LAUREN BOGGI X SHAPE
Thank you @shape for including me in your Nov. issue as one of your faves! I have more go-to moves coming your way in November and the holiday season.
FRIDAY RITUALS
TGIF! The last day of the workweek still hasn’t lost its charm. I always look at Friday as the day to set the tone to bring more joy to the weekend. Pre-March, dressing up and heading to happy hour with my girlfriends was a rite of passage (and I miss it!) but these days I blow off steam in my skates and make pizza with my neighbors.
If Sunday is the day to reflect and prepare for the week ahead, Friday’s are for celebrating what you’ve accomplished during the week and kicking-off the weekend. I thought sharing my Friday practice would be a great way to inspire ideas on how we can start the weekend right! Here’s my Friday Practice:
Coffee Out. I start my day getting out of the house with coffee at Alfred. It’s such a treat.
SLB Quick Burn, post-coffee. I have to get moving but with homeschooling my mornings are insane and most days I don’t have time for a full length.
Lunch / Work Outside. Vitamin D and some fresh air is everything.
Sk8! My mom owned Laundromats and growing up I would roll around all day long. Picking them up again during the pandemic has been so much fun and also really great cross-training.
Pizza Friday. We started a tradition of making pizza with our neighbors and it’s so much fun.
Movie Night. Friday is the perfect time for authorized screen time with family and friends. I love watching and introducing Mars to older movies like Little Shop of Horrors.
Sunset & Wine. Fall means the days are shorter, and sunsets come earlier so there's plenty of time to catch one with a glass of wine before bed.
SLB GREEN SOUP
Our first SLB member recipe is a staple of mine. I always have this zucchini soup on hand and everyone in my house loves it. It’s incredibly rich, filling, nutritious, and nobody ever believes it’s dairy-free. Our weekly recipes will live in-Studio and will be accessible to SLB members only, but I will occasionally share them here on the blog.
SLB KITCHEN
Welcome to the SLB kitchen! You guys know that I’ve been preaching for years that nutrition is 90%, and for the longest time I’ve been wanting to incorporate food into the mix in a bigger way. In addition to your weekly workouts, SLB members will now receive recipes each week that will live in-studio. Some will be my own and some will be from nutritionists, chefs and food partnerships. I’m so excited to help you guys reach your goals!.
October Program: Chase The Burn
Welcome to the October Program! The month’s theme is Chase The Burn. There’s so much raising our inner temps right now - from COVID to the election, a new season, and standing up for what we believe is right. I’ll be turning up the heat in the studio (and in the kitchen) and I want you to jump in and give it all you’ve got. LET IT BURN so that we can start anew and become stronger in mind, body and spirit. I’m here to help you achieve your best body yet and I can’t wait to work with you guys. Cheers to a great month
Xx, LB
LB'S FAVORITE EYE PRODUCTS
Let’s be honest. Whoever and whatever lifts you up has never felt more valuable. Most asked question besides fitness? You guys ask me everyday about my brows and lashes. I’m Italian so genetics probably has everything to do with it. My lashes are natural although I did have lash extensions for years and I’m shocked that they bounced back with the pandemic. I do absolutely nothing to my brows although I probably should. I love a glossy, lifted eye look for everyday. A few of my favorite eye products that really help out: Saie Brow Butter in Clear, Jillian Dempsey Lid Tint in Dew, SuperGoop Bright-Eyed Mineral Eye Cream, Saie Mascara 101, Tata Harper Elixir Vitae Eye Serum and Joanna Vargas Bright Eye Hydrating Mask.
Lauren Boggi's 10 Steps To Pivoting
Tighten your ponytails…
Guys, have we been going through it or what? This pandemic (and election, climate change, economy, homeschooling and… I could go on) has made me realize that there are many things I’ve been keeping in, that I should share. Personal things I’ve learned through mistakes made, lessons learned, and challenges overcome that may be valuable in some way to those that feel they could use it.
Several years ago my business encountered some serious challenges (for a whole other blog post, or more like a book!). It all could seem rather unremarkable for those not deeply in the trenches and drama — Breaking News: Small Business Closes! — But over the past six months many people have asked for my advice on how I pivoted quickly, kept my chin up, and returned with confidence, celebrating what I can uniquely offer this world.
For the most part I’d say I’m pretty resilient and I’ve bounced forward quickly. Maybe it’s because I’m not risk-averse and I don’t like to do anything small. Omg, I even fail big! I can assure you that it looks a lot more elegant than it was, and is. There are days I feel like a rockstar, and some days that I question my worth. But one constant is that I’ve learned that failing is not only inevitable in some capacity, it creates progress. I believe failure creates knowledge. Knowledge creates vision. Vision creates change. And change is what we need.
As you read my perspective it’s important to know where I’m coming from: As a life-long athlete and a huge believer in fate, I’m a shameless optimist. Forward, for me, is the only direction I go. The rotator cuff injury that forced me into retirement as a D-1 SEC cheerleader led me to rehab my shoulder through Pilates, which led to creating my own fitness method, Cardio-Cheer-Sculpting. A real estate transaction and seven-year long lawsuit (that ultimately ended my company) led me to believe that there was a better way to expand CCS online in 2015. Talk about learning the hard way.
I see what the pandemic is doing to many industries, especially the fitness industry. Most businesses small and large were turned on their heads overnight, forcing many to learn the art of adaptation immediately, or else. It saddens me to watch many scramble to go online so fast. My digital transformation didn’t come from a pandemic and wasn’t forced to happen in the blink of an eye. For years I wanted to find a way to bring my method to the masses without opening an army of brick and mortar studios, dealing with complex operations and the risk of even greater fixed costs. I wanted to use my energy, sweat and unique talents in a different way. That was late 2015.
There was a time in 2017-2018 after I lost my business and went bankrupt that I thought my professional life was over. Every day I would wake up and recite my mantra: Laur, just keep going. Be in the moment, even if it’s an awful dumpster fire moment. Be flexible. Keep moving forward. I could have easily broken down but I chose not to. Okay so I did once on the kitchen floor but who’s counting.
Here are my ten tips on how to phoenix the sh*t out of 2020:
1. Identify your passion. What are you fighting for? Purpose crushes obstacles.
2. Be forward focused. Use every bit of your energy to build the new. You will constantly be reminded of the old. Put it behind you. With that said, allow yourself to grieve. It’s okay to keep the parts of your brand that you loved to keep the spirit alive as long as you need to.
3. Be optimistic. Be your own cheerleader. Believe that your better days are ahead. Believe in YOU.
4. Connect with your angels who believe in you and lean on your network.
5. Protect your energy and give yourself the time you need to recover. I didn’t blog or write for years and I also didn’t read things that were written about me.
6. Make space for your transformation. Get ready to hustle and set goals that match the moment of time you’re in.
7. Focus on staying healthy and strong. Your mind and spirit are just as important as your body. Keep your spirit alive. People will try and break you down - Do not make yourself small for anyone and do not allow others to break your spirit.
8. Embrace uncertainty. Lean into it and grow with it. You don’t have to have all the answers right now.
9. Take things day by day. Everything is temporary. My lowest days set me up for the most growth. They broke me down and ultimately really fired me up.
10. Get Excited! Shake the Etch A Sketch! Big things are happening, the sky is the limit, and there’s nothing like a clean slate.
SLB August Program: High Summer
It’s high summer and we’re in high maintenance mode, rn. Historically, August can be a challenge—We work hard throughout spring and early summer to feel our best, then summer peaks and we tend to loosen the reigns a bit. Although we may not be partying as much in 2020, the mindset is still there. Our August Program is designed to keep you motivated and your results maintained.
Lauren Boggi x Shauna Faulisi
Shauna Faulisi and I are cooking up something great on IG LIVE Wed., Aug. 5th @ 5PM EST / 2PM PST. We’re making a vegetarian dish—Tell us what seasonal summer veggie you’d like us to feature in the comments. Shauna is a friend, nutritionist, celeb wellness chef, creator of the @soulwellnessmethod, and SLB member. We’re so excited to be collaborating in the kitchen and can’t wait to bring you a delicious recipe.
THE NEW Studio LB
Your studio is going to look a lot different over the next few weeks. We’re thrilled to bring you a better SLB experience: An improved search feature making it easier to find the perfect workout for when you're DIY'ing, a resource section so you can view your weekly schedules, monthly programs and 🌱 recipes, and add’l APPS beyond iOS: @appletv, @android, @rokuplayer, and @amazonfiretv to make it easier for you to watch on your preferred device. Can I get a hell yeah?!
STUDIO LB IGTV LIVE
Check out our most recent IGTV LIVE workout with Lauren. It’s a 28-minute no equipment Freestyle. You’ll need nothing but yourself.
UP CLOSE WITH LB
I sat with Katie and answered some of your more recent, most-asked beauty, wellness, business and daily routine questions…
01
WHAT MAKES YOU FEEL MOST CONFIDENT FOR THE CAMERA?
Good light, good hair, a spray tan, and body oil, definitely.
02
WHAT MAKES YOU FEEL MOST CONFIDENT IN REAL LIFE?
I barely ever wear makeup when I’m not on camera, but mascara makes me feel really good.
03
THE LAST THING YOU DO BEFORE GOING ON SET?
Take a deep breath and shake my hips.
04
YOUR SIGNATURE GOING OUT BEAUTY LOOK?
I haven’t been out much since March but I love a smoky eye, a nude lip and waves.
05
YOUR BEAUTY ICONS?
The effortlessly sexy Brigitte Bardot, Shakira, Halle Berry and Margot Robbie.
06
WHERE DO YOU FEEL MOST BEAUTIFUL?
Sailing with wet hair, all tanned or on Activation after day three.
07
BEST WAY TO START THE DAY?
Water with lemon, espresso and a breakfast salad —I have to have them everyday.
08
TIME SPENT ON BEAUTY IN THE A.M.?
If I’m not working and don’t really have anywhere special to go I literally take five minutes. Just wash my face, put on moisturizer and sunscreen.
09
THE MOST TRANSFORMATIVE CCS MOVE YOU'VE CREATED?
I can’t say there’s one particular move but our Cardio-Cheer-Sculpting technique - Resistance training (weight training) and cardio works better and faster than anything out there.
10
FAVORITE GETTING-READY SOUNDTRACK?
Well right now that means getting ready for a meal or work but there’s this playlist on Spotify I love called Feel Good Dinner that I’ve been playing a lot recently.
11
AN EXPENSIVE-BUT-WORTH-IT PRODUCT OR TREATMENT?
Microcurrent facials —they are amazing!
12
LAST THING YOU DO BEFORE BED?
Brush my teeth, floss and check my phone one last time.
13
SCARIEST THING YOU’VE EVER DONE?
A tie between swimming with a school of Caribbean reef sharks at “The Wall” in the Bahamas and pivoting from a studio-based business to a completely digital one during a time when not many existed.
14
BEST HIDDEN TALENT?
I can roll my tongue in like, ten different ways.
15
BACKUP CAREER?
I truly can’t imagine doing anything else but I’d probably be happy being a collegiate cheer coach.
LB TURN ONS
A few things that we can’t get enough of right now: Corey Moranis orange lucite rod bracelet, Mino floatable water resistant speaker, Teva leather sandal, & Wonder Valley olive oil on everything.
6 TIPS TO LOOKING & FEELING CONFIDENT IN YOUR SWIMSUIT
Having a beach bod is easy, you just take your body to the beach, right? It feels a bit different this year. At 5’ nothing I’m a pro at making myself look larger and longer both on and off camera. And guess what? I’m not always super confident (my first pic from any shoot looks very stiff ). Here are my six tips to looking and feeling great in your swimsuit.
Wear What You Feel Best In
Forget about what’s trendy and wear 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 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.
STUDIO LB
I know that I’m biased but seriously there is nothing out there that will tone and shape your body fast like Cardio-Cheer-Sculpting. 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 seven days. It’s as instant gratification as it gets.
Spray Tan
A spray tan can make you appear more toned and improve the appearance of cellulite in less than 30 minutes. It’s the ultimate confidence booster. I love St. Tropez.
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!
Wear A Wedge
I’m talking about a flip flop with a heel (Haviana’s makes a great one) or a wedge - It will make your entire body appear longer and leaner.
MOM SO HARD
Source: @elarroyo_atx
If you’re reading this and you’re also a mom by any definition, I want to start by giving every single one of you a giant standing ovation. Seriously, stand up, take a bow, pat yourself on the back, then get in your car and drive far away for the day (I’m half kidding).
As if being a mom wasn’t challenging enough pre-pandemic, now some of us are also teachers! If I’m being completely honest with you, I’m struggling and I can’t figure out third grade math (never mind TEACH IT). Why am I struggling? I’m blaming it on being cooped up and I apologize to everyone for my quarantine-induced red flag behavior.
In all seriousness, I’m currently not totally doing all the things I KNOW I need to do to take care of myself. I’m not having much fun. I’m mothering 24/7. I’ve been going to bed at an ungodly hour. My AM routine has gone to shit. And most importantly, I haven’t slowed down because I’m overwhelmed and am just doing too much. Jill of all trades over here! And Jordan and I went from spending three days a week together for the past three years to being together all day, everyday. Like so many of you, all this togetherness is just not our norm. Some days I feel like I need to go outside and let out a giant cathartic scream at the top of my lungs, and I know the feeling is mutual. We all could really use some alone time. Some time off. Can you relate?
But with all that said, I’m counting my blessings. Everyone I care about is healthy and safe. In a perfect world, spas and salons would be open today, but I know we'll all get a Rain Check for that kind of treatment in the coming months! My Mother’s Day was supposed to be spent on the beaches of Sayulita, Mexico training a group of twenty amazing women, giving us all a much needed reset. Obviously, Activation has been postponed until November so we’ll have to wait another 187 days.
So how can we celebrate ourselves today as we spend even more time with our families? I think that the greatest gift is to just be present. And then get out of the house or do whatever you need and want to do to honor yourself with some much needed alone time. A few fun things I plan to do:
Take a drive, roll my windows down, feel the breeze in my hair, blast music that makes me want to sing and dance and let myself feel totally free for a moment.
Take a bath with a glass of champagne.
A pedicure while catching up on my fave podcasts.
Talk to my mom and my girlfriends.
SUGARFISH (take out) al fresco because I miss sushi and I will NOT be cooking tonight.
And lastly, I plan to give my family a giant hug. As difficult as the days have been, I’m grateful to have this time with them. When Mars was younger, I was not able to work from home and I missed out on so much time that I’ll never be able to get back. These past eight weeks I’ve been able to watch him grow and change right before my very eyes.
So keep going Mama’s. Because life is amazing. And then it is awful. And then it’s amazing again. And in between the amazing and the awful it’s ordinary and mundane and routine. Breathe in the amazing, hold on through the awful, and relax and exhale during the ordinary. That’s just living heartbreaking, soul-healing, amazing, awful, ordinary life. And it’s breathtakingly beautiful. ― L.R. Knost
LB's Progress
Multiple times a day (sometimes multiple times in an hour), I am asked how I’ve changed my fitness routine and diet to achieve these results, and how they can do the same. I’ll share my entire story, but it’s a simple combination of a good diet and Studio LB. Anyone reading this can achieve similar results, with a little bit of dedication and commitment. Studio LB members have access to our nutrition guide, 7-day meal plan and recipes but I want to share my story with everyone (check out my LA story, Ten Independent Training Tips, and My At-Home Fitness Story).
The Fitness:
Prior to starting Studio LB and taking my workouts digital, I had a very successful brick and mortar fitness concept based in Philadelphia, which closed in 2016. It was an amazing period of my life and I am so proud of the brand that I built when living in Philadelphia. It will always be a feather in my cap. However, my work/life balance was non-existent. I was running multiple fitness studios, managing 50 employees, as well as running two smaller arms of the brand (a food and clothing company) under the umbrella. I was strictly wearing my CEO hat, and my days were packed with instructor training, class development, teaching, marketing, blogging, expansion, etc. The business was incredibly operationally heavy and my stress levels were through the roof. I was also a new mom. Between my more than full time job as a CEO/entrepreneur, and my more than full time job as a mom, there was no time to workout after work. I would often leave my center city condo and go for a quick run at 10PM.
Many of you might be thinking, but you still taught a few classes a week, isn’t that a workout? Absolutely not. Instructors demo the move once or twice, but then move around to work the room and correct. When I teach, it’s your workout, not mine. It doesn’t even come close to the workout you get from a Quick Burn, let alone a full 50-min workout.
Studio LB everything changed. My job now requires me to workout. Being on camera, you have to do almost every rep, of every move. I don’t take breaks or use different cuts. I film straight through so that my workout is the same as yours and so that I can test the content. You see me - the only breaks I take are when I need to catch my breath so that I can continue to talk and teach you.
Everyone is shocked to hear that Studio LB is all that I do, but that’s the truth. I do not attend studio classes so that I’m not creatively influenced as I want to keep my method pure. I film our weekly Program each week (four workouts): two 40-50 min. workouts and two 15-25 min. Quick Burn workouts. If I’m prepping for Activation, I may do some running and hill drills leading up to the retreat….but honestly, I can probably count the number of times on my two hands that I do this each year. Studio LB combined with a healthy diet is all I need, and it’s all you need! The key is to make sure you’re always working at 10. If you’re working at a 3-5 it won’t cut it. You’ve got to push at least at a 7 or 8 if not always at a 10.
The Food:
Food is everything. I’ve always been a healthy, whole foods eater, but in 2015/2016, I had noticed that my stomach would often hurt after a meal. I chalked it up to stress or a possible gluten sensitivity. Or, maybe I was just stuffing my face. I was definitely drinking way too much cold-pressed juice. What I did know for sure was that my health was taking second place to an ever-growing list of professional and personal demands.
Then, in the fall of 2016, I had a severe auto-immune reaction to a Sweetgreen salad (SG, it's not you, it's me!). This particular salad was a triple threat: farro, quinoa, and tofu, along with a soy-based dressing. I remember that I ate it on a Friday. By that night, my stomach was six-months pregnant bloated, and my entire GI tract was painful to the touch. I was in bed with a slight fever, chills and body aches. It took me four full days to feel better, and I haven’t eaten tofu or farro since.
After my company shut down in December 2016, I really went through it and completely fell off my healthy eating routine. Initially, I was barely eating and then when I did eat, I ate unhealthily and drank too much wine at night. In February, my friend and co-worker, Katie (you’ve seen her in some of the Studio LB workouts, or have spoken to her on the hotline) had just come back from two weeks in Panama followed by a wedding in Israel; three straight weeks filled with pasta, late nights out and lots of grilled cheese. I overheard Katie talking to her sister about doing Whole30 for one month. I decided that it wouldn’t hurt for me to check it out and join in but I knew immediately that it WASN’T FOR ME.
There were a lot of rules (and also a lot of bad press). It’s designed to help you identify foods that have an adverse effect on your body. In order to identify these foods, you must first eliminate them for 30 days to get your body to a blank slate. So, no dairy, no sugar, no alcohol, no grains no legumes, including black beans, garbanzos, kidney or soy, and no additives like MSG. Instead, the focus is: Meat, seafood, eggs, veggies, healthy fats like avocado, or olive oil, and low glycemic fruits like berries and apples (exactly how I eat now, btw).
I don’t love hard restrictions and I knew that I could easily do it my way since I eliminated dairy many years ago. I wasn’t going without:
Wine because I was going through some sh*t, so I allowed myself (and still drink) 6 oz. per day.
Lentils, and garbanzo beans…because they are not processed, and they are healthy, veggie proteins.
Brown rice and quinoa. I’m a big fan of rice (it has fueled 10+ Activations along with killer transformations) and 2 tablespoons of quinoa is my sweet spot.
Personally, I just cannot eat animal protein every day. I knew that I was going into this my way so that it would work for me. What I was doing became the "LB Plan," and Katie and her sister actually did do Whole30.
Week 1: "All Set!" With my fridge stocked to photo-shoot perfection, I started out strong. The first three days were great and I felt more energized.
Days four through seven were more difficult for me. I don’t really ever deny myself what my body wants (within reason) but I really wanted to stick to my plan. I packed tea and plenty of fresh fruit, nuts and crudité on days when the struggle was really real, and I called Katie whenever I was tempted to cheat. On day seven my abs were popping like they hadn't in years and at that moment I was ALL IN.
Week 2: “Who dat!?” On day 10, I felt like this was my new normal and I was never going back. I was excited, and my energy was through the roof. My mood swings and stomachaches were gone for good and I was sleeping SO much better.
Week 3: “French fries? Um, more veggies please!” By week three, I felt like the old me. I was awake and alert, early mornings became easy, and I had absolutely no desire to cheat. And, I was telling everyone. When I believe in something, I spread the gospel something fierce. Like, everyone I knew HAD TO DO THIS.
Week 4: “It’s over? I’m never stopping.” I was happy my 30 days were almost over, because I was really excited to reintroduce some dark chocolate, and a little something in my coffee, but I also felt so freaking fantastic that I didn’t want it to end. My insides felt so perfect and healthy and I knew that I was committed to eating this way forever.
I incorporate these guidelines in my daily life today. I also eat small portions because I am a small person at 5’0”. Since April 2017, I’ve stuck with this plan, adopting a 90/10 rule where I mostly follow the plan unless I am out with friends or have a special event.
My plan has changed my relationship with food for the better. My metabolism is like never before, and I don’t miss sugar at all. I look forward to prepping, planning and cooking for myself and I love knowing what fuel my body really needs for energy and peak athletic performance.
I hope you commit to falling in love with real, whole foods and cooking as much as I have. Find what really works for you, and what is a non-negotiable to go without (don’t say pizza). Also, I highly recommend doing this with a buddy. Now it’s a way of life for me, but I don’t know if I could have completed my second week without being able to lean on Katie.
TIPS FROM STUDIO LB PROS (CON'T)
One thing we don’t talk enough about is how to successfully make the transition from primarily exercising at gyms and fitness studios, to primarily exercising at home. The key is learning what works for you in terms of self-motivation and accountability. At gyms or in class, people tend to find their motivation because someone else is watching, or you may show up for your workout because you’ll be charged if you skip it. These motivational factors aren’t relevant w/ digital fitness so you need to change your mindset. Recently, I shared a few tips from myself as well as some of our long time members. Many of you reached out asking for more, so this week we’re talking with Chrissy S. & Alicia P!
Chrissy S. (Lake Tahoe, CA)
“A few months prior (to these pictures) I was paddle boarding and someone took a pic. I saw it and signed up for the 7 day trial the very next day. Fast forward to my next beach vacation and I was finally comfortable chasing my kids around in a bikini because of Studio LB.”
How long have you've been a Studio LB Member? How do you practice Studio LB?
I have been a member for just under a year. I typically follow the "Program" and practice five days a week. Okay, sometimes four but this forced stillness we are experiencing has been beneficial for me to fully commit 45-60 minutes to myself as often as possible. Starting my day with Studio LB affords me the ability to be whole for my children and my husband given the current state of 24/7 home life.
What are some of your tips to stay committed and self-motivate?
My commitment and motivation has everything to do with the results. I usually get up at 6am to get my class in before my kids wake up. Otherwise, the day gets away from me and I struggle to get it done. If I miss the alarm (I have a teething one year old = some nights are rough) I invite my 3 year old to take the class with me during the baby's nap. We crack up together and I may have to pause on occasion (because snack breaks are life), but I get it done. In the past, it has always been easy for me to derail from my workout routine. I used to let life get in the way. When you extract the commute, structured studio schedules and added expenses there is no way to not get it done. I also make an extra effort for accountability to have some kind of challenge going on with my husband or a friend. Currently, my husband is training for a trail marathon and he is as regimented as they come. He follows a training schedule and on the days he runs I commit to a no-excuses Studio LB workout.
What are some of you tips to help yourself work at a 10 instead of a 5?
My no BS philosophy for myself: you're defeating the purpose if you're not giving these workout minutes your everything. For me, the beginner series was key to the method. It may seem elementary at times for veteran fitness guru's but a 10 in form is everything to achieving that burn and the desired results. I workout in front of a mirror to ensure my form is on point the whole time. It's almost as though I'm competing with myself when I'm able to see what I am doing. I have never worked out without a shirt on in a studio but it is important for me to see my body form and movements so a sports bra and (high waisted - amen) leggings are my uniform. This is one of the things I LOVE about this digital platform. My inner wallflower really shines. Another technique I find helpful is to video myself on my phone. It can be beneficial to see where I need to step up my game if I am struggling to nail a movement. I am far from coordinated so I have fun with the cardio and just keep moving and I give the sculpt my all, results guaranteed.
Alicia P. (Koloa, HI)
How long have you've been a Studio LB Member? How do you practice Studio LB?
I’ve been a member since August 2019. My typical schedule is:
Day 1 - Day 5: Studio LB
Day 6: Hike or Jog (or take LB outdoors)
Day 7: Yoga and Light stretching
What are some of your tips to stay committed and self-motivate?
To stay committed and self motivated I have built a routine that works for me.
Work out in the mornings. I am not a morning person by any means, but I know after a long day at work I will not be as motivated.
Record my work outs. This helps me notice how much I’ve grown over time. In the beginning, I had to modify almost every work out...now those calf pumps I struggled with come second nature!
Sometimes I’m just not in the mood for a full body work out. Swapping out full length workouts for some of my favorite Quick Burn workouts keeps me from missing a work out entirely!
What are some of you tips to help yourself work at a 10 instead of a 5?
For me it’s knowing my body and understanding what I need that day! Weights or no weights? When I’m feeling low, I drop the weights and focus on listening to Lauren. When I’m high energy, I add the weights to push myself and make sure I’m giving it my all.
The results you get are directly related to the effort you put in. Do your best to feel and look your best! - Mahalo, Alicia
LAUREN BOGGI FOR PETCO
The quarantine silver lining is being home all day with your best friend. Have some fun and check out my dog friendly at home workout for Petco!
LB'S MATCHA BEAUTY TONIC
Spring in quarantine is the perfect time to establish (or re-establish) a self-care routine. Self-care doesn’t have to mean a luxurious day at the spa or come with a heavy price tag. It can be super simple. For example, I've been enjoying this Matcha Beauty Tonic every morning with my phone and computer turned off.
I love matcha. It provides a delicious nutrient-rich energy boost pre and post -Studio LB. And it has so many amazing benefits. It gives you the zip of coffee without raising your heart rate. It also keeps you satiated and works as a fat blocker by blocking the ability of digestive enzymes to break down fat, a step necessary for fat to enter our cells. So instead of absorbing and storing the fat, it gets passed through the body. Matcha is also rich in chlorophyll, which alkalizes and detoxifes the blood. By increasing its pH, the body has a better chance of getting more oxygen and nutrients to cells for healing. I notice that my skin looks more radiant and I feel revitalized when I drink it.
Spring Matcha Beauty Tonic
Ingredients
1/2 tsp. matcha
Choice of nut or oat milk to taste
1/4 tsp. ashwagandha (adaptogen/stress relief)
1/4 tsp. reishi (superfood/immune booster)
1/4 tsp. mesquite (superfood/blood sugar stabilizer and protein)
Directions
Scoop matcha powder (start at 1/4 tsp. then adjust according to your taste), ashwagandha, reishi, and mesquite into a cup. Fill cup with hot water, and then whisk in your choice of milk until it starts to froth.