I was watching a Real Housewives of OC episode last week where the ladies were getting their workout on at a swanky gym. One housewife snarked on the other about being overly done up for exercise. Frankly, they both looked a little ridiculous but hot nonetheless. But this conversation got me thinking about the do’s and don’ts of gym etiquette.

Let’s start with Appearance:

DON’T come to the gym looking like a lady of the night.

DO wear chapstick/lip gloss/lip balm, tinted moisturizer and some light mascara.

DON’T let the jugs hang out. I was next to a lady this morning who found it appropriate to wear a barely-there sports bra. Her workout consisted of some sort of dramatic slow jog where her gigantic boobs sloshed back and forth. It was completely distracting for everyone especially the poor 80 year old man who almost stroked out after catching a glimpse of Big Tits McGee.

DO wear snug fitting, coordinating workout clothes. It’s important to be able to see your body when you workout. It’s much more motivating to see what you are working on even if it is hiding under a couple extra pounds. Except for my Nike shorts I buy all of my workout gear at Target. It’s cute and affordable.

Moving on to the Cardio Room:

DON’T walk at 1.5 on the treadmill while reading the newspaper when all of the other ones are taken. When I see someone committing this crime I feel like yanking them off the treadmill and stomping viciously on their gelatinous body. A bit hostile? Maybe. But this mama’s on a tight schedule.

DON’T draw unnecessary attention to yourself. We have all heard the crazy lady who sings loudly along with her iPod playlist. That’s a no-no. More embarrassing? How about the guy who runs backwards, uphill on the treadmill. Major jackass.

DON’T gab incessantly with friends or on your cell phone. You are not getting a good workout if all you are doing is talking and laughing away. It’s rude and know that your butt is getting bigger with each passing minute you are hamming it up.

DO greet your gym friends politely, get on with your workout and then leave.

The Weight Room:

DON’T sit on the equipment like a slug between sets. Other people want to work in their own sets. Move it!

DON’T grunt and grown like a power lifter. It’s gross and uncomfortable for everyone around you.

DO exercise with intensity. Focus on form and be mindful of others.

Lastly, the Locker Room:

DON’T walk around naked. This mainly applies to the 50+ set of individuals. 7:00 am is too early for me to see grandma’s lady bits. Put them away. But if you find this acceptable the least you can do is not strike up conversations until you are fully clothed.

DO use towels for appropriate coverage and of course for sitting on benches. Thank you.

*I would LOVE to hear a few of your own do’s and don’ts on gym etiquette.*

Written by Lea Barlow • Leave a comment

by Alexis Novak

When I imagine myself in my mind I envision my pre-kiddos’ size 6 bod, all Victoria’s Secret Catalogue chiquita lounging around in leggings and matching beige cardigan with long highlighted hair, emoting serious sexy.  That was five-ish years ago.  If I am honest, it has been a long time since I fit into my skinny bootcut jeans.  (Actually, it’s been so long that I missed the whole stovepipe, super-skinny jean trend altogether).  Today, full-length mirrors and pictures tell a scarier story and always cause me to do a double-take.  Is that really me? I used to love to be photographed and now I am one of those insecure moms that jumps out of the frame when people are shooting.  One of those moms who have mysteriously disappeared from the Christmas card picture.  And I hate that.

When I was pregnant back to back, I called myself a Beautiful Pregnosaurus- part in awe of being able to grow a human and yet simultaneously horrified watching my body balloon to the size of a Homecoming float.  I was good at being pregnant.  My students told me I was a happier person pregnant and riding that hormonally-induced excitement, I celebrated by eating everything carboliscious in sight. This was the only time in my life when I could get away with insane calorie consumption and I rocked it out.  But I’ve learned it’s both a blessing and a curse to give yourself permission to eat Haagen-Dazs every night sprinkled with Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal, pretending that the day of reckoning will never come.

I was semi-concerned about the weight gain but every appointment I asked my doctors and they were not. I barely passed the glucose test but I was in decent health, even as a super-sized prego in my second pregnancy.  I think I checked out of my body for a while as people that live mostly in their heads do. (What a glorious vacation it was!) When I finally came to though, I had a rude awakening.  Nothing about my body looked familiar. And these new parts looked sad.

If I am painfully honest, my life history of yo-yo-ing has wasted more brain cells and years than I care to fully admit to.  But none of that calorie-counting and scale obsessing mattered until I became the Eating Coach and Body Confidence Director of two small girls.  I hate to imagine them loathing certain body parts or weighing their self-esteem before they head out for school every morning.  So I have started making major changes for all of us.

Though no one else can see it yet, I know I am still super hot under here, which is the most important part.  Everyone else will have to wait for my Christmas card next year.

Written by Alexis Novak • 4 Comments

Name: Chady Dunmore

Kids: daughter, Sofia Dunmore

Occupation: Fitness Model, WBFF Pro Bikini World Champion, MusclePharm Athlete, Singer, Author, Spokesmodel, Mother

Hometown: Miami, FL

H&H Interview with Chady

1. You lost almost 80 pounds and just won a bikini championship! What helped to keep you motivated?

Trying to get back into my clothes 1st then building the best me physically was extremely motivating.

2. What are the top 3 items in your grocery cart?

Eggs, Ezekiel bread, Apples

3. What is your guilty pleasure when you get some coveted ‘me time’?

Bacon Avocado Cheeseburger or cheese pizza

4. What would we be surprised to find in your purse?

Occasionally a 4 pound Yorkie named Ricco!

5. What is your favorite reality TV show?

The Real Housewives shows

6. What is your cocktail of choice?

A glass of red wine.

7. What is the funniest thing your daughter has said or done lately?

She was telling me about how she wants us to have a little brother and name him Justin Beiber (LOL).

8. What is your favorite quotation?

“Get Excited” and “The Body Never Lies” (my quotes)

9. What do crave on your diet cheat day?

Fried Chicken and Waffles – Ha Ha!

10. Who is your favorite celebrity mom and why?

Kelly Ripa, because she doesn’t take herself seriously, great sense of humor, approachable, great role model and seems real.

11. What is one thing most people don’t know about you?

I have a twin brother.

12. What is your secret to staying Hot & Healthy?

Consistent exercise 5 days a week,eat healthy 80% of the time, no smoking, barely drink alcohol, drink lots of water with tons of lemon wedges!

*Thanks, Chady!*

Written by Lea Barlow • 2 Comments

I was going to start a yummy new segment called ‘Cheat Day Eats’ today. But I got my St. Paddy’s on last night and felt too guilty to start talking indulgent food this morning. If any of you are in the same boat try one of these detox smoothies to erase the damage. Your body will thank you for it. I PROMISE to post sinful recipes next Friday!

Belly Be Gone

Rich in digestion supporting ingredients, this smoothie will help prevent bloating and digestive stress that can sabotage your tummy flattening efforts.

• 3/4 c. papaya
• 3/4c. sliced peaches
• 1/2 pear, sliced
• 1 tsp fresh ginger
• 2 mint leaves
• Water to thin

Almond Butter Energy Booster

This protein-rich and minerals-filled smoothie will give you long-lasting energy.  Cinnamon will help to control your blood sugar so your energy level won’t crash too quickly.

• 1 big banana
• 1 scoop of natural hemp protein powder
• 2 tsp of natural almond butter
• 1 handful of fresh baby spinach
• 1/2 tsp of cinnamon
• Water, to thin

Antioxidant Power-Punch

Very rich in antioxidants, this smoothie will help to support your liver to detox naturally and help your body stay healthy and young longer. *Personal Fave!*

• 1/3 cup of blueberries
• 1/3 cup of raspberries
• 1/3 cup of pomegranate kernels
• 1/4 cup of beet juice (optional)
• 1 banana
• Water to thin

*Happy Friday!*

Written by Lea Barlow • Leave a comment