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Merry & Happy Everything!
I’m having a hard time believing there are only nine days left in 2021. (And this is the second-to-last Workout Wednesday of the year!) However, just like this time last December, I’m pretty sure I’m not alone in being ready to rip this year off the calendar, too.
I didn’t want 2021 to end without expressing my gratitude to all of you who’ve continued to stop by here despite the limited number of posts. Just like this blog’s first holiday season back in 2011, I am beyond thankful for all the supportive comments on the increasingly random musings shared here – from my personal reflections on the ongoing COVID situation to the unbelievable lifechanging ear surgery I had in October. I feel beyond blessed to wrap up another year in good health and being able to share another Christmas with my aging parents. Of course, I also think of those we lost this year, especially my dear Uncle Lou. My heart goes out to all those missing loved ones during the holidays.
None of us knows what 2022 will bring on so many levels. James and I will start ours in a new home in a new town with new adventures ahead. (For me, that includes getting back in fighting form at the TITLE Boxing Club in Huntington!) I’m honestly not sure what the future of this site will look like, but if I’ve learned anything since the world changed nearly two years ago, it’s to let go of the small stuff and just do the best with each day you’re lucky enough to open your eyes and start anew.
I close out the year with another heartfelt thank you for the ongoing support here at LauraLovesFitness and on my social media channels. Wishing all those celebrating a very Merry Christmas, and cheers to a happy and healthy 2022 filled with countless opportunities to have fun, be fit and feel fabulous!
Buh-Bye, 2020!
Bring on 2021!
Well, we made it to the last day of the year most of us would like to forget. While things won’t magically reset to the pre-COVID life we all miss when the clock strikes midnight, there’s still something empowering about ripping the last page off my 2020 desk calendar. (Yes, I realize I’m a little old school.)
Through these endless months of darkness, there have been some brief moments of light. James and I were able to join in two wedding ceremonies for two special couples this year – one we watched with a very small, socially-distant group at a Church; the other via Zoom. While there have been predictions about what’s being called a potential “COVID baby bust” in 2021, little bundles of joy did arrive in this altered world in 2020. Here in our all-too-quiet New York City, there were long walks and newbie running adventures in Central Park, along with a new appreciation for peaceful parts of the concrete jungle I hadn’t really explored despite living here for 12 years.
Of course, the most precious moments were those spent with Mom and Dad. Trust me, I realize how blessed we’ve been to share those together times in 2020. Especially when we know of the heartache experienced by so many – some within our own extended family. My heart goes out to all the families who lost fathers, mothers, wives, husbands, grandparents, sons, daughters, brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. My thoughts are also with the doctors, nurses and all the frontline heroes who have spent countless hours away from their families and so close to this devastating virus. Of course, I also send a heartfelt thank you to the essential workers who’ve kept businesses open, transit lines running and city services going so the rest of us could stay home. Finally, I offer my sincere gratitude for all my readers. Whether you’ve been following this blog since its beginning in 2011 or just started checking in this year, I appreciate you sticking with me through some very random topics ranging from new workouts to new ways of staying mentally healthy through a pandemic.
I realize the first day of 2021 won’t look much different from the last of 2020. And I have no plans to hang up my masks or put away the hand sanitizer anytime soon. Yet, there is something about saying good bye and good riddance to this particular year that offers a spark of new hope in my heart. I close this final post of 2020 sending heartfelt wishes to you and your loved ones for a safe and healthy New Year ahead. Here’s to the times in the not-so-distant future filled with opportunities to once again have fun, be fit and feel fabulous!
Hello 2020!
Jumping Into 2020!
Well, here we are already eight days into 2020. I hope the start of this New Year has been good to you so far and this Workout Wednesday and all the days ahead are full of good health, happiness and adventure!
So how are those healthy resolutions going? If you’re struggling a bit, don’t sweat it! Even the biggest fitness fanatics feel your pain. Since my kickoff to 2020 took place in sunny St. Lucia, I’m still trying to get my daily calorie intake back under control and return to my physical therapy and cardio routine. (I do hope to get the all clear from my physical therapist on my arm issues by the end of this month.)
As we all work to find our footing on the road to healthy living in the New Year, I’ll share one “trick” that’s helped me since turning the big 4-0 nearly six years ago. I now focus on setting goals and deadlines for reaching those goals instead of “stressing” over how well I’m changing my overall behavior. Sometimes making the commitment to eat green vegetables with every single meal or workout six days a week can be daunting, and the temptation to throw in the towel can sneak in if you indulge in one “naughty” meal or skip one workout. Instead of stressing over daily slip-ups, ask yourself one question:
Is there something I want to accomplish this year that requires stepping up my physical activity and making healthier choices in my diet?
As I’m sure you recall, I went to the ultimate extreme in 2019 by competing in the NPC Brooklyn Grand Prix. This year, inspired by my husband, my cousin and several friends who have caught the running “bug” at various stages in their lives (thank you, James, Annie, Rita Joan, Jeannine and Pamela!), I hope to enter my first 5K by the end of the summer. So James, who knows pretty much everything there is to know about running, has started coaching me with a treadmill workout plan for the next couple of months. (Stay tuned on that front!)
How about you? Is there a fundraising walk surrounding a cause you’re passionate about that you’ve always wanted to join? Maybe this is the summer you play for a team of touch football at the annual family get-together instead of watching from the sidelines. Or maybe while on vacation, you take one or several long walks with your spouse or that friend you haven’t seen in awhile. Whatever it is, having a specific goal surrounding an event can keep you motivated since you know there’s a finish line to cross after all the hard work.
So if you’ve been doubting your ability to stick with your plans to make this your healthiest year yet, stop right now! Think about the positive steps you’ve taken so far and forget the slip-ups. Focus on today, one minute and one hour at a time. If you get to the gym today, kudos to you. If you don’t, pack the gym bag for tomorrow and try again. Remember, it’s the small steps that add up to big strides in our lifelong journey to have fun, be fit and feel fabulous!
Merry & Happy Everything to All!
It seems only fitting to use this Throwback Thursday to share what’s become my annual holiday gift to my wonderful LauraLovesFitness followers. Like many of you, I find myself a bit overwhelmed this season thanks to Thanksgiving being as late as it could be, cutting back on the prep time for Christmas and Hanukkah.
Between the holiday hustle and bustle and my continued efforts at physical therapy to fix the damage I did to my arm during my bikini competition prep, I’ve decided to make this my last post of 2019. Since the hardest part of my recovery is a six-week hiatus from my favorite workout, I thought I’d offer a kickboxing addict’s version of…
The 12 Days of Fitness
On the first day of fitness, my workout gave to me…my favorite kind of therapy.
On the second day of fitness, my workout gave to me…two boxing gloves and my favorite kind of therapy.
On the third day of fitness, my workout gave to me…three sets of squats, two boxing gloves and my favorite kind of therapy.
On the fourth day of fitness, my workout gave to me…four minutes of tabatas, three sets of squats, two boxing gloves and my favorite kind of therapy.
On the fifth day of fitness, my workout gave to me…five roundhouse kicks! Four minutes of tabatas, three sets of squats, two boxing gloves and my favorite kind of therapy.
On the sixth day of fitness, my workout gave to me…six speed bag intervals, five roundhouse kicks! Four minutes of tabatas, three sets of squats, two boxing gloves and my favorite kind of therapy.
On the seventh day of fitness, my workout gave to me…seven side kicks, six speed bag intervals, five roundhouse kicks! Four minutes of tabatas, three sets of squats, two boxing gloves and my favorite kind of therapy.
On the eighth day of fitness, my workout gave to me….eight back-fist punches, seven side kicks, six speed bag intervals, five roundhouse kicks! Four minutes of tabatas, three sets of squats, two boxing gloves and my favorite kind of therapy.
On the ninth day of fitness, my workout gave to me…nine jab-cross combinations, eight back-fist punches, seven side kicks, six speed bag intervals, five roundhouse kicks! Four minutes of tabatas, three sets of squats, two boxing gloves and my favorite kind of therapy.
On the tenth day of fitness, my workout gave to me….ten burpee push-ups, nine jab-cross combinations, eight back-fist punches, seven side kicks, six speed bag intervals, five roundhouse kicks! Four minutes of tabatas, three sets of squats, two boxing gloves and my favorite kind of therapy.
On the eleventh day of fitness, my workout gave to me…eleven side planks, ten burpee push-ups, nine jab-cross combinations, eight back-fist punches, seven side kicks, six speed bag intervals, five roundhouse kicks! Four minutes of tabatas, three sets of squats, two boxing gloves and my favorite kind of therapy.
On the twelfth day of fitness, my workout gave to me…twelve reps of lunges, eleven side planks, ten burpee push-ups, nine jab-cross combinations, eight back-fist punches, seven side kicks, six speed bag intervals, five roundhouse kicks! Four minutes of tabatas, three sets of squats, two boxing gloves and my favorite kind of therapy.
Whatever you and your family are celebrating as another year winds down, I wish you a very happy and healthy season ahead. I close with a huge thank you for all the support throughout a big year filled with unprecedented events amidst the usual highs and lows. Here’s to ringing in 2020 with a bang (and a punch!) and welcoming all the new chances to have fun, be fit and feel fabulous!
A Slow Start….
Whoo hoo! There’s PLENTY of time to turn those healthy goals into reality this year.
Since January isn’t over yet, I feel I can still offer my heartfelt wishes for a very Happy New Year.
It’s hard to believe we’re already thee weeks into 2019 and somehow this is the first time I’ve managed to get a post together. I hope you can forgive my extended hiatus, but caring for Mom (and keeping an eye on Dad) after her knee replacement surgery because my full-time job after returning from vacation. I’m happy to report Mom’s doing great, continuing her physical therapy and being a great patient overall. (Thanks to all of you who’ve kept up with my other social media posts and sent so many good wishes to Mom!)
The beginning of a new year is always filled with so much promise. I love seeing new faces at the gym and all the posts on social media sharing new workouts, new workout wear and new recipes. However, with three Motivation Mondays behind us, this is the time I also start seeing frustration and even defeat in other posts as people feel badly about missing a day at the gym or enjoying that extra glass of wine or helping of mac and cheese after a cold commute home. In an effort to kick any self-doubt to the curb, here’s a reminder that habits take a minimum of six weeks to take root in mind, body and spirit. So don’t give up now!
Here are three realities to accept right now:
- Even the biggest fitness fanatics (including yours truly) have off days. If you miss a day of exercise, the next opportunity is just 24 hours away. One missed workout shouldn’t lead to throwing in the towel for an entire week.
- There will be days when the diet goes out the window: A birthday celebration; a bad day at the office or even a snow day spent indoors with too many cookies lurking inside the pantry. Own whatever triggered that “naughty” splurge on libations or high-fat comfort foods, and move on. Just like that missed workout, one “bad” meal or entire “cheat day” doesn’t have to ruin a whole week.
- You will NOT drop three sizes or 50 pounds in a few weeks. (And if you do, chances are you didn’t get there in a sustainable fashion.) Healthy living isn’t a sprint – it’s a marathon that lasts a lifetime.
If this post reaches you on an “off” day, I hope it helps you get back into fighting form tomorrow. If you’re having a great day, good for you! Use the momentum to propel you forward. Here’s to a great end to this first month of the New Year and to making 2019 the best year ever when it comes to tackling our goals to have fun, be fit and feel fabulous!
A Christmas Tradition Continues….
This marks the first Motivation Monday to fall on Christmas Eve since 2012. I can’t think of a better day to share a seven-year-old signature gift from LauraLovesFitness. Keeping up with tradition, this fitness-inspired twist on a holiday classic will also be my last post of 2018. Today I give you a kickboxing addict’s version of…
The 12 Days of Fitness
On the first day of fitness, my workout gave to me…my favorite kind of therapy.
On the second day of fitness, my workout gave to me…two boxing gloves and my favorite kind of therapy.
On the third day of fitness, my workout gave to me…three sets of squats, two boxing gloves and my favorite kind of therapy.
On the fourth day of fitness, my workout gave to me…four minutes of tabatas, three sets of squats, two boxing gloves and my favorite kind of therapy.
On the fifth day of fitness, my workout gave to me…five roundhouse kicks! Four minutes of tabatas, three sets of squats, two boxing gloves and my favorite kind of therapy.
On the sixth day of fitness, my workout gave to me…six speed bag intervals, five roundhouse kicks! Four minutes of tabatas, three sets of squats, two boxing gloves and my favorite kind of therapy.
On the seventh day of fitness, my workout gave to me…seven side kicks, six speed bag intervals, five roundhouse kicks! Four minutes of tabatas, three sets of squats, two boxing gloves and my favorite kind of therapy.
On the eighth day of fitness, my workout gave to me….eight back-fist punches, seven side kicks, six speed bag intervals, five roundhouse kicks! Four minutes of tabatas, three sets of squats, two boxing gloves and my favorite kind of therapy.
On the ninth day of fitness, my workout gave to me…nine jab-cross combinations, eight back-fist punches, seven side kicks, six speed bag intervals, five roundhouse kicks! Four minutes of tabatas, three sets of squats, two boxing gloves and my favorite kind of therapy.
On the tenth day of fitness, my workout gave to me….ten burpee push-ups, nine jab-cross combinations, eight back-fist punches, seven side kicks, six speed bag intervals, five roundhouse kicks! Four minutes of tabatas, three sets of squats, two boxing gloves and my favorite kind of therapy.
On the eleventh day of fitness, my workout gave to me…eleven side planks, ten burpee push-ups, nine jab-cross combinations, eight back-fist punches, seven side kicks, six speed bag intervals, five roundhouse kicks! Four minutes of tabatas, three sets of squats, two boxing gloves and my favorite kind of therapy.
On the twelfth day of fitness, my workout gave to me…twelve reps of lunges, eleven side planks, ten burpee push-ups, nine jab-cross combinations, eight back-fist punches, seven side kicks, six speed bag intervals, five roundhouse kicks! Four minutes of tabatas, three sets of squats, two boxing gloves and my favorite kind of therapy.
Whatever you and your family are celebrating as another year winds down, I wish you a very happy and healthy holiday week ahead. I close with a huge thank you for all the support throughout another year filled with highs and lows. Here’s to ringing in 2019 with a bang (and a punch!) and ushering in all the new chances to have fun, be fit and feel fabulous!
MLK Motivation
We kick off the third week of 2018 celebrating a very special person in our history, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Since that means this Motivation Monday is also a holiday for many of my readers, I’ll offer some short yet powerful quotes from the inspirational leader to help us face whatever challenges lie ahead. Whether you’re tackling the next level of your health and fitness goals or dealing with the struggles of every day life, we can all take a cue from Dr. King to help us on our journey to have fun, be fit and feel fabulous!
“Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase.”
“We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope.”
“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.”
“We must build dikes of courage to hold back the flood of fear.”
“Never succumb to the temptation of bitterness.”
Let the New Year Roll On!
We made it to the very first Motivation Monday of 2015!2. Put Healthy Activities On Your Daily To-Do List. Between my iPhone, old-fashioned day planner and countless note pads in my apartment, I’m an avid list maker. I always have “Cardio at NYSC” or Physique57 Class” on my daily task lists, and it feels great to cross out the endorphin-portion of my day when it’s done. So, put “exercise” on your calendar – even if it’s “10-minute walk” penciled into your lunch hour. (Remember, 10 minutes of something is always better than ZERO minutes of nothing all day!) If it’s a rest day, put other healthy tasks on your list such as “buy produce” or “prep veggies and other snacks for lunches.” You’ll be surprised by the boost you get from crossing out something as simple as “buy bananas” on that list on your fridge. Consider it a visual affirmation that you did something good for yourself on any day of the week!
3. Be Realistic. Enthusiasm is the key to getting anything done, but don’t let it get the best of you. If you put “work out” on your planner for seven straight days, you may be setting yourself up for failure. As soon as you miss that first day, you may think, “Well, I just blew the whole week!” A more realistic approach would be to aim for three days each week for the first month. As you start experiencing the endorphin-rush and other benefits from exercising, trust me, you’ll want to increase the frequency of your workouts. Just remember no matter how much you love working out, everyone should take a minimum of one day off each week to let the body rest.
Finally, I leave you with this reality: there will be “off” days. Even as a lifelong fitness enthusiast, there are days I simply don’t want to workout and all I want for dinner are wine and chocolate. It happens. Just don’t let one bad day throw you off course. Just wipe away the crumbs, prep your gym bag and remember tomorrow is your next chance to have fun, be fit and feel fabulous!
A LauraLovesFitness Holiday Tradition Returns!
On this Motivation Monday, another Hanukkah has come and gone and we’re just three days away from the Christmas of 2014. I’ll be spending the week with my family, and before I leave the Big Apple, I wanted to leave all of you with what’s become a holiday tradition here at Laura Loves Fitness.
Before I re-launch my fitness-minded twist on a holiday classic, I want to wish all those who celebrate a very Merry Christmas! Thank you to all who’ve offered your ongoing support in 2014. I’ll be taking a little holiday hiatus, but can’t wait to hit the ground running in January with a whole New Year filled with infinite possibilities to have fun, be fit and feel fabulous!
Now without further ado, I give you…
“The 12 Days of Fitness”
On the first day of fitness, my workout gave to me…a huge rush of endorphins.
On the second day of fitness, my workout gave to me…two tighter thighs and a huge rush of endorphins.
On the third day of fitness, my workout gave to me…three sets of squats, two tighter thighs and a huge rush of endorphins.
On the fourth day of fitness, my workout gave to me…a four-minute Tabata, three sets of squats, two tighter thighs and a huge rush of endorphins.
On the fifth day of fitness, my workout gave to me…five fitness apps! A four-minute Tabata, three sets of squats, two tighter thighs and a huge rush of endorphins.
On the sixth day of fitness, my workout gave to me…six static stretches, five fitness apps! A four-minute Tabata, three sets of squats, two tighter thighs and a huge rush of endorphins.
On the seventh day of fitness, my workout gave to me…seven stability exercises, six static stretches, five fitness apps! A four-minute Tabata, three sets of squats, two tighter thighs and a huge rush of endorphins.
On the eighth day of fitness, my workout gave to me….eight endurance boosts, seven stability exercises, six static stretches, five fitness apps! A four-minute Tabata, three sets of squats, two tighter thighs and a huge rush of endorphins.
On the ninth day of fitness, my workout gave to me…nine neuromuscular benefits, eight endurance boosts, seven stability exercises, six static stretches, five fitness apps! A four-minute Tabata, three sets of squats, two tighter thighs and a huge rush of endorphins.
On the tenth day of fitness, my workout gave to me….ten minutes rowing, nine neuromuscular benefits, eight endurance boosts, seven stability exercises, six static stretches, five fitness apps! A four-minute Tabata, three sets of squats, two tighter thighs and a huge rush of endorphins.
On the eleventh day of fitness, my workout gave to me…eleven eccentric muscle actions, ten minutes rowing, nine neuromuscular benefits, eight endurance boosts, seven stability exercises, six static stretches, five fitness apps! A four-minute Tabata , three sets of squats, two tighter thighs and a huge rush of endorphins.
On the twelfth day of fitness, my workout gave to me…twelve reps of lunges, eleven eccentric muscle actions, ten minutes rowing, nine neuromuscular benefits, eight endurance boosts, seven stability exercises, six static stretches, five fitness apps! A four-minute Tabata, three sets of squats, two tighter thighs and a huge rush of endorphins.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
2014, Bring It On!
Happy New Year! I hope the first few days of 2014 have been good to you. More importantly, I hope you’re using the New Year as an opportunity to really start being good to yourself!
I don’t know about you, but I’m seriously pumped about the year ahead. Maybe it’s because the fortune teller I met back during a bestie’s birthday weekend in Jamaica told me 2014 would be my “best year yet.” (I don’t place too much stock in all the thoughts she shared, but that was the one that stuck with me!) Maybe it’s because I’m one month away from hitting that milestone known as the “Big 4-o.” Or maybe it’s just the fact that I’m glad 2013 is over and done with. Whatever the case, I’m beyond excited about all the opportunities ahead to be healthier and happier than ever!
Speaking of opportunities, this first Motivation Monday of 2014 presents another exciting first for me. I’m thrilled to be today’s guest on the Lifestyle Accountability Show. I met Bate Brothers Adam and Devon via Twitter and was honored when they asked if they could feature me on their daily health and well-being podcast. Please click on the following link to listen to the interview where we discuss everything from my favorite healthy foods to the pitfalls I’ve encountered on my never-ending fitness journey:
http://www.lifestyleaccountability.com/laura-loves-fitness-shares-inspiring-story/
I hope you’ll find the information helpful to make this YOUR healthiest and happiest year yet!
I close with a thank you to the Bate Brothers and to all of you for checking out the interview. Feel free to share away on Facebook, Twitter and wherever else you’d like to spread the word about the show and all the sources of inspiration at LifestyleAccountability.com. Here’s to the remaining 359 days ahead of us in 2014 filled with so many chances to have fun, be fit and feel fabulous!
lauralovesfitness 