Squats

Hey Guys!

After I had my son almost 2 years ago, my workout goals changed. It wasn't about being skinny anymore, it was about being healthy and making my body strong. I wanted to build muscle and tone up! I went from solely doing cardio to lifting weights and most importantly doing squats!!!

I was so lost about the benefits of squats. Yes they do help grow your booty, but little did I know about all the other benefits.

1. It is a total body workout
that's right, one move works everything! It primarily focuses on your calves, hamstrings and quadriceps. It also releases a hormone which helps improve muscle growth in your body

2. Helps with daily activities
You probably don't realize it but we squat all the time!! As a mother I squat down to talk to my son, when playing with him and when I'm cleaning up the food that he has thrown on the floor. It helps build muscle in your body which helps with your mobility and stability..

3. Burn fat!
One of the benefits of lifting weights is that you burn fat! Squats is no different. Because you are building muscle you end up burning more calories throughout the day. Who doesn't love that?!

4. Help with Balance and mobility
When you squat you work your legs and your stomach muscles. When you are standing you use all those muscles, and it helps make them strong which allows you to have better balance. It improves the communication between your brain and those muscles which can help prevent you from falling!

5.Be a better athlete
As a mom I love this next benefit. Squatting helps you  run faster and jump higher.

5. 1 workout for the entire body
Squats also help tighten your butt, work your abs, and backside. All of these muscles are being worked out.

6. Help with waste removal
Squats help fluids move through your body and help regulate the removal of waste

With all these benefits why wouldn't you add a few squats to your next workout?

How to stay motivated

Hey guys!

It's the day before the weekend, and I know the last thing a lot of you want to do is hit the gym. During the course of my workout journey i have done it all. I have worked out at the gym, and at home, lifted weights, did cardio and strength building. At the end of the day, I didn't find something that fit till a few months ago, which is working out at home. I never thought you could get a good workout in my living room, but boy, was I wrong. Often I'm drenched in sweat and sore the next day. Most importantly, it worked for my new lifestyle as a mom. I was able to workout whenever Kayden went down, and my boyfriend's schedule changed every 3 months, so I was able to work my schedule around his.
Here are a few idea to keep you on track

1. Have work out clothes 
I know this may not seem important, but wearing the right gear gets you in the right mindset. You don't need to spend a lot of money, there are a lot of stores that are noticing more of a demand  for this. You can go to walmart, target, old navy etc. there is something for every price point. I personally splurge on items that are important to me, so sports bras. I have gotten my leggings and shorts from old navy, and i've never had an issue with it, it's good quality and it's lasted for 3 years, and are in good condition. 

2. Find what you like to do  
Whether its cardio, wight lifting, pilates etc. find out what you enjoy doing, this will make you want to workout and allow you to stay consistent. If you can find a few activities you are enjoy, I do workouts from home 5 days a week that focus on butt, abs and legs, and go out for walks as well which allows me to do light cardio. If you can switch it up it allows the workout to feel fresh and new, which will make you want to workout daily.

3. Have a goal
Set a goal for how often you want to workout. For me I do a structured workout 5 days a week. Often I will do other activities on the weekend, ( going on walks, playing outside with my son etc,) which gives me some bonus exercise. If you are starting out workout out for 2-3 days a week and build up from there, you don't want to jump in full throttle because it can be overwhelming. 30 minutes should be the minimum amount of workout time, and then you can build it up if you choose to do so/when you get more comfortable.

4. Remember its a journey 
Don't beat yourself up if after a week or a few days you look at yourself in the mirror and don't see the body you want to see. It is true what they say, eat healthy and workout and the results will come in. I use to count calories and stress over every little thing I ate. Overtime I have changed how I eat gradually, and stopped stressing over my calorie count and I really noticed changes. As soon as you start working out your body changes internally, and after 4 weeks your body is getting stronger and 6 weeks till you see changes. Keep with it, and you will see how much energy, and physical changes that come with it.

Hope this helped you guys out, TGIF! See you all monday...