April 24, 2017

Staying on Track

We all know that we can’t rely on willpower. It only works when your mind and body are willing to do it. We live in a society of instant gratification. Now-a-days you can go on your lunch break, lay on a table and someone will wave that magic wand and presto you have a flat tummy, bigger butt and anything else without breaking a sweat. While others are putting in work; carving out time in their already busy schedule to workout, prepping their meals on the weekend and packing lunches to stay on track. After a week of staying on track you are excited to see how much you have lost and when you step on that scale, look down you think your eyes are playing a trick on you, so you step off to try this again. This time when you step on that scale you just stand for a second then you look down, nope your eyes are not playing with you, you’ve lost half a pound. Trust me, I know that feeling, disappointment, frustration even appalled. You are working hard, doing your part but it seems like it’s all for nothing. You start questioning yourself. What am I even doing this for? How do I stay motivated? Well, no worries I got you. Here are a few things that will keep you motivated in those dark times.

Remember your why – When you started this journey you had a goal, a reason why you were doing this. (If you don’t you may want to get on that). Take a time out and just think about the reason you started this journey. Was it to be able to run a 5k or lower your cholesterol? Whatever is your why, focus on that. Go back to your reason and remember why you started. Think of all the benefits that comes with you reaching your goal.

Your Crew – When you surround yourself with people who are working out and eating well they will keep you motivated. Even when you don’t feel like going to the gym today and you ask your friend if they want to go eat, they won’t be able to hang out right after work because they have to go the gym. You might as well go too. However, if you are the only one who is trying to live that healthy life, it gets difficult to go workout when everyone you know just don’t feel like it. But if you had a friend to call or know you are meeting someone at the gym it makes it easier. Remember that old saying “Birds of a feather flock together”? Like-minded people stick together and support each other.

Reward yourself – It is important to acknowledge your dedication to staying on track even if you only lost half a pound. You put in the work, you deserve a reward. It doesn’t have to be anything big. It could be something as small as a gold sticker on your calendar every Friday you complete your workout week. Imagine, you glance at your calendar and see stars. You are not only going to feel great but also elated that you accomplished your task.

Staying motivated can be done many ways but by staying focused, surrounding yourself with like-minded people and rewarding your hard work you are on your way to achieving your goal!

Get more info about Elizabeth Colen, Confidence Coach on http://www.MsFitOne.com.  Fit Mind, Fit Body and Fit Spirit. 

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April 17, 2017

Healthy Spring Break Tips

Spring Break is right around the corner. It’s hard to stay focused at work, you have been waiting for this all year. Your mind is fantasizing about the hotel, sandy beaches, warm spring nights and drinks by the pool ahhh, good times are coming. While you are envisioning all of this did you think about how you will stay on track with your diet and exercise? No worries, I got you, here are a few things you can do to ensure that when you come home you wouldn’t have missed a step in your fitness routine and stay guilt free.

1. Eat what you want to eat – Yes, I said it. Go ahead and enjoy, in moderation of course. You want to eat conscientiously, (meaning be aware of what you are putting into your mouth) eat when you’re hungry and stop when you’re full. You know that saying: “fat lasts longer than flavor”.

2. Fitness Center – When you are planning on which hotel you are staying in make sure they have a Fitness Center. I know there may be some late nights, so schedule an hour for your workout accordingly. If the hotel doesn’t have a Fitness Center no sweat my pet, just take that scheduled hour and walk along the beach or sidewalk. During the day, take the stairs instead of the evaluator. Walk instead of taking the tour bus. You will burn extra calories which is great because of those extra “drinks”.

3. Stay Hydrated – Drink lots of water! You want to keep water with you at all times. On Spring Break we tend to go on all the planned activities and forget to drink water. You don’t want to get dehydrated, it can cause you to be sluggish, dizzy and bloated. Even when you are having those special “drinks”, have at least one glass of water in between each drink.

You can Spring Break with the best of them, and not have the guilt when you get home. Enjoy your get away, relax and have fun in the sun.

Get more info about Elizabeth Colen, Confidence Coach on http://www.MsFitOne.com. Fit Mind, Fit Body and Fit Spirit

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February 21, 2017

Love The Skin You’re In

love yourself

 

When you look in the mirror what do you see? Is it an ugly duckling or a beautiful swan? Well, we are not going to tear ourselves down we are about to lift ourselves up. This week I want us to focus on what we love about ourselves, we must love the skin we are in, in order to make changes within. I know I was always talking about the things I wanted to change about my body (I wish I had thinner thighs) but to make a change in ourselves we need to do it from a place of love not hate. So, do this exercise with me. We are going to work on three areas of the body, top, middle and bottom, keeping it simple. Let’s get started, grab your pen and paper and move into a private space with a mirror (I like the bathroom).

1. Stand in front of a mirror and gaze at yourself starting at the top (start at hair to collar bone)
Look at your face, what is your favorite feature here? Is it your eyes, your nose or even your cheekbones? Whatever it is write it down, by the way, it doesn’t have to be just one.

2. Drop that robe and look at your image. We are focusing on the middle (from the collar bone to the hip bone) embrace all of you. Remember we are loving ourselves so, what is your favorite part here? Is it your collar bone, your bellybutton or your back? Write down your favorite part or parts.

3. Move to the bottom (from your hip bones to your toes). Step back so you can see that lower body. Do the same thing here. Is your favorite part your knees, the junk in your trunk or your cute little toe? Write it down.

Now that you have covered your entire body; I want you to read your list out loud looking at yourself in the mirror. It will go something like this: “I love my eyes, nose and ears. I love my bellybutton, I love my thighs and my feet. “I want you to add at the bottom of the list – I love you.

I know this exercise seems strange but trust me. Losing weight is more that hitting the gym. We must expand our self-awareness to succeed. Keep this list near so that when you find yourself struggling to love you, pull out your list and read it.

When we love ourselves we treat ourselves better, we tend to move like we love ourselves, we eat like we love ourselves and we speak like we love ourselves. To achieve the body you desire you have to make that change out of love. So, love the skin you are in.

Get more info about Elizabeth Colen, Confidence Coach on http://www.MsFitOne.com. Fit Mind, Fit Body and Fit Spirit

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January 6, 2017

Elizabeth Colen’s Upper Body Workout

Today on Your Carolina with Jack and Megan, Elizabeth Colen showed us how to do an Upper body workout for Chest and Back…

Chest Press
Stand with legs hips width apart. Place band bend back, wrap band around hand and place palms down. Arms should be up like on a bookshelf. Press hand out touch thumbs and hold for 3 seconds, bring arms back to starting point (squeeze shoulder blades together)

Recommend
3 sets 5-20 reps

Shoulder Rise
Stand with legs hips width apart. Place band bend back, wrap band around hand and place palms down. Arms should be up like on a bookshelf but palms facing forward. Press arm up, touch thumbs and hold for 3 seconds, bring arms back to starting point

Recommend
3 sets 5-20 reps

Triceps
Stand with legs hips width apart. Place band bend back, wrap band around hand and place palms down. Arms above head palms touch, bend at elbow bring arms back to starting point (keep elbows close to your ears)

Recommend
3 sets 5-20 reps

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(Photo: previously on Your Carolina)

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December 23, 2016

Holiday Fit Tip

happy-holidaysThis is the last month of 2016 and we have so much to do! Decorate the house, shop for that just right gift for everyone, make sure we have everything we need to cook that special holiday dinner, all while continuing with our day to day lives. We get so consumed with many things that we tend to forget about ourself. Not this year! The best way to serve others is to make sure you put yourself as a priority.

The best tip I can share with you for this holiday season is to schedule time to exercise. I know it seem strange but trust me it works. Set aside at least 30 minutes to get that heart rate up and get that stress level down! Here are a few simple exercise you can do right from the comfort of your living room, no excuses. Jumping jacks, do at least 3 – 5 sets 10 to 20 reps. Jump rope (real or imaginary rope) do at least 5 rounds: jump 30 seconds rest 10 seconds. March in place, make sure you get those knee above those hips to really get that heart rate up.

You don’t want to skip on that resistance training. It’s easy to work that whole body with a few simple workouts. Get on the floor and do Push ups 3 sets 5-15, Planks, hold for at 30 seconds and work up to 1 minute.  Squats 3 sets 5-15. You have done your cardio, worked up a sweat building some muscles and releasing stress.

Look at you, you got your workout on and still got this holiday time handled! Happy Holiday!

Get more information about Elizabeth Colen, confidence and conditioning coach on http://www.msfitone.com Fit Mind, Fit Body and Fit Spirit

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September 20, 2016

7 Things You Can Do Daily To Improve Your Life

sailboats

Ever thought of improving your life? Sure, you have. We all have and many of us talk ourselves out of it because we think it has to be all consuming, a total life transformation. We tend to get overwhelmed and never move forward. You’ve heard that old saying “How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time” I am going to share with you small bite sizes that you can chew on and make long term positive results to improving your life:

1.) Sleep – Sleep is important part of living a healthy lifestyle. Getting enough sleep can benefit your weight mind and temperament. Remember that saying: “Early to be bed,early to rise makes a man (wo-man) healthy, wealthy and wise” is true!

2.) Eat Breakfast – Starting your day with a healthy balanced breakfast just sets your day up for success. Eating breakfast helps you maintain a healthy weight, it get that metabolism going. You are able to concentrate more and stay focused throughout the day. It gives you energy to handle that to-do list plus more.

3.) Exercise – Ok let’s just get this one out of the way. Exercise has so many benefits for you that I can fill this magazine with all of them but I will keep it simple. Exercise help control your weight, stabilize your mood, gives you a boost of energy and just give your self esteem a boost!!!

4.) Plan your day – Before you get to bed, take about 10 minutes to set up your next day. Jot down your to-do list and you will find that you will sleep better and the next day, you will start the day in control, focused and prepared. When you plan your day you have a sense of control and a sense of accomplishment because you can actually see your to do list turn into to done.

5.) Read a book – Knowledge is power and reading daily will not only give you knowledge but it will keep your mind stimulated cutting down on the likely hood of you getting Alzheimer’s and Dementia. The mind is a muscle that need exercise just like the rest of your body.

6.) Play– Yes, we are grown but we need to have play time. It doesn’t have to be an elaborate game, you can color, do a jigsaw puzzle, a crossword puzzle a game on your phone. Play time can relive stress, reduce anxiety and lift your spirits.

7.) Smile – We know that working out releases endorphins but did you know that when you smile you release endorphins as well? Well it does, and it is contagious. Smiling makes difficult times better. A smile definitely have a positive effect own your well-being. It is so much better the RBF. Enjoy life and smile, you are helping the world!

Get more info about Elizabeth Colen, Confidence and Conditioning Coach on http://www.MsFitOne.com.  Fit Mind, Fit Body and Fit Soul.

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September 20, 2016

Elizabeth Guests on Tampa Bay’s Morning Blend

Watch this week as Elizabeth Colen, It’s a Glam Thing visits Tampa Bay’s Morning Blend  and demos some DIY at-home workouts.

 

Elizabeth Colen Tampa Bay Morning Blend

Photo: Elizabeth Colen Tampa Bay Morning Blend (past appearance on the show)

elizabeth colen your carolina

Photo: Elizabeth Colen Your Carolina (past appearance on the show)

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September 16, 2016

Work out those Arms with Elizabeth, Jack and Megan

Today on Your Carolina with Jack and Megan, It’s a Glam Thing‘s Elizabeth Colen will present an easy and effective “Arm” workout routine using resistance bands.

Watch live and on demand at http://wspa.com/category/entertainment/your-carolina/

 

Arm Workout

 

Bicep Curl

Stand on one end of resistance band grab the other end in left hand.  Curl your arm up (palm up) then down nice and slow.

 To give yourself a challenge lift right leg and hold (works on balance).  Repeat on other side.

 

Recommend

3 sets 5-20 reps

 

Tricep Curl

Stand on one end of resistance band grab the other end in left hand. Bend at waist bring palm to rib keep that elbow nice and high.  Bring arm back back hold and return to starting position (tricep curl).

To give yourself a challenge lift right leg straight back and hold.  Repeat on the other side.

 

Recommend

3 sets 5-20 reps

 

Shoulder Rise

Stand on one end of resistance band grab the other end in left hand and raise to arm level hold and release slowly back to thigh.

To give yourself a challenge lift right knee, open to side and hold.   Repeat on the other side.

 

Recommend

3 sets 5-20 reps

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August 30, 2016

Pick Workout Clothes that work for you



I often get asked the question, “How do I get the right workout clothes for me?” So I came up with a quick little guide that will help anyone who is purchasing new workout gear. When trying on workout clothes is it always very important to get your true size (not a small when you truly wear a medium) no one will see your size it is sewn on the inside. If you get a size to small or even too big you will regret it.
Here are a few tips that you should do when you are in the dressing room. Make sure you get the big dressing room because you are going to be doing some big moves.

1.  Stand with your feet hip width apart and raise your hands above your head, reach for the ceiling, really stretch, come up on your tippy toes so that you can reach your full stance.  You are doing this so that you ensure your top is not riding up and that your workout pants are not slipping down.

2.  Keep your left arm above your head, drop the other arm to your side and do a side bend to the right, keeping both feet firmly on the floor, do a nice full stretch. You want to make sure your top does not rise too much but if you don’t mind some skin showing you can choose what your comfort level is. Repeat on the other side.
3.  Bring both hands down and touch your toes.  You want to make sure your workout pants are not creeping down those hips.

4.  Stand tall and raise one knee to your chest, grab with both hands and pull in close to your body, make sure you have the flexibility and ability to move your leg easily, repeat with the other leg.

5.  Squat down and place your elbows on your knees with your hands together like you are praying. Again, make sure that the pants are not creeping down, we don’t want any plumbers crack in the gym. If you follow these simple tips, you will find the perfect workout clothes for you.

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August 19, 2016

Workout: The Prayer

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This workout can be done anywhere, you don’t need any equipment.  Click the link to workout with me:    The Prayer Workout

1st Exercise:  Squat & Swing

Stand tall with feet hip width apart. Hands together, palms flat together (like saying a pray) down between legs. Squat down hands trying to touch floor. Stand tall swinging hands above head.

Recommend
30 seconds

2nd Exercise:  Squat & Twist

Stand tall with feet hip width apart. Hands together, palms flat together (like saying a pray) at chest level. Squat and push palms together. Twist to right, lift left heel. Hold for three. Return to center. Twist to left, lift right heel. Hold for 3 seconds.

Recommend
30 seconds

3rd Exercise;  “4”

Stand tall with feet hip width apart. Hands together, palms flat together (like saying a pray) at chest level. Place left foot behind your right knee (like the number 4) Lift bent knee slightly you feel in that glut. Press your palms together tight so that you are working your upper body as well. Do for 30 seconds then repeat on right side.

Recommend
30 seconds

Work out with me!!

 

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