so trendy.

by Janetha on January 16, 2012

in random rambles

happy martin luther king, jr day! did you have the day off? if so, hope you enjoyed it. i didn’t. i was at the office all day.. my company does not observe very many holidays. only six, to be exact.

how about a little meals & moves action before my topic of the day?

moves-300x94

after a full day of work and then an appointment with the doctor regarding the mass in my left breast, i headed to the gym. i have less than two weeks until my trip to mexico, so i am completing the workouts from phase 3 of the livefit trainer. these workouts focus on leaning out through circuit workouts, plyometric moves, and sprints.

today’s workout was legs. i did each set below three times through at the weights/reps listed.

set 1:

  • leg press (245# x 15 reps)
  • squat jump (body weight x 15 reps)

set 2:

  • bulgarian split squat using smith machine (85# x 15 reps each leg)
  • butt kicks (1 minute)

set 3:

  • walking barbell lunge (65# x 20 reps)
  • long jump (body weight x 20 reps)

set 4:

  • leg extension (65# x 20 reps)
  • lateral bound (body weight x 20 reps)

set 5:

  • smith machine squat (105# x 30 reps)

set 6:

  • standing calf raise (140# x 20 reps)
  • high knees (1 minute)

set 7:

  • leg press calf raises (135# x 20 reps)
  • imaginary jump rope (1 minute)

if that looks like a long workout, your eyes aren’t fooling you. it was long. and intense! but it was fun. i like plyo and active rests, so i had a good time. not sure my tune will be the same after the sprints on tomorrow’s agenda.

meals

i am going to try to carb cycle. i am not going to beat myself up if i screw up, but i do want to give it a shot. the way it works with livefit trainer is 3 low carb days followed by one high carb day, repeating for up to three weeks.  on the low carb days, i am going to aim for 70 grams of carbs. on high carb days, i am going to aim for 170 grams of carbs. my overall calories won’t change, just the source of those calories. so on the low carb days, i will eat more protein and fat than on the high carb days.

i don’t want to dive into this too much, because i know not many of you are interested in hearing about it, but i will be sure to let you know how it goes and if i follow through with it. if i can do it easily without it bothering me, then more power to me.  however, if i get too cranky, i will likely bag it. i would rather be happy and carby then crabby and cut.

dinner should be interesting tonight since we are meeting our friends for indian food and a movie.. but i will figure it out!

okay! moving on. let’s get trendy!

there are a lot of health trends out there. it’s hard to decide what is worth trying or what is just full of hype. you can google things til the cows come home (where did those cows go, anyway?) but i think the best way to see if something lives up to its trendiness is to just try it for yourself.

here are five supposedly healthy trends in the food & fitness world that i have my eye on and want to try.

1. dry brushing.

image
image source: terawarner.com

i first heard about dry brushing from ashley’s blog, but i have since read a lot of magazines that mention it.

i learned from ashley’s post that dry brushing can help with:

  • removing dead skin
  • hydrating skin
  • reducing cellulite
  • support your immune system
  • tighten skin
  • aid in digestion
  • detoxify lymphatic system

i want to buy a brush STAT!

*********************

2. juicing.

image
image source: targetwoman.com

the popular juicing documentary, “fat, sick, and nearly dead” has been on my to-watch list for months now. i really need to sit down and watch it already! since that film came out, there have been several magazine articles and blog posts popping up about juicing and the benefits.

i have a hard time eating my vegetables. there are nights that i will sit down to blog and realize that i didn’t consume a single vegetable all day long. it’s true.  yesterday, for example, the only veggie i ate was a few mushrooms that were in a sauce i made for the chicken we had at dinnertime. i guess i am just not a veggie monster.

aside from all the health benefits that juicing offers, i really just want to start drinking juice to make sure i consume more vegetables. i don’t struggle eating fruit.. i ate 13 clementines yesterday.. but vegetables? yep. problems. right here. and i know momma b has a juicer that she’d be happy to let me borrow. right, mom? plus.. i really want to try out all of kristina’s juice recipes!

*********************

3. sitting in a sauna.

image
image source: mustknowhow.com

okay, maybe this isn’t very trendy.. but i caught wind of this idea in a health mag i was reading the other day. i can’t remember which one, but it stuck with me because my mom and dad actually have a sauna in their house.. so i thought, “why do i not take advantage of their sauna?!”  a lot of gyms have saunas, too, but i am not really one for communal sauna sitting. that’s just me.

saunas make me a little crazy.. i think it’s the claustrophobic in me. i get a little bit anxious when i go in.. but after a few deep breaths and really focusing on finding relaxation, i am able to let go of any anxiety that is associated with sitting in a ridiculously hot box. i get this same anxiety when i go to a bikram yoga class, by the way.

some of the reasons sitting in a sauna is good for your health include:

  • relieves stress
  • relaxes muscles
  • flushes toxins
  • cleanses the skin
  • may induce better/deeper sleep
  • improves cardiovascular performance

source: finnleo.com

it’s not like i have some dying urge to start sitting in a sauna every day.. but since i have one close to home at my disposal, i want to try making a habit of it. i do know that once i get past the initial freak-out, it really does allow me to relax, clear my mind, and feel good.

*********************

4. bodypump.

image
image source: studio360fit.blogspot.com

i know, i know, i KNOW. i am late to the party on this one. i don’t know if bodypump is even trendy anymore! pretty sure it’s been replaced with zumba or crossfit (which, by the way, i would like to try both of those.)  i have never tried bodypump. i am not big on group fitness. i am not big on working out with other people at all, in fact. i would much rather workout solo—whether it be cardio or lifting—i just like to be alone and concentrate on my workout.

some people benefit from group fitness and the energy that comes with it. i could take it or leave it. i have taken step classes back in the day and also a few spin classes here and there. bikram yoga is also a group class, but not quite the same as a class you take at the gym. bodypump intrigues me because you are working so many different muscles at once. it seems like you lift lighter weights for lots of reps, which is a great way to burn out your muscles. it’s also a great way to lift when cutting.  i always love reading about it on erica’s and teri’s blogs.  i may try a class in the near future before i head to mexico.. but don’t hold me to it.

*********************

5. versa gripps.

image

image source: versagripps.com 

i have been lifting weights a LOT lately. like.. six days a week. my hands have taken a beating. i have calluses on my palms that are almost worse than marshall’s, and he works with his hands all day! i used to have some gloves that i’d use for weight lifting, but not anymore. i have been looking into investing in another pair of weight lifting gloves, but i think versa gripps might be a better option. i see a lot of people wearing these at the gym.

image

image source: versagripps.com

you wear them around your wrist and then when you are doing things like wide grip pulldowns, you wrap the versa gripp around the bar. this gives you a better grip, protects your hand, and allows you to lift heavier weights without hurting your hands. sometimes i have to go a little lighter on the weights solely because my hands hurt. i think i need a pair of these!

*********************

one health trend that i HAVE tried and liked is drinking raw apple cider vinegar. i have been doing this for about a week now.

image

i mix 2 tablespoons of ACV with the juice of half a lemon and about a cup of water (and ice.) i drink this twice a day. i have read about several health benefits that come with drinking raw apple cider vinegar, including:

  • help improve bowel irregularity
  • reduce abdominal bloating
  • acts as a natural remedy for heartburn
  • clears up skin blemishes
  • relieves joint pain and stiffness
  • helps your body break down fats so you can use them instead of store them
  • reduces levels of glucose

source: globalhealingcenter.com

now, i am not sure if drinking my ACV cocktails is doing all of that for me, but i do know it has helped my bloating a bit. my digestion, however, is still really… slow. i am not drinking ACV in hopes to cure all my ailments, and am not betting on it to work miracles, but i figure it doesn’t hurt to drink it. so why not? it is inexpensive and i actually love the taste (it reminds me of citrus kombucha) so i am going to keep it up and hopefully reap a few of the benefits!

and one fitness trend i am absolutely SOLD on is vibram five fingers. i have been using them since august and haven’t worn a pair of “regular” gym shoes since.

image

i have never had happier feet, knees, ankles, or shins. these babies have really changed my workouts for the better. i am hooked.

Qs~

are there any health/food/fitness trends you want to try?

how about ones you have tried.. how did that work out for you?

have you tried anything on my list? thoughts?

xo. janetha g.

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Ananda January 17, 2012 at 9:46 am

I recently bought a Groupon for 20 Crossfit classes. I have gone 7 times and am loving it. It’s addicting! I’m not sure why Crossfit is so trendy right now but I’m glad to finally hear about it. Hopefully I will see a physical change. It’s expensive but I think I’m going to sign up when my groupon classes are used up.

Just FYI on the juicing… my sister used to have a juicer and liked it. THEN she got a BlendTec (Vitamox style blender) and she SWEARS by it. She says that you can use the whole fruit or vegetable in the blender, so you don’t lose fiber or waste parts of the veg. I’m at my bursting point with appliances in my tiny kitchen or I’d probably get one.

janetha January 18, 2012 at 10:49 am

Thank you! My Vitamix is on the fritz, so maybe I should just get a BlendTec?

Mollie January 17, 2012 at 9:49 am

My boyfriend and I had been researching juicers for almost two year. He got me one this year for my birthday! We choose the Omega Vert 330. I LOVE it!! I do not use it daily but quite often. It’s fun!
I searched Netflix to add the documentary you mentioed to my queue. It was already in there! I added it a few weeks ago and didn’t recognize the name! Looking forward to watching it!

Eizabeth @ reads recipes runs January 17, 2012 at 10:23 am

I LOVE juicing! My husband and I have a juicer, and I wish I used it more, slash I wish it wasn’t such a beast to clean! My husband watched that movie and wanted to juice more. It is an amazing way to get great nutrients. One of my faves is spinach, pineapple and lemon.

I am going to try that ACV cocktail :)

Nicole C January 17, 2012 at 10:49 am

While speaking of juicing I thought of a friend on mine who works for Essential Living Foods: http://www.essentiallivingfoods.com/
::Beyond Organic, Beyond Fair Trade::
Essential Living Foods is your direct connection to the most vibrant and ethically-sourced Organic superfoods on Earth.

Just thought it might perk your interest and maybe spark some ideas for juicing with the 7-10 day juice cleanse http://www.essentiallivingfoods.com/blogs/articles/5019482-kipp-and-tinas-2012-new-year-cleanse –looks good!

Nicole C January 17, 2012 at 10:52 am

OOH and the juicing cleanse was inspired by ‘Fat sick and nearly dead’!

janetha January 18, 2012 at 10:50 am

Thanks for the linkage.. check it out now!

Gina January 17, 2012 at 10:50 am

Someone has been reading/stalking the Facebook Livefit Trainer group too much, huh? ;) They’ve totally turned me onto ACV and dry brushing (I really want to buy one). In my opinion, BodyPump is not what it’s cracked up to be, but always give something new a try. Also, JUICING=love; get on that bandwagon! The mess it makes sucks though

Janetha January 17, 2012 at 11:05 am

I actually haven’t seen anyone doing LiveFit talk about dry brushing! ACV is all over in there, but I picked that one up from Tosca. Her advice never lets me down! I do want to juice it up.. soon.. I am so lazy.

Melissa January 17, 2012 at 11:23 am

I’m doing Apple Cider Vinegar and I can’t say I like it, but it may be helping me slightly, so I am going to continue with that one.

I’ve been wanting the versagrips for a while. I keep seeing them in magazines and forgetting, lol!

Annette@EnjoyYourHealthyLife January 17, 2012 at 11:25 am

I am a BodyPUMP instructor and it is legit. It is hard work and makes your muscles tighter. I’ve never been so fit and lean in my life! (I was skinny for a long time, but that’s just because I lost muscle and fat) –this helps you lean out and lose body fat. It is a good workout! P.s. I need to get some lifting gloves too, teaching 4x/week is tough!

I think juicing is a great idea–pump in that fruit/veg!! :)

Amy January 17, 2012 at 11:44 am

i’m the same way when it comes to eating veggies… i like some, but not enough to get my full daily servings worth. i really really really want a juicer, but they are soooo expensive. hopefully by summer

Tee @ She Writes, Bites, and Window Shops January 17, 2012 at 11:48 am

I have the same issue with getting my vegetables in! I definitely want to try the juice thing too.

Elizabeth January 17, 2012 at 12:03 pm

I’m so glad I read this post! I definitely need to be lifting heavier weights, I just need some gloves. :) And maybe look a bit more into the whole dry brushing thing. Hmmm…

The way i sneak A LOT of veggies into my diet is through smoothies and large salads. Fortunately i LOVE spinach!!

Jessica @ Stylish Stealthy and Healthy January 17, 2012 at 12:03 pm

I was just talking to my mom about how I bought a juicer a few months ago and I think I’ve used it twice. Basically we were saying how it’s great for using up veggies and herbs that are on their way out, which is definitely what I need to use it for. I think I just get sad that after all the crap you shove in there, you only get like 3 sips of juice…
And saunas totally give me anxiety for the first 5 minutes until I settle down and enjoy it.

Kait January 18, 2012 at 1:13 pm

You can run the stuff through a 2nd time to get even more juice and then use the pulp in baked goods, just FYI. :)

Cat @Breakfast to Bed January 17, 2012 at 12:10 pm

I really want to try aerial yoga. Apparently, you can talk in class. I’d also like to take a trapeze class!

I am loving TRX, have loved bodypump for a while, and hate crossfit.

meggi January 17, 2012 at 12:25 pm

I love juicing! My husband and I started it almost a year ago and I can DEFINITELY tell a difference between days we do juice and days we don’t. I loved that documentary and also really liked “Forks Over Knives” … I started juicing because I have had MAJOR digestion issues my whole life and had undergone too many tests/meds with no hope in sight. I switched to a Pescatarian diet plus no dairy but added juicing and it’s the first time in my ENTIRE life that I quit having digestive issues. I used to get sick 4 to 5 times a week (puking) and now I have gotten sick 2 times in 10 months. Definitely a record :)

janetha January 18, 2012 at 10:51 am

Wow! Thanks for sharing your experience with your switches.. good to know!

julie January 17, 2012 at 12:36 pm

hands down best line of the post:
i would rather be happy and carby then crabby and cut.

hahaha anyways i’ve been two-a-daying the ACV too and I actually kind of crave it. is that weird…hahaha

janetha January 18, 2012 at 10:52 am

I crave it too!

Michelle @lipstickandlunges January 17, 2012 at 12:44 pm

That workout looks like a doozy! I love mixing active rests with lifting. I’ll have to give that workout a try. As far as trends, I’ve always wondered about apple cider vinegar and its benefits. I suppose you’re right, it doesn’t hurt to try. I’ve seen so many people wearing the vibrams. Did your body have a hard time adjusting to them? I have IT band issues and wonder if switching to those might make a difference.

janetha January 18, 2012 at 10:54 am

I adjusted right away and have so much less pain!

Allison January 17, 2012 at 1:50 pm

I’ve been having so many abdominal/ bowel problems the past few months- I should try the ACV drink… I add apple cider vinegar to my salads for dressing sometimes- wonder if that counts?! Anddd, I’ve been wanting to try BodyPump and CrossFit for a while now- gotta get my butt into a class!

denise January 17, 2012 at 2:42 pm

I love the sauna. it makes me feel cleansed.

Maria January 17, 2012 at 2:43 pm

you so trendy!

I enjoy body pump! I actually worked with a friend to help her get her certification so i was one of her “test” body pumpers. Good times for sure especially when she would mess up half way through and have to start all over again!

I am planning on trying hot yoga this weekend. How’s that for trendy? Probably a bit late on that band wagon as well but I’m interested to see what it’s all about.

And are those weights in pounds!? Holy cow girl! You’re a beast!!! ;)

janetha January 18, 2012 at 10:55 am

Haha.. my legs are my strong point. Wish my arms could keep up!

Allison January 17, 2012 at 3:13 pm

For the workout that you posted, do you actually do the long jump right there in the gym? I have finally gotten comfortable being down in the weight room (I work out at a Gold’s where the weights are mostly in the basement and it is definitely male dominated), but I am not sure I am willing to start jumping down part of it. I actually have done that with a trainer a couple of years ago, but I feel more comfortable with a trainer standing there because then he is the excuse for why I am jumping down the gym floor and I feel marginally less foolish. Thoughts? I don’t mind the other things (high knees, squat jumps) that I can do just in my own little spot and am not drawing quite so much attention to myself.

Janetha January 17, 2012 at 3:48 pm

Yep I just jump on down the aisle at Gold’s. I am not shy, but I don’t think that has anything to do with it. I don’t feel foolish because I know what I am doing.. and I am confident that my workout is working. Other people are too busy worrying about what people think of them and don’t have time to judge you. Just be confident and hop away :)

Ellen Clifford January 17, 2012 at 4:03 pm

I have not tried the things on your list-though I’m curious about the dry brushing. I use a loofah in the shower daily, I wonder I’d that has similar benefits.
As far as health food trends I tried chia seeds which i expected to hate, but found I love adding them to my oatmeal now, and I tried nutritional yeast and am likewise a fan.

BroccoliHut January 17, 2012 at 4:38 pm

I’ve always wanted to try juicing! I guess the infinite fruit/veggie combinations appeal to me.

The Delicate Place January 17, 2012 at 5:14 pm

i am a trendsetter muahaha. i’ve had my vffs since 2009, been drinking ACV since 2008 and have juiced daily for the last month. love my juicer! my forecast of trends includes more people jumping on the paleo bandwagon, crossfit to the max & pastels with purpose for spring fashion lol.

Kait January 17, 2012 at 6:03 pm

I think the juicing would be really good for your belly issues too because it allows you to get the nutrients without taxing your digestive system too much!

Incorporating more veggies into your diet might help with belly issues for a couple more reasons too. #1 would be the fiber although with a lazy colon you’d have to take this suuuuper slow and drink your water and #2 would be to help decrease any inflammation from your body breaking down the bad stuff in meat (as in the hormones, antibiotics etc that the body doesn’t know how to process other than as waste/toxic) that may be causing more problems than anyone knows.

(I just rewrote that numerous times to make it less like your mom telling you to eat your veggies!)

Last fun fact: you miiiiiight want to try GF (if you haven’t already…if you have, disregard). Even if your bloodwork came back “ok” there is usually a HUGE range that “ok” falls into and like with most things in the medical field (I speak from experience after advocating to get thyroid meds even though I was “subclinical”…and experiencing every symptom), there is some disagreement about what truly constitutes a problem. So if you have a slight sensitivity, it might not be something your docs classify as “clinical” BUT it could still be affecting you that sensitivity been aggravating your system your whole life.

:)

janetha January 18, 2012 at 11:00 am

I love your novels. I actually might have been getting too much fiber before, or so I was told my my doc. If juicing helps digest them without taxing my gut, that may be a great option!

I haven’t tried GF. I was cleared by the bloodwork, but I do know a lot of people who aren’t celiac but are intolerant to gluten, so I realize that could be me. Same with dairy. I haven’t tried any sort of elimination diet yet, and I KNOW I really should.. but I have been lazy about it. I need to bite the bullet and start experimenting with my food. It just seems so daunting.

Thanks for all your advice, Kait!

Kait January 18, 2012 at 1:00 pm

Haha I’m happy you can appreciate them. :) I’ve never heard of too much fiber (unless its followed by, “without enough water”) but that could just be me! And yes…juicing= nutrients – fiber which is the same argument used by both sides as either a positive or negative thing. Kris Carr recommends doing a juice fast 1 day/wk. Its nutrient dense without being too taxing on your body. Just a thought…

Elimination diets are definitely hard…I’ve done dairy and sugar and let me tell you I was a bit of a beast! But they made me feel so much better and showed me exactly how both affect my body. For instance, my congestion and post-nasal drip (gross, sorry!) decreased dramatically when I took out the dairy and I can easily see how much they increase when I indulge every now and then. Gluten…I haven’t gotten the ovaries to do yet. But I said the same with dairy so…

Good luck regardless! I know we’ll get the details. :)

Jillian @ Sprinkle Massacre January 17, 2012 at 6:22 pm

Don’t feel bad! I’ve never tried body pump either!

Jamie’s workouts get crazy towards the end, huh!? I stopped over the holidays…I started at the worst time. I’m hoping with my new schedule to start over…I didn’t realize how much time was spent lifting, whew!

janetha January 18, 2012 at 11:01 am

agreed. it was tough to keep up with them over the holidays and with my broken nose. i finished on december 31st, though, so i didn’t want to stop because that seemed like such a fitting finish date, haha.

Kelsey January 17, 2012 at 6:56 pm

TJ maxx/marshalls usually has GREAT natural bristle dry brushes for $7-10 buckaroos! I snagged a retail $40 brush for $9 bucks last year……….. I love deals!

janetha January 18, 2012 at 11:02 am

oHHH i will check there. and then i will leave having spent $132 i did not need to.

Kayla January 17, 2012 at 7:46 pm

Love the blog! I like the mix of your personality with serious biz! You are real and people love that :) I saw your comment about body pump…adore! Beachbody now has it and since I am a coach I get it cheaper and have been dyyyyyying to order it. I need to do that ASAP! I might also try that apple cider concoction because I would actually love the taste of it!

janetha January 18, 2012 at 11:03 am

Thanks for the compliment :)

Brittany January 18, 2012 at 6:20 am

I hope your doc appt went well lady!

I haven’t tried dry brushing but I’ve heard great things – from Ashley, IIN and other places. I’m awful with remembering to put on lotion so I’m sure I would be bad at remembering to dry brush as well. :/

I’ve been doing the ACV with a tiny bit of all natural apple juice, water, cinnamon and cayenne pepper. It’s something I heard about through the TIU girls and I’ve become addicted. I like to have it as my mid-morning snack or afternoon snack. Another benefit of ACV is PH balancing in the body so it’s really good for coffee drinkers. Besides the benefits of AVC, the cinnamon and cayenne also help by making me less hungry. And since I’m always hungry this is awesome. :)

janetha January 18, 2012 at 11:05 am

It did go well, thanks! I don’t have to get the mass removed and just have to watch to make sure it doesn’t get bigger.

I am so bad with my skin care, too, and I should be better since I live in Utah and it is SO dry here.

I didn’t know that about the coffee thing. That is a great fun fact! I drink a lot of coffee so that’s good. Also, I take cinnamon pills now as requested by Jamie Eason for phase 3. I have noticed my hunger is lower, maybe that is why? I should try out cayenne, too. I know that it is part of the master cleanse drink.. so it’s gotta be good for something!

Always love your advice and knowledge, thanks B!

Rachael Adele January 18, 2012 at 12:16 pm

Versa Grips are pricy– I’m in LOVE with my New Grips (newgrip.com). There customer service is excellent, they’re priced reasonably, and I won’t go to the gym without them. I highly recommend them.

Ashley January 18, 2012 at 1:48 pm

I’ve never tried the ACV but am hooked on daily warm lemon water in the AM. Works like a charm! Thanks for the mention, chica! ;) Speaking of dry brushing, I should get back on that. I did it for a few months and loved it!

Ange January 18, 2012 at 7:16 pm

I LOVED Fat, Sick, and Nearly Dead! Really makes me want to juice!! I highly recommend it! I also like body pump.

zoe (and the beatles) January 19, 2012 at 1:04 pm

totally have tried things on your list!

i love dry brushing (my skin is always super smooth after!) and i love juicing (but hate cleaning the thing so i don’t do it as often as i’d like to. yay laziness!). the thing i love most though are my vibrams! FOR SURE. super comfortable, super awesome. they have completely changed my gait, my posture, and my opinion about “real” shoes. i love taking long walks in them :) i also have happier feet, calves, shins and ankles now too! they’re like little gloves for your feet!

TeriLyn [a foodie stays fit] January 22, 2012 at 3:35 pm

I LOVE dry brushing and Body Pump! I really think dry brushing helps with cellulite. YAY! And you will absolutely love Body Pump. I know it. And you especially will see great results because you aren’t afraid to try heavy weights and really push yourself. Do it….do it!

Catherine February 6, 2012 at 4:32 pm

HI!
great post ! I have a little question about your Vibram fivefingers : do you use them in the gym during your weight training sessions ?

Janetha February 7, 2012 at 12:05 pm

Hey Catherine. YES! That is the main reason I got them, for weight training. It’s best to do lower body in bare feet, but that’s just gross at my gym, so this is the next best thing. I don’t love to run, but I do enjoy running in the Vibrams because I have zero pain. However, the best part about them is for lifting :)

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