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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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!

An InLinkz Link-up

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!

An InLinkz Link-up

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.

<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>

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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.

<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>

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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.

<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

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

How To Run A Virtual 5K | #FitnessFriday

Do you want to run a 5K but don't know how to start? Or maybe you really want a wingman and none of your friends/family are interested? No local 5K races? Perhaps you haven't found a race that fits into your schedule. Well today on #FitnessFriday, I'm sharing how you can run a 5k race regardless of your fitness level, location, with anyone, and at anytime. Welcome to the world of virtual 5ks and here's how to do it:
 

1. Get Registered: Find a race online and just say yes! Don't know where to start? Join Black Girls Run and sign up for their WalkB4URUN! Virtual 5K
2. Start Training: Black Girls RUN! has a super cool, effective, and simple training plan that I recommend to everyone. You can download yours here. Plus it's totally free! #woot You start my walking on week 1. You'll end running on week 12.
3. Map Your Route: Whether you're running in your neighborhood, at the park, or on the trails, the very last thing that you want to do is not complete the full 3.1 mile race. If you're not sure where to run, meet up with your local BlackGirlsRun group for training sessions and the beautiful encouragement. You can find a group in your city by visiting here
4. Get your bib: After you register, most virtual races provide a link where you can download your bib. Race bibs are like badges of honor---I never run a race without one!
5. Run your kinda race: It doesn't matter if you run a 15 minute race or you crawl a 151 minute race. The goal is to finish. Plus you already know that you can do it!
6. Submit your results and do an embarrassing happy dance: Follow the directions that your race provides. Typically you have to upload your time on your hosts virtual roster. Then cabbage patch, dougie, or butterfly! You did it! Next, stalk the mail man for your race bling! It's typically delivered 3-4 weeks after the race. I HEART race bling! 

Tada!! There you have it, how to run a virtual 5k. Easy enough right? So who's lacing up their sneakers and running with me?

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>

Besitos!
KLP

An InLinkz Link-up

What To Wear For Pilates Class | Fitness Friday

#FitnessFriday is a fun community building linkup that encourages women to keep their body strong whilst creating a sustainable healthy lifestyle. Losing weight, eating well, and growing long healthy hair isn't easy; but they do go hand in hand. Wellness starts on the inside and requires commitment, dedication, plus loads of support. We're totally all in this together!

The biggest reason that I love #FitnessFriday is because it forces allows me to stay on track with my overall healthy living goals---otherwise I have nothing to report each week! The thought of doing the same workout day (or even eating the same thing) in and day out is utterly boring to me, so I try to keep my routine as varied as possible. However, one thing that I've done at least once a week for the last year is Pilates. A few weeks ago I shared how I wear my hair to Pilates class, so today I'm sharing what I wear!

Honestly, you can wear whatever you want to the Pilates Studio. No matter what comfort is the key. You don't need anything fancy. But you do need to feel confident in whatever you wear.

1. Layers: Sometimes my Pilates studio is freezing cold. Other times its like they have the heat on in the summer time. I like to dress in layers to make sure that I'm comfortable regardless of the temperature in the studio. Always make sure that your outer layer is still Pilates mat and machine friendly.(Suggested: Reebok Yoga & Pilates Sweater $45)

2. Tank: The worst thing that you can wear to Pilates class is a top that's too tight or too revealing. My favorite tank fit is cut high in the front (to keep me from flashing the class), a loose in the middle (no muffin tops here!), and longer than most tops (just in case my shirt rides up a tad). You'll want your top to be able to move about with you. Not against you. (Suggested: Reebok Workout Ready Tank $17)

3. Bottoms: Sweats, windbreaker pants, or anything super baggy is totally a bad idea. Not only can baggy clothes be difficult to maneuver in, but they are potentially dangerous when working on the Pilates machines. Also, if you are doing mat work, you want your instructor to be able to see and correct your movements/posture. Choose pants that wear close to the body, provide freedom of motion, and claro que si make your butt look fabulous! (Suggested: Reebok Workout Ready Capri $40)

4. Socks: Pilates is performed barefoot. But I'm kinda not about that life, so I wear my lucky socks. They are purple and very awesome. Your teacher will probably freak if you wear your shoes into the Pilates room. Always take them off before you walk in. (Suggested: Those holey socks in the back of your drawer that you refuse to throw away. Yep. Those are the luckiest pair)

5. Pilates Bag: Although completely optional, I invested in a mat sleeve when I was in college initially for my Yoga mat. Now I use that bag for my Pilates mat (A Pilates mat has about twice the thickness of a traditional Yoga mat). My bag has a place for my keys, water bottle, and phone plus a few other things because I'm awful forgetful---so it works in my favor to keep everything in one place. (Suggested: Reebok Stripped Yoga Mat $22)

Are you into Pilates? What do you wear?

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>

Besitos!
KLP

An InLinkz Link-up

My Love/Hate Relationship With FitBit Zip

I walked into the exchange, picked up the magenta hot pink FitBit Zip and told my hubby "THIS is what I want for my birthday" then sashayed off to buy bananas and laundry detergent. Several weeks later, my hubby surprised me with a magenta hot pink FitBit Zip for my birthday! (He's totally a keeper! Ha-ha!) I wanted to use my Fitbit Zip for a while just to break it in and really give you the low down. It's #FitnessFriday *throw your confetti!* and today I'm dishing about my love/hate relationship with my FitBit Zip:

Love
It's addictive. I CAN NOT leave my house without it. Seriously. I was about to go do some shopping with my suegra, went we made it half way up the driveaway when I realized that I forgot my FitBit Zip. So, let them clown me as I turned around go back and get it! I love how it tracks my steps, distance, and calories burned.

Small steps to accomplishing big goals. I love how I can see how active I am throughout the day. Since the weather has warmed up, I started taking walks in my neighborhood and in the park with my minions, I don't mind having to run up and down my steps when I forget things, I park further away from the entrance to stores to make sure that I get my 10,000 steps in. Sometimes, I'll put on my Pandora 90's station and dance until I hit my daily goal.

The encouraging automated love. When you reach your goals, your FitBit sends you a love note. When you're slacking it will gently remind you that you only have a little more to go. Part personal trainer part pixie dust spreader. Either way it makes me smile.

Hate:
It's a shiny fancy glorified super expensive pedometer. Yes, it is more accurate than anything else that I've used, but in the end all this thing does is count your steps, tell you that you're awesome, and smile at you. Literally.

Sucky Mobile & Online Tools. I wanted to be able to track my other fitness related activities either especially running via the FitBit app on my smartphone or online.  (Your FitBit is AWFUL at tracking your steps running. Don't bother trying) I was surprised at how un-user friendly and NOT intuitive it is. If I'm going to spend $50 on a gadget that claims to sync you with the world, then it needs to do just that.

Limited Interaction With 3rd party Apps. After some research I saw that I could link my FitBit to my all time favorite fitness app RunKeeper. RunKeeper allows you to record dozens of fitness related activities with distances and calories burned. The RunKeeper interface is dumb easy to use. I use it when I run, jump rope, go to Zumba, and even for Spinning class. Sadly, this was another bust. Sure you can sync your FitBit to RunKeeper but you can't sync your RunKeeper activities to FitBit. Which defeated the ENTIRE purpose of having a sync-able pedometer. Is it too much to ask to have all of my sweat stuff in one place.

Was my FitBit Zip a ratchet waste of money? Well, no. Using it is incredibly easy. Like---so easy that a cave man can do it. Plus its hot magenta pink! It's totally the most stylist pedometer ever. Unfortunately, interacting with its mobile app and online isn't intuitive. Maybe I expected too much. But the tag line "Wireless Activity Tracker" is a little misleading to me. If you want a wicked cool steps counter and that's it---then the FitBit Zip is for you. If you want just a little more---wait until they update their apps. I'm sure eventually they'll get this thing right.

Do you have a FitBit? Do you love it or hate it?

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>

Besitos!
KLP

An InLinkz Link-up