:: sample received for editorial consideration ::
Contrary to what most people think, weight gain isn’t always a consequence of aging. Barring medical conditions beyond one’s control, but it’s the inactivity, sedentary lifestyle, and unhealthy eating patterns that predispose someone to creeping weight gain.
Some of you know that I just hit the big 4-0 this month; in between gray hairs and having my first mandatory mammogram soon, exercise helps me stay young and in tiptop shape (okay I’m trying here!). Right now, my routine is composed of hiphop dance, hula hoop and yoga at the comfort of my patio. But even if I’m all doing of all that crazy gyration at home, I take the extra step to dress, hydrate, and protect myself at all costs! Which brings me to the meat of the matter: My Fitness Essentials!
1. Deodorant. With all the sweat, the least thing you want to happen is offend those around you with obnoxious odor. Apply ‘yo pit juice dude!
2. Fitness gear/outfit. Believe it or not, dressing the part adds to the whole thrill and motivation even if you’re just doing aerobics or busting your treadmill at home. Wear well-fitted sports bra and exercise pants/shorts. Look cute, why not! The leggings I’m wearing below is from Marika, a brand I’m familiar with since I own some of their yoga pants and sports bra. I received the newest style, aptly named Slimming Capri because it helps slim and enhance the shape of thighs. I also noticed that my tummy appeared a bit flatter, thanks to its tummy control waist feature! The fabric is made from cotton and spandex which provides ultimate comfort and support. This particular style retails for $55 and available in small- extra large. If you’re curious to try, take advantage of the 30% discount at Marika.com with code MM30 (valid thru 8/31/14)
3. Water. Hydrate yourself every now an then, drink few sips in between to keep you going.
4. Update your Playlist. Music plays a big part in burning calories. The faster the music, the more you move, the more you burn. My default Pandora station is Pitbull. I guarantee you’ll be sweating like a pig after two songs!
5. Your own paraphernalia. Exercise mat, towel, sanitizer, shower slippahs, etc. Needless to say, if you’re hitting the gym, I suggest that you bring your own stuff to avoid bacterial and/or fungal cross-contamination. Imma germaphobe, can you tell?
6. Lastly, motivation and commitment. The biggest challenge is not the workout itself but the attitude to keep the fire burning. I try my best to squeeze exercise into my uber busy schedule. I devote at least an hour, three days a week, mostly on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays. I may add treadmill to my routine once I decide what model to purchase.
Health is the best gift we can give to ourselves and loved ones. It’s never too late to step up to the challenge. Wanna do hula hoop with me?
Kathryne
look at you lady! i was just telling someone YESTERDAY how I embarrassed myself with a hula hoop recently. I need to buy one and conquer it. Cute pants too! <3
Hula hoop is so much fun! Once you get the hang of it, it becomes second nature. Addicting I must say!
I tried to do the hula hoop motion on the Wii once.. I failed it so miserably! I could not do it to save my life! lol.
Try again Nidia, I guarantee you won't stop when you conquer the song nonstop hooping!
I keep seeing all over blogs about hula hooping. It's not something I have done but it looks interesting! I love wearing the leggings, too. I think they're the most comfortable for working out.
Been doing it over a year and my enthusiasm hasn't waned. Yes, leggings are so comfy w/o having to expose too much booty, haha!
Very cute capri pants, I think I need these ASAP! I am dying to try hula hooping again after my 30 year hiatus, ha!
Girl I only started doing hula hoop last year, so that makes it over 30 yrs haha!
look at you hoopin! also, you're not 40. it's all lies. π
Ok no more lies, I'm a VAMPIRE! haha
I think number 6 is most important. I have all the equipment but it's the motivation to work out that gets me
I can't blame you, some days are better sitting my arse, lol
Get it girl. Werk it with that hula hoop. I totally cant even do that anymore, but when I was younger I was champion at it. lol…. Great points on here, I totally need to up my fitness as my old age and laziness has kicked in. lol
LOL! Don't let age slow you down *insert 3 snaps here*
I've tried hula hooping once for exercise but maybe the hoop was really heavy because it just kept hurting my sides. I am trying to drink more water though and trying to get fit overall!
Start w/ non-weighted Mai, it'll make you move more, hence burn more.
I have two old hoola hoops. I suck at it lol.
Time to bust it out Kim
I love that you do fun things for exercise. That's what I need to do to stay interested!
Variety is key. I start w/ hip hop, then hula hoop, then yoga. I feel that if I start w/ more cardio, I last longer.
I do wanna do hula hoop with you, lol! Seriously, what is the benefit of hh? I've been a lifelong runner/jogger, but my old knees can't do the distances I once did and I'm looking to add things to my routine. I wish I had saved my old childhood hula hoop!
Hi Allison, great question. It burns max of 600 calories per hour, it's an intense full body workout especially when you combine w/ dance. 2 songs and I'm all drenched in sweat!
I so want to try a hula hoop class. It looks like so much fun. I am however taking my first class at my new gym tomorrow. Out of the 12 I want to start trying.
Good luck on your first gym! Take the hula hoop class when you can, it's really fun
I wanna hula hoop with you!
Surely! it'll be fun, while applying makeup, lol
Hula Hoop sounds so fun and your post totally makes me want to amp up my workouts
Thanks Norah, gotta amp up or gravity sets in
I love good music when I go jogging. Without my favorite music it is just so boring.
Yeah, it's the music that makes me go, go, go
Girl, I am right there with you! I turned 40 2 weeks ago! Here is to us making this decade the best ever fitness-wise! I am all about getting motivated to work out these days. Especially since I have 10 lbs of baby weight to lose still (I have a 6 month old). π
aww, 10 lbs aint that bad mama! Happy bday to us! Cheers to the new 30 Pammy!
Love the hula hoop idea! Sounds like a fun way to workout!
Michelle
mash-elle.blogspot.com
Indeed π
You look amazing ! I hope/wish I can look like that when I grow older
Haha, I feel frickin' old reading your comment LOL
After staring at my cellulite in the mirror today, I am trying to concoct a fitness plan for post baby. Not looking forward to losing all this weight!
You can do it mama!
I want to do the hula hoop!!!!!
Yes yes yo
I would love to hula hoop!
it's so fun!
I want to hula hoop! Thanks for sharing your essentials – I agree, it's important to update your playlist! Good for you for keeping to a routine.
I just finished my exercise, now I have my facial mask on as I reply to comments. Thanks my friend
A good friend of mine is so into her hula hoop! I know I'd just get frustrated. You look darling!!!
It's so fun Kimberly!!!
I have a weighted hula hoop I need to use again!
Go girl
I've been debating getting a hula hoop! Great workout disguised as fun!
Get one and start to gyrate!
My Marika workout pants are my go-to! I found them in Marshalls last year and picked it up and now I want ten more! Great suggestions π
Great to know you love Marika!!!
I love using a hula hoop! I actually make my kids do this when I do therapy with them so I get a work out too! lol
That's a nice family exercise / bonding time!
Thanks for sharing your routine!
My pleasure
Wow, you look so good for being 40! I picked up a hula hoop the other day for the first time in forever, and could barely do it! I definitely have lots of work to do!
Thanks so much Carly, trying my best to stay healthy. I'm 100% sure you'll get the hang of it. Once you conquered the challenge, 'betcha it will be addicting!
You look absolutely fabulous, not a day over 30! I really need to bust out my old hula hoop and get in shape like you π
You are so in shape Anastasia but yeah, bust that hoop put and shake it baby!
I can't believe that you're already 40. You look younger! XD Thanks for all the fitness tips. i've always wanted to exercise but doesn't have the motivation to do it. LOL
Awww, you're so nice Kristine. I guess being petite has its advantage, it can disguise real age, haha!
Water and deodorant–often forgotten, yet the two biggest necessities!
Chloe | Wanderlust in the Midwest
True! That deodorant should be top priority. I hate obnoxious pits!!!!
Motivation and commitment are the hardest-but most important-parts of my fitness routine!
Yes, the hardest part is pulling my lazy butt off the couch but once I'm sweatin', there's no stoppin'
I used to love hoola hooping! I think i would throw my back out if I tried now.
Try and try Kimmi π
look at you hoola-hooping! You look great…
Thanks mama!
Love the inspiration i got from this post to work out, werk it!
Xx, Joy. itsjoydiaz.blogspot.mx
Werk it, twerk it. Thanks Joy. xo