I Did 20,000 Crunches In 30 Minutes And This Is What Happened...

I did 20,000 crunches in 30 minutes. Yup. And that sounds impossible. Because it basically is. But nearly anything is possible when you visit Jeannel Astarita of Just Ageless at 11 Howard.

Astaria is on the forefront of cutting edge beauty technology as she performs everything from laser treatments to silk peel facials to using cool-sculpting machines. 

Although, this time I didn't get my regular facial with Jeannel. I tested out the new Emsculpt machine which is placed on your stomach to reduce fat and build muscle. The machine varies in intensity as a 30 minute session can be equivalent to 20,000 crunches. 

Recently, I have been working on abdominal strength and achieving the perfect six pack. Even though I am close, I needed the extra push (because I am not ready to say goodbye to french fries). The Emsculpt machine not only eliminates your fat, but aids in strengthening your core, which will allow you to complete your abdominal workouts more efficiently and improve in new areas of fitness.

I relaxed as the machine was strategically placed on my lower stomach where I experience the most fat. The machine subtly jolts your core in intervals then goes in to resting periods. Jeannel described these contractions akin to giving birth.

The whole experience was weird - but in the best way possible. At first I had the giggles from even using this machine to begin with, but as I eased in to it, I felt less guilty for having french toast earlier, and learned how cool and innovative this technology really is.

About 2 days later is when I really noticed the change in my workouts. I was able to complete my regular abdominal routine in longer sets while being able to perform new workouts I could not complete under normal circumstances.

Jeannel suggests to get this treatment 3-4 times to see the best physical and visual results. I definitely will be coming back to Astaria's office to do 20,000 crunches - no sweat involved.

 

How To Feel Less Stressed This Week

If you know me, I am a very stressed person. Like 7 out of 10 times anyone interacts with me, I am stressed. Ok... more like 9 times out of 10. This is partially due to my hectic schedule and everything it entails. Although, stress is genetic, and a lot of my own stress is self-induced. On my journey to a stress-free life, I learned practices to incorporate into my life to reduce the amount of stress I could experience. 

Everything and anything exudes from the classic Sunday Scaries. I hate Sunday more than anything, alternatively, use your Sunday to plan instead of dwelling on your weekend and stressing about the upcoming week. 

Make lists

Know what you have to do for the week and write it down. Seeing it visually helps instead of forgetting or things jumbling up in your brain. One of the most satisfying things for me, is to cross off each priority, once it is finished. A major tip is add small tasks so you feel more accomplished as you remove those errands off your list. 

Just do it

If you look up procrastination in the dictionary, my (well-lit and edited) selfie pops up. Unfinished tasks or plans are the worst and that is where a lot of my anxiety accumulates from. Getting over whatever fear that task beholds is key to de-stressing, and the best way is just doing it - there is no way around it.

Practice self-care

Take a bath, put your favorite facemask on, light a candle, take a walk through the park, indulge in a donut. These are all ways of practicing self-care. Noticing when you need "me-time" or to pause from reality is integral to leading a healthy lifestyle. 

Meal and fitness prep

Working out and eating are important parts of my day, and I like to change things up every once in a while. Doing the same workouts and eating the same thing can get monotonous, instead of stressing out on what to do every day of the week, plan the new things you are willing to try out and how you will revisit your favorite places.

Plan your outfits

The worst thing is not knowing what to wear or not feeling confident in your on-the-go outfit. We have all been there where it has stressed us out to the max in the mornings, snowballing into being late and setting a bad vibe for the rest of the day. Planning your outfits can be really fun! Find inspiration online and pull your outfits - grab a polaroid and lay out your outfits for the week so you can visualize them daily. 

Unplug

As much as I love social media and my phone, the best thing to do is unplug. Digital devices are a big source of stress as they prevent us from being in the moment and promote lack of sleep. The best remedy for detoxing is being present and prioritizing YOU!

What do you guys do to de-stress? 

 

 

I Burned 1,000 Calories By Laying In Bed And Watching Netflix

Netflix, my supportive friend, asked once again, "Are you still watching?", as I rolled my eyes and reached for another handful of Oreos. The ideal Friday night situation - Netflix and chill.

Although, after a while your body and mind reap the effects of the lack of sleep and 3:00 AM pizza deliveries. In a perfect world, I am someone who gets 8 hours of sleep every night, eats the perfect amount of greens and protein, all while getting in my Netflix binge-sessions (and looking toned and amazing in the process).

This Summer, I have taken many strides in perfecting my #SummerBod and changing my "Netflix and chill" lifestyle. Not only have I physically improved as a result of partaking in a healthy lifestyle, but it is a game-changer mentally, too. The definition of healthy isn't washboard abs and a salad for every meal, but somewhere in the middle between that and your 3:00 AM pizza delivery. As every nutritionist and trainer known to mankind says, "Everything in moderation". In an effort to finding that perfect middle between gym maniac and couch potato, I discovered Shape House.

Shape House, or also known as the "Urban Sweat Lodge", is a 45-minute sweat session that burns anywhere between 800 and 1,600 calories. You chill out (no pun-intended) in a heated sleeping bag wearing a long sleeve tee, sweatpants, and socks. Shape House supplies you with mineral water - to maximize hydration - and even a mini tea session in their relaxation room, post-sweat. But the best part is while laying in bed, you can listen to your favorite music or watch the latest episode of Keeping Up With The Kardashians, or if you are not a Kar-Jenner fan, you may indulge in any TV show that you desire. 

Not only do you get your "workout" in by doing nothing, the aftermath is a zen state for hours. The benefits include improvement in weight loss, sleep, and even your skin. The most prominent result for me was quality of sleep, as it felt as if every sore muscle, caffeine molecule, and ounce of stress was erased from my body. 

For someone like me, who is doing cardio for 1-2 hours daily and always running around for work, Shape House is a great place to calm down and detox. On the other hand, if you are really lazy and can't bring yourself to run on the treadmill, laying in a heated bed may be your fitness-calling.

Do I suggest this to be a daily remedy? No. Do I suggest a whole box of pizza to be apart of your daily meal plan? Yes... I mean no. Everything good for you (and bad for you) should be in moderation, and that is when the results will yield the best benefits. 

Yummy Açai Bowl Recipes by Talula Dempsey

If you know anything about me, açai bowls are a crucial part of my "food pyramid". For those of you who do not know what açai bowls are, or simply recognize the photogenic dish from countless trendy Instagram posts, it is a custard-like consistency with a myriad of toppings sprinkled on top! Açai is a fruit found in the Amazon, and is very high in antioxidants and fiber, which is essential to curving your metabolism and creating a healthy lifestyle. When you think about it, açai bowls are just like ice cream but only extremely good for you. The meal is perfect for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or even a hearty snack! You can find these smoothie bowls at your local juice joint but I am going to show you how easy it is to make at home!

You do not need to be a talented cook by any means, although, I did get insight from a gal who spends her time cooking up a storm in the kitchen quite frequently. Talula Dempsey of Curious Cravingz, is a food blogger who is always filming how-to's, writing about the coolest places to dine on the West Coast, and also shares a mutual love for açai bowls. Dempsey spills her two styles of her açai bowl recipe, that are so easy to follow, and you will feel like a master chef in no time. The combination is so yummy and addicting! 

Here is how to make it!

Ingredients:

1 packet of Açai or Pitaya Super Food Smoothie Packet

1/2 of frozen banana

1/2 strawberries

2-4 ounces of apple juice or coconut milk

Toppings: (Optional - mix and match!)

Granola, hemp and/or flax seeds, coconut shavings, strawberries, blueberries, bananas, dragon fruit, cacao nibs

Directions:

Blend all of the ingredients listed above in a blender. Depending on your preference of consistency, start with two ounces of your selected liquid. Blend for the length that is appropriate for your desired consistency. Pour the mix into a bowl and decorate with your choice of toppings. Enjoy!

Let me know what you guys think in the comment section down below! Any feedback, suggestions, tips, and more. Hope you enjoyed this post. Stay Ruff!

New YouTube Video: LA Travel Vlog: Kylie Jenner, My Uber Nightmare, Outfits, Food, and More!

Recently I was in LA, and I wanted to take you with me! I saw Tyga… and Kylie Jenner? I got left on the side of the highway by a smoking Uber driver. But aside from the craziness, I had a great time filled with food, friends, family, and shopping! Watch the vlog down below! P.S. watch my previous vlog here (My get ready with me / Saturday morning).

Let me know what you guys think in the comment section down below! Any feedback, suggestions, tips, and more. Hope you enjoyed this post. Stay Ruff!

New YouTube Video: Get Ready With Me / Saturday Morning Vlog

A lot of you guys have asked me many questions about my daily life and routines, so I took my camera around today to show you how I get ready on a typical Saturday morning.

Let me know what you guys think in the comment section down below! Any feedback, suggestions, tips, and more. Hope you enjoyed this post. Stay Ruff!