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Win More Often

Improve Your Mindset, Win More Often

“Winning” is one of the best feelings in the world. All athletes want to come out on top, and feel successful. It’s a way that we know all of our hard work is paying off, and that we’re getting better.

It’s like something that we are all wired to want, or we are told that we should want at all costs.

Typically, we only think we “win”, if we beat someone else at something, or hit a specific marker of success. We are always trying to outplay others, so that we can come out victorious, and therefore feel happy, empowered, or superior. But, it can be a trap.

If that’s how you define “winning,” then you’ll often come up short.

Your confidence may suffer, your attitude may struggle, and you may find it challenging to regain steam for the next competition.

You may get discouraged, and down on yourself.

If you’re regularly feeling like you “just can’t win” or you haven’t felt super “successful” recently, then you may need to change your perspective on “winning” and “losing.”

Redefine “winning” and therefore you can “win” more often.

Here’s how

After an event, game or at the end of your training day, ask yourself these 5 questions – and begin to reframe how you think about winning.

1. Did I learn? If so, that’s a win.

2. Did I make a positive impact? If so, that’s a win.

3. Did I push myself? If so, that’s a win.

4. Did I struggle or feel challenged? If so, that’s growth, and therefore a win.

5. Did I try something uncomfortable? If so, win.

If you’ve done anything of the above, consider it a win, and move on with contentedness.

This way of thinking will help you feel like you’re regularly improving and setting yourself up for success no matter what the situation is.  When you start to redefine “winning” in this way, you might find that you’re able to dominate your competition and your goals because you’re more confident and focused.

Remember, we will fall short, make mistakes, have letdowns and you can’t go on pretending that you’re winning all of the time. Disappointments are just as important as “wins.”

  Want to see if you’re a fit for one-on-one coaching?

Fill out the assessment form here

The post Win More Often appeared first on MENTALITYWOD.

Win More Often published first on http://mentalitywod.com

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Your May Workout Calendar!

Hey guys!

Raise your hand if you’re ready for May!!

I know a lot of you are having special events this month…from Prom to Graduation to Weddings…POPsters are living their best lives and I’m SO proud!

If you are one of those POPsters getting married or part of a wedding, you should check out my #HappilyEverFitter giveaway! You could win some amazing pieces from the new Dream Collection!! The entry form is here.

It’s so awesome to know that some of you have been with me since 2009 (oh boy the early days – I just had graduated from college!!!) and now some of us are getting married, having kids, and just GROWING UP! But you know what kept us all connected? Our love for fitness. For wellness. For appreciating our bodies. I am so grateful to have you in my life!

Now, on to the May 2019 calendar! Look at that taco themed background! How cute is that!?? I love tacos. Once I tried a fried avocado taco and it made me so happy. If you’re ever in Los Angeles, check out Tacos Tu Madre. I honestly like the avocado taco way better than the regular carne asada taco! UGH SO GOOD. I am salivating.

Click to download hi res cal!

SUNDAY: Fresh Upper Body

MONDAY: Blissful Booty

TUESDAY: Cheerful Cardio

WEDNESDAY: Active Abs

THURSDAY: Flourishing Full Body

FRIDAY: Spring Stretching

SATURDAY: Lush Legs

If you’re new around here, this is how it goes!

Click on the hi res link to download the calendar and print it out for your wall!

Head over to blogilates.com/calendar and click on the videos of the day. It’ll take you directly to the YouTube video! Or use the Coda doc.

Do each video once (unless otherwise stated)

Check off as you go!

Good luck and have fun! HAPPY MAY!!!!

The post Your May Workout Calendar! appeared first on Blogilates.

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Time for some #bootypositivity

I’ve been debating whether I should post this photo or not because 1) I’m really proud of how strong my back and arms have gotten but 2) I know there will still be judgment against my small butt. After a sleep, I’ve woken up and decided WHO CARES.

I don’t want to just post things for likes. I don’t want to base my worth on other people’s approval. I don’t want to feed into the big butt obsession (but also can’t ).

My body is a result of hard work and genetics. People often forget that genetics play a huge role in the way you look – just like how I have brown hair, small boobs, and almond shaped eyes – I ALSO HAVE A SMALL BUTT. How about some #bootypositivity huh!???

Oh and you you know what?? This photo isn’t even posed to make my butt look bigger. It’s just me walking down a slope like a normal human being, not an Instagram model. But I like it. It’s so real. There is absolutely NO photoshop on this body I work so hard for.

The post Time for some #bootypositivity appeared first on Blogilates.

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Time for some #bootypositivity

I’ve been debating whether I should post this photo or not because 1) I’m really proud of how strong my back and arms have gotten but 2) I know there will still be judgment against my small butt. After a sleep, I’ve woken up and decided WHO CARES.

I don’t want to just post things for likes. I don’t want to base my worth on other people’s approval. I don’t want to feed into the big butt obsession (but also can’t ).

My body is a result of hard work and genetics. People often forget that genetics play a huge role in the way you look – just like how I have brown hair, small boobs, and almond shaped eyes – I ALSO HAVE A SMALL BUTT. How about some #bootypositivity huh!???

Oh and you you know what?? This photo isn’t even posed to make my butt look bigger. It’s just me walking down a slope like a normal human being, not an Instagram model. But I like it. It’s so real. There is absolutely NO photoshop on this body I work so hard for.

The post Time for some #bootypositivity appeared first on Blogilates.

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Comparing old photos of myself…

Have you ever compared yourself to old photos of yourself and wished you were as “fat” as when you thought you were fat when you really weren’t fat at all!?

Listened to a podcast about comparison, and it blew my mind. We all know that “comparison is the thief of joy.” But, did you know that there are types of comparisons – and that they can be used to our advantage?

There’s “upward comparison” and “downward comparison”. To better understand this, imagine you’re trying to lose weight. If you compare up, you compare yourself to a person who’s lost more weight than you in a shorter amount of time. This might make you feel bad about yourself. If you compare down, you compare yourself to someone who is having a really hard time sticking to her diet and actually gaining weight. This might make you feel better about yourself.

Instead of trying to avoid comparison all together (because we’re humans and we’re going to do it anyway) COMPARE STRATEGICALLY for your advantage! It’s all mindset.

When you want to accomplish more, compare up. You don’t have to feel bad when you compare up to people who are “better than you.” I want you to compare up and use them as your driving force to reach your goals!

When you feel you’ve failed, go ahead and compare down. (Yes, others do actually have it worse than you!) This downward comparison can help you find gratefulness, which honestly, we all need more of.

In this age of ultimate outward comparison (thanks social media), when you can’t avoid it, USE IT.

So what about me and the photos? Honestly, I used to feel really bad about not being as lean as I was in 2012. But then I remember back to how mean I was to the people that loved me because I was always hangry! So, I’m grateful to have a little extra weight on me and carry on as a full functional person who is happy.

The post Comparing old photos of myself… appeared first on Blogilates.

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Trying to find a low carb bread substitute that actually tastes like bread

Hi guys – let’s talk about bread.

I’m always searching for a bread alternative since wheat seems to make me super bloated. So today I am trying out 3 grain free bread recipes that I found online! Let’s see which one will taste the best?

I partnered with Thrive Market to test out some recipes I’ve been wanting to try forever!

Check out all three recipes below or follow along with my video!

#1. Low Carb Flat Bread

Ingredients:

1 cup full fat coconut milk 1/2 cup + 1 heaping tablespoon super fine almond flour 1/2 cup arrowroot powder/flour pinch of sea salt Garnish (optional) 6 teaspoons of vegan butter spread (1 teaspoon per flatbread)

Find out how to make it in my video above or by following the link to the recipe on Fit Men Cook.

#2. Cloud Bread

Ingredients:

3 eggs 3 tablespoons cream cheese, softened at room temperature ¼ teaspoon cream of tartar 1 tablespoon granulated sugar or honey

Will my bread turn out to be a glorified meringue?!??? Bluprint says no. Watch the video to find out what happens when I pull these puppies out of the oven.

#3. 90 sec bread

Ingredients:

3 tbsp almond flour or 1 1/3 tbsp coconut flour 1 tbsp oil (melted butter, melted coconut oil, avocado oil) 1/2 tsp baking powder 1 large egg tiny pinch of salt

Ok. This one looks like bread… but does it stand up to the taste test?!?

Tell me in the comments below what your favorite recipe is and tag me on IG when you try these recipes so that I can see what you think!

What do you guys want to see next time on Cheap Clean Eats!? I had so much filming this so I want to do another one soon!

The post Trying to find a low carb bread substitute that actually tastes like bread appeared first on Blogilates.

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Help. Need bride squads who want free activewear!

Hey there!!!

Are you engaged?

Getting married?

YOU NEED TO READ THIS.

I’m calling all brides (and bridesmaids)!

I’m looking for bride squads to outfit entirely in the POPFLEX Active bridal inspired “Dream Collection” FOR FREE.

Yes. As in, I’ll take care of your bridesmaid gifts. Save that money for something else! I know weddings are expensive and stressful, so it’d be my honor to help my fellow brides live #HappilyEverFitter!!!

How do you enter!?

1⃣ Post a photo of you and at least one of your bridesmaids on Instagram or Facebook doing some type of a fitness pose! (It could be as simple as a selfie flex, or as intense as a handstand!) In the caption, explain why fitness and mental health are important to you as you prepare for your big day!

2⃣ Tag @popflex_active and hashtag #happilyeverfitter

3⃣ Then go to bit.ly/happilyeverfitter and fill out the application. This step is necessary!

The catch? There isn’t one really! I just want you to send us a photo of you and your bridesmaids wearing the gifted outfits (maybe from your bachelorette party or from wedding weekend) so we can post you guys on @popflex_active! The contest ends Sept 22, 2019 and multiple bride squads will be chosen! It’s open worldwide.

If you’re not getting married, then could you send this blog post to someone who is? Thanks :)

Also whether you’re engaged/married/single/divorced/whatever – you should try out my Bridal Bootcamp! Here’s “Happily Ever After Abs” to get you started:

PS: Ahhhhhh I wish I could get married to Sam over and over again! I LOVE WEDDINGS!!!!!!

Good luck!!!

The post Help. Need bride squads who want free activewear! appeared first on Blogilates.

Help. Need bride squads who want free activewear! published first on http://www.blogilates.com

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Move Past Anxiety To Perform Better

Fear, anxiety, and doubt…not such fun feelings are they? They cause you to question yourself, begin to give yourself excuses and may keep you from giving your full effort. To perform your best, you gotta learn how to work WITH them, and not fight them. Fear and anxiety may not go away, so how will you still perform your very best?

There is one ultimate strategy that will help reduce anxiety immediately.

Instead of trying to “NOT” feel fear or anxiety…you can accept that you are feeling them.

Instead of trying to wish anxiety away, you can embrace that it is part of life.

Instead of being angry that you’re experiencing anxiety, you can actually learn to appreciate it.

When you begin to feel something you notice you’re uncomfortable, the next step is to immediately tell yourself that it’s “okay” to be feeling that way. That it’s temporary and that you accept what’s going on right now inside of you.

As you begin to accept those feelings, you’ll notice they start to lessen. You can eventually even move towards loving ALL of your feelings, and embracing all parts of the human experience, and you’ll feel less controlled by anxiety and fear.

I struggled with panic attacks for years and my anxiety used to get the best of me. I used to try with all of my might to push it away, and I would get so mad that I had it. Now, I take an entirely different stance towards emotions like fear, doubt and anxiety. Sure, I still feel anxious at times, but when I started to accept it and learned to love that it’s part of who I am, it’s part of a meaningful life… that’s when it stopped controlling me. It’s still uncomfortable, and I still continue to practice this strategy all of the time, but it’s the best way that I’ve ever found to reduce the discomfort.

So, continue to DO, in spite of anxieties and fears. Waiting for, or wanting it to go away is holding you back.

Stop waiting to be completely fearless before take action.

Stop waiting for zero stress before you go forward.

Stop waiting for perfection before you commit.

Stop waiting for anxiety to fully go away to move on.

Stop waiting for doubts to be removed to perform your best.

There are things you can do every single day to reduce your fear, stress, need for perfection, anxiety and doubts. There are thoughts and behaviors that will help you navigate through each of those feelings so that you can accomplish your goals. If you wan to perform at a high level, day in a day out, you will face struggles and obstacles. Know that you’re on the right path.

Passion often comes with fear.

Desire often comes with frustration and nerves.

Big pursuits lead to some stress and doubt.

Pushing to be your best in games comes with a bit of anxiety.

See how this works? The best things in life are paired with uncomfortable feelings.

So, what do you do? How do you continue to put your best self forward, and perform your best?

1. Accept the anxiety and befriend it.

2. Practice the thoughts and behaviors that help you to improve your mindset every day.

3. Recognize that anxiety can be there, but TAKE ACTION FORWARD in spite of it.

4. Continue to build your toolbox of skills to handle discomfort.

Lean into your feelings, be kind to them. Embrace that they are there, but that they don’t need to RULE your actions and thoughts. Fear and anxiety can be present, you can be okay with them and you can do amazing things WHILE feeling them. They don’t need to be gone in order to go forward. Before you know it, you may even be able to understand them and love them.

The post Move Past Anxiety To Perform Better appeared first on MENTALITYWOD.

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Your April Workout Calendar!

Hey guys!

Happy April and happy new POPFLEX launch! It’s our first collection of 2019 and we’re ringing in Spring with some major dreamy vibes. I’m really excited to share with you The Dream Collection. Inspired by my wedding, everything is super romantic, soft, and totally enchanted oasis.

Originally this collection was supposed to launch last October when I got to walk down the aisle and marry my Sam – but things got crazy and it didn’t happen! But I am glad we waited, because what was I thinking of launching a new collection and getting married at the same time!??? Sometimes I am just too much. So the universe has to step in and create complications to help me slow down :P

I wanted to design something that would remind me of my wedding day every time I slipped on my activewear. So that’s why you’ll see colors that represent this age old rhyme…”Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue…”

This is the Muse Bra in Sky.

Which matches perfectly with these highness leggings in sky!

Imagine doing a wellness-inspired bachelorette party where everyone gets to wear The Dream Collection! OMG how cute would you and your bridesmaids look!?

This is literally the softest cardigan in the world.

The fabric is super duper stretchy, so you’d be surprised what will fit you! Customers are already saying that the 12’s are fitting up to a 14/16 because of how resilient the fabric is!

Also guys, if you’re not sure what your size is, buy what you think will fit you based on the size chart and the Stylist’s Tip (this collection fits similar to Dusty Blossom) and don’t worry about anything because we’ve got a new “At-Home Try-On Program” – which means free shipping and free exchanges in the US on all orders containing the Dream Collection! Until April 15th.

Yay! Now go check out all of the Dream Collection here.

Now, onto the April 2019 Calendar! Prepare for one of the most challenging cals yet!!! Make sure to check out the interactive Coda doc I made for this month too if you want to track your workouts and challenge your friends! Just click Copy doc to get started.

Click to download hi res cal!

SUNDAY: Unstoppable Upper Body

MONDAY: Perfect Peach

TUESDAY: Carefree Cardio

WEDNESDAY: Amazing Abs

THURSDAY: Total Body Takeover

FRIDAY: Rest ‘n Stretch

SATURDAY: Lengthened Legs

If you’re new around here, this is how it goes!

Click on the hi res link to download the calendar and print it out for your wall!

Head over to blogilates.com/calendar and click on the videos of the day. It’ll take you directly to the YouTube video! Or use the Coda doc.

Do each video once (unless otherwise stated)

Check off as you go!

The post Your April Workout Calendar! appeared first on Blogilates.

Your April Workout Calendar! published first on http://www.blogilates.com

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Puppies & Planks happened and it was BEYOND.

My heart and soul are soaring. I took this entire week to let that feeling truly soak in.

Leading up to Puppies & Planks, we were battling the rain, vendors who canceled on us last minute, the sheer lack of time, and also I ended up in Urgent Care just days before. I really didn’t know what was going to happen.

But this weekend Puppies & Planks exceeded every single one of my expectations. WE RAISED OVER $20,000 for LA Animal Services, Much Love Animal Rescue, Karma Rescue, and The Dove Project!!! Huge thanks to every single person or doggy involved in making P&P a reality. Whether you physically were there or shared it on social media or bought a festival shirt to support…THANK YOU.

A huge thank you to PETCO for being my official partner for the inaugural Puppies & Planks fest! Below is the PETCO “Life’s a Ball!” installation, which included a pool FULL OF tennis balls for the takin’!

I’m so happy. I don’t even know what to say. I’m lost in these feels. The day was filled with so many dogs, so many friends, so many POSITIVE VIBES. I could not have asked for anything more.

So, I’d love to take you on a journey through the day! Ready?

7:50 AM: Here’s everyone entering the main stage under the official Puppies & Planks balloon arch!

8:00 AM: Anna Victoria led a huge warm up for everyone getting ready to do the 3K!

Doggies who signed up for the 3K got an official Puppies & Planks bandana!

Look at all the people and the doggies!

Humans were lining up all day to take plank pics at the official Puppies & Planks paradise installation!

And check out this art installation for humans and pups! It’s called “Dogs Can Fly and So Can I!” by Daniel Kordek.

9:30 AM: The first official class of the day was led by my good friend Joseph Corella of 567Broadway! I love his dance class so much. He always makes me laugh and he’s such a fantastic instructor.

10:30 AM: Next, my sister Jackelyn introduced me on stage as my heart was pounding! So many feelings were swirling in my body!

Starting off POP Pilates with some plié squats of course!

I can’t get over how cool that downtown LA skyline looks behind the stage!

After every class, we ended with a 1 minute plank challenge. I chose the opposite arm, opposite leg plank. Then my sister decided to put George on me. It was hard. REALLY HARD.

Then!!! We presented a GIANT check to the local animal rescues! Wed raised over $20,000 for them through the sale of the fitness class tickets! The check here says $17,700 because that was BEFORE we counted how much we made from on site ticket sales! Ahhh!!!

11:30 AM: Next up my friend Caleb aka The Fitness Marshall rocked the stage with his suave dance moves! I wish my body could move like that!

Lunch break!

We had lots of great food options including delish acai bowls from Amaze Bowls!

Food trucks lined up to feed the peeps!

Just Food For Dogs served up some fresh food for the pups – for free!

12:30 PM: After lunch, CRUNCH Fitness took the stage and leg “Ruff Yoga” – a yoga class made especially for you and your dog!

The dogs really loved it.

The dogs also really loved the Toy Distraction Field! Basically, any toy the dog would touch first it would be their’s to take home for free! We kept hearing owners say “NOT THE BALL!!! DO NOT PICK THE BALL!!!”

Everyone adored the doggo kissing booth from I Has Cupquake!

And the free caricatures from Arrival Fitness!

Oh and the agility course from LARPBO (Los Angeles Responsible Pit Bull Owners) was a hit!

    1: 30 PM: Then Luke Milton from Training Mate took the stage to teach his HIIT inspired Sydney Circuit!

2:30 PM: My sister ended the day with “Yoga for Tight Everything.”

People getting their flexy on.

That day we got sooooo many applications for people interested in adopting! And good news, 4 dogs from LA Animal Services were taken to their forever home that day! Yay!

I hope you enjoyed the Puppies & Planks photo story! I could not have done this without your enthusiastic support; without my incredible #Blogifam for spending countless late nights at the office putting this together; without our instructors Anna Victoria, The Fitness Marshall, Joseph Corella of 567Broadway, my lil sis Jackelyn Ho, and Luke Milton of Training Mate who donated their time and their talent to lead the classes; without my amazing event planner Linda and our incredibly creative event production team at Lurline; without Petco’s confident belief in us as our title sponsor; without the rescue organizations; without my husband Sam who at first thought I was totally insane for doing this (you promised in your vows you would support me no matter how crazy) but then was the one who drove me to the hospital when things got too much, and of course…I could not have done it without my baby, my love, my entire inspiration for Puppies & Planks Sir George.

The big question is…SHOULD I DO IT AGAIN!!!???

The post Puppies & Planks happened and it was BEYOND. appeared first on Blogilates.

Puppies & Planks happened and it was BEYOND. published first on http://www.blogilates.com

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Stop Chasing Wins

  We can’t control if we win or lose. I bet if we could, well there would be no losing. We’d always come out on top, we’d always perform up to our expectations.

Since you can’t control whether you win or lose, would you benefit from focusing on something else?

Yes.

Continuing to tell yourself, “I have to win,” “anything outside of first place sucks,” “I need to get on the podium,” or “everything has to go perfectly,” will put a lot of your attention on the outcome and can add unnecessary pressure.

Instead of focusing on getting the win, you can chase INNER VICTORIES throughout your performance. I know it sounds cheesy. Stay with me.

What the hell do I mean?

Inner victories are the wins that no one else knows about. The little battles that go on within, that only you are experiencing.

A major PR in front of a crowd, well everyone knows about that. When you’re first to cross the finish line, it’s a big deal and others see your accomplishment.

But, that moment earlier when your foot slipped as were pushing the sled, and you started to fall behind…and you doubted if you could catch up to the front of the pack…you were faced with a choice.

One option was to dig in, plant your foot and keep on driving no matter what.

Another option was to fall to your knees, shake your head and continue to think that it’s impossible

  Throughout any competition, event, or workout, you have defining moments. These quick moments of struggle, doubt, hesitancy, frustration, or fatigue. Your plan isn’t going exactly how you imagined, or you aren’t doing as well as you thought you would. You have these little battles going on inside of your head that NO ONE ELSE knows about.

These battles are opportunities. You get to make a choice. 

Instead of focusing on winning, focus on claiming inner victories; the little wins that only you will know about. Focus on perseverance. Claim as many inner victories as you can, and you’ll set yourself up for more PRs, more breakthroughs, more growth, more awards and constant improvement.

Inner victories lead to crazy amounts of success and fulfillment…and wins.

The post Stop Chasing Wins appeared first on MENTALITYWOD.

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4 Ways To Increase Your Effort

When you feel unmotivated or like you’re dragging, it is essential that you make a change before it continues for too long.

If you are just not feeling committed to your workouts, it’s time to make some changes. You can increase your effort, and therefore get more results by implementing different strategies.

If you want to push harder in workouts, get more out of yourself and your training, then try these 4 suggestions.

  4 Ways to Increase Your Effort Regardless of Your Environment

1. Have An Individualized Plan Being on a personalized and specific plan will help you increase your effort, because the work will be tailored for you.Going to the box to just grab a workout might not be enough. Get on a specific plan and begin working on your ‘weaknesses’ if you want to be the best CrossFitter you can be.

2. Set Specific Goals If you feel like you “half-ass it” far too often, then it’s time for you to create more specific training goals.  How many rounds do you want to get? Do you want to go unbroken?  How much weight do you want to lift? If you don’t focus on certain process goals you want to achieve, you may fall into a dangerous place of underperformance.

3. Get Some Accountability I can’t even tell you how much this can help. Tell others your goals, your plan, your mission. Let other people know when you’re going to train, what you’re going to do and how it went. If you want to push harder, get a training partner, coach or a group to help you facilitate better performances. Accountability and support are the STRONGEST assets.

4. Track Your Results We are all motivated by our results, both our own and others that are like us. We can get far more motivated when we are tracking our results, comparing ourselves to what we used to be able to do, or looking forward to what will be able to do in the future. Write down your workouts, numbers, positives, learning lessons and takeaways so that you can use this info for even more motivation.

  Want to improve your performances? Then work on your mental game every single day.

The brand new, online mental training program is here. Check it out!

MENTALITY WOD TRAINING PROGRAM

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Puppies & Planks, the festival that nearly broke my heart.

You Guys!!!!

I can’t tell you how excited I am for Puppies and Planks!!! It’s been a lot of intense work to put on an outdoor festival (hmm why didn’t I realize that obvious fact!!??) and the journey has been full of obstacles telling me to quit, but I’m finally seeing it come together.

This all started last summer when I got the idea to put on a charity festival to raise awareness for dog adoption. Bringing my lil baby angel Sir George into my life has changed it in ways I never expected. Sir taught me to be more compassionate, to forgive more readily, and to honestly be WAY more chill! After all, it’s hard to dwell on the bad stuff when you have an adorable pup looking up at you with his irresistible puppy dog eyes!!

It’s really weird, but as my life gets more intense and I have less and less time, Sir knows how to slow it down. I don’t know how he does it, but when I pet him, hug him, and love him – time expands. I can’t quite explain it.

So umm, simply put, Sir’s love inspired me to put on a whole festival for him all the doggies in the land.

I’m looking at the statement now, shaking my head, (as we are only 15 days away from show time and I’m dying on the daily) and I’m asking myself some serious questions about the extremity of my love language.

Anyway you guys, it took A LOT to get to this point. So I am grateful I am even able to announce Puppies & Planks is happening on National Puppy Day, March 23…because just about 1 month ago, there was NO WAY it was going to happen.

The goal was to create this unforgettable experience for fitness lovers, dog lovers, and dogs in the community – all with the purpose of raising awareness for dog adoption. I was thinking we could kick off the day with a 3K Dog Walk, then immerse ourselves in top-notch fitness classes taught by my favorite LA instructors and some of my amazing YouTube fitness friends! Then afterwards we could cuddle adoptable pups, walk the shopping village with some of the coolest health, wellness, and doggy brands, have our dogs play in the pup carnival area, we could take pics at aesthetic Instagram stations, and then picnic on the grass after getting lunch at the healthy food trucks!!!

Doesn’t that sounds like the best time ever!?

So immediately, I started researching brands that loved animals. Then I researched local LA dog shelters. I asked my fitness instructor friends if they would want to teach. My friends were like YASSSSSS! So I put together a deck, thinking this would be easy peasy lemon squeezy.

I was SO WRONG.

After sending out hundreds of emails, getting on numerous phone calls, and pitching so many people, several months went by and NOT ONE organization was had signed on. It was most heartbreaking when even the dog shelters didn’t want to be a part of it! It was really weird and almost backwards at points. There was a particular shelter that did not want to bring their dogs out to the event to get adopted unless we paid them thousands of dollars. I had tried to explain that we’d be donating 100% of our ticket proceeds to them, but they still wanted the money up front. So after that phone call – I really felt heartbroken, and like this wasn’t something I should be involved in.

At this point, I had given myself the deadline of Dec 2018 as our we-need-to-stop-trying deadline. After Christmas had passed, I told my event planner Linda that we needed to seriously stop. But she told me no. She told me to not give up just yet. She said “Give it one more month Cassey.”

To be 100% honest with you, I had completely lost hope at the end of December. I didn’t want to invest more time, energy, or money into this thing that clearly no one wanted to be a part of.

But…

It’s the very moment when you’re about to give up, but don’t, that the magic happens.

The VERY last week of January, we secured our incredible title sponsor – PETCO!!! WHHAAAAAA!!!????? I CRIED.

You guys. Petco was my dream sponsor. They were on my vision board for the event from day 1. After numerous phone calls and emails with their marketing team, serendipitously meeting their CMO in person at a conference (and trying to casually pitch him the idea), and then just praying to the universe…they came on board. And they SAVED US! I feel so lucky, because had Petco not partnered with Puppies & Planks, I don’t think I would EVER attempt to put on this festival again. They saved Puppies & Planks, and now together, we’re going FULL SPEED.

Above are just some of my amazing friends that will be teaching at Puppies & Planks! From left to right, it’s Anna Victoria who will be leading the warm-up before the 3K Dog Walk, The Fitness Marshall who’s gonna teach you how to dance like you’re in a music video, me who will POP Pilates your abs to death, my lil sis Jackelyn who will stretch your body with her cool yoga class, and Joseph C0rella who will teach you how to dance like a Broadway star with 567Broadway! Not pictured, but you’ll also get to take Ruff Yoga with CRUNCH (aka yoga with your dog) and also Luke Milton’s HIIT class from Training Mate!

You can grab a fitness ticket here.

AHHH!!!!! You guys I CANNOT BELIEVE that it is FINALLY happening!!! General Admission is FREE! So, if you live in the Southern CA area, please please please can you come out to support!!?? Invite all your friends and fam. I’d love to see you.

You can grab a free ticket here.

I’ll be teaching POP Pilates at 10:30am that day at Los Angeles State Historic Park, but will be hanging out afterwards so lots of time to meet and chill! If you want to take any of the fitness classes, it is a $25 donation for an all-access pass and 100% of the ticket sales will be donated to LA Animal Services and other local rescues! (Yes, some finally came on board!) The rescues will be bringing their doggies to the event so you can meet them and maybe even adopt them on site!

If you’re not able to come…there are 2 other ways you can help out!

#1. Purchase a charity festival shirt!

100% of the profits from this sales of these 4 shirts will be used to pay for the hardworking staff and the hard production costs of putting on the festival. The sponsorships unfortunately don’t cover all the costs, so we are fundraising! The navy shirt and the coral shirt are unisex, so feel free to grab one for the boyfriends or hubs too! You can find these on popflexactive.com.

#2. Take the #puppiesandplankschallenge!

If you have a small dog, big dog, old dog or even a stuffed animal dog toy, take the #puppiesandplankschallenge to raise awareness for the Puppies & Planks Festival and to raise awareness for dog adoption! Then tag 5 friends who either love dogs or have a dog to join in. Let’s spread this and make it a movement! Please tag @blogilates and @puppiesnplanksfest so I can see your posts :)

I can’t believe this is happening!!! Here are the deets:

WHEN:

Saturday, March 23, 2019

3K Dog Walk begins at 8AM

WHERE:

Los Angeles State Historic Park

1245 North Spring Street

Los Angeles, CA 90012

WEBSITE: https://www.puppiesandplanks.com/

TICKETS: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/puppies-planks-festival-tickets-56752101062

We are also looking for volunteers, so if you or your school club or organization are interested in helping out, please email Linda@blogilates.com. Thanks so much you guys!!!

The post Puppies & Planks, the festival that nearly broke my heart. appeared first on Blogilates.

Puppies & Planks, the festival that nearly broke my heart. published first on http://www.blogilates.com

[greggreaen]

Your March Workout Calendar!

Hey guys!

It is MARCH! And that means it is CRAZY TIME for me and everyone here at Blogilates HQ! We are officially less than a month away from putting on our very first outdoor festival ever, Puppies & Planks! It’s a charity fitness festival for humans and dogs all with the mission of raising awareness for dog adoption! There will be adoptable furry friends, a 3K Dog Walk, food trucks, a shopping village, fitness classes taught by me, my sis, The Fitness Marshall, Anna Victoria (plus more!) and of course photo opp stations…aka Instagram heaven :)

Can you come!?? It’s happening in Downtown LA on National Puppy Day, March 23, 2019 at the LA State Historic Park! General admission is TOTALLY FREE! If you plan on coming, could you RSVP here so I know how many porta potties to get? :P K thanks.

If you want to take a fitness class with me or any of the other instructors, there is a $25 donation for the all-access fitness class pass! That means you get to take all the classes, all day long for the price of one class! And the best part is, the ticket sales are being 100% donated to LA Animal Services and local rescues :) You can sign up here.

If you can’t come, but still wanna help out, there are 2 other things you could do that I would love love love you forever for!

#1. Post a pic taking the #puppiesandplankschallenge to raise awareness for dog adoption!

These planks have been so cool to see! I simply cannot handle it.

#2. Purchase a festival shirt for a good cause!

Every single dollar of profit that we make from these shirts will be used to help put on Puppies & Planks! That means paying the hard working staff, paying for the event production (staging, signs, banners, booth materials, stage rentals etc.), and everything else that it takes to put on a festival!! We are learning SO MUCH this first year! Check out the shirts on popflexactive.com

Eek you guys. I’m so nervous. Because I have never done this before, it’s 1 part exciting and 1 part completely terrifying at the same time!!! I hope people will actually show up, and I hope that it will not rain! Ahhh!!

Anyway, please spread the word! Let’s sweat for a good cause!

Now, onto the March 2019 Calendar! Prepare for a total body sculpt extravaganza!!!

Click to download hi res cal!

SUNDAY: Toned Triceps

MONDAY: Bomb Booty

TUESDAY: Cardio Craze

WEDNESDAY: Uh-Oh Obliques

THURSDAY: Sculpt Up

FRIDAY: Revive n Recover

SATURDAY: Lucious Legs

If you’re new around here, this is how it goes!

Click on the hi res link to download the calendar and print it out for your wall!

Head over to blogilates.com/calendar and click on the videos of the day. It’ll take you directly to the YouTube video!

Do each video once (unless otherwise stated)

Check off as you go!

The post Your March Workout Calendar! appeared first on Blogilates.

Your March Workout Calendar! published first on http://www.blogilates.com

[greggreaen]

Mental Training Preview – How To Push in WODs

1. READING

“Self-Talk That Works”

There are quite a few common types of self-talk that you may use during a WOD

Here are some examples:

Unhelpful  or Negative Self-Talk

Doubt/ Worry = “I hope I don’t mess up”          “I’m not strong enough to lift it”

Self-Doubt = “I’ll never finish in the time cap”           “I am terrible at this”

Frustration = “This pisses me off”             “Why do I even try”

Comparison =  “He beats me every time”       “She moves so much better than me”

  Helpful or Positive Self-Talk

Calming/Relaxing = “Take a deep breath”         “Stay calm”           “Relax”

Instructional =  “Snap your hips”             “Push through the floor”

Motivational/Encouragement =   “Come on, let’s do this”             “I know I can get through it”

Focus on Present =  “Be here now”             “Focus on the task at hand”

  I believe that instructional self-talk seems to be the MOST beneficial. By instructing specific movement cues, or parts of your body, you give yourself something to really focus on. You’ll likely improve your speed or efficiency by thinking about how to get through it.

I recommend instructional coaching when working with athletes, and instructional self-talk for athletes to use when they’re in a WOD.

Before a workout starts, I’d consider what cues would be helpful for EACH movement you are going to see in the workout.

Each of us are different, and we respond differently to certain words. The key is knowing what thoughts help you, and then implementing them with strong body language when the going gets tough.

Reminder: Whenever you have a thought that is distracting, negative or unhelpful, you can practice quickly giving yourself more positive, directional, effective thoughts and cues. This takes constant practice and effort, but the more you do it, the easier it will be (and the better the WODs will feel). You simply respond to the unhelpful thought with a MORE helpful one.

I’ll show you how in the video demo below.

  2. VIDEO DEMO

Here is my voiceover of an athlete training. This video clip is part of a workout 12 min AMRAP: 250m Row, 10 burpees. I demonstrate how to combat  unhelpful thoughts and continue to give yourself positive reminders, or instructional tips, which are much more helpful.

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=ty-6emA00b0

1. Motivational/Encouragement– Example from the row/burpee video above: “I got this” “Just keep pushing” “When it gets hard, that’s when you get better”

2. Instructional Cues –  Example from row/burpee video above: “Push through your heels” “Stay in control of my breathing” “Hit the ground and explode back up”

3. Chipping Away/Counting – Example from the row/burpee video above: “I’m almost done, just a few more big strokes” “Last 3 reps, go, push, just 2 more…I can do 2 of anything”

  3. JOURNAL WORK

A. What types of unhelpful self-talk, from the list above, do you use most often?

  B. Write down at least 10 things you can say to yourself in a workout, that help you keep pushing and giving it your best.

*Consider what mantras, words, sayings, or instructional cues have been helping you recently.

*If you’re having trouble coming up with what you like to think during your WODs, consider what other training partners or coaches have said to you that helped you continue to push.

  Here’s a list of some other positive, encouraging self-talk options that may be helpful for you. Now you have a list that you’ll be able to reference before your workouts, or you can use as a reminder of what to say to yourself when the going gets tough. Use what resonates with you!

“It’s not that bad”

“I’ve done way harder workouts”

“I get to do this”

“Challenge is good for me”

“I’m grateful to be able to push myself”

“It will feel soo good when I’m done”  

“Just keep chipping away”

“You’re stronger than this workout”

“Move as well as you can”

“Make every rep look the same”

“One rep at a time”

“I can do this”   

“Grind, it’ll be worth it”

“The harder it is, the greater the reward”   

“Don’t give up” 

“Anything is possible”

“Keep f*cking going”

“If it’s hard, it’s working”

Share It

Mental Training Preview – How To Push in WODs published first on http://mentalitywod.com

[greggreaen]

#100AbChallenge Ultimate Progress Tracker!

Hi guys!

The #100AbChallenge is the biggest challenge we’ve EVER done! 100 reps of an ab exercise every single day, for 30 days! Thousands of POPsters jumped in and you guys totally killed it. Whether it was all 100 reps in one go, or 10 sets of 10 reps – it didn’t matter. YOU DID IT. Huge congrats.

Here are some pics of your results! GOOD JOB!!!

Clockwise from top left: @popster_kate, @manderrs_, @tancaliel, @inhalepaleo_exhalepilates, @blissful.fitness, @popster.kitty

Remember that physical achievements are only part of the equation! I saw a teeny bit of new definition in my abs, but for me, that wasn’t the point of the challenge. I know my mid section is a zone that likes to stay soft no matter what I do :) For me, my strength gains have been sooooooo significant. After completing the challenge, I feel a lot more confident, soooooo proud of my body that I have, and so impressed with the incredible things it can do!

Click for high res

I see a bunch of you guys are doing the #100abchallenge again, so I wanted to do something to make it EASIER for you to track your progress. I’m gonna make doing 100 reps a day like a little game. I’ve created a super cool interactive doc that will allow you to see all the videos and track your progress. PLUS it is a great hub to invite all your friends to for a lil challenge – to keep each other accountable!

I used a tool called Coda.io! It’s kinda like an app, but on desktop? And free? Yeah, it’s pretty amazing. Play around with this one to get a feel for it! But if you want a copy of the doc to start filling in, just sign up with your email and boom, that’s it! Sam and I are actually starting to use Coda in place of Excel because it’s so much more visually appealing, and honestly, you can do so much and it looks so professional!

Give it a try HERE! I’m thinking of making a Coda for the monthly calendar. What do you think? Is the current calendar ok or kinda clunky? It is ok to be honest!

The post #100AbChallenge Ultimate Progress Tracker! appeared first on Blogilates.

#100AbChallenge Ultimate Progress Tracker! published first on http://www.blogilates.com

[greggreaen]

#100AbChallenge Ultimate Progress Tracker!

Hi guys!

The #100AbChallenge is the biggest challenge we’ve EVER done! 100 reps of an ab exercise every single day, for 30 days! Thousands of POPsters jumped in and you guys totally killed it. Whether it was all 100 reps in one go, or 10 sets of 10 reps – it didn’t matter. YOU DID IT. Huge congrats.

Here are some pics of your results! GOOD JOB!!!

Clockwise from top left: @popster_kate, @manderrs_, @tancaliel, @inhalepaleo_exhalepilates, @blissful.fitness, @popster.kitty

Remember that physical achievements are only part of the equation! I saw a teeny bit of new definition in my abs, but for me, that wasn’t the point of the challenge. I know my mid section is a zone that likes to stay soft no matter what I do :) For me, my strength gains have been sooooooo significant. After completing the challenge, I feel a lot more confident, soooooo proud of my body that I have, and so impressed with the incredible things it can do!

Click for high res

I see a bunch of you guys are doing the #100abchallenge again, so I wanted to do something to make it EASIER for you to track your progress. I’m gonna make doing 100 reps a day like a little game. I’ve created a super cool interactive doc that will allow you to see all the videos and track your progress. PLUS it is a great hub to invite all your friends to for a lil challenge – to keep each other accountable!

I used a tool called Coda.io! It’s kinda like an app, but on desktop? And free? Yeah, it’s pretty amazing. Play around with this one to get a feel for it! But if you want a copy of the doc to start filling in, just sign up with your email and boom, that’s it! Sam and I are actually starting to use Coda in place of Excel because it’s so much more visually appealing, and honestly, you can do so much and it looks so professional!

I’m thinking of making a Coda for the monthly calendar. What do you think? Is the current calendar ok or kinda clunky? It is ok to be honest!

The post #100AbChallenge Ultimate Progress Tracker! appeared first on Blogilates.

#100AbChallenge Ultimate Progress Tracker! published first on http://www.blogilates.com