Tag Archives: fitness

Staying Active // Ifit Vue

October 16, 2015

This is a sponsored post by iFit.  iFit gives a whole new perspective on fitness with wearable fit bands, iFit powered exercise equipment, and daily workout videos, that help motivate and inspire giving you a brighter outlook on your own unique fitness journey.  All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting our sponsors that help keep Armelle Blog up and running!
Be sure to checkout the details at the bottom of this post on a Giveaway for an iFit Vue!
Now that I’ve approached my, ahem mid thirties, it feels like staying fit is getting harder and harder.  Things that used to work for me before seem to take longer, or not work at all.  Getting older is no fun!  Ha!
I’ve recently changed some of my workout routines, and I’m hoping to get into better shape!  As I talked about it in this post, I used to do the whole running for exercise thing over the past several years, which is an amazing workout, but I recently decided that I also need to switch things up and add some strength training and other things to the mix.
I recently got an iFit Vue to help track my calories in and out, how many steps/miles, workouts and sleep easily on my wrist with their new bright touchscreen display.  Seeing all the information right on my wrist has really helped me to stay motivated!
The iFit Vue syncs up to the iFit app on my phone to be able to set goals, and track everything and add the calories you have consumed.   It even has a reminder to get up and move with a little buzz to the wrist, and the screen says MOVE!  If you’ve been idle too long during the non-sleeping hours.  It has helped me to stay aware of how active I am being, and I am trying to hit a goal of at least 10,000 steps a day.  I never realized that just doing some of my daily tasks like grocery shopping, climbing up and down the stairs to chase my kids, and cleaning up my house all day long was logging so many steps, even miles worth!  Kind of motivating!
So, back to the staying active part!  I have had a good routine and healthy outlook on staying active since I was a teen, I talked a little bit about it in this post.  But, I didn’t realize that as I was getting older, I was staying active, but feel like I was letting myself get a little “soft” for lack of a better term. Now, I don’t want to be a ripped muscle head, but healthy lean toned muscle, and maybe a little definition would be nice.  
I try my best not to compare myself to others, and maintain a healthy outlook on my body image.  I’ve always been lucky be able to have a healthy body image about myself, not in a I think I have the best body or that I’m in shape way.  But, in a I don’t think it’s healthy to be down on ourselves too much about our bodies and what we think may be the perfect body kind of way.  I know that I have flaws, and sometimes it does get to me and I get down on myself, especially when you see an unflattering photo of yourself, or see yourself from a new angle and wonder, if that is really you?  But, I try not to let that eat away at me, and focus on what is in my control.  My hips, thighs, stomach, arms, back won’t be just like someone else’s, and all body types are different.  So, even if we’d like what they have, sometimes it’s just unattainable!  I guess I am more realistic when it comes to my body type, and at 5 foot 5 inches, I have to deal with what I have.  And, really I have a healthy body, so what more can I ask for?!  That is a miracle in itself that I thank God for everyday!!  
Another reason it is important for me to stay in shape is for my kids.  I want to be able to run around with them, hike with them, swim with them, and be an example to them of how to take care of these amazing bodies we have.  And, for my daughter especially, I want her to have a healthy attitude about her body, and love it for what it is, and keep it healthy and strong.  I want them to establish routines, and lifestyles that involve staying active and healthy.
So, back to working out.  
The past few months I have been trying something new with my workout routine.  I joined a gym, what?!!  I haven’t had a gym membership in over 9 years!  
But, I found that I’ve really enjoyed some of the group fitness classes.  It has been more motivating for me to have a trainer in your face telling you to push harder!  I have been working out and changing things up in ways I haven’t ever done, which has been really great!  I’ve been working hard, and trying new things.  And, frankly I haven’t lost a pound.  In fact, I’ve gained weight (10lbs to be exact), which I am hoping is my body gaining some muscle and shedding the fat!  I think we all get in a fitness rut sometimes, and it is nice to change things up and challenge your body. I still haven’t completely found the mix I’d like, and I’m hoping to add a little more weight training into my routines, but frankly that scares me to death!  But, it’s always a work in progress!  
It’s been fun tracking my workouts on the iFit Vue and seeing how many calories I’m burning and steps I’ve taken.  I’d also like to get the iFit Smartbeat heart rate monitor to add to the iFit app and the wristband to get an even more accurate idea of how many calories I’m burning, and see what is working for me.
I am the worst about counting calories, but the iFit app and the ifit Vue wrist band sure makes it easier.  It has been eye opening for me to see how little things I am blindly eating are adding up.  So, while I’m not a huge fan of counting calories, I generally eat healthy, I think it’s nice to check yourself every now and then to get a realistic view of what you are actually consuming and adjust your intake to some healthier options. 
So, here’s to making goals, and improving ourselves bit by bit.  I know I always can improve, and hope to continue to work hard toward my goals and feel great about myself and continue to feel healthy!  
I am also so excited to giveaway an iFit Vue to one of my lucky readers!!
GIVEAWAY DETAILS!!
Be sure to head over to my Instagram and follow me, @armelle_blog and @ifit and tag three friends to enter!! 
Winner will be chosen Tuesday, October 20th!
Good Luck!!
Outfit Details
Me
Albion Fit Limelight Jacket (So comfortable and well made!  I am wearing a size small)
Albion Fit 1st Ave Tank (So soft and cozy! I am wearing a size small)
Albion Fit Go Capris in Sea Foam (Perfect compression pants! Sucks you in where you want it to most!  I am wearing a size small)
Zee Alexis Woven Footwear – Zee Clouds
Norah
Flor de Luz Shop Embroidered Mexican Mini Mariluz Dress
Ezra
Thomas

Workout Routine // Intel 2-in-1

July 28, 2015

 

Intel 2 in 1

#spon: I’m required to disclose a relationship between our site and Intel This could include Intel providing us w/content, product, access or other forms of payment.

My exercise routine has changed a lot over the years.
Back when I was in high school, and got my first gym membership, it was all about the kickboxing and step aerobic classes.  Remember Tae Bo Classes?!  I’m getting old.

Then, In college I got into Yoga, and my main form of working out consisted of Yoga, Pilates, and running.  I loved the mix.  After college and pre-kids, I still practiced yoga, it helped that my office offered yoga classes right on site, so I could sneak away mid-work day and get my Yoga in.  I also still ran for exercise, and did a little weights on the side.

Post kids.  Now that is where it all changed, the convenience of gym workouts, and working out at studios wasn’t as easy with  dragging around three small children.  Plus, I was also pregnant or nursing all the time for several years, or at least it felt like it.  I continued to run a lot mainly to help lose the baby weight, and get some alone time in if my husband was home to stay with the kids.  We also got a treadmill at home, which helped to get some exercise in while the kids were napping or playing. I also enjoyed running to the park, and working out at the park while my kids played.  Triceps dips, push ups, lunges, whatever I could fit in.  But, I kind of forgot about Yoga, and other options of exercise.

Lately, my kids are starting to get a little older, and with my two older ones in school it helps that I can have a little more time to myself.  After I trained and ran a half marathon a few years ago, I knew I wanted to incorporate some more forms of exercise into my workout routines. And, I’d still like to get toned up, it seems to get harder and harder the older I get!

I came across some great, and free workouts on YouTube.  I loved Jillian Michaels workouts, and my latest favorite is the Tone it Up girls Bikini series.  They have many amazing workouts on their YouTube channel that I’ve been loving.  Especially their Bikini Yoga series which has been nice to get back into the practice of Yoga.

I enjoy the at home workouts, because I can do them whenever, even if my kids are home.  And, I just have to lookup my favorite routine on my Intel 2 in 1 Laptop/Tablet Lenovo Yoga 3 (affiliate link), and get to work.  I like to change it up so I don’t get bored, and that has helped.  I also like to hit my treadmill with my tablet to watch my TV shows that I save up for the treadmill, since somehow it feels less guilty or lazy to watch trashy TV if I’m also working out.  Wink. (anyone watching The Whispers? So creepy!?)

I also recently discovered HIGH FITNESS and Grit classes, loved all the HIGH energy!  I had no idea that some Lululemon stores have free workout classes every Saturday.  It’s been pretty fun to get to know what the latest workout crazes are since I haven’t had a gym membership in over 8 years!

So, what are you favorite workouts?  Any I should know about?!

Yoga Outfit:
Albion Fit Racer Tank
Albion Fit Floral Cropped Leggings

Cooking with Intel // 2 in 1

May 28, 2015

#spon: I’m required to disclose a relationship between our site and Intel This could include Intel providing us w/content, product, access or other forms of payment.

Intel 2 in 1
As someone who loves to cook, you can often find me in my kitchen making a new recipe, or a tried and true favorite.  I love browsing the internet for new dinner ideas, or quickly pulling up one of my recipes to make.  I don’t ever print out recipes anymore with the convenience of devices, it’s no longer needed!
I was excited to receive an Intel 2 in 1 Laptop/Tablet Lenovo Yoga 3!  It makes cooking so much easier to have the recipe at my finger tips.  I like that it is not just a tablet, but also a laptop, and doesn’t require a stand.  It can bend in all directions depending on how I need to look at it.  It can take me through a recipe start to finish, and even help me browse for recipes to use in the future.  It is also really nice to have a keyboard to help with faster searching.
I made this amazing pasta dish for dinner the other night with a fresh arugula pesto.  It was so good, and fresh.  I kind of had to laugh to myself too when my kids thought it was so awesome to eat green pasta!  They asked it if was Leprechaun day again.  Little did they know they were eating loads of greens!
Here’s the recipe I adapted from Blue Apron.
Fusilli Pasta with Arugula Pesto and Snap Peas
Serves 4-6
Ingredients
16 oz Fusilli pasta, cooked and drained.  Reserve 1-2 cups of pasta water.  (I used Gluten free Fusilli)
1 1b Sugar Snap Peas, snap off the top and pull of and discard the tough strings that run the length of the pod
5 Ounces Fresh Arugula
3-4 Cloves Fresh Garlic, minced
1 Lemon, zest lemon and cut in half
3 Tablespoons un-salted Butter
3 Tablespoons Pistachios, shelled and coarsely chopped (toast over high heat for 1 minute in a skillet)
1 large Shallot, diced
1/2 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
Olive Oil
Directions
Cook the Fusilli according to package directions.  Be sure to reserve 2 cups of the hot pasta water before you drain the pasta.
Place the arugula, lemon zest, all but a few tablespoons of the parmesan cheese (save the rest for garnish) in a food processor.  Season with salt and freshly ground pepper.  Pulse until leaves and cheese are fully chopped. While pulsing the food processor drizzle in enough Olive pile to create a rough paste.  Pulse in juice of one lemon to taste, and season again with salt and pepper to taste.
Place a large skillet over medium heat.  Melt the butter.  Once the butter is melted, add the chopped garlic and shallot; season with salt and pepper.  Cook stirring occasionally about 2 to 4 minutes or until garlic and shallot are softened.  Add the sugar snap peas, and season with salt and pepper.  Cook stirring occasionally for 3 to 4 minute, or until peas are bright green and slightly tender.  Remove from heat.
Add the pasta, and arugula pesto to the skillet. Add a cup of the pasta water, or more if it still looks dry.  Season with salt and pepper to taste.   Garnish with chopped pistachios, and remaining parmesan cheese.
Enjoy!
So, tell me in the comments, what is your favorite go-to dinner to prepare?
{all photos by me}