August 21, 2015

FRIDAY LINKS


Whew! This week flew by pretty quickly. I've been feeling very run down lately and I feel like I haven't had a chance to let my body rest. There is such a strange paradox between living life to the fullest but also taking care of yourself. I feel like I have turned in to a "yes woman", as in "yes to brunch!" "yes to a potluck!" "yes to a concert!" "yes to a spin class!". It makes me happy to have a full schedule, so it's hard for me to plan on down time. Does anyone else experience this as well? I'm still trying to find a good balance so I'm not always running on empty.

Anywho, just random thoughts for a Friday! I hope you have a wonderful weekend x.


Image via The Sweetest Occasion

August 20, 2015

A QUICK HAIR TIP


I have a wonderful friend who is my beauty guru. She is always on top of the trends, whether it be skincare, hair care, or makeup. Recently when she was visiting, she started spraying dry shampoo in her hair before bed. I was pretty perplexed by this, so I asked why. She said "Oh, it works better this way. Then when you move around in your sleep it distributes better in to your hair."

This made so much sense. When you apply dry shampoo before bed, it absorbs the oil on your scalp but when you wake up there is no residue (which leaves your hair looking dull). So next time you are having a dirty hair day, try this tip out and let me know how it works.


If you need any recommendations for dry shampoo, I love Klorane and Dry Bar




August 14, 2015

FRIDAY LINKS


It's hard to believe that we half way through August. Usually I welcome Fall with open arms, but I am digging my heels in as hard as I can to hold on to the last bit of summer. Luckily, in San Francisco, we get a warm Indian Summer to look forward to for at least another month. I've been making an effort to eat dinner in the park, spend time outside while it still stays light out pretty late, but I can still tell the days are getting shorter. Le sigh. 

Ask me in a few weeks though, and I will probably be elated over the idea of fall lattes, cozy sweaters, and cozy nights in. 





August 12, 2015

6 TIPS FOR TAKING GROUP FITNESS CLASSES

We're talking fitness today, but instead of activewear I wanted to focus on my favorite kind of workout -- group classes. One of the best things about living in a big city is that there is a huge array of small studios that offer classes from circus acrobatics to trx to Beyonce dance classes. I've tried quite a few studios in SF, so I am used to being a newbie in classes. I have definitely pushed out of my comfort zone and from that found some of my favorite workouts. I really enjoy the energy of a group class, the encouragement from the instructor, and the being held accountable. It's a lot easier to cut a workout short (or not do one at all!) when you are working out on your own.

So, if you are scared to take a new class (like that Beyonce dance class...) don't be! Below are a few tips for you to make the most of your class.
Image Via
1. Wear the right gear - Before trying a new type of group class, I look into what clothing is most appropriate. For example, in spin class it's really best to wear leggings to avoid chafing and shorts riding up. For a pilates class or yoga class, form fitting clothing is necessary so the instructor can see your form.

2. Get there early! - You likely need some time get set up and get familiar with the class layout, so be sure to give yourself around 10 minutes before the class start time. Plus, you don't want to be the person running into the class after it has started -- it's rude.

3. Tell the instructor you are new - This bit is especially important if you are using any equipment. I was too scared in my first spin class to ask how to clip in and adjust my bike, so I rode the entire time with my shoes not properly clipped in (not really sure how I managed that) and with my seat too far down. The instructor will likely pay more attention to your form and how you are doing during class if they know you are a beginner.

4. Keep up with counting - If you can catch on to the counts and sequences in a class, you will feel far less lost. Pay attention to the instructors count and when the choreography repeats. It will help your confidence and performance when you know what is coming.

5. Don't be scared to modify movements or take a rest - It's your first class, so don't put pressure on yourself to perform advanced moves or push yourself too hard.  In my opinion, it's better to do 10 reps of the modified exercise than 1 rep of an advanced moved.

6. Try out a few instructors - Classes can be vastly different just depending on who is teaching. Whether you like the first instructor or not, be sure to try out a few others for comparison.