Merry New Year To All + A New Collab On Fitness And Food

Merry New Year To All + A New Collab On Fitness And Food

As 2016 comes to a close I am reflecting on my past year with Street Style Squad. As I am getting close to my 1 year anniversary I am also looking forward to all the many new adventures and goals I have set for myself for 2017. I would like to focus on some new areas on my blog as well as learn new things. I hope you all had a wonderful holiday with loved ones and enjoy my latest post Merry New Year To All + A New Collab On Fitness And Food. I am happy to announce a new collaboration with dear friend and fellow Lifestyle Blogger, Alicia Wood, of  The Lush List. You might also remember some of my recent wellness posts STAYING HEALTHY DURING THESE WINTER MONTHS, WORKOUT WEAR/ATHLEISURE + WELLNESS TIPS, and CRUCIAL FOUR MBREAKFAST SHAKE.

The Lush List is a Fashion and Lifestyle Blog focused on Personal Style, Food & Entertaining, Clean Beauty, Travel and Interior Design. Together we will share Alicia teaching me how to cook and entertain properly and I in return will teach her my love of exercise and working out. Because you honestly cannot have one without the other.

We will be highlighting our first healthy recipe in part 2 of this collaboration. Kicking off our first fitness program I wanted to teach Alicia some easy workouts that she can easily do from home (since she hates going to the gym) with bands that are simple and easy to use and travel with as well. I focused on hitting the main body parts that we all need to work on…upper body, legs/butt and finished off with abs.

First, we focused on the upper body by doing a simple bicep curl exercise. I actually prefer using bands for this part of the body than weights. The red band represents a tough resistance (mine was thicker which also makes it harder as well). The farther your legs are apart the more difficult the movement will be. Start out with 10-12 repitions 3 times through then move on to the next exercise.

Second, we hit the shoulders with a standing shoulder press. Place both feet on the band and hold handles with an overhand grip. Raise them to shoulder height. Always remember to stand tall, keep your core tight and powerfully press the handles overhead. SLOWLY, lower the handles back down to shoulder height and repeat. I really like working out my shoulders because if your shoulders are tone it then gives off the illusion of slimmer hips (and who doesn’t want that, am I right?). Try to really straighten your arms as you go up and I promise you will definitely feel the burn, and then you’ll know that it’s definitely working. Start out with 10-12 repitions 3 times through then move on to the next exercise.

Third, we hit one of the hardest spot on the body for women to tone, the tricep kickback. Posture is critical here you must have a straight line from the top of you head down to your butt. The further that you can pull the band up in the air the harder you will be working. SLOWLY, lower the arms back down and repeat the motion. I just love doing this exercise with bands as well instead of weights. Start out with 10-12 repitions 3 times through then move on to the next exercise.

Fourth, we did lateral band walks. Hitting the lower body using another type of resistant band mainly targeting the outer thighs and butt. Take a big step with your leading leg (keep your big toe turned inward and ankle outward) and a half step with your trailing leg so there is some resistance on the band at all times (this is crucial). You want to bend down slightly but do not let your knees come in front of your feet, as this is too much stress on your knees. Step to the right 3 times then back to the left 3 times…but remember do not let your legs ever come back together (always keep a good distance with constant strain on the band). Go back and forth from the right to the left 10 times then repeat two more times. This is one of my favorite ways to target the outer thigh.

Fifth, we did standing abductions. Stand on one leg with your ankle pointing up and out (this is key). Move your foot in three easy motions up slightly, then to the side and lastly towards the back. Key is to try to stand as upright as possible with a tight core always but if you feel wobbly then hold onto something. Repeat this 12 times on each leg and build up to more.

Sixth, we hit the obliques with a bicycle ab exercise using our bands. Lie on your back with fingertips behind ears, legs in the air, and knees pulled toward chest. Target your sides and entire ab area by contracting as you lift your shoulder blades off the ground and then elbow to the opposite knee. The blue band is difficult to use so I would start out maybe using the green or yellow one. Lay with arms back behind the head and reach opposite elbow towards opposite knee. Do this 20 times and build up to twice that.

Lastly, we did V-ups (yes it is a difficult move but you can do it!) this exercise works lower and upper abs at the same time. Lie with hands over head on the floor and simultaneously raise your legs and torso towards your feet. If you cannot reach them all the way up straight (like I did) then no worries at all and just keep them slightly bent and hold on for extra support if needed (like 2nd illustration). Return to starting position and repeat. Just try to keep your knees straight throughout the movement but if this is too difficult you can just work up to this. Start out just doing 10 (it is hard I know) and then shoot for 20+.

I hope that you all enjoyed this new Fitness Collaboration with The Lush List and I am looking forward to sharing our healthy food collaboration with you as well. Please let me know if you have any questions at all. And remember everyone has to start somewhere. You can do it! You just must learn to love your body (with its flaws and all) and always love yourself no matter what. And I promise with the right combination of healthy foods and exercise you will begin to see the results that you are looking for in 2017. Here’s to a very happy and healthy year for all of us!

xx,

tiffany

Photos By SoThenTheySay