Fitness Archives - LUXE LIFE // SMALL BUDGET

Personal Ramblings: Reaching a Running Goal

September 29, 2024 luxelifesmallbudget Comments 0 Comment

Running is so strange.

I wouldn’t say I like it, but I like having done it and I like having goals to reach for.

But I’ve realized, I’m totally guilty of beating myself up when I don’t reach a goal, but barely pause when I do reach a goal. It’s just a sudden switch to ‘now what’?

I’m trying to work through this tendency, so I wanted to share how I’m celebrating and acknowledging a big goal I’ve been working toward for a few years in case it helps change your mindset too.

Personal Ramblings: The One-Minute Workout

July 23, 2024 luxelifesmallbudget Comments 1 comment

Summer running is the worst.

It’s hot. It’s humid. It’s sticky.

So….. when I came across a book at the library titled The One-Minute Workout, I was skeptical, but intrigued. I can tough it out for a minute in the heat, right?

I realize I’m about 7 years late on this one (it was published in 2017), but I found this book to be absolutely fascinating! As someone that’s more into easy running/zone 2 running, I’ve largely avoided intervals and high intensity work and have never done it in a consistent, strategic way. Now, I found myself completely questioning my usual training strategies.

KOS Plant Protein Powder and protein shake in blender cup

REVIEW: KOS Organic Superfood Plant Protein Powder

May 30, 2024 luxelifesmallbudget Comments 0 Comment

I have finally found a plant-based protein powder that I like! (Two brands, actually, but that’s another post.)

I’ve talked about my goal of trying to increase my protein intake before, but I’ve had a hard time trying to balance taste, protein content, and cost when it comes to a vegan protein powder. I want it all, but my wallet says no. However, the KOS Organic Superfood Plant Protein Powder comes pretty close!

REVIEW: OWYN Non-Dairy Protein Shake

March 25, 2024 luxelifesmallbudget Comments 0 Comment

As I’ve talked about before, I’m always on the hunt for a simple, tasty way to boost my protein intake.

While I tried (and enjoyed!) the Blogilates Sculpt & Debloat Protein Bars with Probiotics, I don’t really go to Target enough to be able to buy them consistently.

So, when I spotted the OWYN protein shakes BOGO at my grocery store, I decided to take a chance on them!

REVIEW: SuperBeets Sport Powder

September 6, 2023 luxelifesmallbudget Comments 0 Comment

This is going to sound a little weird, but I’ve had an interest in beets for a while.

I’ve heard random claims here and there that beets/beet juice can help with endurance, which as a runner, immediately grabbed my interest. However, besides occasionally adding beets to a salad, I’ve never taken any further action to study the claims or start incorporating beets into my fitness routine. That changed this weekend. (At least sort of. More on that ahead!)

I recently watched the documentary, The Game Changers on Netflix, and was reminded again about the claims surrounding beets and beet juice, so when I spotted a sample package of SuperBeets Sport at the store, it felt like a sign to give it a try.

Blogilates Sculpt & Debloat Protein Bars with Probiotics

REVIEW: Blogilates Sculpt & Debloat Protein Bar with Probiotics

June 6, 2023 luxelifesmallbudget Comments 4 comments

After my experience with the Blogilates Sculpt & Debloat Sweet Cream Protein Powder with Probiotics, I was a bit hesitant to try out the new line of Blogilates Sculpt & Debloat Protein Bars with Probiotics that recently hit the shelves at Target. But as a fan of Cassey Ho, Blogilates, and Popflex, I decided to give the Sculpt & Debloat brand another try. And as you’ll see, I’m glad I did! (Please note: I’m not a nutritionist, doctor, or any…

ROUND-UP: Best Beginner Mat Pilates Videos on YouTube

May 4, 2023 luxelifesmallbudget Comments 0 Comment

I’m not saying the moment that I hit publish on a post where I expressed disappointment about a race result, but said at least I’m not hurt, that I got hurt… but the timing was pretty close.

I haven’t been able to run (or jump) in weeks. It’s thankfully not a fracture (according to the doctor’s office), but it’s forced me to take a break and focus on low-impact movements instead, including Pilates.

I wanted to share some of my favorite mat Pilates videos that require no equipment and are good for beginners. (But to be clear- beginner does NOT mean easy!)

PRODUCT REVIEW: Liquid I.V. vs. Nuun

April 19, 2023 luxelifesmallbudget Comments 1 comment

As a runner in Florida, especially in the summertime, I have a serious need for electrolyte replacement to avoid the whole muscle cramping, headache-y, ears pounding feeling. While I do love an original lemon-lime Gatorade or one of the other traditional sports drinks, there are now so many other electrolyte drink options on the market!

I’ve been making an effort to try out different electrolyte replacement brands, including Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier and Nuun Sport tablets, to see what works best for me. I do like both, but there are some major differences between the two!

Dealing with Disappointment: Running Edition

March 14, 2023 luxelifesmallbudget Comments 2 comments

I’m finally ready to talk about it.

The 15k race that I look forward to all year long- and spent months training for- didn’t go the way I wanted. No PR. No fancy top 10% finisher hat. Just a headache and a participation medal.

While it’s easy to get stuck in the disappointment (and I was for a few days), I’ve come to terms with it all. If you’re a runner who misses a set goal, maybe my thought process will help you!

REVIEW: Blogilates Sculpt & Debloat Protein Powder with Probiotics

February 14, 2023 luxelifesmallbudget Comments 8 comments

As I try to get more serious about my running, I realized I need to get more serious about my recovery too. While this means taking rest days (something I don’t struggle with), I think for me it also means increasing my daily protein intake (something I do struggle with). So, I’ve decided to start the journey of finding a plant-based protein powder I actually enjoy.

As a fan of Cassey Ho, both her YouTube workouts and her Popflex brand, I decided to try out the Blogilates Sculpt and Debloat Protein Powder with Probiotics sold exclusively at Target.