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Finding My People-Idea World BlogFest Recap

IdeaWorldBlogfest

Idea World Blogfest 2016

I attended Idea World Blogfest with Sweat Pink

Last week, I went to a magical place, far far away called Los Angeles, and I entered into the world known as IDEA.  It was such an amazing experience, and I was blessed to been able to attend it.  I went to the IdeaWorld BlogFest Convention welcomed with open arms.  I got to hang, learn and be around my people. Over 14,000 Fitness Professionals from 54 Countries attended and the entire week was buzzing with health, nutrition, fitness and wellness. It was everything that I expected!

Exactly what I didn’t expect

I expected to be educated about blogging. Suspected that I would meet a few women that I connected with and were nice.  Intended on eating every day I was there. Knew I was going to workout before I attended that’s a given at a fitness convention. I was positive there would be vendors with fitness equipment, exercises, etc. I’ve been to a few expo’s I know how that part goes.  I knew all these things were going to happen but to the caliber that they were executed; I didn’t know that.

IdeaWorld Blogfest Workshop

The Workshops
Each workshop had such great information, you didn’t want to get up to use the restroom because you might miss something. I did have to leave once so I  audio recorded the session because I didn’t want to miss a thing. With all the water we received, lets just say we were well hydrated the entire time.  The first day was full of workshops do’s and don’ts; tips and tricks, quick valuable, actionable information overload tweet breaks. The tweet breaks were great, it was direct information from the Brands that we love. They told us specifically what they are looking for, who do they hire and teaching us great information in a 20 minute session. That was awesome to hear news from The Bells Institute, Generals Mills, Siggi’s, GymGo, Vital Proteins and Melissa Hartwig co-author of the Whole 30.

Blogging Tips

The blogging information was just what this newbie needed. I’ve been blogging since May 2015, and its been advice, some good, some bad, trial and error but I think I am finally getting the hang of things.  I have attended events in Philadelphia and New York but the amount of immediately actionable information that I received was right on time.  If someone who is already doing what I am doing and successful at it tells me to do A+B; I’ll take their word and do what they advise.  There is no need to reinvent the wheel. So, I went to Los Angeles ready to be a sponge and soak up everything I could.

IdeaWorld BlogFest.

Learning from our Peers and Pitches

We also had blog reviews from our peers, which was great to have a completely non-bias eye on the blog. I met other beginner(s), seasoned veterans and some women who have taken their blog, personal training and business to a level I aspire to be. The feedback which I received from others in our industry was invaluable. Everyone was so kind, so honest and helpful, it was a great experience. On the second day, we had the opportunity to pitch to major corporations. I believe I presented myself well but a barrier that I often face is my “in your face” Christianity, which I am not going to change and if Corporations can’t work with me because of my beliefs I’m okay with that. Either way, whatever the outcome it was a great opportunity to practice. The opportunity to network was welcomed & necessary to everyone participating.

John 15:19 does say, If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you.

IdeaWorld Blogfest Lunch

Staying Well Fed

The fact that I didn’t have to worry about feeding myself and there were options for my dietary needs that I didn’t have to think about, my food was a nice change of pace. It was like having my meal planned and prepped for me; It was wonderful!  Breakfast was with General Mills on the first day and Silk on the second. Lunch was from Pure Protein and Morning Star.  Each meal session gave valuable information about our sponsors and what they’ll be up to in the next few months. It was nice to get the inside scoop and information.

Our meals were of a great variety and using the sponsors products, some, I will be adding to my meal plan at home. Silk was represented by The Blender Girl  she made an amazing Strawberry Red Bell Pepper Smoothie at their booth that I am going to make for my family without telling them the ingredients (hubby may know, he reads my blogs). It was delicious and I never knew that would be a tasty flavor combination. I have so many new recipes to try and you know me, I love a good kitchen experiment. So stay tuned for more of those hitting my “Mealtime Monday’s.”

IdeaWorld BlogFest Gunnar Peterson Workout

Bands Matter with Gunnar Peterson

I was at Idea World Blogfest and World Convention for three days & worked out three times. I could have done more but being a newbie I didn’t plan my schedule accordingly. Although, I don’t think my body could have handled much more; next year I should be in even better shape and will try to challenge myself. I was pretty spent on Saturday. The fitness aspect of IdeaWorld Blogfest didn’t happen until the second day. I do wish that they would have had a yoga session Thursday morning or something to have us moving. By the time it was Friday, I was ready to workout with Gunnar Peterson. The workout was great with resistance bands/high-intensity exercises. If you check out the video, you can see the struggle and a glimpse at our workout.

Experiencing the Todd Durkin Experience

Saturday, I arrived at Idea World Convention early to attend the Todd Durkin Bootcamp. That experience had me in tears, I didn’t realize what this last year has done to and for me.  Brought me out of depression, motivated me to get up, be active, healthy and inspire others.  Todd’s words of encouragement to all of us had me teary eyed with pride. I was praying to God not to let me embarrass myself by vomiting everywhere half way through a circuit. I did it though, got through it, didn’t vomit and had the sweat to prove that my fat was bawling and the workout was great. It was a great way to end the most intense workouts that I have done in awhile; the Bootcamp brought me back to my first days working out where it took prayer, willpower and determination to get it done. Here I am, 50lbs lighter and more determined than ever to reach my goal and destination! It was a Mind, Body and Spiritual experience, something that I aspire to give to my clients one day. After the intense training with Todd, I attended a Workshop by Scott Rawcliff, Metabolic Mayhem, which fascinates me. Saturday was a fantastic way to end my trip learning from the best in the business.

IdeaWorld Convention Todd Durkin

Two Amazing Women

There were two speakers at the Idea World Convention that motivated and inspired and made me want to go after my dreams.  Each of their stories were very different ones, they choose to move on to something new and exciting. One of the speakers was forced to move on to something new and stimulating; the other chose to move on to something new. I am talking about Jenna Wolfe, who formerly was a Health and Lifestyle Reporter for the Today Show and Amy Van Dyken-Rouen the six-time Olympic Gold Swimmer. Although, each of their stories were different, their messages were the same! You can achieve anything and everything but tomorrow is not promised. So we must take advantage of today and make it count to the best of our abilities.  I video’d each speech and have been listening to them on Audio for motivation. Everyday human beings can do extraordinary things and these two speakers, expressed that wholeheartedly.

 

IdeaWorld Blogfest 2016

 My Biggest Takeaway

The takeaway that I had was that fitness is not age, color, race, ethnicity, size or gender. Fitness is a mindset! Want to uplift your body and be the best? Adapt that mindset. My experience at Idea World Convention was memorable. It was my first time but next year I will be attending as a Personal Trainer and the world of opportunity will be greater and brighter. I want to thank Fit Approach Sweat Pink for making me feel welcomed and organizing a great event for bloggers.  I came home motivated to take this blog to another level. I am grateful that I had the opportunity to attend. Next year, I hope/aspire to be even closer to my goals and fine tuning my blog. For now, I am going to take what I have learned, apply it and improve upon it every day. I have no idea how but I am praying God will lead my steps.

IdeaWorld BlogFest Bloggers

 

** I was inspired to try my first Facebook Live: If you want to check out all the Goodies I got

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Self

What About Me (time)?

 

FaithFueled Friday

1 Timothy 4:8
For while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.

As a Mom of three little diva’s (Divine, Inspirational, Virtuous, Anointed). I find that daily “Me” time with the Lord is essential to raising them, but short little momcation is a bonus. I used to fill every aspect of the day to managing my household. My only break would be a few necessary bathroom breaks, a quick shower or maybe five hours of sleep that I would get each night. That would leave me spent, stressed, resentful and often a “not nice” mommy often.

Mommy time

My middle daughter often says “What-about-me;” it’s one word for her. Anytime her sister gets something, does something, or goes somewhere; My Lailah pipes up, “Whataboutme?”. During a particular day, where many prayers of patience and wisdom were said, it dawned on me. “Whataboutme”? When do I get me time? What would I do with it? What do I need from it? I need some peace, serenity, clarity and sometimes guidance in my life. Where can I find that for free (therapy is not cheap)? Time with God.

Matthew 6:33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

After rearranging my days, waking up a little earlier. I now start my day off devoting to the Lord for 30 minutes, if I am lucky an hour. The results are amazing. I began reading a chapter of Proverbs and reflecting. Then, I started buying women’s book Bible studies and doing those. Then I graduated to inductively studying books of the Bible. Every morning I retreat to my space on my back porch early in the morning when it’s just me and the birds chirping. There I get exclusive “Me” time with my Father. Pure soul contentedness when I take the time to devote with Jesus gives me the peace the I need to overcome the daily annoyance of mommyhood.

Mommy.time

Psalm 95:6 Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker;

We are taught to spend time in our Bible daily, but when I devote for 30 minutes in the morning somehow, it gives me the tools to use later that day. Sometimes it is exactly what I need other times it is exactly what I am going to need.

2 Peter 1:3 His divine power has given us everything needed for life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us by his glory and goodness.

Now, I don’t feel so warned down, short tempered I can show people and especially my children in the most pivotal moments. I feel like I am a priority in my families life even though sometimes they don’t express their appreciation because I know I am a child of God’s and His priority. That 30 minutes a day fills me up so I can tackle the next 16 hours of hard labor as a little diva’s household manager.

There are still days I am holding on by a prayer (because divas’ can be divas sometimes). Stressful days are less frequent, and I now can show grace. Each morning I am reminded of His grace.

I can show unconditional love and patience with my husband because of the unconditional love and patience God shows my family and me every day. All because I give myself a little me time every day. I feel when honoring your temple it doesn’t mean just to eat right and physical activity. It’s also your mind and your spirit which is an important part of who you are. Those things need nurturing and exercise too.

Mommy.time

Colossians 4:29 Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.

How do you deal with parenthood stress? Do you get me time and how do you like to spend it?

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Fitness Fitness and Health Weightloss Journey Workout Wednesday

Get Brycked Up!

BryckedFitness

I must get B.R.Y.C.K.E.D again!

I got B.R.Y.C.K.E.D Up, and I want to do it again and again. Two weeks ago, I was able to participate in something so fun, intense and different.  It was an hour and 20 minutes of pure sweat, laughs, smiles and hardcore non-stop workout.  I got B.R.Y.C.K.E.D Up, and I am now hooked.  I was invited by a friend to try a new workout; Of course, I was gamed!  When I got there, it was instantly enticing.  It was like stepping into a club there were Black Light, Strobe, Disco Ball, Carribean, Latin, Hip Hop music and sensory overload!  After the 2 minute warm up I was drenched in sweat and Tru Adams, the creator of Brycked Fitness was like, “Now let’s get started.” It was on an popping from that point forward.

B.R.Y.C.K.E.D Class

What is B.R.Y.C.K.E.D Fitness?

In my opinion, B.R.Y.C.K.E.D Fitness will be the next fitness phenomenon. I was privileged to experience it from the Creator, Batrice “Tru” Adams.

B.R.Y.C.K.E.D stands for:

Bootcamp.

Resistance.

Yoga.

Cardio.

Kickboxing.

Endurance.

Dance.

B.R.Y.C.K.E.D withTru

Who thought of that?

B.R.Y.C.K.E.D is a crazy INTENSE workout. Endurance is required and dancing makes the workout tolerable. All the movement makes you forget that you just did 40 squat jumps or 50 lunges then jabbing and kicking all in a 2 and half minute song span.  It makes it okay that you are doing bicep curls with resistance bands and then jumping jacks because you’re sweating and having fun. Tru Adams created B.R.Y.C.K.E.D out of the desire to create her a workout program. Tru compiled everything she loved and inspired her into this jam packed fitness workout program. Tru has been working in the fitness industry for over ten years and wanted something efficient and with variety.  She couldn’t pick just one, so she added EVERYTHING. (My kind of girl)

What is B.R.Y.C.K.E.D Like?

B.R.Y.C.K.E.D. appealed to me by covering all of your basics, adding on to others skills, and having different movements from song to song.  This format allows so much variety in one workout. I tend to get bored quickly with the same ole workout routine, over and over again. I burned 1100 calories in the one class. When I left the workout I was famished, pumped and woke up sore; but in a right way.  I hate cardio, but if cardio looked like B.R.Y.C.K.E.D; I see myself taking three classes a week. B.R.Y.C.K.E.D. could replace my normal workout routine. It’s that good! I also loved the Yoga part I never thought to include balance in my cardio but Tru slides that in too. Imagine doing Tree pose after you just squatted it out. Performing the Warrior Stance in between some high-intensity moves; I loved the mix of skills.

B.r.y.c.k.e.d Class.

Where can I get B.R.Y.C.K.E.D. Up? 

I am fortunate enough that the creator of this fantastic workout is near me local in the Southern New Jersey area.  There are opportunities to become certified in B.R.Y.C.K.E.D and also participate in Live Classes.  Words cannot do this class justice. Once you experience it you will want more!  I plan on getting certified in B.R.Y.C.K.E.D in the Fall or Winter and putting a Faith-based flare on it.  If there is a B.R.Y.C.K.E.D instructor in your area, I highly suggest you try a class.  What do you think? Would you try B.R.Y.C.K.E.D if it was in your area?

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Fitness Fitness and Health Weightloss Journey Workout Wednesday

Pound it!

Pound Fitness

The last few weeks have been an adventure in fitness. I have been trying out some cool classes like Insanity, Kangoo, themed runs, and Pound! Have you ever Pounded or also known as Rip Stix? It’s  interesting class it’s full cardio movement and drumming class.  You use weighted drumsticks and concentrate on different areas as you drum to the beat.  Keeping up with the rhythm and drumming almost distracts you from the pain in your quads from the 50 consecutive body weight squats you just completed in 1 minute.  I would describe Pound as a cardio workout that combines Pilates, isometric poses and plyometrics.  I attended a class at The Riverton Health and Fitness Center. The class I took was 30 minutes, and it was all I needed to do.

PoundFitness

Wasn’t what I expected

I was invited from a High School Cheerleading buddy who we have reconnected through a Facebook Accountability group. It was fun to reconnect and try out a new workout. I have to admit I did not research the class, but I knew that it involved drumsticks. The instructor was great. She was full of energy, loud, funny everything you need when you are crunching for your life. As I have been trying out various classes, I find the instructor is vital to a good class. I worked out areas that I least expected. The music was great too. I thought from the description that it was going to be a Rock music, but it was a good mix of Top 40 music all with heavy bass lines. It was intense too! I thought it would be a challenge but in each 2-4 minute song you probably did over 1,000 reps in a particular area. All the while continually working out your arms from Pounding the drumsticks, on the ground, over your head, drum rolling across the floor.

Was it a workout?

We worked our legs, abs, and backs and the next day I felt it in muscles I hadn’t worked before. Especially in my abs. All the different combinations mostly included isolating and stabilized your core in the movements. Some of the combinations took mental concentration too. Your arms are going one way, your legs the other and pounding all in between. I think this was intentionally, so you couldn’t focused on your hamstrings or external obliques screaming, “PLEASE STOP!”

Pound Fitness.

Worth a try?

I left POUND pumped, (yes pun intended) I love music and drumming to the music while working out was a fun energy release. I would like to try an hour long Pound class because although I was winded at the end of 30 minutes. I would like to challenge myself and see I could go for longer and how that would feel. If you have a local gym in your area that does Pound, it would be worth it to try out this new workout!

Have you ever Pound before? Heard of it?

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Fitness Fitness and Health Workout Wednesday

I’m Back-Running in the Super Run Philadelphia

TheSuperRunWorkoutWednesday

I DID IT! I also had a blast doing it. I ran my first 5k in 9 months. I used to run 5ks on a regular basis about three years ago but after having my last daughter and life running took a back seat.  I miss it so much; I didn’t realize until I barely trained for this 5k.  I have to admit I did not train well, but I liked to think that my weekly HIIT and Tabata gave me the endurance I needed to run the race mostly.  I did stop twice to walk but picked back up very quickly and surprised myself with an almost 39 minute 5k.  Now, I will admit it was my worst time so far but having ran a 1 mile twice before and did almost zero cardio in over 11 months I think I did awesome and even if I didn’t the experience was great.

The Super Run

The Real Results of a 5k

The Super Run is a 5k run for charity where you get to dress up like Super Heroes and run through the Philadelphia Navy Yard.  My family came, and it was a great inspiration for young and old.  This race was the first that my husband attended, and I have done at least 8 or 9, he isn’t a long distance runner, but he said the atmosphere was motivating. My 12-year-old daughter who was supposed to run with me but then once she realized it was over 3 miles bailed on me now wants to run a 5k with me.  The memories that are going to create is worth it alone, and my little ones had a blast bouncing in the bounce house.

The SuperRun

The Playlist

All week I had meant to create a playlist for the run.  I have to have music when I run long distance, and I just go into the mental head space you need to accomplish feats you don’t usually accomplish.  I bought new headphones because I don’t know about you but we have about 5 or 6 pairs of headphones and only one side works on all.  Got me a new armband for my phone I was ready, but I had forgotten to make a playlist.  Music is critical for running. I knew it was going to take me at least 40 minutes that was my goal, hindsight I was just shy of my goal, Godcidental? I think not. The morning of the race I got up early like I always do, did my devotional, got two divas and myself ready for the 5k run. Made breakfast for the crew and jumped in the car to be there ready to run and on time.  As soon as I got over the bridge heading into Philadelphia, I realized my one to-do that I had put off all week did not get done.  So, I pieced together what I later found out was the most motivating inspirational playlist I’ve ever created.  No need to skip a song or anything every time I need something to pick me up to keep my pace, tell me that I was strong and I could do it or just glorify God for getting to my place it played as if I had planned it out just perfectly.  My haphazardness worked in my favor.

Romans 8:28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

The.SuperRun

The Experience

I know I already told you that we got to dress up like Super Heroes and run through the streets but did I tell you that we got a cape too! That was great feeling the cape wisping at your back as you struggled (I struggled to get to the 2-mile mark) and like everything that I do God was real with me. I prayed the morning of the race and right before it started, asking God to give me the endurance, strength and determination to finish strong and of course, he did even better. I hit the 2-mile mark, and I thought I can just stop for a minute I was listening to my “Gangsta” Christian Rap music and the song, my new motivation song started blasting in my ears “Be Relentless,” By Vicktory & R4. Now just listening to the words motivated me to slow my pace but keep moving forward. I knew I had to get just a little bit further, and I would get there and become relentless and push a little bit further. I think that is another thing I miss about running pushing yourself past the limit you set for yourself. I ran differently than I every have I ran with God. When I felt out of breath, I prayed for inspiration, strength and endurance. I used to run as a form of meditation, this time, it was a kind of devotion.

Finding God in the Moment

I am horrible at scripture memorization. I do not do well with memorizing words, numbers I am great, words, quotes, scripture not so much but I can remember the passage very well and then read it. During my run two verse came to mind exactly right one I have been trying to memorize since the beginning of the year. It is my Bible verse for the year and every time I thought I could do no more it popped in my head encouraging me to focus on the task ahead and God,

Proverbs 4:25-27 

25 Look straight ahead,
    and fix your eyes on what lies before you.
26 Mark out a straight path for your feet;
    stay on the safe path.
27 Don’t get sidetracked;
    keep your feet from following evil.

TheSuper Run.

As my feet pound and my heart race this verse kept repeating itself in my head.  I wasn’t willing to give up as quickly as I thought with God being on my cheer wagon pushing me and cheering me on.  Another verse came up at the end of the race.  I had a strong finish I sprinted faster and harder than I have ever sprinted, I just wanted it to be over and the fastest way to get there were my feet, so I booked it.  When I passed the finish line I didn’t know if I was going to puke or pee (I know too much info but its the truth).  When I caught my breath, and my daughter came running towards me to congratulate me and clear as day I heard:

Isaiah 40:31 But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.

I am not sure if that was a coincidence since I had looked it up early in my devotion that morning or Godcidence because I did feel like I was going to faint but it’s exactly what I needed and a memorable way to finish the race. Until this year, I have never used my faith to help me with my workout, but I have found lots of different instances where I felt connected to God through working out, fitness and achieving goals. Someone asked me recently if I think that faith could be a part of fitness, and I believe that they are not only connected they are now inseparable for me.

Have you ever pushed yourself past the limit? What helped you motivate yourself?

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