Make Mine A Double Monday | What can AM exercise do for you?

I have found that getting it in early is really a plus for me and after reading a recent article I am in complete agreement that I'm doing it right.  At least for me that is.  Here are a few reasons why that AM workout really is the best option!

"Borrowed" from neverbeenskinny.blogspot.com

Getting in that AM workout can help you avoid bad food choices during the day

The gym locker room is spic and span first thing in the morning – you might even get a private

"Borrowed" from keepitmovingfitness

locker space

Reduce that stress for any folks that want to combat your day.  Think that erratic driver checking their text on their morning drive...opps that's me :)

If your workout gear hasn’t been re-vamped since Jane Fonda no one will know if you go in the AM to workout

No night time workout in your way to block you from watching T. I. and Tiny or the Braxtons…nuh huh you can chill.com until the alarm goes off for tomorrow’s early workout.  

Toodles

Good Life | Work IT Out

The Divas are always trying to keep in good shape and the StyleDIVA is taking it to the gym fa-real!  You can check out my progress on the blog.  Talk about a before and after, I'm taking you all the way with me.  These exercises are getting me into shape...I've seen some major inches disappear.  Give them a try and please forgive the hair (ya'll know I'm not happy in hairland these days) I'd done my cardio right before and the sweat was pouring.  If you have some more exercise suggestions or a great "clean and easy" eating plan send it to us at cocktailsandconversation.divas@gmail.com.

That ROPE!  I love it.  Can't you hear the Wonder Women theme in the background?  I can do this and if you are on a weight loss journey you can too!  Let's do it together. 

Cheers,



StyleDIVA

Are you FitSugar?

I've fallen in love with FitSugar, this incredible fitness website covers everything dealing with fitness.  Erika and I have fallen in love with fitness this year not because we are crazy health nuts but because just basically...we were tired of seeing that image of someone in the mirror that we didn't recognize.  She wasn't bad looking but she had some bulges, some extra thangs in places where they just seriously didn't belong and maybe even some dare we say....cellulite....clutch the pearls.  So we are on a quest.  Not a skinny quest but a quest none the less.  So both of us have started running - no not marathons but running to burn all the years of overindulging and underexercising.

I found this great "beginner" workout for new runners that helped me get rid of that burning in my shins.  Who knew by increasing the incline you wouldn't feel like someone is behind you whipping your shins with a flogger (thanks Anastasia 50 Shades of Grey for that word reference).  Well check out the article and if you are just getting into running try the tips, you know we love to chat it up so comments here are appreciated.  Maybe you are a pro at this and you could give us even more tips so that box below is for comments from you - YES you get to be the STAR on our blog!  Yes we're awesome we know - JUST LEAVE A COMMENT!  Okay we think you get the point.  Happy running!

With Style,


StyleDIVA

Getting Fit with Suwanee Magazine

Well it is official, I have been selected as one of the 6 contestants in the 2012 Suwanee Get Fit Challenge sponsored by Suwanee Magazine which officially started on March 1st.  I am on team orange and over the next 12 months I will be working out with Jake and Levi at Fit Forward in Suwanee.  You will be able to follow my progress during the challenge here and here. 

So are you ready to get fit?  I know I am. 

Getting Fit in 2012!

Event Diva



28 Day Diet | Day 26

A lil bit of stretching to get the day started feels so good.  Dr. Oz recommends a seven to ten minute session but I already have to meditate (geesh!) so 3 minutes works for me.  Besides the obvious reasons to stretch as soon as you rise - flexibility - it also makes you stronger.  Remember Only You can Make Yourself Strong.  Below are a few stretches he offered in the article:

The Hippie - Pretend your head weighs 500 pounds, and let it pull you down, Bend one knee and hold for 15 seconds, then change legs.

The Pecs Flex - As you lift your hands as high as possible, squeeze your shoulder blades together and open your chest.

The Leaning Tower - Try to elongate your body by creating the greatest amount of distance possible between your left pinkie and your left heel.  Hold for 15 seconds, then switch sides. 

The Hippie!

You can find more stretch positions on Dr. Oz's site.  Make up your own routine and customize it to fit your early morning mood.  Feeling great yet?

The 28 Day Diet | Day 8

Time to take it up a notch today, break out your new year workout gear and start sweating!  That's right do some physical activity for 30 minutes to reduce the risk of stroke and heart attacks by 30%.  Not use to working out?  Start with a walk, you'll be surprised how you feel about yourself when you get done.  If you are the Workout Dancehall Queen I'm going to challenge you to do something different to your workout routine.  Try belly dancing, go 6 miles instead of your normal 5 or give ZUMBA a try instead of sliding your membership card to walk the treadmill.  Day 8 ladies just 20 more to go, how do you feel?  Thanks Dr. Oz for making this journey loads of fun.  Now where is that belly dancing brochure?? - don't worry I'll be sure to report back how it went ;) (wink, wink).