Be careful what you label your workouts..

I just thought this to be interesting...Check it out and tell me what you think.

"The Type of Workout that Tricks you into Eating More" -- By Women's Health Mag.


The power of words.


P.S. This website has phenomenal information including: chilling summer recipes, workout videos, inspirational photos + stories to help keep you motivated. Keep building that mental strength!

But, I thought Sunscreen protected me?!

Why, yes! Sunscreen does protect your skin, however, not ALL sunscreens are good for you. Your skin is the largest organ in/on your body, and it has pores. That sunscreen + the chemicals inside it may be more harmful to you than helpful.

I was reading an article on the BodyMindSoulSpirit website (which has some notable health information), and it confirmed and informed me of a lot of information. Here are some bullet points from this article you should keep in mind before purchasing sunscreen:

• Chemicals and minerals filter out UVA and UVB rays. 
• Most commonly found chemical in sunscreens is, Avobenzone. 
• Thought to block UVB's the best, but happens to be an endocrine disruptor (the endocrine system comprises all the glands and hormones produced by these glands).
• Avobenzone is sometimes found in plastic bottles and toys. 
• Oxybenzone, huge chemical culprit in the sunscreen biz. 
• The Envirionmental Working Group (EWG) believe this chemical is causes hormone disruption as well as cell damage, which can lead to skin cancer. 

Check out the EWG's website on Safe Sunscreen's. It's awesome and worth the research time to find the best skin protection. 

Be safe and have fun in the sun! 

You + Sunny Summer Days

Koʻolau Summit Trail -- Makapuʻu
Photo: Remington Taum © 

Take advantage of the season! Summer time is here, the beach is calling your name, grab a good book and some ice water, head outside, lay out a towel, relax and breath in the warm breeze.

If you're not near a beach or a beach goer, take that book poolside or on your lanai (patio), either way, being outside is refreshing and exciting.

Take a break from the gym, don't get me wrong, it's a great place, but take your workouts outside and play! Invite a group of friends or just another buddy and play some volleyball, soccer or some fun partner games.

Here's a game: Stand across from one another, like you're looking at yourself in the mirror. Take turns mimicking each other's movements. The object is to tire your friend out! Move fast, jump, lunge, do an entire workout!

Another idea: Push your car. Have a friend sit in the drivers seat, put your car in neutral (don't leave it running or you'll breath in fumes) and push away. This will seriously work your lungs, legs, you name it, it's being worked.

Here's a thought: Go for a hike! Download the app, EveryTrail, it's like a Yelp! for hiking. Users log on and write about their hikes, upload photos and directions. It'll let you in on so many different places you haven't (or may have) heard of. It helps to get a general idea about what to expect on the hike. After you've chosen your destination and finished the hike, log on later and write about your experience!


Good luck and have fun!
Aloha!

CROSSFIT -- Yes, I said it.

Say, CrossFit has really become something. Honestly, it's phenomenal how big it is, but it's not new. There's been circuit training like this for years.

 In my opinion, it's up at the top of my list of ways to work out your body and stay in tip top shape. The workouts train you aerobically and anaerobically in a shorter amount of time, rather than spending 45 minutes on a treadmill (which is not a bad thing!).

Now, I haven't been to a CrossFit, gym? Or is it a workout center? But hopefully one day I will. But there are many things you CAN do at home to get yourself ready and feeling confident.

 FitSugar.com has a plethora of 10-minute workouts (including CrossFit) you can follow, 30 to 40 minute workouts, Yoga stretches, sample Tabata workouts, at home Pilates and Barre routines and more. Granted not all the workouts you'll find are CrossFit, but they'll help you get in better shape, regain confidence and guarantee learn a lot about your own body.

Not only will you find out about your lung capacity, but which side of your body is more coordinated and stronger. Don't forget to keep your diet clean. Limit (cut out if possible) sugar, wheats (I'll touch up on this down the road), but if you're curious check out "Wheat Belly", by William Davis, MD.

All-in-all, the body can do amazing things. It will take some time to get in the shape you dream about and some practice to do handstand push-ups, but what's stopping you? Yourself? Think about it. Dream big, aim high, reach for the stars, whatever the cliche is, do it. Keep pushing yourself, but have fun!