The Fit Skool | by Kelly

December 15, 2014
by Kelly @ The Fit Skool
2 Comments

Morton’s Steakhouse & Holiday Festivities

I just love the holiday season!! We decorated our Christmas tree this weekend and listened to lots of Christmas music, it definitely got us in the holiday spirit.

We now have a couple of Birthdays associated with the holiday season. Both Ava’s and Marc’s birthdays fall right around Christmas so there’s lots to celebrate and I am all for it. The more celebrations the better

Saturday night Marc and I headed to Morton’s Steakhouse in White Plains, NY for a dinner date night.

The food was so good

and the service there was unreal.

At the top of the menu, they wished Marc a Happy Birthday. Even if his name was spelt wrong it was a lovely touch! His birthday did fall on a special day 12/13/14

Check out Marc’s dinner plate…. YUM! We clearly LOVE steak.

With our steak we got a side dish of Spinach & button mushrooms and a side of horseradish mashed potatoes. I LOVED the mushrooms. There was something about the crispy outside and the sauce they were served with, I couldn’t help but pop them into my mouth! The potatoes had horseradish in them, I am not a huge horseradish fan so Marc ate a majority of the potatoes but i still enjoyed a couple of bites.

Our night together was a lot of fun and knowing that Ava was with my parents made the evening more enjoyable and relaxing.

Morton’s treated Marc to a Chocolate Molten Lava cake with some vanilla ice cream for his birthday dessert. It is a good thing this dessert wasn’t any bigger because it was incredibly hard to keep my spoon away.

(sorry the lighting isn’t good, but I’m pretty sure everyone would get upset if there was a flash going off every 5 minutes!!)

After dessert, we headed home where we had a birthday cake for Marc with my parents.

Guys, CAKE ON CAKE. It just doesn’t work, we had to pretend to eat the cake with my parents because we were so stuffed.

So all in all it seemed like all we did was eat and eat more this weekend. We definitely treated ourselves but I did keep my portions in check.

I am ready for some clean and healthy eating this week. Who is with me?

This picture of Ava makes me smile…she was so excited the Patriots won yesterday!!

What is your favorite cheat meal?

Does sugar make you crave more sugar?

December 13, 2014
by Kelly @ The Fit Skool
2 Comments

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MARC!

I would just like to wish a very HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my best friend and husband Marc!!

Thanks for making me smile and laugh until no end!

and thank you for being the best father to our 2 crazy beautiful kids.

I love you and I hope you have a special day

December 12, 2014
by Kelly @ The Fit Skool
0 comments

A few of my favorite things this week!

It’s Friday and I couldn’t be happier. This week has been a little chaotic and long… Marc had to work late every single night so I had to bring Ava to Boot Camp twice this week and then we did a little Ava swap-a-roo before class started and he brought her home. Our schedules just seemed a little off and the weekend is much needed for our family!

Tomorrow is Marc’s Birthday!!! WOOHOO. I love birthdays and now we have back to back Birthday weekend celebrations. Marc is turning 31 and he said to me last night that this means he is closer to 40 years of age then he is 20. I know he was joking when he made that comment but it made me laugh. Age is just a number

Now, onto the topic of this post and some of my favorite things this week.

These PLAIN OATMEAL packets can be a savior. Although it is lazy, lets be serious sometimes it’s all about convenience. I mixed this up with some whole milk and cinnamon for a mid morning snack a couple of times this week and I’m hooked.

A freezer staple for our family are these frozen bags of FRUIT, this one in particular is mixed berries from Stop And Shop but Trader Joe’s has GREAT frozen fruit as well. We all love them as a snack or mixed in with yogurt. Ava likes them when her teeth are bothering her, but she also enjoys them with her meals.

There’s a trend here with fruit. This next thing I love is SEA SALTED WATERMELON! I know you are thinking WHATTT?? But don’t knock it until you try it. It is a great post workout snack that keeps you hydrated and replenishes the sodium you lose through exercise. I have low blood pressure and salting things with sea salt is an easy way for me to keep my blood pressure stable. Please try it

Speaking of lazy. Another snack I love are these gluten free Van’s Waffles. I have had them on several occasions over the past couple of weeks. Marc and I particularly enjoy them as a night time dessert with some peanut butter and mini chocolate chips

I mentioned this in my WIAW post on Wednesday, but Mamma Chia has nailed it with this Blackberry Bliss pouch. It is a perfect on the go snack that you can eat in the car, at work, or even at home when you are running around! I bought this at Whole Foods.

I am still on a Dunkin PUMPKIN COFFEE KICK. I had a coffee this morning and I can’t tell you how excited I was that they still had pumpkin coffee.

I will leave you all with this adorable picture of my two favorite little ones. Ava is such a character and Cooper will literally let her get away with anything, including rolling on top of him!!

Looking back at the week it really wasn’t so bad I ate some great snacks, got in some great workouts and I was sore all week, which was surprisingly nice. HHAHA

HAPPY FRIDAY!

What is some of your favorite things from the week?

Any fun weekend plans?

December 11, 2014
by Kelly @ The Fit Skool
0 comments

Move More & Use a Pedometer!

I woke up this morning to a little snow on the ground, and it really made me feel like the holiday season and winter is here. Although its technically not quite winter, it has definitely felt like it this week.

In the summer I was outside all the time. Now, I am outside when I get in and out of my car or when I walk Cooper. THAT IS PRETTY MUCH IT!!

That means some of us are moving less during the day or choosing to be inside more.

___________________________________________________________________________________________

Have you ever used a pedometer before?

If you are looking to buy one, this SM-2000 Step Pedometer is only $6.50 and if you have amazon prime it ships within 2 days!

If you have an IPHONE there are tons of APPS you can download; to monitor how many steps you take in one day.

I have the Runtastic APP

It is easy to download and it is FREE. It tracks your steps, miles, speed, etc!

The other day I challenged myself not to sit for most of the day. I sat when I ate my meals and drove my car but that was it. I had to think about not sitting a few times, for instance when I wrote my blog, I put my laptop on our high top table and stood, I stood while folding laundry, made several trips up and down the stairs on purpose while putting things away, I stood while I read Ava her night time story, you get the point.

Just by not sitting I forced myself to move more and that alone helped to burn extra calories

I wish I had thought earlier that day to put my pedometer on and see how many steps I actually took, but once I put my pedometer on I was able to track 5,000 steps within a 2-½ hour time frame!

10,000 steps is approximately 5 miles.

SOOO with all this talk about moving more, I challenge you to buy a PEDOMETER or download an app. They are super cheap and it is a fun way to challenge you to move more! They even make a great stocking stuffer!

Here are some Tips to Sneak in extra steps to reach that 10,000 step goal:

Take the stairs whenever you can.
Park your car at the end of the parking lot
Instead of emailing or calling a co-worker get up and walk to their office/cubicle
Take your dog on a 5 minute longer walk
Walk around the entire grocery store while shopping
Chase around your baby! This one clearly helps me to move more

This girl never stops!

How do you stay active?

Do you sit a lot during the day?

December 10, 2014
by Kelly @ The Fit Skool
0 comments

WIAW- I <3 Popcorn

HAPPY HUMP DAY! I am linking up with Jenn for another WIAW (What I Ate Wednesday) Post. This one probably isn’t that exciting so I will make it quick and painless for you.

I am usually more organized in the morning but for some reason the clock was moving faster then me. AS a result my breakfast was 2 quick over easy eggs and a piece of oatmeal toast.

Because of the lack of preparation this morning, I was hungry not too long after breakfast and had a banana.

My morning snack was a Mamma Chia pouch. This one was AWESOME. I loved the blackberry flavor and the chia adds some nice texture. I love knowing I got some healthy omegas from this.

Lunch was a big ol salad, in the biggest tupperware bowl we had with as many toppings that I could find. It had mixed greens, carrots, tomatoes, celery, roasted red peppers, cucumber goat cheese, shredded chicken thighs, avocado and honey balsamic dressing! I wish there was more.

I had a baked potato on the side for some carbs!

My afternoon snack was a granny smith apple with peanut butter and I had a few crackers that Ava was eating. She made them look good.

My dinner was on point. I had leftover Shepherd’s pie on top of a sweet potato. This meal came out soo good, I don’t know what I did differently but the flavor was there.

Post boot camp I opted for Popcorn that was air-popped with some butter. Popcorn is one of my favorite salty snacks! Marc and I snacked on it as we watched New Girl. That show is soo funnyyyy.

Your turn, what is something yummy you ate yesterday?

What is your favorite meal of the day? Mine is breakfast!

December 9, 2014
by Kelly @ The Fit Skool
0 comments

Trainer Tip Tuesday #9: Keep your muscles Confused

Trainer Tip Tuesday: Keep your muscles confused

if you are doing the same workout day in and day out your body eventually adapts. Switching it up will help you to get stronger, build endurance and train different muscle fibers.

I try to mix up my cardio weekly I never do the same thing 2 days in a row. I usually choose, boot camp, T-25, insanity, or getting outside for a run or walk with Cooper as my cardio. My muscles stays confused and I am constantly challenging myself.

I am also fortunate to teach classes that work on all aspects of training so I am able to get a variety of workouts and I am forced to do them

During Group Power we focus on strength training.

Yesterday I switched our Group Power workout to an older routine from APRIL that focused on lighter weights and higher reps.. man did my muscles feel it, but the change was great. I noticed the calorie burn was significantly higher then last weeks workout because I mixed it up, my heart rate was higher and I was working harder.

With Boot Camp the focus is different. We do more cardio, we work on balance training, and muscle endurance. Some of the exercises we do work on speed, agility, and athletic type training so its difficult but fun at the same time!

Believe it or not while teaching my senior class I get a low impact workout with moves that train all my muscles in a milder form, while keeping my heart rate!

The point is, mix it up! Challenge yourself to step outside of your comfort zone and try something new

How do you challenge your muscles?

Are you in a fitness rut? Try mixing up your workouts or go to a new fitness class!

For more of my Trainer Tips check our my previous posts:

Trainer Tip #8: Make time for yourself

Trainer Tip #7: Get more out of your Group Fitness Class

Trainer Tip #6 Choose exercise that you enjoy doing

Trainer Tip #5 Quality vs Quantity

Trainer Tip #4 Lift a little heavier

Trainer Tip #3 A short workout is better then no workout

Trainer Tip #2 Exercising outdoors

Trainer Tip Tuesday #1: If you don’t like an exercise, start doing it!

December 8, 2014
by Kelly @ The Fit Skool
6 Comments

Ava’s 1st Birthday Party

Ava woke up ready to party Saturday morning. She didn’t want us to sleep too late and I thank her for that because I had a lot to get done.

I chugged some coffee and started checking things off my To-Do List for the party. Once I was all set I left a few things for Marc to do with Ava and I headed to Villa Italia to help set up before the party started.

The party was everything we could’ve hoped for and more. The food was awesome…

The kids had fun playing and running around.

I had fun catching up with friends and family.

We even got a nice family photo

and the best part was seeing Ava’s excitement when she saw her own little cake with Elmo on top!

I lied the best part was seeing her face when she tasted CAKE for the first time. She smiled and it was SO BIG.

All I’m thinking is “Ava… don’t get used to all this sugar.”

Do you see that devilish grin?

I’m just playing. Ava can pretty much eat what she wants because she ran around like a mad woman the entire party. She literally doesn’t sit still and I was sweating through my dress trying to keep up with her.

Who needs a gym? Just chase around Ava while wearing high heals and you will get in an awesome workout!!

Ava and her big cousin Natalie kept tearing wrapping paper off of her presents and running away with the paper. Kids are entertained by the simple things.

We said our good byes after a great party and couldn’t have been happier with Ava’s 1st Birthday Party!

Have you ever been to a 1st birthday party?

What do you think that first bite of cake tastes like?

December 7, 2014
by Kelly @ The Fit Skool
4 Comments

A Celebratory Weekend

This weekend revolved around little Miss Ava. She turned ONE on Friday and both Marc and I couldn’t be happier to celebrate all weekend long with her.

Marc took Friday off from work so we could spend the whole day with Ava. It was a BLAST!

Friday morning we went to the Stamford mall and did some shopping.

Ava chose an Elmo book from the toy store.

She chose Potty Time with Elmo which made us laugh, but maybe she’s trying to tell us that she’s ready for bigger things!!

After shopping at the toy store we walked around and Santa just happened to be at his Toy Shop so we decided it was the perfect opportunity to introduce Ava to Santa!

I’m not gonna lie, I was hesitant at first. I thought she would get scared or cry and I didn’t want her to have a 1st photo disaster with Santa.

We decided to go for it and Santa was awesome! He told us how to hold Ava and then how to quickly drop her on his lap and run so they could quickly snap some pictures before she lost it.

We got a photo… it wasn’t a Mrs. America beauty but it wasn’t a home alone, “I’m frightened” photo either.

I showed Ava the picture when we got home and she smiled so to me that was SUCCESS. We got some take out lunch from GREENWICH SALAD CO. It was quite delicious and I love salads that are super loaded… this one was packed and I could barely finish it!!

It was called the “Treehugger Salad” and had a Vegan Avocado dressing that I loved!

Friday night my parents came over for dinner and to give Ava her birthday presents.

I think she was confused at all the new stuff, but she was clearly enjoying every second! She got Mickey’s Christmas and the Frozen movie on Blu-ray. I seriously can’t wait to watch them. I think her attention span is about 10 minutes but we will watch them in sections and get through it!

She also got this awesome play golf set… We are thinking Ava would make a fabulous golfer!

Ava’s grandparents also bought her a Giraffe rocker….Think she’s spoiled?

It’s worth it!! Ava’s 1st birthday was so much fun and I loved seeing her smile all day long.

I will update you Monday afternoon with photos and details from her 1st Birthday Party. Stay tuned…

December 5, 2014
by Kelly @ The Fit Skool
4 Comments

HAPPY 1st BIRTHDAY AVA!!

HAPPY 1st BIRTHDAY to my sweet little AVA!!

I can’t help but say that TIME FLIES. The other night I sat on the computer flipping through the past year of pictures of our little Ava. Marc joined me and we smiled at how cute she is and laughed at all the crazy faces she makes!

I never realized how much I could love her but it won’t stop growing!

Each day she surprises us… she is so smart, so caring, so strong, and so beautiful!

At the 1 year mark, Ava is weighing in at 21lbs. I don’t know her exact length but I know she is getting taller because she is able to open more cabinets in the kitchen and pull out more items from the fridge! She can get on her tippy tippy toes and grab the place mats off our kitchen table! Yikes.

New stuff for Ava:

She pretty much runs from room to room pretty quickly (unless she falls) Walking is over-rated.
She loves laying on Cooper and petting him

She likes hide and seek and being chased.
She loves going for rides in her toy bin.

She does not like when you take something away from her that she shouldn’t have.
She dances every time the Mickey Mouse song comes on.
If you ask her to find a specific toy she will find it and pick it up.
If she is done eating she will “windshield wiper” her food onto the floor

If she doesn’t like a food she hands it to Cooper.
She waves hi and bye, and gives high fives
She is trying to say Grandma.. so far its Gragra
She can say Cracker and Cooper but in her language
She tends to say Dada more freely and mama when she wants something (like when she wants OUT of her crib)

If you tell her to brush her hair, she takes the brush and tries to brush her hair! (She will also brush her teeth if you give her a toothbrush).
When we take Cooper for a walk, before we leave, she grabs the leash and “walks” him around the house with a huge smile on her face.

At the dinner table she makes loud noises and giggles when she’s full
When we read books she likes to turn the pages herself.
If you give her the phone and say “ava its for you” she will put it up to her ear.
She is ticklish like her mom… her neck, underarms, belly, and thighs are the go to ticklish spots. Her giggle is priceless.

This list can clearly go on and on.. but I will stop.

An update about me:

Rather then start off with an update on my body or my fitness level I want to update you about being a “NEW MOM.” As much as I love Ava, being a Mom has been the hardest job I have ever had. Although its hard, it is so rewarding. We have had so many amazing days together

but we have also had some that have tested my patience, my sanity and my energy. Now I get the importance of Mother’s day.. Moms are amazing Having a baby has changed my life for the better. She makes me want to work harder, train harder, eat healthy, and make myself better in every way possible.

Now an update on my body & fitness level. I am happy to say that my weight is exactly what it was before I got pregnant. The scale is just a NUMBER and although that number is the same… it is different for me. I am the the strongest I have ever been!! That is mind blowing to me. I am able to do more pushups, I am able to squat more weight, I don’t fatigue as quick during my workouts, and I can lift heavier weights!! Woohoo.

So that number now factors in more muscle… which to me is a huge accomplishment for me!!

I think we all have areas of our body we want to work on … my stomach is strong but it can always improve. It was so weak after I had Ava and has gained so much strength since but I would love to see it be rock solid

I would also like to work on my posture!

How about you??

In the past year I have learned to laugh more, smile more, and enjoy each and every day! So Thank you Ava for making me a better person!

XOXO,

Kelly

December 4, 2014
by Kelly @ The Fit Skool
2 Comments

Easing Lower Back Pain

This week is flying by and I have no complaints what so ever. My little Ava is turning ONE tomorrow. I can’t believe it. I will be sure to dedicate my post to her tomorrow!!

So last night I woke up in the middle of the night and my lower back was bothering me. When I got up this morning it still was a little irritated. I thought I would share this with you because I am not perfect, and just like some of you out there I have muscle imbalances that I know are causing the irritation in my back. The first time I experienced lower back pain was during labor with Ava. Besides hip surgery, this pain was hands down the worst. All you moms out there know the type of pain I am talking about.

This little back irritation is nothing compared to labor but rather then ignore it, I immediately did a stretch workout. The series of stretches I did was no more then 10-15 minutes. It was similar to the Ballet Stretch workout I did a couple of weeks ago. You can see some more stretches in the ballet post.

I find that the stretching I do with my classes just isn’t enough for how active I am, so I put in a little extra on my own time!

The reasons I think I had lower back pain:

1. Tight hip flexors

2. Picking up Ava with poor form. Bending at the waist instead of squating down to get her. (LAZYYYY)

3. Lifting heavier this week when I probably should’ve stayed at the weights I was currently lifting at.

4. Sleeping in odd positions. Last night I slept on my stomach but my arms and head were on my pillow, so my back was definitely arched

As a Personal Trainer, I know how to avoid lower back pain and what I should do to fix it! I’m not embarrassed that it happened to me but I am definitely aware that I need to make some changes!!

What has helped me to Ease my Lower Back Pain:

Stretch
Try not to sit for long periods of time
Keep moving to avoid extra tightness
Strengthen my hips, pelvic, and abdominal muscles.

After 10-15 minutes of stretching I felt like brand new

Do you ever have any back pain or tightness?

What are your favorite stretches? How often do you stretch?