Favorite Fitness Quotes

It's important to be motivated in whatever you do. I do find that some need more motivation than others, especially when it comes to fitness. 

Here are some of my favorite motivational quotes, geared towards being a fitness princess - of course!

Be Strong.

Be Healthy.

Put Forth The Effort.

I Can.

No Regrets. Ever.

One hour a day dedicated to working out - is only 4% of your day.

I hope you enjoyed some of my favorite fitness quotes. However you try to achieve your fitness hoals - remember: "Don't wish for it - work for it".

...xox...

Liz

Favorite Work-Out Prop

My favorite work-out prop of all time is the stability ball. Whenever I do a Pilates class – and they bring out the stability ball… I jump for joy because I know how sore I’ll be the next day. However, you don’t need to do a Pilates class to use it.

I know every gym has one (you can also buy your own at Target) – and I want to share with you three of my favorite exercises you can do that require the stability ball.

1.       Ball Reverse Crunch (Abs)

·         Lie on your back, calves & hamstrings pressed against the ball and arms spread out.

·         Squeeze the ball with your knees and roll your knees to your chest & then roll back down after a short pause.

·         This one will leave your abs sore the next day – guaranteed!

2.       One Legged Ball Squat (Legs)

• Stand with one ankle on top of the exercise ball behind you and crouch down until your knee is at a 90 degree angle.
• Raise yourself up by extending your leg and slowly lower yourself back after a short pause. Alternate sides after each set.
• Breathe out while raising yourself up and breathe in while returning to starting position.

3.       Ball Reverse Leg Curl (Legs & Ass)

• Lie on your back, feet on top of the exercise ball, legs and back straight.
• Roll the exercise ball towards you by bending your knees and allow it to slowly return back after a short pause.
• Keep your back straight throughout.

There are so many more exercises you can do with this amazing prop! However, I wanted to share with you my favorites. I always feel it the next day when I do these!

What are some of your favorite work-out props?

…xox…

Liz

Fitness Boutiques

Ever since I wrote my first blog post about all the "fitness boutiques" that I like to visit - I have had others tell me about their favorites, too. 

So, what did I do? Naturally, I tried them! 

Here is my opinion:

1. Orange Theory

One great thing about Orange Theory is that your first class is free. So, what is it? This fitness boutique is a workout that "is broken into intervals of cardiovascular and strength training, using a variety of equipment including treadmills, rowing machines, TRX suspension training™ and free weights to tone your body". It's pretty much a great workout all squished into 60 minutes. 

Truthfully, I really liked the atmosphere - but I don't think it's worth paying for this workout over a long period of time. I think this workout is great for you to learn about weight training and mixing cardio. The class I took did not involve a lot of TRX (which I would have liked to have seen more of). 

Summary: A great workout - but I think you should take what you learn at this workout and apply it at the gym. You can do pretty much everything at this studio that you can at the gym. But, I do think this workout is great to do every once in a while. By the way - this is a franchise, so if you are not in South Florida - than you should see if there is one in your area!

2. American Yoga

I have been searching for a great Vinyasa yoga studio ever since I moved to South Florida after college. It has taken me two years, but I have finally found one! It's called American Yoga - and it's located in Deerfield Beach, FL. I tried a class here the other week (they offer a FREE class every Sunday) - and I was sore for 3 days after! Let's just say - I'm hooked! Even if you haven't tried yoga before - Vinyasa is a must.

Summary: I have tried other Vinyasa studios in the South Florida area - and have not found one as good as this. Also, the atmosphere is wonderful! The floors are wood (which I love), and it has an overall organic feel to it.

Other Opportunities:

**Lululemon (Located at Town Center Mall in Boca Raton, FL) - offers a FREE yoga class every Sunday at 6:30pm.

**Suspension Yoga - I was told there was a fantastic studio in Fort Lauderdale that offers Suspension Yoga. I think this will be my next fitness boutique conquest. Have you tried this type of yoga before?

One more thing... I have been thinking about starting my own "Fitness Queen" class every Saturday by the beach in East Boca. It would incorporate cardio, pilates & strength training. (BTW - I am certified in Beginner Pilates). If I had a lot of people interested - then I would move forward with it. I will incorporate all my weekly work-outs!

Pink Workout

Any other fitness boutiques that you suggest for me?

Also, I really appreciate those who read my blog posts! ;)

...xox...

Liz

Work-Out Queen

Later I will talk about my work-out routine, but for now I'm going to share with you all the boutique fitness studios that I love to go to!

Most of the time, I work-out at a gym - mostly because my wallet cannot support me constantly working-out at these studios. However, I do feel like these places yield better results and make working-out "fun".

Here are my favorites:

• Pilates of Boca: I am a HUGE fan of Pilates. If this is not in your work-out routine now, then you must add it. I have been going to this studio ever since I moved home from college. The owner of this studio is very good friends with the owner of the studio in Tallahassee (where I went weekly). Anyways - I typically do the mat classes. Why? Because they are the most challenging and they are the cheapest! It can't get any better than that! If you are in the South Florida area, I highly suggest that you try this studio out. It's fantastic. (If not - try your local Pilates studio.) Here are my favorite instructors: Stefanie Ellis (she is the owner), Nicole Callis & Tanya Failla (she is my favorite!).
• Pure Barre: This is a chain studio that is popping up all over the United States. I first discovered this little gem in Nashville, Tennessee. Then, one opened up in Boca Raton right when I moved back down here. This work-out incorporates Pilates, dance & weights to lift and tone your body. It works every muscle! I ALWAYS feel this work-out the next day.
• FlyWheel: This is the BEST cycle class you will ever go to. I can't even go to a regular spin class at LA Fitness anymore - because the classes are so boring. Anyways, this studio gives each rider their own cycling shoes (this makes such a huge difference). And, the bikes are set-up "stadium style" so everyone can see the instructor. The music selection is always amazing - and all the instructors talk and motivate you through the entire work-out. My favorite part of the class is when we use weights for our arms. It breaks up the class a bit and adds something you normally wouldn't get at a "gym-style" spin class. My favorite instructor is Angela Lutin. She kicks ass!
• Bikram Yoga of Delray Beach: I must say that the BEST Bikram Yoga studio I have ever been to was in Nashville, Tennessee. The instructors were amazing and the studio, itself, was gorgeous. Anyways - this is my favorite studio in the South Florida area. The benefits of practicing this yoga are unbelievable. I am a runner - so this always helps me when my muscles get really tight. And - the best part? You can burn up to 900 calories in one class!

So, I hope I was able to share some valuable information to you. :)

...xox..

Liz