Health & Fitness – Page 2

I’m having a moment. A girl moment. I know, it’s not my thing…just go with me.

I haven’t colored my hair since the week before the wedding, July 24. I haven’t cut my hair since the week after the wedding, August 7th. I’m sure those are sins in the name of proper female haircare, but I’m frugal. Not cheap, I prefer the term frugal or thrifty. I probably wouldn’t ever color my hair if not for these lame grey hairs RIGHT in the middle of my part. Seriously, when did grey hairs become something you deal with in your 20’s?! I only have like 4, but still!!!

I loved when I had chunks of bight colors in my hair. I did Red, Pink, Orange and Purple. It was awesome, but not so awesome on the wallet when my sylist and I were constantly changing the colors. It was super fun, and I loved doing it but it was pricey.

Here’s one example:

Super cute photo, I know.

I recently lost my stylist (whom I LOVED) when she became a stay at home Mom. So, I’m at a crossroads.

I’ve done some research and found some salons in the LA area that work as teaching schools and provide cuts on the more affordable side. I’m leaning toward the Aveda Institute Hello, $15 for a haircut. I’m in! Meh, so what if it’s not perfect…wanna know something awesome about hair? It grows! It grows back! I’m not at the point just yet where I need a cut, I’m growing through an awkward length stage and I’m going to see if I can push it another month before I get a cut. Plus, it’ll be fresh for the holidays :)

I am at a pretty (not so pretty) unintentional ombre stage with my color though. So, here’s my question…do I dare try an at home dye? All my years of reading girlie magazines (eew, not THOSE kind) have told me NOT to dye at home. Buuuttt….I’m not going lighter, just trying to match or go a tad darker. And I have Merfman! Why is this important you ask?

Merfman is a jack of all trades, including Fashion and Beauty. Seriously, he picks out better outfits for me at the store than I ever could. It’s a gift. He’s also a man with a very colorful hair past. His hair has probably been more colors than mine…Manic Panic anyone? He’s done all of his coloring himself too! It’s been years since he’s had his hands on some hair color, but I trust him. The most important part is getting the color even and to the roots…right?

It can’t be THAT hard, right? I mean, lots of women color their hair at home, right? Please, reassure me. Please.

I’m pretty sure Tina Fey is my soul-sister. If she can do it (and by she, I mean a team of pro-stylists) I can do it! Wish me luck Shark-eyes! <–please, someone get that reference.

So, I have a confession. I’m embarrassed to admit I was once intimidated by the weight area at my Gym.

Lame, I know. How many years did I spend conditioning and training in a weight room? After playing college water polo you’d think I’d have that business down…which reminds me, I have 2 more years of NCAA eligibility left. Anyone need a 26 year old Guard with a bionic ankle? No? Aw…

After completing my Couch to 5k program, which totally rocks – everyone that thinks they can’t run NEEDS to try it. You will be amazed at what you can do! So, after C25K I got back into Spinning Classes but found that I wasn’t stoked with the way my body was shaping up – or lack of shaping.

I read The New Rules of Lifting for Women which was very informative and had a new approach to lifting for women. I got inspired to give lifting a go again. So, we all know the gym stereotypes…but I’ll leave you with this reference just in case you need a refresher. So with all the Muscle Men taking up space there seems to be little room for ME to find a place to lift, a machine to use or a pair of free weights not strewn around the floor. Why, oh why can people not RE-RACK! We learned this in Kindergarden people!!! Sing it with me….clean up, clean up….

I’ve learned the secret to peaceful and productive weightlifting. It’s a time of day thing. 11:00am – 1:00pm is when the Gym Rats crawl out of bed and make their way to social hour at the gym. I don’t understand it. If that’s your thing to socialize that the gym between sets, no problemo – but, can you slide off to the side so I can use that leg press? Mmkay?

8:00am – 9:30am is my sweet spot. For months I hit to gym with the 6:00am – 7:30am crowd, which I dig since they’re all about business and getting a good workout in before they hit their 9 – 5. Since I’m working form home these days I have the flexibility to hit the gym after the morning rush and before the afternoon happy hour. I’ve tried to make a workout later in the afternoon/evening, but I’m just not that person. I blame years of 5:30am practices. I’m a better human when I get my workout in early so I can take on the rest of my day.

2 – 3 days a week I do cardio for 20 – 30 minutes and then lift for another 15 – 20 min. I’m usually in and out of the gym in an hour. I know it’s good to mix things up so your body doesn’t get used to what your routine is so I try to Spin a few days and run on the Dreadmill a few days. The Elliptical and I haven’t become bestie’s yet. I just can’t.get.the.rhythm. I find that I’m more concerned about falling off the darn thing, than I am about getting in a good work out. I know it’s good because it’s low impact and all that good stuff but I just haven’t gotten the hang of it.

Lifting is normally a combo of legs and arms with Core work at the end. I try to alternate legs/arms with each set and make sure I work different legs/arms if I’m lifting two consecutive days. It’s working for me now, we’ll see how I’m feeling in a few weeks.

I’m trying to establish a good routine now, so I don’t get thrown off by all the baby gym members come New Years ;)

Category: Health & Fitness

To Dye or Not to Dye

Do Not Fear the Weights