Author: Orange DECA

Tour of Columbus [Harbor Yoga]

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I was dreaming about going somewhere warm in the middle of a frigid winter weekend. A beach vacation was my first choice, but not in the budget… enter HOT VINYASA YOGA at Harbor Yoga Studio.  Harbor is located in Historic Dublin and offers various classes throughout the week.

I had one of the best workouts of my life!!! It was warm, relaxing but challenging, and overall an awesome experience. I don’t have much to compare it to [yet], but it definitely changed my mind about yoga being slow, boring and a waste of time!  It was an amazing change from my usual running routine and is an excellent supplement to cross train, prevent injury, stretch, etc. Check out some reasons why HERE.

To explain further, here is a description from their site… “The owners, Heidi and Angie, realized that when you combine fun and funky music with the yoga poses, it challenges a person to move with more purposeful strength and style. This “yogahop” style of yoga is a hybrid of traditional Eastern style yoga with a more Western twist.”

Basically, I was a hot, sweaty mess. And I loved it.

You can register and pay for classes online and all you need is a mat, water bottle and towel.  *Don’t forget to bring water, you’ll need it!*  They currently offer a 14-day unlimited pass for new clients, so you can go as much as you want in the two week trial. They supply lululemon mats if you don’t have your own, but there are a limited amount, so get there early if you need one. I’ll be honest, I tried to use my inexpensive Target mat and it did NOT work! I was so sweaty, I was slipping all over the place! lululemon sure does make a better mat.

If you’re a newbie like me, there is a page on their website that offers helpful tips. Another reason to get there early… so you can hide in the back and not feel like everyone in the room knows that you don’t know what you are doing. 🙂  Although it may be hotter in the back!

One of the owners is a former teacher and a lot of the instructors have education and/or business backgrounds, which I was especially drawn to when reading their bios.

 Owners

The decor and atmosphere were adorable! The beach-like theme & spa blue colors were inviting & soothing, I may just end up stealing the idea to redo our main bathroom!

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I will definitely be going back multiple times. Check it out sometime and as they say in class ‘meet me on the mat!’


2016 update: 

Harbor moved locations – still in Dublin, but now closer to BridgePark than Historic Dublin – has a brand new studio and much better parking! The average temperature during a class in the new studio is 103-104 and it is hotter in the back. Stay by the door if you want a breeze now and then!

Below are some photos from their new studio, taken during a ‘men on the mat’ event with lululemon athletica polaris. See, dudes do yoga too! 🙂

Harbor + lulu-4 Harbor + lulu-5 Harbor + lulu-13 Harbor + lulu-10 Harbor + lulu-19 Harbor + lulu-20 Harbor + lulu-21 Harbor + lulu-22 Harbor + lulu-46

Ordering ‘healthy’ at Starbucks… and a spring funny

I have a minor addiction to some things that aren’t necessarily ‘healthy’ ~ Starbucks coffee drinks and chocolate being at the top of the list.  I’m a firm believer in EVERYTHING IN MODERATION, so I allow myself to indulge every now and then!

Here are some tips for ordering ‘healthy’ at Starbucks… Screen Shot 2014-03-27 at 11.51.13 AM

  • Get less ‘pumps’ – a grande latte has FOUR pumps of sweetener!  That sugary deliciousness is not needed.  I’ve gotten down to ONE pump and still enjoy the flavor.  I don’t like the taste of the ‘artificial’ skinny flavors, so I do the real deal.  My favorite go-to order is a grande, non-fat, half-caff, one pump caramel latte.  You can try ‘skinny’ if you’re able to!
  • Go non-fat. Saves calories and fat.
  • Get decaf or half-caff.  Caffeine can dehydrate you. Pair it with a large water for added hydration benefits.
  • Get a regular coffee or [unsweetened] tea.  They will save you money and calories!

 

 

 

On a side note, my aunt sent us this funny today.  I literally laughed out loud, so hope you enjoy a smile too!  Notice how stylish this little birdie is with his Starbucks & Northface?  All this little birdie wants is some SPRING weather!

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Are you MORE than ready for Spring?  

What is your favorite Starbucks order?  

21/21 ~ COMPLETED 21 day Jump Start Challenge!

I’m a little behind in posting… my 21st day of the challenge was actually Sunday, but it has been a BUSY week!  It is the week before Spring Break so lots of ‘cramming’ going on at school and we are trying to prepare for our family vacation next week.  Fun, fun!!!  

If you’re just tuning in, here are some links to the first two phases;

Click HERE to see DAY ONE and my Post-Pregnancy Weight Loss Journey.

Click HERE to see phase two.

21 Day Challenge – overall results & personal thoughts —> 

Successes!  FeetOnScale2Reasons maybe YOU should try a fitness jump start…

  • You will lose weight.  I lost 5.5 pounds total during the 21 day challenge.  After 14 months, I AM FINALLY DOWN TO MY PRE-PREGNANCY WEIGHT!  That in and of itself is enough to justify the time, money and sacrifices I made!
  • You will lose inches. Mine ~ Chest = 2.5 inches, Hips = 1 inch, Waist = 1 inch.
  • You will learn to eat cleaner. I now try to grab more veggies, fruit and protein when I’m feeling the need to snack (previously I used to grab anything carb or crunch related!)  “Go-to snacks” included carrots, hardboiled eggs, bite of peanut butter.   Learned to eat protein at each meal.  Learned I can order a one-pump Starbucks (instead of the FOUR they put in a grande!) latte.  I don’t like the ‘skinny’ artificially flavored one, I like the real deal, so one pump saves a lot of sugar!
  • You will become more focused on your FITness goals.  Having the support of others in the group, knowing you paid money, tracking your diet & exercise… these reasons all help to motivate you to eat healthy, exercise, drink lots of water, get more sleep and DE-STRESS!

Challenges:  Things to be aware of…

  • You may get headaches (in the beginning).  This was common among several group members, your body is essentially going through withdrawal from sugar & caffeine!
  • You may be a bit tired (and if you’re like me, cranky!) during the detox.  This is lessened if you can get a good night’s sleep, at least 7-8 hours.
  • You may feel weak during long cardio workouts.  I found it difficult to not eat carbs during half marathon training and I think some of my runs suffered.  Up your (low GI) carbs, especially in the AM, if you are training for a distance race.  These include veggies, especially squash, and sweet potatoes.  I even added in some oats or Ezekial bread before my long Saturday runs.
  • For me personally, working full time and having a 14 month old has its challenges when trying to find mommy/workout time!  The pic below was taken while trying to capture my ‘AFTER’ photos… you can see for yourself!

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 During the ‘after’ photo shoot – happy, but clingy!

I’m not really into putting selfies of myself in a sports tank all over the internet.  No judgements to people who can/do, I just choose not to because #1, I work with high school students and #2,  I’m not quite where I want to be!  I hope to take a family photo on vaca this week and post to my ‘weight loss journey‘, since I’m finally down to my pre-preggo weight.  Overall I am extremely happy with the results and I am excited that I met my goal.

If you are debating signing up for your own ‘Kick Start’ challenge of any sort (Whitney’s, Advocare, etc) and want to see my results, email me and I’d be happy to share!

 

 Rewards:

My promise to myself after meeting my goal was to buy one cute/work outfit and one running outfit.

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Reward outfit #1 [for work]

Dress, Old Navy & Scarf, Francesca’s… only $25 total!

 

My running outfit will be a lululemon splurge.Screen Shot 2014-03-26 at 6.07.20 PM

Speaking of which, more exciting news on lulu coming soon!  Stay tuned! 

 

I may have splurged on a chocolate dessert… who can resist Cadbury mini eggs?  Everything in moderation 🙂

 

 Have you done a fitness jump start?  What was the outcome?  

Find your BEST YOU ~ start TODAY!!!

 

 

Photo credit (of scale) to; espressoandcream.com

#getoutforarun

My students are creating posters using Photoshop and finding unique or creating new hashtags to use on Instagram for their business or blog.

So my sample is below!

Other than #LivingFitColumbus we will also start using #GetOutForaRun when we post motivational & inspirational quotes, pictures, etc.

Make it a great Monday!

Gellenbeck_Poster

Spring – YAY! Head out for a run!

ShoesYesterday was the first day of Spring and today I had the pleasure of running outside in 65 degree SUNSHINE!

In a tank top!

So those of you that have been staying indoors due to the awful winter we had, find your running shoes, dust them off, strap them on and hit the trail!

Our Living Fit Running Group will be meeting tomorrow @ 9AM to run 8+ miles as we train for the Cap City Half.  Come join us!

A few Friday Fitness Funnies to get us through the weekend…

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Hopefully the cold winter running days are [mostly] behind us!  It may get cold next week, but we will stay positive.

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A friend sent this one to me the other day (thanks BVelch!) and it made me laugh 🙂

 I used to ‘Run to Eat’ literally.  I LOVE chocolate, pasta, bread, wine, chocolate, Starbucks caramel lattes, chocolate… you get the idea.  I would RUN so I could burn these calories off.

As I’ve tried to be more fitness and health conscience over the last two months, I’ve realized that what you eat is SO IMPORTANT to your overall fitness and physique, especially when trying to lose weight ~ 70-90%  according to various fitness experts (the other 10-30% is exercise and good ‘ol genetics).  So its okay to indulge every now and then… but try to consume the sweets in moderation if you want to get lean and mean!  Spring is upon us and before you know it, Summer will arrive and you’ll be heading to the pool (and don’t you want to look like the girl in the photo above, haha!)

So I vow to try and continue to eat clean and healthy.  Most of the time.  With the occasional sneak of chocolate.

Happy weekend!  See you on the trail!

Get FIT on Dublin’s trails!

Spring may bring flowers, but this year it will also deliver a special JOY to runners, walkers, bikers and hikers…

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For the entire article, visit the Dublin Convention & Visitor’s Bureau, who featured our article!

DCVB-3-Glacier Ridge

Weekly Workout ~ Half marathon training week 6

We are HALF WAY to race day!

Its week #6 of our 12 week half marathon training ~ beginner & intermediate runners training for the Cap City Half on May 3rd can follow our workout below;

Half Marathon Training Week #6

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We posted some info last week on SPEED TRAINING, so feel free to check it out!

 Happy running!  

**SIDENOTE** We will NOT be posting weeks 7 – 12… to get the rest of our training plan, you have to come join us for a run or email LivingFitColumbus@gmail.com 🙂  Tricky, aren’t we!!!!

16/21 ~ Day SIXTEEN of JUMP START Challenge

Whitney Carlson’s 21 Day Jump Start Fitness Challenge 

DAY SIXTEEN…

We are in phase TWO of the fitness challenge… only a few more days!IMG_4451

 Click here to see phase one.  

Phase two consists of…

  • eating lots of veggies ~ I’m talking LOTS, more than I’ve ever eaten within a 16 day period in my entire life
  • eating (no more than) 3 servings of fruit
  • eating lean protein; healthy meats, beans and TLS shakes
  • eating (no more than) 2 servings of low GI starches which can include squash & sweet potatoes
  • No carbs/gluten
  • VERY limited fats which can include ONE SERVING of advocado, egg yolk or healthy oils (olive, coconut)
  • a customized FAT-BURNING workout routine.  Whitney has us exercising six days per week, five of which include strength training and three+ cardio days.  

DAY SIXTEEN, my personal thoughts… 

Pros:FeetOnScale2

  • Down about 5 pounds!  Lost 6 during the detox phase, but gained one back last week after adding back in protein and starches.  I put the scale away this week so I wouldn’t be tempted.  It is supposed to be more about INCHES and less about POUNDS.
  • Learning to eat cleaner, don’t have (as many) sugar cravings.  Haven’t had any chocolate in sixteen days, which is an accomplishment in and of itself for me.
  • Like the camaraderie (we have a FaceBook group) and being in touch with like-minded fitness folks with similar goals.
  • Been a lot more focused on my FITness goals during this process.   Great to have this JUMP START!

Cons:

  • Headaches for first 4 days of detox, off and on
  • Tired and cranky during detox (mostly the whole 7 days, according to my students :))
  • Now that we can have protein, I definitely have more energy.  However, after almost passing out last week during a run (low blood sugar maybe?) I did ‘cheat’ and have half of a whole grain english muffin with some peanut butter before our 8 mile run this past Saturday.  I decided my body needed the glucose!  And I’m pretty sure I burned it off 🙂
  • Went to a wedding Saturday and fell off the wagon a bit.  Luckily I had run 8 miles and walked 1 mile that AM, so hoping the 900+ calorie burn compensated for some of the wedding cheats.  Why is it so hard to be healthy when you’re out being social?  Glad I put that scale away!

Be sure to check in early next week when we reveal our total inches/weight loss amounts and MAYBE some before/after photos!  We don’t want to scare you away though…

~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~

Please contact Whitney if you’re interested in pursuing a fitness challenge of your own!

Click HERE to see DAY ONE and Teresa’s Weight Loss Journey.

“My body, like my life, is a work in progress!”  ~ Jessica Simpson, Weight Watchers spokes-momma

Here’s to LOSING weight while GAINING confidence and an even happier, healthier, FIT life!  

Cheers!

Photo credit to; espressoandcream.com 

New[er] to running? We won’t judge!

We had a great 8 mile run this AM with Columbus Running Company’s Cbus Pacers.  More on this later in the week.

Saw this hilarious video this AM (thanks Christa!) and had to post…

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If you’re just getting back into shape or starting to run, come run with our Living Fit Run Club!  If you’re anything like this video and nervous about a new routine, we will help coach you through it… no judgements!

Have a great weekend… hope you make it out for a run 🙂

Running Field Trip – Columbus Running Club

We teamed up with Columbus Running Club Dublin, aka the Cbus Pacers, for their St Patty’s Day Run.  It was a GREAT experience!

The FREE group runs start at the store every Saturday morning.  They have multiple pace groups and cover varying mileage.  This week we ran 8 miles on a 4 mile out & back course, although many other runners did mileage according to their own personal running goals.  CRC puts water along the route if you need a little fuel during your run, so we took advantage of that.

Back at the store (after the run), there were goodies including coffee and green snacks, as well as a photo booth type setup to snap a quick picture.  It was sponsored by one of my favorite brands, Saucony.. #FindYourStrong.

It was a fantastic run and we will surely meet up with them each season for some of our longer runs.  Thanks CRC!

Joined up with CRC for a day!

Joined up with CRC for a day!

Previously Posted on March 14:

We will normally do our ‘Running Field Trip’ on the last Saturday of the month, however, tomorrow is Dublin’s St Screen Shot 2014-03-08 at 11.15.17 AMPatty’s Day Parade, so Historic Dublin will not be a good place to run…

Join us for our first of many field trips!

Details:

  • When ~ Saturday, March 15 @ 8AM
  • Where ~ meet @ Columbus Running Company in Dublin  | 6465 Perimeter Drive | Dublin, OH 43016
  • Mileage ~ 7-8 miles if training for the Cap City Half
  • Paces include SEVERAL!  CRC has a lot of different pace leaders, we are excited to check it out!

2525123 Run CAP CITY with us  Our Living Fit Columbus running group is training for the Cap City Half Marathon this spring.  Half details…

  • Register soon ~ The event may sell out!
  • Join our team #LivingFitColumbus when you register (sorry, no incentives, just social support!)
  • Stay tuned for Half Marathon training tips on the blog and at the group run each week