Now that it’s January I have been extra motivated to shed the extra few lbs from  the holidays. With all of the parties and family gatherings, naughty food and drinks were bound to happen….but I’m not mad about it. I actually had a very active holiday vacation, but I still noticed a few extra pounds that I have been determined to loose in 2017. Today I’m sharing two ways which have helped me bounce back after the holidays.

OUTFIT DETAILS: Nike Crop Top (also comes in black and pink!) // Leather Jacket (on major sale) //  Ivy Park High Waist Leggings // Adidas NMD Runners 

Two easy steps that have helped me bounce back after the holidays:

#1: Meal prep. I dont meal prep too often, and with the busyness of the holidays I definitely neglected to pack a lunch for work or even get to the grocery store as often as I would have liked. Come January 1 I made a major change with the way I ate, and that all comes down to prepping my meals and ultimately eating out less. I like to grocery shop on Sundays and make all of my meals for the week. I plan to pack a breakfast for work (usually greek yogurt and oats) and I also assemble my lunches for the week all on Sunday. If I have apples or fruit, I also like to bring snacks with me to avoid eating the m&m’s and chex mix in our work kitchen. I’ve also gotten organized enough to plan dinners ahead of time which has limited us to 1-2 nights a week of eating out. It’s amazing what a huge difference prepping meals can make! This helps to avoid all temptation of going out to eat or grabbing an unhealthy quick lunch at work. Meal prepping gives us no excuses to neglect our nutrition and has been the most important factor for me to bounce back after the holidays.

#2: Planning my workouts. Notice a pattern here? It’s all about planning ahead of time! In addition to planning my meals, I have been planning my workouts which have really helped me resist temptation to skip a day or two. I like to make a list for myself at the beginning of each week with days, times and workouts that I plan to accomplish. It takes me two minutes to write this list, but helps me stick to a plan. When I hit the gym during the week I like to go after work, and on the weekends I book my classes ahead of time to ensure I dont miss and work it into my schedule. To take it a step further, I will sometimes write down what exercises I want to do while at the gym. Sometimes it will be a mental list, but I like to be prepared when I can. Getting to the gym knowing exactly what I want to do makes me work a little harder and faster and keeps me motivated as well! I look forward to this time of day and having something to look forward to has helped me stay committed.

Here is an example of what I like to jot down for the week:

• Monday: Legs/Glutes/Abs (after work)
• Tuesday: Cardio/Arms (after work)
• Wednesday:Cardio/Shoulders (after work)
• Thursday:Cardio/Full body circuit (after work)
• Friday: REST
• Saturday: Barrys Bootcamp (10am)
• Sunday: Body Temp Yoga (3pm)

Planning ahead is what can make or break a successful week for me. If I want to dedicate myself 100% to health and fitness I find that these two steps are most important. In fact, it’s time for me to sign off so I can cook for the week! I hope these two steps can help you achieve your goals this year. Please comment with any questions or comments you guys have Id love to hear from you. Cheers to a happy and healthy 2017 and thanks for stopping by!

SHOP THE POST:

Whenever I come across an all time favorite product or retailer I can’t wait to share with you guys! In the case of stepping up the activewear game, I think I found a solution. Today I am partnering with Carbon 38 and sharing a few of my favorite pieces from their site.

Carbon 38 is changing the game in my opinion and houses some of my favorite brands all in one place. My bank account is in major trouble! I constantly have my eye on brands like Alo Yoga, Alala, Michi and Onzie for cute activewear. The quality and style of these brands are like none other.

OUTFIT DETAILS: Leather jacket (on sale for under $60!)/ Alo Yoga camo print leggings / Carbon 38 Atom tank / Carbon 38 Sports bra / Nike Air Max Thea

I am obsessed with these camo print leggings! I know they are having a hard time keeping them in stock because they’ve been out the few times that I’ve looked. Snag em while you can ladies! This tank is loose so I tied it in the back, but I love the fit and the back detail. I think a little open back is so sexy and the arm holes are loose if you want to show off a cute sports bra underneath. I think I am going to snag this grey version as well. Speaking of, this Carbon 38 sports bra is super comfortable and also has a pretty high neckline. It was a little too cold this day to show you in these pics, but be sure to check it out on the website.

Carbon 38 currently has a pop up shop in LA for those of you who live in Southern California. Until January 31, you can visit Robertson Blvd for a little retail therapy.

And some of my favorite pieces from Carbon 38:

Hope you all are having a healthy and happy start to 2017!

Happy January! In 2017 I am committed to share more workouts with you guys! I am often asked what to do in the gym, and truth is I didn’t know where to start either at one point. I would sit on the bike or eliptical and watch people (sound creepy??). But really, I learned from watching people in the gym, online (bodybuilding.com and some blogs), on social media, in magazines and wrote the exercises down in my phone so when I got to the gym I had a plan. When I arrive with a plan I feel much more confident.

I’M WEARING: Athleta tank  (also love this one)/ Nike pants / Nike Air Max Thea (also love these in rose gold)

I started sharing many workouts through videos on  instagram- so head on over there for a look at what each exercise looks like in action- @jennapardini

Here is a really great glute workout for you to try. To take it up a notch I like to incorporate body weight cardio moves in between each set. For any workout, try adding a set of 20 jump squats, or 20 jumping lunges, or burpees (if you’re feeling bad ass) in between any exercise.

I most often circuit train and like to do a set of 4 exercises then repeat 3-4 times.

For this workout you will need a bench and a set of weights (I like to use 10-15 pounds)

CIRCUIT 1

• 15 bench squats to deadlift (Place each foot on a bench and deadlift from that height to get the most range of motion)
• 15 bench step ups (with weights in each hand)
• 15 overhead squats (with weights above your head)
• 15 reverse lunges each leg (yep, you guessed it. Use your weights!)

Your choice: set of 20 jump squats or 20 jump lunges

Repeat the circuit 3 times

CIRCUIT 2

• 15 sumo squats (no weights)
• 30 reverse flutter kicks (lay on your stomach on the bench and flutter your legs up and down. Focus on the glute muscle here and make sure you put emphasis into feeling the muscle tighten. No weights needed)
• 15 stiff leg deadlifts (use your weights here)
• 15 elevated glute bridges (lay on the floor but place one leg on the bench and kick up. Repeat with other leg)

Your choice: set of 20 jump squats or 20 jump lunges

Repeat the circuit 3 times

CIRCUIT 3 (I usually like to end my session with a little more cardio and abs)

• 15 kettlebell swings (but use 1 of your weights since they are handy)
• 30 plank jacks
• 30 mountain climbers
• 30 side to side jumps

Your choice: set of 20 jump squats or 20 jump lunges

Repeat the circuit 3 times

To make it easier, try snapping a photo of this workout and take it to the gym with you to reference! Also, for short videos of these exercises be sure to head over to my instagram!

SHOP MY LOOK:

Happy 2017! Another year that flew by, right? This year was a great year but I love looking ahead and setting my target high for the next. I always like to take some time at the end of December (or the last day 😉 to dream, plan, get inspired and set goals – I really believe it’s a huge key to achieving success (professionally and personally).

MY NYE LOOK: satin slip dress (on sale for under $50!) / shoes: similar, similar, similar / clutch / earrings (on sale for under $20!)

My goal for 2017 is to find balance. Balance between work, ones I love, blogging and health and fitness because I often tend to neglect one or the other. I plan to find more work/life balance and commit to spending more time with ones I love. I am also very excited to deliver more content via Fitness & the City and continue to share a lot more inspiration to you. If I have the ability to motivate at least one of you, I will consider my job done. 🙂

I also like to set fitness goals for myself at the beginning of the year. A lot of fitness goals can be unrealistic, but setting simple yet achievable goals that can be maintained throughout the year are important.

Here is what is on my list for the year:

• Sign up for a race in an area that I’ve been dying to travel to. (And travel often! Italy is on my list for this year)
• Plan my workouts on Sunday for the week in order to avoid skipping or missing a day
• Put more thought into meal planning. Eating smaller portions will be a top priority for me in 2017
• Get someone else to workout with me. Whether it be in the gym or out on a run, I hope to spread my passion with others
• Stay motivated with inspirational reads
• Try something new. I’ve been dying to get more into TRX or boxing. Looking forward to checking that off my list in 2017

I think its important to remind ourselves why we are making resolutions in the first place. Do you want to feel less stress? Sleep better? Feel healthy and balanced? Feel strong and confident? We need to think about why we workout and remind ourselves of this reason often.

Whatever you dream of, both the easiest and hardest thing to do is start. Once you make that first step, take the next, then the next. Stay focused, be positive, take action and surround yourself with encouraging like-minded people. If fitness is a top priority for you in 2017, once you put in the hard work you will start seeing results when you stay consistent and patient. Your goals will be closer then you think.

What are some of your new year resolutions? I would love to hear from you! Tweet or snap me @jennapardini

SHOP MY LOOK:

Its safe to say that there are soooo many great fitness gifts right now! Accessories, tops, leggings, EVERYTHANG! Today I am sharing a second gift guide, but this time all gifts are under $50! Its amazing what you can snag for under $50- so many goodies for girl who’s into fit fashion.

1. FitBit Alta Activity Tracker (under $30!) 2. Nike Mesh Trimmed Sports Bra (under $40!) 3. Nike Dry Fit Tank 4. Caudalie Beauty Elixer 5. Jump Rope 6. Elizabeth & James Dry Shampoo 7. Nike Pro Hypercool Crops 8. New Balance Jacket  9. Nike Elite Cushioned Socks 10. Nike Hypercool Stretch Leggings 11. Nike Gym Bag 12. Bkr Water bottle 13. Happy Plugs Earbud Headphones 14. Pressed Juicery Gift Card 

I find that giving gift cards are always great when you dont know exactly what to buy for a friend or coworker. Everyone can use a Pressed Juicery gift card, or even a gift card to a favorite gym spot: Barry’s, SoulCycle or even ClassPass.

I love getting some cardio in while jumping rope, which is an easy item you can always take with you on the go, and makes a perfect stocking stuffer. These Nike Socks are the best- blisters no more. Perfect for the runner in your life!

While I havent tried this FitBit tracker, I’ve heard really great things about it. (And its only $30!) Also love this gym bag! Does anyone else feel like bags are items that you never purchase for yourself? They are such great gifts and this Nike one is a great size as well.

And now for beauty products… this Elizabeth and James Dry Shampoo is my holy grail. It smells like the delicious fragrance and perfect for post workout hair. I also use this Caudalie Beauty Elixer almost every day. Just spritz on your face after  a workout to refresh.

I hope this guide gives you some ideas for the fitness junkies in your life!

 SHOP THE POST: