I'm back! I have missed all of you in stylish blogosphere, but let me tell you that Puerto Vallarta sun is a paradise not to be missed!
See what I'm sayin?!
But now that I am back it is my pleasure to share with you, a chance meeting with famed Chicago Stylist, Tracy Clifford.
In Ms. Clifford's career, she has assisted Oscar De La Renta with the assistance of her strong background in retail buying. She is fluent in the prose of textiles, learning fabrics and best fit from interacting with influential designers world wide. Her niche is fashion shows in Milan, Paris and New York, and aside from these accomplishments, most importantly "[Tracy] is attuned to the way fabric and cut can complement the body by accentuating each woman's natural beauty." - Tracy Clifford (Shout out to us Curvy girls!) See in Part 1 of my interview her take and inside scoop on styling, Chicago Fashion, Spring/Summer Trends, and how to be your personal best with rehabbing your closet:
I am taking so time off to enjoy some rest and relaxation under the sun, (which I'm sure will lead to many inspiring Summertime styling tips). I'll be back to the blogosphere some time next week. In the mean time..embrace your Curvy selves and be fierce!
DO IT!
-TLW
Photo Credit: My Pinterest Boards --> Follow Me :)
So the core of this blog (pun intended), is to put your best Curvy self forward right? So let's start from the inside out and work on getting in our best shape. It's officially May and Summer waits for no one!
I know. Working out is not fun, but we all have to do it!
Recently I have tried a variety of workouts- major Cardio workouts: stints of sprinting, and long distance running. I felt great! I built up my endurance and I felt healthier and lighter. The only problem with those exercises is they're fat burning exercises, and I lost 2" everywhere! I was losing my Curves! So I decided to look further into better work outs and I found the following:
When you run or do any type of Cardio and there isn't fat to burn, your body will look for other sources to take from i.e your hips, butt, bust, thighs, you name it. It's great for your heart muscle, but shouldn't be your only workout regimen.
No pain. no gain is a real truth; I'm talking about weight lifting. Weight lifting sculpts. It builds muscle and general tonality in your body.
I generally believe toning this is the best workout for Women everywhere. You can get it from various types of Yoga, Stretching, Strength Training, and Resistance workouts. Overall this is the workout that targets areas of the body instead of an overhaul weight loss.
I am not a Trainer, Cardio God, or claim to be anything such. All I know is these workouts work for me, and it would be a shame to not share with my fellow Shapely Women! Below is my workout regimen that I do 2 - 3 times a week + some suggestions for workout clothes; 'cause Ladies, we really go to work when we look good, right?. Check it out:
Incline on the treadmill for 30 minutes! You will sweat. It helps tone your legs, butt, and lower abs. I try to do it at a 3.0 speed so I am power walking, and in the last 5 minutes increase my speed every minute.
Arms! Any kind of arm workouts I generally do: Bicep Curls, Tricep Extensions, Lateral Raises (front & side) Chest Presses all work. I try to do 2 reps of 10 with 5 - 10lb weights.
Abs! I know you should workout with energy throughout, but here is where I kind of give it my all - especially since I think this is the body part you show the most! (Think 80 degree beach days).
Planks - 2 sets (1 at the beginning of your Ab set and one at the end for 1 minute each)
Regular Sit Ups/Oblique Sit Ups - 25 regular, 25 on each side
Butt Lifts - 25 sets *I like this one because you're using you're lower abs as well as your glutes
You can obviously exchange my exercises for any of your own preferences, but these are the ones I have used to get bikini ready. Now onto the wardrobe...
That's it! I hope I've made getting in shape a little more bearable for us all. And if you won't listen to me, then listen to Queen Bey and 'Work It Out" !
-TLW
Photo & Exercise Credits: FatBurninTips4Women Online, Fitness Magazine Online, Real Age Health Online, SD Chiropractic Blog, Wikipedia, Picky Eater Blog, Women's Health Online, Livestrong Online, Does This Blog Make Us Look Fat?, Divine. Ca, Target, Gap, Macy's
