Tag: Fitness

Fitness /

Getting Serious About Your Daily Workout

It may not take long before you want to elevate your daily workout for strength, endurance, and satisfaction. Taking it to another level isn’t as easy as just working harder. Other factors, such as finding the right gear and even changing your diet, come into play. Here are some tips.

CC0 Licensed Image Courtesy of Pexels

Learn to Warm Up Properly

One of the most overlooked parts of exercise by beginners is skipping the warm-up or not doing it right. And this is the most common cause of sprains and other injuries. A good warm-up should last for around 10 minutes and includes jogging on the spot, stretches, and gentle exercise to get the blood flowing. Professionals at gyms like Fitness 19 can show you how to do this correctly and will always welcome the chance to educate you about warming up properly.

Invest in Good Quality Gear

If you don’t use good quality gear such as trainers, sportswear, and accessories, you risk injury. On the lower end, you will just end up paying more when you have to constantly replace the cheap items that wear out quickly. You should always invest in breathable materials for tops, bottoms, and trainers. And buy the best you can afford. You should always feel light and comfortable but also protected. It also helps to buy multiple items to help with laundry.

Use Music in Your Daily Workout

It is very common for people who exercise a lot to listen to music when doing it. Music can help set the tempo for your workout. Meaning you can work to a beat and get good results at the same time. But having your own playlist also means you get to enjoy the music you really like at the same time as exercising. This can help lower your anxiety about exercises and set your mind in the right mood. It helps to invest in quality earphones that won’t fall off when moving.

Take Your Diet Seriously

You may not realize your diet needs to change dramatically to get the best out of working out. What you eat can help or hinder your performance in the gym, and staying away from carbs is a mistake some people make. Carbs give you energy and provide it in short bursts for improved athleticism. Of course, you also need to eat more protein from various meats and vegetables to aid in performance, but mainly for muscle regeneration. And avoid “energy” drinks at all costs.

Supplement Your Intake

Even when you eat right, you may not get all you need for the best workout. Vitamin and mineral supplements are excellent for topping up anything you may lack and can boost your workout in the right combinations. Vitamin B compounds, zinc, and magnesium are excellent for overall health and performance. But of course, these cannot make up for a poor diet. And try to limit vitamin drinks and foods that come with extra sugars, caffeine, and other harmful substances. 

Summary

Your daily workout can become much more effective with some small changes. You must learn to warm up correctly, work to your favorite music, and boost vitamin intake with supplements.

Beauty /

What Are The Best Confidence Boosting Ideas To Try

Confidence is something that everyone can make use of in their lives, no matter what they do or what their personalities are like. Some people seem to have confidence already, but a lot of people need to boost their confidence to get it to a good level that will help them when it comes to getting a job, interacting with people, and generally being more successful in life.

Featured Image from GLAMOUR

Of course, knowing that you need to get more confident and actually doing this are two different things, and it’s not easy to know what you should be doing to help yourself get the most out of life. With that in mind, here are some ideas that you can get started with, and once you put them into action, you should be able to boost your confidence a little at a time.

Photo by Engin Akyurt

Change Your Appearance

One of the biggest reasons people might have to feel less confident about themselves is their appearance. Although most other people probably wouldn’t notice an issue, almost everyone has something about themselves they don’t like, and by changing this thing or making the best of it if you can’t do anything about it, your confidence levels are sure to be boosted.

One thing you can do is to change your wardrobe. By updating your clothes, trying out new fashion trends, and really finally finding your personal style, you’ll feel a lot more confident every time you get dressed, helping you to be happy in most situations you find yourself in. Remember that although style is important, wearing clothes you like and that you’re comfortable in is also important. Take some time to explore different styles, experiment with colours and patterns, and wear what makes you happy.

You can also change your hairstyle, and it’s best to visit a professional if you feel this is the right thing for you to do. Having great hair is definitely something that boosts confidence; just think of how amazing you feel when you walk out of the salon with a fresh cut and perhaps a new colour – why not give yourself that treat and boost your confidence at the same time?

If you really want to make a change, a mini facelift could be the answer; you can get more information about the procedure here. You’ll certainly need to research what happens and the benefits, but it could be exactly what you need to take your confidence to the next level.

Take Up Hobbies Or Work On Old Ones

When you are able to take part in hobbies you love or have always been interested in, this can be another wonderful (and fun) way to increase how confident you feel in yourself. Think about what you might like to do or consider old hobbies you don’t do anymore but that you’d like to get back into. Whether it’s painting, playing a musical instrument, cooking, writing, or anything else, when you do an activity that you can enjoy and get a sense of accomplishment from, you’ll see that you are capable of achieving things, and this will obviously make you feel more confident – you’ll be less worried about making a mistake or not getting very far.

As well as this, sometimes confidence can come from just getting better at your talents and skills. This is why it can be a good idea to go back to hobbies you used to do and start again – or pick up where you left off if that is something you feel confident in – you can see how this is so important in life – doing.

Get Fit

Doing exercise doesn’t just help when it comes to your physical fitness, but it can also have a big impact on your mental and emotional state. That’s because when you engage in regular exercise, your body will release endorphins, which are natural mood boosters in the body. You’ll feel good and get a great sense of well-being at the same time as making yourself fitter and healthier. This feeling of positivity will improve your confidence.

Another way that getting fit will improve your confidence links back to the idea of changing your appearance. When you get fit, you will lose weight, and your skin will look healthier because of better circulation. If this was something that was worrying you and making you less confident when you interacted with other people, it won’t be an issue anymore.

It’s not just about exercise either; making small changes in your lifestyle that mean you become healthier (changes like giving up smoking, eating more fresh food, drinking less alcohol, and so on) will also boost your confidence and help you live a better life.

Accessories /

Get Grounded with Athletic Wear for Comfort and Sustainable Living

If you’re the type that lives in yoga pants, look no further than DHVANI. The innovative brand has taken its commitment to design premium athletic apparel and blended it with their Earth-conscious mission, creating an all-around collection that consumers feel good wearing and owning.

The staple of most athletic apparel – sports bras, yoga pants – is now elevated to focus on quality and sustainability. The brand uses custom sustainable fabrics like Aranya (bamboo) and ReNu (recycled plastic bottles) to make a difference in its clothing line. They’re passionate about active lifestyles that care for the planet and give back to the community.  Together, everyone can make a measurable impact on the health of our planet—for ourselves, our families, and our future. Join them on their mission.

 

Activ(ist)Wear by DHVANI – Transforming Trash Into Treasure

 

The Naked Collection

  • A buttery-soft, second-skin feel that you’ll want to live in 
  • Find the perfect pair of matching bra and bottoms in an assortment of colors
  • Supportive sports bras in two styles
    • Athleisure bras and full support sports bras
  • Flattering, high-waisted bottoms in three lengths
    • Leggings, shorts, and capris

 

The Terra Collection

  • The best athletic wear on Earth
  • Constructed from ReNu, the brand’s proprietary fabric made from recycled plastic bottles
  • Leggings and bras in black, blue, and coral offerings

 

The DHVANI mask

  • 2 Layers of 100% Cotton
  • Adjustable Ear Loops to Fit All Faces

  • All Proceeds Go to Providing A Mask for Every American

 

Yemojá Microplastics Filtering Wash Bag

  • Prevent pilling, fading, and loss of stretch while preserving the life of your synthetic garments
  • Help to keep microplastics out of our waterways to protect oceans, rivers, and aquatic life
  • 30 inches x 20 inches
  • Made from 100% FDA approved food-grade polyamide

 

Buy One, Plant One:

DHVANI plants a tree with every purchase. The brand has partnered with One Tree Planted to help with the reforestation of Australia’s 8.8 million acres of bushfire destruction. The area is home to koala, wombat, and kangaroo habitats which desperately need to be restored and rehabilitated for years to come.

For more information, visit https://www.dhvani.com or contact thresa@teamchicexecs.com.

 

About DHVANI:

DHVANI’s mission is to create beautifully crafted and ethically manufactured Activ(ist)Wear while pioneering the most innovative and sustainable fabrics on earth. Follow them on Instagram @dhvaniwear.

 

Accessories /

Mother’s Day 2020 Roundup For The Fitness Lover, Shopping Addict or Green Thumb

Mother’s Day is right around the corner, take a look at a few considerations for the special woman in your life!

 

Featured Photo from Men’s Health

 

For the fitness lover:
  • Everlast – The preeminent brand in boxing since 1910 and the world’s leading manufacturer and licensor of boxing, MMA, and fitness equipment, Everlast can provide the fitness buff the equipment they need. Everlast has boxing gear from training gloves to the HydroStrike heavy bag and fitness equipment from the Evergrip Weighted Jump Rope to the Flex Slam Ball that can help mom stick to her new year’s resolutions of staying in the gym and continuing her fitness journey.
  • FitTrack – Help mom stay on track of her fitness journey with FitTrack, creators of the most accurate Wi-Fi smart scale (Dara), and the fitness smartwatch (Atria). FitTrack products are a simple and effective solution to stay motivated on her wellness journey, at a remarkably low price. With 17 detailed metrics that measure, track, and trend her health data over time, FitTrack can help mom better understand her progress with the informative insights needed to be the best version of herself.
For the organization lovers:
  • MakeSpace – MakeSpace offers storage without the struggle — picking up, hauling, and storing your stuff, then delivering it back to you when you need it. Their goal is to make storage convenient and easy so that you never have to visit a storage facility again. To help stressed-out moms manage cluttered homes and stressful lifestyles, give them the gift of space this Mother’s Day.
For the shopping addict:
  • Jane – Jane is a boutique e-commerce marketplace with daily deals on hundreds of products from women’s fashion and accessories to home decor and tech gear – there truly is something for everyone! Give the special woman in your life the perfect Mother’s Day gift to brighten up her day with something personalized or something comfy to help her relax while staying at home.
For the green thumb: 
  • Rachio – The world’s first smart sprinkler company delivering easy-to-use technologies to control your outdoor sprinkler system from the palm of your hand. Their latest product expansion includes the Rachio 3e Smart Sprinkler Controller, a budget-friendly version of Rachio’s renowned and first-ever smart sprinkler, the Rachio 3 Smart Watering System. With it’s lower pricing, the R3e makes saving the planet a bit more affordable for everyone, while still boasting a myriad of features such as weather intelligence based on historical weather data from 30,000 weather stations, dual-band wi-fi with Alexa compatibility, full control, and monitoring with the Rachio app, and more.
For the mom who brightens your life: 
  • Nanoleaf – A smart lighting pioneer, Nanoleaf’s range of light panels allow users to create beautiful, customizable designs with the flexibility to change-up the scene and layouts for any season or occasion. Whether mom is looking to decorate her home office, spruce up the house for family photos, or create the perfect welcome home entrance, Nanoleaf is a fun, low-maintenance way to personalize your space.
Fitness /

Make Positive Changes to Your Life Right Now

You need to do as much as you can to make positive changes in your life this year. It is so essential to think about what you can do to make your life better, and this is something to consider. Making the right changes can have a major impact on the way in which you take your life forward to new and more positive places, and this is important. Having an exercise regimen can prove to be hugely helpful when it comes to improving your life in the process.

2020 has only just begun, and there is more than enough time to transform your life in the right way. So many of us need to be doing as much as we can to work out the best possible ways of improving our lives in the process. Do what you can to make the changes you feel will most benefit your life, and these are some of the things you can do right now to get the best possible outcome.

Get Fitter

Make sure you work on your physical condition and try to do what you can to get fitter and healthier as much as possible. There are a lot of things that play a part in this, and you are going to need to focus on what it takes to make the most of this moving forward. Having an exercise regimen can prove to be hugely helpful when it comes to improving your life in the process. Keeping fit improves your health and well-being, and this is massively important for the future.

 Take up a New Hobby

Another thing to think about when you are serious about taking things to the next level is to consider taking up a new hobby. This is something that can have a massive impact on your home, and it will make a major difference to the interests and experiences you have in your life. Do what you can to find the best hobbies and interests you can, and make sure you take them forward in the right sort of way.

 Improve Your Home Entertainment

 There are some excellent ways of improving your home entertainment, and choosing the perfect Sky TV package is one of the best ones. As you can see from this article entitled Sky Entertainment: What’s in the Basic Sky TV Package? There are more than 300 channels to choose from, and you can combine the package with broadband. Sky offers a wonderfully affordable package deal, beginning at as little as $22 per month!

Go on Holiday

Something else you can do to make positive life changes is to make sure you go on holiday more. This is a great way of being able to relax and unwind, as well as opening your mind to new experiences. Make sure you get away from the stresses of regular life for a while, and go and see the rest of the world.

As you might imagine, you have a lot to think about when it comes time to improve your life, and this is something you are going to need to focus on. Make the most of the different elements of your life that can have a major impact on you moving forward, and try to do what you can to get this right as much as possible.

Beauty /

ESSENCE Centers Black Women’s Wellness; Brings #ESSENCEWellnessHouse to Atlanta

Today, ESSENCE Communications Inc., the leading media, technology and commerce company serving Black women, announced that it is bringing its signature ESSENCE Wellness House to Atlanta on March 7th.  The ESSENCE Wellness House – an immersive wellness experience designed to support Black women on their collective and individual health and wellness journeys – will convene a host of wellness practitioners and A-list fitness professionals for an exclusive day-long retreat. The retreat will take place at the W Hotel Atlanta Midtown.

ESSENCE Wellness House serves as an extension to the brand’s unwavering commitment to Black women’s health and livelihood, as well as cultivating spaces for healing.  With robust experiences – including energizing workout sessions, intimate conversations, interactive workshops, massages, reiki, meditation and group discussions with leading industry experts – this full day of ESSENCE-curated programming is designed to rejuvenate the mind, body, and soul.

“As the leading global destination for Black women, ESSENCE embraces our position as a premier resource for their wellness as well – and we take that very seriously,” said Michelle Ebanks, CEO, ESSENCE Communications, Inc. “We know that Black women tend to focus more on the care of others than herself, and as a result, they are disproportionately affected by almost all major health crises affecting women in the United States.  So, it is incumbent upon ESSENCE to use our platform to bring wellness practices to Black women, create a safe space to gather and connect with culturally-informed spiritual, health and wellness practices.”

Highlights of the ESSENCE Wellness House on March 7th include:

  • Heart Health Real Talk: A Conversation with AMA’s First Black Female President with Charli Penn, ESSENCE Relationship and Wellness Director and Patrice A. Harris, MD, MA, President of American Medical Association
  • Get Your Mind Right: A Mindfulness Exercise with OmNoire’s Christina Rice
  • Introduction to Breathwork with Yoga Instructor and Holistic Health Educator Ona Hawk
  • Dance Your Pounds Off with Celebrity Dance and Fitness Instructor, Dwight Holt, Jr.
  • Preventing Burnout by Reclaiming Your Boundaries led by Licensed Clinical Psychologist Dr. Ayanna Abrams
  • Top Tips for Relationship Wellness & Sustainability: A Conversation with Aaron Turpeau Ph.D. and Derrick Jaxn

Additional exciting wellness professionals and influencers who will participate include Beatrice Dixon, Founder, and CEO of The Honey Pot; Alex Elle, Author & Self-Care Facilitator, Egypt Sherrod, TV host and Celebrity Home Space Expert; Rashan Ali, Multimedia Personality and co-host on the syndicated show Sister Circle; and more.

For more information and to purchase tickets:

visit essence.com/wellnesshouse and follow #ESSENCEWELLNESSHOUSE

Fitness /

Sweat It Out: Best Workouts for When You’re Sick

With so much news about the “coronavirus” and the flu, Cat Kom, founder and lead trainer of Studio SWEAT onDemand, thought about putting together a list of exercises that people could perform, (not when having a serious illness like those strong viruses, but at least) when not feeling so well.

Being sick is never fun, but it’s even worse when you’re a devoted fitness aficionado. Feeling a little ill can mean needing a few days off, but skipping a workout could throw your routine all out of whack.

So if you’re feeling a little sniffly but still wanna get back on the fitness saddle, here are some ways you can exercise when you’re sick.

Walking or Jogging

I get it, being stuck inside isn’t fun, and lying in bed all day can actually make you feel worse. Although hitting the pavement for some sprints or going on a strenuous 10-mile hike probably isn’t a great idea, some light walking or jogging can do wonders for a cold. Even just a short 20-minute walk…

Yoga

Whether you’re in the midst of a cold or in perfect health, yoga is a go-to workout for increasing flexibility and building strength in a low-impact way. When you’re feeling a little under the weather, a nice yoga flow can help…

LISS on the Spin Bike

Love spin so much that you just can’t bear to miss a day? Us too! But sometimes, you gotta make sacrifices for your health. Although you might not be able to make it through a tough spin class, you can still get a little biking in. I recommend…

Water Aerobics

Being sick can really drain your energy, making it hard to do intense workouts, so you probably won’t be swimming laps. But you can still get in the water by doing a gentler workout like water aerobics. It’ll give you the same movements, but with a little extra help from the water holding you up… If you’re feeling worse than just a cold (we’re talking fever and chills), definitely get back in that bed and rest up. But if you do choose to get some exercise in when you’re not feeling your best, be sure to take it slow.

Missing out on a workout is no fun, especially if the alternative is cough drops and tissues.

So if you’re looking for a way to still get that group class in from the comfort of your own home, check out a 7-Day Free Trial from Studio SWEAT onDemand. Our huge library of on-demand workouts features passionate trainers and classes like TRX, HIIT, and Spin, plus low-impact workouts like yoga and Pilates. Remember, it’s all about feeling better, so make sure you listen to your body, even if that means an extra rest day… or three.

Beauty /

How To Feel More Empowered As A Woman

There are some women who just seem to have everything in place; their lives are going somewhere, and they are – perhaps most importantly – powerful. It can be tempting to look at these women and compare their lives to our own and come up lacking. Yet this is not a helpful way to look at things. Rather than regretting that our lives are not ‘as good’ as theirs, why not try to make changes to make our lives better? Why not become more empowered and change everything else around you? It’s not as difficult as you might think once you make a start and really work at what you want in life. Read on to find out more.

Featured Photo from TooFab

Do More Exercise

Does it seem odd that the very first suggestion on how to become more powerful in your life as a woman is to do more exercise? Perhaps so, but it does make sense once you think about it. Although exercising more is about losing weight and getting fitter and healthier, there is more to it than that. These are great things, but what else can exercise do?

Exercise puts us in complete control of our bodies. When we exercise, we can choose how to go about it and how much or how little to do each day. When we skip a day, it is on us. When we push through our boundaries, that is all down to us too.

The power that comes with taking charge and being in control of this element of our lives is enormous, and it’s something that can lead to positive and much better self-confidence altogether.

Not only that, but exercise removes stress and negativity, replacing it with calmness, happiness, and positivity. When you have this, you can think more clearly about your life and the direction you want it to take.

Stand Up For Yourself

Standing up for yourself is scary. It takes a lot to be able to get out of your comfort zone and to speak out about things that you believe in. However, it is also so very empowering, and it makes you feel happier too. Keeping everything in because you are afraid of saying the wrong thing or offending someone isn’t healthy; you’ll never get to express your opinion, and over time you’ll even start to think that your opinion isn’t valid and that no one is going to want to hear it.

This should never be the case. Everyone has the right to express their opinion, and as long as you do it in a way that is meant positively and you don’t intentionally go out of your way to hurt someone or be obstructive, then you must speak out and stand up for your beliefs.

When you start to do this, you will also start to believe in yourself more and be more empowered and confident as a result. Other women will see you confidently and concisely expressing your opinions and holding down an argument if someone disagrees (or realizing your mistake and admitting to it if that is the case), and they could well be inspired.

Have Standards

There are all kinds of areas of your life where standards are important. Putting your own standard mark onto those things and accepting nothing less will help you to feel and be empowered. Take your home, for example. If your standards are that it always needs to be clean and tidy, then make sure it is. Once you let your standards slip, you will find you feel less confident and your power is diminished.

The same is true of anything. At work, you should have certain standards that you hold yourself to and that you hold others too – without being overly judgemental, of course. This way, people will respect you and you will be more productive.

You can even have standards when it comes to the way you dress and look. If something isn’t right, take the time to change it; clothes that fit you well can make a huge difference. A hair transplant can boost your confidence and make you feel better about yourself. A regular spa day can reset tired muscles and help you to feel brighter and happier.

Do what it takes to help keep your standards up and you will be empowered – everything is your decision to make.

Say No

Saying no when you need to is one of the most empowering things you can do in your life. It’s so easy to fall into the trap of always agreeing to do things, even if they aren’t going to benefit your own life or they are detrimental.

If you want to do something and you are able to, then say yes. If you don’t want to do it, it is going to cause you upset, or you cannot carry out the task, then don’t be afraid to say no. It’s hugely empowering.

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Lifestyle Tips /

2020 Trends to Get Ahead of Now

The new year is right around the corner. And while most of us are focused on the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, it’s definitely not too early to start thinking about what 2020 might hold for you.

This is also a great time of year to start getting familiar with some of the top trends for 2020. Keep reading to learn a few trends that will stand out next calendar year and how you can start jumping on board.

Refresh Your Menu

After a long holiday season full of heavy meals and Christmas cookies, you’ll probably be happy to hear 2020 will be another year of healthy, fresh foods topping the list of popular menu items.

New, trendy options will include collagen powder added to smoothies and other foods to help you achieve glowy skin, keto-friendly options for those on the popular diet and, perhaps surprisingly, Brussels sprouts will see a surge in popularity.

Break Out of Your Comfort Zone

Thinking about dusting off your passport in the new year? Some 2020 travel trends will have you breaking out of your comfort zone in new and exciting ways.

While space travel might be out of your budget, an edgy vacation might be just the ticket. If you’re looking for something a little less revealing, a trip to explore your ancestors’ roots might be a better fit for you.

Don’t Underestimate the Classics

While 2020 is certain to feature some wacky fashion trends, many are expected to be new takes on old classics. From crisp white shirts to floral patterns, the new year will have us all reaching to the back of our closets for those staples we never got rid of.

When it comes to lingerie, the world of bedroom attire has gotten complicated and out there in recent years. But while it’s fun to try out the latest trends, one that never goes out of style is the tried and true classics.

For instance, a simple lingerie set with a garter is guaranteed to create some sparks in your relationship, not to mention help you feel sexy in your own skin.

Get Moving at Home

Every year, millions of people make New Year’s resolutions to get healthier or lose weight after the ball drops on Dec. 31. This causes a spike in gym memberships, which turns into crowds at gyms and fitness studios across the country. But with life inevitably getting in the way and responsibilities piling up, people will start making excuses about why they can’t make it to the gym. And, after a few months, the crowds will fade away again.

Luckily, there’s one 2020 trend that’s looking to break this endless cycle. Home gyms are growing more and more popular with every passing year. This is thanks in part to new home gym technology that makes it easier to get a great workout without leaving your living room.

Featured Photo from Black Girl Health

Whether you choose to invest in some new equipment or make do with a simple set of weights or a yoga mat, working out at home can help save you money, squeeze in more workouts and finally stick to your fitness resolutions.

Getting a Head Start on 2020 Trends

Whether you want to revamp your wardrobe or the way you eat, finally get in shape or take a vacation of a lifetime, following these trends will help you be better prepared for what’s to come in 2020. So, start making plans to get ahead of these trends before the new year is here.

Collaborative Post

Fashion /

Fitness Wear Goes High-Fashion for Fall #GymGoals

Fitness wear goes high-fashion for fall.  Whether it be leggings with lace-up detail at the waist, burn-out prints or drape back long sleeve tees….these trends take you from cardio dance class to coffee with the ladies in style.  Marika Workout Wear and Ellie Workout subscription boxes bring you the latest and greatest styles every month.

Marika is ahead of all workout trends with a team of designers who deliver styles that are fashionable and flattering for all body styles.

Check out one of the August collections from Ellie for just $40/month for all 3 pieces.

Marika is ahead of all workout trends with a team of designers who deliver styles that are fashionable and flattering for all body styles.