Fit Villains: Selfish, Shameless, Sassy, Fitness.

Photo

Wed, 22 May 2013 17:59:07 -0400

ladyknucklesinshape: blackyogis: Extended Standing Leg Stretch...

Sun, 19 May 2013 00:09:10 -0400

blackyogis:

Extended Standing Leg Stretch Utthita Hasta Padangusthasana

One of the biggest myths about flexibilty I keep hearing is that one has to be skinny to be flexible…well…that’s NOT true.

I wish there were more larger folk pictures doing workouts.

Photo

Thu, 16 May 2013 10:24:10 -0400

Photo

Thu, 16 May 2013 10:00:38 -0400

"If you think that the nice guy ranting only happens on the internet, you’ve never had to deal with..."

Mon, 13 May 2013 10:59:47 -0400

“

If you think that the nice guy ranting only happens on the internet, you’ve never had to deal with your thoroughly drunken friend shouting about how no girls would go out with a nice guy like him, even though he’s surrounded by single women he ignores because they aren’t attractive enough for him.

If you think guys getting pissy and escalating matters because you told people to stop making sex jokes is a feature of the internet, well, you’ve never asked anyone to stop making jokes that make you uncomfortable.

If you think that inappropriate comments and requests for sex are an internet thing, you’ve never tried to stop a coworker or boss from hitting on you repeatedly, or a head of security, or the guy at the convenience store across the street.

If you think that being shouted at and asked to show people your tits just because you present as a woman only happens in chat rooms and online games, you’ve never walked past a frat house, or, unfortunately, through the main thoroughfares of either university I’ve attended.

If you think unasked for commentary on a woman’s looks only happens because girls post pictures on internet forums (which probably means they’re asking for it), you’ve never been at a bus stop, or the city square, or a mall, or… well, anywhere, really.

If you think insecure men trying to drive women out of activism only happens in online male-dominated communities, you’ve never paid attention politics. Or Fox. Or CNN, sadly.

If you think the reaction to rape victims is bad on twitter, try sharing that experience in person. Or try even standing up for a rape victim. Count how many minutes until someone points out “but men can be falsely accused! The woman just changed her mind! You just can’t believe those drunk *insert varying level of insulting reference to gender*!”

”

- It’s Not Just the Internet. It Never Has Been.

(via loveyourrebellion)

New Weekend Workout Coming! "Unleash The Beast 4: Bad Ass City"

Thu, 09 May 2013 16:39:00 -0400

Oh man, this workout hurt SOOOO good, lol,

It’s been awhile since I’ve posted regular weekend workouts, but we’re back baby! Kicking off the summer with a BANG with a brand new Beast! All you’ll need is a chair for this one, dumbbells are optional. :)

For those of you who are new to the blog, the Unleash The Beast workouts are some of my most popular, and BRUTAL workouts. Each is a 9 exercise, 1000 rep workout that’ll kick your ass from head to toe.

Beginners can modify each workout to suit their level (easier modifications, less reps, less rounds, taking more time etc), while advanced exercisers can use harder modifications or work on speed. (Instructors: these are also FAB workouts for bootcamp classes!). They’re also a faboosh way to track your progress: simply time yourself each workout and try to beat your own score. Some of my bootcampers shaved up to 20 minutes off their time in just a few months!

Getting the photos ready for you guys today and tomorrow, and will post the new Beast this Saturday! Clear about 30 minutes of your time to get it done, or call a friend to tackle it with you!

Unleash The Beast Series: 1000 Rep Challenges (Volume 1, 2 & 3)

If you’re new to the Beasts, try any of the first 3 before tackling this weekend’s challenge!

These are tough, high volume workouts that are SICK to try on your own or with friends. They get harder as they go (and this weekend’s will be TOUGH), so it’s important to choose your level. As always, modifications are given, and beginners can opt to do 2-3 rounds instead of 4.

See modifications and descriptions here: “Unleash The BEAST” 1000 Rep Weekend Workout Challenge Volume 1

See modifications and descriptions here:Unleash The BEAST 2: BEAST UNLEASHED! 1000 Reps Of Total Body Terror

See modifications and descriptions here:Unleash The Beast 3: Sweat Revenge! Intense 1000 Rep Total Body Challenge

Kill it and check back this weekend (and every weekend) for a new challenge!

It's such a relief just eating the food. I've had so many "eating rules" in the past. It was terrible. I had no energy, would be light-headed, would start seeing weird spots but still wouldn't "give in" until so many hours had passed or I had worked out. It's so sad how we can develop a feeling of accomplishment by restricting our bodies from te norishment it needs. I'm so grateful to be out of that stage of my journey. Now, I listen to my body and (here's the best part) I EAT THE FOOD.

Thu, 09 May 2013 15:36:28 -0400

Yeah! Love this, thanks for sending it in!

#eatthefood

Weird thing of the day; came across a seedless pepper! Nothing...

Thu, 09 May 2013 15:15:44 -0400

Weird thing of the day; came across a seedless pepper! Nothing special about it (and was organic), but I’ve never seen one completely empty before.

(felt the same way when I cracked an egg and it had two yolks).

Anyone had this happen before?

The Gifts Of Imperfection by Brene Brown (fab reading!)

Wed, 08 May 2013 13:30:00 -0400

The Gifts Of Imperfection by Brene Brown (fab reading!)

Lunchin’ like a vegan gourmet today! Fancy pants pizza and...

Wed, 08 May 2013 12:50:47 -0400

Lunchin’ like a vegan gourmet today! Fancy pants pizza and vegan sushi.

Haven’t had cheese-less pizza in a long time: this was incroyable. :)

Gluten free, vegan and organic gourmet treat from my buddy Micki! Sweet.

(here’s the Crudessence menu if you’re interested, need inspiration; I had the sushi and El Sol pizza. http://www.crudessence.com/images/pdfs/mackay_EN-nov2012.pdf)

Photo

Wed, 08 May 2013 01:30:07 -0400

Hi Chichi! Love your blog:) I just had a breast reduction 3 weeks ago, and really want to exercise again, but I can't do anything that makes the injured ladies jiggle. What would you suggest?

Tue, 07 May 2013 21:35:48 -0400

Hey there,

Anything that doesn’t hurt, lol. A walk, squats, lunges, ab work: anything counts. Within a few weeks you’ll be able to do more, but staying relatively active will make that transition easier.

Pilates style workouts might help, if you’d like something to follow along to. Strength training (except lower body) is usually not recommended, but you can feel it out as you go. If you like certain workouts, you can modify things that require jumping (march in place for high knees or jumps, squat or do something else that keeps you moving).

So many people don’t walk because they feel it’s ‘cheating’ or doesn’t count, but it does! A long walk is great for the soul, helps you get fresh air, will keep you moving, and is something almost everyone can do.

Hope this helps! Don’t sweat it too much and just recover!

Hi! I really like running and am interested in yoga, but I don't get the same amount of satisfaction from lifting. Do you think running and yoga are enough for overall fitness, including keeping muscles strong and healthy?

Tue, 07 May 2013 21:31:47 -0400

Hey there,

Bah, do what you love!

Yoga is fabulous resistance training, and if you’re goals are just keeping yourself healthy and strong, there’s nothing wrong with focusing on yoga and running.

While I personally LOVE strength training, from experience people will stick to what they love. I get bored easy, and go through periods where I’m all about ______, then it switches. And it’s ok.

If you find yourself bored, your goals change, or you’re interested in trying something different, you can always include lifting or strength training here and there. It helps sometimes to keep boredom at bay, and you might find it actually helps you become stronger at the things you love. Many yoga poses can be done with light dumbbells (a FAB challenge if you’re down. Drop them when you need to, but if you can hold dumbbells for some poses, you’ll get a much more intense workout).

Another technique I use for clients who aren’t big fans of lifting (but have strength goals) is what I call ‘sandwiching’. We do something they love for a few minutes, then a minute of lifting, then back to what they love and repeat.

When it comes to staying healthy and fit, there are TONS of ways to do it. Stay open to different things (the more you do them, the more you might like them), but never feel bad about moving your body. :)

Hope this helps!

Lol, this makes me smile. :) struckbythewishingspell: #i have a...

Tue, 07 May 2013 20:56:30 -0400

Lol, this makes me smile. :)

struckbythewishingspell:

#i have a spiritual connection w this gifset

Want Body Peace? It Starts From The Neck Up....

Tue, 07 May 2013 15:30:26 -0400

Changing your body vs. changing how you feel about your body.

TWO DIFFERENT THINGS.

They can happen separately or simultaneously, but working on the ‘feelings’ bit is the only way to truly feel at peace in the body you have. There are tons of women who get to their goal weights, fit into the jean size they’ve decided is ‘good’ or hit other aesthetic related goals who love their bods no better than before they started. Many simply go from being obsessed about losing weight to being obsessed about maintaining it. Others find new flaws to focus on, other things to fix. And many find that promises like “OMG, weight loss gets rid of ALL your problems and brings on nothing but HAPPY SUNSHINE TIMES” were nothing but a bunch of lies.

Life doesn’t suddenly get perfect when you lose weight. Your issues are still your issues, your problems are still your problems, and some find themselves disappointed that the magic wand of weight loss didn’t magically fix everything.

Everyone deserves to feel at home in their own skin. Which is why working towards body acceptance - even if you’re working on changing some things - is SOOOO beneficial for both your progress and your overall happiness. If what you want is to be happier in your body, you need to confront the reasons you aren’t with a bit more ferociousness and more depth.

Most people find that those reasons are a bit deeper than simply reducing cellulite.

Being just a little kinder to your body is a step in the right direction, whether you still want to change it or not. Maybe start today?

If you could thank your body for ONE thing, what would it be? If you could give your body a high five for something, what would it be? If your body was more of a best friend to you, instead of an enemy, what would you say to cheer it up? How can you change your language and inner dialogue to make your body more of a valuable vessel instead of an obstacle?

Few people learn to love their bodies overnight, but all people who do end up loving their bodies start small. With a change in thinking, a tweak in language, positive peeps surrounding them etc.

If you’re not ready to scream “I love my body”, maybe work on “I’m kind to my body” instead.

Baby steps. :)

Bulgarian Squat To Rotation This modification will give you a...

Tue, 07 May 2013 15:27:00 -0400

Bulgarian Squat To Rotation

This modification will give you a little stretch as you work your core and balance. The lower the surface, the easier it will be. :)

Nail The Form

Keep weight in the heel of your planted foot. Your back foot should feel more like a balance aid: keep the weight in the front heel. (wiggling your toes is a good sign the weight is in the right place)
Your front knee will likely stay on top of, and not past, your toes. If you’re taller, it might edge forward naturally, and that’s ok! As long as your weight is in the heel, it’s fine. :)
I like to keep my back knee right under my hip, but you may find it more comfortable to create more distance. That’s cool. Depending on your hip flexibility, play around with the angles. :)
As you twist, use your core to stabilize yourself and focus on keeping the weight in the heel. (notice a HEEL theme here?).

Beginners: if this it too tough, try a back lunge to rotation instead.

The world needs way more of you and way less of the people who say "such and such is a gym for fat and lazy people." I feel encouraged every time I read your posts. You're the kind of person who can motivate even the laziest most depressed person because you show love! Thank you. For that.

Tue, 07 May 2013 14:31:14 -0400

XOXOXOXOXOX!!

It’s embarrassing how hard I giggled at this, lol....

Tue, 07 May 2013 12:48:39 -0400

It’s embarrassing how hard I giggled at this, lol.

#dadhumor

Hey Chichi! You're actually my number 1 go to for health/fitness advice because you always have an amazing answer and you have the sickest workouts but...I've got a dislocated shoulder so most things are out! I want to stay fit during recovery but what should I do? Thanks so much!

Tue, 07 May 2013 12:46:01 -0400

Hey there,

Awww, that sucks! I’m in a similar boat (minor stress fracture on my fibula), and it’s totally frustrating.

While most people will tell you “you can work this” and “you can work that”, our bodies are actually made up of bits and pieces that work together. Sometimes, it’s very hard to isolate muscle groups without potentially re-injuring others.

Listen to your body above all else. If it hurts, twinges, stabs, tweaks or otherwise feels ‘weird’: STOP.

Things you MIGHT be able to do…

Walks. Fast ones, short ones, slow ones, etc. Walks are awesome, and you can go your own pace. The faster you walk, the more hills you try, the higher your heart rate. (Why not running? The bouncing might put too much strain on your shoulder. If you can shuffle along faster and feel ok, go for it). A walk a day is fabulous for your body.
Lower body (standing): squats, lunges, side lunges, low step ups, leg extensions etc. The lower body is your biggest muscle group and a great way to get your heart rate up.
Core (standing): front kicks or knees (lifting the leg up and out in front, using the core to lift), side bends, side leg lifts, etc.
Floor work (IF it doesn’t bug your shoulder): your favorite ab moves, hip bridges, pilates style leg lifts etc. Lots of things you can do from the floor, but of course, make sure you’re okay and your back is protected. :)
Cardio: (IF you can do jumps). Jacks, jog in place, skaters, side leaps, heismans etc. This is of COURSE if it doesn’t hurt to do so. If it does, skip it.

My rule for recovery is always do what you can, and cut yourself some slack: your body needs to heal and the best thing you can do is let it. If the injury is NEW, give it a week or so before you start experimenting. When in doubt, stick to what you can do, even if it’s just a walk. :)

Injuries are part of the journey and they happen to everyone at some point! No biggie. Get better soon and build back up slowly!

Hope this helps,

awkward-inclined: depression-and-movies: First food gifset,...

Tue, 07 May 2013 10:24:11 -0400

awkward-inclined:

depression-and-movies:

First food gifset, something I’d like to try: Balloon Chocolate Bowls (x)

LIFE IS WONDERFUL

(Tip from Chichi: make sure the chocolate is liquid, but not crazy HOT, lol. It’ll melt and pop the balloon. Plus, you know, ruin all the fun. :)