How To: Exercise Without Really Trying

We know what people normally say...take the stairs instead of the elevator! walk instead of drive! blah. Here are some other, different ways to get exercise while you're living your day to day life.

1. Exercise ball at desk. We've said it before, we love this. It's fun, and it definitely challenges your core. We've been doing this for about 3 years at my house, and it's awesome.

2. Writing the alphabet with your feet while sitting. Seriously, I am the most fidgety person ever. So, in class or at work, cross your legs and write out the alphabet (or various other words) It's supposedly good for your thighs!

3. Walk around while on the phone. Do you find yourself laying or sitting while you talk on the phone? Walk around or pace instead!

4. Stretch. Seriously, this may not be calorie burning, but simple stretching in the morning and at night will help with flexibility over time.

xoxo,
A+C

Addiction: The Dailey Method

My latest addiction is the Dailey Method. It's been something totally life changing on the work out end of my life.

It basically consists of various exercises using hand weights, a ballet bar (similar to barre method), a strap on the bar, and a small playground ball.

Why I Love It:

It's an amazing distraction. I know that I have to focus on what I am doing and I cannot focus on making lists like I normally do when I workout. The environment is extremely friendly and encouraging. I can tell that there is no pressure or judgement. The instructors have been sweet, motivating and helpful. The scheduling is super easy, both online and on an iPhone app!

Note: this is not a sponsored post, I just adore the class and think everyone else would love it too! 

all images via the website here

Have you tried The Dailey Method before? Let us know!

xoxo,

A+C

MYMM: Gyms

Whether you have been a workout junkie for years, or working out was your New Years Resolution, many of us encounter the gym frequently. Gym etiquette is necessary (and sanitary frankly.) So here are our tips.

1. Wipe off everything you use. It doesn't matter if you were sweating or not. No one wants to sit on a sticky bike or grab weights that are still warm.

2. Limit your time on cardio equipment at peak hours. The rush hour(s) at the gym are typically 4-7 (at least at my gym.) During those hours, they have a 30 minute maximum on cardio equipment. It's good to give others a chance and keep things moving.

3. Dress appropriately. Make sure your covering places that should be covered, that your pants aren't too low etc. No one wants to see that, especially considering the variety of people at gyms.

4. Keep a distance if you're waiting for something. Others don't want to be watched or feel pressure.

5. Thank those who work at the gym, and those who used the treadmill etc before you. 

xoxo,

A+C

Tools For Swimming

So, here are a few helpful things, not all required but many are very helpful, others are great if you become more advanced or fall in love with it.

• Goggles.  Many of you don't swim with goggles, but they are almost crucial for lap swimming. The chlorine will irritate your eyes, and it makes it easier to see.
• Towel. Standard, you probably have one already!
• Fins. These are actually so much fun to use, but they aren't needed. Use them to kick freestyle or butterfly. Many places allow you to borrow them.
• Swim Caps. Many girls will want one because they protect your hair from the chlorine and keep your hair out of your face. You can get these for under $10.
• Pull Buoy. These are hard to use, they are for as you advance. You put one between your legs to pull with your arms. You can probably borrow these as well.
• A swim suit. As darling as your Trina Bikini is, that will be hard to swim in. They come in one piece and two piece styles, I prefer one piece. You can probably buy them on sale at sports authority or Dicks. Make sure to try them on for fit!
• Kick Board. These are so great! You can probably borrow one of these as well, but they are great to strengthen your legs.

Let us know if you're a swimmer!!

Love,

A+C

Day One: Get More Exercise

Getting enough exercise is a really common goal for the new year. Here are some of our favorite fun ways to stay active!

• Simply do jumping jacks, push ups, or crunches during commercial breaks while watching TV. This is one of the easiest things anyone can do! This can get your heart rate going and won't take up much time. This is also great to do while you take a study break! If you add this into your daily routine, you can work out without even thinking twice about it and these extra steps will definitely give you results!

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• Work out with a trainer. Although this may not be an option for everyone, if you can, working out with a trainer is one of the best ways to guarantee success. I (C) have been working out with a trainer for a few months and have noticed a huge difference. It forces you to exercise while catering to your specific goals and needs. If you don't see your trainer every day, try to do your "homework" by keeping up with your exercises on your off days. Another added bonus to having a trainer: many of them can be rather attractive :) Wouldn't having Jillian Michaels to train us all be a dream come true?

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• Replace your desk chair with an exercise ball. Not only is this fun, but it also will strengthen your core while you're just studying or working on your computer! You can find them for as little as $15 at your local target.

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• Not sure what exercises to start with? Use online work out videos! They're the updated version to work out DVDs and are available for free on many websites. A fabulous source that I've enjoyed is VideoJug. You can easily search for exercises that cater to your specific areas of concern as well as random and fun workouts! The best part is that they are all filmed with professionals, so you can be sure it's done the right way. Hidden bonus: many of these clips have British accents! Talk about amazeballs! 

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• Get your friends involved! You will likely be more successful if you have someone else trying to achieve the same goals as yourself. Friends can add motivation to work out, especially if you exercise together! This can be as simple as taking a walk or a jog, or going to the gym together. 

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• Bored of your typical workout? Try a new and exciting form of exercise! Check your local YMCA or fitness studio for classes that may interest you. I (A) have recently become hooked on barre workouts after being introduced to them by a friend. Barre is the perfect infusion of ballet, Pilates, and yoga techniques while aiming to give you a long and lean dancer-like physique. Um, are you convinced to try it yet? Don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and try something new! 

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Let us know if one of your goals is to get more exercise! What are you going to do to exercise more?

Stay watching for the rest of our series this week!

Love,

A+C