by | Aug 16, 2014 | Fitness |
Come on, you know where the back machines are in your gym right? Well if you don’t, it’s the group of machines that rarely have anyone on them. That’s because people like to work muscle groups that get attention, like biceps and abs. However, those with strong backs will be the first to tell you it is one of the most important muscle groups on your body, not only for posture, but for any type of athletic movements.
Back Exercises You Can Do at Home
Facts about your back muscles:
— Your back muscles are the second strongest muscle group in your body; only your legs have more power.
— A wide back creates the illusion of having a much smaller waist than you actually do. Therefore you look a lot trimmer than you really are.
— Back training burns more calories than most exercises because they are the second biggest muscle group in the body
— For athletic movements, a strong back will enable you to throw further, climb and pull higher, or punch harder.
— The lower back is used in nearly every exercise that you do for your entire body.
So, how do you exercise your back if you don’t have access to gym equipment? Easy, just follow the below workout I designed for you. Feel free to add or take away reps if the exercises are too easy or difficult for you.
Supermans – 1 set – 8 reps
[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=trDczeMSOuE[/youtube]
Lay face down with your arms out straight in front of you. Raise your arms and legs 6 inches off the ground. Hold for 3 seconds and return to the starting position.
I Pose Pump – 1 set – 18 reps
[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0cuO-yvcp30[/youtube]
Lay face down with your arms extended by your side. Raise your arms and legs 6 inches off the ground. Pump your arms up and down.
T Pose Pump – 1 set – 25 reps
[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y5lUcG_CpaU[/youtube]
Lay face down with your arms extended outward. Raise your arms and legs 6 inches off the ground. Pump your arms up and down.
Bird dog – 1 set – 8 reps
[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H3LAtrbbHfM[/youtube]
On your palms and knees with your eyes facing the ground, raise one arm and the alternate leg in line with your back. Hold for 3 seconds. Every two times you raise your leg is one rep.
Bridge– 1 set – 8 reps
[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gh7N1nhlmYE[/youtube]
Lay on your back with your knees bent and feet hip-width apart. Put your arms at your side and lift your hips. Hold for 3 seconds and return to starting position.
There you have it, 5 back exercises you can do anywhere and anytime without any equipment. Of course, if you have a gym membership you could add many more back exercises to this workout, such as lat pull downs and pull ups. Always be sure to stretch your back after a workout to reduce soreness and stiffness.
This article was authored by Michael Volkin, inventor of Strength Stack 52 bodyweight exercise cards and the all new Weight Loss Stack 52, the most fun and unique way to lose weight.
by | Aug 8, 2014 | Accessories, Fashion, Travels |
Hi Elegant Readers,
Can you believe that it is August already? My friends’ and colleagues’ kids are starting school soon while others will be going back in a week. Well, there is still time to get that vacation getaway before summer gets away from you. I feel the humidity outside and the heat.
If you had a fantasy getaway, where would you go?
How about Las Vegas — the city that never sleeps. I envision styles for you if you ever plan to go.
Fantasy vacation where you and the hubby are flying into Las Vegas for a quick, three-day weekend. You can stay at the Aria at Citycenter. Aria is a destination in itself, featuring over 4,000 rooms, a multitude of restaurants for every taste bud, a spa and salon, and awesome entertainment options including Cirque du Soleil.
aria at citycenter
When you get up in the morning, you want to look cute, but effortless. I went for the layering effect with the jacket, jeans and blouse. Even though Las Vegas is warm, it may be cool in the cafes when you are getting some breakfast before you start your day. The jacket can always be taken off as the temperature rises. I went for the gold with the accessories and added a pop of color with turquoise necklace.
Viva Las Vegas
Breakfast glam
After breakfast at the Cafe, it’s time to check out the boutiques and shops.
Aria Cafe
Crystals mall is right next to the hotel. You would have to take a day just to browse all the shops that include Tiffany’s,Versace, Dolce and Gabbana, Tom Ford, and Jimmy Choo to name a few. The water features along with the trees and plants are a must see.
I included a second style sheet of a great day look that will keep you looking fabulous. These Guiseppe Zanotto wedge sneakers will be stylish and comfortable walking all day long.
Pile on the bracelets, hoop earrings and add a pop of color in the necklace and handbag.
Style Sheet Two: Daydreamer
Night out with the hubby in Las Vegas
After coming back to the hotel from a day of walking the Vegas strip and shopping; it is time to relax a little and get ready for dinner and a show.
I would recommend dinner at Lemongrass for some stir fry garlic vegetable with Thai iced tea. Sounds delicious!
Lemongrass Restaurant at Aria
The outfit below is perfect for seeing the Jersey Boys show. I saw the group with the hubby on a Caribbean cruise and the show is fabulous.
[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B-seUoC-Z_Q[/youtube]
“The music of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons is ubiquitous. Whether or not you realize it, you’ve heard their songs on the radio, in TV commercials, movies or covered by a contemporary artist. Their repertoire of hits like, “Sherry,” “Walk Like a Man” and “Big Girls Don’t Cry” is ingrained in American pop culture. The story behind those songs and the group is just as endearing.” (Vegas.com)
The look: A 50s style with this sleeveless a-line cherry print dress because we are going to see the Jersey boys.
Las Vegas Dinner Nights
The hair would be in an up-do chignon and add a couple of sprays of the fruity, floral fragrance called Fabulous perfume by Isaac Mizrahi.
The three day weekend is styled right and oh so gorgeous.
by | Jul 30, 2014 | Fashion, Menswear |
Hi Elegant Readers,
What a beautiful day and great weather; this past weekend was quite warm. With the constant temper changes, I am hearing in the fashion grapevine that fall fashion is coming around the corner. I love it when I see my hubby putting on a great shirt for work, church or a special occasion. It’s something very chic to see my hubby in a great dress shirt.
The number one factor with selecting the ultimate dress shirt depends on fit.
Why fit?
1. If the shirt is too tight in the waist, it will make the midsection (the tummy area) appear larger than it really is.
2. If the shirt is too loose in the waist, it can be overwhelming and possibly start coming out of the pants giving off a sloppy look.
If a shirt does not fit right on my hubby, all the other options are purely aesthetic.
Paul Fredrick has done a fabulous job of illustrating the “Anatomy of a Dress Shirt“. When you take a look at this illustration, I know that you will realize the cuffs are different, the collars are different, the pockets are different, and the length is different. There are many different dress shirt options available for any occasion, making one of them right for the man in your life.
PSA_01 Anatomy of a Dress Shirt
I am sharing some of my hot fall 2014 favorites from Paul Fredrick.
The Dress Shirt
Dress shirts are not only in white, the men in my life have tons of choices to choose from and enjoy wearing color.
The Paul Fredrick 2 -ply Cotton Satin Burgundy with Gold stripe dress shirt details below are:
Windsor Spread Collar: Shorter collar points than the straighter collar with a wider gap.
This collar is a classic and can be worn with a bulkier tie.
Mitered French Cuff: This cuff is found in more European shirtings; the cuff is cut at a 45 degree angle.
Pattern of fabric: Burgundy with Gold Stripe pattern that will add style to any pair of dress pants or jeans.
2-ply Cotton Satin Stripe Spread collar French cuff Dress Shirt
Paul Fredrick
Bright Bold Colors
Stepping out of the box with this fun and colorful 2-ply-Cotton-Fine-Line Stripe Straight Collar dress shirt adds style.
When my hubby wears a shirt like this, it says that he has his own style and character. This dress shirt looks great with a pair of dress pants, jeans or paired with a blazer.
2-ply-Cotton-Fine-Line-Stripe-Straight-Collar-Dress-Shirt
Paul Fredrick
The Paul Fredrick Fine Line Stripe Straight Collar Dress Shirt below details are:
Straight Collar: A point collar, a classic collar that flatters face shapes.
Mitered cuff:This cuff is found in more European shirtings; the cuff is cut at a 45 degree angle.
Suit Trends for Fall 2014
1. Variations in Texture draws the eye towards this velvet jacket, paisley tie, stripe patterned socks and brown pants. Patterns due not have to completely match to coordinate together.
The different patterns are very flattering and makes a man look like he took time to put this outfit together.
Variations of Colors and Patterns
Paul Fredrick
The Burgundy Gold Stripe Dress Shirt featured above and in the picture below would give even more contrast to this blazer and dress pants.
The burgundy and gold works well with the blue tones in the blazer.
Burgundy with Gold Stripe Dress Shirt paired with outfit
Paul Fredrick
Another example of texture and color is the suit below.
This 100% Donegal weave suit with the bright colored dress shirt can be worn all year long and could be broken up into separate pieces for variety of looks.
1.The blazer paired with the dress shirt without the tie and jeans.
2. The dress pants paired with the vest and the dress shirt without the blazer.
3. The dress shirt paired with the dress pants or a pair of jeans alone.
Textures and Patterns
Paul Fredrick
The Red Stripe Dress Shirt featured above and in the picture below with the paisley tie would make this suit pop.
My hubby and the other men in my life would get compliments all day long with this gem.
Coordinating Fine Line Stripe Dress Shirt with Donegal Weave Suit
Paul Fredrick
If you want the man in your life to look sharp with fine quality dress shirts, take a look at what Paul Fredrick has to offer.
The multitude of styles, colors and designs are top-notch and second-to-none. You, and your man, will not be disappointed.
by | Jul 23, 2014 | Beauty |
Hi Bubbling Readers,
Happy Summer to you, the weather in Missouri this week has been wonderful!
Speaking of wonderful when I was to write a review on a product that claims to lengthen your lashes by 300%.
Colleen of Younique recently contacted me and asked if I would like to try Moodstruck 3D Fiber Lashes; I was interested and wanted to see how the system works.
I received the product in days so I didn’t have to wait long. Colleen is so sweet that she even included a thank you card for me wanting to review the product.
JT looking over Younique products
The products include:
Transplanting Gel
Natural Fibers
Case
I couldn’t wait to start using, however I used it everyday for a period of two weeks for an adequate review.
1. First step is to a coat of my favorite mascara to my lashes.
I used Tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes and after applying allow it dry.
2. After the mascara dries, I applied one coat of the transplanting gel to my lashes.
3. Immediately I followed by applying the Natural fibers because according to the directions you do not want the gel to dry.
JT looking over the directions
4. Last step add another coat of the transplanting fibers to my lashes.
JT applying the Natural Fibers
I advise a first time user of the Moodstruck 3D Fiber Lashes to apply gel and natural fibers on one eye at a time. Good practice.
The fibers look like hair on a brush. Amazing!
Natural Fibers
It may seem like a lot of steps, but the process goes really fast after the mascara dries.
Before my lashes dried they look full, long and had good definition. No clumps!
3D Fiber Lashes Results
My lashes are long however the 3D lash system made them look even longer.
Information about the product on Younique’s site.
“Our simple three-step process combines Transplanting Gel and Natural Fibers to help create the appearance of incredible thickness and volume to your existing lashes. Watch as your lashes transform into something you have only dreamed of! The 3D Fiber Lashes are water resistant but easily washes off with warm water and facial cleanser at the end of the day. Try it! It will quickly become your favorite makeup must-have.”
Take a look at the ingredients here. It’s great that the Younique products are derived from natural ingredients.
This product was given to me to give my honest review. I would buy this product because the ingredients are natural and the transplanting gel and eyelash fibers are very user friendly to use. You can have long lashes without extensions and no one will know the difference.
I also demonstrated how to use the Moodstruck 3D Fiber lashes below.
[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IM5joEhNGLE&list=UUn2vsUCgv8ZAmgJFD4v6SFw[/youtube]
by | Jul 17, 2014 | Fitness |
There is so much to learn about workout properly, it can be as confusing as you want to make it. However, there are some simple tips, tricks and hacks that anyone can do to make working out easier and more effective. Below are some simple fitness hacks that you can incorporate today to take your fitness to a higher level.
Eat more meals – Note I am not saying eat more food. Break your meals into smaller portions and eat more frequently. Ideally you should eat a meal every 3 hours. Doing this will keep your blood sugar levels in check, keep your appetite under control so your less likely to binge on an unhealthy snack and increase your metabolism.
Tell the world – Tell the world, or at least your world, that you have a goal to lose weight, gain muscle, or even finish a 5k. Most people are willing to let themselves down before their friends and family. Whatever your goal is, telling your friends and family will keep you accountable to them and not yourself. Social networking websites are a great medium for announcing your goals.
The “new exercise” rule- Too often I see people in the gym doing the exact same exercises day after day. Your body has an amazing ability to adapt, and exercising is no exception. Over time, doing the same exercises over and over will decrease the effectiveness of your workouts. Make it a goal that every Sunday night you will search the internet for one new exercise you want to do at least 3 times during the upcoming week. Not only will this new exercise be a learning experience, it will take your fitness to a higher level.
Workout with a friend – Fact: working out with someone will make you less likely to skip a workout and more likely to complete a workout. So grab a buddy at a similar fitness level to you and be amazed at how far you push yourself.
Reward yourself – This hack is especially useful for someone who can never seem to workout consistently. One of the biggest problems newbies have is they quit because they don’t have an end goal, or their goal is too long term. Make a short term goal, just a month or two, and if you complete your goal, say lose 7 pounds, reward yourself with new workout clothes. Having a short-term goal and a reward will make you more likely to finish what you started.
Exercise to Fast Music – A recent study concluded exercising to fast paced songs made people exercise harder and longer. So load your phone up with fast paced heart thumping music before you exercise to increase the effectiveness of your workout.
Active Work Meetings – Why does a day at work have to involve sitting at a desk 8 hours a day? A recent study concluded sitting is deadly, literally. Schedule an active work meeting. Instead of sitting at a conference table with others, burn some calories and take a walk around the building.
This article was authored by Sergeant Michael Volkin, inventor of Weight Loss Stack 52 and Strength Stack 52 weight loss and fitness cards
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