gym

As you may know, I am on the quest to find the perfect protein shake! I can’t even begin to tell you how many times I have picked up a protein shake, read the nutritional value, putting it right back and walking away appalled with how much added sugar and unnecessary processed ingredient are included. That’s why, I have made it my goal to find the perfect protein shake!

Thank you, thank you, thank you Tova for sending me this incredible recipe!!

Tova Eastman is one of the coolest people I know. She has the biggest heart and sweetest soul. You can see it in everything she does. Tova and Ignite Fitness are devoted to helping moms feel stronger, feel better and feel more confident. It is truly amazing to witness her and her clients success! That is why when I decided to start my quest for the perfect protein shake, she was the first person I asked!

Tova’s Recipe:

2.5 frozen bananas
6 large ice cubes
16 whole almonds
1.5 tsp pure almond butter
3 tsp vanilla extract
1-2 tsp cinnamon
2 cups milk (or almond milk)
2 tsp chia seeds
2 tsp flax seeds

Bonus: I added a handful of Spinach to give it a little extra something : )

Have a protein shake you swear by?! I would love to try it!! Email me at yael@yael.photos with the recipe!

Guys, I am lucky. As a small business owner, I don’t have the normal 9 – 5 schedule. I don’t have to be in a certain place for 40 hours a week. I don’t have to count my vacation days or call in when I’m sick. It is up to me to fit it all in, stay on task and never miss a deadline.

I like to consider my schedule flexible, yet consistent. That is why, all winter long, I had strived to get to City Fitness six times a week and always in the morning. It was great! I never had to wait for a bench. My favorite cardio machines were always available and all the dead lifting platforms were free. The gym was essentially empty, mine and one of my favorite places to be!

But winter has come and gone, the weather is nicer and the outdoor photography sessions are being booked one on top of the other! Being busy with what you love is the goal isn’t it?! It is a beautiful thing and I wouldn’t want it any other way!

So, when I found myself at the gym at 6:30pm, I was shocked. It was buzzing with people. As I waited my turn to use the Smith Machine, I didn’t let it frustrate me, (even though I am Type A through and through)! I actually took it as a win! I had spent that entire morning outside taking photos in the best city with the best clients! My afternoon was filled with coffee consultations and phone check-ins. If waiting for a machine at the gym was the worst thing of the day, I am insanely lucky. As I sat down on the Lateral Pull bench to work in an extra set or two, I kept my eyes on the Smith Machine and smiled.

Always keep your eyes on the prize. Never give up your goals. Go after your dreams and do it all!

I have a confession.

I have always been insanely intimated by the weight room at the gym. No matter what, my feet would take over and direct me straight to the cardio machines. No matter how motivated I was, no matter how many pep talks I gave myself and no matter how many articles I read stressing the importance of strength training, I just couldn’t do it!

I would walk into the gym determined to at least start a weight-lifting workout but the second I saw the free-weights my fear would take over and I’d find myself standing on a treadmill, hitting the speed button and getting ready for a run instead. Don’t get me wrong, I do love a good cardio workout but I hated the fact that my apprehension of looking foolish could control me every day.

I was frustrated. I wasn’t seeing the results that I wanted. Every day I would push myself harder, faster and longer, but nothing seemed to work! I know they say results come from 70% – 80% of what you eat, but Robert and I eat healthier than ever. No added sugar, no dairy, essentially no processed foods, so then why wasn’t I seeing results?

Finally, after years of trying to find something that worked, many failed attempts and routines that just bored me to no end, my dearest friend, Ayelet recommended this amazing APP. And can I tell you, it is life changing! Sweat by Kalya has a 12 week weight lifting program that is so detailed oriented and so beginner -friendly that my fears were no longer in control.

This was the first time I felt like I had an actual game plan. This was the first time I was truly excited to start. This was the first time I didn’t think to myself  “let’s see how long this lasts!” Was I still nervous? Of course, but this time it didn’t stop me and to be completely honest, it felt amazing!

I was very strategic. I knew that I would still be embarrassed. I mean let’s be real, my form the first week was absolutely horrific.  That’s why, I  went only during off hour, midmorning, early afternoon, anytime that Google said “Not Too Busy,” I ran over there. I wasn’t going to let those bad-ass women and powerlifters intimidate me. I was going to do this. I had all the tools I needed! I had the workout plan.  I had the easy to follow instructions. Now, I just needed to get over my pride and do it.

Three weeks later, I am no longer embarrassed, I am no longer nervous. I don’t have to go when the gym is empty. I feel stronger, I feel lighter and for the first time in my life, I am starting to see real results from the gym, and I cannot get enough! I know what you are thinking, it has only been three weeks. This time it is different. This time, I am absolutely loving every second of it : )