Category Archives: Health + Wellness

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

fitness tips + an albion fit giveaway …

November 10, 2014

I’m very excited to partner with Albion Fit again for a fun giveaway!
I’ve been loving and wearing their fitness clothing and swimsuits for a while now, and I feel like they just keep getting better and better!
I’ve always been a huge fan of their cropped leggings made out of high quality compression fabric, they suck you in right where they need to, and you can tell just by the feel of the clothing that it is high quality fabric.  I’m wearing their go capri in turquoise.
I also loved this go long crew grey and white striped super soft top with thumb holes.
I have always enjoyed having an exercise routine.  It all started back in high school when I got my first gym membership, I enjoyed working out at least 3-5 times per week.  I continued to stay active, better at times than others doing a lot of yoga, and running.  Fast forward to three kids, and lots and lots to do I still try to stay active.  I haven’t been a member of a gym in years, but here are a few things I like to do to stay in shape at home. 
  • Sign up for a race.  I ran my first half marathon last year, and boy was it a motivator to get out there and train.  I don’t think I’m the type of person to be signing up for races all the time, but I think maybe once a year or every other year will keep me motivated.  Training for a race can be a big commitment for time, and I also started having some knee issues, but it really helped me achieve some running goals, and I loved training and accomplishing a big fitness task.
  • You Tube-  There are so many free workout videos on You Tube!  I love the Jillian Michaels videos, Be fit Yoga, Fitness Blender Tabata, and my favorite is the ten minute arm workout by Tracy Anderson.  So many good choices, for free!  If you have ten minutes to an hour, you can fit one of them in!
  • Playground workouts.  I usually always have to workout with my kids around, so I discovered that I could workout at the park while my kids were playing.  I walk or run to a nearby park, and while the kids are playing I’ll do squats, push ups, crunches, bring my fitness bands and wrap them around the park equipment for stability and you could even do pull ups on the monkey bars. (I’m too big of a wimp for that.)  You may look a little funny, but hey, you gotta do what you gotta do.
  • Run, hike, bike, or walk!  I know I mention running above, but there is nothing like being outside!  When the weather is nice, and you can get your exercise while enjoying nature, there isn’t much better than that!  I think that I’ve made some of my biggest decisions in my life lately on a run.  I get a chance to clear my head and really focus and think!  It sounds funny, but we are always distracted with devices in front of our faces, and an open road or trail in front of you can do wanders.  Hey, cheaper than therapy right?
I know I feel better when I stay active and eat healthy.  I have had one too many sweets this fall, and boy and I feeling it, better get back on it. Wink.  We all have our struggles with finding the time, but when we do, I think we know it’s worth all the hard work and effort.
So, let’s do this giveaway!
Albion Fit was nice enough to provide a $100 gift card for one of my readers!

Feel free to enter below!  Leave a comment after you browse Albion Fit, and tell me what your favorite item is.  There are a lot of opportunities for bonus entries below as well!  You can enter until Friday November 14th at midnight, and I’ll announce the winner November 15th!  Good Luck!

Also, feel free to use coupon code: armelle15 for 15% off your next order at Albion Fit!  Expires 11/20/14