Do you think you are too old to stay in shape???

Yesterday in my boot camp class a women in her 60's was in there.  She did not look like it at all.  Do you know why?  Because, she works out daily and takes care of herself.  You are never too old to start a workout regime!  Don't make that a excuse.

My classes are not easy and she kept up and felt it.  I did modify some things for her, but other than that, she was great!

If you go to the doctor and keep getting more and more prescriptions so you can feel good or fix something wrong rather than making food your medicine and workouts a part of a healthy lifestyle, than you need to change the way you are thinking.  Go to the grocery and look at it as a medicine cabinet not a candy store.  Don't go hungry, bad idea, then everything looks great, right?

Make working out a day at the spa, it's really a luxury to take care of your body and how you feel after is wonderful and then you are more conscious of what you are going to eat.

Please be good to yourself, you are the only one you got!  I don't care if you are 20 or 70.
XOXO Lily

Jamba Juice, BAD vs GOOD???

Do you go to Jamba Juice with your kids or yourself and think you are ordering a healthy fresh fruit smoothie?
Unless, you are making sure they are only putting in fresh fruit and low sugar yogurt you are ok.

But, really, Jamba Juice drinks are full of sugar, enough for a weeks worth of sugar.  They are BAD.

To make a healthy fruit smoothie, stick with making your own.  You can buy fresh or frozen strawberries, blueberries, raspberries and blackberries.  Put them into the blender along with ice some water not to much maybe half a cup, and bananas along with greek plain yogurt, since it has loads of protein and about 5 grams of sugar.  Blend until smooth, pour and there you go.  The kids love it, and its great for you, and wonders for the skin and the body.  Try adding protein powder as well for the added boost.

Healthy drinking!!!
XOXO Lily

OMG, I can't workout, it's Christmas...too many parties!!

Say what!!!???? Excuses, excuses, that's all I here at the gyms every year, same time.  Why, do you make that a reason not to work out?  Have you asked yourself that?  Because you have to shop?  You have to bake and cook?  The family is coming?  Parties to go at work and friends?

WRONG!!!  I have parties to go to, I have friends to see and family to see.  I'm not going to eat or do anything to hurt myself.  I actually stay the same in my weight or even loose weight.  I'm busy, but, I always make sure during clients I see, classes I teach, kids I take care of, and don't forget the husband I have to care of also, I still get my hard core workouts done.  It's not that I have discipline, it's the simple fact that I respect myself enough not to treat it like a garbage can.  That's what you are doing.  Our bodies don't want junk and processed high fatty foods at all!  You are hurting your body by feeding it non nutrient foods.

You don't have to cut it all out, but, be more careful in the decisions you make.  Do you really want to feel like crap the next day?  I don't think so, so why do you do it?

For working out, try to get up and do brisk walk for 40 minutes or so if you don't belong to a gym.  Get jumping jacks going, some squats, crunches, anything to get the hear rate up for up to 45 minutes.

Feel better this year than last year.  And, if you are in shape and the season does not get to you...Awesome!  Don't forget, thin people get heart attacks also from clogged arteries.

Happy Holiday's
XOXO  Lily

Concealer??????

What is a great concealer to use during this time of year.  With the Holiday's here and stress and wanting to look great through out the day, I have an answer for you!

Touche Eclat by Yves Saint Laurent.  This concealer is so wonderful and you only need a very small amount to cover any spots or under eye darkness and puffiness.  I use Radiant Touche in Light and it's so pretty with little luminosity so I have a youthful glow.  You can also use it under the brow bone or around your mouth, above the brow anywhere that you need a little cover and brighten.  It does not dry and leave you looking wrinkly like some thick concealers do.

Very moisturizing at the same as it covers wonderfully!

This product really works and will last months.  Just make sure to replace the cover tightly so it does not dry out.    Can be purchased on line with Yves Saint Laurent or your local Sephora Store and online.

Enjoy and Have a Wonderful Holiday Season!
XOXO Lily

Where do YOU think good skin starts????

Good skin starts from within.  How do you feed your body? Do you give it pizza, cookies, icecream, beer, processed junk???

If you do...STOP!  It's killing your skin and fast!

Try eating, kale, bok choy, broccoli, carrots, spinach, and tons of fruit and watch your skin change over night, well.....maybe a few nights.  But, the difference will show.  I'm not saying stop everything bad, I would like you to, but, change everyday and keep adding more greens and fruit and you will be amazed at how great you look and feel.

Not only using sunscreen protects us from free radicals but so does healthy eating.  Kill those free radicals from within as well.  Just remember, the grocery store is your medicine cabinet, pretend it's a Doctors appt and you need to do well there.

Have great skin and, it's NEVER too late to change!!

XOXO Lily

Winter Skin Care

I love great peels for my face in the winter.  The one I love is from REN Skincare.  The product name is Glycolactic Skin Renewal Peel Mask.  Great for rosecea skin/sensitive and oily to dry skin.

Carries Bio actives, Glycolactic acid, Lactic acid, and Popain.  Free of parabens, completely natural.

Put over clean skin and leave on for about 5 min.  It has a lovely citrus smell and will leave your skin so smooth and silky.

Found at most Sephora boutiques and or online.

Happy Holidays!
XOXO  Lily

Dilated Capillaries Anyone over 30?

If you have broken capillaries or rosecea, try this great product by, Amincer Pharma, called, Antiradical Japanese Ginkgo Biloba Protein Cream.  It is amazing!! It is a rich capillary vessel strengthner with UVA/UVB properties in it.

I like to use it at night and it works so well and my skin is well nourished with my rosecea issues.  The cream helps fight free radicals and provides elasticity to the epidermis.

Vitamin K taken in internally is also great to strengthen broken capilliaries.  And stay away from the sun or tanning booths, since those make the issue much worse!

The cream can be purchased on line through the company, Amincer Pharma.

Happy moisturizing and killing capillaries!

Luv,
Lily

I'm going to eat what I want today!!!!!!! Oh no you don't

Well, today is Thanksgiving, the day people seem to think they can just go wild with eating and forget everything.  Start your morning with a quick workout. Some isometric holds in a squat position atleast 4 times, followed by 10 jump squats and then 20 jumping jacks.  Repeat this 4 times.  Get your heart up.

Now, think about what today is about. I know there will be tons of food, but, do you really have to eat all day and then feel horrible tomorrow.  It's like drinking all day on St. Patricks day and hating the day after. Why do that?  Did you say, because it's fun?  No, it's not fun for your body.  Are you someone that's been trying to lose weight?  If so, then why pig out today?  Take today, and make it about the family and friends and appreciate what you have in life.

I'm not saying don't eat, but, I am saying stay with only one helping of each item.  Don't over indulge, enjoy being able to care enough about yourself to say no to overeating.  You will feel better tomorrow and happy that you stayed within limits of overindulging.

Make sure that if you are drinking, get your water in all day, please remember to hydrate.  Your body will thank you.

Happy Thanksgiving and be thankful for you as well.  XOXO  Lily

What do you see when you look in mirror?

As a Personal Trainer, I always get the same thing, I want to look good in a bikini. Or, I hate my thighs!  I hate how I look so, I deal with my weight.  I will never look like I want to.  And the list goes on and on.

The reason why I am bringing this up, is that, when you look in the mirror, how often do you say, "How is my heart working for me?"  "Are my kidneys and liver working the way they should?"  "I wonder if my bones will keep me up when I'm 70 and older?"  "Will I get cancer?"  "How are my sugar levels?"

The answer is, no.  Why is that?  If we all looked at ourselves in that way, then our physical appearance will change.  What can we do to change?  The key is education on how to eat and how to see yourself in the way we all should.  A hard working machine that needs to carry us out through the rest of our lives and our body/machine has a lot of work to do to keep up.

The thinking of our bodies needs to change for us and the future of our children.  Start taking away processed foods, drink more water, take away soda and juice.  Switch out milk for soy or almond milk.  Eat at least a pound of vegetables a day.  Eat more seeds and raw nuts.  Don't fry, saute using water.  These are just a few examples of how we can start a change in ourselves for the long run.

Enjoy, who you are and look at yourself differently next you look in the mirror and ask yourself the questions listed above.

XOXO  Love yourself!!
Lily

Work your ABS!!!

Great core workout called the Slither that will kill the abs.  Grab a paper plate, place under one of your feet, get into push up position, now lift the other leg that is not on the plate and start pulling your body with your hands. Dragging your body across the floor then switch feet.  Try 20 to 40 your first then increase as you get stronger.  Love your core and how it will feel for a week after.  Yes, it's hard, but well worth it.  Take  it to the gym and impress your friends.

Enjoy!!! XOXO  Lily

Cold, Dry and Itchy Weather is Here

The cooler air outside, and the heater going inside, will dry your skin so fast during this time of year.  What to do???? As usual, hydrate, water, water, water.  Also, using 100% Pure Jojoba Oil all over your skin is a great way to defend against dryness.  Use on your face and body.  You can also use as a cleanser.  Oily skin also needs to stay moisturized.  Don't think because you have oily skin that you don't need to hydrate and moisturize.   Every skin type does.

Use before bed and upon wake up.  You won't look greasy, just don't pour it on your face.  You will immediately feel the difference after the first use.  Great for feet, elbows and knees.

Most health food stores will carry the Jojoba Oil, around $7.00.  Stay hydrated and moisturized. Lily

Sugar Scrub Time!!!

To get rid of dead skin cells and free radicals that attacked your skin all day long, try a Wonderful product from Ole Henrikson, called Sugar Glow Face Scrub.  Great for all skin types.  Just wet your skin slightly and spread all over your face and massage for a couple of minutes.  The smell alone is fantastic and the feeling of the sugar crystals is amazing.  Don't rub hard, gently is fine.  You can feel the pores getting cleaned.  Remember, not washing your face at night, ages you by up to 6 days.

Also, always use a cloth that is somewhat rough to help clean out your pores.

You can purchase the Sugar Glow from Sephora or online at Ole Henrikson.

Enjoy, and happy scrubbing!  XOXO Lily

Are Your Workouts NOT Working Anymore?

If you feel like you are staying the same in your body, day after day, month after month, year after year, then you need to start with HIIT.  High Intensity Interval Training.  Get your heart up atleast 6-8 times per hour.  Get breathless.  Leave your comfort zone.  Don't sit on the stationery bike and read a magazine. Don't watch t.v. at the gym and do the eliptical.  You need to get moving, hard and fast.  Work your fast and slow twitch muscles.  Take breaks in between to bring the heart down them go hard again.  Sprints are great, plyometrics and isometrics are also great.  Watch your body change, just remember, staying in your comfort zone, will keep you looking the same.  Have fun!!  XOXO Lily

Are You Waking Up With Puffy Eyes??

When you get up in the morning and look in the mirror, do you see puffy eyes? Bags under your eyes and cringe?  What do you do? Do you use eye creams with caffeine in them?

Couple things I do that help and reduce my under eye puffiness and sometimes completely make them disappear.

First, sleep a little upright in bed, not on your side or back. Gravity will bring all the water to your eyes and cause the puffiness and also cause early fine lines and deep wrinkles.  Just imagine sleeping with your face crunched against your pillow, what that is doing to you.  When we are young, our skin pops right back up, but, as we age, our skin no longer  bounces back like it used to.  Go to bed tonight and sleep with a couple pillows under your neck and sleep on your back.  Try it, you will get used to it.

Secondly, workout in the morning.  If you don't have time for the gym get the blood pumping.  Try 20 to 50 jumping jacks.  Add some great jump squats.  Do isometric holds for the legs in the squat position.  Add, 10 to 30 push ups in sets of 10. Go for a good run and turn it into a sprint.  Getting the blood pumping reduces under eye puffiness you will be shocked at how much.  Doing both of these will help.

You can always use iced tea bags as well, but, I recommend the above first, not only will the puffiness help but you have a great workout and avoid fine lines.  Have fun!  XOXO Lily

Guess What else works as a Sunscreen?

Did you know that eating a couple raw or slightly cooked bell peppers a week act as a sunscreen from within.  Still wear your daily sunscreen and I always use Solbar SPF 50, along with eating bell peppers and be safe knowing that free radicals will just bounce off your skin.  Fight cancer and aging.  Avoid this ladies, right?

I like to saute them with chicken or eat them raw.  Or prepare a salad with them.  The red and yellow are a little sweeter than the green. Anyone you choose will work.

Happy eating and fight away!!!!  XOXO Lily

Keep your Glutes Lifted!

What I like doing every other day is, 100 jump squats.  Yes, 100.  As we age our body parts start to sag due to gravity and loss of collagen and lack of exercise. Start in a squat position, feet forward, shoulder width apart and jump as high as you can and land in a squat.  Start with 5 at a time till you can do 10 jumps in a set. Until you reach 100.  Yes, these are hard but they work!! Your quads and glutes will thank you and so will your heart since this is a great cardio workout at the same time.

If you can only do 10 tomorrow, then that's great.  The next day go for 20.  Enjoy and have just have fun!!!!!  Lily  XOXO

Life after Hysterctomy

Three years ago I was having pain in my abdomen and my periods seemed to never end.  I kept dealing with it since I always had  difficult periods even on the birth control pill.  The Doctors I went to could not find anything and just kept me on the strongest birth control pill there is.  Finally, a year later I found a Doctor that found a tumor in my uterus, the size of a baseball and told me either I live with it till menapause, since it would go away on it's own or have a hysterectomy.

After much thought and talking to other women I decided to wait till menopause, that's what I thought would be a good idea.  I could not imagine being laid up for 6 weeks and not working out and who would help with the kids?  The husband? So, I waited, then last year October 2010 I could not stand it anymore.  The period was never ending and the pain was bad.  I hated feeling pregnant for a tumor.  I workout so hard and it would not get any better.  I seemed to have kept gaining weight and I eat clean so what's up?  I finally made a appointment with a great Doctor and decided to do it.  Finally, in November 2010 I had the surgery.  Apparently, the Doctor took a picture of my uterus, because, it was the biggest she had ever seen.

I was so happy to have it done!  Three weeks later I started running again.  Then three months passed and man did I feel great!  My workouts were better than ever and I lost 15 lbs of unwanted water weight gain and the  ugly uterus was gone with the tumor.  Now today, my body is better than ever and, do you know how nice it is not have a period?

Having a hysterectomy is a great decision as long as it's needed and don't think your hormones will go crazy and you will get fat.  Just get moving when ready and regain you again.  I am no longer in a jail cell within my own body anymore, and the black cloud is gone.  No more pain or weight gain, and the daily bleeding gone. Make sure you go to a Doctor that understands you and is there for you.   XOXO  Lily

Are you feeling chapped lips, or dry skin?

For chapped lips I stay away from chap stick, it only makes my lips more chapped and dry.  I do not go without Aquaphor Healing Ointment.  It makes my lips soft and never chapped or dry.  I also use it on my feet, knees and elbows.  You will find Aquaphor in any drug store in the baby section or lotion isle.  If you are used to using chap stick, try this and you will never go back.  I have a tube in my gym bag and in my night stand and bathroom  sink.  You will also notice that you won't need to apply over and over during the day like other lip repair items.  It's under $6.00, and it will last up to two months if you are buying the 1.75 oz size tube.  Keep your lips and skin nourished.  Great item now that winter is approaching, but, also great in the summer.

Are you washing your face at night?

Washing your face at night is so important.  Going to bed with makeup on or just not cleansing, will age you up to 6 days.  The free radical damage from pollutants is a sure way to get fine lines and deep wrinkles.  I like to use Natural Advantage from Jane Seymour.  It leaves my skin very soft and smooth not dry like some other cleansers.  It's also great for Rosecea skin and oily to dry skin. Please start now washing your face every night, don't be too tired or lazy.

Fight brown spots and wrinkles!

Do you want sun spots on your skin or wrinkles?  I hope you answered no. The best way to fight those horrible free radicals is to use a sunblock daily!  I mean, even when it rains. The one I use everyday is, Solbar and SPF 50 with UVA and UVB protection.  Make sure you get the cream not lotion.  You have to order it from the pharmacist. They used to carry it over the counter.  The cost is around $12.00.  I have used this sunscreen for years and I love it!  You can wear it over your moisturizer and under makeup.  It is not greasy and has no scent. Since I also have Rosecea, it does not affect it, actually it has helped.  Great for oily or normal to dry skin. Cover your face, neck and chest.  Don't forget the eyecream!  Love your skin and cherish it forever!!!!

Clean that dirt off your face

After a good, hard workout and you are sweaty and red faced, the best thing to get rid of the free radicals is to exfoliate. Rinse off your skin first with luke warm water, then use a good exfoliator. The exfoliator I like to use is Medi-Morphisis by Cosmedicine.  I find that this product cleans the best and leaves my skin silky soft. Gently massage it into the skin for a minute or two.  You can feel the little crystals go to work to clean off the dirt and remove the free radicals, which help prevents aging.  Lightly rinse with warm water and a clean wash cloth. Then, feel the nice soft silky skin. This is good for oily to dry skin.