Wordless Wednesday - February 27, 2013

HAPPY WEDNESDAY EVERYONE!

My Total Body Fun (not really fun) Day

Today is your lucky day. I do not normally share my workouts but because I am feeling that lovely burn, which I want to share with you all, I decided "Let us all feel the burn TOGETHER."

Here is my routine:

• Sumo squat to dumbbell (DB) to hammer curl to shoulder press
• Plank to DB rows
• T-Push-ups
• DB squat and chop
• Pull ups

20 reps each x 3-4 sets. Rest for 45 sec-1 min in between sets.


THEN I MOVE ONTO ANOTHER CIRCUIT...

• TRX Inverted rows
• Kettlebell swings
• TRX mountain climbers
• DB Clean & press
• Step-ups to overhead press

20 reps each for 3-4 sets. Rest for 45 sec-1 min in between sets.


THEN ANOTHER CIRCUIT...

• Explosive push-ups on incline
• Squat rows with exercise band
• Squat with kettlebell raise (at 45 degree to ceiling)
• Skiers or backwards lunges with jump
• Dips on bench

20 reps each for 3-4 sets. Rest for 45 sec-1 min in between sets.

AND JUST ONE MORE FOR THAT EXTRA BURN...

• Chest press with step out on exercise band
• Squatting lat pull downs with band
• Bosu Bulgarian lunges
• Oblique twists with band
• TRX bicep curls

20 reps each for 3-4 sets. Rest for 45 sec-1 min in between sets.


TRY IT! It sure is not fun when you are doing it but BOY do you feel a sense of accomplish after you are do me it.

Questions about any of the exercises and how to step them up for yourself, message me. I would be so glad to help.

Happy sweating EVERYONE!

Wordless Wednesday - February 20, 2013

High Protein Peanut Butter Power Balls with AG

So I was experimenting in the kitchen again with my Advanced Genetics protein powder and came up with this recipe all on my own...just hopping that it would turn out well AND to my great surprise it did.

Ingredients:

1 cup of Natural Peanut Butter
1 cup of Rolled Oats
1 scoop of Advanced Genetics Iso-Phase Chocolate Protein Powder
Extra virgin olive oil/Pam EVOO

Directions:

1. In a large bowl, combine all ingredients together with a spoon or your hands (which is WAY more fun than the spoon).

2. Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and wait until temperature is reached.

3. Place foil on baking tray. Spray foil with extra virgin olive oil or brush foil with EVOO.

4. Make tightly compact balls (about an inch in diameter) and place on baking tray, spacing the balls about an inch or two from the next ball.

5. Place tray into the already-preheated oven (middle rack) and bake for 15-20 minutes (temperature times depend on the oven).

6. Take the finished product out and let cool for 10-15 minutes.

7. ENJOY this clean/healthy snack with a cool glass of slim milk or soy milk, as these High Protein balls taste best with refreshing drink.

I hope you all enjoyed this TASTY post.  Thanks for stopping by today!!!

Question:  What is your favourite clean snack?

Review: Vita Tanz Spray On Tan (Organic Spray)

When my good friend and lovely sponsor Because You're Fabulous told me about the new ORGANIC spray tan line she was going to get, I was immediately SOLD!  No more harsh chemicals seeping into my skin.  YIPPEE!  Now tell me, WHO DOESN'T WANT THAT?!?

I received a small sample package in the mail to test out.  The sample package came with the Vita Tanz sample bottle and a puff (to apply the solution).

Application:

Before Vita Tanz Organic Spray Tan

I decided to test the Vita Tanz on my shoulder/arm area.

I didn't use gloves but I do recommend it.  Get a towel to set down in the area you are applying the tan (as it did get a little messy LOL).  I just finished showering/exfoliating/lightly moisturizing my body.  For the best results, I recommend you do the same.  The initial scent was actually surprising.  It smelled GOOD for once as compared to other self-tanners.  A+ in my books!

I tried two approaches to applying the spray tan.

Firstly, I sprayed by sections, which seemed to work best.  You don't want to spray your entire arm, only to be left with streaks.  Not pretty!  Use the puff supplied to make circular motions gently into your skin.

Secondly, I tried spraying the puff.  I found this to be best when applying to my elbow joints (knee joints/ankle joints for those of you who are applying to their legs).  After a few spritz, use the puff supplied to make circular motions gently into your skin.  You do not want to press the solution in too hard, which could ruin your even complexion.

Finish off by once again spraying into sections until the entire area is complete.  I, myself, waited for 5-10 minutes until dry to apply another coat (since I wanted the tan to come in a little darker).  I waited 24 hours (as stated on website) for the colour to fully develop, as well as not showering for 6-8 hours after applying.  

End Result:  

After Vita Tanz (two coats)

I loved the colour.  I felt like I just came from a topical vacation.  I even got compliments at my local gym ("Did you just get back from vacation?" said one woman).

My skin normally has a yellow tone to it.  With the Vita Tanz, I achieved a brownish tone to my skin.  I was very pleased.

After the inital 24 hour wait time, there was a hint of that "tanning smell" (due to change in my PH with my workout aka sweat) but showering will easily take care of that.  The spray tan lasted for about 5-7 days (as I shower regularly after the gym).  

The entire process wasn't grueling.  It was very easy.  It did not take long either.  I do suggest if applying to entire body to get the help of a friend to do your back or those hard to reach places.  

Overall, I am happy with this product.  If you want a spray tan that is healthy for your body, this is your new baby.  I will most certainly be using this product again in the future.

Visit http://www.becauseyourefabulous.com to try it for yourself or to try other organic skin care/beauty products.  You won't be sorry.   

Thanks for Reading!  

Question:  What self-tanners do you use?  Any good?  

What's In My Gym Bag?

Yes, I am aware this post is somewhat of a fluff piece but I THINK "who cares?!?" :D

I did a Youtube video review a few months back for my FitMark backpack courtesy of my amaze-balls sponsor Muscles By Meyers in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada (located at 483 William Avenue, 204-943-1466). I showed you some of the contents inside the bag, but TODAY you get a better glimpse inside.

So without future ado,

As you can see, the text on the image is WAY too blurry.  Don't worry, I have written everything below.

Top Left: 

My padlock: You can never be too careful at the gym.  There are some people who don't even lock their lockers and then get upset when someone steals from them.  CMON!

My Member Card:  Even though I enjoy "at-home" workouts, I always need to have a gym membership.

Lip gloss/balm:  My lips always need a little moisture when I am at the gym, especially when I do cardio.  You'll always find some in my pockets.

Hair Ties:  You can NEVER have too many of these in your gym bag.  There have been the occasional time when tying my hair the darn tie snapped on me.  Not cool man...not cool.  

Top Right:

Jump Rope:  Just in case there are no cardio pieces available, I always carry this as a backup in my bag.  It's a great way to change up your cardio routine.    

iPod:  Love jamming to some great dance, dub-step, hip hop and the random slow jam when I workout.  When this baby dies on me, my workout does not feel the same. 

Headband(s):  Bangs...even the side swipe ones get in your face.  This is your solution my friends.  

Public Myth wrist band:  I use my shirt I am wearing at the gym to wipe down my sweaty face, but this is a WAY better option.  Check out Public Myth for GREAT gym gear!

Deodorant: No one likes a stinky gym-goer...NO ONE!

Wallet: This is an obvious one.

Measuring Tape: So I can measure my MASSIVE legs....just to make sure what I am doing at the gym is making them slim down :S

Notebook: I keep track of all my exercises in this baby.  It is pretty ol' school to write everything down but I enjoy it.  

Bottom Left:

Advanced Genetics GP3: It's the best creatine, glutamine and BCAA combination on the market.  Hands DOWN!  To get the genetic advantage, check out more of what AG has to offer at their website.

Muscles By Meyers gear:  It doesn't matter where I live, I always make sure I do my very best to help support this great Winnipeg supplement/sports nutrition business.  It definitely helps that this shirt is pink!  Ya, I am a girly girl at heart!  Great service.  Great Prices.  Knowledgeable Staff!  

Water Jug:  I am doing my best to drink at least 4L a day.  It is one of my goals for this year.  DRINK MORE WATER!

AG Water Bottle:  I always carry it with me on the gym floor.  Again, WATER is SO important to fat loss, glowing skin, and darn it...it's just good for you!

Workout Gloves:  To prevent those ugly calluses for happening.  Calluses are NOT attractive.  Nobody wants MAN HANDS lol!

Because You're Fabulous Makeup Kit:  After my workout, I usually like to refresh my face with my organic, all-natural, and vegan BYF makeup.  This stuff is just fantastic.  No harsh chemicals seeping into my skin.  You can even eat it, BUT I recommend you don't LOL.

Lululemon Bag:  This little bag has all my other AG supplements inside smaller containers, just to save a little bit of space.

Bottom Right:

AG Hat:   I like to call the hats I wear "SHIELDS".  They shield my eyes away from all distractions and the many gym creepers.

Digital Camera:  I bring my camera with me to take some snap shots myself (progression pics or my weekly Public Myth/AG pictures).  Always good to have one around.  

Vibram FiveFingers:  LOVE these shoes.  I still get asked about them to this day :D

Pill Box:  I carry my supps and daily vitamins everywhere I go.  I got this pill box at Superstore, but I've seen other pill boxes at dollar stores.    

THAT'S IT!  

It does change every couple of months depending on my goals but most of these are the basics.  I hope you enjoyed this blog post.  Stay tuned for next time as I review an organic tanning spray.  It's going be a goodie!

Question: What interesting things do YOU carry in your gym bag?