CrossFit's sweetheart Rory (Ro) McKernan joined The Buttery Brothers & well-known media team duo—Heber (Heebs) Cannon & Marston (Mars) Sawyers—Thursday evening for the Open Workout 19.2 LIVE Announcement. The trio anxiously huddled around the TV in the FITAIDbox, located at the office of LIFEAID Beverage Co. in the old Wrigley building on the west side of Santa Cruz, California.
Everyone was eager to hear what the workout would entail as they tried to mentally prepare for the good old-fashioned head-to-head throwdown that lay ahead of them. Despite a slightly disjointed announcement broadcast from Australia, the group finally pieced together the details of the workout:
If you complete all of the above movements under 8 minutes, add 4 minutes to clock and proceed to next round. 25 toes-to-bar
50 double-unders 11 squat cleans (225 lb.)
If you complete the above round under 4 minutes, add an additional 4 minutes to clock and proceed to next round. 25 toes-to-bar
50 double-unders 9 squat cleans (275 lb.)
If you complete the above round under 4 minutes, add an additional 4 minutes to clock and proceed to final round. 25 toes-to-bar
50 double-unders 7 squat cleans (315 lb.)
Time cap: 20 minutes
Now armed with all the workout details, the athletes scattered like ants and started talking strategy as they warmed up in the FITAID box. They each methodically got their equipment all set up, carefully preparing for battle as they passed around a few light-hearted taunts. Trust us, this crew is accustomed to hyping each other up to compete.
The last time this trio competed was during the LIVE Announcement of Open Workout 18.5 in Iceland (in 2018), where Heber walked away with the win. Since then, plans for redemption have been spoken of in hushed tones by both Rory and Mars ...
"Daddy, let's go kick some butt," Rory's daughter said with an aggressive high-five for her dad just before the workout began.
3, 2, 1...Go!
True to form, Mars came out "hot" and was in the lead after Round 1. But a determined Rory and Heber weren't too far behind as they all started Round 2 ...
Amidst repeated shouts of "Go, Daddy, go!" from Heber's two little boys—Finley (2) and Maverick (4)—who cheered madly from the corner, Cannon managed to stand up his 11th squat clean at 185 lb., finishing just 2 reps shy of completing Round2 within the 8-minute time cap.
As Heber sat and attempted to make a buttery recovery, Rory and Mars were forced to forge ahead into Round 3 without the company of their lusciously long-locked companion.
Mars hopped back onto the pull-up bar first, while Rory strolled slowly over in an attempt to catch his breath. Quickly it became apparent just how winded both of the remaining athletes were after having sprinted to complete those final squat cleans in the previous round.
With every rep, the athletes took extended hunched-over breaks, often turning their toes-to-bar into painful singles.
Ro & Mars continued chipping away at their remaining 25 toes-to-bar in Round 3. Mars finished his first and advanced to the 50 double-unders. Meanwhile, Rory remained on the pull-up bar.
As the third round's 4-minute time cap approached, Mars managed to get to the barbell and power through 5 squat cleans at 275 lb., taking the overall win and bragging rights for 19.2! Rory advanced to the jump rope and completed a total of 12 double-unders in that third round, securing his second-place finish. With only 11 of the required 13 squat cleans under his weight belt prior to the 8-minute time cap of Round 2, a humbled Heber found himself in an unfamiliar last place compared to his previous first-place finish in their Icelandic battle for 18.5.
Great job, boys! It's been a long time since Rory found himself in the middle of a sandwich this buttery:
Even though none of these three buttery beasts completed the work requirement within the third round's 12-minute time cap (necessary to advance them into the final two rounds), all three of them are winners in our book. Just don't think for a second that they're gonna let Heber forget this one any time soon ...
Redemption was sweet for both Mars and Rory!
In case you missed the LIVE action, do not fear—you can still watch it over on the @FITAID Instagram page! (Just click on the Story, then select "Watch Live Video")
"When was the last time you had pancakes for dinner?"
—The Buttery Bros.
It's the sound of our friends, family members and fellow athletes cheering us on, paired with our ongoing inner desire to dig deep and do our best—that's what makes CrossFit great. —LIFEAID staff
> > > Live well.
Things got a little buttery last night… CrossFit’s sweetheart Rory (Ro) McKernan joined The Buttery Brothers & well-known media team duo—Heber (Heebs) Cannon & Marston (Mars) Sawyers—Thursday evening for the Open Workout 19.2 LIVE Announcement. The trio anxiously huddled around the TV in the FITAID box, located at the office of LIFEAID Beverage Co. in the […]
Here are snippets from a recent article on HealthLine.com about the natural properties of Turmeric and Curcumin:
"Turmeric may be the most effective nutritional supplement in existence."
Many studies have shown that it may have major benefits for your body and brain, including the following:
1. Turmeric Contains Bioactive Compounds
Curcumin is the main active ingredient in turmeric. It is a very strong antioxidant that may help reduce mild inflammation from everyday stress.
TIP: It helps to consume black pepper with it (which contains piperine), enhancing the absorption of curcumin by 2,000% (3).
Curcumin is also fat soluble, so it may be a good idea to take it with a fatty meal.
2. Curcumin Is a Natural Compound That Helps Combat Mild Inflammation
...Scientists now believe that chronic, low-level inflammation plays a major role in many health issues.
Curcumin naturally helps fight mild everyday inflammation on a molecular level...
3. Turmeric Increases the Antioxidant Capacity of the Body
Curcumin has powerful antioxidant effects. It neutralizes free radicals on its own but also stimulates your body's own antioxidant enzymes.
4. Curcumin Boosts Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor, Linked to Improved Brain Function
Curcumin boosts levels of the brain hormone BDNF, which increases the growth of new neurons and boosts overall brain function...
The Bottom Line
Turmeric and especially its most active compound curcumin have many scientifically-proven health benefits.
It’s a potent antioxidant that may help reduce mild inflammation while also helping to improve overall well-being.
You can also SHOP all of our blends, four of which contain TURMERIC which may help reduce mild inflammation from everyday stress, at LIFEAIDBevCo.com! Join the movement: #ABetterWayToDrink
> > > Live well.
Here are snippets from a recent article on HealthLine.com about the natural properties of Turmeric and Curcumin: “Turmeric may be the most effective nutritional supplement in existence.” Many studies have shown that it may have major benefits for your body and brain, including the following: 1. Turmeric Contains Bioactive Compounds Curcumin is the main active ingredient […]
... Believe it or not, the simple act of jumping rope can do more for you overall than the same time spent jogging. Plus, jumping rope is also easy to do anywhere. A jump rope slipped in your backpack or bag can be brought along on a trip, to work, school or at home ...
Here are a few benefits of jumping rope that you might not know about:
1. Improves Coordination
Jumping rope actually improves your coordination by making you focus on your feet. Whether or not you’re paying attention to them, your brain is aware of what your feet are doing. This practice, over and over again, makes you “lighter” on your feet. Training for one of those warrior-style obstacle course races? Jumping rope can help. According to expertboxing.com's Boxing Training Guide, “the more tricks you do with the jump rope, the more conscious and coordinated you have to be.”
2. Decreases Foot and Ankle Injuries
Jumping rope is beneficial for those active in other sports. Many athletes in basketball, tennis, football and other sports often suffer foot and ankle injuries from running and then stopping quick and turning. This is very common in both tennis and basketball. Jumping rope not only improves your foot coordination but also increases your strength in the muscles surrounding your ankle joint and in your foot, decrease the chance of injury to those areas.
According to the Jump Rope Institute, “jumping rope teaches players to stay on the balls of their feet, as opposed to being flat footed or on their heels. And since you are on your toes the entire time you jump rope, you will find that staying quiet on your toes when playing tennis will become easier and second nature.”
3. Burns Major Calories
Compared to jogging for 30 minutes, jumping rope actually burns more calories. According to Science Daily, “This aerobic exercise can achieve a “burn rate” of up to 1300 calories per hour of vigorous activity, with about 0.1 calories consumed per jump. Ten minutes of jumping rope can roughly be considered the equivalent of running an eight-minute mile.”
4. Completely Portable and Fun
A jump rope can go anywhere with you. Take it to work, take it to school. Warm up before your basketball game or cool down after a bike ride. Learn to do tricks and double dutch with your kids or have competitions between you and your family — how long, how low you can jump, how high, spinning — all kinds of tricks can be done with a jump rope.
5. Improves Bone Density
Dr. Daniel W. Barry, an assistant professor of medicine at the University of Colorado, at Denver, and a researcher who has studied the bones of the elderly and of athletes, says that the best exercise to improve bone density is simply jumping up and down.
“Jumping is great, if your bones are strong enough to begin with,” Dr. Barry says. “You probably don’t need to do a lot either.” (If you have any history of fractures or a family history of osteoporosis, check with a physician before jumping.)
According to The New York Times, “in studies in Japan, having mice jump up and land 40 times during a week increased their bone density significantly after 24 weeks, a gain they maintained by hopping up and down only about 20 or 30 times each week after that.”
6. Improves Cardiovascular Health
According to the American College of Sports Medicine, skipping rope is highly recommended for aerobic conditioning. In order to increase your heart and lung health you must do it three to five times per week for 12 to 20 minutes at a time.
7. Improved Breathing Efficiency
In addition to improved heart health and stamina, jumping rope also improves how efficiently you breathe. This becomes very beneficial when doing other activities because you won’t be as out of breath after running down the court or swimming laps in the pool.
8. Makes You Smarter
Believe it or not, jumping rope can make you smarter. According the Jump Rope Institute, jumping aids in the development of the left and right hemispheres of your brain, which further enhances spacial awareness, improves reading skills, increases memory and makes you more mentally alert. Jumping on the balls of your feet requires your body and mind to make neural muscular adjustments to imbalances created from continuous jumping. As a result jumping improves dynamic balance and coordination, reflexes, bone density and muscular endurance.
9. Improves Your Ability to Stay Calm
Because you are actually working your brain and your body at the same time, boxers in the ring who jump rope actually are more calm overall than those who don’t. The Jump Rope Institute attributes this to the bio-mechanical perspective.
“As one dissects this exercise further and views it from a bio-mechanical perspective, it represents a composite movement combining a circular motion with an angular momentum. The body resembles a projectile subject to all the laws that govern projectile motion while the rope becomes a dynamic flywheel subject to all the laws that govern rotary motion. It is in the synchronous and harmonious coordination of these movements where the secrets and benefits are received.”
Your improved ability to jump rope and be synchronous with your body, mind and the rope, can actually help you be more calm in other situations.
CONCLUSION
Grab a jump rope, get hopping and be amazed by the different ways your body and mind will benefit.
Now during the 2019 CrossFit OPEN, you can receive a FREE RPM Sprint Jump Rope + FREE SHIPPING
with every single order of two 24-packs at LIFEAIDBevCo.com. (Offer valid while supplies last, Feb. 21- March 25, 2019.)
By Michelle Kennedy Hogan at LifeHack.org Let’s just jump right in! … Believe it or not, the simple act of jumping rope can do more for you overall than the same time spent jogging. Plus, jumping rope is also easy to do anywhere. A jump rope slipped in your backpack or bag can be brought along […]
Your team at LIFEAID Beverage Co. has put together a list of their absolute favorite gift and date ideas to help you make this your healthiest and happiest Valentine's Day yet!
Most of them cost little to nothing, but their worth is priceless. Here are some suggestions for making this Valentine's Day an unforgettable one:
1. Get outdoors.
Whether you end up strolling along the beach or going on a day hike to a favorite spot, taking an adventure with someone you love is sure to spark joy. It's romantic and (bonus!) it's free. Go soak up some fresh air and work up an appetite, while basking in the bliss of endorphins as a result of spending time in nature with the company of your partner, family or friends.
2. Throw down.
You may not consider yourself the "artsy" type, but we guarantee your loved one will treasure anything you make (whether it's hand-thrown or glazed pottery, a necklace, etc.). Why not surprise them by taking a local class at a nearby pottery/bead studio? The staff will help you, so — regardless of your skill level — the end result is sure to be both unique and special.
3. Hang with friends.
Who says Valentine's Day is just for lovers? We think it's the perfect excuse for dinner with friends, an afternoon spent downtown, or building a pillow fort and enjoying game night or a good movie at home with the gang. Whatever the activity, being with the ones you love is all that matters — enjoy their company & do something fun with your favorite humans.
4. Build-your-own bouquet.
This year, skip the store-bought (often over-priced) bouquets. Instead, visit a local farmer's market or flower shop and pick out your own arrangement of just a few fresh flowers specifically for him or her. It'll feel way more personal (plus, you'll probably save yourself some serious cash, too) Bonus: Add a thoughtful handwritten note and you'll have them swooning in no time!
5. Get physical.
Hugging for 20 seconds is known to increase levels of the "love hormone" oxytocin (nature's anti-depressant) in the body! Physical touch (including holding hands) also helps you stay healthy by reducing cortisol levels, lowering blood pressure & heart rate, and reducing stress. Plus, it's just a great way to stay warm on these cold winter days.
6. Be crafty.
Glue sticks and crayons are not reserved solely for school children. A little bit of time and a few simple craft supplies can go a long way when it comes to showing a loved one you care. We're a fan of making our own valentine cards. Handwritten notes are priceless, and all you need is some colorful craft paper and pens.
Your loved one(s) will treasure the time you spent making something just for them.
7. Heat things up.
Before your mind wanders to the bedroom ... Consider heating things up in the kitchen by cooking a meal together. Fact: Daily life is hectic. Slow down, put on your favorite record, pour some wine (or your drink of choice), and take your time really enjoying the process of cooking a meal together from scratch. Note: We know this may require some helping hands if you have little ones.
So plan ahead and get a babysitter, or — if they're old enough — let the kids join in the fun, and make an evening of it for the whole family!
8. Buy flours (instead of flowers).
If your loved one has a sweet tooth, head to the kitchen and bake them their favorite treat or try a new recipe. Tip: Use valentine-themed cookie cutters, pink & red frosting or a ribbon to sweetly finish it off. Adding a special note will, of course, be the "icing on the cake."
9. Pick up the phone.
Many of us may not be able to be with loved ones this Valentine's Day, so set aside some time to pick up the phone or send a special note to someone you love. Don't forget about the relatives in your life who may be feeling especially lonely — simply hearing from you would be the best giftof all.
10. Share the LIFEAID love.
(You knew it was coming!) At LIFEAID, we truly are passionate about helping others live their best, healthiest life. What better way to show someone you care about their health than with a case of LIFEAID Daily Blend, great for helping to reduce inflammation from everyday stress and thrive in life.
OUR JUST FOR YOU :
This Valentine's Day, enjoy 20% OFF all cases of LIFEAID Daily Blend!Offer valid for 24 hours only — shop this Thursday (Feb. 14) to save some dough for your valentine! (Discount taken at checkout.)
Whatever you do, we want to wish you & your loved ones a happy and healthy Valentine's Day — you are loved.
Your team at LIFEAID Beverage Co. has put together a list of their absolute favorite gift and date ideas to help you make this your healthiest and happiest Valentine’s Day yet! Most of them cost little to nothing, but their worth is priceless. Here are some suggestions for making this Valentine’s Day an unforgettable one: 1. […]
Twin sisters from Colombia share a glimpse into the struggle and perseverance which brought them to America, and the strength it took to help them build their lives as extreme fitness athletes and personal trainers.
Natalia & Margarita Guzman (best known on social media as @Las2winz) migrated to the United States from Tunja, Colombia in June of 2001. Living in fear, with the family receiving daily life threats, their parents made the decision to move away from Colombia in search of a safer life in the United states.
June 15, 2001, was the day the twin sisters' lives would change forever.
Speaking zero English, the Guzmans left their families behind and their parents sold their business, basically restarting their lives from scratch. Everything their parents worked so hard for their entire lives was (poof!) gone.
To say they experienced culture shock in the United States would be a severe understatement. The Guzmans went from living in a 3-bedroom house to a 2-bedroom apartment. Their parents, Juan and Esperanza, went from owning their own business to working low-income jobs just to pay the bills. The hardest part of moving to the U.S. was the language barrier — not being able to understand or communicate with anyone.
“We were bullied a lot,” Margarita admits. “People made fun of how we spoke. There were not many friends.”
Growing up as non-English-speaking immigrant students proved very challenging and oftentimes lonely, as the girls struggled to make friends amidst such a thick language barrier. As middle schoolers, Natalia and Margarita were teased simply for the way they spoke, leading to many insecurities. They also endured the struggles of watching both of their parents work jobs they did not love — such as delivering bouncy houses to parties on the weekends, newspaper routes in the early mornings and cleaning offices late at night.
The pain of watching their parents fall from the position of business owners to working low-paying jobs proved both heartbreaking and motivating.
At the age of 15, both Natalia and Margarita started working, eventually working their way through college. Juggling full-time jobs and a full college course load was no easy task for either of them, but they managed to graduate from CSU-Long Beach in 2004, with Business degrees in Finance. Soon after graduating, they both began working out and ended up getting jobs as personal trainers at a bootcamp called OC|FIT.
"It was in that environment (at OC|FIT) that we found our passion and calling. We were meant to inspire, motivate and change people’s lives through fitness."
For the next four years, the Guzman sisters went on to be trainers and manage one of OC|Fit's five locations. This helped Natalia build up enough courage to open our own (sixth) location of OC|Fit on April 2, 2018. With the support of their clients, both of their savings and their parents' life savings, the Guzman girls suddenly went from working for someone else to owning their own business in the United States of America.
"We can proudly say that we have achieved the American Dream. We started from nothing with nothing and built a successful gym that changes lives every single day," says Margarita.
Their hard work, tenacity, discipline, motivation and drive to succeed propelled the Guzmans to become Latina women business owners.
As fitness enthusiasts, the twins have also completed extreme obstacle course races in Las Vegas, Dallas, San Francisco, Lake Tahoe, Oahu and Seattle.
"Every day we are living the American Dream, and we have our parents to thank for that. Everyone is given the ability to make their dreams a reality, it is up to each of us to get out there, work hard, and make it happen."
Twin sisters Margarita & Natalia (@Las2winz) are not just living the American Dream,
their story is inspiring others to ...
dream big!
To learn more about OC|Fit, visit OCFitGames.com or follow the Guzman sisters on Instagram: @las2winz
> > > Live well.
Top photo credit: Bill Alkofer, Orange County Register/SCNG
Twin sisters from Colombia share a glimpse into the struggle and perseverance which brought them to America, and the strength it took to help them build their lives as extreme fitness athletes and personal trainers. Natalia & Margarita Guzman (best known on social media as @Las2winz) migrated to the United States from Tunja, Colombia […]
Nothing says "cozy winter comfort food" quite like beef stew.
If you know me, you know there's nothing I love more than family gatherings, valid excuses for being extra festive, and healthier takes on our favorite comfort foods. My husband is a comfort food guy through and through, so naturally I eat up every ounce of his unrestrained enthusiasm when I make one of the classics. According to my husband, Hearty Beef Stew is the holy grail of comfort food. When I make him his beloved hearty beef stew, nothing else in the world matters to him except for those deliciously tender chunks of beef, velvety smooth pillows of potato along with the ensemble of stew veggies that melt in your mouth with each and every bite. We can’t forget about that deep, rich, savory sauce … because it’s all about the sauce. I think it’s pretty safe to say that when it comes to feeding a true comfort food connoisseur, saucy beefy things are a BIG DEAL.
You might be asking, “How can I make a healthier version of such a serious classic without sacrificing my lifestyle goals?”
Easily.With a few strategic swaps, you can enjoy comforting favorites like this beef stew. Instead of purchasing the fattier cuts of stew meat, opt for extra lean cuts. You will drastically reduce the fat and calories without sacrificing flavor. My other strategic swap involves thickening the sauce. A lot of stew recipes use white flour as the main thickening agent. I have nothing against white flour, but with gluten intolerance and/or sensitivity on the rise, I always look for convenient alternatives such as cornstarch, which is inexpensive and readily available.
This recipe is all about convenient home cooked comfort food. No endless hours in the kitchen, no huge pile of dirty dishes that will not do themselves, just some minor chopping, mixing and setting the slow cooker. Whether your days and nights are filled with some seasonal festive fun, or you’re heading to the gym for a much needed workout at the end of a busy day, or you simply can’t cook but you have to eat something to stay alive, the slow cooker can and will be your best friend here.
Even though many of us love this time of year, we are often exhausted by the end of each day. Endless parties and gatherings, holiday events and obligations, the struggle to maintain the balance of a healthy lifestyle in the midst of abundant temptation, and the excitement of the season followed by the inevitable burnout, are all very real experiences we may encounter. As the holidays get closer and our days and evenings get busier, coming home to cook a labor intensive meal is the last thing we want to do. It’s okay to make things a little (or a lot) easier on yourself. Plug in your slow cooker with pride, and let it do the work for you … You can even skip the dishes.
All you need to do is pull up a chair and serve yourself up a generous bowl of this hearty, savory stew to soothe your soul, and fill your belly at the end of a long, eventful day.
Hearty Slow Cooker Beef Stew
Gluten-free, high-protein, low-fat
Servings: 6 | 282 calories per serving 27g Protein | 28g Carbs | 4g Fat
Ingredients
1.5 lb. extra lean stew meat, trimmed and cubed
1 lb. Dutch baby or red potatoes, quartered
1 cup yellow onion, diced
1 cup celery, chopped
1.5 cups carrot, peeled and sliced into rounds
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup dry red wine
1 cup reduced sodium beef broth, gluten free
2 Tablespoons tomato paste, whisked in broth
1/4 cup cornstarch, dissolved in 1/4 cup cold water
2 bay leaves
1.5 teaspoons dried thyme
Kosher salt & coarse ground pepper, to taste
Preparation
Place the trimmed stew meat in the slow cooker. Quarter the baby potatoes, dice the onion, chop the celery, slice the peeled carrots and mince the garlic cloves, then add them to the slow cooker. Pour wine over the meat and vegetable mixture. Whisk the tomato paste in the beef broth until smooth, then pour the mixture into the slow cooker cavity. In a small ramekin, combine 1/4 cup of cold water and cornstarch. Gently stir until the cornstarch has dissolved. Stir the cornstarch mixture into the slow cooker. Add the bay leaves and dried thyme, then season the stew mixture with salt and pepper. Cover the stew with a lid and turn the heat on the low setting, and let cook for 6-8 hours, stirring occasionally.
When the stew is done, remove the bay leaves. Adjust the salt and pepper to taste preferences and enjoy immediately, or transfer to an airtight storage container and store in the refrigerator for later.
> > > Live well.
By: Karenia Bowman | Nothing says “cozy winter comfort food” quite like beef stew. If you know me, you know there’s nothing I love more than family gatherings, valid excuses for being extra festive, and healthier takes on our favorite comfort foods. My husband is a comfort food guy through and through, so naturally I eat […]
Dieters looking to stick to their New Year's resolutions need look no further than their local Chipotle.
The burrito restaurant introduced a collection of "lifestyle bowls" earlier this week, available exclusively through its mobile app and website. The new offerings use the same ingredients that Chipotle has always offered, but are catered to folks adhering to the popular keto, paleo, Whole30 and other protein-rich diet plans.
The online-only availability of these meals is a strategic move by the company to coax more customers to order digitally, since average checks of digital orders tend to be higher than orders placed at the restaurant.
The bowls are a bit pricier than a traditional bowl as they all contain guacamole or double the meat, both extra charges at the chain. Without add-ons, salads and bowls cost between $7.60 and $8.60, as priced at a New Jersey Chipotle restaurant. In comparison, these lifestyle bowls run from $10.30 to $11.15.
The appeal of the bowls is that dieters don't need to build their own or try and figure out what items fit their diet plan, Chipotle does it for them.
Dieters looking to stick to their New Year’s resolutions need look no further than their local Chipotle. The burrito restaurant introduced a collection of “lifestyle bowls” earlier this week, available exclusively through its mobile app and website. The new offerings use the same ingredients that Chipotle has always offered, but are catered to folks adhering to […]
We’ve all heard the expression, “Do what you love and you’ll never work a day in your life.”
We live in the age of Elizabeth Gilbert—an entire generation of Eat, Pray, Love-ers who seemingly quit their “normal” lives to successfully follow their dreams. On a recent layover in Las Vegas I purchased the anthology, “Eat Pray Love Made Me Do It: Life Journeys Inspired by the Bestselling Memoir,” and indulged in stories of how people transformed into real life superheroes. This left me contemplating my own journey (over a decade as a professional yoga teacher), with a desire to outline a roadmap for how it can all be possible by incorporating the following practices into building your business:
1. Teach in three places or less.
You cannot be everywhere, so don’t try. Focus on finding two or three (one, if you’re lucky) “yoga homes” where you enjoy practicing, teaching, and connecting with the community. Make sure your “homes” are not struggling and can compensate you appropriately for the work you put in. Negotiate your pay so you feel comfortable with what you receive for your efforts. Even as a newer teacher, you still deserve to be paid competitively for your work.
2. Pursue teaching in corporate environments.
I never thought teaching in an office setting would be one of my favorite places to work, but they are genuinely the best. Pros: students are delighted to have a break from their desk; pay is consistent and often higher than in a studio or gym setting; your work is valued and appreciated in a professional way. Also, snacks.
3. Prioritize quality over quantity.
As an East Coast Jew, my go-to is: Always do more and say "yes!" to opportunities. However, this has come back to crush me many times during my career. As a teacher, you must learn to focus your energy on gigs that pay and/or add a significant amount of value to your business. I’ve often taught free classes in partnership with companies or causes that I’m passionate about. These opportunities can increase your visibility, and ultimately lead to monetary gains as you encounter potential new students. But, teaching a free class requires the same amount of energy as a class that pays your $250/hour, so schedule your time wisely.
4. Network like a nutcase.
Every teaching opportunity I’ve been offered was a direct result of knowing someone who knew someone who referred me. I haven’t updated my resume in eight years, my website often looks like carriebradshaw.com, and I wouldn’t even know where to start when applying for a teaching job.
My advice: talk to everyone.
They’re all potential students and/or employers. Your friend who works at Google, the barista at Philz Coffee, your local lululemon community, other yoga teachers, bloggers, family friends–you name it– could be responsible for your next best teaching opportunity and paycheck.
C O N C L U S I O N Stop reading this,get out there, meet everyone, prioritize quality, know your worth, and create the yoga career of your dreams. I look forward to reading your story in the next volume of “Eat, Pray, Love Made Me Do It.”
We’ve all heard the expression, “Do what you love and you’ll never work a day in your life.” We live in the age of Elizabeth Gilbert—an entire generation of Eat, Pray, Love-ers who seemingly quit their “normal” lives to successfully follow their dreams. On a recent layover in Las Vegas I purchased the anthology, “Eat Pray Love […]
So a few weeks back, Logan was competing in a Spartan Race when he approached the side-by-side rings across a moat. These are challenging even for strong athletes with two arms.
Logan has one, but that doesn’t matter to Logan.
“I did not complete this obstacle. I failed. But that was okay. ‘It is impossible to live without failing at something, unless you live so cautiously that you might as well not have lived at all, in which case you fail by default.’ It is ‘impossible’ for me to complete a Spartan Race without failing at least one obstacle. That does not discourage me or reduce my confidence. It excites me! Failure is inevitable, so fail forward,” Logan wrote on Instagram.
Check out these photos, then be more like Logan.
> > > Live well.
Original article posted Oct. 18, 2018 by MORNING CHALK UP If you’re not already familiar with FITAID athlete Logan Aldridge, then read our mini-profile on this unbelievable adaptive athlete. . In short, Logan lost his left arm in a boating accident when he was 13 years old. But this guy isn’t one to just “survive” but thrive. He […]
As a chef, I’m highly inspired by all-things food. I love all of the seasonal offerings available toward the end of the year and everything butternut squash is no exception. Even though butternut squash is widely available year-round, it is best known as a winter squash. It’s deliciously soft, sweet and nutty, not to mention easy to prepare, and extremely versatile. One of my favorite seasonal pairings this time of year is butternut squash along with a deliciously savory breakfast sausage.
I know, most people think sausage isn’t conducive to a fit and healthy lifestyle but it can be—dreams really do come true!
With a simple healthy swap of low-fat chicken sausage instead of full-fat pork sausage, you can still indulge without derailing your lifestyle goals or sacrificing flavor. Sometimes I buy my sausage from my local grocer’s butcher department, and sometimes I make my own from scratch (it’s actually easier than you think). Whether your chicken sausage is store-bought or homemade, it’s absolutely delicious when paired with butternut squash. I also love to add a little kale to the mix because it transforms this dynamic duo into a serious triple threat in everything you enjoy them in.
Breakfast is my love language. I have to have it or else I don’t feel whole. I really believe it completes my life. Every morning I cheerfully make my breakfast while sipping an ice-cold protein latte—it’s my ritual … what can I say? More often than not, my morning typically starts with an egg/egg white-based dish. Some mornings, I’ll enjoy my egg muffins on the go, and some mornings I'll opt for a scramble or an omelet of some kind at home. I’ve also been known to savagely chug my egg whites over ice with a morning bowl of oats. At my core, I'm a creature of healthy habits. I start most days with an egg white/egg-based dish because they are high in muscle-building protein, they are deliciously satiating and extremely versatile.
When it comes to mornings, I recognize the fact that most don’t have the time to sit and prepare a full-on breakfast.
If it comes down to hitting the snooze button two to three times, or cooking breakfast ... chances are, most people will opt for the snooze. I’m a firm believer in “having it all," so why not hit the snooze button a few more times and relish the extra sleep while still managing to start your day with a fit, filling, seasonal breakfast on the go? Well, with these deliciously convenient egg muffins, you totally can!
As a chef, my absolute passion is creating balanced solutions for healthier living.
Creating solutions that are actually doable is always my goal, and these savory breakfast egg muffins do not disappoint. Whether you are someone who doesn’t have much experience in the kitchen, or someone who is a seasoned pro, you can easily throw these into your regular breakfast rotation. They require minimal effort and masquerade as convenient protein-packed snacks, ideal for anytime you need a healthy and filling on-the-go snack.
If you have a hectic morning ahead of you, make these little babies the night before. Simply reheat them in the microwave for 15-20 seconds. Voila! You have an instant, homemade high-protein breakfast ready to enjoy before you start your busy day!
Preparation
1. Spray a muffin tin with non-stick cooking spray and set aside. Dice butternut squash into small bite-sized pieces and set aside. Chop the kale leaves and set aside, discarding the stems. Heat a large nonstick skillet over low heat. Spray the surface of the skillet with nonstick cooking spray. Transfer the butternut squash cubes and sauté for 7-10 minutes or until tender. When the butternut squash is done, remove the cubes from the skillet and set aside.
2. Wipe down the skillet and spray the surface with non-stick cooking spray. Transfer the low-fat chicken sausage to the skillet. Cook until the meat is no longer pink and begins to brown. While the sausage is cooking, break the pieces into bite-sized crumbles with the corner of the spatula. When the sausage is done cooking, remove the skillet from the heat and transfer the sausage to a colander and drain (optional).
3. Wipe down the skillet and spray the surface of the skillet with nonstick cooking spray. Heat the skillet over low heat. Add butternut squash, sausage and kale to the skillet. Cook until the kale leaves begin to soften and wilt. When done, remove the skillet from the heat and let the mixture cool.
4. In a small mixing bowl, add the eggs and egg whites. Season the egg mixture with granulated garlic, salt & pepper and whisk until well combined.
5. Ladle/pour the egg mixture halfway up into each muffin cavity. When cool enough to handle, disperse the filling evenly among each cavity. Place the muffin tin on top of a sheet pan (larger than the muffin tin). Place the muffins in the oven for 25-30 minutes or until done with no liquid remaining. When done, remove the muffins from the oven and let cool.
6. When the egg muffins have cooled, enjoy immediately or transfer to an air-tight container and store in the refrigerator for later.
> > > Live well!
By: Karenia Bowman | As a chef, I’m highly inspired by all-things food. I love all of the seasonal offerings available toward the end of the year and everything butternut squash is no exception. Even though butternut squash is widely available year-round, it is best known as a winter squash. It’s deliciously soft, sweet and nutty, […]
