Summer Body Lovin’

1. get out and get to walking
2. lots of dancing is paramount
3. take advantage of summer sports.

Top 8 Reasons to Watch the World Cup

Well into the World Cup, fans across the globe are congregating in bars and pubs, dining rooms and dens, in chat rooms and on Facebook to discuss who is going to win and who is worth watching. The slightly Olympian feel to it couldn’t be more palpable… in some of the circles of friends in which I travel.

Don’t have a reason to watch?

Well, start watching the World Cup because everything on those fields looks like THIS:

Let’s celebrate ….this blessing. Ha!

BOOTCAMP WORKOUTS = Check!

I’ve finished. I kicked major ass. It kicked my ass majorly. I recommend everyone taking one bootcamp class once a year. Heck maybe twice so things don’t get rusty. I had a great time. So hopefully I don’t forget this amazing feeling.

1. I am much stronger
2. I am a runner (go figure)
3. Sweat can be a good thing
4. Hydrate.
5. Proper form is key
6. It a little something before a workout.
7. Recoop and start over again.
8. I was amazing. Had a great time. And would totes do it again.

I just hope I can keep it up afterwards. I CAN kick my ass as hard by myself. I CAN. I CAN. I CAN. I Will.

hot Song of the Week!

This ish right here is ridiculously amazing! The stamina required to do this movement is beyond comprehension. And yes, I will be doing this really soon. In the meantime, enjoy ‘working your body!”

Exotic Aerobics? Um… YES!

So yesterday I went to my first exotic aerobics class which is being offered at my local community center. Once I got past my sister saying “I’d be in a room with a bunch of freaks” and awkwardly waiting to get registered lookin’ a hot mess while a bunch of men playing basketball watched (probably not – when men/boys play ball they really can’t be too distracted) I had so much fun! And i’ll tell you, that class was PACKED with all kinds of women. I mean mothers, grandmothers, college students, 18 year old high school seniors and everything in between of ALL different body types (ALL). And it was all women (no children) and it was amazing. The instructor made it feel like such a warm and welcoming place. She kept calling us divas! (snap snap).

I had such a great time. There was the warm-up part. And then the aerobic part.. and THEN there was the ‘exotic’ dance part which to be fair, was only a little more than what you would see in the club. You’d be surprised that simple repetition of a few exercises and isolations can do for your thighs…and glutes…. and arms… and abs. I’m just saying I got a workout. Thank you Omarion for “Gettin In.” Hate the title, love the song… or the metaphorical meaning I’ve put to it.

What I also really REALLY loved about the class was that there was a strong sense of community Some of the (GROWN) women have been before or have done other programs taught by the same teacher but they were so welcoming of the newbies that day (4 including myself). Apparently…. I know how to get down. The entire class, or all the classes the instructor is involved with are going on a retreat to New Orleans! Talk about fun. All fun, new friends, no babies is what she said. I can’t wait until I’m really feel comfortable enough to go.

So, will there be more exotic aerobics in the future. OF COURSE! I may even go to the pole class. ;P

NOT me. Just .. a pole.

Song of the Week

I love Kesha because she’s a real rockstar. She’s a hot mess and she doesn’t give a ****. AWESHOME! Anyway, when the iPod returns (to my life), she’s definitely getting added to the play list. Enjoy.

Women, Working Out &… The Middle East? II

How do women work out in the Middle East?

Working out can be difficult in the Middle East for women especially, if you are looking for options reminiscent of the West  (ie running outside in a sports bra and some daisy dukes.) But it doesn’t have to be. Inspired by the previous post, I decided to educate myself a little more about what women (and men) do in the Middle East to stay fit, and I discovered overwhelming similarities between the two cultures.

Reebok’s brand ambassador Zena Habi, creator of numerous fitness programs AND a trainer for a Middle Eastern version of BIGGEST LOSER had this to say about health in her part of the world:

“There are two main things that need to change: we need to stop smoking (shisha counts) and start eating healthier. When I say eat healthy, it does not mean you have to be on some sort of diet, but just be aware of what you are putting inside your body. Most importantly, people have to stop planning to exercise as if it is out of the ordinary. Just make it part of your routine and let it be a part of your life.”

Words to live by. To read more from her interview (she talks about her passion for fitness, her connection with Reebok, and her experience working with contestants on her hit Big-Brother-esque show) check the link here.

Reebok Brand Ambassador to the Middle East and Fitness Guru Zena Habi

Favorite Workout?

There has been much debate on what constitutes working out, you know the increase of that ‘heart rate’ … especially as it relates to exercise. But heck, if it gets the heart pumpin’, for 30-45 minutes at a time, then it’s good for me. What’s your favorite way to work out?

1. Working out at the Gym
2. Dancing with Friends
3. Hitting the sheets
4. None of the above (let me in on what it is!!!)

Sexiness, Sweat, and the Soothing Outdoors

Currently, gym memberships aren’t in my budget. Luckily, the weather in my part of the world allows for me to still enjoy the comforts of the great outdoors with my need for increased activity. Here’s a short list of some really great strength-training workouts to try outside. My favorite includes:

1. 3 sets of 15 pushups on a bench or table
2. 2 sets of 15 tricep pushups off table bench
3. 200 crunches (variation of five minute abs video here with some planks thrown in)

Things I don’t do all the time but I should do more often

1. 3 sets of 50 jumping-jacks
2. 3 sets of 50 ‘simulated jump rope steps’
3. series of lunges across a soccer field
4. 3-30 second squats

It’s fun. I think I’d enjoy it a lot more if I had a buddy. But I do know that your diet plays a huge part in your overall health.

Song of the Week

Bored of your current routine? Too cold to go outside? Don’t feel like hitting the gym or the trail? Turn up the jams and get to dancing.

This song may be a tad inappropriate if metaphors are drawn, but it’s the weekend. No need to be superbly intellectual at present. I cannot stop moving my hips.

Trey Songz feat. Fabolous “Say Aah.” (or ‘the birthday song’ as I like to think of it.)