Tag: health

Shreddy Resistance Bands Review

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Recently I have been really bad at getting to the gym, a lot of things have changed for me and so fitness has taken a bit of a back seat. Anyway in an attempt to get back into the swing of things (and minimise possible excuses) I thought I would invest in some decent resistance bands. My old ones are too thin and dig in to my legs whenever I use them, so I don’t really reach for them. I have heard really good things about Grace’s resistance bands so I thought I would give them a try.

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So I picked up the light (blue) and the heavy (peach) bands (the medium was sold out) and for 2 bands I paid £25 a single band was £14* (I think). I ordered these late on Wednesday and they got to me by Saturday morning which is pretty fast I think. They come in a resealable plastic pouch which is nice if you want to store them properly but honestly I can’t be bothered with that!

All of Grace’s products come with a selection of workouts or to use the proper name “Booty Burners” which you can access on an app called Aflete or you can download the PDF emailed to you when you make your purchase. There are several different styles of workout:
Resistance Band Glute Activation
Non-Resistance Band Glute Activation
Resistance Band Glute Burnouts
Non-Resistance Band Glute Burnouts
Home Glute Workouts – these consist of exercises with and without resistance bands.

In order to do a proper review I thought I would use the bands to complete a variety of the Booty Burners. So today I did a Resistance Band Glute Activation workout followed by a Home Glute Workout and finished off with a Resistance Band Glute Burnout. I decided to use the light band because its been a while since I exercised so my strength isn’t as good as it was.

Did I feel the burn? HELL YES!

I honestly don’t think I will be able to sit down comfortably tomorrow! I really liked the workouts as they’re all quite short so if you haven’t got a lot of time these are perfect. Also they’re all body weight exercises so perfect when the gym is busy and there isn’t any equipment available. The app is super easy to use and I like how easy it makes accessing the workouts.

Are they worth the money? They are very good quality and I understand that they have to make a profit so I would say they are worth the money. I would definitely buy a bundle rather than a one off product though to get better value for money.

Would I recommend these? Yes, I was afraid that they were over hyped just because of the name on them but they are definitely as good as everyone says they are. I like that you get workouts with them which definitely helps if you need a bit of inspiration or are a complete beginner. They are also really pretty, the colours are so cute and the little logo is a really nice touch.

These are currently sold out but I believe they are restocking soon

Buy them here

* I bought these when they were first released under the Grace Fit UK brand, they have since become B_ND and now fall under the Shreddy umbrella. Prices were correct at time of writing in 2018 but may have since changed.

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TALA Activewear Review

My collection of TALA activewear is ever expanding and I still have a few things on my wish list but until then here is a review of the bits I have managed to get my hands on so far…

FlexxFit: A Review

When you own five pairs of leggings from the same brand you know it’s time for a review…

Queenie Ke: A Review

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Today I am reviewing two different style of legging from the brand Queenie Ke sold on amazon. Queenie Ke approached me to send some of their leggings to me to review and as self confessed legging addict I couldn’t very well pass up the opportunity!

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First up is the “Queenie Ke Women Yoga Leggings Ninth Pants Power Flex High Waist Gym Running Tights” – such a catchy name – in the colour teal. I ordered a size small and they fit perfectly. They’re good and stretchy but still tight enough on the waist. All of the Queenie Ke leggings have an elastic in the top for tightening the waist as well as a large phone pocket inside on the back of the leggings. IMG_0233

 

These hit the perfect point on my waist, not too high and not too low!
I really like this colour too, its different to anything I own. Good for spring (if we ever have one!) because its colourful but still dark enough for days when its a bit grey and you don’t want to crack out anything too light or bright.

IMG_0232   The stitching on the back is slightly curved which is nice and flattering on the booty. Straight seams can create a sort of double butt look…no one wants that! The curved seam sits above the booty giving it a nice shape.

The material is thick enough to be squat proof but still breathable so they’re sweat proof as well.
All in all these get a 10/10 from me! And only £15.88!

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The second pair is the “Queenie Ke Women Yoga Legging Power Flex High Waist Running Pants Workout Tights” in space dye purple again in size small and these ones cost £16.88. These fit well BUT omg the high waist is SO high, these are not made for my gals with short torsos! They come all the way up to my sports bra! They don’t have any compression either so theres not really any advantage to this super super high waist.

These have a straight seam but its high enough that the leggings are still flattering. The seams on the legs are slightly slanted so really make your quads pop. All in all a nice flattering fit.
The material of these is more shiny than the other leggings, and the elasticity can be mistaken for sheerness. Definitely squat proof though – I put these through two heavy leg days and they fared really well! They were nice and breathable and didn’t show sweat at all!

The colour is really cute and the space dye effect is a nice way to add pattern and texture without it being too in your face.
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I think I would give these an 8/10. Comfy but the waist is too high! Its almost double the size of the other leggings! That being said the quality is great for such a cheap pair of leggings.

 

Both leggings come in a selection of colours and for a cheeky 5% you can use these codes:

Amazon UK： QUEENIEK
Amazon US： QUEENIEUS
Amazon CA： QUEENIEC

 

Links to the leggings:

Purple space dye leggings

Teal leggings

FlexxFit: A Review

When you own five pairs of leggings from the same brand you know it’s time for a review…

February Favourites

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Lets jump right in!

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First up is this cute set from Flexxfit. The material is so soft and comfy, the bra is super flattering (although maybe only for low intensity exercise for risk of nip slip!) and I’m a big fan of this colour. I wasn’t sure how I’d feel about the grey but it makes a nice change from black while still being plain enough to go with plenty of colours.  But if you’re not feeling the grey it comes in plenty of other colours. I wear the bra in a medium and the leggings in a small and I’m a UK 10/12.

 

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Keeping with flexxfit, this “Muscle tee” has been my go to workout top since I nabbed it in the sale. Its not the most breathable workout top but its nice and loose so you don’t notice as much. Loose enough to hide a food baby but not so loose its unflattering and it goes with everything! Including the grey set. Who doesn’t love matching activewear eh!? Look good feel good ima right! Sadly it’s sold out now but they have loads of other cute stuff. I wear this one in a size small and it fits perfectly, if you wanted a looser fit I would size up.

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Now lets mix it up and talk about my favourite skin care product this month. Simple skin quench sleeping cream. Since using this my face is so soft and glowy! I have very sensitive skin so I have to be careful what I use but simple always works for me so when I decided to up my skincare game after a few breakouts I went straight for simple. This moisturiser is ideal for me as its a night cream rather than a morning one, I like sleep to much to get up in time to do a full skincare routine of a morning. Its nice and light too so doesn’t clog any pores. All around winner!

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Next up is my new favourite app! Recently I’ve been trying to branch out with my cooking and I came across “kitchen stories”. Its full of how to guides as well as recipes. You can also leave a review of the recipe meaning before you try something you can see what other people thought of them. It has a shopping list feature and also a “cookbook” and likes section so you can save all your favourite recipes in one easy to find place. Its made working out what to eat much easier! Would highly recommend to anyone who isn’t confident in the kitchen.

fullsizeoutput_1e71Finally its back to active wear (shocking I know) and the myprotein seamless leggings. I know I already reviewed these but I had to give them a little mention because they’re so comfy and proved perfect for layering when storm Emma hit over the weekend! Loving the colour of these as well as the fit and feel.

 

And thats it for my February faves!

 

Links:

Flexxfit leggings

Flexxfit crossover bra

Flexxfit tee

Simple Moisturiser

Myprotein seamless leggings

Keep up to date with me on Instagram

 

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April favourites

It’s been ages since I did a monthly faves so here is a round up of my loves and favourites from April.

Skin Care Saviours

I was guilty of neglecting my skin care routine because I’m too lazy for hundreds of different lotions and potions. So I simplified it. Here are my must have products and my lazy girls guide to skin care.

Top tips for gym newbies

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New Years resolutions. We all make them and at some point or another one of those resolutions will probably be to join a gym or to eat healthy. Realistically most people don’t keep their resolutions and give up on them by the middle of January. So I thought what better post to write than some things that helped me when I made the same resolution this time last year.

  1. Shop around – don’t just join the first gym you find! Lots of gyms do free trials so you can decide if it is going to work for you. Picking a gym that’s convenient and easy to get to is a great idea for those times when you can’t really be bothered. Pick a gym thats close to work/uni or on your way home and take your gym stuff with you.
  2. Organise a gym induction – this will make you feel more comfortable when you go on your own.
  3. Plan your workout – so you don’t feel like a lost and headless chicken wondering around when you get there. It also gives you the opportunity to look up how to do exercises properly. There are so many free workouts out there which brings me to my next point…
  4. Follow a couple of motivational accounts on Instagram – great for workout ideas and keeping you motivated! A quick search for workouts will give you lots and lots of videos and posts with workouts you can do
  5. Invest in a couple of cute gym outfits – the saying look good feel good really does apply! You don’t have to break the bank, take advantage of the January sales or places like primark do cute gym wear for cheap.
  6. Get a gym buddy – not always possible but definitely motivational! When I joined the gym I joined with my housemate and for at least the first month we went together until I felt comfortable to go on my own

And if getting healthy is your goal….

  1. Drink lots of water – make it a target to drink more it will make a huge difference to how you feel and is a nice easy starting point to ease yourself in!
  2. You don’t need to eat chicken and veg for every meal! Mix it up, pick up a healthy recipe book and aim to make a couple of meals from this a week
  3. Download an app to help keep track of calories – one of the biggest issues people have is eating portions that are too big, tracking calories is an easy way to stay on track BUT don’t restrict yourself! If you want that chocolate bar then you eat that chocolate bar.

And finally….

DON’T BEAT YOURSELF UP IF YOU “FALL OFF THE WAGON!” If you miss one workout or have that takeaway you said you wouldn’t don’t just give up. Life gets in the way and its important to enjoy life! You don’t have to be healthy all day everyday to make progress or feel better in yourself. Just keep at it and remember to enjoy yourself.

The gym should be enjoyed and shouldn’t feel like a chore. If it does you are way less likely to stick to it!

Happy New Year and best of luck sticking to your resolutions whatever they may be!

 

 

More from me:

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Shreddy Resistance Bands Review

My thoughts on Grace Fit UK’s resistance bands. Are they worth the money? Did they make a difference to my workout? Would I recommend them?

What’s in my gym bag

My gym essentials. The things that live in my gym bag and I couldn’t live without them! As a new gym goer I had no clue what I needed and over time I’ve worked out what I need to have the best workout!

August favourites: fitness and fashion

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So I realise we are a far way into September now and I’m only just talking about my faves for August but there’s this little thing called life that sorta got in the way. Anyway here we go, my favourites and loves for August.

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First – these trainers. I had a pair of these before and having had them for about 4 years I decided it was about time they were replaced. They are the nike air pegasus 34’s (everything will be linked at the bottom of my post) and they are so comfortable. I have basically lived in them ever since I got them – which is why they are so grubby…

 

Next on my favourites list are these pieces from MyProtein. I’ve been wanting a pair of gym shorts for a while now and there was a sale…who can resist a sale. So I picked up the heartbeat shorts in black and then I saw this top was also on sale and again I’ve been wanting a long sleeve gym top for a while so it was a no brainer. The top is so similar to the gymshark seamless top and its cheaper but also doesn’t sell out in 5 mins so is a great alternative and when I decide I need more gym clothes – which lets face it could be tomorrow – I will probably end up getting this in the other colours…

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My final favourite for this month is this cropped hoodie from Just Strong. I will be doing a more in depth review and post about Just Strong as I have just ordered a few more bits from them. I love the ethos of Just Strong, it’s a brand that aims to empower women with the idea that we are not strong for a girl we are just strong, which is why I am so happy to work with them and promote their clothing.

 

There we have it, keeping it short and sweet. Only four favourites for august.

Trainers – a slightly newer colour and design but basically the same

My Protein – top

My Protein – shorts

Just Strong hoodie  use code LOTTIEFIT10 for 10% off 🙂

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April favourites

It’s been ages since I did a monthly faves so here is a round up of my loves and favourites from April.

February Favourites

From activewear to skincare my favourites for February!

Healthy on Holiday

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When you are trying to lose fat or are trying to eat healthily holidays become a bit difficult. While you want to enjoy yourself you also don’t want to let your habits slip or lose any progress you might have made. The reality is that one week of eating “badly” is not going to have a lasting impact. That being said you can still do little things to make a difference. I went on holiday with every intention of eating super healthy and going to the gym at the hotel loads…when I got there however this didn’t really happen.

I started the holiday super healthy – fruit and veg being the main component of every meal – and I ended the holiday with the majority of my plate being deep-fried food.

This post is a sort of food diary with a few things I found helped me to stay on track while still enjoying myself.

DAY 1

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Up at 3:00am (ouch) at the airport by 4:30am breakfast at 5. I do not cope well with early starts, who does! If I don’t eat within a certain amount of time after I get up I feel really sick and if I am travelling will be sick so it was really important that I had breakfast. So we went into wetherspoons. Now I know what you’re thinking ‘spoons is not the healthiest BUT they did this delicious granola with berries and yoghurt.

 

 

We got to the hotel around midday which only meant one thing… LUNCH! The hotel wewere staying in ran an all-inclusive buffet for lunch as well as for breakfast and dinner. For my first lunch I had a salad with some salami, chargrilled veg, cheese and afocaccia style olive bread roll followed by chocolate cake with strawberries.

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After a lazy afternoon by the pool before dinner I decided to investigate the gym. Obviously the main attraction for people for this sort of holiday is not to spends hours in the gym so it was only a little one. A couple of treadmills a bike and a few strength machines as well as a selection of dumbbells is not a lot to choose from. That being said you can still get a killer workout just using dumbbells. After a short upper body session it was back to the room to get ready for dinner.

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Dinner was a bit random. I just picked up a little bit of everything that I fancied. Spring rolls, scampi, a prawn, paella and carrots. Then dessert. Apple tart and pineapple. For every meal during the holiday I had some sort of fruit for dessert. My way of convincing myself I was being ever so slightly healthy.

 

 

DAY 2

First experience of the breakfast. Naturally I had to try lots of different bits. So I started with a plate of fruit (there I go being healthy again) and followed it up with a couple of pancakes with strawberry sauce and a chocolate muffin (bye bye healthy).

 

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Lazing around all day by the pool is such hard work I had to reward myself with lunch. Seafood paella – which apparently needed translating to fish rice – and focaccia. I didn’t have any dessert this time because I wasn’t too hungry. Not only did I only have one plate of food but after a lazy afternoon I went to the gym again! This time to do a lower body workout. Again I just used dumbbells but I was still stiff the next day.

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Dinner consisted of fish, chargrilled veg and deep-fried cauliflower. Now I know what you’re thinking deep fried cauliflower sounds weird but honestly it was delicious even if it’s not particularly good for you. Although I didn’t photograph it I followed this up with a bowl of fruit (and maybe some cake I can’t remember…so there was probably cake).

 

DAY 3

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Given that I ate pretty much the same thing for breakfast every day I didn’t think it would be worth boring you with photos of the same thing constantly so we will move straight on to lunch. Another plate of fish with vegetables but also focaccia and the deep-fried cauliflower. The main issue I had with the buffet was the lack of vegetable options. There were plenty of meat, fish and potato based things but there was only ever one or two vegetable choices which made life a bit tricky.

The hotel ran a variety of activities during the day to keep everyone entertained and in an attempt to get people up and moving and in the afternoon there was a game of water-polo which I joined in with. Not the most active game of water-polo but it did at least get me off my sun bed and doing something different.

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For dinner I helped myself to half a plate of mixed veg which mostly consisted of carrots  with deep-fried cauliflower (I had a lot of deep fried cauliflower this holiday ok it was soooo yummy) marinated pork and cheese. Again I’m sure there was a plate of cake and fruit after this but I was starting to forget to photograph things…

DAY 4

Same breakfast as usual. Lunch was probably paella and who knows what I had for dinner. I didn’t document any of my food all day, but there is more to life than photographing every scrap of food I eat. I did however try the aqua gym class…and I never did it again. Wasn’t really my thing and didn’t really feel like I was exercising but again I suppose it got me up and moving for an hour when other wise I probably wouldn’t have.

DAY 5

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Again useless with documenting food but I did manage to capture my dinner. A healthy balance of chicken nuggets, fried squid, chargrilled veg and potatoes. A random selection but buffets always are!

After dinner we went for a walk down to the beach so that was my activity for the day!

 

DAY 6

IMG_0061Got up nice and early and headed to the beach for the morning, which made a nice change from lying beside the pool. The water was such a gorgeous colour and lovely and warm. Naturally we had to be back in time for lunch (couldn’t miss that all-inclusive buffet) so then spent the afternoon by the pool – shock. To add a bit of variety instead of having dinner at the hotel we went into the town and had dinner at “The Travellers Inn”. I had a mahoosive pizza and a Pina colada that came with sparklers and a straw too long to drink out of in a cup with a funny face on.

DAY 7

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Our last day. Mixed it up and went for a cooked breakfast. Instantly regretted it. Bacon was too soggy so I went back and got my usual plate of fruit. For lunch I had chips and green beans with some sort of meat (again I can’t remember what it was – my memory is truly appalling) with lots and lots of mayo. I put all that mayo to  good use in the gym later and did myself a little upper body session.

 

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For dinner I had Paella, chargrilled veg, a veggie spring roll and some calamari. Calamari is one of my most favourite foods. When I was little it was all I would eat if we went on holiday. I still will always pick it if it is on the menu. We had to get up so early the next day that breakfast wasn’t on. So I had a large Burger King when we got to the airport… epitome of health amirite. Then it was back home and back to normal life.

 

 

HOW TO HOLIDAY HEALTHILY

So what did I do to avoid being super unhealthy. One week was never going to seriously hinder me but I wanted to make an effort to not go too off track. I aimed to eat at least one portion of fruit and veg with every meal and to get up and do something active every day. As you can tell from my food diary some days were healthier and better than others but I didn’t want to stop myself from having a good time or be worrying about it constantly. Overall by the end of my holiday I felt a bit fluffier but didn’t feel significantly larger and none of my clothes felt too tight. So I would call it a success.

Top tips for gym newbies

It’s 2018! New year and time for New Years resolutions, here are my top tips for sticking to your “get healthy and go to the gym” resolution.

What’s in my gym bag

My gym essentials. The things that live in my gym bag and I couldn’t live without them! As a new gym goer I had no clue what I needed and over time I’ve worked out what I need to have the best workout!