2013 Year End Top 10

Wow!  The New Year is upon us and I have so much so much grateful for. Most importantly, I’m so thankful for all of you who follow my blog and send me encouraging messages.  There’s nothing more rewarding than connecting with you.  Thank you so very much – be blessed exceedingly and abundantly!

This blog started out as a simple channel for me to share my hotel workouts and transformed into my passion-filled prized possession and platform to help us all live healthier, happier and more positive lives.  Only a year and half since my first post, GRIT by Brit doubled in size to over 3,000 followers.  The 2nd blogiversary is coming up in March.   I have even greater expectations for 2014!

So now without further or do I present to you, 2013’s Top 10 Most Memorable moments:

  1. Teaching my 1st Indoor Cycling Class – I got certified in Schwinn indoor cycling in 2012 but didn’t teach my first class until May of this year.  It’s so crazy how teaching a new fitness format challenges me, takes me out of my comfort zone and feels exhilarating at the same time.  Making playlists full of Jay-Z, Britney and Eminem is also really fun!
  2. Grinning from ear to ear with excitement before teaching my 1st indoor cycling class - May 2013
    Grinning from ear to ear with excitement before teaching my 1st indoor cycling class – May 2013
  3. Turbo NYC – While I was living in NYC for 7 months, I started a pop up Turbo Kick class in Flatiron.  It quickly gained traction and my friends (old and new) joined me every Sunday to sweat and bring some heat to the bone-chilling NYC cold.  This was a short stint, but boy was it sweet.  Here you can read my reflections from my first Turbo NYC class: https://gritbybrit.com/2013/01/27/the-world-is-yours/

    turbo NYC
    Rockin’ it out at my last Turbo NYC class in NYC – May 2013
  4. PiYo on the Deck – When I was asked to teach weekly PiYo classes on the W Dallas Hotel Wet Deck I was like, “ah yea…I’m officially on the map!”  This was huge personal accomplishment.  Better yet, it was fun, free way that I could share mind-body training with my friends and other members of the Dallas community.  Free. Fierce. Fitness = GRIT by Brit core values!

    Teaching my 1st PiYo on the deck class - Summer 2013
    Teaching my 1st PiYo on the deck class – Summer 2013
  5. Lose the Pooch Workout – I had no idea this workout would go viral on Pinterest, but it has!  Clearly many of us are eager to work our lower abs and prevent a protruding FUPA.  This will certainly be my cue to make more “Lose the Pooch” workouts in 2014.  You can get the full workout here: https://gritbybrit.com/2013/03/05/lose-the-pooch-complete-workout-for-your-lower-abs/

    Focusing on the FUPA! Lower abs workout - March 2013
    Focusing on the FUPA! Lower abs workout – March 2013
  6. GRIT by Brit Tank Tops – We have tanks now finally – yay!  Not much to say on this one except that I’m glad I can now “reprezent my clique” in public.  And you can too!  Buy yours at my eStore: http://gritbybrit-shop.com/

    Tank tops officially for sale! November 2013
    Tank tops officially for sale! November 2013
  7. New workout video with BOOYA Fitness So in 2012 I released GRIT by Brit Ultimate Body Burn, which I hope you already rocked out.   On New Year’s day 2014 I will release my new and improved 30 minute, high intensity, music blasting, cardio workout.  Booya Fitness, an online fitness video subscription start-up company, was the driving force behind this collaboration.  I’m so honored to be one of their featured instructors.  You all must go sign up for your subscription today!http://www.booyafitness.com/

    On shoot day with Booya Fitness - September 2013
    On shoot day with Booya Fitness – September 2013
  8. Dr. OZ Cleanses Holy Moly!  I don’t know if I should be excited or concerned, but when I started posting reviews of the Dr. Oz cleanses, I got over 2,000 hits per day!  Now I love a good cleanse, but I was amazed at our intense interest in cleanse regimens. Just remember, cleanses are a great one-off solution, but living a healthy lifestyle consistently (not only for a 3-day cleanse) is where the real work and the real rewards come.

    Sharing my bootleg version of the Dr. Oz Juice Cleanse - Summer 2013
    Sharing my bootleg version of the Dr. Oz Juice Cleanse – Summer 2013
  9. Blog makeover – So when I started GRIT by Brit I knew nothing about blogging (I think that’s still the case to be quite honest).  However, this year I met an amazingly talented photographer/graphic designer who has become my creative director and my friend.  Alivia Duran – thank you!  GRIT by Brit is looking better than ever.  You are a God-send!  You can guys can check Alivia’s website: http://www.aliviaduran.com/

    Old school GRIT by Brit Header from 2012. But look at me now! haha
    Old school GRIT by Brit blog header from 2012. But look at me now! haha
  10. Sharing my Lean In Story – I heard Sheryl Sandberg speak at a women’s conference in April and I immediately felt a sense of duty to take more risks in my life and to also share my story with other women.  On my way home from that conference, I wrote my Lean In story and submitted it to be published.   If you haven’t read it, you can check it out here: http://leanin.org/stories/brittani-rettig/ (P.S. I wrote this with a great sense of urgency so there are a few typos – please read with a forgiving spirit).

    My story about pursuing my fitness dreams on the official Lean In community site. Summer 2013
    My story about pursuing my fitness dreams on the official Lean In community site. Summer 2013
  11. Being on TV (Good Morning Texas) – Huge thanks to Sporty Afros for being my fit friends and partners in crime on this.  Alex and Whitney, co-founders of http://sportyafros.com/ have been my blog mentors and ongoing sources of inspiration.  Thanks to both of you for sharing the limelight with me as you tackled the critical topics of natural hair and health.  Together, we are going to win the war on obesity among women of color!  Health OVER Hair!
Modeling "healthy hair" in light of a rigorous workout regimen on Good Morning Texas - May 2013
Modeling “healthy hair” in light of a rigorous workout regimen on Good Morning Texas – May 2013

Well, that’s the end gang.  2013 has flown by, but it sure was good to me.  I’m humbled and grateful for all of the blessings I’ve experienced.  I wish you an amazing 2014 that exceeds your expectations – the best is ALWAYS yet to come!

Happy New Year!  xoxo, Brit

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Holiday Travel Hotel Room Workout

Hey Gang –  Happy “Tone it Up Tuesday!”  Work travel has been crazy busy for me recently, which means I’ve had to get creative with workouts that I can do in my hotel room.    I designed and tested this workout a few days ago and I really liked it.  Better yet, I was able to hammer it out while listening to a conference call (wink wink).

Like most of my workouts, this one requires no equipment and blends a nice mix of cardio and strength training.  Warning – there are 90 push ups – prepare to pump them out!  I HATE push ups because they’re challenging, but I LOVE them because they simultaneously strengthen our upper body and core.  Overall, the workout takes about 20 minutes and you can expect to burn ~200 calories. Let me know how it goes!

Hotel Room WorkoutEnjoy staying fit on the road! xoxo, Brit

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Brit’s Fit Holiday Picks: Top Fitness Gifts…a Gym Rat’s Dream!

holidaygifts (1)

Alright Gang – it’s that time of year.  I can’t believe we are only 2 weeks away from Christmas!  In my lifelong efforts to be like Oprah, I’ve compiled Brit’s Fit Holiday Gift Picks (my version of Oprah’s Favorite Things).  Unfortunately, I’m NOT a baller and you will NOT receive a free gift set of the items above.  However, because I’m in the Christmas spirit, I will send a free GRIT by Brit workout tank top to the first 20 people who email me their preferred color (black or blue), size and mailing address (email [email protected]).  You’re welcome 🙂

So let’s get to right to it.  My holiday fitness wish list goes a little something like this…

  1. OMG That’s Paleo? Recipe Book ($19.85) – So I started following Juli Bauer on Instagram and quickly became a fan of her blog/social media community PaleOMG.  Her recipes are super savory and made with the fitness enthusiast in mind.  She gets creative with the Paleo diet which is awesome if you’re sick and tired of eating the standard “burger no bun.”
  2. Quest Bars Variety Box ($26.99) – If you guys remember my post on the Best and Worst Nutrition Bars, Quest Bars topped my list due to their low sugar, high protein, high fiber and great taste.  There are SO many yummy Quest bar flavors, so I would love a variety box.  They are also convenient “meals on the go” especially when I ‘m traveling for work.
  3. Nike FlyKnit Multi Colored Sneakers ($129.90) –  I’m a Nike FREE junkie partially due to functionality, but mostly due to style.  However, the new Nike FlyKnit sneakers  are supposed to be really light, flexible and comfortable.  Also, they have this cool multicolored print that I love.  I will definitely be getting some of these.  Probably 2 pairs.
  4. Lululemon Reversible Wunder Under Yoga Pants ($92)- These leggings are bold fuchsia on one side and black on the other.  Plus they fit like a glove and give your booty a nice little lift.  I would wear these to yoga and then continue to wear them to prance around in the grocery store – word.
  5. Nike Twisted Headband ($15) – Because I’m a headband junkie, 2 different types of headbands made my list.  This one is a new design by Nike that’s also very wide and twists like the Turban one.  However, this is made of dri-fit moisture-wicking fabric and looks more sporty.  I will wear this one to the gym and actually workout in it.  I REALLY want one.  Bad.
  6. Puma Women’s All Sport No Show Socks ($14) – These socks are the perfect texture – not too thick and not too thin.  They keep my feet relatively dry during sweaty workouts and don’t show at all.  Simple and effective.  Just my style.
  7. Up 24 by Jawbone ($149.95) – So, you guys already know I’m obsessed with my Jawbone UP wristband.  I wrote a product review a few months ago and my only beef was that there is no blue tooth capability.  Well, that’s not the case anymore!  The new and improved Jawbone UP 24 now has blue tooth capability so you don’t have to manually plug it into your iPhone to sync.  I like to think I influenced that product enhancement.
  8. Focus T25 by Shaun T & Beach Body ($119.85) – As much as I want to be a Shaun T hater, he has a way of sucking me in.  I’ve never tried Insanity, but I’m intrigued by this new T25 program.   Essentially, the program is like Insanity but more “focused.”  Each workout is only 25 minutes long and is promised to deliver the same results as a longer workout.   Also, since I’ve come to the realization that I can only do a home workout for 30 minutes before I start to zone out, I’m even more eager to try T25.  I plan start the Focus T25 program the day after Christmas.  I’ll give it a formal GRIT by Brit review and share with you guys.
  9. C9 Champion Cold Weather Pull Over Fleece ($21.24) – This is super cute, super warm and super inexpensive.  You can get it at Target. Enough said.
  10. Bosu Ball ($79.95) – Like 3 years ago I had a personal trainer and he always made me do Bosu Burpees and Bosu Plank stability drills.  Since then I kind of stopped because I usually just go to group fitness classes.  But, this holiday season I want to buy a Bosu Ball to keep in my house so I can start incorporating the exercises back into my routine.  They are super effective for cardio and strength training.  Actually, I’ll do a blog post on my favorite Bosu Ball exercises…
  11. Tribal Print Turban Headband ($10) – Aren’t these headbands presh?  So, I don’t necessarily want to wear these to the gym, I just want to wear them with gym clothes.  They come in all different patterns, but the tribal prints are my favorites.  They give me the perfect balance of looking chic yet effortless.  You can get them on Etsy.
  12. Olive Oil Deep Conditioning Replenishing Pack ($10 for 3 packs) – These deep conditioning treatments are my saving grace.  I sweat a lot.  Like my hair is wringing wet after a tough workout.  I have to be diligent about hydrating my hair, so I do use one of these replenishing pack treatments each week.  It’s a good, weekly, deep conditioning routine especially for women with hair texture similar to mine which tends to dry out.
  13. Lululemon  Yeah Yoga Tank ($58) – How cute is the back on this?  I like this tank because it’s supportive for those of us who are bustier, but also cute and sexy with the backless crisscross design.  I can wear this to yoga AND to kickboxing because it provides enough support.  Also, the fabric is thick and fits very snug, which I appreciate.
  14. Foam Roller ($15-20) – Foam rolling is my massage substitute.  It’s also a  good warm up for high intensity workouts (along with some light cardio).  The foam roller allows you to massage deep into your muscle fibers, generate heat and break up lactic acid.  It’s a really good tool to have around your house if you do lots of high impact and high intensity workouts (i.e Kickboxing, Boot Camps, CrossFIT, etc.).
  15. Sporty Afros G+ Hair Spray ($5-10) – I started using this product from Sporty Afros after I got a sample in a swag bag.  It’s amazing!  The spray is made specifically for athletes.  So after a workout when my hair is sweaty, I spray it heavily on my roots and lightly on my ends, then comb my hair with a wide tooth comb.  It helps prevent breakage and keeps my hair moist.  Most importantly, it doesn’t feel greasy.  I’m a fan!

What’s on your holiday wish list?

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Sexy Chica Chest Workout for Women

 

I hope you guys have enjoyed the targeted workouts I’ve been posting lately.  In case you missed, here are a couple from the last few weeks:

Keeping on the trend of upper body workouts for women, here’s a new chest workout I designed with the ladies in mind (although men will enjoy it as well).  For best results, complete the entire circuit using 8-20 pound dumbbells, depending on your strength.  You’ll notice that this workout has bench press “negatives” in it.  Just perform a basic, lying dumbbell bench press but push the weights up quickly and then bring them down to starting position very slowly, controlling the resistance on the way down (count to 3 slowly to make sure you are moving at the right pace.)  As always, add a little cardio and stretching to the end of the workout.

Enjoy and let me know how it goes.  Lots of luv, Brit

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

GRIT-tanks-insta

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]

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CHOOSE to think positive thoughts

postive lifeYou 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

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Fierce & Fabulous

FIERCE Brit
FIERCE Brit

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

FABULOUS Brit :)
FABULOUS Brit 🙂

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The Truth about HEALTH and CHEERFULNESS: Smile and be Healthier

health and cheerfulness

New research suggests that having a general sense of well-being, feeling energetic and cheerful, relaxed and happy with life may actually reduce the chances of having a heart attack.  (Source: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/263175.php)

“If you are by nature a cheerful person and look on the bright side of things, you are more likely to be protected from cardiac events,”  – Lisa R. Yanek, assistant professor at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

CHOOSE TO BE CHEERFUL TODAY!

xoxo, Brit

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

push yourself

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

Brit’s Skinny Week Workout Plan

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Buddy Boot Camp! 5 Super Effective Partner Exercises to do with your Fit Friends

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-kpxvRHar4c&w=560&h=315]

Hey GRIT Gang! I hope that all is amazing in your world.  Very sorry for my sporadic blog posting – I’ve been doing lots of traveling the past 2 weeks.  On a positive note, last weekend I went to the Bryson City, North Carolina to a enjoy a weekend “ruffing” it with some of my best friends from business school.

In the midst of hiking the Great Smoky Mountains, cooking homemade meals, sitting by the camp fire and reminiscing on the good old days, I designed this “buddy bootcamp” workout.  During our vacation, my friends and I did this super efficient HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) circuit to ensure we got some strength and anaerobic training in .  Not only is the workout effective, it’s also very fun!  So next time you are looking for some fierce, fun exercises to do with your fit friends, keep these 5 exercises in mind…

5 Super Effective Partner Exercises

Before I leave you, I encourage you to not only enjoy the workout itself, but to more importantly enjoy and love the friend that you do the workout with.  And on that note, I leave you with this quote that one of my dearest friends, Lakshmi (staring in the front row of the instructional video above) shared with me:

“A friend is one to whom one may pour out the contents of one’s heart, chaff and grain together, knowing that gentle hands will take and sift it, keep what is worth keeping, and with a breath of kindness, blow the rest away.”  – George Eliott

ENJOY!  Lots of luv, Brit

Enjoing a nice hike in Great Smoky Mountains - Nothing says true friendship like matching beanies
Enjoying a nice hike in Great Smoky Mountains – Nothing says true friendship like matching beanies

Takin' it all in - life is good!
Takin’ it all in – life is good!

A picture is worth a 1000 words #breathtaking
A picture is worth a 1000 words #breathtaking

Grateful for good times and great friends! #blessed
Grateful for good times and great friends! #blessed

I love you and hope you have a great week! -Brit :)
I love you and hope you have a great week! -Brit 🙂

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