Not all dimples are cute

The countdown to spring break has begun! And as I've mentioned before, the gym is absolutely packed with girls getting their last minute workouts in. I've got less than 3 days until I get to enjoy an entire week of nothingness. (relaxation at it's finest :) ) And just because I'm not headed to the beach to soak up some rays (I'm quite jealous of those who are,)  I am still working hard to get myself in shape. Summer is just around the corner you know!

I almost had to force myself to go to my kickboxing and Zumba classes yesterday, but I'm sooooo glad I went. I had excellent workouts and felt really refreshed when I was done.  Sometimes an intense cardio workout is just what you need to get your blood flowing and heart beating and smiling. There is something about a great workout that puts me in a fantastic mood.

Image from FitSugar

I mentioned in one of my other posts that one of the most frequent complaints about women concerns their so called "love handles." One of the other problem areas I hear about most often concerns the dreaded cellulite on their booty and thighs. noooo!!!!  The strange thing is, from a medical view, cellulite doesn't actually exist. It is nothing more than uneven fat distribution under the skin. And it is something 80-95% of women have. (ladies, your not alone!) Their appearance can be caused from untoned muscles, hormones or a different genetic factors (it's honestly not your fault).

The bad news about these little dimples is there is no way to get rid of them completely. BUT there is good news. There are ways to help reduce their appearance. By adding 20-60 minutes of cardio, three to five times a week, to your fitness routine you can help reduce your body's overall fat content. The less fat you have, the less cellulite there can be. Cardio alone will not fix your problem though, toned muscles mean less visible dimples. That's what we want :) Here are a couple strength training ideas you can use to target the most common trouble zones:

Image from FitFineLines

• Lunges in all directions 
• Try squats to help your backside 
• Focus on your inner thighs with these tips and moves
• Bridges and Donkey Kicks are great for the booty
• Different pilates moves help to elongate and strengthen muscles
• Keep your routine updated with different exercises
• Plank variations target multiple areas at once
• Yoga can target all trouble areas

Keep in mind ladies, you aren't going to be able to remove these pesky little bumps completely and almost every chick out there has them too. Don't be afraid to rock your fantastic new bikini. As long as your confident wearing it, nobody will notice your not so favorite areas. And try not to think of your "trouble areas" as problems, they make you unique and you should flaunt it!

21st century cure or money making scheme?

Aromatherapy, using scented oils to alter a person's mind, mood, health or cognitive function, is a concept that began in Europe in the early 1900's.  Its since become an alternative form of medicine and is now wildly popular in the holistic medicine community.

21 Drops is a new company that has taken a so-called modern approach to the old school form of healing. The company offers 21 scented oils to ease a wide range of modern world symptoms such as PMS, overindulgence (fancy term for the unbearable hangover), distraction, cravings, and friskiness.  

Image from Wmagazine

To cure your situation at hand, you can use the oils one of two ways: you can open up the vial and take a deep breath or apply the oil directly to the skin. When inhaled, the aromatic molecules from the oil are then said to travel through your nasal cavity to the limbic system in your brain. When applied to the skin, the oils are said to dissolve into your bloodstream and then taken to your limbic system. The limbic system is the part of your brain which influences your endocrine and autonomic nervous systems.  The aromatic molecules from the oils are supposed to ease whatever symptoms your facing.

Photo from RealSimple

The 7.5 ml vial of oil does have a slightly hefty price tag of $28. But, compared to the price of some prescription alternatives, this could be a much less expensive attempt at relief.

If none of the 21 pre-blended oils seem to match your personal illness or issue, you always have the opportunity to create your own blend for the small (liar!) price of $415. Anyone have that type of pocket change to spend on oils? I sure as heck don't!


21 Drop's line of help for the modern gal certainly is intriguing, but I'm just not sure if I'm completely sold on their effects yet.


Tell me what you think: are essential oils a great alternative treatment of troublesome health issues or are they a waste of your hard earned cash? And if they are beneficial, are you willing to dish out that kind of dough for treatment?

Can you handle it?

Do you ever feel like there just aren't enough hours in your day? I'm guessing we've all felt that way at one time or another. That's how things for me have been lately. I know I've mentioned it before whew, its been a madhouse. 

Image from FitSugar

For those of you who share my busy day routine, checking out SELF magazine's Healthy Lunch Tips article may be helpful! This article give some guidelines for the best midday meals to help you prepare for afternoon adventures. Most women don't eat proper, filling meals and they wind up hungry a couple hours later. (No good!) Eating a substantial and nutritious meal can help fight off that pesky hungry stomach. You can check out there tips here.

With swim suit season (and spring break!!!!! :D ) sneaking up on us fast, I've noticed the gyms packed with girls getting their bikini bodies ready. Though I'm a huge gym enthusiast (group fitness especially), at home workouts can be a huge time saver. Especially those that target specific trouble areas. Widely hated 'Love Handles' seem to top the list of hardest to fix spots. While cardio is the best way to rid your body of extra midsection cushioning, toning specific muscles can always help. FitSugar's how to video gives us a couple variations of side plank to help reduce that unwanted padding. (double yay!!)



Check this video out to see if you can handle the moves that get rid of those pesky handles!

Workout rut? Fashion Fix :)

Image from FitSugar

Have you all ever hit a point in your workout/health goals where you are either bored with your routine or not seeing any results? I bet you have because I have! Sometimes you just feel like there is only so much you can do to make things different or to push yourself. FitSugar posted an article today (no surprise there haha) called "10 Fitness Tips to Help You Work Smarter and Get Results." It's got some really good ideas and ways to keep yourself going while changing up your routine enough to see results.

Sometimes we think we have to push ourselves harder and harder to see changes, but surprisingly you may need to slow down to see some results. Read through the tips to see how you may be overworking yourself or learn how to mix up your daily routines to get the results your looking for. You can check out the tips here!

You all know how much I love finding other fitness sites or blogs online. Somehow I stumbled across this site and it's pretty much amazing. MizzFit is blog about fitness (duh!) and fashion! What an amazing mix :) MizzFit follows all the latest trends in the workout world: classes, routines, products, gyms, events, services, wellness tips and of course, the latest in couture exercise style. The site is based out of New York, but works to promote fitness worldwide. 

Image from MizzFit

Ladies, if you love to workout with style, this site for you! Just read MizzFit's Manifesto:

Women who work out, fell sexy and radiate confidence.

Who embrace their inner jock and fashionista as one.

Who are proud to sweat and accessorize (a lot).

Who are determined, consistent and open-minded.

Who crave new challenges and know how to have fun.

Who love their bodies in and out of their workout clothes.

Who push hard, cheer loud and never give up on a dream.

Who inspire us to feel great and cherish who we are.

Here's to you for inspiring mizzFIT.com!

If this manifesto is calling to your inner workout wonder woman, check this site out here.  I know sometimes I load you all up with sites, but when I find something I love, I just have to share it with you! Even if I may not need, use or enjoy everything I find on a site, when something good comes along, it makes it worth checking the sites daily :)