Reflections . . .

Believe it or not, 6FIT is over . . . here and gone just like that! What an inspiring and fun past month. I felt like this was the most energized, supportive 6FIT to date; I was so grateful to be part of such an amazing group of like-minded, dedicated, healthy, fitness driven, DanceFIT enthusiasts.

Virtual instructor Meg’s screenshot

from her Arms & Abs Class

In addition to the energy, this 6FIT was completely different than any other I’ve participated in. It was the most successful 6FIT for me, and you know why? It was the challenge with the closest resemblance to real life . . . there were no restrictions, and no “bad foods”. You were encouraged to not indulge every day, but I didn’t feel like it was a bad thing if I did (which I have in past challenges 6FIT & other).

The best thing I’ve learned over the last few years is that you have to eat how you plan to eat for the rest of your life. Yes I think a month here or there of cutting out junk to lose a few pounds that have crept on is good, and if you truly see yourself living the rest of your life never eating a certain food or food group- then that is for you. For me I am going to have the occasional treat, glass of wine or cocktail, and balance it all with lots of fruits and vegetables and water- always water : )

Wine & Salad

This 6FIT I made new friends (virtually), worked hard on achieving 80/20, I did not miss one workout. I took my one rest day every week, I learned to meal plan, and only had one jellybean binge : ) What were my results you are wondering? I lost 3 1/2 pounds, my arms are more toned, I feel stronger overall, and I feel like I have learned things that will help me continue on my fitness and life journey. As a designer by day I have always had such a thirst for knowledge in the fitness and nutrition field, I am continually inspired by challenges like 6FIT to learn more.

Lastly it has truly been an honor to represent DanceFIT on this journey, and I hope to continue blogging, I hope you will follow me : )

Happy summer! Remember- drink water, 80/20, and always DanceFIT : )

                

It takes a village . . .

You can’t do everything on your own . . . a lot of people do a lot of amazing things, and I sure try to do it all on my own, but I have found time and time again it makes everything better when you have someone or even better, a community to help. Creator and owner of DanceFIT Studio Gina Fay always says “it is no coincidence that we all workout harder, longer and with more energy in a group environment where we have our friends (and even strangers) to push us to do “just one more” and inspire us through a tough workout and show us just how much we are capable of doing." This is true in life and so true in 6FIT.

 Barre + bronze charity event

I can eat mostly healthy and work out on my own but I never push myself as hard as I do or take that second thought about a piece of chocolate I don’t really need the same as when I have a team to be accountable to. Gina also so poignantly says “The real inspiration and motivation is going to come from members of your TEAM who are going to push and encourage you each step of the way -- and in return you are going to do likewise.”  I do that extra push up because no one else has quit, I sign up for an extra class or skip that extra weekend treat to get more points to help my team. I love the give and take that not only 6FIT creates, but DanceFIT creates as well.

                                                       DanceFIT crew at the Diva Dash

I have not set foot in a “gym” since college, I can’t stand the machines that go in one repetitive motion over and over, and I also have zero motivation to workout at one, because I feel like there is no competition and no one is there supporting or encouraging me. That’s why I love classes so much! Virtual DanceFIT has been a life saver because for the days I couldn’t make it to a class, or now being too far from the studio I can still get the same great workouts in my house or on vacation . . .there are absolutely no excuses! I encourage you if you have never tried it to sign up for a class! It’s like bringing the studio, friends and all to your living room!

                                       

                                                    Planking during Virtual DanceFIT

So grab a friend, or try a new class and make a friend, and join forces in a fitness journey together!

          

                

A little goes a long way . . . Don’t be afraid to try new things

Like I challenge myself in fitness, I like to challenge myself in the kitchen. I get bored prepping the same things over and over again just as much as I do maintaining the same workout routine week after week. I’ve been pushing myself to try new foods as much as I can, and 6FIT has certainly helped me achieve that. Can we just say how much I love beets?

I don’t always devote a lot of time to prep on the weekends as much as I know it helps me during the week, and especially now that the weather is getting nicer the last place I want to be is stuck inside in the kitchen staring out at the sunny day. So my new routine is to pick one or two new recipes- usually ones that I get in my email, see on Facebook, or from my go Popsugar online, and try them out. Sometimes the recipe’s come out amazing and go right in the book of favorites, other times they are total fails . . .but how else will you know unless you try? One of my all time favorite quote is quotes is “If you haven't failed, you're not trying hard enough” - Jennifer Crusie

“If you haven't failed,

you're not trying

hard enough”

Just this past week a fellow 6Fitter posted a recipe that I thought looked so amazing I had to make it. My version looked absolutely nothing like the picture, and while it was good I think it needs some serious tweaking, which is something I love to do to make recipes my own. Here’s one that actually looks and I imagine tastes like the original : )

So I bet you’re all wondering what recipes have made the cut these past 3 weeks? Well here are a few . . . what new food or recipe will you try?

http://www.popsugar.com/fitness/Chickpea-Avocado-Salad-38041191

http://myheartbeets.com/paleo-naan-indian-bread/

http://www.popsugar.com/food/Marinated-Eggplant-Tahini-32001938

http://www.popsugar.com/fitness/2-Week-Clean-Eating-Plan-Day-2-Recipes-39388557

Go conquer the kitchen!!