Tuesday, June 24, 2014

BEACH BOOT CAMP







Last summer, I started my own business.

Beach Boot Camp is an exercise class designed to instantly melt fat off of your body. I combine tabata, or high intensity interval training (hiit), with circuit training to result in the ultimate full-body work out. You are guaranteed to walk out of my class dripping with sweat and confidence. The best part of all? We have fun doing it. We incorporate water balloons, partner workouts, burpee-penalties, medicine ball crunch tosses, and many more activities to bring each client together to form a sense of unity.

My class has come a long way since last summer. Boot Camp is taught in my personal workout studio, on my lawn, and some classes take place on the beach in my backyard. I now have durable floor mats to decrease shock when doing jumping exercises and two walls with mirrors to make sure everyone's form is on point. I have a mini fridge stocked with water and gatorade and I often offer a "juice of the day," where we all take shots of green juice after our workout.

All ages and fitness levels are welcome to take my class; the style allows each individual to work out to the best of their individual ability. This is because my workouts are not counted, they're timed. Each person is working to beat their personal best. I take note of any injuries or limitations and offer modifications to each exercise, so everyone can do it!

Beach Boot Camp Schedule: 5/27-7/31
Tuesdays 10-11a (abs)
Tuesdays 7-8p (abs & arms)
Wednesdays 10-11a (legs & butt)
Thursdays 7-8p (legs & butt)

Prices:
$15/class
$50/5 classes
$100/unlimited classes
*if you bring a friend you get $5 off whichever payment plan you choose.

I encourage everyone to try my class. Even if it's just once.
I want to show you what a real workout feels like.
Bring you friends, bring your mom!
You won't be able to walk for a few days, but hey.
It's worth it.

If you're interested in trying out my class or personal training with me, email charlottesmuller@gmail.com.  

Sunday, June 22, 2014

MORE IS LESS

My clients: "Charlotte, I'm not losing weight!"
Me: "Well, what are you eating?"
My clients: "I'm eating under 1200 calories a day!"
Me: "No. What are you eating?"

It's a common misconception that less is more. Don't get me wrong, weight loss is a science, but eating under 1200 calories of saturated fat and sugar ain't gonna get you anywhere. As we age, our metabolisms are slowing down and it becomes more difficult to lose weight. Especially for women. 

You're not losing weight? Here's why.

Mistake #1: Skipping Breakfast
Why do you think it's known as the most important meal of the day?! 
Eating in the morning wakes up your metabolism, which converts the nutrients that you put into your body into energy to use throughout the day. Skipping breakfast slows your metabolism and leaves you energy-deprived.
My advice: Drink a glass of water and then EAT! Even if you're not hungry, have something small. Have an apple, a banana, a piece of toast with a tablespoon of almond butter, half an avocado, make juice, just put nutrients in your body that can be used to energize you!

Mistake #2: Eating Too Much
Three big meals a day, right? Wrong. Eat small meals & healthy snacks when you're hungry. Don't starve yourself in preparation for an anticipated night out. When you eat only three (or less) meals, you're more likely to make unhealthy decisions. 
My advice: Keep a bunch of healthy snacks with you at all times. Put some almonds in your pocket, keep an apple in your purse, and never leave the house if you're hungry!

Mistake #3: Counting Calories
I don't believe in counting calories. When I first switched to a healthy lifestyle, I loved watching the excess fat on my body fall off. I used apps to scan the labels of my food and keep track of how many calories I was taking in. That only made me want to fill my daily threshold, and if I had calories left over at the end of the day, I would eat candy bars to fill it! Gross! 
My advice: Just eat healthy. If you're eating an unlimited amount of vegetables, lean protein, fruit, and whole grains, you're good. Don't go overboard with looking at food labels, just make healthy decisions. Stress takes a toll on the body, and if you're stressing out about how many calories are in something, you're doing more harm than good. 

Mistake #4: Not Drinking Enough Water
Your body needs needs neeeeeeds water. A lot of it. Keeping yourself properly hydrated will keep headaches away, keep your immune system sharp and healthy, moisturize your skin, flush out toxins, and help you lose weight. When you think you're hungry, try drinking a big glass of water before eating. A lot of the times you're just thirsty (or bored)!
My advice: Carry around a water bottle all the time. Constantly keep hydrating yourself, especially if you're working out or it's a hot day!

Mistake #5: Not Sleeping Enough
Your body needs time to recharge. Sleep deprivation leaves you tired and can make you feel depressed, which makes you crave unhealthy snacks (emotional eating is too common. I do it, too). 
My advice: Make sleep a priority. Go to bed early and wake up feeling refreshed. Don't watch tv, text, or play on your iPad right before sleeping. Make your bed a wonderland with soft sheets, comfortable pillows, and blankets to throw on if you get cold throughout the night. A comfortable bed makes it easier to sleep straight through the night!

If you slip up once, so be it. You're only human. 

You're entitled to a cookie, just don't have the whole box. 
You can have a cup of ice cream, just don't get seconds.
You can eat an unhealthy meal, just do better next time.

It's important to realize that weight loss is a process. Quick fixes, like counting calories and complete restriction, will get the weight off, but you'll gain it right back. Changing your daily habits will make life much easier. Remember to love yourself throughout the journey. Invest in your body.

Friday, June 20, 2014

MORNING




Ever since I lightened my workload for the summer, I've had a lot of time to dedicate to myself. 
It's important to have time to yourself, especially mornings. This morning, I woke up (after Russ snoozed his 7:30am alarm five times) and craved the outdoors. My bed is across from two windows, so it's calming to wake up and hear the sounds of nature so early. 

I put on my robe, drank a big glass of water, and made myself my favorite green juice: apple, spinach, cucumber, and mint leaves. The combination of each makes a sweet, healthy taste that wakes you up better than a grande iced caramel macchiato. After my juice, I walked barefoot to the beach, which is conveniently right in my backyard. I let the sand exfoliate my feet and concentrated on my breathing, in through my nose and out through my mouth. After the beach, I traveled to the other side of my property where my workout studio is, put on Pandora (Ciara radio), and did a twenty-minute upper body circuit:

12 shoulder front & side raises on the bosu
12 shoulder presses
12 bicep curls
repeat 2x

12 each single arm overhead tricep extension
12 double arm overhead tricep extension
15 each arm tricep kickbacks
repeat 2x

15 chest flys on yoga ball
12 each single arm chest press
12 each arm rows
repeat 2x

Whatever the rest of this gorgeous Friday brings, I'm ready. 
Have a beautiful, healthy day!

Tuesday, June 17, 2014

ATTIRE


I used to work out in an old t-shirt and guys basketball shorts.
Then, I switched to TJMaxx's exercise clothing.
THEN, I discovered Lululemon Athletica.

When I'm working out, I find that I go so much harder when I feel good about myself. I don't feel pretty in old t-shirts. I need workout attire that flatters me, makes me feel fit and motivates me to keep going. I like looking polished and girly as I sweat my butt off. That's why I wear lululemon.

The quality of their products is amazing. It's stretchy, yet bodycon. It's not too tight to the point where you're uncomfortable. The material allows you to breathe. They hem your pants for you before you purchase them so they fit custom to your body. Their shorts, yoga crops and full length pants have this elasticity about them that allow you to jump higher, sprint faster, and work harder. They have sports bras for all types of exercise; from yoga to high intensity interval training, and they all flatter your body to make you feel sexy and confident. 

I was ecstatic when I found out about the r and d program- trainers and group fitness instructors get a discount! Best of all, they offer complimentary yoga in the store on Sundays!

It's worth it to feel good about yourself when working out. Put on a little mascara, put your hair in a cute top knot, throw on a lululemon outfit and go hard! 

Do you have a favorite workout clothing brand? I'd love to hear!