Mental Hygiene–5 Golden Rules for Nurturing Your Core

By Elma B.

“You are a living magnet. What you attract into your life is in harmony with your dominant thoughts.”

-Brian Tracey 

Mental Hygiene:

Too often do wear hear about the importance of physical fitness and seldom do we hear about the importance of emotional fitness. Well-being is not just about being physically fit and looking your best on the outside but it is also about nurturing your mind. 

We experience the ordinary wear and tear as we proceed on this journey called life. We have expectations that are often not met, experience unfairness, and therefore our enthusiasm for life quickly wanes down. The key question remains how do we nurture our mind/our spirit to maintain a healthy level of optimism and energy? Interestingly, there is not as much literature on grooming our mental hygiene to keep us in a healthy and happy state of mind. Here are my suggestions…

5 Golden Rules for Nurturing Your Mental Health:

Me

1. Meditate. Meditate for at least 10 minutes out of your day to relax and calm your thoughts. Go to a place that is truly serene and helps bring your busy day to a full stop. (Here’s why 10 minutes of meditation will change your day.)

2. Heal with nature. Spend time outdoors. There is an extraordinary soothing effect we receive from the wind brushing-up against our cheek, or from our eyes feasting on the vibrant colors of the green pastures or a garden filled with a myriad of colors. 

3. Shift your focus. Your mind is very potent if you know how to send it in the right direction. You have an unbelievable ability to stop your own thoughts from proceeding in the negative direction; every time you catch your thoughts drifting in a downward spiral, you have the power to stop them and turn them in whatever direction you desire. You are the gate keeper to your mind’s focus. 

4. Help others. Everyone knows the cliche, “the secret to living is giving.” However, not many think to apply it to their daily lives. I know that small acts of kindness can change my day (For instance, while running in Central Park, I stopped to take many photos of complete strangers and really made an effort to take excellent shots. Seeing the smiles on the faces of these complete strangers filled me with utter joy and exalted my spirit). Helping others can truly be fulfilling because you see how your efforts can make a positive impact in someone else’s life. 

5. Keep a gratitude journal. Often we are so focused on achieving our goals that we forget to take a moment to feel greatful for everything else we are blessed with. We think that our problems are the largest and just spiral downwards in our own heads. I was inspired and moved by a blind young lady I saw jogging in Central Park with a cane in her hand and a companion by her side. She was jogging along with everyone else on the runner’s path in Central Park. Instantly, when I saw her, I was moved; I was moved by her battle and will to move forward in life. Many like her, with disabilities that have forever permeated their bodies or chronic illnesses (e.g., Stephen Hawking), fight with every cell in their body to be here with us.  

Like physical fitness, achieving mental fitness takes time. It is not something we practice once in a while but practice consistently. I suggest applying these tactics to your life to keep your core healthy. After all, everything that surrounds you is a projection of what lies within you. Until next time, xoxo. 

(For the fashionistas, outfit dissected: fish earrings from Zara; jumpsuit from Forever 21; shoes from Fendi; lipstick by 100% vegan and cruelty-free Lip Tar.) 

How to Cure a Hangover

By Lara Medić

In English/Bosnian/Croatian/Serbian

After a long night of drinking and partying, you have probably woken-up with an intolerable headache; this is a sign that you are suffering from a hangover and have been drinking too much the night before. Although it may give you some discomfort, hangover is not a serious condition and disappears on its own within couple of hours.

The severity of the hangover often depends on the type of alcohol you were consuming the night before. Symptoms mostly include headache, nausea, and dizziness.

How to Cure a Hangover:

• First, be sure to drink a large glass of water in order to combat dehydration. 
• In order to make up for the lost nutrients like magnesium and calcium, whip-up a delicious smoothie (we recommend banana-honey smoothie with half of glass of regular or almond/coconut milk, one banana, and two teaspoons of honey).
• Be sure to stay away from coffee; it will not help your symptoms and can only make you feel event more irritated.
• The old myth of “drinking a glass of alcohol in the morning to combat hangover” does NOT hold true; if you are likely to be suffering from a hangover often, be sure to seek medical help.  

How to Prevent a Hangover: 

• The best solution for hangover is prevention of hangover! However, there are couple of strategies which you can use to successfully avoid the hangover: 
• Be sure to eat something before or while you drink so that you may slow down the absorption of alcohol into your bloodstream.
• Do not consume different types of alcohol at the same time and avoid those drinks that may have a bad effect on you; for example, some individuals are more likely to react poorly to cheap red wine (they contain large amount of additives) or strong wine (due to strong natural flavors and colors).
• Be sure to reduce the amount of alcohol you consume by drinking slowly and switching between alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
• Avoid dehydration by drinking a lot of water before and after consuming alcohol.

Natural Remedies:

• Cabbage: raw cabbage has been used traditionally as a cure for a hangover due to its immense beneficial effect on liver. It is also known for its ability to cleanse the digestive system and neutralize the toxins from alcohol on stomach and intestinal tracts 
• Rosemary tea: helps reduce headaches and helps aid the breakdown of alcohol in liver 
• Dandelion or milk thistle tea: aids detoxification of blood and liver. 
• Tea from the Willow Tree Peel: contains natural remedies similar to that of an aspirin 
• Chamomile Tea: reduces inflammation of liver and the intestinal tract. 

Limitations of Alcohol: 

For women, it is not recommended to consume more than three servings of alcohol (or “standard drinks”) per day. For men, the recommended daily intake should not exceed three to four servings (or “standard drinks”). Also, it is highly recommended to abstain from drinking at least TWO days a week. Taking into consideration your weight, height, metabolism and health, your “standard unit” of alcohol might be lower than the those typically recommended. The standard unit of alcohol is 0.25 l, or one medium size beer, one shot of liquor or small (125ml) glass of wine with 8-9% alcohol. 

P.S. Alcohol affects women differently than men; a woman with the same weight is likely to have a higher concentration of alcohol in her blood when compared to a man. The reason for this is that women tend to produce less of an enzyme that helps break down alcohol.

A party gone wild…

In Bosnian/Croatian/Serbian: 

Mamurnost

Sigurno ste se jednom probudili s pulsirajućom glavoboljom koja je obično znak mamurnosti. Mamurnost je znak da ste previše popili. Ona nije ozbiljno stanje i uglavnom nestane nakon nekoliko sati. 

Jačina mamurnosti se mijenja prema količini i vrsti alkohola koju ste popili. Simptomi najčešće uključuju glavobolju, mučninu i vrtoglavicu.

Liječenje

• Najprije popijte veliku čašu vode kako biste nadoknadili svu tu izgubljenu tekućinu. 
• Nadomjestite izgubljene hranjive tvari kao što su magnezij i kalij ( frape od banane: pola čaše mlijeka, jadna banana i dvije žlice meda). 
• Ne pijte kavu ! Neće vam nimalo pomoći, a može vas učiniti živčanim. 
• Nemojte „izbijati klin klinom“ tj. opet uzeti alkohol. -Ako ste redovito mamurni potražite liječničku pomoć.

Prevencija

Najbolja je prevencija ne popiti previše. No osim nje, imamo još nekoliko strategija koje mogu spriječiti mamurnost.

• Uvijek nešto pojedite prije ili dok pijete kako biste usporili apsorpciju alkohola. 
• Ne miješajte razne vrste alkoholnih pića i izbjegavajte ona na koja loše reagirate. Neki kažu da će prije dobiti mamurnost od jeftinog crnog vina (zbog visokog sadržaja aditiva) ili pojačanog vina kao što je višnjevac (zbog visokog postotka prirodnih okusa i boja). 
• Smanjite količinu konzumiranog alkohola tako što ćete ga polako piti pa će vam dulje potrajati, i izmjenjivanjem alkoholnih i nealkoholnih napitaka. 
• Izbjegavajte dehidraciju tako što ćete piti mnogo vode prije i poslije uzimanja alkohola..

Biljni lijekovi

• Kupus ( sirov kupus je tradicionalni lijek za mamurnost, rabi se već stoljećima jer se vjeruje da detoksificira jetru, štiti stjenke probavnog sustava pa neutralizira negativno djelovanje alkohola na crijeva i želudac).
• Čaj od ružmarina (ublažava glavobolju i pomaže jetri da razgradi alkohol). 
• Čaj od maslačka ili sikavice ( pridonosi detoksifikaciji jetre i krvi). 
• Čaj od kore vrbe ( sadrži prirodne tvari slične aspirinu). 
• Kamiličin čaj ( ublažava nadraženost želuca i crijeva).

Ograničenje alkohola:

Preporučuje se da ne uzimate više od dvije ili tri jedinice alkohola na dan za žene, a tri- četiri za muškarce. Također se preporučuje najmanje dva dana bez alkohola u tjednu. Uzmite u obzir i svoju težinu, visinu, metabolizam i zdravlje. Vaša idealna jedinica može biti niža od službenih smjernica, Jedinica alkohola je jednaka 0,25 l piva srednje jačine, jednoj dozi žestokog pića ili maloj (125ml) čaši vina s 8-9% alkohol

P.S. Žene koje su iste težine i koje su popile jednaku količinu alkohola kao muškarac, obično imaju višu koncentraciju alkohola u krvi. Razlog tome je što žene proizvode manje od jednog enzima koji razgrađuju alkohol. 

Author: Lara Medić, 

e-mail: lara.medic@hotmail.com

Twitter & Instagram: @lara_medic

Travel Therapy–the Best Kind

By Elma B.

“Every now and then go away, have a little relaxation, for when you come back to your work your judgment will be surer. Go some distance away because then the work appears smaller and more of it can be taken in at a glance and a lack of harmony and proportion is more readily seen.”

―Leonardo da Vinci

Travel Therapy: 

The above-mentioned quote has been one of my favorites since I was 14 years old (I read it in Wayne Dyer’s Wisdom of Ages). Traveling is one of the best therapies you can gift to yourself to recharge your batteries, relax and most importantly help shed perspective on your life. 

We are often stuck in a daily pattern, i.e., the rut, and we being to loose perspective on our life. All of a sudden our problems become ginormous, and anxiety kicks in. Our judgment is clouded because the same set of scenarios repeat themselves day to day, almost like the Groundhog Day film. Therefore, seeing the bigger picture becomes increasingly more difficult. The ease with which we may normally solve our problems vanes away and almost everything surrounding us becomes burdensome. 

Da Vinci, in his infinite wisdom about 500 years ago, was right–travel sheds light on your life, which includes your spiritual well-being, your love and work life. The circle of your life is neatly connected.  

My Travel Therapy: 

Me in Miami

I applied this philosophy by taking a trip to Miami, which is just the right kind of therapy to make anyone’s life brighter and happier. With its year round warm climate, sunshine and relaxed ambiance, Miami will do wonders for your psyche. The white sand beaches are divine, and the upbeat Latin music is enough to brighten-up anyone’s day. Below in my photos, we did a shoot at the Matheson Hammock Park, where there are a plethora activities ranging from fishing to enjoying the scenic beaches and the exotic lagoons. 

Now that I am back in New York City, my judgment seems surer, I am more relaxed and the joie de vivre has been restored. It was as if though a dark net has been lifted and the lenses through which I see the world are clear again. I reaffirm the oft-repeated quote “travel is the only thing you buy that makes your richer.” 

Until next time, xoxo.

(p.s. For the fashionistas, my outfit dissected: shorts& shirt from Zara; bag from Proenza Schouler; shoes from Fendi; and sunglasses by Ralph Lauren.)

Me in Matheson Hammock Park

Swan Lake At The Met Opera Reviews

By Catherine Santino
Edited by Lara Medic

Going to the ballet, especially in the heart of New York City, has always been a dream of mine. After all, who doesn’t secretly wish they could be a ballerina, wearing gorgeous costumes and getting to dance on a stage? 

Swan Lake inspired fashion

I had the opportunity to see Swan Lake, probably the most classic and beloved ballets, on a brilliantly sunny and warm afternoon in the city. The Upper West Side of Manhattan, where Lincoln Center and the Met are located, was bustling as per usual. As I made my way through the swarms of people and approached the lobby doors of the Met, I couldn’t help but notice that the crowd consisted mostly of senior citizens and mothers with their children. But, that’s what you’ll get at a matinee performance. I didn’t mind it, though. 

Natalie Portman as a ballerina in Black Swan

It was actually nice; the most endearing moment occurred when I was waiting in line for my ticket. A woman came up next to me and explained to one of the house managers that she and her daughter were supposed to be meeting someone on the Met staff as a part of some sort of American Girl outing. Later when I was being seated, I spotted a group of little girls clutching their American Girls dolls, which they had dressed in full ballerina attire. 

Ballerina Costumes

Ballerina Makeup

I was as I excited as I’m sure those girls were about the production. As I took my seat, I could feel the energy in the room. I glanced around the theater, completely in awe of the stunning design. I couldn’t stop staring up at the beautiful crystal chandelier hung from the high ceiling. 

The beginnings of Swan Lake: Nureyev and Fonteyn — Swan Lake, Paris, 1963 (center)

Soon, the show began, and the orchestra struck the famous opening chords of the score that I’ve heard a million times before, just never in this capacity. I’m usually a pretty fidgety person, especially during shows, but I was completely and utterly enthralled by the performance that unfolded in front of me; I don’t think I moved a muscle throughout the entirety of it. It was incredible. The principle dancers received a roaring round of applause when they made their first appearances, and I swear I could hear the audience gasp with excitement and awe together during each particularly breathtaking moment. The dancers were absolutely beautiful, captivating, and precise. The costumes and scene changes were exquisite. I found myself with the same childlike wonder as all of the younger audience members around me. The ballet was given a standing ovation when the final curtain fell, and as everyone filed out of the theater, you could hear the murmurs of praise for the performance. As I stepped back out onto the bustling street filled with fellow theatergoers hailing cabs and heading to nearby restaurants for a post-show meal, I couldn’t help the massive smile on my face and the overwhelming sense of gratitude for what I had just experienced and the incredible culture that I am surrounded by in New York. 

Swan Lake Ballerina

Swan Lake at the Met Opera in New York

How to Create Your Perfect Beach Style: The Do’s and Don’ts

By Nadja Muzur
Edited by Lara Medic

Beach Fashion Trends 101:

Summer is my favorite time of the year because it means I get to wear cute fashion trends, wear new bathing suits, hangout poolside with friends, and of course my favorite part is the stylish beach days! Since I live in LA, I wanted to share with you some styling tips for the DOs and DONTS on the beach. 

Me

The DO’S:

Beach days are my favorite kind of days during the summer. The beach is where you get to showcase that body you’ve been working so hard on and also your beach outfits you’ve been so excited to wear all year. Well it’s finally here, and there definitely are some fashion trends that are do’s and don’ts for the beach.

DO: Wear a hat to the beach

DO: Re apply sunscreen every hour

DO: Be comfortable in your bathing suit

DO: Have fun and look stylish

The DON’TS: 

Don’t: Wear too much makeup, its just not chic

Don’t: Wear heels to the beach

Don’t: Wear a bathing suit that’s either too big or too small for you, in other words find one that fits just right

My number one advice is to plan your outfits for the beach, and always be confident when wearing them!

Confidence is Everything:

I like to plan everything because I hate going to the beach and wishing I had brought a cover-up or an outfit to change in after. My advice is to always plan ahead and bring an extra outfit in case it gets cold around sunset. I always bring a cover-up to the beach, and a sweater for that 5 o’ clock breeze. There have been too many times that I have forgotten to bring a sweater to the beach and had regrets after.

My best advice is to feel confident with your body, and never compare yourself to others, especially at the beach where everyone is wearing bathing suits. Love your body, and style your outfits to where you feel comfortable wearing it out and don’t have to think twice about it. There are so many beach fashion trends, you just have to find the right one for you! Confidence is the most important outfit, without this essential part, your outfit is not complete.

Here are some pictures of me headed to the beach. We did a pre beach photo shoot to show you some of the fashion trends and how you can mix and match your bathing suits. I bought the purple top separate from the bottoms. I like mixing it up a bit with my colors, I think its different from everyone else because you get to add your own style to the bathing suit with the different color schemes. 

Stripes on Stripes

By Amra B. 

As many of you already know, I am a HUGE fan of stripes for summer! They are timeless and effortlessly chic; Audrey Hepburn, Brigitte Bardot, and Marilyn Monroe were all fans. I also love how easy they are to combine with bright colors for a bold summer look.   

I decided to top off my striped outfit with pops of red and yellow; I included a bright red coral necklace, yellow vintage purse, and a pair of heels with a bright yellow strap. I completed the look with MORE STRIPES; these recently purchased sunglasses have the perfect vintage feel with thick frames and a touch of red on the sides. 

Wishing you a great day! 

Outfit: Dress Zara, necklace vintage, shoes Jimmy Choo, purse Louis Vuitton, sunnies Forever21

Audrey Hepburn in stripes

Brigitte Bardot in Stripes

Marilyn Monroe in Stripes

Stripes on Stripes-outfit inspiration

Stripes on Stripes-outfit inspiration

Stripes on stripes- outfit inspiration

Beautiful ocean scenery-shoot location

Top 10 Hottest New Hairstyles

By Catherine Santino  

This season, I have been seeing some incredibly bold, fresh, and fun new hairstyles. There are so many colors and styles to choose from this season, why not change up your look a little? Here are the top 10 trends that I have noticed:

1. Lavender hair: This new hairstyle has completely exploded this season, seen on celebrities such as Nicole Richie, Kelly Osbourne, and Cara Delevingne. This isn’t an easy look for everyone to pull off, but I think it can look gorgeous and totally unique.

2. Milkmaid braids: This look creates such a pretty and ethereal feel for summer, and is also a great way to hide second-day hair (in fact, it actually works better when your hair is not freshly washed). These braids have been seen on Jennifer Lawrence, Sienna Miller, and Zoe Saldana.

3. Ombre hair: This touch of gradual color creates a beautiful sun-kissed look, and is much easier to maintain then a full dye job, since there are no roots! Celebs like Khloe Kardashian, Rachel Bilson, and Jessica Biel have opted for this new hairstyle.

4. Bob: This look is perfect for coping with the heat this summer, and takes very little time to style. Emma Roberts, Olivia Munn, and January Jones have been rocking this look, and prove that it looks great in either a sleek or more tousled style.

5. Pixie cut: If you want to go even more drastic than a bob, the pixie cut is the way to go. Ginnifer Goodwin, Emma Watson, and most recently, Shailene Woodley have made this a much sought-after new hairstyle. 

6. Beachy waves: This is a more classic look for summer, and is seen time and time again once the warmer months come around. The beachy wave seems to be a go-to hairstyle for celebrities like Blake Lively, Lea Michele, and Lauren Conrad. 

7. Skrillex: This is definitely a look for the risk-takers, and gives your whole look a tougher, bolder feel. Celebs like Natalie Dormer, Demi Lovato and Rihanna have opted for the half-shaved look. 

8. Half-up: This new hairstyle has recently made most popular by Ariana Grande, but has also been worm by Dianna Agron and Jennifer Lopez. It’s an easy and fun way to change up for hair for summer. 

9. Top knot: Whether it be super sleek or a bit messy, this is an easy and quick hairstyle that is perfect for those unbearably hot days when your hair just isn’t cooperating. Kim Kardashian, Whitney Port, and Julianne Hough have all achieved this look in varying ways. 

10. Flower Crowns: This accessory is a great way to change up your look for summer. They come in tons of different sizes and colors, or you could even make your own. Vanessa Hudgens, Lana Del Rey, and beauty blogger Zoella have all tried out this look. 

There you have it, 10 fun and unique ways to style your hair this season. Gather some inspiration from the celebrities rocking these new hairstyles, and don’t be afraid to take a few risks this summer!

Top 10 Castles in the World

By Sarah Baker

Most little girls grow up with stories about princesses living happily ever after in castles. Keeping that in mind, I have taken a look at castles from around the world. These castles are beautiful wherever you look, inside, out, and all around. With all the beauty in the world, it’s really hard to narrow it down to 10, but I did my best so take a look. 

Mysterious Peterhof in Russia (left), Neuschwanstein Castle in Bavaria, Germany (center), Lichtenstein Castle in Baden-Wurttemburg, Germany (right)

1. Mont Saint Michel-Normandy, France.

2. Edinburgh Castle-Edinburgh, Scotland

3. Neuschwanstein Castle-Schwangau, Germany *was the inspiration for Disneyland’s Sleeping Beauty castle 

4. Windsor Castle-London, England 

5. Potala Palace-Tibet, China

6. Chateau de Versailles- Paris, France *was the inspiration for the castle in Beauty and the Beast

7. Hohensalzburg Castle-Austria

8. Kilkenny Castle-Kilkenny, Ireland

9. Prague Castle-Prague, Czech Republic

10. Alcazar de Segovia-Segovia, Spain *was the inspiration for the castle in Cinderella.

You can see the breathtaking beauty of these castles. They have been used for various things over the years. Among those uses are a retreat from people, a monastery, fortress, government, the Dalai Lama, prison, and military academy. They are also huge tourist attractions for people who want to see the real life castles from their childhood stories. Currently, out of these 10, the only occupied castle is the Windsor Castle in London. I personally love them all and think that it would be amazing to actually live in one. Who wouldn’t want to be swept off their feet and whisked away to a beautiful castle by a handsome prince?

Interview with the Italian Fashion Blogger: Gian Maria Sainato

By Lara Medić

Today, I would like to present to you an awesome ascending model and fashion blogger: Gian Maria Sainato! This Italian guy, 19 years old, lives in Milan, where he studies and does modeling. 

Gian’s blog is his virtual diary of his favorite hobbies like fashion, traveling and attending events. His fashion anthem? “Never be boring!” Combining his favorite brands for the right-daytime-look makes his life very interesting. So let’s go inside!

1. What inspired you to start your own blog? 

GMS: The blog was created after a few trips (England and America) where, unlike Italy, the “street style” is widespread. So whereas before I was afraid to wear something different (I had a fear of being judged), after these trips, I bought a lot of “self -confidence,” and I really feel like myself. I decided to start the blog to understand a little bit what others think about my fashion sense, and the results were very positive!

Delicious?

2. What is your favorite part about being a fashion blogger?

GMS: My favorite part about being a fashion blogger is receiving so many compliments from my followers. 

3. Describe your personal style

GMS: I do not have a specific style, I can only say that I am very “chameleon” like. Hahaha.

4. How do you describe the fashion scene in Milan compared to other major cities / fashion capitals?

GMS: Milan is my favorite city for fashion. I adore everything about it.

5. What do you love about living in Italiy?

GMS: Living in Italy is great! We have amazing food, beautiful sea, great style, family and friends!

6. Next place you want to travel to?

GMS: I think in September, I will travel to France to visit Paris.

7. What would you say to someone seeking fashion advice?

GMS: “Dress as you want, no one can understand your style, only yourself.”

8. What is your favorite outfit the you’ve posted thus far?

GMS: My favorite outfit is totally my Versace look in New York City! I love it. 

10. What designer would you love to work with? 

GMS: I would like to work with Givenchy. I love their creations and the way they work.

11. If you could choose to meet anyone, dead or alive, who would that be and why?

GMS: Alexander McQueen–to continue to see his brilliant collections and Tupac to continue to hear his great songs.

12. What new pieces have you picked up for next season that we haven’t seen on the blog yet? 

GMS: I picked up David Wellington, Triwa, Pepe Jeans, Blauer, Nike, Satorisan, and H&M. They are just some of the brands that you will see soon on the blog.

13. What are your plans for the future?

GMS: I intend to bring forward a number of projects with major brands, I’m going to travel a lot, and continue to post on the blog everyday. And of course, grow as a blogger and as a person.

14. At the end, what would you say to Club Fashionista readers.

GMS: I am sending warm greetings from Milan to the readers of Club Fashionista, and I invite you all to visit my fashion blog!

Interview by Lara Medić

Email: laram@clubfashionista.com

Twitter and Instagram: @lara_medic

Quick Workouts for Your Busy Day

By Sarah Baker

Its Time to Make Time:

“I just don’t have time.” This is a common excuse for those who don’t work out. I know that I have used it a time or two. In fact, I think that it’s my current excuse. I have a lot on my plate right now, especially with my maid of honor responsibilities for my friend’s upcoming wedding. I keep saying that I’ll hit the gym more consistently when it’s over. Between working, writing, studying, and planning all the stuff that comes with being MOH, I really don’t have time to commit to a workout plan. Or at least, that’s what I thought. 

30 Second Workouts for Your Day:

After a little bit of research, I found a handful of exercises that give results with hardly any time commitment. In fact, each of these exercises take 30 seconds to complete. That’s right, 30 seconds! Each exercise is done for 30 seconds with a “break” in which you walk in a circle for 30 seconds. You can do all of them at the same time in a circuit or pick and choose what you have time and space for. You should do either 2-3 circuits if that’s the way you chose to do it, or each exercise 5-10 times. 

1. Toe taps-Start in the plank position. Move your left foot to the outside of your left hand. Bring it back to plank position. Repeat on the right side. 

2. Triangle push-ups– Get in push-up position and place your thumbs and forefingers in a triangle shape directly underneath your chest. Proceed to do a push-up. 

3. Push-up reach– Do a regular push-up but when you come up, straighten on of your arms out, hold for 1 second and return to the starting push-up position. Alternate sides. 

4. High/low boat or V-pull– Sit in a V-sit. Pull your knees and arms in and push them out again back into a v-sit. 

5. Skaters– Start with your feet hip width apart. Leap to the right with your right foot and cross you left behind, touching your toes to the ground, like your speed skating. Repeat on the other side. 

6. Tuck jumps– Simple burpees. Start in a plank position and jump both feet into a squat on the mat, then jump back in to a plank position. 

7. Rolling planks– Start in a plank position, but with your forearms on the mat. Shift yourself to the right side of the mat, so that you are sideways with your right arm still on the mat. Slowly come back to the plank position. Repeat on the other side.

Quick Easy Workout Plans:

Here are some other ways to squeeze in a workout when you just don’t have time. 

1. Walk, bike or run to and from work or errands. 

2. Use your lunch break to go to the gym, walk, or do any of the above exercises. 

3. Sit on a stability ball at work or use standing desk. 

4. Keep dumbbells in your desk and do 12-15 reps when you have a free second. 

5. Go on an exercise date or invite friends for a workout hour instead of happy hour. 

6. Do lunges, toe raises, and squat while waiting in line. 

7. Do push-ups, crunches, jumping jacks, squats, etc. while watching TV. 

No More Excuses:

You can see that the excuse “I just don’t have time,” isn’t really a viable excuse. There is always time to squeeze in a workout whether it is on a lunch break, waiting in line, watching TV, or doing a quick 30 second workout any time you get the chance. Workouts don’t have to been long, intense, and at the gym. Grabbing a quick workout multiple times a day, most days of the week can be just as effective. So find those few precious minutes of time and create your own personal workout plan today! If I can find the time, you can too!

Real Girls–Fitness Motivation