Sharing a review of Spenga and if I’d recommend adding it into your fitness routine. 

Hiii! How are ya? I hope you’re having a lovely day so far. I’m headed to a barre class and looking forward to family dinner later tonight.

For today’s post, I wanted to talk a bit about Spenga! I heard about it years ago, and it was always in the back of my mind as a format I wanted to try. Recently a friend moved back to Tucson – we went to middle school together! – and Spenga is her workout studio of choice. She invited me to join her for a class, so I was pumped to finally give it a try. I have to say, it exceeded my expectations and I can’t wait to go again.

What is Spenga (and would I recommend trying it)?

What is Spenga?

Spenga, short for Spin, Strength, Yoga, is an innovative fitness concept that has been rapidly gaining popularity in recent years. It’s a group fitness program designed to offer a complete workout in a single session, providing the benefits of cardio, strength training, and flexibility work.

The Spenga Concept: Why Was It Created?

Spenga was created with the aim of offering a time-efficient, effective, and enjoyable workout routine that maximizes the benefits of different types of exercises without overloading on any one. The concept was developed to cater to individuals who may not have the time or inclination to participate in multiple types of classes or visit multiple facilities to meet their fitness goals.

What Does a Spenga Class Look Like?

A typical Spenga class is a 60-minute session that is divided into three equal parts:

Spin:

The workout begins with a high-energy spin cycling session. This part focuses on improving cardiovascular endurance, boosting metabolism, and burning calories. This component included lots of sprints and heavy hill climb; it went by so quickly!

Strength:

The spin is followed by a strength training circuit using a variety of equipment like dumbbells, kettlebells, resistance bands, and bodyweight exercises. This segment is designed to build muscle strength, improve bone density, and enhance overall functional fitness. Our particular workout had a combination of functional and compound movements, like renegade rows, pushups, and biceps curl to press.

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Hi friends! How are ya?? I hope you’ve had an amazing week. We’re heading out for something fun – I’ll share the adventures over on IG stories! What do you have going on this weekend?

I feel like I need to get back into the “in the moment” style of blogging because I have a lot of pics to post today. It’s been a very fun week 🙂

Last weekend, we went to an event here in town called Beefsteak. It was a benefit and auction to support military veterans, and we had the BEST time. We went with a group of friends, ate amazing food, won some prizes, and spent hours on the dance floor. I quickly remembered how much I enjoy dancing to 90s rap, Selena, and early 2000s music with a margarita in my hand. It’s been wayyyy too long.

Some pics from the festivities:

(My dress was a Dillard’s find! I ordered three from Rent the Runway and nothing worked. I was pumped that I found something cute at the last minute)

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Sharing some of my favorite herbs for PMS. 

Hi friends! How are you? Happy Valentine’s Day!! I hope you’re having a lovely morning. I’m looking forward to mass with the kids (it’s also Ash Wednesday) and family fancy dinner tonight. I hope you have a great day, too.

For today, let’s talk about PMS and some herbs that may help!

For many women, the days leading up to menstruation can bring about a slew of uncomfortable symptoms, collectively known as premenstrual syndrome (PMS). While managing these symptoms may feel like an uphill battle, nature offers a plethora of remedies in the form of medicinal herbs. In this blog post, I’m going to share some popular herbal solutions for PMS, exploring the benefits, usage, and considerations that may help you find relief naturally.

It’s also to remember that while PMS is common, it’s not *normal*. It is possible to have a completely uneventful cycle, but it takes some lifestyle changes, nervous system resetting, and dialed-in nutrition. While herbs can be a helpful complement to your routine, they can’t makeup for your lifestyle or daily habits.

the best herbs for PMS

Understanding PMS and Herbal Remedies

Premenstrual syndrome encompasses a range of physical and emotional symptoms that occur in the days preceding menstruation. From bloating and mood swings to headaches and fatigue, these symptoms can significantly impact daily life. Herbal remedies offer a holistic approach to managing PMS by addressing the underlying hormonal imbalances and supporting overall well-being.

Herbs for PMS Relief

Chasteberry (Vitex agnus-castus):

Chasteberry is renowned for its ability to balance hormones, particularly by increasing progesterone levels. This can alleviate symptoms such as irritability, breast tenderness, and bloating.

Dong Quai (Angelica sinensis):

Dong Quai is a traditional Chinese herb known for its regulatory effects on the menstrual cycle. It can help alleviate menstrual cramps, promote blood flow, and regulate hormonal fluctuations.

Evening Primrose Oil:

Rich in gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), evening primrose oil is prized for its anti-inflammatory properties. It can help reduce breast tenderness, bloating, and mood swings associated with PMS.

Black Cohosh (Actaea racemosa):

Black cohosh is beneficial for relieving menopausal symptoms, including hot flashes and mood swings. It may also help alleviate PMS symptoms such as irritability and anxiety.

Ginger (Zingiber officinale):

Ginger is renowned for its anti-inflammatory properties, making it a valuable ally in combating menstrual cramps and digestive discomfort associated with PMS.

Cramp Bark (Viburnum opulus):

As the name suggests, cramp bark is highly effective in relieving menstrual cramps and muscle tension. It works by relaxing the uterine muscles, easing pain and discomfort.

Wild Yam (Dioscorea villosa):

Wild yam contains compounds that mimic natural progesterone, making it beneficial for hormonal balance. It can alleviate PMS symptoms such as mood swings, breast tenderness, and bloating. Wild yam should ideally be used in the luteal phase

(and not just because I’m salty about my results)

Hi friends! How are you? Did you have a good weekend? What did you do for the Super Bowl? We went to an amazing event – I’ll share details in Friday Faves – and the fam came over to watch the Usher concert.. I mean the football game. 😉

For today’s post, I’m finally ready to talk about my MyDNAge test results. It took me a while to marinate on my thoughts because at first, I was a little salty. I’ll share why below, in addition to how this test works. I’m not including a referral link because I’m not quite sure if I recommend this one. I had a much better experience and feel like I got more useful data from InsideTracker. 

I really feel like at-home lab testing is the future, and we’re going to see more advanced methods and data in the future, which is very exciting! In the era of personalized health, understanding our genetic makeup has become a powerful tool for optimizing wellness. MyDNAge takes this concept to the next level by providing insights into the very fabric of our being – our DNA.

 why I didn’t like the MyDNAge test

How MyDNAge Works

MyDNAge utilizes advanced technology to analyze specific markers within your DNA associated with the aging process. The science behind this process lies in the examination of specific regions known as epigenetic markers. These markers provide a unique snapshot of how your genes are expressing themselves over time, offering a glimpse into the biological age of your cells.

The process involves:

DNA Collection:

MyDNAge requires a blood sample, through an at-home fingerpick. (More on this under Cons lol)

Epigenetic Analysis:

The collected DNA is then subjected to sophisticated epigenetic analysis. This involves examining specific chemical modifications to the DNA molecule, known as methyl groups, which play a crucial role in regulating gene activity.

Age Determination:

By analyzing the epigenetic markers, MyDNAge estimates the biological age of your cells. This information provides a personalized and data-driven perspective on how your body is aging at a cellular level.

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Hi friends! Happy Friday! How was the week? I hope you had a great one! Ours was pretty low-key. The Pilot flew nights, the girls had all of their usual events and activities, and I’ve been here working on blog content, client calls, and podcast interviews. We have an event this weekend that I’m looking forward to, and I’m still looking for a dress. If you wait until the last minute, it only takes a minute. 😉

(My fave Sakara goji rose donut)

(Smiling with her lil teeth after her Valentine’s haircut)

Other than the event, I’m teaching barre, working on some fitness programming, and it’s movie night at the kids’ school.

It’s time for the weekly Friday Faves party! This is where I share some of my favorite finds from the week and around the web. I always love to hear about your faves, too, so please shout out something you’re loving in the comments section below.

Friday Faves 2.9

Life:

We went to the Annual Fighter Wing awards banquet in Phoenix and it was a blast as usual. It’s fun to see friends we haven’t caught up with in a long time and also celebrate some hardworking and inspiring squadron members.

It was hard to believe that this was the last time the Pilot will ever wear mess dress. This time next year, he’ll be RETIRED!! Tbh, I’m more than ready, but I can tell it’s going to be bittersweet for him. His military career has been a huge part of his identity for so long, and I know he’ll miss it.

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