Preparing to Stay in Shape Over the Holidays

Over the summer I turned 30, and I started my own 30 Thriving Challenge because I had always talked about getting in shape, but I never did anything about it. I wasn't fat, but I wasn't strong. I knew I couldn't run a mile without feeling winded. I knew I couldn't lift much more than 30 pounds without struggling. I knew something had to change. I partnered with Mountainside Fitness to help me change my lifestyle, and I'm partnering with them again to help me maintain it over the busiest season full of distractions and temptations to over-indulge. Here is how I am preparing for the next 37 days to make sure I don't back slide.

albion-91

1| Scheduling my workouts until the end of the year - I use Google Calendar for everything. I would never know what day it is without it. I have scheduled three workouts a week for the rest of the year, and put a reminder right when I need to wake up that day to go to the gym. Doing this will prevent me from filling up my calendar and not leaving room for fitness.

2| New workout gear - I am gifting myself new workout gear for Christmas. I only have two pairs of pants, and with the cooler weather here I don't want to bring out my shorts. Getting more pants and some long-sleeve tops will keep me from the excuse that my clothes are dirty and I can't go to the gym.

3| Paying for Childcare - I am paying $15 a month for the rest of the year for childcare with Mountainside Fitness. I couldn't workout without it. Sure, I could workout in the evenings when my husband is home, but then I would miss out on family time. This way Elle gets to play with other kids, and I get some alone time without any anxiety.

4| Meal planning - I am the WORST at this. I need to start meal planning weekly to avoid eating a lot of pasta and takeout over the next couple of weeks. I am proclaiming to you that I will be using my crockpot like no one has ever seen. Soups, chicken, tacos...It's all happening until the new year. I'll be sure to share recipes along the way as well.

5| Hanging out with friends at the gym - If you're my good friend and you're reading this I have news for you. We're ditching Starbucks and hitting the gym to hangout. Sound good? Okay, okay...maybe not always the gym, but we're doing something active like going to the park or going on a walk at the very least. The weather it too beautiful in Arizona not to enjoy it, and the brownies that people offer me are too yummy not to try. Get what I'm saying?

albion-63

 Photos by Amy Frances Photography

30 Thriving Challenge Completed

SONY DSC

Three months ago I decided I was tired of just talking about getting into shape. Turning 30 was a big wake up call that I had lived a good 20 years out of shape and eating things that were easy rather than good for me. I asked Mountainside Fitness to help me with my challenge, and they gladly gave me a three month trial and a couple sessions with a trainer so that I can learn my way around the gym.

Three months later I still weigh the same 124 pounds, but my BMI has gone from 22% to 20%. I'm toned and fit. I also look forward to the gym every week and miss it when I'm not able to go as often as I would like. Who would have thought I would become a gym rat three months later.

SONY DSC

The biggest excuse I used for not going to the gym was not having enough time and not having someone to watch Elle. Well, the truth was that I wasn't making time for it. There are some gyms out there where I didn't feel comfortable putting Elle in the kids program. I knew I would feel better at a more family friendly gym like Mountainside. Sure enough Elle looks forward to going there every time. I drive 25 minutes each way to go to the gym, but it's worth it.

SONY DSC

I have officially become a Mountainside Fitness member, and I'm looking forward to being there for years to come.

SONY DSC

These photos that you see were created by Liz Evans. She loves celebrating the female form. She wanted to celebrate my accomplishment and my birthday by photographing my body after the challenge. I'm so thankful for these photos. They really help me see the confidence I have gained and the muscle I have gained throughout this process. Go check her out if you're in need of a really encouraging experience.

SONY DSC

My dear friend and talented makeup artist, Stephanie Neiheisel, also wanted to be a part of this special moment. She created a gorgeous navy smokey eye with bronzed skin and a nude lip. LOVE LOVE LOVE. This makeup look is perfect for fall.

SONY DSC

Photos by Liz E. Studio.

Get the look: Dress by Fame & Partners, pencil skirt, ruffled top, leather skirt,bralette

SONY DSC

My Fitness Fashion

This post has been a long time coming. When I started my thirty thriving challenge and step foot in Mountainside Fitness I quickly learned that the fitness world has it's own rules of fashion that I knew nothing about. Last time I went to the gym it was fine to wear a baggy t-shirt, running shorts and boring running shoes. That was over seven years ago (yes, that's how long it has been since I worked out at a gym). From what I have observed, fitness fashion is all about bright colors, form-fitting silhouettes and shoes to match your outfit. I rarely see a t-shirt. Tank tops seem to dominate the scene. I also don't see very many shorts. Instead, I see leggings, tight capris and spandex shorts. For ladies that have yet to loose the giggle this is a VERY intimidating fashion trend.

I have heard about the cool styles of Lulu Lemon, but I don't have the cash for it. I have yet to step foot in the store. I tried a couple brands at Nordstrom Rack, but wasn't really sure what I should be looking for. Thank goodness for Albion Fit. I found out about them through my friend Summer and again at Alt Summit. They are a fitness and swimwear company that seeks provide luxurious, flattering and hassle-free fitness apparel to women.

Everything they create is modest and functional. When you put on a pair of their pants it sucks and smooths everything on your body. They are super thick so I don't have to worry about them being see-through.

albion-8web

I could wear these black, go-capris every time I workout. They live up to their name, and go with everything. Not to mention, they are SUPER comfortable.

albion-71web

When I'm feeling a bit wild and spunky I love these go-long leggings in papaya. I like to think I'm channeling an inner Michael Jackson when I wear them (hehe).

albion-28web

For cooler days, cloudy skies and moments when I want to curl up in comfort, this is my go-to hoodie. The color is so refreshing in a see of gray and black hoodies. Albion has other great color options too. Plus, the little details like these thumb holes remind you that you are getting quality design.

albion-55web

I've realized my fitness style is first about comfort and function. From there I prefer to throw in a bit of edge and colors that I feel are flattering. Neon tends to make me look a bit more tan, which is a plus. I love graphic muscle-t's like this Marilyn one from Target that are long enough and a bit loose for comfort.

albion-69web

At the end of the day it's about just getting your butt to the gym. For me, knowing that have a great gym outfit gives me a bit more confidence when I head out the door, especially if I know I have to run errands afterwards. Figure out what is best for you and do that. The gym has become a place for "alex time." I look forward to it every week. If fashion is motivator for you to workout more, go check out Albion Fit.

Get the looks: #1 Marilyn tank (in stores at Target), neon sports bra, black capri pants and shoes #2 Marilyn tank (in stores at Target), neon bra, red leggings and shoes #3 Blue hoodie, black capris and shoes

Photos by Amy Frances Photography *This post is sponsored by Albion Fit.*

Progress - 30 Thriving Challenge

I have less than 30 days until I turn 30, and I am happy to report I have already met one of my goals!!! In the past six weeks with the BIG help of Mountainside Fitness I have gone from a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 22 to a BMI of 20. I have stayed the same weight of 124 pounds all while burning fat and gaining muscle. I have never felt more healthy in my life. I no longer feel weak, and I feel more confident in a bathing suit. I always thought the loose skin around my tummy was permanent due to pregnancy. I was really surprised to see my stomach tighten up more than ever before. I have room improvement in that area, but my arms and legs are finally showing some muscle definition.

I am so excited to turn 30, and to finally have a healthy lifestyle. #30ThrivingChallenge

My Fitness Program

Today marks one month of working out with Mountainside Fitness. WOOHOO! I'm still alive! Actually, I feel more alive than ever before. I have more energy, I have a desire to be active and I am already seeing results (less jello jiggle all around). When I had my initial assessment (read about it here), I could only hold a plank for 30 seconds, my legs would shake after one set of lunges and I would get winded after five minutes of running. Now, I can hold a plank for a whole minute and quickly go into a side plank for another minute. My core is stronger than ever, and my endurance is much improved. I can run intervals for 30 minutes and keep going.

So, what is my current workout? Well, the trainers at Mountainside Fitness have me going to the gym 4-5 days a week to burn fat and build muscle. To do that, I do the following.

DAY #1

• Stretching
• 10-15 minutes of cardio to warm up
• 3 sets of planks (normal positions and both side positions)
• 3 sets of 15 pelvic thrusts from floor holding for 3 seconds at a time
• 3 sets of 15 lunges
• 3 sets of 10 squats with 20 lbs
• 3 sets of  10 step-ups bring my knee to my chest
• 3 set of 15 calf raises
• Stretching

DAY #2

• Stretching
• 45-1 hour of cardio (usually do 45)
• Stretching

DAY #3

• Stretching
• 10-15 minutes of cardio to warm up
• 3 sets of planks (all positions)
• 3 sets of 10 bicep curls using 10 lbs. while balancing on a ball
• 3 sets of 12 lateral lifts with 5lbs
• 3 sets of 12 arm presses with 10 lbs while lying on a ball
• 3 sets of 10 arm pull-backs with 8 lbs while balancing on a ball
• Stretching

DAY #4

• Stretching
• 45-1 hour of cardio
• Stretching

Day #5

• Free day to choose how I want to be active.

Image via Pinterest