Why I Love Black Girls Run! | Fitness Friday

Running doesn't come easy for me. At. All. But---that's why I love it. It's constantly challenging. It's demanding. I love the way that I feel afterwards. I love that I'm doing something for me. Just for me. During my first year of running, I ran solo almost every day. I couldn't convince, beg, plead, or guilt trip any of my friends into joining me. I didn't let it keep me from pushing my jogging stroller with minion #1 in tow, sweating like crazy, and learning to love every minute of it but I still longed for someone to share my running experience with. Maybe another mom. Maybe a girl who looked like me. Hopefully, a woman who was just as committed to getting healthy and preserving the sexy as I was. I wanted to run with a brown chica who was more afraid of being overweight, living life with diabetes or hypertension or assorted preventable aliments than she was of sweating out her perm (who comes up with these stupid sayings anyway? You totally can't sweat out a perm people! *eyeroll*).

When my sorority sister introduced me to BlackGirlsRun.com---I'm sure that my eyes glittered like a kid in a candy store. She told me that I could find a running partner, go out to local group meets, and surround myself with radiant running positivity. I joined on the spot (It's 100% FREE, no dollars, no cents too!) and it's been lights out running ever since for me. I'm totally in love with BGR and here are 4 reasons why you should be too!

BlackGirlsRun! is completely inviting:

Joining BGR is easy as 1-2-3. (And did I mention that it's FREE?) First, you find a group in your city. Then, choose a meet up that fits your schedule. Lastly, GO RUN! I've moved to 3 cities in the last 6 years. Because of BGR, I can always find running partners and a group meet to join. BGR Ambassadors are your passionate chapter leaders who coordinate the group meets, keep you up to date on all things BGR, and are definitely the cutest welcoming committee I've ever seen! They bleed awesome positivity, pink sparkles, and know exactly what to say to give discouragement the boot and lift your spirit.

BlackGirlsRun! is effortlessly supportive:

BGR doesn't care if the only thing that you can run is late. Start walking. In a few weeks, start jogging. Then run faster. Keep running. Keep moving. All fitness levels are welcomed.

Source: www.BlackGirlsRun.com

BlackGirlsRun! is authentically real:

Founded by Ashley Hicks and Toni Carey, BGR's goal is to help African-American women make fitness and healthy living a priority. According to the Centers for Disease Control, 80% of African-American women are overweight---how ridiculous is that?!? BGR is about you pounding that statistic into the pavement---you being the best you---you being strong---you refusing to settle for less than the REAL you.

BlackGirlsRun! is absolutely fun:

When you come out to a BGR group meet, expect to giggle uncontrollably, give out high-fives and fist pumps like their going out of style, and leave ready to conquer the world.

Boom. I could probably list at least 10 more reasons why I heart BGR, but I won't bore you to death. Just know that joining the BGR family was one of the best things that I've done for my health. My BGR girls, won't let me settle for less---they've even encouraged me to sign up for my first half-marathon (13.1) AND are committed to running with me EVERY STEP of the way.

Are you part of BGR? Rep your chapter below!

Besitos!

KLP

I can not wait until next week to introduce you guys to your new and improved #FitnessFriday linkup! Bigger. Badder. Bolder. All to cultivate and encourage a community of strong fiercely fabulous and fit mamacitas. Until then link up with either my bloggy boo Ebony from www.longing4length.com or myself on Fridays to share how you lived well this week!

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What Not To Wear To Yoga Class | #FitnessFriday

It's very easy to be intimidated by Yoga. Yogis have their own language, seem to be in union with their bodies, and Zen in their surroundings. Your first yoga class can be a little scary but you'll do fine---as long as you don't wear these 3 things:

100% Cotton Low-Rise Pants- Regardless of which type of yoga class you are attending---the chances of you sweating in places that you don't want anyone to know that you sweat in are HIGH. Cotton absorbs moisture---and leaves a not so sexy sweat stain. Do not be that girl. I've been that girl and I wouldn't wish it on my worse enemy! Low-rise definitely a no-no too. Imagine---you + forward fold + low rise pants...just think about that for a second.  Now---put on your high waist moisture-wicking capris that won't show your assets when you bend over and won't show where you sweat while you get Zen.

Baggy tops- There is nothing at all wrong with erring on the side of modesty in the yoga studio, however---you'll want to avoid tops that are too baggy. Basic moves like downward dog will send your top cascading over your head. Try a top that's fitting but not overly tight or uncomfortable.

Strong Perfume- I know that your guy loves the scent of your favorite perfume, but chances are that after a few ujjayi pranayama breaths everyone in your class will hate it. Just stick with deodorant/antiperspirant. Your class mates will definitely thank you for that one!

What else is on you DO NOT wear to yoga class list?

Besitos!
KLP

Let the countdown begin! T-14 days until your new and improved #FitnessFriday linkup relaunches. Bigger. Badder. Bolder. All to cultivate a community of strong fiercely fabulous and fit mamacitas. Until then link up with either my bloggy boo Ebony from www.longing4length.com or myself on Fridays to share how you lived well this week!

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My Favorite Jillian Michael's Affirmations | #FitnessFriday

For the last 4 weeks, TV's toughest trainer has kicked my butt almost every morning. Plank-jacks. Superman. Pendulum lunges. Rockstar jumps. If reading any of these exercises instantly cause you to break a sweat, your muscles burn, or your heart race, then you know my trainer. You know her very well.

Throw the confetti chiquitas! It's #FitnessFriday and today I'm sharing my all time favorite positively radiant affirmations from my good friend ...in my head of course... and personal trainer ...when I pop in her DVDs... Jillian Michaels.

 "I want you dripping sweat and panting like a dog." - Jillian Michaels Kickbox FastFix

There are times when I'm at the gym or pounding the pavement on my favorite trails and my mind starts to drift off. "...Did I reply to Joe Blow CEO?" "...I wonder if that milk was expired." "...Did I remember to proofread that PTA meeting recap?" My focus is crappy. My form suffers. All of a sudden---I'm not giving my workout 200%. And as a stuff proclaimed cardio queen so if I'm not dripping sweat and panting like a dog...I'm just not doing it right.

RELATED: True Life- I'm Addicted To Cardio

Jillian loathes. And I mean LOATHES "phoning it in." If you're going to take time out of your day. Time just for you, why not be intentional. Focus on the muscles that you're working. Feel them getting stronger. Be present in the moment. Own your workout and own your success.

"Don't get to the finish line and quit. Always finish strong." -Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred

You're half way in. You're tired. You're muscles hurt. You're sweating in places where men shouldn't know that women sweat in. You're probably ready to quit.

RELATED: What I Learned About Hurts, Hang ups, Habits, and Healthy Hair While Running

Jillian knows that you're cursing her. She knows that you just want to turn the DVD off. But she believes that not only can you finish. But that you can finish strong. All she wants is your all. #toughlove

This is about being strong physically to reflect how strong you are in every other facet of your life. -Jillian Michaels 6 Week Six Pack

You are stronger than you think. A lot stronger. Jillian will keep saying it until you believe it. You'll kick butt at work. Cure boo boos with a single kiss. All while cooking dinner like a rockstar. If you can be strong for everyone else and everything else in your life, why not be strong for yourself?

RELATED: #FitnessFriday- Why Strong is the NEW Skinny


I could go on and on about all of the awesome positively inspiring *$%! that Jillian Michaels says but I'll leave you with this: Let today be the day that you get comfortable with being uncomfortable. It's supposed to be hard and it's supposed to hurt. But that pain...that's just fear leaving the body. 


Jillian Michaels DVD collection is available instantly on Amazon.com. 

Knock 'em dead #FitnessFriday fam!

Besitos!
KLP 

Let the countdown begin! T-21 days until your new and improved #FitnessFriday linkup relaunches. Bigger. Badder. Bolder. All to cultivate a community of strong fiercely fabulous and fit mamacitas. Until then link up with either my bloggy boo Ebony from www.longing4length.com or myself on Fridays to share how you lived well this week!

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What To Eat After A Workout | #FitnessFriday

After a workout, I feel energized, proud, and like I could lift a friggin building. #beastmode. I'm also starving! I don't want to eat anything that will undo the work that I just did in the gym, but I also want to fill full and satisfied to prevent myself from caving to snack attacks later in the day.

So, I turned to my trainer for advice on what if anything, should I eat after my workouts. He told me that NOT eating was the absolutely worse thing that I could do. When I go to the gym, I refuse to phone it in and I can feel it afterwards. Even if your snack is small, you have to eat something to aid in muscle recovery. Here are a few of my favorite suggestions from my trainer:

Hummus & Veggies
I love hummus. It's super easy to make,  has 5 ingredients, and tastes so YUMMY! The chickpeas are chocked full of fiber and protein. The extra virgin olive oil is know to lower your risk of heart disease, and garlic is an antioxidant.

Source: www.gotchocolatemilk.com

Chocolate Milk
When I don't have time to whip up something in my kitchen, the quickest easiest thing for me to grab is a glass of chocolate milk. Milk has protein and simple carbs that are easily and quickly absorbed into your body. Plus, I'm totally a chocaholic; why would I choose anything else?!?

Eggs
I'm a big egg person. I could literally have a different egg dish for breakfast, lunch, and dinner because they are totally versatile. Eggs are stupid cheap, high in protein, and I heard that they have a ton of biotin which is known around these parts to support faster growing and thicker hair. Two birds, one stone y'all!

What do you munch on after a workout?

Besitos!
KLP

The new and IMPROVED #FitnessFriday launches in November, starting with a FITNESS CHALLENGE! No worries, we'll share all of the details in a bit. So definitely stay tuned for more information. In  the  meantime, you can still link up with either my blog bestie Ebony  from  www.longing4length.com or myself on Fridays!

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What To Eat Before Your Workout | #FitnessFriday

It never fails. It's a hour or so before I'm about to hit the gym or go for a run and my stomach screams FEED ME! When I ignore it---half way through my workout, I feel lightheaded and weak. My form suffers, I loose focus, and a lot of times I'll pig out afterwards which completely defeats the purpose of exercising! When I give in and have a snack---halfway through my workout I get stomach cramps and feel nauseous. I just can't win!

I mentioned my dilemma to the trainer at my gym and he told me that not eating before workouts actually causes more harm to my body. He noted that exercising on an empty stomach can break down muscle tissue instead of building it up. Instead of using your recent meal to fuel your workout, the body will use muscle tissue. Your metabolism will suck plus I noticed that when I'm bothered by my tummy I'm less focused on my form. No bueno. He suggested a couple pre-workout snacks to have at least an hour before working out that won't cause nauseousness when I run, are healthy, and super easy:

Coffee + Greek Yogurt
Because I'm a morning person, I typically don't take my coffee until a few hours before my afternoon workout. Surprisingly, researchers have found that coffee improves circulation, reduces muscle pain, increases memory, and helps you push harder. Be cautioned---don't overdo the caffeine and keep it as healthy as possible. I love my coffee with almond milk and a sprinkle of pumpkin spice mix instead of cream and sugar. Paired with a cup of protein rich Greek yogurt keeps my pre-workout snack light but filling.

Apple + Cheese
Apples are relatively cheap, totally in season right now, and prep-less. Wash it well and eat. I mean, does it get any more simple than that? I love love love my apples with a few mozzarella and cheddar cheese cubes. Cheese is high protein and low carb.

Oatmeal + Fresh Fruit
Oats are super easy for your body to quickly digest and provide fuel for your workout. Plus it has a ton of Fiber, fiber, fiber! Which most women don't get enough to begin with---plus it keeps you feeling full longer. Fresh fruit like blueberries are high in antioxidants and nutrients like vitamin C and E but low in calories. Win. Win.

What's your favorite pre-workout snack?

Besitos!
KLP

The new and IMPROVED #FitnessFriday launches in November! We've got some ridiculously awesomeness planned to share with you guys to spice it up a bit. So definitely stay tuned for more information. In  the  meantime, you can still link up with either my blog bestie Ebony  from  www.longing4length.com or myself on Fridays!

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The Best Fit-spiration Pinterest Boards | #FitnessFriday

I'm kinda sorta addicted to Pinterest---especially for fitness inspiration. I love uncovering inspirational quotes, ways to shake up my workout routine, and literally laughing out loud at fitness funnies. Check out my best of the best in Pinterest Fit-spiration:


Brooklyn Active Mama
Nellie's sassy sense of humor translates from her fabulous fitness blog to her hilarious fitness funnies. If you need a fitness related giggle---she's your girl!

Les Astuces De Margaux
Margaux is an imaging French lifestyle/beauty blogger with a distinguishing eye for positivity radiant fitness affirmations.

Ok Dani!
Dani is genuinely dedicated to increasing her wellness---and yours too. She a mom of 2, wife of 1, and beach body fanatic. I adore the fitness motivation that flows from her on Pinterest.

It's your turn! Who do you follow on Pinterest for Fit-spiration?

Besitos!
KLP

PS: In other news, #FitnessFriday will be under construction for a few weeks. We've got some ridiculous awesomeness planned to share with you guys to spice it up a bit. So definitely stay tuned for more information. In the meantime, you can still link up with either my blog bestie Ebony from www.longing4length.com or myself on Fridays! 

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3 Ways I Reduce Stress with Exercise | #FitnessFriday

Although I haven't sprinkled any #FitnessFriday pixie dust on SavingOurStrands in a while, I'm actually been quite active this summer. My life has gotten super stressful over the last few months and the only thing keeping me sane is working out. Thanks to the craziness of my Framily FitBit group, sweaty vacations, and my grandparents gifting me a juicer, I've lost 10 lbs and haven't pulled all my hair out in the process.


 
My FitBit Framily:
FitBit has a pretty cool social interface that allows you to "friend" other FitBit users and create groups. My friends and family (hence: Framily) set up a group so that we could encourage spy on each other. The users in the group are ranked according to how many steps they take in a 7 day period. The people in my FitBit Framily are freakin maniacs. I put in 20,000 steps a day and its still not enough to get to the top of the leader board most weeks! One of my friends told me that she was going to unfriend everyone in my family because we're addicted and she even accused one of them of cheating (I think that he's cheating too...Ha-ha!) We taunt each other mercilessly---but it's all in good fun. The transparency is dope and the accountability is like nothing else that I've seen before. When you don't hit your goal---everyone knows. When you have a superstar day---everyone knows. When when I'm pressed for time or stressed, I still force myself to get my steps every day!

Active Stay-acations:
My hubby and I celebrated our wedding anniversary last weekend with a mojito march (which is a fancy word for bar hopping), shopping, and dining at some amazing restaurants in Georgetown. In the process we went car-less walked almost 20 miles in 2 days, and biked several miles along the waterfront. It totally made up for all of our indulgences! Next year we're planning to go canoeing, hit up some rugged bike terrain, and go running though the national mall. I never realized how much fun working out together could be!

Juicing:
Sooo...My first juice cleanse was a complete and utter fail. I really didn't think that I'd try it again---until my grandparents gifted me a juicer! For the last two weeks I've been juicing any and every fruit and veggie that I can find! I didn't go for a complete cleanse forgoing solid food, but I did commit to drinking a tall glass of juice at every meal and whenever I felt hungry during the day. I never understood what bloating was (or wasn't) until I started juicing and reducing my carb intake. My tummy looks flatter and my jeans are much more comfortable! I think that it's safe to say that juicing is here to stay!

In other news, #FitnessFriday will be under construction for a few weeks. We've got some ridiculous awesomeness planned to share with you guys to spice it up a bit. So definitely stay tuned for more information. In the meantime, you can still link up with either my blog bestie Ebony from www.longing4length.com or myself on Fridays. If you're interested in becoming a co-host of #FitnessFriday shoot me a note teamsavingourstrands@gmail.com.

Besitos!
KLP

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I'm Addicted To Cardio | #FitnessFriday

Sources: 1 / 2 / 3 / 4

It's not that I don't like weight training. I just think that its boring! Lift things up. Put them down. Lift things up. Put them down. Ay dios mio---I'd need someone to put me out of my misery! When a workout is boring the chances of me doing it on a regular basis are 0.00000000000000000001%. I'm addicted to heart pumping, sweat dripping, and total body toning cardio. And I'm not ashamed to admit it! Here are my faves:  

Zumba
Less workout and more party! Zumba combines the ridiculously heart pumping rhythms of Reggaeton, Salsa, Samba, Merengue, Soca, Belly dancing, and Cumbia with hip shaking, booty popping, high intensity calorie torching choreography. No weights required to get muscle definition, increased balance and dancer flexibility. Que te mueve?

 
Running
Go outside. Start walking. When you're tired of walking, jog. Once you're tired of jogging. Run. Then run real fast. So simple, yet very complicated. The harder you push yourself, the more you'll sweat. Oh yeah---Did I mention that it's FREE and you work almost every single muscle in your body? 
 



Spin
Think a gym room full of stationary bikes, low lights, loud high energy music, and an instructor pedaling like a mad person. When you use the proper resistance, I guarantee that you'll leave drenched in sweat and every inch of your body will burn especially your core, back, butt, legs, and arms.
 

Body Combat
Ridiculously energetic, adrenaline pumping, muscle confusion. Mixes karate, boxing, tae-kwondo, tai chi and muay thai. Someone quirking your nerves? Imagine their face in your strike zone. By the end of class, trust me, you'll feel much better.
 
Please tell me that I'm not the only one with a cardio addiction!

Besitos!
KLP

Let's inspire together! Create a fitness related blog post and link up every Friday with me, KLP of SavingOurStrands, Ebony of Longing4Length, and Britt of One&20

Fitness Friday Linkup RULES

1. ​Follow your hosts: SavingOurStrands, Longing4Length, and One&20 via Bloglovin'
2. Fitness is the theme. Entries completely unrelated to the theme or linked to your homepage will be deleted---we not about that life!
3. Inspire the Fitness Friday contributor that linked up directly before you with an encouraging comment. We are each here to support each other and build a community of determined women and hair-friends. (Don’t worry, the chica ​who links up after you will do the same; So everyone gets love​!).
4. Share it! Your blog post must link back to this site so others see. We even made this nifty button which links back to the Fitness Friday page! Just copy and drop the code into your blog post.

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<a href="http://www.savingourstrands.com" title="Fitness Friday"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyhsLeWkIh1rs1sF-Iic3PODoBvyfta8RC1sXqgVNqQRYDkQW7i3twbzuGic4I06evwqgO4jz4K-6OqmbLQMIg8ybwaClCtpl3uodNRkddvJzjj6vC2kNZPyk1FkNpeFcHPv5Ao-ZY19E/s1600/Fitness+Friday+Badge.png" alt="Fitness Friday" style="border:none;" /></a></div>

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5 Reasons Why Outdoor Workouts Rock | Fitness Friday

I love my gym. It's not pretentious. The people are friendly. The instructors are fierce. But real talk, my favorite workouts are in places without walls or weights; places were I can feel the wind in my hair and the sun on my face. I simply adore getting outside. Plus I love summer! *in my Olaf voice* (If you don't know by now, I'm a HUGE fan of Frozen) If you're struggling to get out of your air conditioned inside routine, here are 5 reasons to move your workout outdoors today!

Better overall health: 
People who spend more time outdoors are more active on average than people who spend less time outside. Hills uneven terrain and wind resistance challenges your muscles and your mind.

Mood Enhancement:
Research consistency shows (like here, here and here) that outdoor exposure improves mood and protects against depression. In fact, the biggest increase in mood and self-essteem occurs in the first 5 minutes of being outside.

Vitamin D:
Ultraviolet rays from the sun cause the body to produce Vitamin D, a substance that is hard to get from food sources alone. Experts say 5 to 30 minutes of sunshine two to three times a week should be enough for most people.

Renewed Focus:
The relaxed quiet of outdoor enviroments allow our brains to recharge. There are no TO DO sticky notes on trees, it's extremely difficult to walk straight if you are texting, and your email inbox isn't screaming at you. Research at the Uni of Michigan shows that being outdoors increases your ability to focus attention once your return to work-technicals details and even improves memory

Crazy High Energy:
I haven't had 8 hours of sleep in at least 5 years. (A side effect of having young children---smh!) But no matter what time I go to sleep at night, when I start my day with an outdoor walk or run, I feel super energized and totally ready to attack my busy day. 

I love summmmmerrrrrr! (Sorry...I had to!)

How to get the most from working out outdoors:
Regardless of how fast you run or walk, what you wear, or how far you go. Just make sure to enjoy your time outdoors with all your senses. Breathe deeply. Listen to the birds singing.. Look for shapes in the clouds. Smell the sweet earthiness extruding from the cluster of trees along side the park. Feel the ground under your feet and the wind in your hair. The outdoors is calling!

What are your favorite outdoor workout?

Besitos!
KLP

Let's inspire together! Create a fitness related blog post and link up every Friday with me, KLP of SavingOurStrands, Ebony of Longing4Length, and Britt of One&20

Fitness Friday Linkup RULES

1. ​Follow your hosts: SavingOurStrands, Longing4Length, and One&20 via Bloglovin'
2. Fitness is the theme. Entries completely unrelated to the theme or linked to your homepage will be deleted---we not about that life!
3. Inspire the Fitness Friday contributor that linked up directly before you with an encouraging comment. We are each here to support each other and build a community of determined women and hair-friends. (Don’t worry, the chica ​who links up after you will do the same; So everyone gets love​!).
4. Share it! Your blog post must link back to this site so others see. We even made this nifty button which links back to the Fitness Friday page! Just copy and drop the code into your blog post.

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<a href="http://www.savingourstrands.com" title="Fitness Friday"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyhsLeWkIh1rs1sF-Iic3PODoBvyfta8RC1sXqgVNqQRYDkQW7i3twbzuGic4I06evwqgO4jz4K-6OqmbLQMIg8ybwaClCtpl3uodNRkddvJzjj6vC2kNZPyk1FkNpeFcHPv5Ao-ZY19E/s1600/Fitness+Friday+Badge.png" alt="Fitness Friday" style="border:none;" /></a></div>

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How To Protect Your Blowout At The Gym | Fitness Friday

I used to be that girl that avoided any strenuous sweat inducing activity to save my blowout or freshly flat ironed hair. Not anymore. When I don't workout, I just don't feel like myself. My most recent straightening session took 3 hours to complete; trust and believe that I'm going to do all that can maintain it. Today on #FitnessFriday, I'm sharing how I protect my blowout at the gym:

1. Absorb it: Protect your edges from frizzing up with a sweat absorbing head band. I use Scunci No Slip Grip bands.
2. Ballerina Top Knot: Pull your hair into a high, smooth, and taut ballerina bun. I'm in love with Sarah Potempa's "The Wrap Up." This nifty contraption keeps my ends protected while making the cutest bun without a hair tie or bobby pins that can leave dent marks. The best part is that at the end of my sweat session, I have great curls!
3. Hands off: Please do not be that girl who is constantly fiddling with her hair! Ugh...not only is it annoying to the person behind you, but your sweaty hands will frizz your hair.
4. The Switch: At the end of your workout, switch your head band for a dry one then cover with a satin scarf until your roots are dry. The tension of your bun and scarf should keep your roots flattened and prevent reversion. I have a collection of Lush Knot Wraps in my gym bag are are equal parts fashion, fun, and function.

How to you protect your straightened hair at the gym?

Let's inspire together! Create a fitness related blog post and link up every Friday with me, KLP of SavingOurStrands, Ebony of Longing4Length, and Britt of One&20

Fitness Friday Linkup RULES

1. ​Follow your hosts: SavingOurStrands, Longing4Length, and One&20 via Bloglovin'
2. Fitness is the theme. Entries completely unrelated to the theme or linked to your homepage will be deleted---we not about that life!
3. Inspire the Fitness Friday contributor that linked up directly before you with an encouraging comment. We are each here to support each other and build a community of determined women and hair-friends. (Don’t worry, the chica ​who links up after you will do the same; So everyone gets love​!).
4. Share it! Your blog post must link back to this site so others see. We even made this nifty button which links back to the Fitness Friday page! Just copy and drop the code into your blog post.

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<a href="http://www.savingourstrands.com" title="Fitness Friday"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyhsLeWkIh1rs1sF-Iic3PODoBvyfta8RC1sXqgVNqQRYDkQW7i3twbzuGic4I06evwqgO4jz4K-6OqmbLQMIg8ybwaClCtpl3uodNRkddvJzjj6vC2kNZPyk1FkNpeFcHPv5Ao-ZY19E/s1600/Fitness+Friday+Badge.png" alt="Fitness Friday" style="border:none;" /></a></div>

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How To Lose Weight On Vacation | Fitness Friday

Without the hassles of  tackling my inbox, scheduling conference calls, or reporting deadlines, I actually am more active on my vacations than I am in "real life." Especially during my last vacation in Florida. To my surprise, I lost over 5 lbs in two weeks! Here's how I did it:

Swimming: 
My kids are part fish. They love being in the water and I'm a worry-wart so I'm always within 2 feet of them at all times. There are several pools in our vacation complex--a lazy river, a kiddie pool, a water fall---and my kids wanted to go to them all. To my surprise, when I logged my 3 hour treading water sessions in my Fitbit activities, I'd burned over 1000 calories each session! Trust and believe that I'll be at the pool more often this summer!

Biking:
My papa bikes every day. He's 75. If he can bike, then there is no reason why I can't! Ha-ha! My workout partner in crime---aka my superhero hubby---and I went on an early morning biking date. We biked about 7 miles in 50 minutes. I could totally feel the burn afterwards!

 
FitBit Framily Competition: 
I loved my FitBit so much that for Father's Day, we gifted my suegro and mi tio one. Then my suegra wanted one too. My cousin has one as does my bestie. We've added each other as friends and even started FitBit Framily Group. The competition is fierce. I wish that you guys could have seen us walking in circles and dancing---anything to keep our feet moving and tally up more steps than everyone else! I never took my FitBit off! I was even able to log several 15,000 step days and even one 20,000 step day!

Virtual 5K:
Thanks to the Black Girls Run Virtual 5k I was able to participate in a 5k race from Florida! I finished the race in 29 minutes---one of my best race times ever. After I uploaded my  time on the virtual roster, I did a terrible cabbage patch-dougie-two step and threw imaginary confetti!

I also enjoyed the gym at our vacation home and my grandparents gifted me a juicer! *blessings in abundance!* Thanks to all of my physical activities, I lost over 5lbs! Shoot---I need to be on vacation every day!

How to you keep active on vacation?

Besitos!
KLP

Let's inspire together! Create a fitness related blog post and link up every Friday with me, KLP of SavingOurStrands, Ebony of Longing4Length, and Britt of One&20

Fitness Friday Linkup RULES

1. ​Follow your hosts: SavingOurStrands, Longing4Length, and One&20 via Bloglovin'
2. Fitness is the theme. Entries completely unrelated to the theme or linked to your homepage will be deleted---we not about that life!
3. Inspire the Fitness Friday contributor that linked up directly before you with an encouraging comment. We are each here to support each other and build a community of determined women and hair-friends. (Don’t worry, the chica ​who links up after you will do the same; So everyone gets love​!).
4. Share it! Your blog post must link back to this site so others see. We even made this nifty button which links back to the Fitness Friday page! Just copy and drop the code into your blog post.

<div align="center">
<a href="http://www.savingourstrands.com" title="Fitness Friday"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyhsLeWkIh1rs1sF-Iic3PODoBvyfta8RC1sXqgVNqQRYDkQW7i3twbzuGic4I06evwqgO4jz4K-6OqmbLQMIg8ybwaClCtpl3uodNRkddvJzjj6vC2kNZPyk1FkNpeFcHPv5Ao-ZY19E/s1600/Fitness+Friday+Badge.png" alt="Fitness Friday" style="border:none;" /></a></div>

An InLinkz Link-up