Black Friday sales and NEW WORKOUT VIDEO

Here is a video that will make you feel AWESOME! Take 15 minutes out of your day today and do it! http://youtu.be/pB_MbDMeNXg

Happy Black Friday. Avoid the crowds and order online. BodyRock Sport is having an incredible deal; 40% off until 11/25! They have amazing stuff so shop away, and check out the "Lauren Bra" named after me!!  ** Enter GOBBLE at checkout for 40% off.

My other favorites from BodyRock:

Morning after top

Jayde Moto Jacket

The Ruby Bra

The Jan Bra

The Sophie Bra

ANOTHER amazing brand, Hotdrop, is giving 35% off if you use the code MAKEWAY. They are getting a lot of new apparel and gear this week, hence the word "makeway". Be sure to check them out and become a fan of their Facebook page! Below is a video I did with Sarah Dussault, where I am wearing the "Lauren Bra" from Hotdrop.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7HjUgRhjSf8&feature=plcp

Have a great weekend! See you with some new videos and material next week! Cheers!

Reebok Headquarters Cardio Dance Fusion Class

Yesterday I made my way to the Reebok Headquarters to lead the HR team through a cardio dance fusion class for their annual meeting. The class was held in the Crossfit gym where we had a great sound system and ample room to move around. I was so pleased with the group! They were awesome and totally rocked it. They laughed and sweat the whole time and were the perfect display of what I wish for in a dance class. Laid back fun people who love to sweat!

Whenever I go to the Reebok headquarters I always make sure I have time to shop! I bought some cool studded sneakers called "Princess" from the Alicia Keys line.

What do you think?? Today I am off to NYC with my mom for a dress fitting!!

Oh and check out these ones too! I saw my Equinox boss wearing them a few days ago. They are so fun... Alicia Keys as well.

Sometimes it's more fun working out with a buddy

It's a rare opportunity when my fiance lets me "Work him out". I usually hear him say "no, I have soccer tomorrow"  or "no, I went to the gym yesterday" or just plain old "not a chance". So on the VERY FEW AND RARE occasions that he says "YES" I get so excited I could pee myself!

Yesterday was one of those "YES" days. So I set up two mats, took out some light weights for arms and back. and grabbed a kickball for abs. Most of the exercises I put him through I modified for myself. We did a lot of plank and push up variations. I made sure to throw in some back work to even us out. The workout was under 25 minutes and we were both sweaty! It was so much fun.. for me at least!

I find that working out with someone can be motivating and just more fun. I once worked out with a friend who is also a trainer. We set out two mats and I put her through an exercise and she put me through one. We did this for about 30 minutes back and fourth. We both learned some new moves and the workout flew by! Try it and let me know how it goes. Instead of a dinner date, it can be a workout date! YEAH?! OR workout while dinner is cooking! HOLLA.

Here is an old workout video we did together.  I plan to do another video demonstrating what we did yesterday, because it was amazing. I am sore from it today!

http://youtu.be/3eitN-QpxPE

Steps to a beautiful back

Video 1: pulling your shoulders back

1. Good Posture! What is good posture?  I used to think it was just when you would sit up straight (that is part of it) but the REAL posture comes from pulling your shoulder blades together and pulling your shoulders away from your ears and back. When you pull your shoulders back, make sure not to stick out your rib cage or your belly. Good posture also comes from pulling your stomach in, engaging your deep abdominal muscles and supporting your low back.  Now I want you to FREEZE and check the placement of your head. It is most likely hanging too far font and putting a lot of strain on your neck and shoulders. Try to stack and lengthen your spine and not let your head fall too far front. Now pull your shoulders down and back and check out video #1.

Video 2: back work on your stomach (soon to be mama's ...I would not do this)

2. This is a GREAT back exercise and routine. It's all about pulling the shoulders back, baby. Do not let them fall front. Think of sliding your shoulder blades down and away from your ears, and then pulling them together.

Video 3: seated rows (make sure you are sitting up tall)

3. Seated rows: AMAZING. You can do this at home, no big machines needed! All you need is a resistance band. Many people focus too much on pulling their elbows back, when the focus should be on your shoulders and shoulder blades.

Video 4: Standing posture workout

4. Standing arm workout! Focus on triceps and back. This workout is a MUST! And you can do it anywhere... even when waiting in line at the grocery store...maybe??!

I am also guilty of bad posture, slouchy shoulders, and just too tired to care.

BUT 90% of the time I am aware, I make that effort, and it has paid off. You can do it too. Set yourself a reminder on your computer or your phone. " Pull your shoulders back" or "posture".  This change will make you taller, appear learner, and will for sure give off that confident and successful vibe.

What is YOUR favorite back exercise? I would love to hear!

OPEN hip flexors = TIGHT butt

Not seeing the results you want from all that butt work you have been doing? Your tight hip flexors might be getting in your way. The Hip flexor stretch is my favorite. Tight hips affect many of us, either from a long day of sitting at work, a long commute, or just overuse.  We tend to use our hips and activate them even when they are not needed.  Your butt and hip flexors are opposing muscles. Having an open hip flexor muscle not only feels great, but it can also help your butt muscles get tighter and help wake them up a little.  And who doesn't want a butt that's awake?!

Try this stretch and then pair it with the butt workout below! http://youtu.be/0kuEFwEV_zU

After your hips are nice and open make sure you do some butt work. Open your hips then tighten your butt!

http://youtu.be/_lZCJbs59ic