LAUREN'S SEVEN TIPS FOR SUMMER BODY CONFIDENCE
I’ve been a fitness Professional and have worked PREDOMINANTLY WITH women for two decades. as winter turns to spring, women call on me when they want to feel their best wearing less.
As I learn about what they want to work on, I also help them do the mental work and identify what they love about themselves. More than the results they achieve through SLB, I love to help women build confidence and realize that their body is the most uniquely beautiful and the most amazing thing that they will ever own.
I’m a pro at making myself look larger and longer both on and off camera, but if you’ve met me in person, you know that I’m shockingly petite. Sure, I wouldn’t mind being at least 5’2”, but over the years I’ve learned to truly appreciate and love my height and curves. Here are my seven tips for summer body confidence:
IDENTIFY + OWN YOUR STRENGTHS
Instead of picking yourself apart or comparing yourself to someone else, focus on your what makes you uniquely beautiful. I promise that you can identify one thing you love about yourself and that will turn into ten.
DROP INTO THE PHYSICAL
I like to use movement to break negative patterns and shift my mindset. The quickest and easiest way to upgrade your mood is to move. You can literally move the negative out of your mind and body, because movement can chemically change how you feel. Emotion is enhanced by motion, and movement can make you feel good, sexy, strong, beautiful and empowered. I’m biased but there is nothing out there that will tone and shape your body as quickly as Studio LB. Combining cardio and resistance training is key and even if you’re just doing our Quick Burn workouts, you are guaranteed results in as little as eight workouts. It’s as instant gratification as it gets.
SELF-CARE
Take a bath, apply a mask or a spray tan, and just flirt with life a little bit more. Love and the libido is a vital sign in your well-being and your body’s eco-system. I’m not just talking about sex. Everything in life is connected to the heart, desire and feeling alive. I’ve learned that love really starts at home – within ourselves. Feeling sexy (for myself) allows me to tap into my creativity, confidence, all that is feminine and ultimately - loving my body.
WEAR WHAT FEELS GOOD
Forget about what’s trendy and stick to what you feel the most confident and comfortable in…and smile. Nobody will notice your insecurities if you feel good and look authentically happy.
EAT WITH LB
A few days before you’re planning on showing skin or wearing a bikini, drink plenty of water and decrease sodium and foods that cause bloating. It's not a case of healthy vs. unhealthy – choose still over sparkling water and stay away from raw veggies like cabbage or broccoli and beans which can cause bloating. I always choose anti-bloat options like sauteed greens and grilled chicken before I show major skin.
POSTURE PERFECT
Stand up straight with your shoulders pulled back and down and with as much confidence as you can gather. Lengthening your spine out through the crown of your head is literally the quickest and most effective change you can make.
HIGH PONY
Volume or “big hair” draws attention to the upper half of your body, balancing your silhouette and providing a distraction from any parts of yourself that you're not in love with at the current moment. A high pony adds two inches in height and can elongate the frame. A sun hat will even do the trick!
SPRING FORWARD
Tomorrow is the first day of spring! The Spring Equinox marks the transition to a new season and the very welcoming equal balance of daylight and darkness. The seasonal shift invokes hope and a change in habits: fresh perspective, new rituals, a clean slate.
Speaking of new rituals, this week we’re incorporating outdoor walking into the weekly schedule. Walking (fast) in the fresh air is great for feeling strong, alive, connected, and forward-moving. I’ve forever been a walker but without a car has me on foot more than ever and it’s been a complete game changer in the way I feel, both mentally and physically.
Get inspired and make a playlist with your favorite music or use our new March playlist on Spotify and keep proper walking form in mind: Stand tall, eyes forward, strike with the heel, roll through the foot, push off the toes, and squeeze the glutes.
ENERGETICS WITHIN BODYWORK
Energetics within bodywork is my gift and has become such an integral part of my work. Talking to bodies and cars…
The back right tire blew out again so he asked me to come listen to the body. I asked him if he'd been storing some resentment, anger or frustration on the male (right) side - Something he felt he should act on but didn't, or something to which he acted in an inappropriately aggressive manner. As the physical body is a clear representation of spiritual conditions, so is your car.
There is a connection between what goes on with us and our cars, just as there is a connection between the manifestation of physical illness and our state of spiritual balance.
I told him that when he drives this car he should try to be in balance mentally and emotionally and open to incoming energies and that his vibration gets transmitted, as if it’s broadcast. If he’s driving in an angry or agitated state, his energy gets transferred – actually conducted – to the automobile itself.
For example, my friend Joe’s car almost refuses to run whenever he tries to leave in a rushed, negative or conflicted state. It’s become almost comical, it’s happened so many times. When he’s in balance, the car runs perfectly. Think about how this concept relates to our human body.
Photos: @groomedla film: @fuzzywarbles @porsche
LAUREN BOGGI X LDMA
Action comes from the inside. I’m thrilled to be ldma brand’s August Action Babe. Whether I’m moving or not, LDMA is always underneath making me feel my most strong and sexy.
LDMA (Live Deserves More Action) is an active intimates brand that I wear on and off that mat. ActionLauren for 20% off.
JULY TURN-ONS
A few brands and products I’m loving and would like to share:
SAKARA
I can go on and on forever about how much (and for how long) I’ve been a fan of SAKARA, the founders, and how perfect it is for your slb practice when you need a quick reset or you’re trying to feel and look better, long term. The food is phenomenal and the quality is top-notch…worth every penny. 20% off: LAURENSAKARA
KONIVER WELLNESS PEPTIDES
I’ve been using Koniver’s Glow Protocol for many years after being tipped off by a few pro-athletes that I was training and it’s truly a game changer. Right up there with Botox for me. Total night and day difference when I’m off and on them. Koniver’s peptide therapy has increased my skin’s glow, eradicated my acne rosacea, reduces healing time and full body recovery, post-workout. It’s an investment that’s 100% worth it. Yes, the peptide regimen is injected but it’s not such a big deal - The schedule is five days on, weekends off, and the needle is ultra-fine so you really can’t even feel it. I typically see and feel results after two days.
HBX
Check it out HBX. The best selection of kicks, lifestyle and culture that you can’t always find stateside.
KITH WOMEN
Love Kith’s workout wear and women’s collection. They do sexy/sporty like no one else. I wait for every drop and feel lucky to have brick and mortar here in LA.
BLONDIE
Debbie’s been inspiring me as I get the space ready..have a listen
SEVEN TIPS FOR BIKINI CONFIDENCE
I’ve been in the fitness industry and have worked with (mostly) women for almost two decades. Each year, as winter turns to spring, women call on me when they want to feel their best wearing less. As I learn about what they want to change about their physical bodies, I also help them do the mental work and identify what they love about themselves. More than the results they achieve with SLB, I love to help women build confidence and realize that their body is the most uniquely beautiful and the most amazing thing that they will ever own.
I’m a pro at making myself look larger and longer both on and off camera. If you’ve never met me in person, I’m shockingly petite (5’0 and 100 lbs) but I’ve always been incredibly curvy. I’ve gone through stages where I didn’t love my curves and wished I was like, AT LEAST 5’2”, but over the years I’ve learned to really appreciate and truly love my body. I’m here to tell you that loving your body takes time but it’s not difficult to do.
Identify and Own your Strengths
Instead of picking yourself apart or comparing yourself to someone else, focus on your what makes you uniquely beautiful. I promise that you can identify one thing you love about yourself and that will turn into ten.
Drop into the Physical
I like to use movement to break negative patterns and shift my mindset. The quickest and easiest way to upgrade your mood is to move. You can literally move the negative out of your mind and body, because movement can chemically change how you feel. Emotion is enhanced by motion, and movement can make you feel good, sexy, strong, beautiful and empowered. I’m biased but there is nothing out there that will tone and shape your body as quickly as Studio LB. Combining cardio and resistance training is key and even if you’re just doing our Quick Burn workouts, you are guaranteed results in as little as ten workouts. It’s as instant gratification as it gets.
Self-Care
Take a bath, apply a mask or a spray tan, and just flirt with life a little bit more. Love and the libido is a vital sign in your well-being and your body’s eco-system. I’m not just talking about sex. Everything in life is connected to the heart, desire and feeling alive. I’ve learned that love really starts at home – within ourselves. Feeling sexy (for myself) allows me to tap into my creativity, confidence, all that is feminine and ultimately - loving my body.
Wear what feels good
Forget about what’s trendy and stick to what you feel the most confident and comfortable in…and smile. Nobody will notice your insecurities if you feel good and look authentically happy.
Eat with LB
A few days before you’re planning on being in a bikini, drink plenty of water and decrease sodium and foods that cause bloating. It's not a case of healthy vs. unhealthy – choose still over sparkling water and stay away from raw veggies like cabbage or broccoli and beans which can cause bloating. I always choose anti-bloat options like sauteed greens and grilled chicken before I show major skin.
Posture Perfect
Stand up straight with your shoulders pulled back and down and with as much confidence as you can gather. Lengthening your spine out through the crown of your head is literally the quickest and most effective change you can make.
High Pony
Volume or “big hair” draws attention to the upper half of your body, balancing your silhouette and providing a distraction from any parts you're not in love with at the current moment. A high pony adds two inches in height and stretches you out. Even a sun hat will do the trick!
SLB X SAKARA
The Program’s perfect partner
I’ve forever been a huge fan of Sakara and have been referring it to all of you for many years. Now we’re officially partners. Use LAURENSAKARA for 20% off Sakara Meal Programs and Functional Wellness Products.
LB'S FAVORITE REBOUNDERS FOR YOUR BUDGET
Rebounding is super fun and provides major health benefits from boosting balance, digestion, lymphatic drainage and immune function. Rebounding is also more than twice as effective as running without extra stress on the ankles and knees.
Rebounding is unique since it uses the forces of acceleration and deceleration and can work on every cell in the body. When you bounce, acceleration occurs as you bounce up, then a split-second weightless pause at the peak, a deceleration at an increased G-force on the way down, then impact to the rebounder, and you repeat.
In general, the more springs a rebounder has, the better it tends to be. However, the better a rebounder is, the more you’ll pay. Regardless of your budget, I don’t believe that you need to spend more than $250 on an at-home rebounder. And you don’t need a bungee rebounder…don’t believe the hype. Springs work just fine. Over the last ten years I’ve used many brands and can recommend a great one for almost every budget.
Here’s what to look for:
Comfort: Like a car, all rebounders have a different feel. Some will feel great jumping barefoot, and with some you’ll want to save your soles and wear shoes. If you prefer jumping with sneakers, you’ll be able to spend less. But, if you’re planning on jumping 15 minutes daily, a couple times a week, or a few times a month and you prefer working barefoot, you might want to spring for a comfier one.
Bounce: You’ll sink into some rebounders and they’ll give you a lot more bounce, while others will be firm and give you barely any bounce at all. Bounce has nothing to do with quality, it really all depends on the type of workout you want. If it’s for cardio (LB rebounder workouts for sure!) then choose a bouncier one; if it’s mainly for lymphatic drainage, get a tighter one and stay low. Low bouncing is easier and you won’t get as tired.
Frame Quality: If you get a rebounder with a lousy frame, it will wear over a short period of time. If you’re going to be using it heavily, get one that can withstand some bouncing. Some rebounders fold up for easy storage, so if you’re tight on space, keep that in mind. Personally I’m not a fan of the foldable ones. Some take two people to fold and lock into place, and god forbid your finger gets caught in there. They sorta scare me, but I’m also scared of bees so…
Here are my top four rebounder picks in three price ranges. Honestly, I don't love any rebounder in the $100-$150 range, most have straight legs so they walk away from you as you jump and most tend to be pretty noisy.
1. Jumpsport Model 250 ($249). I have this one at home and it's top of the line. I love it b/c the frame is sturdy and slightly smaller, it's super lightweight, and the arched legs keep it still on the ground during the highest of jumps. You can also adjust the firmness and tension which is awesome. The 250 gives you freedom of movement because you can jump on those padded petals, so there's a lot more surface area. This one will last you for life - even with heavy usage.
2. Jumpsport Model 220 ($229) Just like the model 250, but the 220 gives you less jumping area without the petals but still provides a LOT of bounce and all the bells and whistles.
3. Ancheer Rebounder ($62-$78) These models are sturdy and one folds up twice, but all are firm with a low bounce. If you prefer staying low or are tall and have low ceilings these are a great option.
4. Stamina Folding Rebounder ($31.89) This quiet little rebounder comes in chic colors and folds up if you're looking to save space. It's very reasonably priced but is a starter model so I'm guessing this will last you six months to one year if you're planning on jumping one hour daily/5x a week. This one is a great option if you're looking to jump in and then upgrade in time.
WHY ACTIVATION FEELS SO GOOD
I’ve been sitting on our Fall Activation results as I always do. I like to allow the women to process the experience, as so much of the lessons learned and progress happens after they return home. I measure them and take before/after pics so that they have a litmus to see how much change occurs in less than a week’s time but the experience is not about weight loss.
This past activation was my 19th and was quite possibly my absolute favorite (I also really needed it). So many people ask me how I achieve incredible results in just four-five days. There’s a magic food x fitness formula for sure, but one thing that fuels it all is re-connecting them with their body-centered feminine energy and intuition.
As I feature some of the women that went to Jamaica and also prep to release the dates for our 20th, I wanted to share a few Activation tips on how you can get out of your head, and into your body by reconnecting with your feminine energy.
Girl Time
Spending intentional time with other women fuels your heart recharges your feminine energy in the biggest way. Something amazing happens when you are exclusively with those of your gender. It’s easier to drop the masks and be yourself, as you are.
More Movement
Feminine energy is moving energy. The ocean is a perfect metaphor for feminine energy as it’s constantly in motion, always changing and shifting. If you have been stuck at a desk or have felt physically stagnant for a while, you need to get your body moving in non-linear (like CCS) ways.
Feminine energy will always be activated by movement. Unless you have a really fluid yoga practice (meaning, a practice that frees you of the traditional linear-based poses), or an SLB practice, or a really intuitive dance practice, it’s probably likely that you’re not incorporating much non-linear movement in your everyday life.
No Schedule
One of the toughest things for my Type A ladies is when they arrive and learn that I don’t have a schedule for them. Teaching them to just be idle has one of the biggest impacts on their results. It’s difficult to be aimless, right? Obviously some amount of structure is needed, of course, but there is probably more room for freedom in your schedule than you imagine.
What things can you *not* do at the same time every day? What things can you say “no” to? Sometimes, busyness is avoidance.
Connect to Nature
Nature is life itself; it’s us, where we naturally belong. Developing a sense of connection with the sand, the beach, the trees, with plants, birds dogs…all of these will connect you more to the pulse of the earth.
A really beautiful way to begin doing this at home is to just spend time gardening (@gardenuity I’m looking at you), and hang with your plants the same way you would hang out with a friend. Just sit with your plants and really look at them, even if for only a few minutes. See if you can feel them or if you can communicate with them.
HIP DIPS
As we get into our barre work next week, I’d love to clear the air about hip dips, as I’ve been getting so many hip dip workout requests and questions about reducing them (I’m against it!).
What are hip dips? The human pelvis is shaped like a violin and hip dips are the trochanteric depressions or inward curve just below the hip and above the thigh that is entirely caused by the shape of your pelvis and genetics.
And they are totally normal. When someone has hip dips (you can see that I do, above), this means that their hip bone is located higher than their femur, which causes their muscles and fat to curve inwards. No matter how lean or muscular my body gets, I will always have the indentation due to my bone structure and dominant quads. Many women who have hip dips also tend to have "saddlebags," which are fat pockets just below the hip dip, toward the backside of our legs. I personally love them, and feel that the extra curves are beautiful, strong and powerful.
If you work with me you can rest assured that you’re going to see results. We work the full and lower body as a whole unit by integrating compound sequencing that works multiple lower body muscle groups (like squats, curtseys and lunges) and add in isolation work (like fold-over) where necessary. Certain exercises, like bridges and lunges, can reduce the appearance of hip dips, so you can technically minimize the appearance of a "hip dip" by avoiding exercises that work the quads and hip flexors but only working the glutes and ignoring the quads and can shorten the lumbar spine musculature and lead to muscle imbalances. I don’t recommend it.
If you are insecure about the layer of fat that is covering the indentation (I understand and totally get it), you can decrease that layer by dialing in your nutrition by consuming fewer calories than you expend each day which will reduce the fat that’s on top of the muscle. Keep in mind though: No matter how lean that layer gets, the indentation will still be there, because it’s your bone structure and it’s beautiful. It’s YOU.
LAUREN'S Super MINERAL BROTH
After drinking and selling bone broth for many years, I felt it was time for an upgrade. I still love bone broth but this super mineral broth is lighter, nutrient-dense, alkaline, plant-based, anti-inflammatory and perfect for warmer month or whenever you need some comfort. I like to prep and cook a batch on Sunday and enjoy a cup every morning after lemon water and coffee. Give it a shot, you’ll love the umami flavor. This recipe makes approx. 6 quarts.
Ingredients
8 quarts filtered water (I prefer alkaline)
1 teaspoon Bragg Liquid Aminos or sea salt
6 unpeeled carrots, cut into thirds
1 unpeeled white onion, quartered
1 bunch of celery, cut into fourths
3 unpeeled Japanese sweet potatoes, quartered
1 entire leek
3 unpeeled cloves of garlic, cut in half
1 bunch fresh parsley
1 8” strip of kombu
2 bay leaves
10 black peppercorns
2 tablespoons MCT oil (optional)
1 tablespoon cayenne (optional)
1 tablespoon turmeric (optional)
*I also like to add sliced fresh jalapenos
Prep & Cook
Rinse and cut all veggies, including the kombu. I like to use Veggie Wash. In a large stockpot, combine veggies, kombu, turmeric and cayenne (optional). Fill the pot with the water to 2” below rim, cover, and bring to a boil.
After you bring broth to a boil, remove lid, and decrease heat to low, and simmer, uncovered, for three-four hours…The longer the better. As the broth simmers, you’ll need to add more water if the veggies begin to show. Then, strain the broth through a large, coarse-mesh sieve then add MCT, Bragg or salt to taste. Let cool to room temperature before refrigerating or freezing.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 3 - 4 hours
Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for a week or in the freezer for 4 months.
SLB FUDGE
Image via Oh Joy
This week’s SLB member recipe is for everyone! As many of you know, I'm a chocoholic. This healthy, chocolate + coconut + sea salt guiltless alternative to fudge is always in my freezer. It's easy to make and so delicious. Loaded with heart-healthy fats and protein, it’s the kind of treat that will kill a craving and leave you super satisfied.
Prep time: 10 min. Serves: 10-15
Ingredients:
1 cup raw cashew butter (store bought or homemade)
2 tablespoons coconut manna
3 tablespoons coconut oil
¼ cup cocoa powder
¼ cup orange blossom honey (Bee Free Honee or maple syrup can also be used)
1 teaspoon course sea salt
Directions:
If you're making the nut butter, place 1 1/2 cups of cashews in your Vitamix or high speed blender and mix until smooth
Mix together the nut butter, coconut manna and coconut oil until smooth (this is much easier if ingredients are warm).
Add in the cocoa powder, honey and sea salt and stir until creamy.
Transfer the mixture to a dish, lined with parchment paper or plastic wrap for easy removal.
Place the dish in the freezer, and allow the fudge to set for an hour before slicing and serving. Due to the coconut manna/oil mixture, the fudge will become pretty soft if it's left out for a while, so it’s best served directly from, and stored in the freezer.
SLB IN MY BODY
In My Body is a progressive, three week program for beginners or those who would like assistance beginning again. Join Lauren and the SLB instructors two times a week for three weeks as you build your foundation, learn the technique and become stronger. Expect to see and feel results. Our first session begins in January. All classes will be saved. $150
SLB OUT OF MY MIND
Out of My Mind is a transformational four week program. Put yourself in the drivers seat and call in your most fit and healthy self with the guidance of Lauren and the SLB instructors. Commit to 10 group classes, check-ins, nutritional development, and inspirational bi-monthly workshops with Lauren via zoom.
You can expect: Increased energy, strength and motivation, sustainable weight loss and the tools to make empowered food choices. Our first session begins in January. All classes will be saved. $250
LAUREN BOGGI'S 365 DAYS USING ADIPEAU
Consistency x chemistry. I’ve been using Adipeau everyday for one year. Maintaining the ideal balance of healthy fat and muscle is my life’s work. But when it comes to the face and aging, it’s really all about the fat. I’ve been using Adipeau’s Fat Balance Activator as a sleeping mask for one year now and I’m lifted, tighter, plump and more contoured. My skin absolutely reads 10+ years younger.
I’m wearing Lula balm, tinted moisturizer, lipliner and eye makeup in the photo above.
Fall TURN ONS
A few things that we can’t get enough of right now: Sanzo sparkling water, Driving the Tesla Model 3, SET ACTIVE Sportbody collection, Giselle’s Vegan Protein Bar, The Tahini Goddess Tahini, and watching late summer sunsets listening x SLB Fall Playlist.
Lauren Boggi for Today.com
If your body is your house, your feet are the foundation. Check out Lauren’s Top 5 Fitness Socks for Women @todayshow for SLB and beyond.
