HEALTH & BEAUTY LIFESTYLE STYLE

ACTIVE IN STYLE

IMG_4075

 

The mom that lives in active wear

Although I enjoy getting dressed up, I am in athletic wear most of my days during the week.

1. I like to set myself up for success. (In case I happen to drive past the gym)

2.To always be ready. (No excuses can be used)

3. It’s super comfy and I can throw it on in less than 5 mins. (Getting dressed can take forever)

4. I can move around faster. (It makes running errands a lot easier)

5. A reason for me to have a cute collection of sportswear. ?

(hubby hates this reason but he’s all for it if it makes me better)

What are some of your favorite athletic wear? Please tag your favorite athletic wear so I can check them out.

IMG_4001

 

Too Faced Cosmetics have yet to disappoint. I’ve been loving their products. Especially these 3. Foundation stays on my oily skin all day, beautiful color, I never have to touch up. Best waterproof mascara ever, (extends, curls, no clumps). Been using it since last summer for water sports, and it stays on without smudging. (also great for the gym if you don’t want to sweat your lashes off?) For no mascara residue, this is the best mascara remover ever. Infused with antioxidants and rich green tea extract, this precision wand instantly melts away waterproof mascara! (Waterproof mascara can be a pain to remove) If you’re like me and don’t like touching up your makeup, then you’ll love these! As much as I love green tea, this sold me! @sephora

IMG_3977

 

Let’s talk about stretching for a minute. Is it true that stretching is the best thing to do before and after you work out?

After discussing this with Kristine Nguyen, a research specialist at UNC, who has a BA in Biology, I wanted to share some useful information with you.

The answer really depends on what exercise you’re doing. For Yoga, Pilates, or any exercise that involves stretching, then yes. For running… it really depends. Studies have shown that static stretching relaxes the muscle. So there’s a chance that your performance will be lessened due to muscles being in relax mode. For example, sprinters may not be able to use full force to take off or jump as high. And weight trainers may not be able to lift as heavy.

I’ve even tested this out for myself. Prior to lifting, I always start with very low weights to build my strength and to prepare my muscles. In this case, stretching after a work out is fine. Plus, you wouldn’t want to accidentally over-stress your muscle to where you can pull one. (which is not a good feeling by the way)

So when you hear,  “stretch before you work out”, please be sure to make the best decision for your body. No one knows your body better than you. Also, I almost never static stretch after my work out,  but I do try to stretch sporadically at home.

 

IMG_3995

 

Believe it or not, I found this active wear top, hoodie,  and bottoms online at Forever 21! Yep, sure did! You can count on them to have cute and trendy finds, but the only problem is… you may want to hang dry them after you throw them in the washing machine. (just being honest, lol.) You get what you pay for. So far so good though, I’ve washed them twice already.

 

IMG_3972

 

I have been bulking since November. (Them  gains don’t come easy.)  And believe me when I tell you, “your girl was gettin’ pudgy”! (you can even ask the hubs.) So when January hit, I freaked out and decided to go ahead and start cutting. My muscles probably won’t get any bigger, but once I lose my body fat from this year’s bulk season, my summer  body will look even stronger than it did last year! (Yay!)  Meaning it will look more defined and toned. My least favorite exercise is running. Tried it a few times to speed up the process of calorie burning, but it’s not really my thing. You should always do what makes you happy, or you’ll end up giving up. I have decided if I want cardio, I’ll just stick with my super- sets in  the gym.

The photo above was taken a month after I started cutting. So not as much “pudge”, lol. Guys, it is so important to minimize your calorie intake (if you’re trying to lose body fat). This year I’m only able to make it to the gym one or two times a week. My children’s schedule have completely taken over my life. And as moms, we’ve gotta put our babies before ourselves. So I do what I can. It is AMAZING how different my body changed just in a month of lowering my calories.

 

You Might Also Like

8 Comments

  • Reply
    Ivey
    February 24, 2017 at 4:57 pm

    Stretching has been on my mind as well. I’ve been feeling a little stiff lately. I usually do treadmill with an incline and elliptical cardio when at the gym. Do you think I should stretch in between the two activities? I am on my feet all day for work, but my flexibility is bothering me a little.

    • Reply
      admin
      March 1, 2017 at 1:48 pm

      I believe you should stretch sporadically when you’re around the house. But I’m no expert of your body. I tried it both ways for myself and noticed s difference. Everyone’s body is so different. Listen to your body. Never over-do anything. After work, definitely stretch since you’ve bed. In your feet all day.

  • Reply
    Amber B
    February 28, 2017 at 4:11 pm

    I’ve been sticking to 1600-1700 calories a day, and working out with friends M-Th. This really works for me! Great advice on the stretching:)

    • Reply
      admin
      March 1, 2017 at 1:45 pm

      Yay! I’m so glad you’re keeping it up Amber, and have made it a part of your lifestyle. Can’t wait to chat with you again to hear your results! It’s tough being a mom, especially a new mom. I’m proud of you for making time for yourself!

  • Reply
    Amber
    March 1, 2017 at 2:57 am

    This was very interesting to me! I cheered competitively for 5 years, coached gymnastics for 7, and am a frequent runner. I don’t think it’s a good idea to over stretch before runnning but I do a light stretch just to warm my body up.

    • Reply
      admin
      March 1, 2017 at 1:43 pm

      Amber! Hi! I’m happy to hear your feedback! And after researching this information, it sparked my interest too. This is exactly why we should always listen to our bodies. Because no one else can tell you what’s best for you.

  • Reply
    Brooke
    March 1, 2017 at 3:10 am

    I definitely agree that it is important to watch your caloric intake but also eating the right food. In regards to stretching, I normally stretch after working out. It’s great to know that one should stretch before or after depending on the type of workout.

    • Reply
      admin
      March 1, 2017 at 1:41 pm

      Hi Brooke! Thank you so much for reading my article! I am so glad this information was helpful to you. It cleared things up for me too! I can’t wait to hear how your eating lifestyle is coming along.

Leave a Reply

Join our list to access exclusive events, travel invitations, & complimentary experiences you and your family will love, from your favorite luxury brands.

modernstylemom logo