s, flyers and KIND bars to lucy shoppers!
And of course we got our shopping on – a girl can never have too much activewear!
Had a blast – can’t wait to see you in your lucy gear at Dallas Grit Fitness!
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Black Friday Fitness Gift Ideas – 2014 Holiday Gift Guide

Happy Monday gang!  The holidays are just around the corner – can you believe it?  That means it’s time for my annual Holiday Gift Guide blog post!  I’m super excited about the products that made my list this year.  If you need even more gift ideas, check out last year’s Holiday Gift Picks list and my 2012 list.  I hope you love everything as much as I do – happy shopping!

  1. Living One Love Headbands ($16) – I discovered these headbands at IDEA World fitness convention in August.  I met the owner of the company who personally designs them and she was super sweet.  I like these headbands because they are wide (to cover my giant forehead) and come in TONS of different prints and colors.  I wear one to every single class I teach – highly recommend
  2. 1-yr Membership to Dallas Grit Fitness & Dallas Fit Body Boot Camp ($TBD) – In the spirit of self-promotion, I must include a shameless plug for my new fitness studio opening January 2015! Over the past 3 years, I’ve visited over 100 different fitness studios and reviewed so many classes.  Now, I’m able to offer all of my fav fitness formats and at a single studio – so excited.  We are having a Black Friday/Cyber Monday pre-sale for 1 year memberships. Stay tuned for details! (dallasgritfitness.com)
  3. Lorna Jane Inspirational Sports Bra ($63) – Lorna Jane is another brand that I’ve become a fan of just recently.  Now that I’m 30 and more confident about my body, I rock sports bras and leggings to teach my classes (no shame showing midriff).  Lorna Jane is my go to for sports bras that provide enough overage, support and style to be worn solo as a top.
  4. Nike Free Train Sneakers ($150) – Nike Free sneakers have made my list 3 years in a row – I’m officially an addict.  The reason is that these provide the best support for group fitness classes.  Notice I’m not recommending the Nike Free ‘Run’ sneakers, but rather the training version.   They come in so many super bright colors and styles – perfection.
  5. You are a Badass ($10) – We read this book in my book club last Fall.  It changed my life.  Ladies, if you are trying to make it to the next level in your career, relationship or simply boost your self-confidence, this book will provide the encouragement you need all while making you laugh out loud.  It’s a wonderful affordable gift for your girlfriends.
  6. Lululemon Vinyasa Scarf ($51) – This scarf is everything.  It compliments any outfit and can be worn a variety of ways.  I wore my black vinyasa scarf in a recent Fitness Fashion Friday post, and you seemed to love it as much as I do.  I’ve been searching for the berry/heathered bordeaux (red) color and can’t find it anywhere 🙁  Let me know if you find it.  And if you do, buy it!
  7. Vitamix ($300-$500) – I’ve been wanting a Vitamix for the longest.  I became a fan back when I was doing the Dr. Oz cleanse which required preparing 3 smoothies every day.  I tried to depend on my basic blender, but it took too much time and my smoothies weren’t as smooth as I liked.  I think it’s time to bite the bullet and buy a Vitamix.
  8. Peleton Bike ($1,995) – I’ve always been into cycling, but now that I teach BEYOND Pedaling, I’m really into it.  I just heard about this start-up company in NYC, Peleton, who created this narley home bike that has a live screen to stream classes from your favorite instructors.  How cool is that?  It’s not cheap, so I’ll have to depend on Santa to get this one to me.
  9. Sociologie Wine Pack ($20-40) – First off, how cute is this wine bottle?  The bottle alone is enough to make me want a Sociologie Wine Pack.  Better yet, it comes in 3 refreshing Sangria flavors.  I just tried Socioliogie wine last year and immediately became a fan.  You can buy Sociology at most liquor or wine stores in Texas.  Sorry if you’re out-of-state, Socilologie should be expanding your way soon!
  10. Onzie Two Tone Leggings ($65) – I just got these leggings as sample from the Onzie Winter collection – I’m obsessed.  I’ll show them off on an upcoming Fitness Fashion Friday.  Meanwhile, go get you some.  They are affordable, fit well and look amazing!

What’s on your 2014 holidays wish list?