Fitness

3 Things To Jazz Up Your Workout – OOTD #103

January 4, 2017 by robincharmagne 18 Comments

robincharmagne-gets-fit

Hello Pretties,
You know it is that time of year again…new year,new me….LOLOLOL Yep most of us pledge to increase our physical activity most every New Year. Sometimes it is hard to get motivated but I am here to make it easier. You know that saying “when you look good, you feel good?” What better way to kick off your fitness life than to snag some new workout gear. Handpicked by me are some cute choices in tops, bottoms, and music to get you off the couch, take a peek…

Shop Activewear Tops

Shop Activewear Bottoms

Killer Playlist

1 – Bad and Boujee by Migos
2 – Juju on That Beat by Zay Hilfigerrr and Zayion McCall
3 – Birthday Cake by Rihanna
4 – 711 by Beyonce
5 – Salt Shaker by Ying Yang Twins and Lil John and the Eastside Boyz
6 – Fake Love by Drake
7 – Beat it by Michael Jackson
8 – Maad City by Kendrick Lamar
9 – No Problem by Chance the Rapper
10 – Work it by Missy Elliott

Now you have 3 reasons to jazz up your workout. The sentiment on the tee is so on point, this is our year pretties! And guess what, not only is it cute, it is dri-fit so you stay dry and comfy. Getchu some matching active wear bottoms and you are ready to juju on that beat.

What’s your favorite workout tune?

Linking with these lovely bloggers.

Recommit To A Healthy Lifestyle – 3 Questions To Answer

March 14, 2016 by robincharmagne 12 Comments

fitlife-bracelet-how-to-recommit-to-fitness

Hello pretties,
Recommit to your health today! My new motivation was prompted by this little bracelet from FitLife. I saw it on Instagram and thought how cool to lead a fit life and to have this pretty bracelet as a reminder of my goal everyday. Now you have one less hour to do this, but the sun will be up a lot longer so that leaves more daylight for some fitness fun – walking, running, or biking right? Yep I am ready to get back on a path to a healthier self. But before you dive in, here are some things to consider:

Recommit Questions

1 – What is your end game? – Identify your why or whys. Is it a short term goal such as high school/college reunion, your cousin’s wedding, your birthday or that upcoming vacation? Vacation has been my why every vacation season. These short term goals are perfectly fine, but think about developing habits that create long term sustainable success.
2 – Who is your support? Now I am not talking about “accountability partners”…side eye. I really hate that term. Let’s think about who you can call when you are about to grab a doughnut from the break room or cake at the birthday dinner. Or for me, grabbing a treat while in line at Michael’s, Hobby Lobby or T.J. Maxx. This person is not a cheerleader, but a problem solver who will ask you, what’s really going on? Do you need to talk out a specific problem or issue? Do you need to vent? So over time, you get to the root of why you fall off the wagon and you have solutions for getting back on track. Remember, it’s not what you’re eating, it’s what eating you?
recommit-to-health-on-robincharmagne
3 – How will you do this? Take some time to write down the plan and then build your arsenal of success tools. Meal prep? Water bottle? Fitbit? My Fitness Pal? Do you have the tools to be successful in your recommit? I chose Weight Watchers as my tool of choice to manage my food, water, and exercise.

As a bonus, add a visual reminder like the FitLife bracelet or it could a pic of those jeans you can no longer wear or whatever you choose to remind you and encourage you to continue making positive changes in your health and wellness.

What tools do you use to stay committed to a healthier lifestyle?

Linking with these lovely bloggers.

Image: mindof / 123RF Stock Photo

**This is not a sponsored post, I just thought this bracelet was cool!

5 Ways To Rock Weight Watchers

January 11, 2016 by robincharmagne 10 Comments

robincharmagne-on-weightwatchers

Hello,
The first week of the year is now a fond memory! Are you ready to rock your 2016 goals? Like literally hundreds of thousands of us, was weight loss one of your goals? This is probably the number one resolution or goal for a lot of folks including myself. This year I joined Weight Watchers to help me get my eating on a healthier track. Last year my company offered a discount so I jumped on it. Weight Watchers has been around since the early 1960’s and is often referred to as the best program for losing and maintaining weight loss. After one week, I lost 4 pounds which was FABULOUS! Anytime the number on the scale goes down is a cause for the happy dance.

The first week was honestly not very hard so I put together some useful tips to help you get off to a good start:

Rock Weight Watchers

1 – Make up ya’ mind girl. Commit to healthier eating using this program. That is truly the first step – making that mental shift
2 – Grab the app, yep there is an app for this! The app makes it super easy to track your daily meals and even includes restaurant meals and a bar-code scanner for food items not on the app list. Download it via Google Play or the Apple Store
3 – Portion size is very important, snag a food scale and measuring cups/spoons because while you can eat a larger portion, it will cost you some points
4 – Since you know your point allotment for each day, you can plan and prep your meals in advance. Pick a day, I use Sunday, to portion your meals in containers. When you are ready for a meal just pull out one of the pre-made containers and you are set for success
5 – Drink water as if it is going out of style – for real. I keep a bottle on the night stand so I wake up drinking water. Hate the taste of water? Try using a water bottle infused with fruit, they are so easy to assemble and here are some yummy recipes

***Bonus- Seek consistency not perfection. Slow and steady wins the race

Exercise is a key component to a healthy lifestyle, however, I did not include exercise on the tip list because it is easier to develop the good food habits first. Once you get your eating on fleek, then add the exercise, much less overwhelming than trying to do everything all at once. Oprah makes a good point, it is kind of a game. I enjoy planning what I’m going to eat including my weekend meals. Weekends are hardest for me because of the social aspects. For example, last weekend I knew I was going out on Saturday so I planned the for a Mojito – 8 points. Isn’t that fabulous! I am happy with this program and will keep y’all posted on my progress.

Is healthier living a goal for you in 2016? Have you tried Weight Watchers?

Linking with these lovely bloggers.

Image:martinina / 123RF Stock Photo

**This is not a sponsored post, just having fun getting healthy!

Exercise Is Fun – Faves On Friday

September 4, 2015 by robincharmagne 4 Comments

Hello pretties,
Gosh this week, happy to be at Friday and ready for a 3-day weekend. I have been just a bit under the weather, but as the week progressed, I began to feel a whole lot better. Excited for this new month which celebrates a bunch of stuff, one being self-improvement. So this is a good month to recharge and reset your goals related to personal growth and development. If exercise is one of your goals, I hand-picked 6 goodies to help you stay motivated.

Jump Rope – Want to have some fun while burning a ton of calories? Pull out that jump rope. Great cardio workout.
Roller Skates – Grab the whole family and hit your neighborhood skating rink. Another great cardio option and is easy on the joints.
Gym Bag – No matter what exercise you choose, you must have a cute and functional bag, this one is perfect and it’s pink.
Massage Therapy – After these activities, you might be a tad bit sore. Use this kit until you can make it to the spa.
Candle – An exercise candle – aroma therapy is perfect cap off to your exercise routine.
Fruit and Veggies – Forget to get your five servings, this art will help you remember to get these important nutrients daily.

And, I have one more. My Mama always says, “a cluttered home, makes a cluttered mind” and I totally agree with that. This book is all the rage and talks about ridding your home of things that don’t bring bring you joy. Watch your mental health improve because you will have so much more clarity. I can’t wait to read this book.

I’m ready to recharge are you? How are you improving or taking care of yourself?

Have a safe and happy holiday!

Linking with these lovely bloggers.

The Best Laid Plans – Monday Musing

August 31, 2015 by robincharmagne 4 Comments

Happy last day of August,
Yep, this month is a wrap! I feel like I woke today and August was pretty much gone! As always, I hope y’all had a grand weekend. I had the best weekend planned with 4 events – 2 on Saturday and 2 on Sunday. Well, you know what they say, “The best laid plans of mice and men often go astray.” That is exactly what happened to me over the weekend. I had outfits planned and ready for each gathering; although one event had a dress code so it was easy peasy. So I made it to the first activity which was a workout session with my favorite fitness expert. She invited me to hot yoga! Have y’all tried yoga or hot yoga? I had been to a yoga class but not like this with the room heated. I will say I was apprehensive at first. I pictured myself dripping buckets of sweat and smelling really bad. But it was so chill, not literally, and serene. The room was warm and the poses challenging, but it was a super good workout and I really liked the observance of silence. Really helped with being mindful and intentional during the class. I would definitely recommend this form of yoga.

After class, I was all set to go to the next event when a family member asked for my help which involved helping them through recuperation for the weekend. Well that changed the whole weekend, but I wasn’t upset about it. Family comes first and it is a blessing to have health – boy have I learned that, hence adding more healthy activities to my life, like yoga. So the outfits went back to the closet and I spent the rest of the weekend being a good helper. I really enjoyed my house guest, my home is peaceful and quiet and I think that’s exactly what she needed.

I made my plans to get all dolled up and do this, that and the other this weekend. But God had other plans and gave me a chance to bless someone this weekend with a willing heart and helping hands. Hey, I hadn’t planned to have a design client and a style client in 2015. But, there was another plan and I didn’t say nooo that’s on the 2016 calendar, nope was grateful for these two awesome clients and put the wheels in motion to change the plans and get to work.

There will be many more weekends with all kinds of activities and I’ll plan to partake to the fullest, but if needed, I’m open to plans changing and being wherever He needs me to be or do whatever He needs me to do.

What did you plan this weekend? How did it work out for you?

Linking with these lovely bloggers.

Image:sergign / 123RF Stock Photo

Heart Health – Go Red – OOTD

February 6, 2015 by robincharmagne 6 Comments

Happy Go Red For Women Day!
I have chatted with you pretties all week about heart health. Know Your Numbers and Move That Body are two ways to reduce your risk of heart disease and related illnesses. Today is my favorite part of this important campaign, it is National Wear Red Day! Women from all walks of life are rocking red outfits. To make this campaign more fun, I have teamed up with blogger friend Antionette @dedivahdeals to host a link up party. We want to see your Red from head to toe. There are no rules ladies, just link up your Red outfit, spread the word to other women and visit some other cool people in the link party.

With education and lifestyle changes, we can reduce our risk of heart disease. Just making small steps such as taking the stairs, eating less fatty foods, and managing stress can make all the difference in the world. Consult with your personal physician to map out a plan for managing your heart health. Your physician can also engage a Nutritionist to help you make better food choices.

[inlinkz_linkup id=491223 mode=1]

Love Your Body – Move That Body

February 4, 2015 by robincharmagne 8 Comments

Hello Pretties,
We’re into the first week of February, the month of love. So in the spirit of the season, let’s talk about showing your heart some love by moving that body through exercise. Remember the facts, 1 in 3 women die of heart attack or stroke but exercise is a fantastic way to reduce the health risks associated with heart disease.

Love Your Body Basics

I know what you’re saying, ugghhh the dreaded “E” word, but exercise doesn’t have to be grueling, boring or expensive to benefit the heart – just walk. The AMA (American Heart Association) suggests just 40 minutes of aerobic exercise, at least 3 or 4 days a week is enough to positively impact your heart health. One of my favorite ways to get some exercise in is 5K Walks. A 5K is a 3.1 mile walk which isn’t too taxing. You can walk by yourself, but there’s tons more fun when friends join in. Need more information on 5Ks? Checkout Active.com to find a listing of 5K walks in your area. And, remember to add strength and resistance training to your exercise life. That’s it!

Let’s get moving ladies!

And, I’m so excited to see you on Friday for the link party with me and the lovely Antoinette @dedivahdeals as you show us your “Wear Red for Women” OOTD (outfit of the day).

Love your heart today!

Link parties{here}.

Image via

Image Copyright: / 123RF Stock Photo

Fun, Food, And Fitness

November 17, 2014 by robincharmagne 7 Comments

Hello,
I hope everyone had an awesome weekend! Did you do something fun? I’m a bit tired but I had an absolute blast in St. Augustine, Florida over the weekend. It was oddly cool but still loads of fun with my two besties. The outlets were pretty good with lots of specials, given the upcoming Black Friday Sales. Now I consider shopping a form of fitness. Yes I do, burns off a lot of calories – lots of walking, but with Thanksgiving and all that delicious food, next week, I thought I’d share how much fitness = activity, you’ll need to burn off those Thanksgiving goodies. This infographic is pretty interesting, you can choose sit-ups, push-ups or running to get rid of that pie! And of course, working out is immensely more fun with this, this and this.

What fitness activities do y’all use to burn off Thanksgiving Dinner?

Link parties{here}.

Infographic via

Golf Anyone?

June 30, 2014 by robincharmagne 4 Comments

Hey pretties,
Was your weekend good? Did you, go, go, go or veg out? The meeting with the Financial Advisor was eye-opening and informative, wish I had done it sooner. Tomorrow starts the countdown to my 50th b-day and lots of good times planned before the big day! Sunday, I marked take a golf lesson off the bucket list. It was too much fun and I learned a whole lot.

Black Girls Golf

Scrolling through Instagram one day, I saw Black Girls Golf and was totally intrigued. I visited the site and found Tiffany Mack Fitzgerald a strong advocate for black women learning the game of golf. I signed up for her Intro to Golf class at Steel Canyon Golf Club and it was more than I expected. First, great to be outdoors enjoying this great weather in The A. Second, making new friends, like minded women desiring to expand their horizons. And, yes, getting some exercise. Golf is a good workout.

Tiffany and golf pro John Marshall were awesome. Very patient and easily explained the basics of the game of golf. I’m ready to learn more and practice, practice, practice.

Golf anyone?

Link parties{here}.

50 BY 50 – Month 3

March 19, 2014 by robincharmagne 2 Comments

Image credit: merznatalia / 123RF Stock Photo

Hello there,
This is month 3 of the 50 by 50 challenge. Real talk, I’m down 2 pounds. Haven’t taken the challenge seriously. I’ve been asking myself why and I don’t have any reasons, excuses, or explanations. So today is RECOMMIT day. Back in the saddle. I was up early today meal prepping which for me makes all the difference in the world. If I don’t have my meals already cooked and ready, I’m liable to have a carb-ladden lunch and dinner with no nutritional value.

I found these babies are great meal replacements too when I’m on the go! The Fiber One Meal bar. I especially like the Strawberry Greek Yogurt with roasted almonds, strawberry flavored fruit pieces and 9 grams of fiber. Perfect serving size and great taste too!

I saw this on Instagram and it’s a good visualization technique. Keep speaking and seeking and before long we’ll be saying and seeing some real results.

Speaking of Instagram, there are some truly inspiring and creative fitness champs that I follow, first up username_dopeaf, his videos are everything! Enjoy and I’ll be back next month for update #4.

Link parties{here}.