fave products // collagen

 
VP collagen.jpg
 

By now I'm sure you've heard of collagen and its anti-aging properties, but do you know what it actually is and how it can help you? Let me give you a  little collagen 101 (with the help of The Coveteur). Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body. It's found in your bones, muscles, skin, and tendons, providing structure and strength to the body. In your skin's connective tissue, collagen aids in providing a firm and supple layer, as well as renewing skin cells. Skin elasticity relies on collagen, and it's what gives your skin a firm, youthful appearance. As we get older, our collagen production decreases, which can create deeper creases, enlarged pores, and less elasticity of the skin. To combat this, topical supplements containing peptides, vitamin C and retinol can work to boost that productivity.

You may also choose to ingest collagen orally, and by doing so can help build connective tissue in your hair, skin and nails, as well as regulate your body's metabolism. Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides are a great bioavailable type of collagen- the molecules are small enough so that they're able to get quickly absorbed and used by our bodies, which is key. This supplement dissolves quickly and easily in water, and has absolutely zero taste. I mix a serving into my coffee for an added health and protein boost. Other than improving hair, skin, and nail health by increasing skin's elasticity and reversing the signs of aging, collagen is a huge proponent of joint and bone health. It's essential for mobility and can help with the regeneration and healing of tendons, bones, and joints. It also helps reduce achiness and pain in the joints! Furthermore, collagen can aid in digestion by providing reparative and soothing properties that help you digest food and improve the absorption of nutrients. Talk about a bang for your buck! Since starting to incorporate collagen into my diet, I've noticed healthier skin, stronger nails, and quicker recovery of sore muscles and achy joints after workouts! I highly recommend adding collagen to your daily routine. 

get fit with britt // chest

Welcome back to Get Fit with Britt! I'm going to be posting some demos of my fave exercises taught at Pure Barre Williamsburg, with the help of their awesome instructors. Pure Barre is a fast, effective, and most importantly, safe way to change your body, and follows a technique that's high-intensity, but low impact to protect your joints! Thanks to Pure Barre, I have been able to build long, lean (not bulky!) muscles while tapering everything in & lifting it up! For this series, we will pick a particular move, explain the focus area and correct form, then demonstrate it so you can practice at home! That way, if/when you come to the studio yourself, you'll be rocking the moves & way ahead of the game ;) These exercises are also a great way to get fit on-the-go! I find myself regularly using Pure Barre exercises during my hotel room workouts. Additionally, you can get all the outfits I'm wearing at the Pure Barre Williamsburg studio, so definitely go by if you're looking for some fun, new workout gear! Come & join me, get that healthy & strong body you've always wanted- come Get Fit with Britt!

Today's workout focuses on the chest. While it's easy to focus most of your arm work in the triceps and biceps, it's important to work the chest muscles as well! It is the area that gets shown off when you wear a tank top, after all. Try to keep your neck and shoulders relaxed throughout this exercise- holding tension here doesn't help you! Instead, keep your arms lifted to shoulder height and your elbows wide so that you can effectively tone that tank top line! Do ten reps of each move, and repeat the sequence three times to get the chest muscles pumping!

*I am not a trainer or health professional, so please consult one if you feel you're doing something wrong or could potentially injure yourself.

fave products // sun potion ashwagandha

 
 

I'd been hearing a lot about Sun Potion supplements lately, and decided to do some investigating of my own to determine whether or not they were worth the hype.  These transformational foods use medicinal plants, superfoods, and tonic herbs to aid in the achievement of health, happiness, and overall well-being. Sounds good so far- I mean, who doesn't want to feel better by simply using roots found in our natural world? Sun Potions commits to sourcing organic and wildcrafted products to maintain a pure, high quality standard. These potent, healing substances are said to have the ability to transform both consciousness and health.

I decided to begin with Ashwagandha, a vital Ayurvedic herb believed to have many healing properties including tonifying the immune system, inspiring vigor and strength, and relieving various forms of stress. It's known as an adaptogen for its ability to harmonize various physiological functions, as well as to help balance hormones. Ashwagandha's highly potent root, sourced from small organic farms in India, undergoes a cold-water extraction creating a powder that mixes easily into water, coffee, tea, or smoothies. I've been mixing it into my morning coffee, along with He Shou Wu and collagen, which makes for a healthy & potent start to my day. I hardly taste the herb at all, but if anything it adds a welcome creamy, spiced note to my coffee. I've noticed a positive response related to my immune health, as well as my brain function and emotional balance throughout the day. I've felt more present and aware, and am able to react to situations in a more beneficial way. The immune-fortifying and invigorating properties of Aswaganhda make it an antioxidant powerhouse, one that I'm pleased to welcome to my daily routine.

* This post may contain affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, it won’t cost you a penny more, but I’ll earn a small commission. This allows me to continue to generate content for you, and helps keep the site up and running. Thanks for your support! 

get fit with britt // back of leg

Welcome back to Get Fit with Britt! I'm going to be posting some demos of my fave exercises taught at Pure Barre Williamsburg, with the help of their awesome instructors. Pure Barre is a fast, effective, and most importantly, safe way to change your body, and follows a technique that's high-intensity, but low impact to protect your joints! Thanks to Pure Barre, I have been able to build long, lean (not bulky!) muscles while tapering everything in & lifting it up! For this series, we will pick a particular move, explain the focus area and correct form, then demonstrate it so you can practice at home! That way, if/when you come to the studio yourself, you'll be rocking the moves & way ahead of the game ;) These exercises are also a great way to get fit on-the-go! I find myself regularly using Pure Barre exercises during my hotel room workouts. Additionally, you can get all the outfits I'm wearing at the Pure Barre Williamsburg studio, so definitely go by if you're looking for some fun, new workout gear! Come & join me, get that healthy & strong body you've always wanted- come Get Fit with Britt!

Today's workout focuses on the back side of your leg, where your seat meats your thigh (AKA your pure barre ledge). Balance is key here, so be sure to contract your abs to help keep your core pulled in. This will help center your weight, so you can remain nice and leveled. Keep a soft bend in your elbows, and try not to arch your back as you hover your knees over the ground. By tucking your hips under with each press up of the leg, you'll be able to keep those opposing motions in check. Do 10 reps of each movement, and repeat the sequence three times on each leg for a killer lower body exercise.

*I am not a trainer or health professional, so please consult one if you feel you're doing something wrong or could potentially injure yourself.

get fit with britt // thighs

Welcome back to Get Fit with Britt! I'm going to be posting some demos of my fave exercises taught at Pure Barre Williamsburg, with the help of their awesome instructors. Pure Barre is a fast, effective, and most importantly, safe way to change your body, and follows a technique that's high-intensity, but low impact to protect your joints! Thanks to Pure Barre, I have been able to build long, lean (not bulky!) muscles while tapering everything in & lifting it up! For this series, we will pick a particular move, explain the focus area and correct form, then demonstrate it so you can practice at home! That way, if/when you come to the studio yourself, you'll be rocking the moves & way ahead of the game ;) These exercises are also a great way to get fit on-the-go! I find myself regularly using Pure Barre exercises during my hotel room workouts. Additionally, you can get all the outfits I'm wearing at the Pure Barre Williamsburg studio, so definitely go by if you're looking for some fun, new workout gear! Come & join me, get that healthy & strong body you've always wanted- come Get Fit with Britt!

Today's workout focuses on all sides of the thighs. This twist on a classic lunge really burns out my thighs, getting them into their shake-zone immediately. Make sure you stay up on your tip toes, with your back upright. Keep an isometric hold on your (bent) standing leg as you move the other leg backwards and forwards. Also make sure you don't have a strong, tense grip on the barre, but instead use it to test your balance! Do 10 reps of each movement, and repeat the sequence three times on each leg for a killer lower body exercise.

*I am not a trainer or health professional, so please consult one if you feel you're doing something wrong or could potentially injure yourself.

get fit with britt // biceps

Welcome back to Get Fit with Britt! I'm going to be posting some demos of my fave exercises taught at Pure Barre Williamsburg, with the help of their awesome instructors. Pure Barre is a fast, effective, and most importantly, safe way to change your body, and follows a technique that's high-intensity, but low impact to protect your joints! Thanks to Pure Barre, I have been able to build long, lean (not bulky!) muscles while tapering everything in & lifting it up! For this series, we will pick a particular move, explain the focus area and correct form, then demonstrate it so you can practice at home! That way, if/when you come to the studio yourself, you'll be rocking the moves & way ahead of the game ;) These exercises are also a great way to get fit at home or on-the-go! I find myself regularly using Pure Barre exercises during my hotel room workouts. Additionally, you can get all the outfits I'm wearing at the Pure Barre Williamsburg studio, so definitely go by if you're looking for some fun, new workout gear! Come & join me, get that healthy & strong body you've always wanted- come Get Fit with Britt!

Today's exercise tones your biceps, with an added little thigh bonus thrown in for fun! I use light two pound weights here, but feel free to choose whatever works for you. As you curl your arms inward, try to refrain from swinging up and down (the upper half of your arms should be in an isometric hold), and really focus the work in your biceps. The resistance band around your thighs adds an extra challenge if you're up for it, but this exercise is still highly effective without it. Just make sure you keep your floating leg super straight and toes pointed regardless! Trust me, this move will really test your balance, but keeping your core pulled in tight should help keep you on track!  Do 10 reps of each movement, and repeat the sequence three times to burn out those biceps!

*I am not a trainer or health professional, so please consult one if you feel you're doing something wrong or could potentially injure yourself.