![]() While we all secretly await the end of winter, what do we do to keep busy and fill the hibernating mode productively? How tempting it is to simply say: "Stay in, order some food and watch movies". Though there must be more we can do. Don't get me wrong, I am guilty as charged of staying under my blanket all day while I watch reruns of Sex and The City and order St-Hubert's chicken for dinner... and I love every minute of it. Mindless television allows us all to escape, relax and regain perception of control, an important state of mind. However, I believe we must stay active and move to maintain a healthy body, a healthy mind and even a balanced emotional intelligence. I am no health expert nor a professional trainer, but with basic common knowledge and wanting to have healthy habits, I will share what my fitness routine has been lately. My intentions aren't to preach (who do I think I am?), but rather, to inspire and actually, have a crowd towards whom I will feel accountable for (if you follow me on Instagram, you know what I'm talking about ;)). Interval Training![]() Logically and naturally, we all know the human body was made to move. For most of us, staying behind a computer all day does nothing for our muscles and our soul. With age too, it ain't getting' easier right? Yet, 20 to 30 minutes a day can make all the difference. We just need to move and sweat. Last year I used to focus on cardio, mainly running. I'd wake up at 5-5:30AM, head down to the gym and run 5KM (this is so, like, 2013). While this was very good for the heart and for the soul, it didn't do very much for my muscle mass and strength. I switched this up for interval training. For those of you who don't know, interval training is:
In essence, I do a series of workout moves which gets my heart pumping but that also make me use my muscles more than jogging does. Equipped with a great app (Interval Timer), I change moves every time it buzzes. The workout begins with a one minute warm up and then has 10 laps of two intervals. One is a high intensity interval (1 minute) and one is a low intensity interval (1:15 minute). It all ends with one minute cool down - which adds up to a 23:30 minute workout. Here is what I fill those minutes with:
Tasteful TreatsIn addition, I try as much as I can to eat more greens, nuts, grains and protein. I still don't think I drink enough water (I can go an entire day without a drink and I'm fine) so I'm also making efforts with my water intake but my body imposes on more bathroom trips than I'd like when I do so unfortunately. I use my Magic Bullet to mix fruit shakes and I throw in some almond milk, spinach (you hardly taste it), chi and oats, a banana and whatever other fruit I want. These photos show a few of the delicious healthy snacks you can enjoy! You can get really creative and some even go hard core with all organic foods, that's great. On my end, I still pig out and will indulge in whatever I feel like. Just like everyone else, I sometimes skip workouts, overeat and slack off. MY goal is to make sure the healthy foods and working out moments overpower the junk foods and sugar filled treats moments. ![]() HAPPY NEW YEAR! Don't worry. I won't start off by encouraging you to have a long and exhausting list of resolutions that will be forgotten three weeks into the new year. If you DO have a few resolutions to strive for, great! And may the force be with you :). While I definitely encourage to have goals and chase dreams passionately (I'd be contradicting myself hardcore if I didn't), here's what I think of the new year resolutions thing: Why wait for a new year to start fresh? I get the entire "new year thus new start and new possibilities" thinking but…isn't that the case the rest of the time too? Yes! If you ask me, every day is another chance and another clean slate to start something. In even better words: "every passing minute is another chance to turn it all around" a great quote from one of my top ten movies Vanilla Sky. I very much relate to the Sofia Serrano (Penelope Cruz) character: the sparkling optimistic Latina artist who refuses to give up on David (Tom Cruise) and lives her life with a heart open wide, adding a touch of innocence to everything around her. Her kindness and wittiness reveal an individual who sees every passing minute as a new chance to start over or turn it all around as she says. I feel the same way. Therefore, why wait to ring in a new year? Whenever you feel like initiating a new project, start a new activity, anything! Don't stall or wait for the flame to blow out…Feed it and start planning right there and then. The following day, hours or minutes could bring you that much closer to your old or new objective(s). Need inspiration? Frame photos of the things that inspire you most: friends, mentors, idols, objects, symbols, places you want to visit, quotes or song lyrics that move you…let those inspire you and give you strength. 2013 THE RECAP: - Thankful for my fiancé who believes in me no matter what - I learned how to fight for friendships and recognize when it's time to walk away from them - I can do multiple man push ups (that's right, no knees ladies!) - I tried to get Paul McCartney to sign my drum cymbal - I let myself be inspired and inspired others, I hope! In 2014 I WISH TO: -Accept my inner battle between the rational and artistic parts of me -Mmm, let's see! ;) A happy and good year to you all bee fans! Sincerely, Bee |
AuthorMy name is Ivana. I love photography and meeting people. I hold a Master's in counselling psychology and work as a career consultant. Music is my fuel and an important source of energy in my life. I drive my vespa around the city and I love what I do! :) About this blog: me on my artistic soap box! My first novel!![]() Sign up to get notified with my blog updates!
This website uses marketing and tracking technologies. Opting out of this will opt you out of all cookies, except for those needed to run the website. Note that some products may not work as well without tracking cookies. Opt Out of CookiesFollow me on Instagram!
|