Inspired Insanity!

We've all heard of the in-home fitness DVD's "Insanity". Now the same crazy intense workout created by former Olympic Athlete, Shaun T, can be done in a class format...and we're bringing it to Inspired Fitness! You'll get the same calorie blasting, fat shredding workouts with the extra bonus of having the great energy and support from others in class and me as your trainer! (I'm not as big and scary as ShaunT...but I can promise you I am pushing you beyond what you even think you can do!

I had been looking for something new to add to the Studio for a few months. I love what Inspired Fitness offers, but I felt like we were ready to take it up a notch. I often get labeled as a "class instructor" or a "zumba girl", which I am and proud of it. But I also tend to be a little underestimated! I am an ISSA certified Personal Trainer and a NASM certified Women's Fitness Specialist and have a passion for training and encouraging people, women especially, to go beyond their comfort zone, make their muscles shake, drip with sweat, and give them a big hug when they reach fitness goals! When I decided to open a group fitness studio I knew that I would be putting most of my one-on-one training to the side for a time...but I have a feeling that teaching a class like Insanity will give me that fix I've been dying for! I'm known to be peppy and cheery, and I sure try to be! But the game face will have to come on when it's Insanity time :) ok..maybe still a few "woos!" and smiles here and there. 

Anyway, why Insanity you ask? I was able to attend a Fitness Convention in Los Angeles about a month ago and spent time talking with other instructors, doing demo classes and getting the inside scoop on up and coming fitness programs. After a long and totally awesome day, the one thing that really stuck with me was the Insanity class I took with Shaun T himself! There was so much energy among all the participants, people drenched in sweat, doing exercises I had never seen before, and Mr.T motivating us to push harder. Yes! This was it. Since then I have been doing Insanity workouts on my own to prepare for my Instructor Training and getting more and more excited every time! Which brings me to...I don't know how people work at 100%, alone, in their living rooms! Who REALLY pushes themselves as hard as they can in the privacy of their home, with the distractions or coffee calling just around the corner...Quite impressive if you can make it work. All I know is I was feelin' pretty awesome come training day, and humbly got my booty whooped! This workout really is crazy insanity! But you get such a high and sense of accomplishment when you are able to turn to your neighbors in class, give 'em high fives, talk about how insane that just was...but know you did it! If you've never experienced an Insanity class before, I cant wait for you to try it! If you've do it at home, I promise you will love the classes setting even more, come see the difference! This is an awesome addition to Inspired Fitness Studio, and I cant wait to watch people as they push to do what they didn't think they could do. This is gonna be good!

 

 

I could go on and on about how much I it, BUT I also need to point out that this class will not be for everyone. Yes, you can modify and do lower impact exercises...but there is no easy way to do these workouts. If you have high blood pressure, current injuries, or are pregnant please stick with some of the other Inspired classes. If you have any questions or concerns please be in touch!

 

 

Hearty & Healthy Breakfast foods!

I haven't had pancakes in probably years. They just have never been my thing and I never seem to feel like having them...until yesterday! I made myself the best smoothie I have had in a long time, and I thought warm, hearty pancakes would go really well with the cool creaminess of the smoothie! There's a good chance I will make these everyday for the next few weeks...SO good, and super nutritious containing no wheat, dairy or sugar! With each sip of the fiber filled, antioxidant rich cherry smoothie I feel like I'm doing something amazing for my body...and to be able to eat pancakes knowing they are fueling my body with healthy energy!! Made me one happy girl.

This would be a good smoothie to try out on kids even! The cherries and pineapple make it sweet and by freezing the kale you don't even taste it in the drink! The consistency of the pancakes may be a little different then you're used to...but maybe to start just by swapping out some of your typical ingredients for some healthier ones and experiment a little! I used coconut oil on the frying pan to get a nice little crisp on the outside of my pancakes, I'm craving them again just talking about it!

Enjoy for a nice Sunday brunch or even when you feel like having breakfast for dinner!

 

For Pancakes:

Mix 1/4 cup almond flour, buckwheat flour, or any gluten free flour

2 Tbsp finely shredded coconut

1 Tbsp chia seeds

1/2 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp cinnamon

dash of salt

Mix well, then add 1/2 cup fresh raspberries (or any berry)

1 Tbsp honey

1/3 cup vanilla almond milk (or milk of choice)

 Stir together gently, just until combined. On a hot skilled, dab a little coconut oil to coat pan. Dollop the batter on, should be able to make 3 personal pancakes :) Flip when ready to cook through, then plate them up! I topped mine with a drizzle of honey, cacao nibs and goji berries! But you could top with more fresh berries, apple slices & cinnamon, or whatever you want!

 

 For the Smoothie:

In a high speed blender add 8 ounces vanilla almond, hemp or coconut milk

1/4 cup soaked cashews

1/2 frozen banana

1/2 cup frozen organic cherries

2 big handfuls of chopped, frozen kale or spinach

1 Tbsp coconut oil

1 Tbsp ground flaxseed

5 drops of liquid stevia

Add a few ice cubes to get it nice and chilly, blend very well until creamy

 

 

 

 

 

Superfood Smoothie w/ Cacao Coconut Crunch

Woke up bright and early, ready to take on the day...feelin' like I need a powerful smoothie to take on all the day has for me! This did the trick, thought I would share with you for those times you need an extra dose of nutritious deliciousness! This smoothie is packed full of antioxidants, fiber and heart healthy fats. Not only is the smoothie itself SO good, but I created a little crunchy topping for it using just raw cacao and coconut oil which may just be my new favorite thing!

 

In a blender, pour 8 oz. almond or hemp milk along with 1 Tbsp chia seeds. Let sit for a few minutes

To that, add 3 Tbsp hemp protein powder, 1/2 frozen banana, 1/2 cup frozen blueberries, stevia drops, cinnamon and vanilla extract to taste. For optional extra nutrition, add 1 Tbsp maca powder and 1 cup frozen kale.

Blend well and pour into a frosted mug. Top with 1 Tbsp raw cacao nibs drizzled with 1 Tbsp melted coconut oil.

Let the coconut oil harden up and it becomes a delish, crunchy topping to your fabulous, crazy healthy smoothie!