Sonia’s At-Home Workout Essentials During #Quarantine

April 8, 2020

During this time of quarantine, a lot of people have put their fitness and health as a top priority. I’ve been using my at-home gym and have realized there are some staple products that I absolutely can’t do without. Aside from usual pieces of machinery like elliptical machines, treadmills, and stationary bikes, there are additional items that make for a good start to in-home workouts. Here are my few of my top picks.

Yoga mat: HeathYoga

In my opinion, not all yoga mats are created equal. The price points can be anywhere from $20 to $200. I’ve owned my HeathYoga mat for years and it has served me well. With a price point of $36, you can’t go wrong! Yoga mats allow you to do so much more with it than just yoga. You can do any core, leg, arm work or stretch on this.

Dumbell set: Balance Form

Depending on how advanced you are in your exercises there is an array of weights you can get on organized racks. Many of them can be delivered right to your front door, here is the rack that I currently own. I’ve since added a few heavier weights that can be purchased individually as you build up your muscle strength. (Unfortunately these are sold out, I will keep an eye out for a restock when it happens.)

Work Out Clothes

Fabletics not only has cute styles but excellent support at affordable prices- two leggings for $24, such a great deal! I am all about high-waisted pants. Fabletics has some very cute high-waisted styles that give you the tuck you need and the slim you crave.

Hypervolt: Massage Device

I am obsessed with my hypervolt. This post-workout tool acts as a deep tissue massage and helps alleviate muscle pain and stiffness through quick and rapid vibrations. Unfortunately, this does come at a hefty price tag ($350), so I have a more affordable massage alternative for you, keep reading.

Foam Roller: TriggerPoint

This is another affordable way to roll out muscles and ease stiffness in the body. I keep this one in my bedroom and use it twice a week to roll out my back and legs.

CBD : CYTO CBD

There is a multitude of ways to engage in recovery post-workout. CBD is a natural way to alleviate sleep issues, anxiety, and pain. I have been using CYTOCBD for months and have found many benefits in pain recovery. As one of the only CBD companies to offer a product with ZERO THC, I recommend using the 1500mg Full Spectrum tincture sublingually at the same time every day for one week to see how it works for you.

What tools do you have at home that you can’t live without? Comment below!

Your Chick,

Sonia

Just Do It – Stay Motivated!

Fashion, Lifestyle

Just Do It – Stay Motivated!

January 7, 2019

All in a days work…right? Yeah right (insert eye roll here)!!

As a Mom, I know firsthand that our work is NEVER done.
There have been so many days where after dropping off the kids to school, I head to the gym and then run dozens of other errands before making it home. On those day I end up in workout clothes all day! Then there is the run in with ‘those moms’ at the grocery store who have their matching accessories on or ‘that friend’ that you have never seen without make up. We have written before about putting your best foot forward EVERY DAY, but there are a few fashionable short cuts that you can take so that you don’t get caught feeling less than your best ever!

Zella Top

This Zella top is a WINNER! This Nordstrom exclusive athletic brand really has their stuff together. This knotted top is perfect for transitioning from the gym to lunch any day. With a comfortable loose fit, it is flattering on all body types. It comes in a variety of colors and I am wearing a size Small.

Nike, Nike, and More Nike

With Spring around the corner I could not resist these floral Nike leggings, they add just enough umph to an outfit, they pair well with the Zella top I shared and of course are always on trend. I just updated my black Nikes because my old pair must have had a least 350 miles on — them I wore them so much!

Also, if you are into custom products, check out my NikeID High Tops for $100, these make a great gift and look super cute on!

High Waisted Leggings

Sometimes you just like what you like and if you have a pear shaped body like I do (see my post from over a year ago gushing about them here), then you will love the Victoria Sport Anytime high waisted leggings. I have worn these for as long as they have existed and own every style. I wear a Medium in regular length and have never had an issue with these pulling down at the waist, ripping, itching, or stretching. Another perk is that they have great tummy tuck and they are currently ON SALE for $15 (Normally $39.50) at VS, so try them out! You will be glad you did.

In this look, I can run all my errands in confidence and comfort! What special athleisure pieces have you invested in lately?

Your Chick,

Rina

Chick Picks:

Fashion

Celebrating Female Strength And Beauty With SelaFit

September 5, 2018

Anyone else live in work out gear?! I sure do! When the kids were babies I was yoga pant obsessed…like literally, I fell asleep in them and wore them all day just to wear the same ones the very next day until laundry day! I know, I’m not proud, but when you’re sleep deprived anything goes. Once the kids got a little older I was able to fall into a rhythm which incorporated a work out routine. What I realized about work out gear was that it was the “less pajama” way to walk around in public and look cute all at the same time. I playfully call my workout pants my upgraded yoga pants since they are so comfortable!

Sela Fit Cross Cross Sports Bra | Sela Fit Black Mesh Body Suit |

Sela Fit High Waisted Pants | Sela Fit Essential Sweatshirt

I recently stumbled across an affordable line of work out gear called SelaFit. They are a Chicago based company whose message supports women of all body types. In the land of Lululemon, my pocket book just couldn’t keep up. As a person who is on and off the exercise train, having work out clothes that I can both sweat in at the gym or run errands in, is important to me when deciding what to buy. Honestly, fashion trends for women change quickly so looking for daily looks that don’t break the bank. I have several different fall looks in my latest “go to” work out brand Sela Fit.

The criss cross detail the sports bra adds a nice touch to a tank. It shows in the back while your hair is up – I like to play around with different colors too to add a fun pop of color! The mesh bodysuit is a perfect addition to a yoga or Pilates class. Can’t tell you how many times I’ve been in a position that sets my top loose and shows my stomach and back – not totally ideal! The high waisted work out pants are a perfect addition. I have a small waist and a high waisted look always gives me the tuck I need so I can accentuate a part of my body that I love.

I can’t stress enough how much I love this sweatshirt. Not only it is a little baggy, but the material feels like butter on your skin. In Chicago, we have more cooler months than hotter months, so this sweatshirt adds a perfect finish to a sweaty post work out look. Not to mention it can be worn on jeans for just a cute #ootd!

Check them out at www.selafit.com you won’t be disappointed you did!

Your Chick,

Sonia

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Fashion

5 Ways to Resurface from Hibernation : Is it Officially Spring Yet?

March 8, 2018

I look forward to “spring cleaning” every year! It’s my chance to be “out with the old and in with the new!” A fun place for me to start is always my closet. Every year I’m reminded of how I’ve been in rotation of the same clothes throughout the winter… especially since us Chicago folks have the ability to hide behind our parka jackets. With nice weather creeping up on us (hopefully ??) I wanted to think about how to re-surface out of my hibernation and back into the balance of life, fitness and just being ME and I have come up with 5 ways to do it!

Put away your leggings!

I have finally come to terms with the fact that summer is around the corner. My recent harsh reminder to put my leggings away was when I tried to squeeze into my jeans from last summer – not gonna lie, my fly kept falling down! Come on chicks, I can’t be the only one who has leggings as their go to piece in the fall and winter. Leggings can be a dangerous “go to” item because it’s easy to expand and not notice. Also, it doesn’t help that the temptation to grab for Spanx leggings is real since they help squeeze in the extra pounds! With March finally here, it’s time to kick back into gear and work towards getting back into shape…bye bye leggings….hello jeans, dresses, and skirts!

(For the Pink Top – Size Down- I exchanged my Medium for a Small)

Consider a Change of Hair Style or Color

The winters in Chicago can be brutal! The wind chill in the city will make you feel like you never want to leave the house. I don’t know about you, but going for a cut and color has fallen by the wayside over the last couple of months. My split ends need to be gone…pronto! I am so looking forward to a fresh change. Perhaps cutting off a few inches and going a little lighter in my highlights would be fun. Change it up and be bold! It’s amazing how the way we look can influence the way we feel about ourselves.

My biolage was done by Anna George Salon at the Illinois Center – Ivana is amazing!

Add a Pop of Color to Your Spring Wardrobe

My husband always tells me that he’s tired of seeing me in grays, whites and blacks. When I look at my wardrobe I definitely fall into a sea of similar colors, cuts and styles. There is something about spring….the flowers, the sun, and getting out of the house that gives me an extra pep in my step. When Spring shopping, I am usually looking for something with a pop of color that makes me feel like I want to smile and spread the positivity. I recently bought this really fun white blazer that is making me feel springy! A couple bright pieces is all you need. Don’t try to buy a new wardrobe — otherwise you’ll end up with several items that you don’t even wear.

Grab a Buddy and Join a Fitness Program

Over the years I have yo-yoed in my dieting and exercise routine. To be honest, I used to avoid having a workout buddy when going to the gym for fear of letting them down when falling off the bandwagon. What I’ve learned is that the accountability helps when committing to a fitness program. I recently joined ClassPass which had helped me work out with an array of different people who enjoy different styles of exercise. I’m not only getting in shape, but I am also able to socialize and hopefully work towards fitting into those jeans from last summer!

Start Planning Your Next Chick Trip with Your Tribe

I can’t believe it’s already been 8 months since my last chick trip with my chicks! If you haven’t seen it, check out our vlog to Miami on YouTube. When I take the time to focus on myself with the people I love most, coming back to home-life feels so much more refreshing. With the weather warming up, I’m really looking forward to coming together with my chicks and seeing where we are headed next (hint hint: DC and Charleston are on the horizon)!

Any ideas?

Your Chick,
Sonia

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