5 Motivational Techniques to Help You Through Your Fitness Routine

Get in Shape Using Kickboxing Fitness

Losing weight is not an easy task. You have to remain consistent with your efforts and give it your all if you want to be able to see any type of results. This is a lot easier said than done for most of us. We have a hectic schedule that is not fitness friendly, we want immediate results and do not put in as much effort as we should. So, how can we get back on track and give our fitness routines all the effort and energy it needs to be successful? We have to stay motivated, and we need to find that one thing that gives us the push we need when we need it. So, here are just a few techniques you can try to help you stay motivated during your weight loss journey.

  1. Take it one day at a time. This means you should not overwhelm yourself…

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Alexander Wang Launches Collection at H&M Tomorrow – Nov. 6

Ms. Tia Dawn

Attention all of you fashion lovers!

You might want to set your clock for 9:59 a.m. EST tomorrow…one minute before Alexander Wang drops his new collection of activewear for H&M!

Known for his “sporty cool” designs and for dressing the likes of Rihanna, Zoë Kravitz and countless models, Wang be the first American designer to collaborate with H&M as well as the youngest ever.

So, what’s so special about this partnership? H&M explains:

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May I also add the collection will be affordable! Check  out the Wang’s look book on the H&M’s site and see for yourself!

I’ll be waiting by my computer to grab this fitted beauty:

Alexander Wang HM

And this one…

Alexander Wang HM sport bra

So, what are your thoughts on the collection?

MsTiaDawn

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What is… Jivamukti Yoga?

Today was one of those days where it felt like it was already getting dark by lunchtime. It rained all afternoon, the kind of rain that doesn’t really fall, just… hangs there. I had the day off and, well you’ll forgive me if I admit I wore my pyjamas for the bulk of the day.

I needed some fitness motivation. I didn’t really fancy plodding around in the rain, nor had I the motivation to join a HIIT class. So when I saw that Yogahaven in Clapham had a slot in its 6.30pm Jivamukti class, I thought, why not, and signed up quickly before I had time to change my mind.

Only problem was I had no idea what Jivamukti was. I hoped it involved lots of lying down in a warm room. I was wrong (although the room was pretty warm). Turns out it is fast, fierce… and fun. And just what I needed.

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Created in 1984 by Sharon Gannon and David Life, Jivamukti is based on Ashtanga and practised to music.The vinyasas are fast-flowing, and the addition of music helps to make them almost balletic. Interestingly, Sharon Gannon has a background as a dancer, so this may be more design than accident.

Jivamukti is a celebrity favourite: Christy Turlington, Heidi Klum, Steve Martin and, yes, of course, Gwyneth are fans.

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The class was packed, but not po-faced – at some point due to the lack of leg-room we each had an ankle resting on our neighbour’s hip, which provoked more giggles than glares.

It was a tough class – but a fun one. While it may have a modern feel, the spiritual is not neglected, and I left feeling revitalised, rejuvenated… and I barely noticed the rain on the walk home.

Don’t Fear the Gym

Get in Shape Using Kickboxing Fitness

Most of us know we need to have a consistent fitness routine to stay fit and healthy these days. But, what do you do if you are a gym-a-phobe, otherwise known as someone who is afraid of the gym? There are many people who go out of their way to purchase a gym membership but never use it. This can sound crazy to some of us. I mean why would you spend money on something you are not going to use? Most likely these people keep on having the best of intentions to finally get in and start their fitness journey. There are many reasons and excuses people can come up with for being afraid of the gym, but our goal should be trying to understand these reasons and helping them overcome their fears. So, here are a few ways you can overcome these fears or help your friends overcome…

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Winter wonders: the Sweaty Betty preview

It’s taken me years and years to realise it, but I quite like winter. It’s acceptable to imbibe both chocolate and alcohol at any time of day – sometimes together – so long as it’s hot. Fashion is so much better, and hats and swaddling scarves are not just more
acceptable, but necessary.

And, well, there’s something ever so satisfying about layering up and going for a run on a chilly morning, seeing your breath crystallize in front of you and feeling the grass crunch underfoot. And you get to enjoy that inward smirk of smugness. You’re no fair-weather fitness fan. Oh no.

Winter sportswear is fun too. So-soft hoodies that transition from trail to telly time, running tights that hide a multitude of sins. Gloves, beanies, snoods. Even Uggs are acceptable en route to yoga.

So when the Sweaty Betty preview dropped into my inbox this week, I could practically smell the wood fire and pine needles. It is a particularly lovely collection – winter rose-adorned leggings, cosy yoga sweats, Alpine-inspired ski gear and slick outdoor running clothes. Is it too early to get working on my Christmas list?

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Gym kit essentials: what’s in my wash bag

Between my lunch (and dinner sometimes), a book, notebook, water, gym kit and a ridiculously oversized handbag, my daily haul is starting to look a bit ridiculous. I resemble a travelling salesman or jilted live-in lover – not really the most elegant guises.

So, I decided to make a small start and slim down my gym bag. So here are a few essentials I’ve left myself with. Most are travel miniatures – but if you want to save cash or can’t find your favourite brands in Lilliputian, you can decant into small empties from Boots or Muji (or holiday leftovers, just rinse them well).

For makeup, I’ve pushed it to the very minimum – why cover up that post-gym glow? So tinted moisturiser and a cream blush are all I’m carrying. Make-up junkie? Just try the minimal approach post-gym. I’ve now got a five-minute make-up regime and only ever spend longer if I’m going on a night out. It’s liberating, really!

Shampoo/conditioner-wise, go as luxe as you like. Same with shower gel, pick something indulgent and make it a treat (I find every incentive to force myself to go to the gym helps.) If you have time, a nice luxury body moisturiser can practically make it a spa day.

If it’s a yoga class, or something not-too-sweaty, get the dry shampoo out and skip the hair-wash. It’s not gross, save ages and is even good to give your hair a break.

And all this fits (just) in a tiny washbag. Now to sort the handbag… IMG_5913-1.JPG