A Lil' Workout Switcheroo

My honey and I decided to get outdoors and get some exercise instead of doing our usual indoor gym workout.  We both live near downtown now and we love it! It feels great to have the option of walking to little, quaint shops and restaurants if we want.  The New York City girl in me lives for the city life! It has taken some getting used to again though (my fellow introverts understand what I mean).  Being around crowds and such are a bit unnerving for me now some days.

Our first stop was the Atlanta Beltline where we walked in 85 degree heat (yikes!) but, it was overcast a bit with a little breeze most of the time so it did not feel that bad.  Our next stop was Piedmont Park, which is not that far from the Beltline trail we were on.

We made a little detour on the way back to Mellow Mushroom Pizza. Not exactly something on the 'eat clean' list but, it was SO good especially after all that trekking around outside.  

I plan on switching up my workouts more often and including more outdoor fitness.  Something about being outside, feeling the warm sun on my skin and breathing the fresh air helps take my after workout "high" to the next level.

What do you do to switch up your workout routines?

5 Protein Powders for Vegans/ Vegetarians

I have upped the ante on my workouts since the beginning of the summer by doing more weight lifting than cardio and working it out consistently 4 to 5 times a week.  I  typically like to have some whey protein after I leave the gym to help me with building my muscles up since I am not really trying to lose much weight and I'm going for a toned look.

Recently, I have been toying with the idea of transitioning to a vegan diet and have been slowly eating less chicken and turkey.  I also only drink almond milk and figured that it would make sense to look into a protein supplement that does not have whey (which is made from milk).

After perusing online, these 5 are my top contenders:

 Plant Fusion Protein

Garden Of Life Raw Protein

SunWarrior Warrior Blend 

VegaOne  All-In-One Nutritional Shake

 Naturade VeganSmart Nutritional Shake

All of these protein supplements contain no dairy and no soy.  Just straight up plant protein which is great for vegans, vegetarians or those who are lactose intolerant.  I wish I could taste test each one to help me decide which one to buy but, it looks like I will have to choose one and hope that it does not taste like sawdust.  

Have you tried using plant protein shakes?  Which one would you recommend?

My Labor Day Workout

Hi, loves!  This weekend was not the best for me.  I have been really down about a few things and I woke up this morning feeling like I really needed to just go to the gym to work out my frustrations.  I figured I might as well work on getting my body toned because sitting around stressed out would not change anything.

My fitness goals are pretty much the same as they were back in January:

• gain 3-5 lbs. toned mass
• tighten up the ab area
• just feel good about my body every day

I felt much better after I left the gym (mentally anyway, because my body hurt sooo good ! ), and I decided to concentrate on the all of the blessings God has given me.  Today was leg day for me and my luv recorded me doing some jump squats.  I concentrated on pressing my butt down because I want to really work these glutes ("Ass to grass" as one of my favorite trainers would say) !

Have you ever tried jump squats?  What do you usually do when you are feeling stressed and overwhelmed?

The PCOS Emotional Rollercoaster

I really despise this 'ish some days. Dealing with PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome) is for the birds! I spend all this time and effort busting my @s$ doing weight training, yoga and whatever else, researching, reading all of these books, juicing, cutting out sugar from my diet (for the most part), and most of all praying to God to make my body  'normal' and I feel like nothing is working anymore. 

Aunt Flo is now four months late, I have weird headaches, these crazy abdominal pains, and I have no earthly clue as to why. I decided to take a test at home and it was negative but when I was feeling nauseous this past weekend, I decided to take another. Another big fat negative. Relief and deep disappointment all at same damn time.

 Just the decision to buy a test and take it has me feeling like I need a mental health eval. I made an appointment last week to go to the doctor then cancelled the morning of and drove past the pharmacy three times trying to decide if I should actually go in and buy a freakin' test or not.  Yes, it's that serious.

One part of me wants to have a baby but, I don't want to be risk spiraling into a bad, dark place if  I'm not.  Another part of me knows that it's best if I wait a little longer. Ideally, I would like to be married first, done with grad school with some more loot in my savings account and a pretty, red brick house but, my heart hurts for a little brown baby to hold and love now. Why can't I be where I want to be in life now and get surprised with a little miracle right now?  

My back story:

Some of you may or may not know that I was married before and during this time I took fertility drugs for about two months hoping and wishing to get pregnant. Needless to say, I did not get pregnant and I was so stressed out that I decided to just get off of the fertility drugs and let it happen. My situation was a little more complicated though.

On top of being in a crazy marriage, finding out I had PCOS and fighting to get pregnant, I was dealing with  a ton of guilt and shame. A few years prior to getting married, I had an abortion.

I was 5 months pregnant by the time I found out ( I know what you're thinking and I have PCOS so, no the absence of Aunt Flo was NOT a clue to me) and ol' boy was not trying to hear about having a baby at that time. Hell, I wasn't either.  I was a junior in college with plans of becoming a doctor who had grown up in a super religious household.  I didn't want to be pregnant at 21 with no degree and no ring but, it happened.  I was so confused and shocked by how sure he was about not having it.  Jerk. Then, we broke up and eventually got back together but I don't think my heart ever really trusted him completely again.  I felt like he had up and left when I needed him the most.  How could he just leave after getting rid of the child WE made together?

Fast forward a few years, I'm married and I find out I have PCOS. I immediately thought this was my punishment for what I had done.  God wanted me to pay for getting rid of the baby he had placed in my womb.

The diagnosis brought back all of those feelings I had buried amidst getting engaged, buying a house and trying on dresses for my wedding.  I was right back to crying every day and feeling so alone.  I didn't think I could grieve or talk about it like women who had miscarriages or experienced stillbirths because ultimately I was the one who got rid of my baby.  So, I  had just went on with my life. I smiled, worked, finished school and eventually got married thinking it would have just went away. 

I became very depressed and wanted to get pregnant even more now because I wanted to make up for what I had done.  If I'm honest with myself, even my decision to marry him was an attempt to make it all right.  Almost every day, all of the events of that day and night continued to replay over and over. The words of the ultrasound tech telling me how far long I was. The complications I had that night. The pain and emptiness I was left with that night when I no longer felt any little fluttery movements. I really wanted to just die.  I had taken my baby's life and I was left feeling like it should have been me instead who wasn't around anymore.

The child I had already started to feel move around was gone. There was no funeral, no baby showers, no name, no ultrasound pics to look at....nothing.   

Things went downhill quickly between me and ol' boy  and we went our separate ways so, I am thankful that I did not have a baby when I wanted to but it doesn't make it hurt any less.  I still pray that God will be able to bless me again one day despite the abortion and this crazy thing called PCOS.

Of course the one million and one articles on how PCOS is one of the leading causes of infertility and can cause miscarriage and  the doctors all saying, "You will have to take fertility drugs once you decide you want to start trying for a baby" does not help either.  Combine that with the fact that I am approaching my mid-30's and every other week someone I know is sending me a baby shower invite in the mail, it can really be too much for me to deal with sometimes.  I just need there to be some hope. That's what I pray for every day, a chance to be healed emotionally and to have a healthy baby one day despite my past and the present.

Moving Forward

After going back forth about sharing this, I decided to post a little bit about my story here because I realize that keeping it in has not helped me. I was angry, depressed and just not living right. Maybe someone reading this will be able to get the courage, strength and the voice I did not have for so many years.

So, I'm not pregnant, I have PCOS, and I am still dealing with my decision to have an abortion. It really blows not knowing what will happen in the future but, it will get better and there is still a purpose and plan for my life.  I must believe that.

Fitness: Polin' It

Pole fitness has become increasingly popular in the past few years and I jumped on the bandwagon after one of my friends invited me to come to the pole studio she goes to. My body was very sore (in a good way) and I saw just how thorough these classes were. While it was fun getting my sexy on, I have a newfound respect for the sistas who work the pole for a living.  This is not a game! It takes serious core strength and for you to be in shape to be able to do these moves. The instructors were great and after I saw all of the tricks some of the other ladies could do, I was hooked.

My hot pole shoes

My friends and I at my very first pole class

I go to Vertical Joe's here in Atlanta, Georgia and since my first visit there, I have made pole fitness a part of my regular weekly workout routine. I'm one who needs to switch up what I do in my workouts and I feel so motivated whenever it is time for me to go to pole class.  It is definitely a workout and it can be difficult learning new moves but, I love a challenge!

Have you tried pole classes before?

Morning or Evening Workouts?

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Hi, loves! I'm sitting here trying to muster up the energy to get my workout in tonight and I started wondering when does everyone else work out? I used to workout in the mornings but, I don't want to get all sweaty before I have to start my day anymore so I'm doing evenings now.  But, I find it hard some evenings because I'm so tired (excuses much?).

What time of the day do you get your workout in?

Simplistic Chic Fitness Feature: Christy Joy

This week’s Fitness Feature is Christy Joy.  I first saw her video on IG where she was still working out while 7 months pregnant! I was so inspired to step up my fitness game.  If she could stay motivated throughout her pregnancy to stay fit, I had no excuse! And her body just a few weeks after having her third baby could put mine to shame. I had to contact her to find out more about her lifestyle and dedication to fitness. 

1. Tell us a little bit about yourself!

My name is Christy Joy and I'm 32 years old. I went to college in New York which made me really appreciate my hometown, Pasadena, CA. I'm a a wife and mommy of 3 including our newborn baby girl. When I'm not doing laundry, wiping noses and changing diapers, I love eating and going to the movies with my best friend who also happens to be my husband.

2. What does a typical day for you look like and how do you fit working out and eating healthy into it? 

A typical day for me looks like mayhem especially since we added a new one to the mix. I fit working out in anywhere I can and sometimes it can take all morning! I've made healthy eating a lifestyle so it doesn't take a lot of thought anymore:-)

3. What advice do you have for women who are new mothers and would like to workout but don't know where to start or just don't feel motivated enough to? 

If you can get in control of your eating you're 80% of the way there. Don't wait until you're disgusted with your level of fitness and eating habits. There's never an easy way to make a change. It takes hard work and dedication. But if anyone knows anything about those two things it's a mom. 

4.  What is your favorite or most effective exercise? 

Burpees!!! They are a one stop shop for the body.

5. What inspires you each day? 

 Just making it another day inspires me. I feel like God gave us these amazing vehicles called bodies and I want to really maximize its potential.

For workout routines and tips, you can connect with her at:

Instagram: @babyfatboss

Email: thebabyfatboss@gmail.com

Work It Out Wednesday: Legs, Legs, Legs!

Hello, loves!  Today's workout is a leg routine (it also works those abs and booty) by one of my favorite athletes to follow, Lita Lewis (or Followthelita on Youtube and Instagram).  These cooler temperatures here in Atlanta have been making it harder to workout.  All I want to do is put on some warm clothes when I get home and sit down with a blanket and a book but, I keep reminding myself that "summer bodies are made in the winter" so I have to find a way to get it done.  I've been doing more workouts at home and this one is great for feeling that burn!

Do you find it harder to workout when it is colder outside? 

Work It Out Wednesday: Booty Building

The glutes are one of my favorite body parts to work and I look for workouts that engage that area every chance I get.  One part of my workout today comes from Youtube channel, womensworkoutchannel.  It will definitely help lift that booty!

What exercises help you look good from behind?

Simplistic Chic Fitness Feature

This month's feature is  athlete, trainer and writer, F.D. Bulsara. She recently wrote the e-book, Strong and Beautiful: An Easy Fitness and Nutrition Guide to Achieving the Body of Your Dreams, and I had the opportunity to ask her more about fitness, motivation and her life.  

1.  Tell us  a little bit about yourself (What do you do?, where are you from?, your hobbies?).

 I am an athlete and fitness writer/trainer based in Montreal, Canada. I was born, raised and educated in Ottawa, and made the transition after finishing University. Montreal has a rich cultural community and great amateur athletics programs, so it was natural to come looking for the best coaches Olympic weightlifting to continue my athletic career. I also love learning about anything, documentaries, and take a keen interest in gender equality for education and sports both here in North America and internationally. 

2. What was your inspiration for writing the book, Strong and Beautiful: An Easy Fitness and Nutrition Guide to Achieving the Body of Your Dreams? 

 I began writing as I took on private training clients (mostly women) to discuss the common misconceptions around women and weight loss, body image, self-perception and fitness trends.  I was inspired by the women that I work with who have seen success, improved their image, bodies, happiness and reached their goals. I just wanted to reach more women to show how it is possible to become healthier, fitter and happier without starving or striving to look like a magazine model! 

3.  In your opinion, what is one exercise that can help to tone the entire body when you're short on time?

Squats! Back squats, front squats, dumbbell squats, or just air squats, if you've got nothing to load up with!

4.  What advice do you have for women who don't know how to find motivation to reach their fitness goals?

I would ask them to write down 3 things that they value most in their lives. Then ask themselves if they work towards their fitness goals will it help or hinder the things they value the most? Most of us value family, good health, and happiness more than anything...

5. What are your mantras or words that you live by?

 Well, when it comes to training, I repeat to myself, "I am stronger, I am faster."  When it comes to life, "Quality over quantity!" 

6.  Where on social media can we find you?
 I can be contacted on facebook, twitter, or at my blog, blog.4myhealthnow.com. 

 You can download Ms. Bulara's new book at amazon.com for more fitness and nutrition tips!

October 7-Join the 30 Day Cardio Challenge

 Summer is almost over and I admit,  it is way harder for me to exercise when it is cooler out because there are less pool parties, cookouts, and outdoor events that will require me to look fit in a bathing suit, shorts or sexy summer dress.  Even so, I know that it is important to stay on a consistent fitness routine.  Starting October 7, celebrity and personal trainer Ray Grayson, Mr. Shut up and Train, has a solution to keep you motivated through the chilly months of autumn! The FREE 30-day Total Fit Challenge, brought to you by celebrity and personal trainer Ray Grayson, Mr. Shut up and Train, is an effort to help and support people every step of the way with their fitness, health and nutritional goals.  I have done previous 30 day Cardio Challenges with Ray Grayson and I have been more than happy with the results I saw!

If you are brand new to exercise or have been away for a while and just need some guidance and direction, regardless of your personal situation, the 30-Day Total Fit Challenge provides a series of daily workouts and nutritional challenges, motivational emails and videos to watch with workouts that you can alter to what’s right for you.

 Ray believes that being active isn’t about the time you spend at the gym, but about an enhanced quality of life and self-commitment, the principles of success, an approach that he received and learned from Steve Harvey himself. In less than 2 years, the 30-Day Total Fit Challenge program has grown from 1,000 participants to over 55,000 active participants throughout the US and over 100 countries.

To learn more about the 30-Day Total Fit Challenge and sign up for the FREE 30-day Total Fit Challenge at www.mrshutupandtrain.com/30daycc/ and make sure to follow Mr. Shut up and Train on Twitter @shutupandtrain and Instagram @mrshutupandtrain. 


World's Largest FREE 30 Day Fitness Challenge from MrShutUpandTrain on Vimeo.

See more at: http://goblackcentral.com/2013/09/free-30-day-total-fit-challenge-starts-october-7th-get-ready-to-shut-up-and-train-video/#sthash.NH5TcIjU.dpuf

Monday Inspiration: Fit Edition

Usually for Monday Inspiration, you can find a quote or other words of wisdom here but today I post some fitnesss inspiration from the beautiful, Pilar Sanders.  When I scrolled through Instagram this morning curled up on my couch and saw this......

IG: @pilarsanders

IG: @pilarsanders

..... I immediately put on my workout clothes and worked it out! Talk about motivation! She is a mother of 3 and despite all that she been through, is always putting out positive affirmations, quotes and words of wisdom.  I love her positive outlook on life and her determination to be fit helps me to get up and get my life when I'm feeling down or do not have the motivation to work out.  No excuses here. I'm waiting for her to put out a workout dvd or something because I would love to know what she's eating and what her workout looks like! 

Who inspires you?

Work It Out Wednesday: 10 Minute Routine

Hi, loves! Every Wednesday I will share one workout routine that I have done for the week.  I like to switch it up sometimes so, I'm always incorporating something different just about every week.

This morning, I went to one of my favorite places to get workout ideas: Youtube! I was in a hurry this morning so this 10 minute workout was just what I needed--quick yet, effective.  Try it out!

Not having an hour to work out, is not an excuse!

What was your workout today?

Breakfast Eats: Smoothie Recipe

In an attempt to eat more fruits and veggies every day, I've been making smoothies (especially in the mornings).  I noticed that I do not have much of an appetite in the mornings like I used to so, smoothies work perfectly for me before or after my workouts. They are very filling and give me the nutrition I need to get through a hectic day

Recipe:

1/2 bag of frozen blueberries
1/2 bag of Tropical smoothie blend frozen fruits (mango, strawberry, pineapple)
1 Vanilla Dannon Oikos greek yogurt
1/2 cup of almond milk
1 handful of raw spinach leaves

I put everything in my trusty blender and that's it--a healthy breakfast smoothie!  Sometimes I add a cup of apple juice for added sweetness or a few tablespoons of agave nectar.  After a workout, I add 1-2 scoops of whey protein powder.

What kinds of smoothies/juices are your favorite?

Work It Out Wednesday

Hi, loves! I have been unusually tired the past few days so I really have been struggling to work out.  I'm not sure why I've been so fatigued but, I have been looking at different work outs to keep me motivated to get up and do something.

I like to switch it up so I turned to Youtube for today's workout.  I decided to focus on my fave body parts to work: LEGS and ABS! Check them out:

What helps you to get motivated to work out? 

Monday Inspiration: Just Do It

After recovering from some type of 'bug' for the past week, I have been seriously struggling with working out again.  But, I have some goals I am trying to reach and I know how much exercise has helped my PCOS symptoms so I am looking for any forms of motivation to get me off the couch.

While doing my daily scroll through Instagram this morning,  I saw this pic of Lana Ector, one-half of the mother-daughter Black Girls Workout Too duo.....

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..... and this quote on Pinterest (I'm really feeling this site!)

The pic of Lana alone had me sucking in my stomach on the couch.  This chick's body never fails to motivate me!  Then, this Nike quote was icing on the cake.  I had time to work out and really no excuse not to fit it in my schedule today.  So, I promptly got up, put in the Black Girls Workout Too dvd, and forced myself to get through the 45 minute workout.  I know that tomorrow I'll be glad that I did!

Tired and looking it!

What are you putting off that you can do today?  Taking that first step is all you need. 

Fitness: Black Girls Workout Too

If you follow my blog you may have noticed that I like to change up my workout routines.  For a month, I might do P90X and then the following month start doing Insanity, or even both workouts together. I like to try new things that will "shock" my muscles periodically so that I can see more of the results I'm looking for. Plus, it helps to prevent me from getting bored with exercising.

Recently, I heard about a DVD named Black Girls Workout Too.  It was all over Instagram and Twitter.  When I checked it out, I realized the two women in the video were the trainers and co-owners of a fitness studio here in Atlanta called Gymnetics.  About 2 years ago, I thought about going to their gym but I never got around to signing up for some reason.  Now that they had a DVD I knew I had to order one!  They are a mother-daughter team who really seem to know a lot about how to reach specific fitness goals. Not to mention they both have killer bodies so, the proof is in the pudding.  (I'm loving Lana's body! She has my dream abs AND rear end! And Mama Ellen has great arms and just has it going on all the way around).

The video focuses on dispelling the myth that African American women do not exercise.  The exercises target the glutes, abs, arms and legs to help get rid of the flab, give some muscle and keep some of the curves in the right places.  I was all over this because I have really been focusing on getting my waistline much more toned and slim while toning up everywhere else.

I love the fact that the DVD also comes with a meal plan!  Great abs do start in the kitchen and I have noticed quick results already at just my second week of doing it.  I'm slender and am not interested in losing weight so I reached out to one of the women, Vitamin Ellen, and asked her how I should tweak the meal plan.  She advised me to have a protein shake with every meal so, I have been trying to do just that.

I am loving this workout and what these ladies stand for!  I will come back with some progress pics soon!

Have you heard about Black Girls Workout Too?  What DVD's are you currently using for your at-home workouts?

THE Best Damn Abs Exercise Goes To...

 ...the V-UP!! Some of you may remember my post here about getting serious with my workout regimen and getting these abs (and my whole body for that matter)  looking right.

I recently came across the v-up.  I remember doing a similar move back when I used to take Pilates and now that I have revisited it, my abs are really thanking me! I am seeing dramatic changes already, along with eating cleaner of course.

Not sure what a v-up looks like? Check out the video below:

Have you ever done v-ups? What does your current ab routine look like?

Must-Have List: Fly Athletic Wear

Nothing makes me feel better than working out and looking fly while doing it.  I'm in the process of stepping up my workout gear in hopes that it will help me stay motivated to workout during these cooler months (wishful thinking?)  These are just a few of the items I have my eyes on:

Give the 'girls' support with this Free to Be bra by Lululemon--www.lululemon.com

Gotta rep my fave football team! www.nike.com

Nike City Lights tights-- I love the sheer panel on the lower leg! www.nike.com

Lululemon Runder Under pant-- Love the two color combo! lululemon.com

Nike Leopard print tights- www.nike.com

I think these are my favorite! The Nike X-ray tights-www.nike.com

Nike Free TR Fit2 running shoes--  www.nike.com 

What do you wear when you workout? Do you think that it affects how you feel during your workout routine?

Killer Abs Routine

I'm on a mission to acheive very toned abs by the time summer rolls around. I know it has been difficult for me (and most likely for many of you too!)  to even think about working out now that the weather is rather brisk but, once summer gets here and I'm rocking that two-piece, I know that I will be glad I exercised throughout the winter! 

I just started incorporating the Jeanette Jenkins Blast the Belly Fat ab workout to my exercise routine. I like to change it up from time to time so that my muscles won't get used to doing the same thing. Her ab workouts are the truth! Check it out:



My current excercise routine:

MWF: I run one and half miles early in the morning then I come back home and do some squats and lunges with weights and pushups.
Tues: P90X yoga or P90X Plyometrics or Insanity workout
Sat.: my rest day
Sun.: I run one and a half miles and do the Jeanette Jenkins ab workout

Note: I'm trying to gain some toned mass and not lose weight so I do not do a whole lot of cardio.

I'm also going to post before and after pics of my abs soon to document my progress until summer so stay tuned!

What types of exercises are you doing throughout the winter?