Best Headbands for Sweaty Workouts

Hola friends – Happy February!  I can’t believe how fast time flies – OMG.  We just started a new February “Love Your Body” challenge at GRIT Fitness studio.  Every member who takes 16 classes within the month earns a very special surprise gift.  The challenge started yesterday and we already have 15 members signed up, 3 of whom have already completed 3 classes!  Do you think you can completed 16, one-hour fitness classes before the end of the month?  I challenge you to give it a go.  Not only is it a great personal challenge but it’s an effective way to quickly shape up for Spring Break – March will be here before you know it!

So this may be the most random blog post I’ve ever written BUT I thought it’d be appropriate to dedicate a post to my love for headbands.  Nothing motivates me to move more than a jammin’ playlist and a killer headband!  The difficult part about headband selection is that I sweat A LOT so I need headbands that a) adequately absorb moisture b) look super cute c) stay in place.  After years of being a fitness junkie and a headband addict, I’ve finally nailed down the top 4 headbands that are best for sweaty workouts.  Here’s my list…

Brit’s Favorite BANDZ

  • Living One Love (Living One Love) – These are the BEST for funky prints!  They also come in solids.  The band is made of dri-fit fabric and fits wide across your forehead to absorb sweat immediately.  The solid hot pink headband in the top center photo is from Living One Love.
  • Sweaty Bands (Sweaty Bands) – I love these because you can customize the design – how fun!  They have a velvet lining that keeps the band from slipping.  Also, they come in either narrow or thick widths so you can pick whatever you prefer.  (I have some of each).  The blue diamond shape headband above is a Sweaty Band.
  • Lululemon Bang Buster Mesh (Lululemon) – I like these because of the thickness.  They are great for hot yoga.  The patterns are more chill/classic but they fit really well and don’t move at all during your workout.  The wide yellow headband I’m wearing in the bottom center photo above is a Lulu Bang Buster.
  • Under Armour Thick Braided Headband (not pictured) (Under Armour) – These are really unique-looking because of the braided pattern and bright colors.  The woven fabric keeps the band from slipping and they have a bit of an 80’s aerobics look which I like 🙂

What’s your favorite workout headband?

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Fitness Fashion Friday #14: Happy New Year & 2014 Favorites

Wow, I can hardly believe that 2014 is coming to an end.  I hope you celebrated a relaxing, fun-filled Christmas with those you love.  I did!  Here’s a fun photo of me and my immediately family after dinner on Christmas Eve (eve).

From left to right: Kortani (sis), Austin (bro), Me, Duane (dad), Kay (mom)

My family and I are actually celebrating Christmas over 4 days.  Our festivities began with family dinner on the day before Christmas Eve and then carried on to the next day during which my parents hosted their annual Christmas Eve party.  We had over 60 friends and family at our house for food, drinks, dancing and singing carols.  It was really fun (and really loud).  Nonetheless, there’s nothing like being with family for the holidays.

On Christmas Day we drove to Tyler, TX to visit my dad’s side of the family and ate another huge Christmas Dinner.  I still have a food baby from all of the pies, ham and sweet potato casserole I’ve inhaled over the past 3 days.  Finally, today we are ending our 4 days of Christmas celebrations with a “family bonding” day at my new fitness studio, GRIT Fitness.  I’ve persuaded my mom, dad, brother and sister to give me 1 day of free labor to help touch-up paint, clean and get the changing room set up.  #winning

OMG – I’m SO ready for the grand opening party on Saturday, Jan. 17th.  If you live in Dallas, you MUST come.  Here’s a link to the Facebook event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/900120126707617/

Okay so let me get back on topic: Fitness Fashion Friday!  Hopefully, you’ve enjoyed this new weekly ritual I started this year.  I plan to carry it forward into 2015.  But before I bust out my cool new Winter activewear in the 2015 editions of Fitness Fashion Friday, I want to share a quick recap of my 4 favorites outfits from 2014…

My favorite activewear outfits of 2014! #gritbybrit

Here’s links to details of my outfits above (from left to right):

Have you discovered any new brands of workouts clothes? If so, please share!

Happy Friday!  I’ll catch up with you next week! 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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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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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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Fitness Fashion Friday #9: Athleta & Onzie Combo – Boom Boom Pow!

Image: Sheer black workout tank (Athleta), Geoographic capris (Onzie), Sports bra (Nike), Grey & purple with patent leather trim sneakers (Nike Free)

Happy Friday and Happy Halloween!  I hope you enjoyed my Spooky Shoulder Sculpting workout.  As usual, I’m excited to present my activewear outfit of the week on Fitness Fashion Friday!  While I’m not rocking my black and orange today, I am sporting vibrant workout capris from Onzie along with a sheer black tank from Athleta.  I wore this outfit to my teach my spin class this morning and now I’m rushing to the airport.  This weekend is my best friend, Leslie’s, wedding.  I have to give a speech at the reception, which I’m a little nervous about.  If you have any advice for giving a good maid of honor speech please share!  The wedding is in Nashville, TN and I’m so excited!  I’ve never been to Nashville, so I’m really looking forward to my trip.

Enjoy your Halloween weekend and I’ll catch up with you on Monday!  Lots of luv, Brit

Back side view – hey gurl hey

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How to do it all: Making time for work, workouts & fun

I’m always impressed by women who can “do it all” – workout, kick butt at the office, maintain a social life and look fabulous.  I like to think I do decent job of tackling everything on my To-Do list, but the reality is I have to make some trade offs.  For instance, I don’t watch as much TV as I did in college.  However, I still have plenty of “me time” to hang with my friends, get a pedicure and rock out a cycling class.  I’ve found that sticking with my weekly workout schedule actually gives me more energy to execute all of my other commitments .  I wrote this post especially for those of you who have everything on your “to do” list.  Here are 3 activities that help me “do it all.”

1. Prioritize

My day planner is jammed packed, so I include my workouts on my “To Do” List

In business school I learned that is everything is important, nothing is important.  This means that prioritization is the key to identifying what really matters and what kinda matters.  My day planner is my life-line for prioritizing.  I live by it.  That said, my To-Do list can get a little out of control because I write down everything.  Each day, I prioritize the things that I really have to get done, and then move the lower priority To-Do’s to tomorrow’s list.  This keeps me from feeling overwhelmed and helps me knock out each action one by one.  And oh yes, you better believe my workouts are included as high priority (I highlight those in blue).

2.Opt for Active Social Events

Me and my friend Leslie playing giant chess at a local Dallas bar

Kill 2 birds with one stone: Instead of our usual sit down dinner, my friends and I seek out active ways to socialize.  This way if we have to work late and miss an evening yoga class, we still keep our bodies moving.

3. Invest in Awesome Activewear

Loving my lucy sports bra, Hatha pants and bright tank top!

Nothing motivates me to move more than awesome new workout clothes!  Recently I picked up some excellent gear from lucy.  I love the performance style and versality – I can wear these pieces to yoga, kickboxing and indoor cycling.  The bright colors, snug fit, and trendy designs make me feel confident, stylish and strong!  Stocking up on high-quality activewear definitely helps me stick to my weekly workout schedule.

While these 3 tips help me “do it all,” I have to admit that it’s not easy.  What woman can’t use a little help?   Fortunately, lucy is hosting a wonderful “You Time” Giveaway!  Each week you can win your choice of a year of housecleaning, babysitting or meal delivery. One grand prize winner will receive all three.  This means more “you time” to do the things you really love (like getting in your favorite workout).

This is for you. The ones who have it all…on their to-do list! Let lucy take away the small stuff that stands between you and a good sweat.  Giveaway ends December 16th.

Disclosure: This post was sponsored by lucy through their partnership with POPSUGAR Select. While I was compensated to write a post about lucy, all opinions are my own.
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Fitness Fashion Friday #8: Lululemon Vinyasa Scarf & Baby Blues

Happy Fitness Fashion Friday!  Coming to you today in a simple, yet fun ensemble from Lorna Jane and Lululemon.  First off, I’m obsessed with this Lululemon Vinyasa scarf.  I wear it at least 2-3 time per week.  I can even unbutton it and wear it as a vest.  In LOVE!

I paired the scarf with the super comfy Lorna Jane racer back tank.  It’s strategically “worn out” which makes it super soft.  I really like the long racer back opening that that shows off my arms and shoulders 😉  It comes in a ton of colors – think I’m gonna get some more soon!  My leggings are oldies but goodies from TJ Maxx – I got them for $15.  YES!

Last but not least, it wouldn’t be a legit Fitness Fashion Friday without showin’ off my backside – HEY!  The long fit on the this racer back tank covers my bum and but is still fitted to maintain a sexy look.  What do you think?  

Happy Friday and I’ll catch up with ya next Monday!

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Fitness Fashion Friday #5: Inspirational Activewear

Image: Inspirational Leggings and Sports Bra from Lorna Jane (disregard my ugly corn on my pinky toe – I ain’t flawless)

TGIF!  You know what that means, it’s time for Fitness Fashion Friday (FFF). This is a milestone FFF edition – post #5.  I’m a sucker for inspirational quotes, so of course I love activewear that’s covered in motivational mantras. “Name it and claim it!” “Speak it into existence!” – these are just a couple of my mom’s old country sayings.  If I could put them all on tank tops and sports bras I would. In the meantime, I’ve been rocking’ this inspirational Lorna Jane activewear.  I wore the pink sports bra to teach my cycling class yesterday and I feel like it energized the pack – my class was jamming’!  What do you think?

Before you head out for the weekend, don’t forget to enter my giveaway for a black & pink GRIT tank top.  Just post a comment sharing what “GRIT” means to you.  I can’t wait to read your responses.  Also, if you looking for a way to kill time this Friday, you can peruse through the first 4 Fitness Fashion Friday posts:

  1. Week 1 – Yellow & Camo
  2. Week 2 – Refreshing Lime & Orange
  3. Week 3 – Babelicious Bustier
  4. Week 4 – Cozy in Coral

Hope you have a wonderful weekend full of goodness and GRIT!

Lots of luv, Brit

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