Jenna Pardini

Gym Review: DIAKADI | New Year, New Goals!

01.07.2015

Happy New Year! I can’t believe that came around so fast. I’m pretty excited to start a fresh year, with a lot more goals on the top of my mind. It’s a great time to rejuvenate and get motivated again! In the past years, have you made a resolution to get healthy and fit, only to burn out in a month or two? It’s not uncommon at all, but this is the year you will stick to it!

Speaking of resolutions and getting a jump start on new fitness goals, I recently visited DIAKADI– San Francisco’s most comprehensive fitness, performance, and life facility. If you haven’t heard of DIAKADI (like myself before the visit) I HIGHLY suggest you check them out!

Since opening in 2004 as San Francisco’s largest personal training-only gym, owners Billy Polson and Mike Clausen have worked diligently to gather a portfolio of San Francisco’s premiere health and wellness services. The key distinction of the facility is definitely its personal training. DIAKADI has been recognized to have the BEST personal trainers in the city based on their custom-design, detailed assessments and individualized programs for all types and levels of clients.

I HAVE NOT had a better personal training experience then I did with Billy. Before my session I filled out a comprehensive client intake form and when I arrived he knew exactly what I needed to work on. Honestly, going in I felt like he would show me the basics (which I already knew) and try to sell me on the gym. This was not the case AT ALL. I have a lot of neck and shoulder pain, often causing headaches and Billy cut straight to the point, noticed my issues and showed that he cared to do anything he can to help me. He showed me new exercises which I’m almost positive will change me life (not even kidding), he gave me advice on how to de-stress, as well as nutritional goals, which I have begun to implement this new year. Since our session, he has checked in with me to see how I am progressing, given me a plan of action, as well as sent me videos he took of me during our session so I can look over at home. I could not have had a better experience at DIAKADI. They are SUPER friendly, action oriented and entirely focused on your goals. The facility is amazing, great locker rooms, juice bar and snacks. They also have a relaxation room, TRX ropes, an area for boxing and pretty much anything you need to reach your goals. You can’t go wrong. I look forward to going back!

DIAKADI is also expanding their facility to provide even more room for training and new equipment. Same location, more square footage! They are also thinking about starting group fitness classes, so stay tuned for that. 🙂

After my session at DIAKADI I was clear on what I needed to focus on this year. Here are a few on my list of resolutions for 2015:

Eliminate all of my neck and shoulder pain by continuously working on my posture and exercises
Eliminate processed foods from my diet (breads, powders, bars)
Eliminate caffeine (this is a tough one for me, yikes!!)
Start my day with eggs and green smoothie, rather than a starch
Stress LESS! Enjoy more. 🙂 (Billy mentioned I check out Spirit Rock Meditation Center in Marin)

What are some of your new year resolutions? Comment below!

Thanks so much for having me DIAKADI! You guys rock!

Keep up with DIAKADI: Website / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / Pinterest / YouTube

*This post was sponsored by DIAKADI but all opinions are my own

I’m backkk | Uber Fresh Juice

12.23.2014

Hi and Happy Holidays loves! I haven’t posted in awhile! I am SO sorry for those of you who look for my posts, I have been MIA. I felt like I needed a little break and to unplug for a bit, but I am definitely ready to get back to work! I recently started a new job (dream job!!) and life has just gotten a little wild lately, but hoping to spend more time blogging in 2015!

Anyways, I hope you all are doing great, and still working on your fitness goals! I know, it’s tough during the holidays isn’t it? But stay strong with your workouts, and enjoy your time with family and friends. With all of the holiday parties, dinners and events, I’ve been trying to even out my nutrition a bit by eating healthy during the down times and juicing! I usually don’t cleanse, but I do love to have a juice every once in awhile for breakfast or afternoon snack. So it was perfect timing when Uber Fresh contacted me to try and share their juices with you all.

Uber Fresh is a Bay Area juice company who believes in making each juice raw without preservatives or processes to prolong shelf life, uses only organic fruit and produce and provides blends from the highest super nutrients- each juice is packed with over 3 pounds of fruits and veggies.

My first question was….So what’s the difference between Uber Fresh and other juice companies?

It’s cold pressed- which is a method for extracting the juice that does not oxidize and keeps the enzymes and nutrients in tact.
100% organic- no pesticides, no GMO
100% raw- never HPP’ed
Over 3lbs of only high quality produce in each juice
THEY ALL TASTE AMAZING!! (In my opinion)

How it works:

1. Order Online using link: HERE

2. Select Delivery Type: Choose free pickup from your gym (Bay Area only) or select premium delivery to your door for an additional service fee.

3. Shake & Enjoy Quickly: Juices are 100% raw. No preservatives, pasteurization, or high pressure pasteurization to extend the shelf of our products. Keep refrigerated, shake well, and enjoy within 3-4 days.

I hope you all enjoy your holiday with family and yummy food and cocktails, but don’t forget to squeeze in some fresh fruits and veggies in the mix!

xo, Jenna

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Keep up with Uber Fresh: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

My Guide to Supplements

11.06.2014

Hi loves! Let’s talk supplements. Supplements can be extremely overwhelming, there are so many companies, types, ingredients and so on. It’s confusing! On top of that, you have the myths that “girls will get bulky or manly” or “supplements are for guys”. But once you see past those silly myths, supplements can actually help you take your physique to the next level!

Here is my go-to supplement guide for the ladies!

Whey Protein: is a mixture of proteins isolated from whey, a milk based protein that is naturally low in calories. Whey helps build and maintain lean muscle. More muscle=faster metabolism! Whey is fast and easy to digest and when consumed it quickly breaks down in the body and sends aminos to the muscle tissue. I usually consume 30-60 minutes before or after a workout.

My favorite from Cellucor: COR-Performance™ Whey (I am loving the mint chocolate chip flavor!)

Casein: Unlike whey, casein is a slow-digestive protein. Casein provides the body with a dose of amino over a long period of time. However, it also helps with building and maintaining lean muscle. Casein protein powder has a higher calcium intake as well as boosting your protein intake, allowing you to maximize your fat loss benefits. In my experience casein is best consumed right before bed, allowing you to digest over night.

Multi-Vitamin: Pretty straight forward! Multi vitamins are the most popular supplement among men and women of all ages. They supply all of the vitamins and minerals we need that our diet may or may not be providing. Being deficient can effect you in ways that decrease energy, or can keep us from loosing fat and gaining muscle, so this one little vitamin can prevent all of those things! I take daily with food.

Fish Oil: Fish oil supplements provide a wide variety of health benefits. Fish oil contains two essential omega-3 fatty acids, EPA and DHA. These fatty acids are termed “essential” because we need them for proper function, but our bodies cannot produce them. Thus, we must obtain them through food or supplements. Among the many benefits, fish oil can stimulate fat loss, as well as prevent a wide variety of illness.

Pre-workout: simply provides more energy for your workout, which can in turn improve strength and endurance. NO3 is Nitrate, an advanced compound found in pre-workouts that promotes energy and muscle pumps.

My favorite from Cellucor: C4 Extreme (I love the pink lemonade flavor)

BCAA: stands for branched chain amino acid. BCAA’s make up approximately 1/3 of muscle protein. The benefits include reduced muscle fatigue, speedy recovery, decrease the loss of other amino acids from muscle during exercise and help the body absorb protein. A deficiency in any one of these aminos will cause muscle loss. I love taking my BCAA’s in a post workout shake.

My favorite from Cellucor: Alpha Amino Sports Drink OR B-BCAA

CLA: (stands for conjugated linoleic acid) is a naturally occurring fatty acid (a good fat found in meat, cheese and dairy) which promotes fat loss. A number of studies have demonstrated that CLA reduces fat mass, while increasing lean body mass.

My favorite from Cellucor: CLK or Super HD

My routine: I take whey, a multi-vitamin and fish oil daily and the others just depend on my goals at the moment! I am usually on and off with pre-workouts, same with BCAA’s. Casein is also a great way to fill you up after dinner if you’re still hungry or need something to cure that sweet tooth.

Overwhelmed yet? Don’t worry, if your just starting out we all start somewhere! There’s a ton to know about supplements, but my biggest piece of advice is to do your research! My most useful reference is bodybuilding.com, but there is so much out there on the internet, or talk to a trainer or nutritionist for advice. (I am not a trainer or nutritionist, just someone who has done my research and sharing from my experience.) Hopefully this helps you with a general understanding of a few supplements. And let me know if I can help in any other way!!

Cellucor is offering all Fitness & the City readers 25% off with the code CELLUCORFIT. The code is good for supplements on http://cellucor.com.

Enjoy!

This post was brought to you by Cellucor.

Nike Women’s Half Marathon Recap

10.28.2014

Happy Tuesday! I wanted to share some pics from the Nike Women’s half marathon a few weekends ago. I’ve also posted some of these on my Facebook and Instagram, so apologies for the repeats! This was a PHENOMENAL race. Nike always does such an amazing job, and this is by far my favorite race to date (well, maybe right after Paris).

We started by going to the expo in Union Square. The energy is unreal. To have so many runners in the same place, just as excited as I am makes for such an exciting atmosphere.

Jeff and I goofing around at the expo. Always making an excuse to flex. They had a ton of great photo ops, high energy music and plenty of swag. 😉

While we were downtown I couldn’t help but stop by Nike Town to pick up a few things for the race. 🙂

Sports bra: here / shorts: here

Selfie at the starting line!

Hat: here

I loved the colors in this shot! There were literally hundreds of people swarming the streets at the starting line. Such an amazing feeling!

After training and completing this race, this is the strongest I’ve felt both mentally and physically. I’ve dedicated myself to every single run and to this very goal. I’ve made a decision to PR each race that comes my way, each making me even stronger, even more determined and even more passionate about my goals. Half marathons are where my heart is, and I look forward to getting faster and faster each race. I couldnt have been more excited to PR at 1:58…my goal was under 2 and there was no way that I would not let that happen. I abosolutely loved the course, and when mile 10 (the dreadful uphill) came around there was nothing that would stop me. Running is just one of those things that makes me happiest! Can’t wait until next year. 🙂

Have any of you run the Nike Marathon? If so, please do share your thoughts about the race!

Breakfast Ideas + New Recipe

10.22.2014

I’m always on the hunt for new food ideas, so I thought I’d share a few of my new on-the-go breakfast go-to’s here with you guys. I work a 9-5 so it’s nearly impossible to cook a healthy breakfast in the morning before work. I was packing an oatmeal each morning, but I felt like I needed to mix things up a bit. Here are a few ideas that I’ve been loving lately:

Egg and vegetable frittata

Ingredients: 4 whole eggs, 16 oz carton of liquid egg whites, 1 sliced green bell pepper, 1/2 white onion sliced, 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tomato diced, cumin, oregano, salt, chili powder to taste

Directions: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Heat a large oven safe saute pan on high. Saute bell pepper and onion with olive oil until soft. Gradually add the spices to your liking. Remove from heat. In a separate bowl, mix the eggs and egg whites, then add them to the vegetable mixture. Add diced tomatoes. Put pan in preheated oven and cook for 10-12 minutes. If your diet allows, add cheese, guacamole or hot sauce to top!

I’ve been experimenting with different veggies and spices, and this has been my favorite so far. Please comment if you have any ideas for different ingredients to add! Also this is great to cook a batch on Sunday and bring to work each morning.

This pecan pumpkin oatmeal from Trader Joes

If you haven’t been to Trader Joes recently, you are missing out! They are fully stocked with pumpkin everything. This oatmeal adds great flavor to my normal morning oats. Also another easy thing to grab in the morning and bring to work.

Protein Pancakes from flap Jacked

These are delicous, and so quick and easy to make. I love pancakes on the weekends, it feels like an extra treat. With this mixture, all you have to do is mix with water and heat on the stove. I topped mine with coconut chips in this picture. Here is the website for more info: www.flapjacked.com

Pumpkin spice coffee from Trader Joes

My new favorite coffee…of course it’s pumpkin again!

What are some of your breakfast favorites? Please do share!

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