iLIFT

Hey there!

Today I wanted to write about my new addition to my workouts.
Typically I stick to running, add some soccer here and there and that's about it. Simple and fun.

Well my amazing boyfriend insisted we get a gym membership for me so we could go there together,
and I could run inside- especially now that started snowing like CRAZY and it's icy and freezing and
impossible to go running outside. So we did! Yaay for gyms, and working out, and staying fit even when the weather doesn't favor us. Take that snow! ;)

So the past two weeks I've been alternating cardio (my one and only form of exercise for a while), with weight lifting! I've been meaning to try weight lifting for forever now, but since I didn't have a gym pass it just ended up being on my work out bucket list.

Yeah, I know. I have a work out bucket list… Is that weird?
Now I'm wondering if other people have work out bucket lists… Or I'm just weird. Ahh. I'd appreciate an
input here from you that read this anddd love working out (you know who you are! So do it! ;)

Since my boyfriend loves lifting and it's been into that for years now, he decided he was going to teach me how to lift properly. That way I don't hurt myself and get the most out of my work outs. You guys have no
idea how great it is to have someone like him teach me all this stuff! And who would know this stuff
better than my health coach cutie whom I love so much? No one. :)

I have pre-planned workouts for each day of the week that include cardio and lifting.
Planning your workouts before going to the gym is the best thing you could do. That way when you hit the gym you aren't wasting time thinking of what you should work out, which exercises should you do, or even waste time and get distracted by the ones that are in great shape and are doing their own pre- planned work outs. Here's some advice for you guys:

a) If you are over weight, and need to loose some fat you should start with some cardio (going on a walk, run, bike ride, or any activity that will increase your heart rate), and gradually cut off the junk food, and switch to healthy options.Stay tuned because I will be posting more health advice in the next few blog posts. Today in our society being overweight is seen more of a "looks" problem than a health problem. Which gives out the WRONG message to the population.  I'd like to mention and try and increase the awareness that being over weight can harm your health not your looks! If you are overweight the chances are that you have  fat surrounding your internal organs, and not letting them work properly. This increases the chances for diabetes and heart diseases. Main point is that you should take your health seriously: exercise regularly, and form healthy eating habits so you prevent health problems and live long. And if you've already started making these changes good job! Keep it up! I know it's hard, but it gets easier if you stick with the healthy habits.

b) If you are normal weight I suggest you add in some weight lifting to your work out routine. To girls: That will NOT make you bulky looking, unless you use hormones. If you see that you're a certain muscle group i.e. legs are getting bigger than your ideal look (which doesn't happen often) then you decrease the weight you are using on exercises for legs and that will help.
But lifting will tone your body, and give you amazing results!! I'm telling you I see a difference in my arms and overall body from lifting: everything is toning up and I LOVE it!

c) If you're in great shape, well keep it up! Watch your nutrition. I'd love some feedback from you guys on what's working for you, so I try i out and compare to my work out routine.


Anyway, soooo you guys. This lifting thing is amazing! I'm loving it each day more- I have exercises I hate with all my heart. Don’t get me wrong. I mean…Who likes exercises they're struggling with and making them feel weak, even though they're actually making you STRONGER? Well, I certainly don't.

But this whole experience it's great. My arms now are stronger and are toning up, where's before they were just skinny arms. My legs are looking pretty good too, but my abs are looking pretty freaking amazing! :D
However this is the only negative thing I've experienced from lifting:

Not very feminine looking with those bad boys on them, huh? But no one looks at my palms soooo we're good ;) I'd rather have nice, toned arms than just skinny, boring arms.

Why you should weight lift:

1. You get stronger. If you're a girl- you WON'T get bulky UNLESS you take hormones.
2. Your body burns fat for 48 hours after you have lifted, where's running burns fat only for 24 after
you've run.
3. You shed fat; therefore your body is healthier and looks better too.
4. You gain more muscle, therefore you can eat MORE!! :D Yaay for food!
5. Helps you relief stress and anger- we all deal with people that piss you off, situations that make you
mad/ upset. What's the best way to get rid of those negative feelings? LIFTING alternated with some CARDIO as well.

6.Your bones will be stronger.
7. You will feel more confident.
8. It will improve your posture. (So grateful for this because I needed to fix that.)
9. It helps lower blood pressure.
10. Because everyone should lift. ;)

 Thanks for reading you guys!
Have a fun Saturday afternoon.

xxx Disola  
 
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