Blogs | The Sweaty Betties

New Year’s Workout and Hydration Tips

January 2, 2017 By The Sweaty Betties Leave a Comment

It’s that time of year: New Year’s Resolution time!

I know a lot of you want to get back on the wagon, lose a few lbs., run farther, or just start eating better… and I don’t blame you!
I love having a fresh start!

After nearly 4 years of NO consistent workouts, lots of rest from the gym to heal from adrenal fatigue, I’m finally back on a plan. I’ve been doing TreadLIFT created by my friend Jill Coleman for the past 4 weeks and I’ve seen some amazing progress in my body composition, endurance and strength.

What I love is just having something short and sweet that I can do and get on with my day.
I know that small consistent steps create massive results.

I also started making my hydration a priority.

I started keeping a bottle of water on my nightstand so that when I wake up, I can just roll over and chug! I have always had a hard time with water because… well, the taste (or lack of it)
I just came across these amazing distilled electrolyte waters from Simple Truth and they have some great flavor options and also these:

Available in 24 pack and 1 liter bottles
4 flavors in 1L – Blackberry Blueberry, Lemon, Mandarin Orange and Tropical Mango
Approximate ¼ price of national brand equivalent water (#FindTheMoneyProject !)
No artificial sweeteners, preservatives or calories (boom!)
Distillation process: Municipal water is steamed; the vapor is collected and condensed.
- Distillation removes all impurities and minerals.
- Electrolytes are added for taste (calcium chloride, potassium bicarbonate and magnesium chloride)
Four servings of water are contained in each 33.8 fluid ounce bottle (at eight fluid ounces or one cup each).

So here is a workout you can do just about anywhere (with a few pieces of equipment) and make sure you’re hydrated before, during and after with Simple Truth water

Thrusters

Push-Press

Deadlift

Burpees

Jump Squats

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Kroger. The opinions and text are all mine.

Filed Under: Challenges, Featured, Product Reviews

Take a moment for yourself this autumn

November 11, 2016 By The Sweaty Betties Leave a Comment

Daylight savings made the days shorter real fast!
It seems like there is less time to get things done in the day, and now it’s more important than ever to take some time for yourself this season.

One of the ways I like to take a little time out is to go for a short hike or walk on the beach. (I know the beach isn’t available to everyone, but a nice walk around the block or around a park is just as great!)

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Taking some time in nature is like a walking meditation for me; it gives me time to reflect, time to appreciate the surroundings, it lowers cortisol and stress and makes me feel alive.

When I’m out, I usually like to bring a small bottle of water and have a snack on hand to have afterward to re-fuel.

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I like to grab something healthy like a piece of fruit, baby carrots, or a handful of healthy nuts.

Orchard Valley Harvest announced two new wellness mix varieties added to its growing portfolio of Non-GMO Project verified, no artificial ingredient, fruit and nut Multi Packs (eight, one-ounce pouches) the Omega-3 Mix & Antioxidant Mix. These are the perfect size and portions to take on a walk, keep in my pocket or bag and have just the right amount of sweet and crunch to be satisfying.

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-The Antioxidant Mix offers a good source of Vitamin E with a delicious blend of roasted almonds, dried sweetened cranberries, blueberries, roasted cashews and pepitas.

-The Omega-3 Mix provides an excellent source of Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA) Omega-3 with 55% of the 1.6 Daily Value of ALA in a delicious blend of walnuts, dried sweetened cranberries and blueberries, almonds and pistachios

-There are eight, one-ounce inner pouches inside each Orchard Valley Harvest Multi Pack and they are the perfect stash-n-go size!

HARVEST

-For additional information about the expansive Orchard Valley Harvest product line and retailer availability, please visit www.orchardvalleyharvest.com

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Orchard Valley Harvest. The opinions and text are all mine.

Filed Under: Blogs, Product Reviews

5 Hour Energy plus Protein = More out of Life

July 12, 2016 By The Sweaty Betties Leave a Comment

You’d think that summer equals quiet time, more relaxing, and chilling…

but its not!

My days are still busy as ever and finding energy, especially to jump start my morning or midday isn’t always easy. It’s also not always easy to get some quick and easy protein in to make sure my metabolism is going all day.

You know that I love my coffee, but something about hot coffee on a hot day just doesn’t do it for me and I really don’t care for iced.

I was recently contacted by the makers of 5-hour ENERGY®Protein to create some unique tips to share with you, and I thought, this might be a great way to get that energy I’ve been needing and really see how I can fit this into my busy life.

Energy WITH protein… yes please!

I was actually just on my way to the gym and I decided to stop at a Walmart and found both Regular and Extra Strength 5-hour ENERGY®Protein. I started with the regular for my mid-afternoon workout.

The super convenient size made it easy to just throw in my purse and take right before my workout.

I went into the gym and crushed it! Usually it will take me a little bit to get going, especially that time of day, but I felt fantastic and even better after I was finished!

The next day I decided to skip the gym and just head out for a nice hike in the morning. Since I was just starting my day, I decided on Extra Strength.

My hike was amazing! I felt so solid, strong and clear. My dog Peanut started to fall behind ME which was a first! LOL

If you’re looking for that morning or midday pick me up and you’re trying to make sure you get enough protein, 5-hour ENERGY®Protein is such a perfect way to get more out of life!

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of 5-hour Energy. The opinions and text are all mine.

Filed Under: Featured, Nutrition, Product Reviews Tagged With: 5 hour energy, protein, reviews

Join The Movement

February 4, 2016 By The Sweaty Betties Leave a Comment

Wow!! I definitely used to be one of those people.
In 2009-2011 the market had crashed so bad where we lived, my husband and I made the very hard decision to let our house go into foreclosure.

Since that time, and since 2013, we decided to live like no one else and never get in that situation again.

We weren’t any different than most.
We didn’t go out often, had student loans and no car payments, but we definitely weren’t prepared with any buffer or savings.

Once we found financial freedom for ourselves, we wanted nothing more than to help other families find the same!

You do not have to live paycheck to paycheck.
You can take your family on trips and make more memories!!

You can live in a nicer neighborhood, go to better schools and spend more time with loved ones and less time working… but it’s going to take a few small changes and mind-set shifts.

Did you learn about money in school?

Neither did I!!

I think it’s time we start talking about it and creating a conversation about freedom.

One of the big, scary things we did, as a couple was sit down and highlight what we were actually spending.
We realized that we were basically eating ourselves into a financial hole.

We aren’t extravagant and the realization that a thousand tiny holes can sink a ship really hit home.

SunTrust Bank has created the #onUp Movement to help you (and me) set goals and gain more financial confidence!
You can take the pledge, take your Mental Wealth Quiz and set a goal for yourself and your family. (and find awesome tips as well)

Head over to OnUp.com and join me! Let’s get #OnUp

At SunTrust Bank their purpose is lighting the way to financial well-being. When you feel confident about your money, you can save for your goals and spend knowingly on what matters most to you.

The onUp movement was created to guide millions of people one step at a time towards a more financially confident life without ever losing sight of the moments that matter along the way.

Join the growing number of people transforming their stress into positive motivation to move onUp.

Join the movement

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of SunTrust. The opinions and text are all mine.

Filed Under: Product Reviews, Real Talk

Workout Tools you never thought of!

September 24, 2015 By The Sweaty Betties Leave a Comment

It’s no secret, I have been living on the road for the past year, and my life and workouts have changed!

Just two months ago, my husband and I took the RV and moved semi-permanently to Utah, to live with Grandma on her farm and help her with her animals. Oh, at the same time, I also purchased a BRAND NEW phones, after destroying mine on a cruise, by leaving it on a deck chair in the heat and dropping it. (womp, womp, womp)

Even though, now we are in a permanent location, we are are 20 miles from a gym, and it’s just not all that time or fuel-efficient to drive to one every day.

Needless to say, I have no problem with creativity; and the mountains, hills, trails and outdoor scenery of Southern Utah, can’t be beat.

I realized, that many of you may have some of the same struggles.

I always grew up in a city or suburb and it literally never occurred to me that someone couldn’t get to the gym.

However, being in this lifestyle for the past year, not only do I see how someone couldn’t but also how they may not WANT to!!

I’m going to give you a few of my new “Active Lifestyle” Tips and Workouts.

1. Trail Running or Hiking: I LOVE getting out and exploring, especially at sunset. I keep my phone on me at all times and have downloaded a cool app that tracks where I am on GPS (great safety feature too!), my distance, and speed.

Corning® Gorilla® Glass 4 is a screen protector that dramatically improves protection against drops, and I can say; that is definitely the kind of peace of mind I need with my phone out there on the rocks and rough ground.

I tend to start with a half a mile jog up our hill, then I like to play games with myself by walking until I am breathing normal again, then I’ll find a tree out in the distance and jog until I reach it, then walk again.

It’s a fun way to challenge myself, enjoy the scenery and competed with my progress from before.

Sometimes, I will switch up the route as well, or just track my miles to see if I can add a little distance.

You can search for a running app in your app store and do the same!

2. Biking: I haven’t been on a bike for over ten years, but I went out and bought a cute little cruiser.

Our mail box is over half a mile away and that was the first practical reason for the bike. (my justification)

Then I realized, what a fun evening activity it could be, and it was also a great alternative to exercise when the horse stepped on my toe and I couldn’t walk!!

I use my app on my bike rides, and love to make different routes, but have you ever put your phone in your pocket and then sat down?

(whoops)

In laboratory tests, Gorilla Glass 4 survives up to 80% of the time when dropped from 3 feet high, and was up to 2x tougher than competitive glass designs.

Because there are some good hills in the area, I generally try to find a route where I have 2-4 really hard pushes up hill (but that also includes 2-4 downhill coasts… wheeee!!) This is fun, because my legs get a totally different burn than the hikes and I feel more accomplished because I can cover twice as much ground on the bike! ha!

3. YardWork: Ha! not what you expected was it?

Honestly, I have gotten leaner and more toned from the yard work that from anything else in a long time!!

Handling a shovel, a rake and, chopping tree branches works my shoulders and core like nothing else!

It honestly can be boring and since I’m a huge multi-tasker, I tend to use my weed pulling, horse-poop-picking, and ground raking time as my personal development time.

I listen to business podcasts or my collection of audible books. It helps me get through the grit and dirt, and I feel like I learned something as well.

Being out with the rocks, dirt and animals, I’m glad that my phone is protected and I know that Gorilla Glass 4 is the toughest cover glass yet.

I’m pretty confident about my new routine sustaining my body and health and also loving this new lifestyle!

Corning® Gorilla® Glass has been used on nearly 4 billion devices from 40 major brands. Is it on yours? Click here to find out

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Corning® Gorilla® Glass. The opinions and text are all mine.

Filed Under: Blogs, Featured, Product Reviews

Always in Beta Lifestyle with New Balance

September 17, 2015 By The Sweaty Betties 1 Comment

Consideration was provided by New Balance

I’ve always been inspired by women with stories of challenge and triumph. One of my first and favorite books I ever read was called, “Don’t You Dare Give Up,” a book about a gymnast who was paralyzed doing the sport she loved, but out of her tragedy she reinvented herself, and continued to inspire and work in other ways. I am a student of personal development. I am constantly looking to improve my lifestyle in so many ways, and always looking for something that can make just that 1% change. I am “always in beta.”

“Always in Beta. Beta is a state of relentless improvement. Where there is no finish line to what’s possible. We dream. We wake up. And improve upon yesterday.”

I am teaming up with New Balance to promote women who also live the “Always in Beta” Lifestyle. The new Fall Catalog is packed with awesome new gear, but also lots of women’s stories that will inspire you, push you, and motivate you!

If you download the Blippar App, you can Blipp the page to see awesome content, videos and get to know the NB Women and their stories in a really cool way! I was obsessed with this new collection, especially the colors and feel of the NB Ice Collection! The contrast of the blues and bright yellows makes me feel unstoppable!!

The Capris have an awesome, wide and flattering waistband and feel amazing on my skin.

Let’s talk bras. Let’s get real here, sports bras are my best friend, but I don’t always like how they can smash everything and make me look like I wasted $4000 on a boob job (hahaha) The “Tenderly Obsessive” bra is seriously genius. I need one for every day of the week.

First, it’s cute and matches my hot shorts. (Bonus) There is a soft, shaped, cup on each side, with a nice bit of padding for smoothness (but not those awful removable pads that bunch up and you can never fit back in!!) It’s comfortable, stylish and gives great support and lift. #winner Speaking of shorts. I’ve never been a shorts kind of girl. Mostly because I was too worried about things being squeezed and creating more bulges and bumps than necessary. The Premium Performance Hot Shorts are so flattering, with the wide waistband, great coverage, and they stay put when running or stretching.

Last, it’s fall, and I LOVE the weather and cozy, soft sweaters, jackets and windbreakers. New Balance nailed it with the Heat En Route Jacket; it’s gorgeous, comfy, has the fun thumbholes that I love and feels so soft!

I’m so excited for fall hiking, long walks, trail running and pumpkin lattes and of course, Always Living in Beta. What are you excited for this fall and what pushes you to always live the Beta Lifestyle? WE THE WOMEN of New Balance have created this collection of fitness apparel and footwear inspired by our shared LOVE OF SPORT, drive to discover what’s next, and passion for WHAT’S POSSIBLE. Welcome to NB WOMEN where every tight fits right, every layer works hard, and every shoes lets you moved with perfect freedom. Take a look and find WHAT YOU LOVE. www.newbalance.com

Filed Under: Blogs, Product Reviews Tagged With: always in Beta, Crossfit, danny j, Danny Johnson, fall catalog, fitness, goals, health, hiking, motivation, new balance, personal training, reviews, running, sponsored, sweaty betties, the sweaty betties, training, workout

Walking Whenever Wherever #walkoutwednesdays

April 11, 2015 By The Sweaty Betties Leave a Comment

As you know, I’m a traveling gypsy.
Living on the road also includes lots of flights out of town.

The hardest part of this lifestyle IS making time for exercise or activity.

I know my life isn’t typical, but, I think many of you can relate to the fact that maybe having kids and running around, it’s hard to find the time to get daily consistent exercise.

I started using the Omron Activity Tracker about 6 weeks ago, and it has been really fun to keep track of what I actually am doing, instead of feeling like a loser for not going to the gym.

For instance: yesterday, was a busy, busy, busy busy, day going to a conference. I had to walk a LOT but didn’t seem like “enough”.

I was bummed about not going to the gym during the conference, but guess what?!?!

I walked over 5 MILES!! and climbed a BUNCH of stairs!!

It was so awesome to see that, so instead of being upset about not doing anything, I realized I did a lot!!

In honor of the Omron “Walk Out Wednesday” campaign, a friend and I also decided to talk a walk BEFORE the madness began this morning and we felt so good about it!

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Omron. The opinions and text are all mine.

Filed Under: Blogs, Product Reviews

Walk Out Wednesdays

March 21, 2015 By The Sweaty Betties Leave a Comment

Sooo I’ve been living in a van….. down by the river, for a good 8 months now.

Alright, so it’s an RV and it’s not really by a River, but still.

I spend a LOT of time working in a small space, and while it’s fun, I’ve been really neglecting my fitness, because I “don’t have a gym or space”

Then my trainer head was like

“WHOA NELLY!! Stop right there! You have all you need with your shoes and two legs”

However, have I mentioned, I hate running?

So, I was asked to do a product review of the new Omron Alvita Wireless Activity Tracker (HJ-327T)

Our most advanced tracker yet, the Omron Alvita Wireless Activity Tracker (HJ-327T) is petite yet powerful. It allows you to transfer your fitness data wirelessly to your smartphone with our free Omron Fitness App. Featuring Bluetooth® Smart technology, the Alvita Wireless Tracker records regular steps, aerobic steps, distance and calories burned so you can set realistic goals and check progress along the way

I was actually REALLY excited about this little gadget because I needed a little push. I wanted to see how this baby worked and I ripped it open and went straight for the instructions….

uhhh….

OK, I admit, I freak out at gadgety things… BUT this was so easy. The instructions were basically: pop in a battery. Download an app. Now WALK!!!

OMG OMG. I have never been so excited to get out since my first pedometer in 7th grade! I grabbed my two #dogjerks and told my hubby “you’re coming with me!!” and off we went!!

I had to fight the urge to keep looking at it and checking my phone to see my progress. It certainly was fun to see how it shows your activity by time of day.

I realize that between taking care of work, my pups my husband, etc. I don’t always leave much time for myself and I forget how good FRESH AIR and a quick walk feels.

The hubs and I got to chat and reconnect and it was FUN.

Omron is encouraging women like us to #walkoutwednesdays where we schedule a walk with a friend and get out there on Wednesdays!

Why is it important to walk with a friend and not alone?

Many studies have shown that working out with a partner or group of people encourages you to stay on track and motivated. Many people choose to workout with someone who lives within close proximity.

I am excited to see how I can increase my daily activity and also reconnect with a friend or my husband once a week, just getting outside.

The awesome thing about this little tracker is that it is only $40!

It syncs to your phone and you can also sign up for a free account at www.omronwelllness.com where you can:

Download and share fitness activity from their personal dashboard
Participate in fitness and other health challenges
Easily view data on a mobile device or PC
The website syncs with the Alvita and our new line of connected blood pressure monitors where you can analyze your data, set goals and track your health progress

If you want to see more, make sure to go to their website www.omronwelllness.com

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Omron. The opinions and text are all mine.

Filed Under: Blogs, Featured, Motivation, Product Reviews, Real Talk Tagged With: cheap, danny j, fitness, Fun, product review, review, sweaty betties, walking

How to make time for healthy activities every day

February 17, 2015 By The Sweaty Betties Leave a Comment

Maybe you’ve noticed, or maybe you haven’t been around me long enough to notice, but I have made a huge, huge shift in the way I do fitness.

I have started to really look inside and do what feels right to me.

I used to be this hard-core, “no excuses” maniac, who didn’t believe that anyone who wanted something couldn’t go out and get it!! (I still believe that if you want something you can make it happen)

However, I now have realized, the hard way, that too much pushing, not enough ALLOWING can pretty much, well, get your panties in a bunch!

You can become no-fun, too serious, and actually less healthy!!

(ain’t nobody got time for that!!)

There is a big world out there and all kinds of people. There are all kinds of fitness and all kinds of food and ways to eat and stay healthy and active.

I actually took nearly TWO FULL YEARS off of what most people would consider “working out”… at least in the sense of how I used to work out.

I decided, it was best for me, to just make time for healthy activity.

Some of that actually meant: RESTING.

When I was overworked, tired, sick and sore, in the past, I would just tell myself to “suck it up”

This ultimately led to burn out and a whole bunch of hormonal rebounds.

Ultimately, just staying active has helped me maintain my physique, my relationships and my sanity!

I’m excited to team up with Stayfree® to share how I am able to stay calm, cool, and collected while staying active.

Here are some of my best tips on making time for healthy activities:

Think outside the box!! – we think we have to “go to the gym” to have a workout. Not so!! I started doing a lot more from home– climbing the stairs to my apartments 25 times and then some push-ups on the counter– a little goes a long way!
Opposite Day Workout – sometimes, we have SO much stress in our lives- work, kids, traffic, etc. the last thing we need is another high intensity workout to raise cortisol even MORE. Take a walk. Take a yoga class in person or online. Breathe and let go.
Use your breaks wisely– if there is little time between leaving work, picking up one child, dropping off another, etc. Make those water breaks or lunch breaks count!! Walking lunges, parking far away, a few squats while waiting on hold. Make the extra minutes count!
PLAY – My newest, most fun way to get some activity in, is to blast Pandora and dance!! Playing is so fun and laughing is the best ab workout I have found! Make life and fitness enjoyable and it will be easy!

What are some ways that you stay calm, cool and connected during your busy life?

For a limited time, received a free 30 day online subscription to My Yoga on Gaiam TV with any Stayfree purchase! Keep your receipt and visit Stayfree.com/myyoga for program details.

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Stayfree®. The opinions and text are all mine.

Stay calm, cool, and connected with Stayfree®. For a limited time, received a free 30 day online subscription to My Yoga on Gaiam TV with any Stayfree purchase! Keep your receipt and visit Stayfree.com/myyoga for program details.

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Stayfree®. The opinions and text are all mine.

Filed Under: Featured, Product Reviews, Real Talk Tagged With: calm, cool, danny j, sweaty betties, the sweaty betties, tips, workouts, yoga

How are you going to Be Active this year? #BeActiv

February 4, 2015 By The Sweaty Betties Leave a Comment

I was recently made aware of a campaign by Viactiv Calcium Supplements, to #BeActiv

#BeActiv means getting involved, getting moving and getting healthier.

What #BeActiv means to me is just doing the small daily things that add up!

So, the question is: How will YOU #BeActiv? Volunteering, traveling, taking classes?

Well, I decided on my TOP 3:

1. My community: I currently am a “Big” with Big Brothers Big Sisters and I plan to work with a team for a big bowling event called “Bowl for Kid’s Sake”. It is a fundraiser and will be an awesome way to do something for the community, have fun, and get out with friends.

2. My dogs: I hate to say this, but I am so lazy with walking my dogs, but since living the RV life, they MUST get out. My plan to #BeActiv this year is to take them on more adventures (walks) take them to the park and have them happy and moving!

3. My business: I am learning to let others work in their strengths instead of trying to do everything myself. My personality is to try to do everything myself. I need to let others shine where they shine and let myself do best, what I do best!

I know small changes make a big difference. Usually when a client comes to me with weight-loss goals, we don’t strip EVERYTHING down (well… sometimes) but usually it’s tweaking just a few small things.

Small changes = Big Results.

There are so many benefits to being active in health and diet (obviously) this also includes getting your daily calcium.

I have been into health, fitness and nutrition since I was in college.

Of course, being a woman, we always hear about how we need to take more calcium.

The question is: How much should I take? and OMG do I have to take MORE pills?!?!

I found this chart at http://viactiv.com which was very interesting to see! There was also a chart showing how much calcium is in certain foods… (I definitely needed more!!)

I have actually been using Viactiv Calcium chews now for, probably 7 years!! I remember in my competition days, I would keep the chocolates in the fridge and have two of them at night like it was my dessert!!! (I still feel like it’s dessert!!)

There is something about just looking forward to your supplements, rather than having one more horse pill to swallow!!

I just found out about the Viactiv Gummies. I was super excited to try them, but someone in my household wanted to “make sure they were safe” first. hahaha…. needless to say, they were more of a hit for the hubby, even the purple packaging didn’t deter him!! He said to me, “My bones are brittle.”

Mmmm Hmmmm… whatever you say Big Man.

Oh well, I have my chocolates and caramels!!

The two things I love about these the most are:

– easy, convenient (non-dairy) way to get calcium

– I look forward to these so it’s easy to remember!!

There are actually quite a few options from Viactiv now:

Chocolate Chews, Sugar-Free Chocolate, Caramel, and Gummies.

You can pretty much find them anywhere: WalMart, Target, CVS, and the gummies are only available at Walgreens!

So.. here’s something cool for YOU guys… Viactiv is doing an AWESOME #BeActiv Promotion.. you could win a $1000 American Express Gift card, one ot two $500 gift cards, or a FitBit!! Whoop!!

Check out THIS PAGE for details and tag your pics with #BeActiv

You can also find Viactiv on FACEBOOK or check out more cool tips and info on their WEBSITE

***You can find Viactiv in stores like CVS, Rite Aid, Target, Walgreens and Walmart. For more information about Viactiv and to learn more about keeping bones strong, visit http://www.Viactiv.com #BeActiv

This is a product-provided, sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Viactiv . The opinions and text are all mine.

Comments submitted may be displayed on other websites owned or operated by the sponsoring brand.

Filed Under: Blogs, Featured, Product Reviews Tagged With: be active, business, calcium, community, health, viactiv