Enjoying my new ride

It's not a brand new car if that's what you're thinking. I'm referring to my brand new Schwinn Hybrid. He! He! This was my "just because I love you" gift from B (now everybody say "awwwww"). I never asked for it but was hoping to own one since B has his own bike too. Besides, we need an alternative outlet for "bonding time" than going out to eat. With spring just right around the corner, I want to be outside as much as possible. You can only work out so much in the gym, ya know:-)

I've had my new toy for two weeks now and last Saturday, the weather was finally nice enough to take it out for a ride for the first time. B and I went to our local park. Their bike trail over looks the lake and the view made our ride even more enjoyable. I'll just let the pictures do the talking...enjoy!

Excited!

Regardless if the lake is manmade, the view is still beautiful.

Let me play pictionary first. B was making comments around this time already. lol!

Honey stop taking pictures!

 

Can you take a picture of me first while I ride my bike? And don't you just love my fanny pack? Where else would I put my camera then if not for this beauty? lol!



Takiing a break. Thank goodness he agreed to have his picture taken. :-)

I would like to come back here and do a fashion shoot. LOL!

If you guys have a bike, don't just let it rust in your garage. Take it out for a ride from time to time. Not only it's a good form of leg excercise, but you get to bond and enjoy the company of your loved ones while doing so. Not to mention, choose regional parks that have bike trails. It's a stress free environment. The view is beautiful, the wind is refreshing and most importantly, the thought of getting fit is inspiring. We biked for about three hours and by the time we got home, my legs were on fire. It was definitely a good burn!

Hope you have a great weekend ahead..I plan to do more biking on Saturday!

Bisous, Contessa

Fitness Friday - Let's Get Running or Jogging

You probably all know that running or jogging has many great benefits for the over all health. I think any form of excercise is great for our health. It promotes a great cardiovascular work out and strenghtens our muscles.  One does not need to be a professional sprinter or marathon runner to be able to do this. (Did you know that a sprinter has the lowest levels of body fat?) Now, what's your motivation? HAHA! As long as you get those muscles moving on a regular basis, you'd be surprise that your metabolism will slowly increase. And you will also notice an improvement in your over all health and fitness. I always like being active and if I don't get a work out, I become lethargic.



I had to blur it a little bit for that mysterious look. lol!







 With spring just right around the corner, put on your favorite running or walking shoes. Make it a habit to get moving even just for 30 minutes a day. Trust me, you will slowly start seeing the difference in your stamina.



Me and My Yoga Pose:-). Hey that's my fanny pack right there. LOL!

And oh, don't forget to stretch before and after. It's a very important that you do so especially if you have a regular excercise regimen. It prevents yourself from getting injured and pulling your muscles hard.



 

And go geese hunting too! J/K! But I swear they are such a pest. I have to ba careful and actually look at the trail, otherwise, I'd step on their nasty poop. Ugh!









 I know that I probably bored you with my health lecture this morning. Bottom line is, it's your body and you can do whatever you want with it:-).  But hey, in the long run, it will totally benefit you. And yes, you can thank me later....:-)  I hope you enjoy your Friday.

Bisous, Contessa

Fitness Friday - Let's Do Some Push-Ups

From now on, I will dedicate every Friday's post to fitness (and excercise). Fitness, food, and fashion. These are three things that I live for (well besides my B and family,:)). I feel that since it plays an essential role in my life, other than cooking, I might as well blog and share some fitness tips with you.  

What about fitness? Well, it's been a part of my whole life. Whether it be sports or outdoor activities, I have always been conscious with the importance of living fit and staying active. It did not happen over night.  It was rather a journey. Trust me, it took a while to get to where I am. It definitely took some planning and the right state of mind.

Before I go on, I just want to assure you that I am, in no way, an expert in physical training. I just hope that I can be able to inspire you. By all means, you are entitled to any physical activity that you are capable of. Any of the excercise tips I share here should be read with caution. Some of the things I do might not be easy for you. But I say, push yourself to the limit (Scarface's Push it the the Limits is playing in the background, lol). To the limit!!! Nice work-out song too!

Since we are talking about "pushing" it to the limit, how about let's start this Friday with some push-ups? It's one of my favorite activity/excercise to do.  It's free and you don't need to be in the gym.  You can do it pretty much anywhere and anytime. I remember in the past, I had a hard time doing full on military style push-up. Like I said, it was a journey. I practiced and practiced until I perfected it. Now I think I can do 50 of them. But just don't challenge me, okay? LOL!


Thanks to my friend/gym buddy Nanette for taking this picture after our ab lab class.

(The picture above is taken right after my ab class in the gym. Mind you, we just did 30 seconds straight push-up here. My shoulders were about to give in. But they say, no pain, no gain). 
If I can do a push-up, you can clearly do one too! I mean, its one of the basic and common excercise for the human body. It has many great benefits to your body. Not only, it increases your strenght but it makes your core stronger as well.  And who does not want toned shoulders?  I know you do:-) Start slowly and before you know it, by the end of the week, you can do more than you think you can.



Was trying to be serious and hold it at the same time. I just can't stop laughing. I feel like I am making a fool of my self lol.

Before I end this post (coz I am about to do more push-ups, jk!), here is a great tip: Do some sets of push-up before going out escpecially when you are wearing something that reveals your shoulders and torso. You will not be sweating and if you are, you will be glistening with sweat. You will see some definition:-)
Till next Friday's fitness post! Have a great weekend...Bisous, Contessa