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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

Back & Shoulders Circuit Training

08.25.2014

Back circuit (Repeat 3x)

-lat pull down (15)

-cable seated rows (15)

-dumbell bent over rows (15 each arm)

-Assisted pull ups (15/last set to failure)

Shoulders circuit (Repeat 3x)

-Plate front raises (15)

-seated barbell shoulder press (15)

-barbell upright row (15)

-assisted pull ups (15/last set to failure)

I usually don’t train shoulders because it has a tendency to give me headaches the next day. However, I think it’s time to suck it up! After seeing a chiropractor for quite some time, I think we fixed the headache problem so I finally decided to give shoulders a try.

I have never been able to do a pull up. EVER. Until now. Practice, practice, practice and your body will become noticeably stronger! 🙂

Tip of the day: Do you find yourself asking what to eat before and after a workout? Here is what I’ve currently been consuming: 90 mins pre workout I try to eat .25 grams of carbs and .25 grams of protein. This meal depends on your tolerance before exercising. Some days I feel like I need to eat, others I can eat much less and still get after a session. Then I like to guzzle down a pre workout on the ride to the gym. This never changes. Love my pre workout! Directly after a workout I always go for a protein shake. Fueling immediately post workout helps the body repair and fuel right away. Once the post workout shake is down the hatch I usually give it an hour then have an adequate size meal consisting of lean protein and complex carbs. Your anabolic window is 3-4 hours post workout so be sure to make the most of it! Now I’m preparing for bed, and 8 hours of sleep is the most important time for your body to recover. I never want to go to bed hungry. This is a great opportunity for a casein shake (sometimes I go for cottage cheese) and a healthy fat like an avocado. To note, this is from my personal preference after lots of research. Find what’s right for you, even if it takes lots of trial and error.

Leg Day + Lunges vs Squats

07.16.2014

Leg workout of the day:

-Front & reverse lunge (one movement, one leg at a time)
superset with jumping lunges 3×15

-Leg press 3×15

-Sprint on treadmill- 10 mins

-Glute kickbacks on cables 3×10

-Standing hip adduction on cables 3×10

-Box step ups- 3×20

-Sprint on treadmill (incline) 10 mins

-Cool down (walking)

REST & STRETCH!

(If you are unsure of what an exercise looks like, search bodybuilding.com for images and how-to’s)

Do you prefer squats or lunges?

Personally, I love lunges. You will rarely find me doing squats. Here’s my thought process:

I feel like my muscles are more engaged and I’m getting more effective movement in my glutes.
Lunges are more fun (in my opinion). There’s much more variety with lunges. Where a squats a squat.
Less strain on my back.
It’s easier to get the movement right! Form can’t be sacrificed as easily. It’s not easy getting correct form for a squat.
Unilateral movements (movement on one side of the body) is much easier for me to focus on and feel that mind/body connection.

What do you think? Let me know in the comments! xo

Fifth Haven coming soon!

05.21.2014

The following post is sponsored by Fifth Haven, but as always all opinions are my own.

Hi everyone!! I came across this super cool company that I wanted to share with you all. Fifth Haven is a website launching in June which will be featuring the best deals of fitness apparel. Deals+Fitness Apparel….dont think I need any more convincing! 🙂 You probably already know, but I have a major problem when it comes to buying workout clothes… and who doesn’t love a good deal?! Fifth Haven features everything from trendy comfortable lounge wear to high performance apparel. Be on the lookout for their launch next month!

More about Fifth Haven:

“Fifth Haven was created by fitness and fashion lovers who wanted to make athletic apparel more affordable. We have searched the country for our favorite athletic brands to bring to our customers at a discounted price. We feature everything from Trendy Comfortable Lounge Apparel to High Performance Gear. These products will be available for 5 days or until they sell out. The time will be ticking down on each item so you will know how much time you have before the deal is gone. When you sign up to become a Member of Fifth Haven you will be the first to know when a deal starts so you don’t miss it!”

Keep up with Fifth Haven:

Website / Facebook / Twitter / Pinterest / Instagram

Nike Favorites for Summer

05.15.2014

And my nike obsession continues… you gotta look cute while training right?!

I saw this photo on instagram and I instantly headed straight to the nike website to check out their new summer line. The colors and prints are absolutely gorgeous!! I am so in love with the red, teals and purples. Nike continues to be my favorite brand for workout clothing, events (Nike Marathon), AND training sessions (NTC/Running clubs). I just can’t seem to get enough.

Looking forward to the Union Street store to open this weekend. Although my wallet will not, I can’t wait to browse the store, get a shoe fitting and try some Nike Training clubs, yoga and running clubs. You can sign up for the upcoming events here: gonike.me/unionstreet.

Be sure to follow @nikewomen on Instagram for more style inspiration. 🙂

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Which is your favorite?

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