Stand, you're gonna run again

I am currently sitting at work, listening to a massive Glee playlist on Spotify--pushing through piles of work while simultaneously stressing about things that are going on in my life over the next few days.

All good things!! I just worry/over analyze/stress easily, no it isn't healthy...but it's just how I deal with things.

Then this song came on, and the lyrics really caught my ear.

 

 Stand by Lenny Kravitz

This song spoke to me, and the lyrics affected me. They offer a positive message as well as a push. It can be applied to many situations/challenges life may throw our way. My favorite verse is the second one, specifically: 

Just put one foot in front of the other  

The battles are inside your mind  

You have the power to face your demons

No matter how they go on time 

rid yourself of your fear and weakness  

So you can start to live your life!

Check out the song above, or lyrics below.

[Verse 1]Don't give up, You're gonna see tomorrow 

That you'll be on your feet again  

Sometimes the world's gonna knock you over 

But you will see who you are your friends
 

[Chorus]Come on, stand, up again Come on, stand, Stand, you're gonna run again
 

[Verse 2]Your faith and patience will be your soldiers  

To guide you through your troubled times 

Just put one foot in front of the other  

The battles are inside your mind  

You have the power to face your demons  

No matter how they go on time  

And rid yourself of your fear and weakness  

So you can start to live your life
 

[Chorus x2](come on!) stand, up again

 Come on, stand, Stand, you're gonna run again
COME ON! stand, up again Come on, stand, Stand, you're gonna run again
 

[Verse 3]Pick up your will  

And put on your face If you need to, just take my hand  

It's time to demonstrate, don't hesitate  

Just get up and say: Yes, I can
 

No matter what happens...STAND, and eventually, you're going to run again.

 

May Foodie Pen Pal Reveal!

I cannot believe I am writing this post already...seriously, where is the time going!?

This months package was sent to me from Meaghan who blogs over on  Countertop Confections. If you're ever looking for a new, delicious recipe to try you need to check out her site!

I LOVED the vanilla cream filled cookies she sent me! They were crunchy(which I wasn't expecting) but soft in the middle. Perfect to satisfy any sweet tooth :) Everyone in the family tried the vegetarian jerky...it was something new and different to all of us, not sure if I would buy it on my own but it was fun to try! The brookside dark chocolate covered pomegranate snacks are HUGE in my house, and also my dads favorite snack... so we were excited to see there was a new kind to try, and as expected it was another big hit!

You may have seen the coconut pineapple bar before... hint: it was in my Healthy Beach Snacks video. This bar was pretty much my favorite thing in the entire package!

The paradise bar was great as well, but the coconut  pineapple was a clear winner in my eyes!

This was the first time I have ever tried any of Justin's products. SHOCKING I know. But I was kind enough to share the peanut butter cups with Mom and Eddie(who devoured and loved them) and I used the maple almond butter the very next morning on top of a Van's light protein waffle:

MATCH MADE IN HEAVEN!

I liked it so much I stocked up on every flavor packet available (they sell them at target for $1!!)

All in all I have to say I was spoiled by Meaghan, THANK YOU!

The ONLY recipe I am bringing to BBQ's

This past weekend I made this salad, twice--for two different BBQ's I attended...and at both events everyone raved about how delicious it was.

 I tweeted and instagrammed(<---this is now a verb) a few teaser pictures to see if you would all be interested in this simple, yet delicious recipe, and after an overwhelming response of "YES PLEASE!!" I thought I should.

Roasted Corn, Avocado and Black Bean Salad

serves 6-10

Ingredients 

for salad

1 BIG can of black beans or 2 small cans

1/2 red onion, diced

1 & 1/2 avocados, cubed

1 container of cherry or grape tomatoes, halved

1 cup of corn kernels, roasted

Directions

Drain and rinse black beans

In a frying pan over medium low heat, roast corn kernels--keep an eye on these little guys, they will burn!

Chop--halve--cube the rest of your ingredients

Toss in a bowl

Ingredients

for dressing

1 HUGE handful of cilantro, or as much as you'd prefer

Juice of one fresh lemon---or lime, whatever is on hand

Chop cilantro and toss in the bowl

Using a juicing tool (pictured above) or just squeezing with your hands, drizzle lemon juice on top of your salad and toss

 Now you're ready to party!

Cut the fat

Have you ever had people in your life that didn't support the lifestyle or decisions you made?

cut the fat

Have you ever felt that some people in your life made you feel worthless or unappreciated?

cut the fat

Have you ever worried so much what someone would think of you that you would not try something new?

cut the fat

Is there someone who just brings you down, no matter what?

cut the fat

No matter where you are in life or what journey you are on, one of the most important steps you need to make is cutting the fat from your life. The people or things that weigh you down.

You don't need it

It may be hard to do, but change is difficult...and that's okay.

You're worth it

Start a new way of living today.

Fitness Friday Maryland Style

Woohoo we made it through another week! And for most of us today kicks off a THREE DAY WEEKEND!!


I am currently in Maryland celebrating my sisters graduation from Towson University. This morning she asked me if I wanted to accompany her to one of her favorite gym classes "kickboxing boot camp" at Brick Bodies.


I obviously couldn't pass up the opportunity to try something new,sweat with my sis AND Kickbox so I jumped at the chance.




The class was taught by a man...which was a first for me and to be honest made me a little nervous. But my sister introduced us and he seemed very sweet which took a bit of the edge off. We started the class with a light warm up of jumping jacks, jabs and uppercuts. Then we broke out into pairs and grabbed a bosu ball. One person used the ball to do 5 burpees while the other did jumping jacks. I was unaware of how light the bosu actually was and on my first burpee I hit myself right in the mouth.
I am starting to realize I am my own worst enemy in the gym...it comes from my spastic side. After that bosu burpees we did more kickboxing followed by mini scooters. I have not seen or used a mini scooter since elementary school so I had no idea what to excpect.

He had us break into partners again and one person held a plank position but one arm was doing the karate kid "wax on" motion while the other partner did squats. After wax on we used the scooter to move our arm underneath across our body while holding a plank. I am probably not doing this workout any justice but trust me it was tough.


All in all I had a great fitness Friday and now it's time celebrate !!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Musica! Musica! & Drink Chia Winner

Memorial Day Weekend aka the kick off to summer is TOMORROW! 

woohoo

Mine has already started as I am off to Maryland this morning for my little sister's graduation

Congrats Aly!

I thought I'd share my current song obsessions with all of you so you can add them to your playlists just in time for the weekend:

 

If you have any song suggestions for me to add please let me know in the comments below....I love a variety of music and as you can see I LOVE to dance, so don't be shy!

Thank you to everyone who entered my DrinkChia! Giveaway...there were 42 entries, however there can only be one winner:

JordanMay 15, 2012 8:44 AM

My favorite ways to hydrate are water, Nuun, and tea. This sounds awesome, though, I'd love to try DrinkChia!

Congrats Jordan! Please email me your contact information so we can get your Drink Chia drinks and shirt out to you!

Me VS Boot Camp

Today I had to repeat the words 

Just Keep Sweating

to myself, several times during my workout.

I wanted NOTHING to do with my 5 am workout this morning.... I was so tired and overly sluggish but I pushed myself to go because I knew I'd be glad I did once it was over.

Bootcamp was brutal... it was more than brutal I just can't think of the right word to describe it at the moment.

We started slow with bicycle crunches and push ups, then quickly moved into jumping jacks and jump squats.

Which turned into walking lunges across the room--no breaks--6 times, followed by jump squats across the room.

I made it twice and bailed on the third round, my heart rate was high..my legs were burning and I was tired.

 After all of that it was wall sit time. I have no idea how long we did them but it felt like an eternity especially after what we had just put our legs through. 

 Then it was back to moving across the room, I chose to take myself outside the room because it was so crowded and do the moves there. This time around we did crawls one way , getting as low to the ground as possible without touching and then crab walked backwards on the way back.

By this point there was sweat in my eyes, my arms were shaking AND my legs felt heavy and tired. 

I wanted to just quit. 

But I said to myself...no way, just keep sweating.

If I had known that burpees and push ups were next(and last) I would have left.

But I didn't.

I stuck it out and got my sweat on,

And can't wait for next week.

The moral of the story.

Push yourself

Don't Give up

and as always...

Recess is the BEST part of the day!

Are you tired of your workout routine? Are you interested in taking a class such as Barre or Mat Pilates but your gym doesn't offer it? Moved to a new city and are unsure of where to workout?

Then GoRecess! is the perfect website for you!

What exactly IS Go Recess?

"The One-Stop Destination to Find, Book and Review Fitness Classes

Inspired by memories of elementary school recess, we created GoRecess to bring the fun back to fitness. Just as you couldn't wait to run around, play with friends, swing on the monkey bars or jump on the trampoline, our hope is that you'll find a fitness class you can't wait to dive into―one that is about more than just "working out." One where burning calories and getting in shape is just an added benefit. One that was like recess: communal, different, and FUN.
We're here to help you find your best class of the day, where you want, when you want, so you can be YOUR BEST every day. Maybe you're in the mood for a certain type of workout. Maybe you want convenience and something that fits your hectic schedule. Maybe you want variety and the flexibility to try new places. Or maybe you just need the motivation of a good instructor and others around you to inspire you to push yourself.
From spinning and yoga to pilates and boxing and more, GoRecess will help you find exactly what you're seeking. Say goodbye to boring runs on the treadmill, mindless strides on the elliptical and excuses to skip a workout. Now get off your couch or away from your desk and choose your recess."

(source: https://www.gorecess.com/about)

 I really apologize for the photos, I did the best I could and tried several different options! Looks like you need to go to the website and check it out for yourself!

So I have been playing around with this site for a few weeks, and have already noticed an increase in fitness class options within 5 miles of my job in NYC. I have checked the options near my hometown on Long Island and there aren't as many but this website is still new. 

I encourage all of you to take a second and check out GoRecess, it may inspire you to try something you have never done before OR find something you didn't know exsisted!

I am excited to see the additions that will be added as the site grows, especially for fitness classes around my town. As a commuter I can't always make the classes I'd like to at my gym or sometimes I just don't want to take what is offered at that time, this website will provide me so many new options.

STOP MAKING EXCUSES!

  " If I was rich I would hire a personal chef and a personal trainer,that way I would never have to worry about what I eat and  I would never get fat."

Have you ever heard someone say this, or said something along these lines yourself?

I mean yeah it would be GREAT to have a personal chef, I wouldn't mind it myself.

Even though I kind of do..thanks to an amazing fiance and awesome mom!

And I would love to have a trainer who could push me to my limits every day,

along with the time to do it

However, just because someone may have all the tools doesn't mean they would actually use them.

For instance, Jonah Hill.

He lost 40 pounds last year and looked as if he was taking the right steps to a healthier lifestyle.

But this past weekend he was seen out and about, and it appears he has gained some of the weight back.

What about Kirstie Alley?

She is the queen of  yo-yo dieting/weight loss. Most recently she has been able to keep the weight she lost on Dancing with the Stars off, maybe she finally figured out a healthy balance?

The point I am trying to make here is even the richest or most famous people out there have their own issues with weight loss. Like most of us, they look for a quick fix(no carbs or working out for endless amounts on hours on little calories)...yes, this will provide you with results, but they will not last forever.

Instead you should:

-Take the time to educate yourself on proper nutrition and exercise. 

-Design a program that works for YOU and stick to it

-Whether it takes you 6 months or 5  years to get to your goal, that isn't nearly as important as HOW you got there.

Your journey should not focus on how much weight/body fat you can lose, but how much you can learn from it.

Healthy Beach Snacks!

My phone broke this weekend.

It just stopped working

Thankfully I have Apple care and was able to get a new one for free, but this means I have NO pictures for a weekend recap :(

INSTEAD I have a new video for all of you!

MDW is only a few days away and hopefully we will all be sunbathing (not burning) with friends and family...I know I will! 

I actually went to the beach yesterday for the first time in four years...crazy right? However, it was incredibly windy making it a less than enjoyable experience but it gave me video inspiration so it wasn't all bad.

What are some of your favorite beach snacks?

Fitness Friday!

Happy Friday Sweaties!!!

This morning I am super sore, but it feels great. Lauren and I decided we wanted to try the new Tone It Up "She sells seashells by the seashore" workout because it wasn't intense cardio or anything that required jumping.

For the full workout visit www.toneitup.com or my pinterest

After we did the workout once through we used the machines. I used the row, shoulder press and hip adduction/abduction

Even though I didn't leave the gym winded and dripping sweat, I still feel like I got a great workout in especially because I pushed myself with the weights

I'm sweaty and I know it

I got my sweat on tonight...and it was gooooood.

I had sweat pouring off of me to the point my eyes were burning.

My legs are already shaking from cannon lunges, jump squats, spiderman with vipr, one legged battling ropes and more.

My lungs hurt from breathing so hard

I was alive, even though I felt like I was dying.

THIS is what I love

THIS is what makes fitness fun

PUSHING yourself

I wanted to quit, and I had to modify at times because of my ankle...but I did it

WE did it 

and it was awesome.

Next time you feel down on yourself from missing a workout or two...or because you ate poorly.

SWEAT IT OUT.

You will feel so much better once you do.

This I promise you.

(I think that was a 98 degrees song...)

Suffering from a lack of sweat

My name is Carlyn and I have a confession to make.

It has been 4 days since my last sweat session.

I feel soft and I don't like it.

Some of you are reading this and saying "4 days!? That is nothing! Why is she even writing about this?"

For the past 2 years I have been in the gym at LEAST 5 times a week (minus weeks where I was sick/injured/away) and I have become used to my routine.This week that hasn't happened, and  I don't have any real excuse so I am putting it all out there to hold myself accountable. I practice what I preach, that is what my blog is all about... so without further adieu, let the excuses begin:

Sunday: Went to the gym for a 30 minute weight class, extremely hungover. Had every intention of doing my Cardio Killer circuit with Lauren after...however, we chose shopping. 

Over consumption of alcohol = Hangover = Extreme Laziness

(this is my kind of math)

Monday: My scheduled rest day. However, I didn't work out on Sunday so I should have on Monday. But I didn't... total badass move on my part, right?

Tuesday: I usually do a circuit or weights at 5 am then take half of a class that is offered from 5:30-6:30 (I have to leave by 6 am to get ready for work) I skipped the gym that morning because I knew I was going to the Bob Harper event that night and it would be a long/late day. Knowing myself, I would have bailed if I was too tired and missed out on the experience..it's how I roll. 

BUT I did walk the 2.5 miles to the event so that made me feel a little better

Wednesday: This is usually a 2 a day workout for me. 5 am and 6:30 pm. But I got in after 11 on Tuesday night and was exhausted, therefore 4:30 am wake up was NOT happening for me. Power X was moved to tonight (Thursday) due to thunderstorm threats so I planned on trying the new DVD I received at the event. 

It didn't happen.

I cooked/had dinner with Eddie instead.

There really is NO excuse for my lack of sweat. Yes life happens but it is my job to fit in whatever kind of workout I can, when I can and I have not done that the past few days. 

 

 

Bob Harper's Book Release Party!

I met Bob Harper! Isn't he SO handsome!?

Last night I was given the opportunity to attend Bob Harper's  "The Skinny Rules," book release party hosted by LAFCO NY.  It was a great event and I was able to spend some more time with some of the FitFluential family,which is always great!

The event was in Soho and started at 7 pm, so Amber & Meredith (who I met last week) met up for dinner at Whole Foods around 6 for dinner. I had an hour or so to kill between work and dinner, and the weather wasn't too bad in NYC I decided to walk the 2 1/2 miles (in flip flops) to meet them.

I played tourist on the way...

 Pop up events like this make me fall in love with New York City allover again. 

I would LOVE to actually go here one Friday after work and have dinner...any takers?

anyone notice the title of the first vendor, top right?

you hear that everyone? Nike isn't kidding!

I couldn't resist taking a picture of this, I mean this is a fitness and healthy living blog after all!

Another thing I love about cities is graffiti. I know this is frowned upon by some because it is "destroying property," but I think art like this is way more interesting than anything in a museum. 

After 40 minutes of walking (remember I had flip flops on AND two heavy bags) I arrived at one of the nicest Whole Foods I've ever seen. They are all so similar yet SO different..anyone else ever notice that? 

I'm the only one?

Okay, moving on.

I was overwhelmed at the hot bar/cold bar options( I am starting to think I am easily overwhelmed) but as soon as I noticed  Bowery Burger I was good to go. 

I ordered the veggie burger on a gluten free bun with one slice of american and lettuce, sweet potato fries as a side. Yep, I can't resist sweet potato fries...ever.

After dinner it was party time! We arrived promptly at 7 pm, however Bob didn't arrive until after 8, which gave the FitFluential bloggers time to eat, drink and mingle.

notice the product placement under the food, well done Bob.

There were a bunch of passed hors devours, which I politely declined because I was full from dinner AND I am still trying to figure out what I can actually eat with my new gluten free diet. However, everyone around me that tried the dishes liked them. The one pictured above is egg salad on a rice cake. Another dish was cauliflower truffle soup, served in shot glasses.

Pictured: Nicole of Making Good Choices  & Pure Bliss Eats, Cat of Breakfast to bed and Ashley of Healthy Happier Bear

Bob casually arrived and then the party kicked into gear. I wasn't sure how to react, I stared then darted my eyes in the other direction...I mean it was HIS party and I was invited but I still felt...out of place?

He was so genuinely excited about the book launch, it was adorable to watch. I could gush about his adorableness all day, but I'll spare you the details. After his speech he moved around the room and spoke with every. single.person there.

On the way out of the event we each were handed a gift bag. Inside it was the Skinny Rules book, (which I've already started reading and I am halfway through--it's REALLY good) Bob Harper's total transformation 2 DVD (I will be testing this out tonight!) a candle from LAFCO (smells amazing), a hat--I still am unsure what it represents, it has a bunny with crossbones on it...anyone know? AND bath salts. I'll probably use them post bob dvd ;)

he signed it!

It was a great event and I feel so fortunate to have been able to attend. Thank you to FitFluential for making it happen!

If you want to become a member of the FitFluential family (YOU DON'T HAVE TO BE A BLOGGER!) you can sign up  here: http://fitfluential.com