Let's Give This Another Try | Summer 2016

Where do I begin?

Two years ago, I created this blog for three reasons: 1) I was a huge fitness and health junkie, 2) I loved to write, and 3) I wanted to be able to look back at my previous ideas while also sharing them with others. And, as of right now, I am happy to say that these three reasons worked perfectly. Now, I use past tense to describe my reasons because my life has changed tremendously over the past two years. Don't get me wrong -- I am still a fitness/health FREAK and I do still love to write, but my life (unfortunately) no longer revolves around these two things. As I have gotten older, I have realized the need to focus on what is important for my future, while keeping my passions on the side as I go. I am not a professional in the fields of health or fitness, nor do I plan to pursue education or further training in either of these areas.

So I guess a little life update is overdue...

I am now a sophomore at High Point University. Holy sh**. My heart just stopped while I typed that. But yes, a sophomore (I KNOW, RIGHT - WHAAAAT?). In my last post (below), I was anxiously awaiting responses from college. That period of time was by far the best and worst of my entire life. I was wrapping up my senior year and preparing to move on to college. And as cliche as it is, I never would have imagined that I would be where I am today (well, technically I am sitting at my local Starbucks sipping a venti passion iced tea, so, I guess I am exactly where I always am). But seriously. It's insane. For those who may not know, my career interests fall into the area of law. I have wanted to be an attorney since I was in 8th grade when I went to Washington, D.C. for the first time. With this in mind, I wanted to be in a big city at a giant school that would provide me with the opportunity to engage in internships and pursue law. I completely avoided small schools, including all Vermont universities, and set my heart on places like Northeastern and American.

News flash kids: have a backup plan. Do not allow yourself to live the hell that I did, because it was not a good time. *low key self promotion: click here to view my other blog that has a post about my experience.

So where do I end up? A small, private university in North Carolina. Yup, totally not what I expected, but hey: everything happens for a reason. If you're wondering why, it all came down to money and scholarships. That's another story for a different day, though. Let's just say that I am 100% satisfied with my decision.

Sorry for that mini-rant. I get very worked up when it comes to this topic. Anyways...

Yes. I am a sophomore in college now. I am majoring in political science with a double minor in criminal justice and English (told ya I like to write). I could go on and on about what I have been doing for the past year while in college, but this is a fitness blog so I won't bore anyone here (bet I already have).

So, I guess I'm back. I am finally calm and relaxed back in my cozy state of Vermont for the summer. I am still working at my beloved gym, but I am trying to branch out, so I have applied to other places for a summer job, including Under Armour...which brings me back to my continuing love for all things and fitness and health...

No, I am not currently following 300+ fitness models on Instagram. And no, I haven't meal prepped in 8 months. But that does not mean that I no longer focus on myself.

I have been to the gym (almost) every day, just like I used to. And I still eat my usual salads and drink my typical smoothies, I just don't post about it anymore. I still have the same passions for a healthy lifestyle, and I think I always will at this point, since fitness has been such a huge part of bettering my life.

My point of all of this is that I want to get back into the blogging aspect of my health. Not only do I enjoy it, but I have had the occasional "hey, what ever happened to your health blog?" question come up, and ultimately, that pushes me to get back into things knowing that at least someone out there is benefiting from my random everyday thoughts. I would like to focus on the same things I always have, like food and fitness, while relating it to the average high schooler/college student.

If you're interested, then stay tuned. I promise I will try harder this time...at least for the summer months.

Ta ta for now!

Lyndsey

Lifestyle Changes

Hellooo blog world! Let me start off by apologizing for my lack of presence on my fitness social media lately. Between the stress of college applications and the holidays, this girl has been chuggin' away. For example, as of right now at 9:42 PM on Sunday night, I sound like a 70 year old smoker due to a lovely sinus infection, as I am setting my alarm for 5:00 AM to start off my lovely day filled with school, internship, work, and a workout. On top of that, I am anxiously awaiting the dozen of college decisions that are to come in the next few weeks *insert panic attack here*.

current obsession to keep me sane

Sigh...

Besides my insanely busy life, I have (for the most part) kept up with my fitness goals. However, I am human, and I did unfortunately take a week off of cardio due to busyness, which then led to treachery when I forced myself to get back at it a week later. And, 2 weeks after that, I injured my right IT band, which prevented me from partaking in some of my favorite leg day exercises. Because why? Sh** happens. Now it is March, and I am pushing myself to jump-start my summer body (more lean) after my hibernation/food-coma months of winter. I have set huge goals for my graduation date and beginning of college, and no body is going to get in my way.

Now...why are we here today?

Grace Miller, one of my childhood best friends, recently reminded me of why I do what I do. This young lady has made what I love to call the all-famous "lifestyle change", and I couldn't be more proud. In the past few weeks, I've been asked a lot about what diet I am on or why I lift 6 days a week. Many people think this is just a phase in my life, and that once I am in college, this will all just fly out the window. Let me just warn you right now that this is NOT the case, nor will it ever be the case. I am not working my butt off, spending hundreds on food and supplements for it to all go down the drain in college. Even my parents call me crazy for the things I do, but I know that fitness and health has become such an integrated part of my life; so much so, that I plan to minor in exercise science or health along with my pre-law major so that I can be a personal trainer someday in the near future. Okay, angry rant over. Continuing...

Back to the point: many of my days come down to me being surrounded with all of these men and women that have the whole "New Years Resolutions" mentality, or the whole "I'll workout until I'm skinny" crap. No. You don't stop working out when you're "skinny". The fact that SO many people actually believe this is depressing. In the past few months, even though I'm only 17, I have talked to numerous adults and teens that have asked me about my journey (mainly since I work at the gym) and they all seem very inspired by what I have to say. & this is exactly what I want to do with my life - inspire people. So if I can start now as a high schooler, why not continue?

Lifestyle changes. Make them happen. Super antioxidant teas and "30 days to abs" will not get you the results you want. Yeah, it requires a whole lot of work, time, and dedication. But I can promise you that you will have zero regrets. Do I miss those fudge rounds and Lucky Charms? Of course. But do I miss the feeling that they gave me as I shoved 4 serving sizes down my throat? Absolutely not. Which is exactly why I could not be any happier with how I have turned my life around. The more people I can convince to do this, the better. And yes -- I know that healthy food and a gym are deterred by money; trust me, I know because I am responsible for buying all of my own food and gym stuff. But then I remind myself of how much money would be wasted on the junk and health problems in the future, along with the major lack of self confidence, which is where the justification for a healthy lifestyle kicks in.

latest meal prep includes chicken, rice, greek yogurt, soymilk, veggies, and a hint of dark choco

So next time you are listening to one of your friends rave about this new slim pill or TV diet, stop and think twice about trying it. Instead, consider revamping your entire way of living. Trust me, you will be more successful in the end.

*I am in no way shaming the fad-diets or diet programs; I do truly believe that a select few work and contribute to a healthy lifestyle; however, I much too often see many that promote a "21 day diet" which brings people down the wrong path. I know, because I've tried for myself.

That's all for now.

current goal swimsuit for the summer 

what would a blog post be without a current selfie? courtesy of a friend's house of course ;)

Ta ta. 

Lyndsey 

New Year, Forever New You

With the hustle and bustle of the holidays coming to an end, I feel this topic is perfect for those of you who may have the whole "new year, new me" mentality. I mean, let's be honest here though, first: we bust our butts at the gym for the entire month of January, and by the time February rolls around, laziness kicks in and then there's "always next year".

We. Must. Stop. This.
And yes, it's possible.

Introducing...

the difference between a diet and a lifestyle

Movies, TV shows, magazines, they all emphasize and highlight "24 day juice cleanses" or 2-week workout plans to a better booty. This is one primary reason why I despise the media. They sexisize (is that a word?) the idea of losing weight in such a confined amount of time, yet they never fill you in on where to go after you're done with their plan. Crazy, right? So because of these fads, girls (and perhaps boys, too) have these warped mentalities that it's possible to lose 20 pounds in a week. And they try it out, absolutely hating it because these diets require you to survive off of carrots and green smoothies. No body ever tells these people that this way is hell, and falling for it will lead to distress and major health problems in the long run. Perhaps I am overexaggerating a bit, but seriously - it's a shame how the idea of a healthy lifestyle is pummeled by the media's portrayal of "fit".

Prime example, OK magazine.

Alright, this isn't gonna be a rant about the media, I promise. However, the media does fuel this topic. I once was a victim of the "new year, new me" spiel, and as most people, I failed. I ate my fruits and veggies for a few weeks, and fell back into old habits. Why? Because lifelong habits can't simply be broken by the turn of a new year. A habit of healthy eating and exercise takes WEEKS, or even months to become a second nature to some people. Like me, now, for example: the gym isn't a chore - it's built in to my schedule on a daily basis because I know it's something that must be done and that I enjoy doing. Or my meal-prepping on Sunday's; it's not a chore when I know it's beneficial and worthwhile.

*Disclaimer: I am NOT hating on the "newbies" at the gym in any way. I think it is absolutely fantastic that people are making an effort to get in shape. However, I just believe it's sad when these people lose motivation after a month of seeing only little changes. Change takes time - it doesn't just happen over night. 

Back to my point...

People should be utlizing the beginning of a new year to change their lifestyle, not just their current diet or exercise habits. Yeah, I learned this the hard way. But hey, we all gotta start somewhere. 

So here's my message to you: make a plan, and stick with it. But do me a favor, and don't make your plan impossible. If you've never done cardio before, don't make your cardio goal an hour each night. Believe me, you will hate yourself. You really want to aim for a lifestyle of healthiness, not just a month or two of it. Once you create small, baby-step habits, things will come easily for you, and a healthy lifestyle will commence. 

If you want a slice of pizza bigger than your hand, go for it. It's a lifestyle, not a diet.

As I've said before, I was never a healthy kid. I shoved fudge rolls down my throat and watched endless hours of Disney channel like it was my job (which, in a way, it was). After moving to Burlington, VT, yes, the healthiest city in America, I changed my ways around and look at me now. Yeah, I'm not some skinny little twig, nor do I intend to be. However, I feel freaking great, and that's all I need. When we go to restaurants, mac and cheese isn't my first choice. At birthday parties, 5 pieces of cake doesn't even cross my mind. Because of my lifestyle, I have forced my own mentality to be healthy. So, it's completely possible. 

Yeah, it takes time. It takes dedication. And, to be honest, it may take some tears.

But it is so worth it. 

Rant complete. 

Enjoy some random photos now. 

 First meal prep of the year ft. my sister

 Selfie because leg day, yah. 

 

So train ya stems, kiddos. 

Until next time...

Lynds

Bouldah Shouldahs: A Newfound Love

Prepare yourselves for the geekiest fitness talk from an over-enthused gym lover, 'cuz this topic is a big one: SHOULDER DAY (I always feel like I'm opening for Girl Code when I write like that..). Anywho...

You're probably thinking "alright Lynds, you're going crazy girl. Shoulders? Who cares?" because that's exactly what I was thinking when I started my research on shoulder training. When most people in our society think of working out or strength training, the typical image that floats into our minds is a huge man flexing through a bicep curl. 

Classic Arnold. 

I mean, really: think about it. Most women, at least, picture men with huge arms or ripped abs. But ladies, come on! What about those shoulders?!

Clearly, shoulders make up for a HUGE portion of aesthetics.

My topic here isn't targetting societal misunderstandings or gorgeous men. My topic is to prove to you why working different parts of your body are essential when it comes to having overall ... sexyness. Bicep curls and bench press are NOT going to make you look like either of the photos above, which I feel is a common misunderstanding for those who aren't so much involved in the fitness world (and that's completely fine!). I much too often run into people who just have an arm and a leg day. No chest. No back. No shoulders. COME ON. Maintaining a balanced body comes from hard work and dedication - not just sporadic 9pm workout sessions after you just blared Eminem, remembered how many cheese fries you ate last night, or reminsced on your ex. 

That's why I'm here to help: I had to learn this lesson the hard way, as I would see improvements in my arms and legs, but none in my back, chest, shoulders, etc. And why was that? 

Because I wasn't working them!

Simple. 

Soooo, hence the post title: a newfound love of mine is training my shoulders. I feel so powerful. I know it may seem strange right now...I know, because I was at that same point about 2 months ago. Shoulders? Like come on, who cares. 

look how badass this chick is

Please understand that I am in no way trying to dictate what you do/how you do it. I'm simply making suggestions and trying to help you realize why a balanced body is a healthy body. I truly wish someone would have told me this when I started my regime two years ago. 

So ladies & gentlemen...I present to you: Lyndsey's Super Swole Shoulder Workout 

Warm-up: forwards & backwards arm circles

1: Shoulder Press (dumbbells or barbell) *go heavy! WORK.

2: Lateral Raise (dumbbells or cable machine)

3: Explosive Lateral Raise (dumbbells)

4: Front Raise (dumbbells or cable machine)

5: Upright Row (cable machine) 

6: Rear Delts (machine or resistance band)

7: BURNOUT - barbell shoulder press & front raise combo

If you don't know what these exercises are (psh, I sure didn't), definitely Google them to find out the proper form and how to do the movement. We don't want any dislocations! Just for an idea on weight range and sets/reps, I usually do 20's for shoulder press for 3 sets of 12, then go to 25's for as many as I can get. For lateral and front raises, I usually use 15 lb dumbbells. Try the exercise out first, using light weight, and once you're comfortable with your form, work up in weight. These are just some suggestions - there are thousands of more exercises that will help those pretty shoulders!

If you have any questions or comments (I LOVE feedback!), feel free to contact me via any social media to the right. I would love to help!

Until next time...

Lynds 

couldn't leave ya without a selfie 

Survival Guide 101: Holidays.

        Hello, all, and welcome to Lyndsey's Declassified Holiday Survival Guide (just trying to be clever here, guys.) So, it's November 2nd, aka day 3 of recovering from candy-coma. The Milky Ways, the candy corn, the vampire punch...oh, the joys of holiday feasts. It's all fun and games until Monday comes around and you sadly realize that you basically ate your weight in sugar over the weekend. Although they say this is the "best time of the year", fitness freaks claims it's the worst as temptation is at its highest. So - do you eat that spooky pumpkin cupcake or do you stare at it?

You eat it, dummy.

       If there's one thing I can't stand hearing girls say, it's "OMG I can't eat that there's like soooo many carbs in that and I'm on a diet." Yes, I fully understand that this is a mentality and that  living a healthy lifestyle is perfectly fine. However, I am opposed to the girls (or guys, too) that discourage eachother from eating or drinking certain things. Ladies & gents, listen up: that 3 Musketeers fun size candy won't make you gain 30 lbs overnight. That piece of cheesecake post-Thanksgiving feast won't turn you into a blob of fat. That hot apple cider? Guess what - it won't kill you. Many people don't realize that 1 huge meal or 2 days of "unhealthy eating" will not make you a 300 lb sumo wrestler. So here's where the idea of a flexible lifestyle comes into play.

         Halloween, Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas; whatever it is that you like to celebrate, you should enjoy celebrating. Forcing yourself to resist that fudgy chocolate cake while all of your other family members stuff their faces will, I promise you, be absolute torture hell. It's all about moderation. Yes, if you were to eat swiss rolls and ice cream everyday you probably gain weight. But that's the point of a holiday; it only comes once a year, So you should definitely have that snickerdoodle cookie. You will burn off those 300 calories just by the snooze you'll take that evening. The resentment you suffer through will do more harm to you than those 5g of fat. Trust me.

        So what's my take on this? Eat. Please. For the sake of all of us, eat your heart out. There was once a time, about a year ago, where I restricted myself in all aspects of food. Oh, we had donuts in class one day? Those donuts were poison to me. It's my best friends birthday? Cake was out of my picture. And do you know what happened to me? I became very sad. My mind and my tummy became weak. Yeah, sure, chicken and vegetables are good, but every once in a while, we need a little something to keep us going. Holidays are a time to enjoy life and be with family and friends. You shouldn't be burdened with caloric intake during these lovely times. As long as you don't gorge in 5 pies and 16 cookies, I promise that you won't turn in to Veruca Salt from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory overnight. Yeah, ok, you may gain like .3 of a lb. But do you know how easily that will come off? Spend a weekend enjoying yourself, and then get back to keeping yourself healthy the following week. We all need a little break. You deserve it.

perhaps i'm a bit too excited for these sights...

It's a lifestyle, not a diet. Live like it.

Until next time...
Lynds