The Return of Jillian Michaels

Hello and welcome to Try-Athlete, the blog where I try the latest fitness and diet trends so you don't have to. As I stated last week I was in a bit if a fitness rut, I decided to YouTube workout videos and found an old Jillian Michaels workout. 

It was a 30 minute circuit training workout and since I hadn't done it before I was intrigued and able to go all out. I didn't know what was next because it was a new workout so I couldn't pace myself like I had been doing with Insanity. 

I like Jillian's style because it is similar to Insanity and she kind of rides you like Shawn T. At the end of the workout, after she rides you, she tells you how great you did and what an accomplishment it is that you finished the workout and that you should be proud of yourself. She also tells you to take that sense of accomplishment and use it in every aspect of your life. It's kind of incredible. I enjoyed my experience so much I decided to do Jillian Michaels workouts all week. 

I did Killer Thighs and Buns one day and Six-Pack Abs another. I worked different muscle groups each day and I felt like I was working just as hard as when I did Insanity. I live in Palm Springs and it has been extremely hot here, over 90 degrees in the house and that is where I have been doing the workouts so I have been dripping sweat. Have you heard of hot yoga? Well I'm doing hot interval circuit training. At the end of these workouts every body part is covered in sweat. It's kind of cool because I feel like I'm working really hard, but you also need to hydrate even more when you are sweating that much.

 

I'm glad I have shaken up my workout routine with a week of Jillian Michaels because it's always good to work other muscles that you aren't used to working so you don't plateau. I definitely am going to finish out this week with Jillian Michaels and gauge my results. I may continue for the rest of June if I see the results I want. 

I am in this six-pack challenge with a co-worker and our halfway point is coming up June 10th, so I have to make sure to be on point with that. June 10th we are having a work pool party so it is important for me to look my best as everyone knows me as the girl who eats healthy and works out all the time, can't let my reputation change. So I need to work extra hard until then. Until next week stay strong and stay fit!

I'm Back, thank you for your support

Hello Try-Athlete's, welcome to Try-Athlete, the blog where I try all the latest fitness and diet trends so you don't have to. It has been awhile since my last post and I wanted to explain where I've been at in my life.

I started this blog because I'm passionate about health and fitness and I wanted to share my experiences with others. In February I found myself doing the same workout program and had nothing new to share about trying new workouts. I ended up not writing, and I also lost my drive to share my experiences. This year my priorities have changed a little and although I'm still very passionate about fitness sometimes I would like to write about others thinks such as diet, health and vegan recipes.

Last year I tried becoming a vegan for 30 days, after that 30 day period I continued to be vegan. So I have decided to revamp my blog a little to encompass being a vegan too. I will now include vegan recipes and knowledge about being a vegan athlete. I will continue to try different workouts but instead of doing something different every week I will do it for a month to see the further results of the new workout. 

With that said I have been doing Insanity and Asylum DVD's and kind of burnt out with them since I have done them for so many years. I was also not seeing the results I wanted and I am in a Six-Pack Challenge with a co-worker to see who has a better six-pack by July 28. I've been eating super healthy and working out daily but not seeing the results I want. I am already very fit but I am ready to take my fitness to the next level. I have decided to shake up my workout routine because I feel like I have just been going through the motions since I have done the same workouts so many times.

Since becoming vegan I have been researching how to get everything my body needs without eating animal protein. I am going today to the book store to find a book about vegan athletes so that I can become an expert on that too. I have been told on numerous occasions that abs are made in the kitchen and I completely agree. I have also found out that you must eat the necessary calories that your body needs as well or you won't see results. I feel like I wasn't seeing results because I wasn't taking in the all the calories I needed. 

I have a new plan of attack, changing my workout routine to work different muscle groups and research exactly what to eat to have the six-pack I have always dreamed of. I also believe food combining has something to do with it, not combining the right foods together can also affect your results. 

I hope you are excited to join me on this journey and I look forward to seeing the progress I make and sharing it with all of you. Thank you for taking the time out of your busy day to catch up with me. Until next time stay strong and stay fit! 

Catching Fire: 30 day Challenge

Welcome to Try-Athlete the blog where I try all the latest fitness and diets trends so you don't have to. For the past 9 days I have been doing the Daily Hiit Catching Fire 30 day Challenge. Each day is 12 minutes of high intensity interval training, usually 4 or 5 moves repeated in a series three times. 

Since I am also still doing Les Mills Combat I decided I could incorporate this challenge into my life. It is only 12 minutes so it doesn't take a huge time commitment but it's tough and I can feel it changing my body. I start with the Hiit Challenge workout and then finish with the Les Mills Combat workout. I sweat way more during the second workout because I worked so hard during the 12 minute Hiit workout. My metabolism is on overdrive and I can already see changes in my body and it's only been 9 days.

The first couple days weren't so hard I could do both workouts and enjoyed both of them. As the days have progressed the Challenge workouts have gotten harder and harder. Yesterday's workout (Day 8) had me out of breath and on the floor at the end of it. With moves like 180 degree ninja tuck leaps and side push-ups my boyfriend had to cheer me on during the workout so I had the motivation and strength to finish. 

On Day 6 I was challenged by jumping rope during the rest periods but enjoyed the challenge. I only had one complaint the instructor stopped a few times during the workout because she was tired and I'm not used to that. I like watching someone who never gives up because it motivates me to not give up. When she came back on day 8 she had read my mind because she kicked it up a notch and she didn't stop. 

Everyday this workout is bringing an intense full body workout and I'm really enjoying it. I am already seeing changes in my body, my abs are more defined and legs and arms are looking more toned as well. I have been sore almost everyday but I think that means my body is changing. I definitely recommend this workout, it's tough but short and totally worth it. So until next time stay strong and stay fit! 

Soulcycle

Welcome to Try-Athlete the blog where I try all the latest fitness and diet trends so you don't have to. This week I tried Soulcycle, what is soulcycle? A spin class that brings together inspirational coaching and high-energy music. 

Soulcycle is like no other spin class I've ever been to the lights are super dim and the music is very loud and the instructor has endless energy. 

I had heard about Soulcycle from a friend about six months ago and I wasn't really sure what it was, for Christmas I bought my good friend a class to Soulcycle because she had been dying to try it. She asked me if I wanted to go with her and I was in. We went to Soulcycle in West Hollywood because I had read that was the original studio. The room was smaller than I thought it was going to be and the bikes were very close together and before entering the room I read an article that was framed on the wall that said the room would get so hot it was like a sweatlodge. I wasn't ready for the intensive 45 minute workout ahead of me. At Soulcycle they rent out spin shoes if you don't have your own. They look like cleats and they clip into the pedals. The Soulcycle employees help you set up your bike and get you ready for the class.

 

Our instructor came in and was full of energy, she even said she drank coffee that morning so she had extra energy. She wasn't kidding the first song was super upbeat and intense. We were pedaling very fast and then we were basically doing push-ups with our upper body on the handle bar. She would instruct us "up, down, up, down" and each time we would do a push-up with our arms on the handle bar. By the end of the first song I was already sweating and super hot.

Things just got more intense from then on, I was dripping sweat by the third song. At one point the instructor completely turned the lights off and told us to just focus on ourselves and let all our other thoughts fade away. It was really nice because I was able to focus on being in the moment and not let anything else into my head. I worked very  hard in this class and I was exhausted by the end of it. We worked everything in this class we worked our legs, abs and even during one song we lifted weights and worked our shoulders and arms. I had sweat dripping off my face and body, I was so tired but happy that I did the class.

I would definetly go back to Soulcycle for another class. It was such a great workout and it was fun. It was a really tough workout but I like hard workouts because they make me feel as if I've accomplished something. I would definetly recommend Soulcycle to anyone who likes working out and getting connected with themselves. You will sweat you ass off but it will be worth it. You will feel refreshed and energized after class and want to return the next day. I'm still sore from Soulcycle but I can't wait to go back and do it again! Until next time Try-Athlete's stay strong and stay fit! 

Goodbye caffeine...it's been eye opening

Welcome to Try-Athlete the blog where I try all the latest fitness and diet trends so you don't have to. This week I started a cleanse, I decided since it's the new year why not start fresh and get rid of all the bad toxins in my body. I bought a "Complete Body Cleanse" at Trader Joe's that contained three capsules, fiber, liver and digestive.

While on this cleanse you are supposed to limit your consumption of processed foods, carbohydrates, beef, pork, dairy, wheat and soy products. Since I am a vegan I don't eat most of those foods anyway, but under that list was another that stated best to avoid caffeine, alcohol, sugar, potatoes, saturated fats, trans fats and artificial sweeteners. The word that stuck out the most to me was "caffeine," I really enjoy my cup of coffee in the morning. Even though I wake up most days with lots of energy I still enjoy drinking my coffee as kind of a morning ritual. 

New year and new me was starting to be a little harder than I thought. But since I always finish what I start I decided to cut out coffee and caffeine during this two week total body cleanse. This was my first week with no coffee in my system and although it was tough at times I was able to get through it.

Week 1:

As that famous song goes the first days are the hardest days, and isn't that the truth when you are trying to illiminate something from your diet. I always seem to find the first two to three days the most challenging when cutting out sugar,  carbs, etc. as well. 

The first day was weird it was like my body didn't register it didn't have coffee in it. I don't have coffee every morning so my body probably thought it was one of those days. When Day 2 arrived, my boyfriend and I went out to breakfast and we usually both have a couple cups of coffee but I obstained. His smelled amazing and I even asked him if I could smell his cup up close and personal, he let me. The aroma of coffee is almost better than coffee itself. I was low energy that day and I think it was because it had finally kicked in, no coffee and no caffeine. Later that night when I was going to bed, I couldn't get to sleep. I thought it was odd that I hadn't had caffeine and yet I could fall asleep. I think when you detox, toxins that have been in you for so long come out it many ways. I think the fact I couldn't get to sleep was caffeine coming out of my body. 

The third and fourth days were easier but I still thought about coffee and I still craved it. On the fifth and sixth day I was ok I didn't think much about coffee. Since I'm doing this two week cleanse I feel like I've stopped eating a lot of different foods and I miss coffee and sweets the most. I don't eat pasties but for some reason this last week I've been craving breakfast pastries like scones and crossiants. I just think about dipping those pastries in a heaping cup of coffee! But I won't, I have another week to go on this cleanse so I won't be having coffee for another week. Overall, I think this cleanse will be worth it, I am starting to feel healthier and clean inside and out. I recommend doing a cleanse a couple times a year just to refresh yourself. So until next time stay strong and stay fit!

New Year's Resolutions/Best Fit App

Welcome to Try-Athlete the blog where I try all the latest fitness and diet trends so you don't have to. This week for me was all about New Year's resolutions and this new app: Best Fit. 

New year, new you! Every year I make a couple of resolutions that I try to stick with. I have had a few resutions over the past few years that always include be nicer to people, eat healthier, workout more. I feel like lots of people have the same resolutions and I have been able to follow most of these most of the time. 

So this year, I've decided to have my resolution be an affirmation that I repeat to myself everyday to make it a reality. I'm not sure if you know but I'm an on-camera host and writer. I'm passionate about health and fitness so I write health and fitness blogs for my own blog (Try-Athlete) and for the Daily Hiit blog. I have decided that this year is my year to take my career to another level. I currently have 2 webisode series with an on-line magazine located where I live. But I still have my day job and I would really love to be able to make a living just in hosting and writing. This year my resolution/affirmation is "Make hosting and writing my main source of income." I will keep you posted on how this works out. 

Another thing I wanted to share with you is I recently found this amazing fitness magazine app. It is called Best Fit Uk magazine and it's available in the Newsstand store on your IPhone and on Google Play. 

As a person who is passionate about health and fitness finding BestFit app was I would almost say life changing. I am always looking for more workouts, facts and articles about diet and fitness. BestFit app has it all streamlined in an easy user-friendly way. I have been struggling with staying away from holiday cravings such as boxes of chocolate and bottles of Champagne. After reading the article "Tis the Season to stay in-shape" I learned tips and tricks about what holiday foods to avoid and that a certain bottle of Piper Heidsick (Silver ultra cuvée brut) only has 250 calories! So maybe I can indulge in that second or third glass of bubbly.

This magazine is so easy to navigate through and each article and story is as interesting as the last. I had quite a chuckle reading about "the gymbecile" gym guy, since I have encountered many of them throughout my fitness career. I got my game face on when I tried the "brutal challenge" and they weren't kidding, that workout is not for the faint of heart. The BestFit app is modern and useful it is a one stop shop for all your fitness and diet needs. I seriously can't wait till next issue. Good work UK! 

So until next time stay fit and stay strong with those New Years affirmations! 

Giving Back

Hey welcome to Try-Athlete the blog where I try all the latest fitness and diet trends so you don't have to. Since Christmas is just around the corner I wanted to share a couple things I have done to give back. 

I believe it is as important to receive as it is to give back. Being a healthy person also involves helping others, during the month of December I helped three charities and here is what I did.

My boss teaches a cooking class to the local Boys & Girls Club every year. This year it started December 5th and helped out last year so I decided to volunteer again this year. It's a strange feeling you get from helping others, it makes you feel just as good as they feel. Each Thursday we have taught the Boys & Girls Club about nutrition and how to make a healthy meal. This last week, we taught them how to bake a potato, sweet potato,  make chicken soup and broccoli soup. Each week I'm thrilled when I see how excited the kids are to cook and create healthy food for themselves. I always leave feeling really good about myself and I am genuinely happy I got involved.

The second thing I did this month was donate toys to the Los Angeles Children's Hospital. My sister and I won't be spending Christmas with each other this year so we got together before to celebrate a "Sissies Christmas" which stands for sisters Christmas. We met up at Chateau Marmont and had a wonderful breakfast together. We wanted part of our day to be helping out at a charity or giving back, so we researched and found out the Children's' Hospital was doing a toy drive. My sister and I set out to find toys and the specific items they had requested such as playing cards, coloring books, baby rattles, bubbles and more. We didn't stop till we found everything on their list and we had a great time doing it as well. We went to a couple different stores and listened to Christmas music on the way, it was truly a great time. After we purchased all our toys we headed to the Children's Hospital to drop off the goods. The helpers thanked us for our generosity and we felt like we had made an impact. We decided that every year we would make giving back/helping a charity a Christmas tradition.

The third thing place I helped  was a soup kitchen my friend helps out at. She had told me about it and I really wanted to help. Since I just went out and bought all new baking ingredients (all gluten-free, sugar-free and organic) I didn't know what to do with the other stuff I had. I wasn't going to use the baking supplies ever again but I didn't want to throw them away. I remembered the soup kitchen and had a thought, I should donate my baking stuff to them. I asked her if that was something they would take and it was. So I donated all of it. 

I know it's the holiday season and that's when most people give back but after this month I want to start making this a monthly tradition. Each month I want to give back in some way. I think it's healthy for the soul. Well from one Try-Athlete to another have an amazing holiday, whatever you celebrate and until next time stay strong and stay fit!!! Xoxo