Fitness from 9 to 5

Does anyone ever wake up with the best intentions to get dressed in their work out clothes, go to the gym or for a run, and then start doing ten other projects and never actually make it to the gym? But somehow you're still wearing your work out clothes? Well...this happens to me, a lot. At least a lot more than I would like it to during the week. 

I like to have the best intentions in the morning and take the first step and get dressed for a work out and then actually go work out.  But sometimes other unexpected events happen as the day unfolds or I need to run a few errands or meet up with someone for lunch.  Or...maybe you just like to wear work out clothes with no intention of going to the gym because those leggings and t-shirt are just that comfy (yea that happens to me a lot too).

Regardless of the reason, I have been noticing lately more fitness clothing companies are actually encouraging us to wear our gym clothes to more than just the gym.  Awesome women's fitness clothing companies such as me2Roo (my favorite) or lululemon are even providing us with the pieces to complete these looks.  My clothing for these photos are from Fabletics.  With a few simple adjustments to the outfit, a shoe change, and a necklace, you are transformed from going to the gym to having coffee with a friend or going to a casual business meeting.  So I thought I would give this idea a try.  To my surprise, it really isn't too hard (I did try on a few sweaters and shoes to figure out what I thought looked best for my style). 

Check out my photos below and try to picture taking some different shoes from your closet and your favorite sweater or fall jacket and pair them with your gym clothes.  If you want to add a little something extra try a casual scarf or a statement necklace.  While I always encourage actually fitting some form of physical activity into your day, sometimes you just have one of those mornings you need to get dressed for the gym, but you may not actually get to the gym until later in the day (or at all).  Just remember you can be comfortable and stylish at the same time.  Happy work out (aka work out dressing!)

Xo,
Laura


First Look: Actually going for a run

Top and bottoms: Fabletics | Sneakers: Nike | Sunglasses: Chanel


Second Look: Running errands or grabbing coffee

Top and bottom: Fabletics | Shoes: Toms | Sunglasses: Chanel | Scarf: Fabletics | Purse: Stella McCartney

Third look: Lunch date or casual business meeting

Top and bottoms: Fabletics | Sweater: Vince | Boots: Stuart Weitzman | Purse: Stella McCartney | Sunglasses: Wish I was wearing them! | Necklace: Monica Rich Kosann

My Green Juice Prescription

After a relaxing weekend with a few glasses of wine and another summer weekend almost here again, I try to add a little extra healthiness to my day.  My husband and I are always working hard at staying in shape and eating healthy without spending too much time on the prep work and details.  In the past year we have experimented more with green juices and jumped over the hurdle of their appearance (I know the face many of your are making when you think about a green juice, trust me, I made it too).  I think we have finally found one we truly enjoy and that really tastes good.  This juice may not be for everyone, but let me tell you three of my feelings about green juices anyway as to why I drink this juice as often as possible-or really as often as Dave will make it for me.  

• It truly tastes good and not like a liquid salad-the more fruit you mix in too, the better it masks the greens flavor
• You will feel full and refreshed at the same time-I drink it for breakfast some days or as a post work out snack
• You will continue to feel fresh and vibrant for hours and days to come.  All of these ingredients pack a lot of great essential vitamins and nutrients to make your body glow and keep wanting more

Green Juice Rx:
Serves two

• 1 apple, peeled and cored (pink lady in our house)
• 1 cup of spinach
• 1 cup of kale
• 1 cucumber
• 1 cup of orange juice
• 1/2 of a lemon juice
• 4-5 ice cubes

Mix all ingredients in a blender, add to your favorite glass, and give it a try!

Xo,

Laura

To the Core

I am forever attempting to keep my stomach bikini ready and hoping to look in the mirror one day and see defined abs. (Maybe I need a new mirror?) I know we all have our stories of struggle and what makes our stomachs feel a little flatter or what makes them look like we stuffed a loaf of bread under our shirts (it actually probably was that loaf of bread I ate to create such an illusion).  As I am getting older though, I am learning I don't just want the outward appearance of strong abs, I actually want inner strength in my core.  

That inner core is what connects our entire body and allows us to maintain an overall balance.  If you have ever tried to do a workout move involving just your arms or just your legs, if you focus on your abs you will realize they are always engaged.  That core is keeping our bodies stabilized.  Using our core to stand up straighter and take a few extra deep breaths is essential in literally holding all of us together.  

So on the days when you just don't feel like moving or don't have the time for an hour long sweat session, take 15 minutes to go through these ab exercises below once, twice, or even three times if you're feeling ambitious.  Usually if we are strong and feeling empowered on the inside, it will resonate to what is exposed on the outside.  So check out these ab moves I have almost come to love and have found to be exercises to challenge and strengthen our inner and outer cores.  


My leggings are designed by Me2roo who has an incredibly talented artist and designer who created a brand that is woman friendly for all sizes while still maintaining an awesome style and the most comfortable fit.  These leggings are available across the country in many health and fitness centers or can be purchased online at www.me2roo.com.  You will feel SO good when you put these leggings on, you will not want to take them off!  The yoga mat I am using is a Jade yoga mat and is awesome. It's sweat proof and provides great support. They can be found online or locally at Balance Yoga Studio. 

Perform each exercise for 15 reps and repeat this routine 2 to 3 times through.  

V-situps

Start in a seated position with your legs making a v-shape and your abs engaged, shoulders back. As you lean back also straighten your legs. You should feel this in your entire core. 

Russian Twists

 Stay in the v-sit position and twist from side to side. Hold on to weights for an extra burn. 

Leg raise and crunch

 Lay back flat with arms behind your ahead. Lift your legs up at a slight angle. Straighten your legs, toes pointing towards the sky and crunch up. 

Side plank and dip

 Get into a side plank position and then lower your side towards the mat. Repeat on other side. 

Plank with Tummy Tuck

Start in a plank position. Bring your knee towards to the same side elbow. Alternate sides for a goal of 15-20 reps.  

Xo,
Laura