Friday, August 30, 2013

Blueberry Superfood Smoothie

Woke up bright and early, ready to take on the day...feelin' like I need a powerful smoothie to take on all the day has for me! This did the trick, thought I would share with you for those times you need an extra dose of nutritious deliciousness! This smoothie is packed full of antioxidants, fiber and heart healthy fats. Not only is the smoothie itself SO good, but I created a little crunchy topping for it using just raw cacao and coconut oil which may just be my new favorite thing!
 

In a blender, pour 8 oz. almond or hemp milk along with 1 Tbsp chia seeds. Let sit for a few minutes
To that, add 1/2 frozen banana, 1/2 cup frozen blueberries, stevia drops, cinnamon and vanilla extract to taste. For optional extra nutrition, add 1 Tbsp maca powder and 1 cup frozen kale.
Blend well and pour into a frosted mug. Top with 1 Tbsp raw cacao nibs drizzled with 1 Tbsp melted coconut oil.
Let the coconut oil harden up and it becomes a delish, crunchy topping to your fabulous, crazy healthy smoothie!

 

Friday, May 24, 2013

Great Gatsby Themed Zumba!

 
We love a reason to get dressed up at the Inspired Fitness Studio! Themed Zumba classes are such a fun way to celebrate birthdays...and they always seem to make class even more exciting!!
 
This week, we celebrated our Barre instructor Melanie's birthday with a Great Gatsby inspired Zumba class.
 
 
 
 Nothing like a room full of grown women playing dress up!


Whoever said working out is serious and boring?! Not these ladies!


 

Wednesday, May 1, 2013

Life Transformation! Inspired By Amber

Amber one year ago...and Amber now!
Amber gets to the Studio even after a long day at work, and always puts in 100%! She has had an amazing body transformation and is always pushing toward her fitness goals. Yet her true transformation is developing in the way that she now better able to love her body and to be proud of her accomplishments! She truly is an inspiration! Find out a little more about Amber:
 
What brought you to Inspired Fitness?
I was introduced to, “Inspired Fitness” by a couple of friend’s local here to the Desert Region. I didn’t officially try out any classes until my friend, Staci encouraged me to go with her. I’m pretty shy, so sometimes it takes a little “hand holding” to get me to try new things and get me out of my shell.
Amber & Jenna at the Diva Dash 5k
 What is your motivation to keep coming back to the classes?
My motivation to keep me coming back would have to be a combination of a few things. To be completely honest, I have a horrible body image issue and I’ve been working on that. It’s very inspiring to see the changes in my body after joining Inspired Fitness Studio this year; it’s boosting my self-esteem and making me a happier person! Also, the environment of the studio as well as the people that attend are amazing! There’s room to dance and exercise without bumping into your “neighbor”, Jenna is so cheerful and greets everyone that walks through the door as one of her friends and I especially like that not everyone is a “pro” at the exercises. That, in itself helps me be at ease because I know I don’t have to do certain exercises “just perfect” (there is a learning curve, and each individual is at a different fitness level).

What is your favorite class?
My favorite class that is offered…. Oh my goodness, this is so hard! I have many, many favorites but I think my number one favorite is Barre, Piyo is a close second and then I love the Arms and Abs class. Each class challenges me in a different way and I believe I see the most changes in my body from these classes. Barre is amazing!! Barre is AMAZING!! Did I mention Barre is AH-MAZE-INGGG?!?! (Totally addicting, I wish it was 1 hour, hint hint!)
 
Amber with other Inspired Fitness Piyo girls!
What are some of your goals?
Goals that I would like to accomplish is to get fit, lose body fat and lean out, feel healthy and to start eating “clean”. I now know that even though I have come a long way through diet and exercise, it’s time to start “nourishing” my body instead of “dieting” my body.
 What do you think is your best feature?
What is my best feature? Oh my goodness that is a broad question and it can be so many different things. I suppose I will go “internally” and say that my best feature is my mellow attitude and my kindness. I love just going with the flow and not stressing the small stuff. I’m very laid back and likeable! I also love doing little things for others when they least expect it. When my family and friends smile, it makes me smile!

What would you say to someone feeling discouraged in their attempt to live a healthier lifestyle?
What I’ve always told people is that they need to really “WANT IT”. Want it so bad that they live and breathe it, but to not stress out over it. If you make unhealthy choices one day, it’s okay! Start over again, but start NOW (not tomorrow or after the weekend). If you miss a work out or couldn’t get out of bed early enough to exercise, oh well make more time on another day. If it’s important to you, you’ll find a way! Research what works for you; don’t just take everyone’s word on it. What diet and exercise that works for them may not work for you. Also, find someone that you can buddy up with, it holds you accountable! Last thing is to find things that you enjoy doing and stick to it, but try things that are new to you as well. It’s important to incorporate many different exercises into your routine so you don’t get stuck in a rut! I believe that all of those things are good for you mentally and physically.
 
 If you could do one thing and know you wouldn’t fail...what would you do?
I would start my own business. I have so many interests and passions that I don’t know what it would be around? I have always, always, always (since I was in my early 20’s) wanted to start a health food and vitamin/herbal store with a juice bar. I know… cheesy but I think it would be really awesome and fun!
 Tell us one Fun Fact about you..!
I love to cook ethnic food! Anything from Indian to Mexican. I’m heavily influenced by cultures because I grew up around UCR in Riverside and our neighbors were from many different countries attending the University (they loved to feed us). I’m also influenced by my Hispanic heritage; I cook a very rustic and delicious style of Spanish rice. YUM!