For today’s Focus On post, I’m thrilled to share my Orangetheory Fitness experience with you! I’ve actually wanted to try an Orangetheory workout ever since I first heard about it, and was so excited to see that there is an Orangetheory studio in Point Loma.

This workout is a game-changer, perfect for anyone looking to maximize their calorie burn and reach their fitness goals. In just 30 minutes, I was able to achieve my maximum heart rate while doing intense strength training. And the best part? I spent 12 minutes in the orange zone, which has been proven to have an excess post-exercise oxygen consumption effect (EPOC). Meaning I’m still burning calories long after the workout. Orangetheory definitely lived up to the hype – it’s an incredible workout that keeps you on your toes.

I took my first class last week and here’s what I thought.

Orangetheory Fitness

(Photo Source: Orangetheory Fitness)

What is Orangetheory Fitness?

So, picture this: You’re at the hippest fitness studio in town, Orangetheory Fitness. And boy, do they know how to make you break a sweat!

It’s a heart rate-based interval training session that combines the best of rowing machines, treadmills, and an impressive array of strength equipment. Talk about a full-body workout that hits all the right spots! Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned gym-goer, the beauty of Orangetheory Fitness is that it caters to all fitness levels. You can even keep track of your intensity levels with the ingenious green, orange, and red zones displayed right in front of you. It’s like a traffic light for your fitness journey, guiding you towards maximum burn and exhilaration.

Signing up for a class is a breeze, and once you get in there, get ready to unleash your inner beast – from sweat-drenched sprints on those trusty treadmills to powerful strokes on the water rowers. The name of the game here is high-intensity interval training (HIIT), and the result? A workout guaranteed to leave you feeling like a superhero. Can you say, “Kapow!”? So if you’re ready to level up your workout game and conquer any challenge, Orangetheory Fitness is the place to be. Say goodbye to mediocrity and hello to a body that’s glowing with strength and vitality!

What to Expect at Orangetheory

A calorie scorcher and a major sweatfest. Like any workout, you get out of it what you put into it, but Orangetheory is a wonderful blend of heart-pumping cardio and muscle-building strength.

When you first arrive, you receive your heart rate monitor (“pod”) for the day. You attach it to your chest strap and during the class, your name and h

For the past week and a half, I tried out Nutrisense and wore a CGM to monitor my glucoses levels. Sharing a recap of my experience here! I was gifted the Nutrisense membership for 1 month to try, and this post is not sponsored. My code to try it out is GINA50 for $50 off  <— not affiliate, just wanted to share a discount with you all.

Hi friends! How’s the week going? Thank you so much for all of the beautiful birthday wishes for P! We had a great day celebrating and capped it off with the requested hibachi dinner. I hope you’re having a wonderful week, too!

For today’s post, I wanted to share a recap of my experience using Nutrisense. I’ve been curious about this company for a while, especially after doing my Inside Tracker bloodwork earlier this year. My fasting glucose levels were a little on the high side, and I was concerned that it may be a deeper problem. I waited it out, and after my good friend Mia posted about using Nutrisense to monitor her blood glucose levels, I knew I wanted to give it a try. Then I reached out to the company and was excited when they offered me a month to try it out and see how I liked it.

I received the product and was SO nervous to put it on (hi, I’m a giant needle phobe) and waited and waited until Mia said that she’d walk me through the whole process and attach hers at the same time. You can watch the video here and witness the moment I almost started having a panic attack on live video. (She was like, “See, you can see the needle right there” and I turned white.) I really wanted the data, so I took a deep breath and went for it. I’m really glad I did, because having the ability to see my body’s response to different foods was extremely valuable.

(I’m smiling but panicking. Turns out, attaching the CGM was NOTHING like I imagined it would be. It was painless and super easy.)

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Sharing my tips on making your own sprouts. It’s so easy to do at home and much cheaper than buying them at the store!

Hi friends! How are you? I hope you’re having a lovely morning! I hope my US friends had an amazing 4th of July.

Today I wanted to chat about something I’ve been making at home and enjoying for the past few months: sprouts!

So, what is sprouting and why would you do it?

Sprouting is the process of germinating seeds or grains, typically by soaking them in water and allowing them to grow into sprouts. This process has been used for centuries to make food more nutritious and easier to digest. In this blog post, I’m sharing the details on how to make sprouts at home and sharing some of the benefits of these tasty little sandwich and salad additions.

How to Make Sprouts at Home

Making sprouts at home is easy and requires minimal equipment. It only takes a few days and is so much less expensive than buying them at the store.

Here’s how to get started:

Choose your seeds or grains:

There are a wide variety of seeds and grains that can be sprouted, including alfalfa, mung beans, lentils, quinoa, and more. Choose a seed or grain that is organic and specifically labeled for sprouting. I get all of mine from NOW Foods; you can use FITNESSISTA20 for 20% off. I got my sprouting jar from NOW, too!

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Sharing my tips for healthy digestion and easy things you can add into your routine!

Today, let’s dive into a topic that doesn’t always get the attention it deserves: healthy digestion.

Our gut health plays a crucial role in our overall well-being, from energy levels to skin health, immune system function, nutrient absorption, and even mood. So, it’s time to give our bellies some love and embrace the power of good digestion!

Please keep in mind that this post is for information purposes and is not medical advice. If you struggle with digestion, reach out to your health care provider so they can provide individualized suggestions for your unique needs.

Tips for healthy digestion

1) Eat Mindfully:

Slow down and savor every bite. Take the time to chew your food thoroughly, allowing your saliva to mix in and kickstart the digestion process. This simple act of mindfulness can improve nutrient absorption and reduce bloating.When we eat mindfully, we are fully present in the moment, savoring each bite and paying attention to our body’s cues.

Here’s how this simple act can enhance your digestion:

• Increased Chewing: Mindful eating encourages us to slow down and chew our food thoroughly. Chewing breaks down food into smaller particles, allowing our digestive enzymes to work more efficiently. The more we chew, the easier it is for our stomach to break down the food, reducing the strain on our digestive system.
• Improved Nutrient Absorption: Mindful eating allows our bodies to better absorb nutrients from the food we consume. When we’re present and focused on our meal, our body’s ability to absorb vitamins, minerals, and other essential nutrients is optimized. This means we can reap the full benefits of the nourishing foods we consume.
• Reduced Overeating: Mindful eating helps us tune in to our body’s hunger and fullness signals. By eating slowly and paying attention to our body’s cues, we are more likely to recognize when we are satisfied and avoid overeating. Overeating can lead to discomfort, bloating, and sluggish digestion, so being mindful of portion sizes can make a big difference.
• Enhanced Digestive Enzyme Production: When we eat mindfully, our body’s digestive enzymes are produced more effectively. These enzymes help break down carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, making them easier to digest. By engaging in mindful eating, we optimize the production and release of these enzymes, promoting smoother digestion.
• Reduced Stress Response: Mindful eating can help reduce stress, which has a direct impact on our digestion. When we eat in a relaxed state, free from distractions and stressors, our body’s “rest and digest” mode is activated. This allows our digestive system to function optimally, promoting better digestion, absorption, and elimination.

Comparing HIIT and steady state cardio if weight loss is your goal.

Hi friends! How are ya? I hope you’re having a lovely morning so far! We’re still on a little trip – sharing lots of details on IG stories! – but I had some posts ready to go while I’m gone. Today, I wanted to talk about two extremely popular cardio strategies and how they compare, especially if weight loss if your goal.

For years, cardio has been a go-to solution for cardiovascular health, weight management, performance and endurance training. HIIT has also surged in popularity in the past decade and is here to stay. Sometimes there’s confusion about which type of cardio you should choose in your routine, so today, I’m breaking it all down in this post!

HIIT vs. steady state cardio for weight loss

HIIT: High-Intensity Interval Training

HIIT is like a fiery explosion of energy that revs up your metabolism and torches calories long after your workout is over. By alternating intense bursts of exercise with short recovery periods, you push your body to its limits and experience the often-touted “afterburn effect.” HIIT can increase the size and density of mitochondria, which are like the fat-burning little powerhouses in our cells.

To get the body back to homeostasis, it has to bring all pre-exercise factors back to baseline, including decreasing tissue temperature and heart rate. Your body continues to burn calories at an accelerated rate for hours post-workout.

Benefits of HIIT:

Time efficient: HIIT workouts are quick and SWEATY, which makes them ideal for busy individuals. It offers a tremendous calorie burn and fat loss potential due to its intense nature and the post-workout EPOC (oxygen consumption post exercises).

Cardiovascular benefits:  HIIT also helps improve cardiovascular fitness by challenging your heart and lungs, resulting in enhanced endurance and stamina.

Performance benefits of HIIT: HIIT can also improve fitness performance, including power and strength.

Another advantage is its muscle-preserving quality, as HIIT workouts can stimulate muscle growth while targeting fat stores. Plus, HIIT can be customized to any fitness level, with modifications and variations available for beginners to advanced athletes. Incorporating HIIT into your fitness routine can rev up your metabolism, boost your mood through endorphin release, and provide a fun and challenging workout experience that keeps you motivated and engaged.

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