Just in time for Thanksgiving: Happiness, Gratitude and GRIT

November 23, 2013 2 Comments

Hey gang – it’s almost Turkey Day! I know many of you are probably getting Instagram and Facebook overload from your friends sharing their “30 Days of Thanks” or whatever it’s called. While I’m sure it can be annoying, don’t “hate” too much. Turns out, drinking the gratitude Kool-Aid can do us good.

Let me digress for a bit. We’ll come back full circle. I promise.

While growing up in Texas I attended a small, Southern Baptist church and we had this ritual of giving “praise reports” during every service. At this time, members of the congregation would stand up and share something good that had happened during the week (i.e. a promotion at work, healing from a sickness, winning a big game, an exciting family vacation, etc.). We always did “praise reports” before sharing “prayer requests.” Prayer requests are unfortunate situations in which people needed prayer, support or encouragement. I always wondered why we had this practice of first giving praise before we prayed about a problem. Over the weekend, a friend shared this video with me (below). While watching it, “praise reports” started to make more sense… thankful happiness

“The Science of Happiness,” suggests that the simple of act sharing gratitude (aka sharing praise reports) is therapeutic in itself. Being grateful and expressing gratitude can actually give us the strength and perspective that we need to make it through tough times. In short, gratitude gives us GRIT. Gratitude makes us happier.

In true GRIT by Brit fashion, I also thought to myself, “Maybe expressing gratitude for 2 good arms, 2 good legs and a heart and lungs that work can be the extra push I need on days I don’t feel like working out?” haha – we shall see.

Watch this video from SoulPancake if you want to feel good, get in the Thanksgiving spirit and maybe even tear up a bit 🙂

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oHv6vTKD6lg&w=560&h=315]

“Praise [gratitude] works best at the start, before the miracle, before the breakthrough, before the restoration.” – Brian Houston

Just for Fun

Perfect Holiday Fitness Gift: GRIT by Brit Workout Tank Tops are now Available! Show your #GRIT

November 17, 2013 2 Comments

Get ready to Show Your GRIT in some of my signature GRIT Swag. Treat yourself or your friends to a tank top or DVD today! You can shop directly through my eStore: gritbybrit-shop.com

I created GRIT by Brit apparel and DVDs to help me stay connected with my virtual “fit friends.” Hopefully you will become a part of our “GRIT Gang” and enjoy these products as much as I enjoyed creating them. Tank tops and gift sets are available while the limited supply last – when they are gone, they are GONE!

Thanks for supporting my small, but growing, business – ENJOY!

Lots of luv, Brit

For questions please contact me at [email protected]

Inspiration & Motivation

CHOOSE to think positive thoughts

November 13, 2013 4 Comments

You guys know I’m a sucker for inspirational quotes, but I saw this one and it really made me think. Not trying to get all “preachy,” but sometimes it’s good to take a step back and be mindful of our daily thoughts. Lately, the term “mindfulness” is a popular buzz word among inspirational speakers and spiritual thought leaders. Mindfulness simply refers to “awareness” – being conscious of what your mind is processing. This also means being conscious of negative thinking. We may think that negative thoughts here and there aren’t a big deal, but actually negative thinking can become nasty habit that’s difficult to overcome. In all honesty, it’s really hard (almost impossible) to always think positively. It take a lots of discipline and GRIT to train our minds to consistently look on the bright side. Fortunately, like with all things in life, we can train ourselves do anything we want – that’s beauty of being human – WE CAN CHANGE (we are not trees). I found this list of Negative Impacts of Negativity from Always Greater, LLC and wanted to share it – hopefully it encourages us to proactively choose positive thoughts and be mindful of the negative ones.

Negative thinking leads to…

A less worthwhile life instead of a more worthwhile life
Less confidence instead of greater confidence
Lower self-esteem instead of higher self-esteem
Less happiness and enjoyment instead of more happiness and enjoyment
Less feelings of strength instead of greater feelings of strength
Less energy instead of more energy
Less peace of mind instead of more peace of mind
Less success instead of more success
Less enjoyable social interactions instead of more enjoyable social interactions
Less health benefits instead of more health benefits
Less clarity of mind instead of greater clarity of mind
Less sensible mind instead of a more sensible mind

“Since you have a choice, it doesn’t make much sense to think in negative ways that hurt you rather than positive ways that help you.” – David Fonvielle

Just for Fun

Fierce & Fabulous

November 9, 2013 2 Comments

Hey hey GRIT gang! I hope you are enjoying a WONDERFUL weekend. I was just thinking, I’m so grateful that I discovered FIERCE fitness. Now I’m not talking about casually going to the gym or a nice easy jog every once in a while, I’m talking about sweat puddles, sucking air and shocking myself during workouts. Not only does fierce fitness improve my physical appearance, but it also makes me fabulous! By “fabulous,” I mean more confident, fun and optimistic about life.

If I can push through a tough workout, I can handle any curve ball that life throws my way – I’m sure of it. It’s amazing how the self-confidence, resilience and GRIT from overcoming a physical challenge spill over into all aspects of my life.

If you have been casually going through the motions, today I challenge you to take it up a notch! You are stronger than you think. Be FIERCE and be FABULOUS! Lots of luv, Brit

“It’s better to commit and go for the gold, rather just show up for practice everyday” #GRIT

Cardio, Detox Plans, Home Workouts

7 Days of Sweat: 1 Week Cardio Formula for a Super Slim Down

October 27, 2013 2 Comments

Hey GRIT gang! In case you’re looking to change up your cardio routine, I’m gladly sharing my cardio workout plan for the week. I’ve recently been a little lax with my sweat sessions due to a crazy travel schedule , so this week I’m going to get my butt back in gear!

When looking to drop a few pounds, I’m firm believer in doing 1 hour of cardio per day. So I designed this workout to include a combination of various 1 hour workouts each day of the week. Knock out these sweat sessions along with my other healthy habits and I promise you will see slimmer you by the end of the week.

I have to be honest, my “7 Days of Sweat” are easier said than done. PUSH YOURSELF and don’t sacrifice what you want most for what you want at this moment. You got this!

Lots of luv,

Brit

Arms, Home Workouts

Babalicious Bicep Workout

October 15, 2013 7 Comments

Showin' of my "Babalyicous" Biceps. Hey, no shame in my game :) — Showin’ of my “Babalyicous” Biceps. Hey, no shame in my game 🙂

What’s up GRIT GANG?! Hope your week is off to an AWESOME start – mine certainly is. This morning before work I did this bicep workout along with some cardio. I figured I’d share the workout with you guys since I got some requests after posting my Triceps Workout last week.

For best results, do this workout 1-2 times per week and combine it with a tricep workout – it’s important equally work opposite muscle groups. Use 2 medium dumbbells (about 5-10 pounds depending on your strength). Just like the tricep workout, this routine has a LOT of reps, so you don’t have worry about bulking up. Get ready to show off your sexy sculpted arms! #heygurlhey

Enjoy and lots of luv, Brit

Gym mirror #selife after finishing my Bicep workout + 20 minute jog = great combo! — Gym mirror #selfie after finishing my Bicep workout + 20 minute jog = great combo!

Inspiration & Motivation

Discipline

October 13, 2013 4 Comments

Hey hey Grit gang! I hope you had a good weekend. Mine weekend was okay… I had some fun times, but I’m feeling a little stressed due to work and lot’s personal things on my plate. In all honesty, today was one of those days that I really wanted to just sit at home and feel sorry for myself. In fact. I did. For a while… But then I started planning my blog posts for the next few days and perusing some blogs that I follow, and I came upon this post that gave me the “kick in the butt” that I needed.

I love that the title is simple – “Discipline.” In the end, discipline is what really matters. I have to have the discipline to get up off of my couch and not be a cry baby. I have to have the discipline to workout when I don’t feel like it. And most importantly, I have to have the discipline to CHOOSE to be happy when it would be so much easier to mope around. So, with that said, I just wanted to share this post with you as a little “Sunday inspiration.” I hope it motivates you as much as it motivated me.

Have a blessed week. Lots of luv, Brit 🙂

Arms, Home Workouts

Trim, Tone and Tighten Your Triceps!

October 10, 2013 9 Comments

Hey hey GRIT Gang! I don’t have much to say about this workout except, “JUST DO IT!” Your sleeveless tops and dresses will thank you 🙂 All you need are 2 light/medium dumbbells (about 5-8 pounds). This workout totally works your triceps through a combination of body weight isometric training and dynamic dumbbell moves. No need to worry about bulking up because I uniquely designed the workout with high reps and low weight! However, you WILL be sore after, so be sure to stretch and work your opposite muscles (biceps) as well. Enjoy and lots of luv! -Brit

20 Minute TRICEP Tighten

Just for Fun

September Shape Up: Blake’s Week 2 in Review

September 17, 2013 1 Comment

Hey gang. I hope your week is off to an excellent start. Blake, my fit friend from binanutshell.com has officially completed Week 2 of my September Shape up plan. Are you trying the plan for yourself? Do it!

If you were around last week, you’ll remember that Blake got off to an amazing start losing over 2 pounds in Week 1 – woo hoo! During Week 2, however, she’s experienced some setbacks. BUT we are all about showing our GRIT – passion and perseverance for long-term goals. Even though Blake had a “less than stellar” Week 2, we KNOW that she will keep on truckin’ and be successful in the end! Here’s her update. Wish her luck, strong to the finish! 🙂

Blake’s Week 2 in Review

Overall, I am saddened by my progress in week 2. I was really excited to keep up with Brit’s Shape Up September, but I wasn’t able to due to health reasons. I am just going to be upfront and say that even knowing that there are 2 weeks left in the month, week 2 was definitely the most difficult. Early in the week, I was plagued with a summer cold that left me lethargic, sneezy and coughing – which of course resulted in my not working out.

Also, I have an inordinate amount going on in my personal life – some really great things that I am not quite yet ready to share on the blog, but stay tuned for a personal life update soon!

Here is how last week panned out:

Diet

I managed to get two nights with smoothies in, one night without dinner at all, one business dinner, and two dinners out with friends. Unfortunately, most of those events were planned way before Shape Up September, so I worked around the dinners out by eating really healthy breakfasts and having a smoothie for lunch! Smoothies for the win!

Exercise

Monday: Brit’s GRIT Ultimate Body Burn workout video – seriously folks, if you don’t own this video, you should. Buy it on Amazon!
Tuesday: Brit’s 10 minute HIIT circuit – I had a super late meeting and didn’t get home until almost 10 and was starting not to feel well
Wednesday: Skinnygirl Yoga at home (note to self: downward dog does not feel good with congestion)
Thursday – Sunday: Sick, sick, sick

Hydration

Still focusing on having a full glass of water on my desk at all times. Hooray for this. Also, I think the water was really helpful from keeping me on the healthier side of sick… since the hubs was knocked out for twice as long as I was.

Week 3 Focus

This week’s focus is definitely going to be CARDIO! I am excited to get back to working out now that I don’t feel like walking up the three flights of stairs to my bedroom is going to make me winded.

Here’s a quick cardio workout I recommend for Blake in case she is pressed for time time next week – cardio is KING (wink,wink) xoxo, Brit

Cardio, Home Workouts

Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders Football Field Workout

September 9, 2013 No Comments

How bout dem COWBOYS?! I’m starting my week on super positive note by celebrating a big (yet ugly) Dallas Cowboys victory over the New York Giants. 1-0 is a great start to the season! While watching the game last night, I had the idea to create a workout that would help me get a body like a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader (DCC)… Personally, I know several of the DCC ladies and let me tell you what, they work their booties off! I’m talking boot camps, hours of practices, strength training, hard-core dance rehearsals – it’s no joke. So, in the spirit of football season and in acknowledgment of the awesome bodies of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders – here’s boot camp style football field workout just a for you! No equipment is needed. The entire workout should take you about 45 minutes and expect to burn 600 calories. Enjoy and GOOOOOOOO COWBOYS! Lots of luv, Brit