Week 3 :: Weight Loss Update - Cardio/HIIT

Hi Everyone! I know week 3 is a little late, but I still wanted to put this up for those that were interested! 
This week I concentrated on adding Cardio into my routine and I go on to talk about the type of cardio that I like to do (HIIT - High Intensity Interval Training)



High Intensity Interval Training is definitely more effective than just running on a treadmill or jogging at a steady pace because your body goes into whats called a steady state. Meaning your body is used to the same pace you're going.. thus trying to conserve the fat/calories so you typically don't lose much calories nor fat..but it is good for your heart.  HIIT is great because of the short periods of high intensity and alternating with low intensity, it tricks the body, making your heart lungs and entire body work harder.. burning more calories, thus burning more fat.


When you do too much cardio though, it tends to burn away the muscle that you've worked so hard to build.. and my main goal is lose the fat and gain lean muscle! so I definitely don't want to do that! 


The exercises you'll see are featured in my one post:
http://www.beautyandthebrute.com/2012/05/gym-session-05092012.html


And the exercises mention in ONE set are:
Bodyweight Squats - 12 reps
Spiderman Pushups - 12 reps
Jumping Lunges - 12 reps
Plank to Pushups - 12 reps
Mountain Climbers - 12 reps
--- rest 90 seconds


all of those are considered ONE set! I started doing just 3 sets.. but have worked my way to doing 4 or 5.. and the thing I love most about doing this cardio complex is that it's so much more fun than just running on a treadmill for 30-45 minutes.  This literally only takes me 15-20 minutes and really gets my heart pumping and gets me sweating tons!


Thank you all for the support during my challenge! Next week I am hoping to do an updated progression shot.. to help keep me motivated and work harder then the past few weeks.. I'm definitely still not where I want to be, and remember results to happen over night.. so I definitely am not discouraged but rather.. more motivated!


If you have any questions, please feel free to ask! Until my next video/Blog Post! :)

Gym Session :: 5/25/12 & 5/26/12

For 5/25/2012 - Usually on my off days, I like to do some intense cardio, so of course I did a Cardio complex.. soo much better than running on a treadmill for 30 mins..  


Karen was supposed to join me but she changed her plans last minute... 


Anyway - this is what I did for my at home workout - let me tell you ... it was INTENSE! Made me sweat way more than I did just jogging on the treadmill!


I did 3 rounds of this all one right after the other and waiting 90 seconds rest before the next round..


So it looked like this:


Bodyweight Squats - 12 reps
Spiderman Pushups - 12 reps
Jumping Lunges - 12 reps
Plank to Pushups - 12 reps
Mountain Climbers - 12 reps
--- rest 90 seconds

Bodyweight Squats - 12 reps

Spiderman Pushups - 12 reps

Jumping Lunges - 12 reps

Plank to Pushups - 12 reps

Mountain Climbers - 12 reps

--- rest 90 seconds

Bodyweight Squats - 12 reps

Spiderman Pushups - 12 reps

Jumping Lunges - 12 reps

Plank to Pushups - 12 reps

Mountain Climbers - 12 reps

For 5/26/12 - I wasn't going to go to the gym, but decided to re-evaluate my thinking of how bad I want to win this 10k challenge and decided to bust my butt in the gym.  It was a Chest/Back Day so this is what I did.. I made it my goal for this gym session to up the weight on each of my exercises that I usually do.. :) 

Chest
- Barbell Chest Press
65lbs x 5
65lbs x 5
75lbs x 5 (10lb increase from my usual! yay!) 

75lbs x 5

75lbs x 5

- Inclined Dumbbell Press
15lbs x 8
20lbs x 8
30lbs x 8 (10lb increase from my usual yay!)

- Pec Flys (machine)
25lbs x 1240lbs x 12 (at this point I was super pumped hence the big jump lol)
40lbs x 12

Back

Rackpulls

135lbs x 5

155lbs x 5

175lbs x 5

205lbs x 5

215lbs x 5

**10lb increase in just a few days! I really was determined to up my weight!!**

- Hammer High Rows

35lbs x 12

40lbs x 12

40lbs x 12

- Self Assisted Dumbbell Rows

20lbs x 8

30lbs x 8

30lbs x 8

**also 10lb increase - thankfully.. definitely feel a lot stronger**

Extra's

- Standing Calf raises (machine that you add free weights)

90lbs x 12

90lbs x 12

90lbs x 12

- Abs

3 sets of 30 crunches

Now that I think about it.. my lower back will probably be super sore tomorrow! (after those rack pulls) Hopefully it won't affect my squats! (going for 140-145 lbs for reps tomorrow - wish me luck!) 

Video :: Rack Pulls & Shoulder Press

Quick Snippet of me at the gym doing Rack Pulls and Shoulder Presses

Don't forget to Subscribe to our Channel for more Videos

- Christian 

Gym Session 5/22/12 & 5/24/12

Sorry I didn't get to post 5/22 after my workout - got so busy doing errands and taking care of the kiddies that It totally slipped my mind! trying to get better at doing these! lol

For 5/22/2012 I decided to go to the gym with Hubby since he had a day off and it's been awhile since I last went with him. It was an AWESOME workout! despite the night before I had 1 hour of real sleep because Sophia was crying all night, then pooped a massive poop all over herself, and then Tianna had an accident (it was a crazy nightmare for me lol) but nonetheless, despite being tired and I had a major migraine.. I still decided to hit it hard.. I really wish I could've taken anything.. even coffee.. but since i'm breastfeeding - I had to rely on some good music to push me through my workout..

Back

Rackpulls

135lbs x 5

145lbs x 5

155lbs x 5

185lbs x 5

205lbs x 5

** Super proud of myself for this one too, since the most i've done before I got pregnant was only 135lbs **

- Hammer High Rows

35lbs x 8

35lbs x 8

35lbs x 8

- Lat Pull Down

50lbs x 12

50lbs x 12

50lbs x 12

Shoulders:

- Seated Dumbbell Press

20lbs x 5

20lbs x 5

20lbs x 5

25lbs x 5

25lbs x 5

- Standing Dumbbell Side Laterals

5lbs x 8

7.5lbs x 8

7.5lbs x 8

- Standing Bent-Over Rear Delt Raise Side Laterals

7.5lbs x 12

7.5lbs x 12

7.5lbs x 12

Abs

3 sets of 30 crunches

Cardio:

10 minutes - Stairmaster

10 minutes - Elliptical

10 minutes - Stationary Bike

Leg day for me for 5/24/2012. Decided to hit it early since My parents were willing to watch Sophia while the girls were in school.. here's what I did! Very proud of myself because I surpassed what I lifted before I got pregnant (squats before my max was 135lbs).. so I still have a lot of work to do, but My goal is to squat 160lbs dead lift 185lbs.. sooo yes - must put in more work! 

I do have about 60 days left in the Elite Ambition challenge on BodyBuilding.com! yikes! it's flying by!! 

Here's my workout for today!

Legs: 

- Barbell Squats (high bar)

95lbs x 5

115lbs x 5

125lbs x 5

135lbs x 5

145lbs x 5

- Dead Lifts

135lbs x 8

135lbs x 8

145lbs x 8

- Bulgarian Split Squats 

BW x 12

BW x 12

BW x 12

- Barbell Glute Bridge 

60lbs x 12

60lbs x 12

60lbs x 12

- Standing Calf raises 

90lbs x 12

90lbs x 12

90lbs x 12

Arms:

- Dumbbell Bicep Curl

20lbs x 5

20lbs x 5

20lbs x 5

20lbs x 5

20lbs x 5

- Dumbbell Hammer Curls

20lbs x 8

20lbs x 8

20lbs x 8

Abs:

- Crunches on exercise ball

3 sets of 25 crunches

That pretty much concluded my workout for today.. Yesterday I did do my cardio complex with Karen, but I did a different one.. I'm hoping to put together my week 3 weight loss update shortly so you guys can see what I'm talking about! Until tomorrows workout! :)

Gym Session :: 5/17/12 & 5/19/12

So I forgot to post this Friday night when I went to the gym with Karen.  We ended up doing legs and I will proudly say that I was able to squat 135lbs! I haven't squatted that since before I got pregnant! So big accomplishment to be able to squat that again in such short time I've been back at the gym. 

My Goal is to definitely get stronger and hopefully squat 145lbs and then keep going up! build them sexy leg muscles! :) 

Anywho - Just another Leg Day!

Week 2 Weight Loss Update!

Hi Everyone! So yes! it's end of week 2 of my 12 week weight loss challenge.  For those that are just tuning in - you can find the reason why i'm trying to lose weight and what this 12 week challenge is in the post HERE

In 2 weeks, I've lost a total of 7 pounds! Very proud of myself for still eating well and exercising.  I have not went over my caloric goal at all these past two weeks, and for that I'm very proud. I'm also proud that despite the caloric deficit - I'm still able to breast feed my Daughter (who is now 2 months old!)






In the video I talk about supplements that I take, since I've been messaged a few times and asked on YT and MFP if I'm currently taking any stimulants/fat burners etc while I'm trying to lose weight. If you watched my first video - I mentioned that already that I am breastfeeding.


So that means I cannot take any caffeine or any stimulants/pre-workout supplements/fat burners or else it will effect my daughter and of course I do not want that.. so I want to clear the air - I Am NOT taking any fat burners or stimulants (ie. pre-workout supplements etc).. The only products I am taking are Pictured here:

Combat Powder Protein :: How I take this:

16 oz water

1 Scoop (1 serving size)

mixed in a shaker bottle

I will take this only when I have not met my calories for the day (my goal is 1500 calories per day)  and if I'm still hungry at the end of the day. I try not to eat after 8PM, but if I do 'eat' anything, it's going to be a protein shake.  

Or I will take this protein shake if I've had a really monstrous workout (typically leg days cause I'll squat and deadliest super heavy).. then I will take this post workout.

Armor-V = MultiVitamin I take daily

Fish Oil = So many benefits (i.e.: aids in lowering high cholesterol, treating heart disease, treating anxiety/depression and it can also help with weight loss naturally) 

Iron = Need it because I'm anemic. Was anemic during pregnancy and doctor says I need to take it for a few months after pregnancy. I probably will stop taking it soon though (after next check up)

Fenugreek Seed And Blessed Thistle = For Breastfeeding to increase my milk supply. 

So those are the only things that i'm taking.. This past week I've been mainly working out in my husband and my home gym.  You'll hear him in some of the video while I'm working out because he is so supportive of me - that he trains me! 

For Week 3, My goal is to incorporate more cardio into my routine. Right now I sort of go to the gym every other day.. and my "rest" days - I want to really use those to my advantage and put in some hard work doing cardio complexes (which I will discuss in week 3!)  

Thank you to everyone who's been so supportive of my journey! And thank you to all the new subbies on our YT channel - I'm so thankful! I'm hoping this inspires you other ladies and mommies out there! If I can do this while I have a newborn and 2 other tots :) you can too! Don't forget to visit my Mommy website as well! (www.WorldForMoms.com) 

If you have any questions that you'd like me to address in my next weekly weight loss update - please leave a comment here, on YT, e-mail me or message me on twitter or YT! :) 

Till Next time!

Simple Green Smokey Eye Featuring Face Candy Couture

Decided to do another tutorial featuring some sample eyeshadows I received for review from Face Candy Couture. 

Click HERE For My Review on Face Candy Couture

Tutorial :: Soft Pink & Brown Eye Tutorial Feat. Too Faced Summer Eye Palette

I decided to do a simple soft pink and brown eye tutorial! :) this was filmed at night after i had just put Baby Sophia to sleep & I couldn't sleep -  so I didn't want to put a whole face of make up lol :D

Gym Session :: 05/14/2012

Howdy All! :) Hope you all had a great Monday! I surely did, I was able to get a lot of things at home done, get my work out in.. 


Hope all you mommies had a wonderful Mother's Day - I spent it with family at an amazing restaurant called Gyu-Kaku.. pretty delicious food, but of course I did not go over my caloric limit, but was still satisfied.


I was able to fit in some complex cardio as well to make sure I stayed in a caloric deficit.


Here is my workout that I did today..

Face Candy Couture Eyeshadows Review & Swatches

I was generously given the opportunity to try these colors (of my choice) for review consideration.  Face Candy Couture is an online makeup store that sells mineral based eye shadow at affordable prices.  

Cost: $4.99 Each for 1.2 grams of product in a 5 gram jar

Can be purchased: http://www.facecandycouture.com/

Gym Session :: 05/12/12

So today was an awesome day! Spent it doing errands with Hubby & Tianna while Jasmyn and Sophia stayed with my parents.  We were able to go out and get our Mom's their Mother's Day Gifts.. (I know procrastinators!) 


Hubby ended up getting called in to work this evening.. so here I am updating the bloggeroonie..


Anywho, My gym session consisted of working out Chest/Back. Here's what I did.




Chest


- Inclined Barbell Press
65lbs x 5
65lbs x 5
65lbs x 5
65lbs x 5
65lbs x 5


- Dumbbell Chest Press
20lbs x 8
20lbs x 8
20lbs x 8


- Pec Flys (machine)
25lbs x 12
25lbs x 12
25lbs x 12


Back


- Seated Rows
60lbs x 5
70lbs x 5
85lbs x 5
85lbs x 5
85lbs x 5


- Lat Pull Down
50lbs x 8
50lbs x 8
50lbs x 8


- Hammer High Rows
25lbs x 12
25lbs x 12
25lbs x 12
25lbs x 12


Decided to add in some light cardio by hopping on the stair master.. yea, that lasted all about 10 minutes cause my legs were dying! LOL.. Tomorrow is week 2 weigh in. So end of week 1, start of week 2 I was 148lbs, so I'm curious to know if i've lost any more weight.. or what, so i can see what I need to tweak with my diet etc..


Anywho - Happy Mother's Day to all you Mommies! :) Don't forget to visit my Mommy Website! http://www.WorldForMoms.com <3

My Week 1 Weight Loss Update!

So for those of you who didn't know - I had my 3rd baby the Middle of March, and was cleared to start exercising again at 6 weeks post pregnancy.  So to kickstart my weight loss journey, I entered in a body transformation.


It's the Elite Ambition Transformation sponsored by Dymatize Nutrition

It's a 12 Week Competition (84 days to be exact) and pretty much whoever has the best transformation by judging before and after pics by the bodybuilding.com judges - wins! 

The prizes are as follows:

There is a Male and Female Grand Prize winner which will be:

And the runners up will receive:

• Second Place (one entrant) — $2000 Cash, $400 of Dymatize Products (Bodybuilding.com retail value)
• Third Place (one entrant) — $1000 Cash, $300 of Dymatize Products (Bodybuilding.com retail value)
• Fourth Place — $250 of Dymatize Products (Bodybuilding.com retail value)
• Fifth - Tenth Place — $100 of Dymatize Products (Bodybuilding.com retail value)

So yes, I had to post quite embarrassing 'before' photos of me. I was kind of grossed out at how big I had gotten after having Sophia, but I really had to remind myself that I just had a baby and of course My Body was not the same as it was before.. but that motivated me to want to get in the best shape of my life, not only for me.. but for my kids! I want to be a good role model for them because I think it's important they know they need to take care of themselves and be healthy... to live a long and healthy life.

So! with that being said.. I started this competitions at  153.6 (body building.com rounded it to 154lbs -  *merrp* lol).  After week one I weighed in at 148.0lbs! I know that healthy weight loss is 1-2lbs per week, but remember since I'm just starting out, I have a lot of water weight to lose.. hence why it was more than 1-2lbs. 

Here is a quick video on some of the exercises I did (and that i've blogged about in my 'Gym Session' Posts!) to help me lose weight for week 1.  

Keep in mind that I ate clean - meaning NO fast food! I tracked everything I ate on myfitnesspal (which if you have it - you can add me 'MyFitBeauty') 

For my diet, I just did a basic caloric deficit.  Before I signed up for the contest, for 2 weeks I tracked everything I ate to gauge how many calories I was eating that caused me to maintain my weight.

From there, I decided to cut 300 calories from my diet.. this has been working for me so far.. I can't cut my calories too much because I am breastfeeding Sophia which also makes it a little harder for me to have a drastic transformation because I cannot take any pre-workout supplements etc.  So yes i'm doing this with NO stimulants (no caffeine, no pre workout supps/drinks) and yes sleepless nights, lack of sleep does take it's toll on me.. where days I have huge migraines from lack of sleep.. but it's not an excuse for me! 

I'm very motivated! and will continue to stay motivated for myself, my kids & my friends and blog/twitter friends that supporting me to the finish line of this challenge! so until next week's video and blog post.. :)

Gym Session :: 05/09/2012

So today was actually my rest day, but decided to at least do some complex cardio at home.  


I was supposed to have my one week weight loss update (video) up yesterday but couldn't get it up being so busy with my little ones and house duties.


I also entered in Under Armour's "What's Beautiful" Challenge.  Top 10 girls chosen will receive prize packages, and top 3 girls will become the new face of Under Armour Women!


So I just entered, and part of the challenge is making a video on your goal.. so I also have to add that to the to do list lol.. 


My Husband and I cooked dinner, we had pollo asado as well as beef fajitas.. had to fuel up before my workout!! :)

Anyway - this is what I did for my at home workout - let me tell you ... it was INTENSE! Made me sweat way more than I did just jogging on the treadmill!


I did 3 rounds of this all one right after the other and waiting 90 seconds rest before the next round..


So it looked like this:


Bodyweight Squats - 12 reps
Spiderman Pushups - 12 reps
Jumping Lunges - 12 reps
Plank to Pushups - 12 reps
Mountain Climbers - 12 reps
--- rest 90 seconds

Bodyweight Squats - 12 reps

Spiderman Pushups - 12 reps

Jumping Lunges - 12 reps

Plank to Pushups - 12 reps

Mountain Climbers - 12 reps

--- rest 90 seconds

Bodyweight Squats - 12 reps

Spiderman Pushups - 12 reps

Jumping Lunges - 12 reps

Plank to Pushups - 12 reps

Mountain Climbers - 12 reps

My husband was the one who trained me this session, keeping me focused as it was pretty intense and my body has not done anything this fast and heart pumping in a while since being pregnant... 

After this session, My Husband and I stretched.. and my Husband taught me how to foam roll.. oh my goodness - if you've never done it before.. it kind of hurts lol.. especially when I tried to do my IT Band.. but doing this will really help prevent me from getting injuries...

I plan on getting my week 1 weight loss vlog/blog post up on Thursday! (better late then never) So stay tuned!

P.s. any of you have plans for mother's day? 

Gym Session :: 05/08/2011

Hi all! I know i've been slacking with my posts, It's been so crazy with all three kids and sleepless nights! Ay caramba! lol..


So please forgive me! but I WILL have my week 1 fitness update for you all soon! (crossing my fingers my video will be up tomorrow).


As most of you know (or don't know :P ) I entered a 10k body transformation challenge on Bodybuilding.com sponsored by Dymatize Nutrition.  I'm very much excited! 


I have been going to the gym, for last week I went 4 times.. and I plan to continue going to the gym 4 times a week, as well as adding some serious cardio sessions on my rest days :P


Anywho! I went to the gym today and managed to have time to jot it down..Today was shoulders/back day... and here is what I did..




Shoulders:


- Standing Overhead Press
45lbs x 5
45lbs x 5
45lbs x 5
45lbs x 5
45lbs x 5

- Cable upright rows
40lbs x 8
40lbs x 8
40lbs x 8

- Reverse Pec Fly 
25lbs x 12
25lbs x 12
25lbs x 12
25lbs x 12

Back:


- Lat Pull Down
50lbs x 5
60lbs x 5
75lbs x 5
75lbs x 5
75lbs x 5


- Dumbbell Rows
27.5lbs x 8
27.5lbs x 8
27.5lbs x 8


- Bent Over Dumbbell Flys
5lbs x 12
5lbs x 12
5lbs x 12
5lbs x 12


Abs:
3 sets of 25 crunches


That was my workout for today... Tomorrow is my rest day, but I plan to do some cardio! I've been really pleased with my progress (i've lost 5.6lbs so far in the first week) I've been consistent with tracking my foods/calories on myfitnesspal and I'm hoping to continue eating healthy! I have not ate any fast foot either despite the temptations (friends trying to have me go out to eat at restaurants, birthday parties etc) but i'm doing so well - I can't stop now! :) 


So stay tuned for my official video of week 1 fitness update! Where I show some of the exercises i've done and just talk to you guys about what i've been eating/doing etc!

Too Faced Original Chocolate Soleil Matte Bronzer :: Review & Swatches

I've had this product for quite some time now and I wanted to take the time to share my thoughts on it because it definitely is a must have! 


I had been lemming this bronzer for so long and I don't really own many products from ToO Faced even though I love the brand, so I'm glad I was able to get this and appreciate it.

Packaging 

Just like all TooFaced's packaging - CUTE! I absolutely love their packaging, it's very cute and eye catching.  The compact itself is quite simple, includes a mirror which is nice. 

Quality: 

Very finely milled powder, I love to use this to contour my face.  It blends very well, no problems with looking muddy on my skin.  I also can use this all over my face to give me a sunkissed glow.  The smell is amazing to boot! Everytime I open it - It makes me want to lick it! It's lasting powder is quite decent and I get about 5-6 hours of wear with this as a contour before I need to touch up.  

Overall:

I recommend this to those that are looking for a bronzer or an item like this to contour with. If this is in your budget as it is pricey at $29.00 there are other similar bronzers out there on the market (Hoola) but are just not quite the same in my opinion. I feel like Benefit hoola bronzer goes on me a bit muddy looking whereas this bronzer matches quite well with my skin.  If you think this may be too dark for you (if you are fair skin) please know that TooFaced just came out with a milk chocolate/chocolate bronzer for those with fair skin.

Do you have this bronzer? If so, how do you like it?

FTC: I Purchased this product with my own money. I was not paid to mention this company, nor was I financially compensated for reviewing this product.  This is my 100% honest opinion as always. 

Milani Eyeshadow Palettes :: Review & Swatches

Hi Everyone! 

So a month or so ago, Milani was having a giveaway on both their Facebook page & twitter page. They gave away different prizes each day and I just so happened to be the lucky winner of the three eyeshadow palettes (via twitter).

I actually had been wanting to get these new palettes, but could never find them at my local CVS or Walgreens - So I was really excited that this was the prize! :)

Here are some swatches of all three palettes so you can see how beautiful these palettes are!

All of these were swatched with NO primer! 

01 - Paint

The colors in this palette are so bright and vibrant! Great for spring and summer!

02- Impressionist

These colors remind me of easter. I love these beautiful pastel colors, great also for this spring season. I love how they are all matte.

03- Abstract

I Love this palette! this is great for everyday wear! you can do everyday smokey eyes with this, and even glam it up and do a darker smokey eye by using the darker browns. Love this palette so much because it's so small and compact, yet it has everything you need for an everyday eye look.

Packaging 

No fuss packaging, I like how sleek it looks now compared to their old styled eyeshadow palettes/single eyeshadows. so I can't really complain there.

Quality: 

All eyeshadow palettes were extremely pigment (as I mentioned the swatches were not used over a primer! so no primer needed to get great color pay off!) No fall out, and I did use these on my eyelids and they performed very well - staying power is really decent for drugstore product.  The bright palette (01 - paint) colors were super bright and vibrant but yet did not stain my skin! Very superior quality, which Milani is why I Like Milani products.

Overall:

I definitely would recommend these eyeshadow palettes for those that want to take these on the go, they are travel friendly and compact and no fuss! I experienced little to no fall out with these eyeshadows, except some matte shades did seem more chalkier than others, but it did not pose a problem with usage. Overall great product and i'm glad I was able to win these as a prize!

Do you have these eyeshadow palettes? How you do like them?

FTC: This Product was a prize from Milani Cosmetics twitter giveaway. I was not paid to mention this company, nor was I paid to blog about this product. This is my 100% Honest thoughts & Opinions as always.