Swole

Do you want to be swole? Is that even a good thing? Not sure? We got you!

The post Swole appeared first on Under Armour.

from Under Armour https://undrarmr.co/2UKOcSI
via IFTTT

Gains

Get those gains! Or at least learn what it means…

The post Gains appeared first on Under Armour.

from Under Armour https://undrarmr.co/2ZKbqMh
via IFTTT

Gym Rat

While gym rats aren’t literal vermin, all gyms are definitely infested with them.

The post Gym Rat appeared first on Under Armour.

from Under Armour https://undrarmr.co/2UKcFrj
via IFTTT

Women and Iron

Almost 50 percent of women and three-quarters of teenaged females aren’t getting enough iron from their food.

Generally speaking, women are smaller than men. As a result, our nutritional requirements—from protein, carbs, and fats to vitamins and minerals—are often less than our male counterparts.

 

But not when it comes to iron: We often need more iron than men.

 

read more

from Breaking Muscle http://bit.ly/2vzYESF
via IFTTT

Useful Shame: Countering Junk Food and Smartphone Addiction

Few influences have been as broadly destructive as unchecked smartphone culture and junk food eating habits.

In a wave of evangelical fervor, the 18th amendment outlawed alcohol in the United States, thus initiating a disastrous 14-year experiment known as prohibition. Organized crime grew rampant, laws were blurred by inconsistent enforcement, and, despite an initial drop, alcohol use and abuse increased sharply, particularly amongst women and children.

 

read more

from Breaking Muscle http://bit.ly/2GOEaLe
via IFTTT

Women and Iron

Almost 50 percent of women and three-quarters of teenaged females aren’t getting enough iron from their food.

Generally speaking, women are smaller than men. As a result, our nutritional requirements—from protein, carbs, and fats to vitamins and minerals—are often less than our male counterparts.

 

But not when it comes to iron: We often need more iron than men.

 

read more

from Breaking Muscle http://bit.ly/2J4MdXa
via IFTTT

Useful Shame: Countering Junk Food and Smartphone Addiction

Few influences have been as broadly destructive as unchecked smartphone culture and junk food eating habits.

In a wave of evangelical fervor, the 18th amendment outlawed alcohol in the United States, thus initiating a disastrous 14-year experiment known as prohibition. Organized crime grew rampant, laws were blurred by inconsistent enforcement, and, despite an initial drop, alcohol use and abuse increased sharply, particularly amongst women and children.

 

read more

from Breaking Muscle http://bit.ly/2IRVORH
via IFTTT

random list of life hacks

Hi friends! Hope you’re having an amazing morning so far. I feel like we need to talk about Game of Thrones but to be totally honest, I’ve only seen like 5 episodes. (Don’t throw anything at me. I just never really got into it.) Each time I’ve watched it with the Pilot, he’s given me thorough synopses on the plot lines and characters. It’s enough to the point where I have an idea of what’s going on. But the last episode!!! WOWWWW. So crazy!! Also, don’t watch this if you haven’t seen it yet (spoilers), but I loved this clip from a bar so, so much. Watch for the drinks thrown in the air! 

So for today, let’s talk about life hacks! Before I get into this post, I want to be very clear that I’m not writing this post from the vantage point of a life expert. I literally put my laundry in the oven sometimes and look for my sunglasses while I’m wearing them. Bu,t I’ve found a handful of rare gems that have made my life easier, so I thought it would be fun to share some life hacks with each other this fine morning.

(The queen of life hacks, Marie Kondo. Image source is here)

Here are some of the things that first popped into my head when I came up with the idea for this post: 

Work + productivity:

– Leave the dishes in the sink. I love having a clean house, not only because it feels good and makes it way less stressful if you have impromptu guests or family over for dinner, but also because I feel more calm when my surroundings are in order. After I would drop off the girls at school, I’d easily spend 45 minutes cleaning up, and then I’d maybe catch a quick workout or get a few emails done and it was already time to pick up P. Those 3 hours go by QUICKLY. I finally realized that when the girls are in school, I need to focus on the things I can only do when they’re not home. This is work. I can do chores or cook and they’ll play happily together, but the second I take out my computer, everyone is suddenly injured or urgently needs me. So, I started leaving the dishes in the sink and doing basic cleanup stuff after I pick up P from school. 

 Beauty: 

– I take off my dip nails the night before my appointment. I’ve posted about this on Instagram, but this dramatically decreases time at the salon. I can’t sit still for that long and it feels like such a time suck! I use a rough file to file the heck out of the top coat (so it no longer looks shiny), then soak 1/2 a cotton round in pure acetone, place it on top of my nail, and wrap in foil. I let it sick there for 20-30 minutes (it just glides off after that!), and do one hand at a time so I have free use of my other hand. Even though one hand is soaking, I’m at home instead of at the salon and can still move around freely and do other things. Now my appointments take 45 minutes max, and my favorite nail tech always thanks me for taking them off in advance. She says it makes her job way easier, so wins all around.  

Laundry:

– You know those super bright clothes that look dingy after you wash them a few times? The color just isn’t as bright and they don’t look nearly as fresh as they did when you bought them. For these types of clothes, I do a vinegar soak before washing and they look bright and new!! You just full a bucket with cold water, add about 1/2 – 1 cup plain vinegar and soak for 15-20 minutes. Next, throw into the washer on a cold cycle, and air dry. 

Pizza night:

– When we come home with to-go boxes from pizza night, instead of letting the pizza die a slow death in the fridge, I immediately put it in the freezer. It comes in handy a few weeks later when we might be low on groceries and the girls are looking for a snack. 

I put the call out on Instagram to hear some of your life hacks, and here are some of the amazing responses I received:

Meal prep + cooking:

– Bulk meal prep for the entire week

– Buy pre-chopped onions and pre-chopped produce as much as possible

– Using my kitchen mixer to shred chicken

– Labeling all of the food that goes into the fridge! I’ve converted so many people

– I pack lunches while I clean up dinner and lay out clothes while putting the kids to bed (<— I do this one, too)

– Use Alexa for my grocery list. Have the app on your phone so you can’t lose your list!

– Freezing leftover rice/beans and other grains in muffin tins! Pop them out and store in a Ziploc in the freezer

– Setting the coffee pot the night before. Always appreciated in the morning

Beauty:

– Use beard dye to tint my eyebrows.. seriously life-changing and so cheap!

– Brushing my teeth in the shower

Productivity:

– I set alarms on my phone for things like medications, changing the litter, and drinking H2O

– Set a timer and do a quick power clean

Kids:

– Breakfast in the van on the way to school. No nagging for them to hurry up or we’ll be late. (* I used to do this until a child spilled an entire cup filled of waffles and syrup down the center console of my car. Never again lol.)

– Totally put my kids in their “tomorrow clothes” when they come out of the bath at night

– Keep a paint brush in your beach bag. Use it to brush the sand off your chairs, toys, and feet. 

Laundry/clothes:

– Throw away all of your socks and buy all the same socks in the same color. (THIS IS GENIUS)

– Folding little kids’ laundry… wrap up piles in clean bath towel. Way easier to transport!

 

So friends, please share something that makes your life easier in the comments section below! I can’t wait to read about your favorite life hacks.

Have a wonderful day.

xo

Gina

The post random list of life hacks appeared first on The Fitnessista.

from The Fitnessista http://bit.ly/2GOpWu5
via IFTTT

Easy Blueberry Sauce

This Easy Blueberry Sauce is the perfect topping for waffles, pancakes, a yogurt parfait, oatmeal or basically anything you can think of. It can be made in just a few minutes using fresh or frozen berries, and has the perfect thick, yet (not too thick) consistency. You can even try this using strawberries, raspberries and more, but blueberries are my fave. I usually use frozen blueberries, because frozen berries taste just as good as fresh and pack all the nutrients - and they are super convenient and usually a bit cheaper than fresh, but fresh berries could work too. Get my easy + speedy recipe!...Read more »

This is a summary, images and full post available on HHL website!

from Healthy. Happy. Life. http://bit.ly/2vsbr9N
via IFTTT

Effective Workouts You Can Do at Home

Ditch the I can’t get to the gym excuses, because there’s no place like home.

Ditch the I can’t get to the gym excuses because there’s no place like home.

 

1. I have young kids and can’t get away to make it to the gym.
2. I worked late and the gym was closed.
3. My car is getting fixed and it’s a pain in the ass to bus across the city to the gym.

 

And on and on go the excuses for not being able to get to the gym.

 

read more

from Breaking Muscle http://bit.ly/2XSIu2Y
via IFTTT

Effective Workouts You Can Do at Home

Ditch the I can’t get to the gym excuses, because there’s no place like home.

Ditch the I can’t get to the gym excuses because there’s no place like home.

 

1. I have young kids and can’t get away to make it to the gym.
2. I worked late and the gym was closed.
3. My car is getting fixed and it’s a pain in the ass to bus across the city to the gym.

 

And on and on go the excuses for not being able to get to the gym.

 

read more

from Breaking Muscle http://bit.ly/2V28tIz
via IFTTT

You Should Be Taking Cold Showers

From rejuvenating your skin, reducing fats, to relaxing your mind, a cold shower has them all.

You’re probably used to warm water when taking a shower and consistently taking a cold shower can be challenging for most people. But do you know that a cold shower provides a ton of benefits to the body? It can also improve your health in different ways. From rejuvenating your skin, reducing fats, to relaxing your mind, a cold shower has them all.

 

Here are the other reasons why you should embrace the cold and enjoy the benefits of a cool shower.

read more

from Breaking Muscle http://bit.ly/2VDB99Y
via IFTTT

You Should Be Taking Cold Showers

From rejuvenating your skin, reducing fats, to relaxing your mind, a cold shower has them all.

You’re probably used to warm water when taking a shower and consistently taking a cold shower can be challenging for most people. But do you know that a cold shower provides a ton of benefits to the body? It can also improve your health in different ways. From rejuvenating your skin, reducing fats, to relaxing your mind, a cold shower has them all.

 

Here are the other reasons why you should embrace the cold and enjoy the benefits of a cool shower.

read more

from Breaking Muscle http://bit.ly/2Lcu3Wc
via IFTTT

Bodyweight + Plyos HIIT Workout

Workout equipment:

Workout type: 12 Minute

Timer setting: 18 x :10 x :30

1. Snowboarder jumps
2. Reptile push ups
3. High knees
4. Side lunges
5. Speed step ups
6. Elevated knee touches

Bonus: 30 Lying windshield wipers + 30 Superman raises
——————————————————

Leave your reps in the comments below.

Did you do this workout?Tweet It!

The post Bodyweight + Plyos HIIT Workout appeared first on 12 Minute Athlete.

from 12 Minute Athlete http://bit.ly/2LaAHMD
via IFTTT

all those tucson things

Hi friends! Happy Monday! I hope your morning is off to a wonderful start.

What a weekend. Betsy and her fam spent a few days in Tucson with us, and we spent time together at the pool, checking out some of our favorite spots, and eating all the good stuff.

Friday morning, we hit the hotel pool bright and early. The kiddos played and splashed around for 3 hours (!) while the adults chatted, drank prickly pear margaritas, and we all snacked on nachos and quesadillas. It feels like summer is officially here, and after a full day of swimming, we came back home for nap time and quiet time. 

Later that evening, we had a get-together with the neighbors from our street. I wish I would have gotten a pic of the entire spread, but it was a legit feast. Our contribution: Uncle Eric’s famous pasta salad (you need this in your life!), some brownies with peanut butter frosting, and a cooler of LaCriox. There was also an entire smoked turkey, BBQ ribs, beef with green chilies and homemade tortillas, three different types of salads, chopped fresh fruit, potato salad, handmade pork dumplings and mochi (!!!!), cucumbers in a red chili sauce that were out of this world, pies, cakes, and cookies. It was crazy!! We sat in one of the neighbor’s driveways, eating and talking, while the kiddos played tag in the cul-de-sac.

Needless to say, we’ve moved around A LOT, and we haven’t experienced anything like our neighbors in Tucson. I can’t even tell you guys how many times different people on our street saved the day while Tom was gone. One changed the lightbulbs on our porch with his enormous ladder, another put a fresh battery in my garage clicker when he saw me standing outside trying to get our garage to open, and we were constantly surprised by baked goodies and treats while he was away. It’s not unusual for me to get out of the car with the girls and a neighbor to run over with Fudgesicles for each of them. We try to share the love whenever I make fresh bread or enchiladas.  

After our street party, we’d promised the girls we’d meet up with Betsy and the kiddos at Trail Dust Town, but by that point, they had headed back to the hotel, totally exhausted from a full day. We ended up taking the girls anyway to ride a couple of rides, and then back home for them to crash into bed!

Our Saturday adventures included an Orangetheory class,

miniature golf and bumper boats at Golf n’ Stuff,

and dinner at Commoner & Co. Of course, we got the Chef’s Tile and Goat Cheese Tart, the mussels,

and for my entree, I got the usual salmon. It has creamy mushroom risotto, crispy kale chips, and a lemon gremolata. I hope they never take it off the menu.

Even though we were pretty stuffed at this point, we headed across the street to Blue Ice for gelato. We enjoyed it outside on the patio, while the kids all danced around to the live music. It was perfect. <3

(Wy really wanted to photobomb us hahah)

The kids:

Sunday morning, Betsy and I caught an early barre3 class,

grabbed a green juice,

and then got ready to head to Ventana for their famous Blues, Brews & BBQ Sunday brunch. If you even visit Tucson over a weekend, this is a must-do. Just make sure to get reservations in advance. The spread includes the usual breakfast buffet fare (salads, omelet station, potatoes, Benedict, waffles, pastries, breakfast meats, etc), but they also have an outdoor BBQ with grilled fruits and veggies, mac n’ cheese, Sonoran hot dogs, cornbread, and mashed potatoes. Inside, there’s a full cold bars with shrimp, oysters, and sushi, and they have a giant dessert table with a chocolate fountain and any type of baked treat you could wish for.

(Living their very best lives all weekend)

My first plate usually looks something like this:

They also have endless mimosas, Bloody Marys, beer, and coffee. 

After brunch, we went to the pool the spend the rest of the day swimming. The water was too cold for me and P – we’re more hot tub kinda girls – so she napped on my lap in the shade. I could have spent the entire day out there, watching Livi swim like a mermaid, and the weather was absolutely perfect.

It was a great weekend with wonderful friends, and I’m pretty pumped that we get to see then again in a few weeks for our cruise!

For now, it’s back to work for this girl. I’m starting to get everything together for Summer Shape Up and can’t wait to share it with you in June.

Happy Monday, friends!

xo

Gina

Looking for a workout? I’ve got you, boo. 

The post all those tucson things appeared first on The Fitnessista.

from The Fitnessista http://bit.ly/2LdG0uA
via IFTTT

Next Level Bar Challenge Workout

Workout equipment:

Workout type: Challenge

Timer setting: Stopwatch

Complete 3 rounds:

5 Burpee pull ups
20 Handstand shoulder touches
10 Candlestick pistol jumps
10 Squat step overs
10 Push up plank jumps
30 Pike jumps
10 Hanging leg raises

——————————————————

Leave your time in the comments below.

My time for today’s workout: 17:14

Did you do this workout?Tweet It!

The post Next Level Bar Challenge Workout appeared first on 12 Minute Athlete.

from 12 Minute Athlete http://bit.ly/2VmHqqJ
via IFTTT

Friday Faves

Oh hello there! I’m so sorry for disappearing a bit on ya this week. It’s been a crazy one. I feel like I didn’t do much work this past weekend (Easter mode) and paid the price for it playing catch-up this week. (It was so worth it, though!) There’s a lot happening behind the scenes and I can’t wait to share more with you soon!

For now, it’s party time because Betsy and her fam got into Tucson last night. This is easily my #1 fave for the week. We have some fun Tucson adventures on the horizon, including lots of pool time, brunch, and a neighborhood block party. I’d love to hear what you have going on! 

(After brunch at my friend Liz’s house, she invited us to make bouquets out of the blooming roses surrounding her pool. They look and smell incredible.)

Some more faves from the week and around the web:

Fashion + beauty:

More Trunk Club winners. So many of you told me to give Trunk Club a whirl and I can’t believe I waited this long!! The boxes have been mostly home runs, with at least 1-2 classics pieces each box that I can add to my collection. The quality is amazing, the pieces are from brands I know and love, and I can decline pieces that I don’t like before the shipment is sent, and they’re replaced with other options. It’s also fun to share links with my stylist of things that I like so she can get a better idea of my style and even track down the same items. If you’ve been wanting to check it out, my referral link is here! I hope you love it as much as I do. 

How cute is this little straw crossbody? 

Sephora Beauty Insider Event is happening now! They only have occasional sales, so this is when I stock up on some of my very faves. If you’re an Insider (you just have to create an account and you get points for shopping), you get special deals throughout the year. This weekend, VIBROUGE members get 20% off with code HEYROUGE. After May 2, all tiers get discounts: VIBS get 15% off with code HEYVIB and Insiders get 10% with HEYINSIDER.

Some of my very fave finds:

Moroccan oil. I use this on my hair every time I wash it, and we also use it on the girls’ hair! We never have to deal with tangles and it smells like a dream. 

This Tarte compact. I use these eyeshadows almost every day! They’re versatile and neutral browns.

These undereye bag patches. I stash these in my suitcase or carry-on bag every time we travel. They make eye bag swelling go down a ton, so they’re helpful for mornings when I’m a little tired or look swollen from traveling. 

This mascara primer is a gamechanger. It adds a ton of length to your lashes – I’m often asked if I have eyelash extensions when I use this stuff – and I think it helps to condition them a bit, too. 

This is my favorite cleanser.

This is the time of year when I’ll treat myself to a jar of this magic. I don’t love all of the ingredients, but the texture is incredible and it’s so hydrating. (Beautycounter is launching a new night cream this summer that’s supposed to have a similar texture, so hopefully I can transition to that one.)

Good eats:

We had a date night at Culinary Dropout – it was our first time – and we were pleasantly surprised by the food. YOU CAN BUILD YOUR OWN CHEESE BOARD (<— sorry I needed to yell; I just get so excited) and I met my very favorite salad. It had chicken, sweet potato ribbons, kale, pine nuts, bread crumbs, brussels sprouts, asparagus, and a lemon tahini vinaigrette.

9 easy family meals.

Another reason to not stress about overindulging every now and again.

Love using this technique in oats.

Let’s all give a round of applause for the beauty that is Costco! Each time we go, I’m blown away by the brand selection and by the prices. I find that some of the prices are even better than my beloved Thrive Market. We enjoy stocking up on giant boxes of Perfect Bars, organic meats and eggs, organic fruit, nut butter, oatmeal, the list goes on and on. We also don’t mind the samples. The other day, P and I had quite a few tasty treats while we were shopping.

Some Coscto staples:

Perfect Bars

Paleo Chicken Sausage and Organic Chicken Meatballs

Banza Pasta

2 huge jars of Rao’s (the best!!!)

Almond Butter powder

Avocado oil spray (both of these were $5.99. So good.)

Nuttzo 

Fitness:

Mama friends, check out this prenatal workout video!

5 leg day finishers.

100 rep bodyweight workout. 

Tips for increasing running distance. 

Read, watch, listen:

As someone who has avoided posting because of Instagram pressure, this was really refreshing to read.

Amy Schumer’s collab with Beautycounter is one of the best things I’ve seen this week. She loved the company so much that she reached out to them about partnering. One of her good friends is a consultant.  The full video is here if you’d like to check it out! 

Happy Friday, friends!

xo

Gina

The post Friday Faves appeared first on The Fitnessista.

from The Fitnessista http://bit.ly/2PxMWRV
via IFTTT