Fantastic flow chart to figure out what type of yoga would be the best fit for you!
Friday Favorites
Despite what Tumblr readers, my friends, and even my boyfriend may think, I don’t spend THAT much time thinking about health and nutrition (Ok, maybe I do..WHAT!? There are far worse things in the world!). In order to break up the monotony of my recent thoughts (as weird as it may seem, sometimes I really just need a break from thinking about EVERYTHING), here’s a list of fascinating (to me) things I’ve come across on the interwebs today.
I wish I could explain how much I NEED this with my future home. I would never leave.
Love Sriracha? So do I. And here’s 25 ways to use it.
One of my new favorite spice blends in the kitchen: Ras el Hanout. Do yourself a favor and make this now. It makes everything so much tastier (except maybe oatmeal). While you’re perusing that recipe, might as well spend some quality time at Melissa’s site. I ADORE her.
Just a reminder to other women that super/models aren’t perfect. If anybody gets scrutinized for their appearance, its celebrities. Everyone is beautiful in their own way (if you can’t see that, you need to grow the fuck up) but celebrities are the ones getting nipped, tucked, photoshopped, and altered. We have no idea what people actually look like underneath everything. Here’s a list of a few before and afters. There’s nothing wrong with them and there’s nothing wrong with you.
Some of these Scotch Tape portraits might make you giggle (or chuckle if you’re man and like to “gender” words).
I’m absolutely guilty of this. If I could carry that ONE EXTRA BAG by the skin of my teeth, I would (anyone else think that phrase is just weird?).
I love photographs like this.
OMG! Gorgeous hairstyle for a traditional, South Indian bride.
Baby dapper and adult dapper.
I have so many more tabs to share but my eyelids hate me. Sleep wins.
35 Cardio-Based Bodyweight Exercises
Proof that cardiovascular training can be fun, challenging, and double as strength training too. Some great variations of classics (like the basic pushup) are listed here. Don’t forget to try the classic exercises before diving right into the more modified versions. Always engage in smart progression (it’ll help you keep injuries at bay and will motivate instead of frustrate).
Obstacle courses!
(Source: runforfitness, via perseverancee-deactivated201302)
Rope climbing!
(Source: bossfit, via perseverancee-deactivated201302)
Agility training
Total Braveheart shout.
(Source: karysmacurves, via perseverancee-deactivated201302)
There are two basic things one needs to do to develop a stronger, rounder, and better looking backside.
1. Eat clean. You can do all the squats, deadlifts, and lunge variations you want. But if you’re treating your body as a garbage can, you will not see progress. Most importantly, you won’t feel stronger, better, and more full of energy either. We are all human and have days where all we want to do is gorge out on sugar, breads, ANYthing to satisfy our cravings. But if you can choose to step back and feel through the cravings, you may discover it isn’t what you wanted! Your body craves nutrient-rich fuel. If you can choose to feed it FOOD AS FUEL, it will thank you, be grateful to you, and work hard to keep you safe!
2. Exercise. There is no other way around this - sorry! If you are wanting stronger, rounder, better looking backside, you are going to have to work for it. I’m by no means a fitness expert - I’m still trying to work on finding a balance between what I eat and how that manifests in the activity I do. But I know this much is true - you have to strength train in order to get and feel stronger. Whatever your body does on the outside, that’s bonus! The point is, these two things (when done the way your individual body needs) will never fail to keep you full of energy, keep injuries at bay, feel happier (sugar doesn’t make you happy in the long run. I promise you this. Its totally temporary - it is literally like crack.)
I mention these two things together because so often, I come across posts or photographs or exercise advice that tells you DO THESE EXERCISES FOR A BETTER LOOKING _______!!” But its never just about that. Some of these things forget to mention the importance of simply eating healthy, clean foods. They’ll also tell you “BETTER ABS IN MINUTES A DAY”. Sure, eventually, if you keep at it, they will be better! But that’s the key thing, isn’t it? Consistency. Commitment. Motivation. REAL, true-to-you goal setting (none of this “I need to have better ___ so I can look more like THAT”. Nobody’s going to love you more or be more attracted to you because you look like someone else. That’s ridiculous. And if someone dares tell you that, turn around and walk away. Feel free to psychically punch them).
At the end of the day, keep at it. You must be consistent but at the same time, accept that you’re also human. You CAN have downs. Just get back up!
Whoever said lifting heavy makes a woman look “manly” or bulky is out of their minds.
"Go out & do something. It isn’t your room that’s a prison, it’s yourself."
—Sylvia Plath
New Year’s Race 2013: Los Angeles At Night. My first race of 2013. Exhilarating!
Plantain and pecan pancakes
I’m on day 2 of the whole30 program as a way to 1) eat cleaner, 2) learn which foods aggravate my body 3) learn which foods get my body feeling fantastic and 4) regulate my maniacal hormones. Even just on day 2, I’ve started to feel a difference. I don’t typically eat much added sugar BUT I’ve already gotten a rip roaring headache from not having any! Totally amazing how your body responds to things like sugar withdrawals!
Not having a piece of wheat bread with almond butter and sliced bananas or old fashioned oatmeal for breakfast definitely breaks my routine. Here goes the search for breakfast recipes!
Athleticism and Femininity: Can They Co-Exist?
An informative (and how-to) article on “femininity” and athleticism - and getting your mind to stop separating the self. (Some good mental strategy exercises are also listed). From Breaking Muscle.
(reason to be fit #0247)
(Source: reasonstobefit)
