Extreme Aqua Aerobics: Not your Grandmother's workout!!

Today I participated in my first Aqua Aerobic class. Referred by my weightlifting teacher due to progressive joint issues I have had since my mid 20’s; she stated it’s pretty aggressive and I would be surprised… hmm… I thought… we will see…

Well let me tell you I was shock this was not your Grandmother’s normal workout; who knew how hard it would be to run in the water!!!!  Yolanda’s class incorporated cardio runs, kickboxing, triceps, biceps, glutes, quads, abdominal, everything! But most importantly it provided more resistance with lower impact. I’m sure with consistent attendance (and eating right) I will see results. I loved the class and can’t wait to take it again!

To learn more about the new look of Aqua Aerobics check out some of the sites below. Try a class for yourself and let me know what you think.

Note: find a class that states it will incorporate the activities you desire (Kickboxing, Zumba, resistance training, step, etc.) otherwise you may find yourself in a more traditional class 8-/

Main Benefits of:

·         High resistance, with low impact (the key is to submerge the area you are working in the water – there were times I was submerged from the neck down!)

·         Experts say that water aerobics is a less straining way to lose weight when compared to most other exercises. An hour of water aerobics can burn 402 calories for someone weighing 160 pounds, 501 calories for 200 pounds, and 600 calories for a 240-pound person.

·         Improved cardiovascular conditioning is one of the main health benefits of water aerobics. It helps increase the level of HDL (good) cholesterol and improve blood circulation. Compared to other land sports like cycling or running, the heart rate remains steady while working out in water.

http://www.iloveindia.com/fitness/aerobics/water-aerobic-workout.html

Why it works:

Being submerged in water creates immediate resistance, because water is denser than air. You get 10 times more resistance than a normal workout outside of water!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5TS9K2wAGog&noredirect=1

Try it yourself:

Check out these series of instructional exercises:

http://www.sheknows.com/health-and-wellness/articles/814093/the-ultimate-water-workout-1

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=snX72brGx3M&feature=BFa&list=SP2B27821CC0FE823D

Body by Be Spoiled!... Turning your bath into a Relaxation Zone

Recently I saw one of my favorite people and #1 Sugar Addict, April G., at an event.  April was looking gorgeous, her skin was glowing, smooth, and decadent to touch; “thanks to Be Spoiled Sugar Scrubs and Body Butter” she said. April appeared stress free and was radiant!  I thought to myself shouldn’t we all look like this!  

 Sometimes holiday breaks can be more work than our normal work week. After attending multiple events, cooking, cleaning, running through the park, entertaining guest… the list goes on-and-on… I was exhausted. I told myself enough! I shut down all activity in the house and said I need to relax!!Once all bellies were fed, and the baby had gotten his bath; it was finally my time!

Daily I look at this Garden tub adorned with candles and flowers and quickly jump in the shower; not this night. I lit the candles, filled the tub with warm water, added bath oil and a salt blend by Be Spoiled (coming soon), used the Be Spoiled Be Passionate - Mango Coconut Sugar Scrub to slough off the activities of day (also excellent for tired sore muscles) and just relaxed. As my husband entered the bathroom to shower, I quickly whispered “keep the lights off I don’t want you to ruin my experience!” … “So I have to shower in the dark” he said… “no” I replied… “by Candle light!”

After enjoying my bath soak I used Be Spoiled Be Free - Shea Ginger Whipped Body Butter to lock in moisture and massage my muscles. Though I was 1,000% more relaxed and fully enjoyed my bath escape the best part of the night occurred as I entered the bed. My husband leaned in to pull me close, as he does every night, but his time he paused and asked “what did you use on your skin? It’s really soft and feels so good.”   I couldn’t do anything but smile “It’s body by Be Spoiled” I said. Enjoy!!

Here are a few simple steps to create a relaxation zone in your bathroom... and make your skin irresistible to touch!

Items needed:

1.       Candles

2.       Bath oil

3.       Bath soak (teas, bombs, or salts)

4.       Be Spoiled Body Scrub

5.       Be Spoiled Whipped Body Butter

6.       Glass of Wine (optional… but fun!)

Light candles around bathroom to create a nice warm glow. Fill tub with warm water and combine items 2-3 into bath. Cleanse skin with soap if needed, then apply body scrub to entire body in circular motion to moisturize and exfoliate the skin, rinse and continue soaking [as long as needed to fully relax]. After getting out of tub, blot skin with towel, and massage body butter into skin to lock in moisture.  Afterward you should now feel relaxed and refreshed, and your skin should feel like silk!

At Home Facial Scrub - tricks for glowing healthy skin!

Hello Sugar Addicts!

Recently I have been buried in facial scrubs! Yes I’m talking scrubs specifically for the face!  

My obsession with facial scrubs began in the early 2000’s when working as a makeup artist on the set of an independent film “The State of Grace.” One of the main characters was gorgeous and I was shocked to find out she had a daughter only a few years younger than me! Wow! I had to ask “what is your secret??? What are you using on your skin?” (I could tell it wasn’t plastic surgery the beauty and youth she possessed was very natural). She leaned in and whispered “I use a facial scrub everyday”… Whhhhaaaat!?!? Everyday??? All my training had stated that scrubs may be too harsh to use every day.  Well being the naturally inquisitive person that I am I had to investigate…

Did you know that when you were younger your skin automatically shed dead layers of skin; well as you age you lose the ability to do this, and thus causing - you guessed it- wrinkles.  Using a mild exfoliant daily (key word mild) will help assist the skin in continuing this process; hence the reason Mrs. Grace looked so beautiful and had aged so gracefully. I would recommend using every other day, as needed.

 

Per the overwhelming request we’ve had to extend our product line to the face I am currently prototyping different formulations (all natural and cruelty free of course).  Since using my Beta blend (Be Passionate mango coconut anti-aging) I have gotten so many compliments on my skin, the texture, the glow, the feel… I’m loving it! I now dust on a bronzer and go. Look for our new facial line coming soon! Until then, try these quick home remedies to get you on the track to beautiful glowing skin!

OPTION 1:

Quick fix add baking soda to a cream cleanser that you are already using  and wha-la! you have added an exfoliant to your cleanser. Baking soda is a natural cleanser that aids in cleansing the skin and gently removes dead skin cells.   You can also use only the baking soda and mix with water to make a nice cleansing paste
OPTION 2:
Take a moment and try this 3-in-1 Oatmeal Scrub! It Smoothes, tones, and hydrates! You will love it and your skin will thank you!
1 Tbsp. ground oatmeal (use steel cut oats, not instant)

1 tsp. lemon juice

2 tsp. yogurt

Combine all ingredients and apply to the face in a circular motion… Enjoy!