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A few weeks ago I purchased a Groupon for 10 classes  of Bikram Yoga (Hot Yoga). I thought it would be a great way to try something new to benefit my weight loss journey. I've heard so much about Bikram Yoga that I've been wanting to try it and today was my first day. I attended a class at Radiance of San Marco for Bikram Yoga in Jacksonville, FL.

Bikram style Hatha Yoga, ideal for the beginner as well as the seasoned
practitioner, is a demanding, dynamic, and exhilarating routine of 26 strengthening and toning postures (asanas) practiced in the detoxifying calm of a heated studio.  This allows you to work deep into muscles, tendons, ligaments, joints, and organs of every cell of the body, to change from the inside out. Bikram Yoga is a process that can reduce the symptoms of many injuries and chronic diseases, as well as being an excellent preventative activity.  In time, you learn to focus your mind and control your breath, leading you to work harder, deeper, and yet calmer. Bikram Yoga increases flexibility, improves circulation, and reduces stress, to provide an infinite number of benefits. The more you put into your class, the more you will get out of it.

As for my first class, I must say that I was a bit challenged. Many of the exercises I could do or at least try, but there were some that had me looking like "HOW DID THEY DO THAT?" The instructor informed me at the beginning of class that if I needed to take a break that was fine. The goal was to try if possible, watch others for help, and listen to my body. The room was 105 degrees, so walking in I instantly started sweating. It's best to be well hydrated and I wasn't.  All day I was afraid that I might vomit in class so I kind of limited my food and drink intake all day......next time I know better. 

The class was 90 minutes long and we worked the ENTIRE time! Yeah we had a few water breaks, but they were only 30 seconds each. I was doing okay with the heat until the last 30 minutes. Those last 30 minutes felt like they were the LONGEST 30 mins of my life!!!!! I literally felt like my body was on FIRE! Within that time the instructor was nice enough to open the door to let some air in for a minute - WHAT A RELIEF! After the class was done, I didn't want to move LOL! I was exhausted; barely enough energy to drive home. I made it though......FOXXY made it through her first Bikram Yoga class and it's not the last!

Overall I really enjoyed the class and I'll be headed back next sunday. I'll be better prepared next week with at least 2 liters of water intake before class and I'll be wearing shorts instead of leggings! 

Hot Yoga for Hot Foxxy,
Foxxy



 
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After wearing my running shoes for almost a month, I was still having slight foot discomfort. When I purchased my shoes I was given a 30 day return policy; They assured me that no matter what we would find the right shoe for me! After my run last saturday I decided to go back to the store, Jacksonville Running Company, to explain my pain and find a corrective shoe.

The issue I noticed when running was my forefoot didn't feel like it was getting the needed support. After each run my outer foot (baby toe area) was really sore. The store associate pulled another shoe for me with added cushion and and extended forefoot base that provides extra cushion for a wider foot. The store associate brought out the Brooks Glycerin 10 ($140). When I put the shoe on my foot felt enveloped in comfort. Although this shoe is a bit heavier than my first pair (Dyad 7), I'll get use to that. Comfort is most important to me. Brooks describes the Glycerin 10:

Go ahead, spoil your feet. Slip them into the perfectly plush, incredibly balanced, Glycerin 10. We’ve designed the forefoot with enhanced flexibility for an effortless toe-off in every step. An updated saddle hugs the unique shape of your foot, while a full-length Brooks® DNA midsole customizes cushion to your individual stride. A luxurious ride from heel to toe, your feet will feel like a million bucks.
I've worn the shoes as I worked out all week, but today is the big test. I'll be going for a 30 minute jog and that will really determine if "THIS IS IT".......The shoe for Foxxy!

Wish me luck,
Foxxy
 
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I DID IT! YAY ME! Can you tell I'm excited......I successfully completed my first day of personal training. Transforming "Foxxy" is in full effect and there's no turning back. My friend Shanae and I met with Dr. Fitness of Fitness Pursuits for a one hour training session.

I kinda knew what to expect having attended a boot camp at Fitness Pursuits.......BUT Dr. Fitness did not disappoint! The warm up alone was a five minute walk on the treadmill at 2.0mph and 15 INCLINE.....WHERE THEY DO THAT AT???? We had to get our heart rate up to 150. My heart rate climbed there quite fast, but my friend had to run backwards on the treadmill to get her heart rate - Ms. Jillian Michaels Jr LOLOLOLO!!!!!

From the stretches to our complete leg workout, I kept asking myself what did I get myself into! It was great having my friend as a partner because when I got tired I would just look at her (going fast as ever) and KEEP PUSHING! Dr. Fitness said Mondays are "Maniac Mondays" and he sure treated my legs as if they were maniacs. Although I was pushing past my limits, I hung in there and he directed and guided us.......With A SMILE!

I'm really looking forward to what he has in store tonight. I've committed to meeting with him for 4 days each week. I'm sure I'm going to have a love/hate relationship with him by the end of the 3 months.

Transforming "Foxxy" in FULL EFFECT,
Foxxy

 
Today is the day! I'm so excited and SCARED at the same time. It's my first official day meeting with my new personal training team at Fitness Pursuits in Jacksonville. The Owner, Dr. Fitness, emailed me a meal plan to follow for the next three months. I went grocery shopping last night to purchase most of the items on the list (pictured) that included, brown rice, whole wheat bread, and hummus just to name a few. For breakfast I'm suppose to eat brown rice......I'm sure your giving the side eye just like I did LOL! I'll be sure to keep you all updated on my progress.

Wish me luck,
Foxxy
 
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Over the weekend I stopped in on of my favorite stores World Market. I ADORE this store because its chock full of awesome finds from all over the world! I'm sure to leave the store with something I didn't come for but so happy I found; Whether its jewelry, food, bath products, wine, or decor.

This trip I was focused on finding some new spices & seasoning to add a kick to my vegetables......Just trying to make it through the ending stretch of my January "No Meat" challenge. Instead of finding spices & seasonings, I stumbled upon a display of soup mixes by the brand Market Classic. They carry a wide variety of flavors to choose from and they are currently on sale for $2.99. 1 package of soup mix makes approxmiately 8 cups......that's a week worth of meals for $3 (reg priced $3.99)!

To create your savory southern soup, you will need:
1 package of soup mix
6.5 cups of low sodium chicken broth
1 cup half & half
A blender with the ability to puree
Cooking Time: approx 25 minutes

Nurtrition Information: 1 serving = 1/4 cup prepared 130 calories, 0 fat, 240mg sodium, 14g carb, 2g dietary fiber, 4g sugar, 1g protein

If you're looking for something new for your taste buds to savor, this is it! It gives you the taste of a sweet potato~~~~A little bit of sweetness, infused with savory spices. It challenges your palate a bit to taste all the seasoning and be delighted in the process. On the packaging its recommended to top with maple syrup or parmesan cheese.

Enjoy the southern flavor,
Foxxy
 
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Icy Hot? Yep your eyes are not deceiving you. Icy Hot is one of God's greatest creations (MY opinion)after a hard workout. When my body is yelling for relief I look to my trusty Icy Hot tube :)

If you're not familiar with Icy Hot, it is a pain-relieving cream that begins to work on contact to bring fast relief. The cream is non-greasy.

Uses
Temporarily relieves minor pain associated with: arthritis, simple backache, muscle strains, sprains, bruises, and cramps.


How do I apply Icy Hot? Honestly if I'm really aching and need some deep relief, I apply the product right out of the shower. I instantly feel the sensation! Initially my skin feels as if its on fire...........I'm going to make you not want to try it LMBO! The sensation is very intense but it starts to feel like someone is giving me a deep tissue massage!

This idea is not for the sensitive! You have to be able to take some HEAT and some pressure but I promise that after one use you will feel so relaxed. My muscles always thank me afterwards.......I think yours will do the same.

Relief Through Heat,
Foxxy

 
I headed to the World Market store this weekend to see if I could find something new to satisfy my taste buds. My "No Meat" January challenge is going smooth, but I love trying new things and World Market never disappoints. From candy, spices, wine, teas, chips, and even accessories; The World Market always has something new for me to try.

Walking the aisles I spotted the Market Classic Soup Mix. The display had so many flavors it was hard to decide on what to try first. I decided to purchase a few ....Southern Sweet Potato and Spicy Jambalaya. February 1st I'll be headed back to the store for a few more! They're on sale right now for $2.99 and serves 8. Now that's a great deal!
 
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I love facebook for numerous reasons, one in particular is that I'm able to find new products. I stumbled on a new monthly subscription service for healthy snacks called NatureBox. They offer different levels but the most popular is the NatureBox deluxe package. The deluxe package contains 5 FULL-sized packages of great tasting, nutritionist approved snacks each month.

According to NatureBox, the mission is: 
"Discover a Healthier You NatureBox helps you eat healthier without needing to change your eating habits. We focus on snacks because that’s the easiest habit to change. Do you know that the average American eats almost 25% of their calories from snacking? In fact, snacking is the leading cause of childhood obesity. NatureBox helps you get more out of your day without wasting calories on the bad stuff."

Food You Can Trust
Every NatureBox item is carefully sourced and nutritionist approved.
Everything inside your NatureBox will be guilt free so that you can feel great
about what you’re eating. You can trust that our products will be made from the
most wholesome ingredients and will be minimally processed, if at all.

Try Us Risk Free!
Each box costs just $19.95 and shipping is always free with NatureBox. You
can pause or cancel anytime, and we’ll happily issue a refund if you’re not 100%
satisfied.

Together, We Give
For every NatureBox delivered, together we’re helping to feed the hungry
through our partnership with Feeding America. NatureBox donates one meal for
every box to feed the over 14 million children in America who go hungry. We
believe in doing good and eating well.

Get your 1st box of delicious and healthy snacks for $10 with code: SNACKHEALTHY
http://www.ntbx.co/SHq?&aff_sub4=10offer&promo=snackhealthy For more information, check out www.naturebox.com.

Healthy Is Better,
Foxxy

 
    I did then what I knew how to do. Now that I know better, I do better - Dr. Maya Angelou
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This crazy body of mine tends to be injury prone......EVERYTIME I start a workout regimen I hurt myself in some form or fashion! From a sprained foot, heel spurs, and even a strained rotator cuff.......It's always something! Well in 2013 I want to do better (AND last longer) in my fitness journey so I'm looking to professionals for help. I've been running for the past 8 weeks using the Couch 2 5K program, but I don't want to hurt myself. So I registered for a Good Form Running Clinic to assist me in running faster, easier & injury Free! This clinic is held by a Jacksonville Florida store called: 1st Place Sports. I attended the clinic this week with one of my girlfriends.

At 1st Place Sports, The Good Form Running Clinic is offered on Wednesday nights at your selected location at 6:00 PM. The clinic is free, but is limited to twenty runners per class. They ensure that the class will show you the proper techniques, which could make you a faster runner, make your running easier, and help you avoid common running injuries. I really didn't know what to expect when I got to the clinic. The clinic was headed by the store's manager who was once a professional runner. The program stress the "4 Simple Steps to Good Form": Posture, Mid-Foot, Cadence, and Lean (see the chart below). After going through all 4 steps, he offered to run with each of us individually. As he ran with me he watched my movements and kept a count of my cadence. He told me that my cadence was good but my form was all wrong, I was losing momentum as I ran because I was striking the ground with the heel.  We then practiced running with my arms at 90 degrees and focused on running mid-foot.

I left the clinic inspired to use the new information and to start week 8 C25K with a bang. I headed straight to the gym where I used the new info I gained and I ran my best time EVER!!! During the entire C25K training this is the first time I kept the same speed (3.5), paced myself and my stride stayed on point the entire run! I never thought I would be able to run 28 minutes straight......I left the gym on CLOUD 9! Day 2 run was a great repeat of Day 1 results. For Day 3 of wk 8 I'm taking my run to the downtown bridges of Jacksonville......Go Foxxy!

Learning more about the art of running and getting closer to my goal of "Being a runner" feels awesome! Wish me luck on this wonderful journey to "Transforming Foxxy". For more information on Good Form Running, check out www.goodformrunning.com.

Runners Beware,
Foxxy

 
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So C25K is all that.....If I say so myself! The Couch to 5K journey of learning how to run a full 30 mins straight has been so much fun. I'm currently in week 8, after doing week 7 for two weeks instead of one. Week 7 is running for 25 mins straight and I just couldn't make. After my first week I made it 22 mins with 3 mins of walking. I had to be honest with myself and re-do week 7.

I want to be successful at the program and all the information that I read said it's okay to do a week over.......listen to your body.........be honest with yourself........move forward when you are ready. Well after last friday I think I'm ready to move forward! I ran my BEST time(pictured) I was able to do a 5 mins warmup, jog/run 24 out of 25 mins straight, and I finished my workout with 15 mins of walking at 3.4mph!!! Although I didn't make it the full 25 mins, I came close and I'm confident that I can make up the one minute during week 8.

This might not be a best for you, but it's surely a BEST FOR ME! Definitely not where I want to be, but I'm getting there. I'm a runner - something I NEVER thought I would be. 2 more weeks to go! I'm excited to see my final results of week 9.........Until then friends!

Foxxy


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