Get FIT don’t QUIT – the Secret to Keeping your New Year’s Resolution

January 6, 2014 No Comments

This weekend my Turbo Kick class was PACKED! More people came than ever before. Clearly getting “fit” is high on our list of New Year’s resolutions. I’m so motivated by the energy, foggy mirrors and soaked pony tails that come out of a packed group fitness class. Unfortunately, I have to face the reality that this awesome feeling will only last for a short while. The February “drop off” is just around the corner. You know what I’m talking about, that point when we all push our resolutions to the back burner. As a group fitness instructor, this is the month I most dread. It’s depressing indeed.

The “February drop off” really makes me sad, because I understand why people quit coming to the gym. I understand because I was one of those people. I was the person who set out the New Year with high hopes and expectations of perfection. However, the minute I slipped up, I beat myself up and quit. I showed myself no grace. It was all or nothing. The crazy thing is that many of us think this “do or die” mindset is critical to achieving our goals, but the reality is that aiming for perfection only assures failure.

I had to learn that each day I’m blessed with a clean slate. What happened yesterday is gone. It doesn’t matter. Yeah, even that chocolate cake I smashed and that workout I skipped. My entire outlook on my health and my weight management changed once I learned to love myself enough to forgive myself for my slip-ups. I had believe that I am worthy of a healthy body despite my occasional lack of discipline. Indulging and being lazy WILL cause a delay in achieving my goals, BUT I can still achieve my goals as long as I DON’T QUIT – the same goes for you!

So, I simply encourage you to be kind to yourself as you set out to achieve your New Year’s resolutions. Calling yourself a “fat cow” after enjoying a burger will NOT help you achieve your goals. However, committing to an extra 30 minutes of cardio will help you 🙂 Hold fast to your goals despite your slip-ups. We are human. We are perfectly imperfect. Embrace it (and keep coming to my Turbo Kick classes.)

Get FIT, Don’t QUIT! xoxo, Brit

Home Workouts, Just for Fun

Eager to start your fitness resolutions? I’m now offering online workouts through Booya Fitness!

January 1, 2014 No Comments

BooyaFitness_Logo_Black_Med

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WBdYc5Nemm4&w=560&h=315]

Happy New Year – 2014 has arrived! This year, I’ve launched a partnership with Booya Fitness so you can workout with me during busy work weeks, travel, or even bad weather.

My featured video can be done in 30 minutes or less and is sure to have you shakin’ and sweatin’!

Worried about noise or have space constraints? Booya has created filters for these features so you can find a fun, challenging workout that perfectly fits your environment.

CLICK HERE to sign up with promo code GBBLaunch in the next 7 days and get 30 days of free, unlimited access!

Wishing you a happy & healthy 2014 – let’s WORK!

Lots of luv, Brit

End of Year Top 10

2013 Year End Top 10

December 27, 2013 2 Comments

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:

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!
Grinning from ear to ear with excitement before teaching my 1st indoor cycling class – May 2013
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/
Rockin’ it out at my last Turbo NYC class in NYC – May 2013
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
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
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
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
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
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 blog header from 2012. But look at me now! haha
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
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

Just for Fun, Lifestyle

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

December 10, 2013 7 Comments

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…

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.”
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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…
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.
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.
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.
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.).
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?

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]

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

Inspiration & Motivation

The Truth about HEALTH and CHEERFULNESS: Smile and be Healthier

November 2, 2013 No Comments

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

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

Home Workouts, Total Body

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

October 27, 2013 No Comments

[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

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 🙂

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!