Truth: Your Body Type & Genetics

The real truth about your body type and genetics!

I'm pretty sure I may have heard that :: what your mother looks like - is what you are going to look like in "25 years". However - I'm here today to teach you how to disprove that! How...?

You do have an every day choice of how you want to maintain your body.

BUT -

Your early muscle memory does come from your childhood.

So - you can honestly thank your parents for the body you have today!

As I've been studying more and more about the human body - I've realized how important it is to be active at a very young age - no matter what sport it is!

Coming from experience - I was a young girl who rode horses, played soccer & volleyball. I've always had an active lifestyle (the horses gave me my legs!).

I am so grateful for my parents - who knew that was important.

It's because of them that I am very muscular by nature. Additionally - I've learned to carry that into my adult life!

So, for those of you who plan on adding on to your family soon - make sure you introduce your little ones into an active, healthy lifestyle!

Also - this means that you DO have control of how you want your body to look like!

 If you didn't get involved physically until your adult life - then you can still change it! Don't let "genetics" think you are stuck with a certain body!

 ..xox..

Liz

Christmas Gifts For The Fitness Fanatics

Well, Christmas is only 23 days away - and Hanukkah is right around the corner. Now, it's time to think about what to get your loved ones for this Holiday Season!

I know there are a TON of people out there who enjoy fitness - as much as I do - and like to look stylish when they sweat.

I have some GREAT gift ideas if you are buying for a Fitness Queen:

(1)

I am obsessed with this yoga bag. Anything with bows gives me an immediate impulse to buy it. You can find this and other fun bags at oGorgeous.

(2)

If you know me well - you know I'm an avid runner. Every day. Anyways - I'm a huge fan of asics. I always wore them because they were so supportive and an awesome running shoe (even though they weren't cute). But now, they have all these fun colors! You can find asics anywhere - but, I must say that I have found the best deals at Off Broadway (a discount shoe store)!

(3)

More and more I have been seeing these at the Pilates studios that I go to. And I LOVE THEM! These would look awesome paired with a tight tank top. (This happens to be my new favorite "studio" look at the moment.) You can find them at Nordstroms! Believe it or not, Nordstroms has an amazing "activewear" collection - see HERE.

(4)

Front

Back

These are perfect "studio" shoes (Pilates, Barre Workouts, etc.). The brand is called Blake Brody - and they come in amazing different colors and styles. I want a pair! ::hint hint::

(5)

Last - but not least - you can never go wrong with getting a Fitness Queen something from Lululemon! You can see their latest styles HERE.

I hope you like my current fitness favorites - which would all make perfect gifts!

...xox...

Liz

Not What You Think

Surprise, surprise - this happens to be another post about "Pilates". ::smiles a HUGE smile::

I've had so many people ask me - "What is Pilates?" or "Why does it work?"

#1 - Pilates consists of over 500 exercises that are controlled, precise movements which are performed on a floor, mat or special apparatus. It is designed to lengthen, strengthen & stretch the muscle without adding bulk.

#2 - It works because Pilates tones all those little muscles that you never knew you had. It goes way beyond your "superficial" muscles. It works your body from the inside, out.

Recently, I just finished my 3rd intensive training weekend. I wanted to share three (out of MANY) that I learned:

(1)

This is "Twist Prep" - you have no idea how hard it is to even balance on your side like this. You can't really see in the picture - but you want to use your waistline to life the pedal (where the bottom hand is resting) up. GREAT exercise!

(2)

This next exercise is "Pull Ups" - and it's way harder than it looks. You must lift yourself up past the bars (that are being held on to).

(3)

The last exercise I will share with you today is "Hanging Pull Ups". This is great for your biceps and shoulders. The exercise requires your to lift the whole "plank position" to the top bars.

I bet the men wouldn't mind trying these exercises - they aren't easy. ;)

This is why I swear by Pilates. It makes you STRONGER.

...xox...

Liz

((Pilates Princess))

The Anti-Aging Drug

Well, I guess one of the reasons of having a blog is to update it on a daily basis.... Whoops!

To say that I have been busy is an understatement.

As many of you know - I have started the Power Pilates Comprehensive Program (back in September). Additionally - I have been working full-time, so I feel like I have two jobs. Working 40 hours a week, then studying 25 - leaves not much time left. BUT, I must say - that I am in a very happy place! :)

Recently, I passed my first "Test Out" for Power Pilates. ::YAYYYYY!!!:: It consisted of the Beginner System (more "basic" exercises & how to teach a client who has never done Pilates before). The first test comes after you have completed 100 hours of: studying, practicing, observing, etc.

The test consisted of a Practical Exam (teaching a 55-minute Private class to a Beginner) and a Written Exam ( knowing all the muscles and bones of the body).

This program is no joke - it made me realize how each Power Pilates Instructor really is an expert in their field.  They are required to know hundreds of exercises in Pilates, along with the anatomy of the whole entire body... inside & out! It's incredible.

As I continue through my journey of becoming a Power Pilates Instructor - I will give you the reasons why Pilates is so amazing for you. There are reasons why the top celebrities in the world pay big $$ to take Pilates.

I have about 450 hours to go! ;)

 

"Power Pilates believes in a classical approach to teaching, in a movement-based, systematic, integrative style. Pilates, taught in this style, is the anti-aging drug that people crave. Having clients learn in a flowing style, with appropriate corrections at the appropriate time, will transform their bodies."

Happy Sunday!

...xox...

Liz

Don't Give Up

A little inspiration for you on this rainy day...

Achieving your ultimate dream takes time, commitment and patience. Nothing great ever happens over night - and it certainly doesn't happen on the first try.

...xox...

Liz

Burlap & Bling: The Perfect Southern Wedding

I can't believe it has already been 2 months since Kristal & Johnny's gorgeous southern wedding. It could not have been more perfect, or stunning.

Every detail was something you would expect from a world class wedding planner (or perhaps Pinterest!).

Where do I even begin? Let's start with the theme: Burlap & Bling. It was all about the details with this wedding. Her bouquet was wrapped in burlap with a hint of bling. Even the tables where the guests were seated followed this trend. I must say that there was a perfect amount of everything - every little sparkle was just where it needed to be.

Gorgeous Bouquet

As you can see from Kristal's bouquet - the colors were all very soft & natural. This held true throughout the whole wedding & reception (decor-wise). 

Where the guests were seated.

 Another clever touch to the wedding was where everyone picked up their names to see where they would be seated. Everyone's names were on paintbrushes - and the tables were colors, not numbers! (Johnny is an artist. What an incredible idea! Bravo.)

Paint Brushes & Table Color

 

Now that I talked about some of the intricate details - where was this wedding!? It was at Cedarwood - located in Nashville, Tennessee. Cedarwood is a picturesque, antebellum farm estate. 

Kristal had her ceremony just in front the old farm house. The cocktail hour was held in the barn & the reception was held throughout the farm house. It. Was. Perfect.

Beautiful Farm House

 Here is something that Kristal & Johnny made for the ceremony:

Choose a seat - not a side.

 What a way to make everyone feel welcome! I really loved this (seriously - what didn't I love?)!

Here are a few more great photos from the wedding:

Johnny painted Cedarwood (where the guests could sign) - also, see the chandelier in the tree!

Beautiful details in the barn - As Southern As Possible.

So - what color did Kristal choose for her bridesmaids & groomsmen? Kristal chose purple! So pretty!

The Bride with her Bridesmaids.

Now, for the beautiful bride & groom. Here are some favorites:

After the ceremony - husband & wife! (Do you see the cross in the background? My father-in-law made it!)

Stunning!

Now, I couldn't forget the star of the show:

Hamilton! And yes, he did walk down the aisle.

Overall, this day could not have been more perfect - and I'm so happy for Kristal & Johnny!

There wedding has also been featured in Southern Weddings Magazine! You can see that article HERE.

Also - I don't want to take credit for all these photos - some I grabbed off Facebook, but the others are from Kristal & Johhny's photogapher: Kristyn Hogan! One of the best!

This was a fun post to write - I hope you enjoyed it! ;)

...xox...

Liz

Nail Color: Today's Fashion Accessory

I think more than ever - women's nails have become such an essential part of the wardrobe. Having your nails painted - really can add to your outfit.

Ever since I've joined Pinterest & Instagram, it's very common for women to post pictures of their freshly manicured nails - trust me, I do it, too. I've also seem some crazy looking nails... (I mean... who has the time to do an intricate masterpiece on each finger nail?)

I have 3 favorite colors that I'm currently obsessed with.

Take a look:

Bright Pink Nails

Seriously. Did you expect anything else from me? I absolutely LOVE bright pink nails.

Mint Nails

I've never received so many compliments on this nail color. Mint seems to be the "in" color right now. Regardless, I'm obsessed.

White Nails

White is perfect for summer! The other day, I wore dark jeans & a light top - these nails looked incredible with what I was wearing. I would even wear this color during winter. Style is not about following the "rules" - it's creating your own!

What brand do I use for these colors? I wish I had the actual names of the colors - but they are all from Essie!

What color do you have on your nails?

...xox...

Liz