BREAKTIME!!!

So with a tight schedule this weekend that included a performance and with two late business meetings on Monday and Tuesday, I was unable to make it to the gym. I know what you're thinking "ok Mrs. Excuses." Listen, I get to the gym at 7am every morning and one thing I will not do is sacrifice my workout's endurance and strength just to tell myself  "I went" and in fact, I honestly believe thay the rest did me some good. Upon my return today, I felt energetic and was able to increase my weights from 15lbs to 17.5lbs and 10lbs. to 12.5lbs. Aside from that, I looked at my physique and either my mind is playing tricks on me or I am actually getting much leaner. I decided to read up on why this was and came across an article titled "Take a Break" by Chris Zaino on one of my favorite fitness sites BodyBuilding.com.

Image credit to Bodybuilding.com

He goes into explain the importance of "RECOVERY." He discusses the importance of recovering not only physically but mentally as well, not to mention the break that your nervous system needs to take. "Even though we take days off from the gym a couple times a week, after weeks and weeks of pounding our bodies, we may require more than one or two days." Ahhh, so then there IS a difference. I never imagined that a week off or close to it would be so rewarding and you know what, it was. If you have been killing yourself at the gym, relax a bit. Do not deprive your body of the much needed rest time that you and it deserves.

 

 

For more information on recovery and its importance, copy and paste this link to your URL: http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/zaino4.htm

Before I go, I just want to say how happy and great I have been feeling about myself. My recent lifestyle change has not only been great for the way my body is looking but for my shows. Even my husband is noticing. I have been performing since a child but this past Saturday, I had power, stamina, strength and my words were as clear as ever. Many asked how I had so much energy. I said "I'm now dedicated to my body." See for yourself...

 Enjoy the rest of your week and HAPPY HUMP DAY!

DAYS LEFT: 

To life, to health, to fitness, to the NEW You,



Steph A.K.A. Mzs. Stiletto

"CARBS...THE CURE TO CONSTIPATION"

 

Don't be shy, we've all had it. That aching pain in your stomach and dealing with the uncomfortable feeling of not being able to go to the bathroom, CONSTIPATON. If you read my post last week, you'll remember me writing about how my 4th of July weekend was completely destroyed because of it. I tried everything in the sky to cure me of my torment, prune juice, lemon ginger tea, Gas-X, Miralax, damn it, I even went to the ER and had an IV stuck in me. Not to say that the IV didn't help, it assisted a ton, and I must say that the tea did soothe the cramping, however, in the end, I feel that what really got the job done were the carbs.

 

 

 

NOOO!! Not the ones photographed above, the healthy ones.

I am a huge pasta, potato, and of course, BREAD lover. However, since I've been watching the tummy, I've cut down...A LOT. Yet, last week, it was the only thing that helped me with my constipation. I didn't go crazy, I had some slices of my absolute favorite, Ezekiel Sprouted Grain Bread.

 

I was introduced to it last year by a good friend of mine and fellow Fit Queen, Aimee. I let her know how getting rid of bread was the hardest thing to do for me and she told me about Ezekiel and how I could basically use it as an scapegoat. No, you can't overdo it, however, one slice is only 80 calories and it is low in fat. Well I ran out to Publix, got me some Ezekiel, and long behold, I am back to my regular self. Again, I am not saying that the above-mentioned remedies had nothing to do with my healing process, however, I strongly believe that what really got me going, no pun intended, were the carbs. I was able to enjoy my weekend with great friends, still no drinking, and had no tummy issues. Ahhhh, the pleasure. So if you're ever feeling uneasy, a lil, well you know, stuck, call up the carbs, the good ones at least. They might in the end be the ones to get you out of a tight jam and get you going from this...

 

TO this...

 

pun EXTREMELY intended.

 

Well enjoy your week and I sure hope the information was useless because let's face it, it ain't no secret that we all get stuck in a rut sometimes. Before I go...

DAYS LEFT: (Think my numbers may have been off last week...Oops)

 

To life, to health, to fitness, to the NEW You,



Steph A.K.A. Mzs. Stiletto

4TH OF JULY WEEKEND RUNDOWN

 

I know I'm two days behind with my post and not because I ran out of content but because, well basically, I had the weekend from hell!!!! I sure hope you all had a joyous, festive and relaxing weekend because I most certainly did not. It all started out on Thursday evening when I became consumed with lower back pain. By Friday morning, I was vomiting with severe cramping and constipation. I became worried because I had not one, but two shows that evening and the uncertainty of whether or not I was going to pull through played with my emotions for the entire work day. Like the champ that I am, I did everything possible to make the first show a success and well the second one was a flop because of the promoter but that's beside the point. One thing that remained was the excruciating pain I was going through. The Gas-X wasn't being very affective and when it comes to pain, I am quite the bit of a pansy. I wasn't getting any better and I already accepted the fact that my 4th of July weekend would mainly be spent home.

 

 

By Saturday morning I was at CVS stocking up on some meds, prune juice (ewwww), soup and Miralax. I ran home with the hope that this would all save the weekend, boy was I wrong. Miralax, thank you for royally destroying my fun time. I was stuck in the bathroom literally from Saturday all the way through Tuesday. I couldn't understand what it was that had gotten me to this point. Was it too much protein shakes, was it the change in my diet, was it that maybe I was expecting? So many thoughts ran through my mind.

So the weekend came and went but my cramping, nausea and daily runs remained. Sorry to sound grotesque but I am not going to sit here and sugarcoat anything that I went through this weekend. My poor husband had to deal with it and the only thing I looked up to was the fact that I got new furniture and was able to select a new color palette for my bedroom. So hey, at least I had that joyous occasion.

 

Finally by Tuesday I went into work with cramps and all but I did make the decision to call the doctor. His recommendations were that I go to the ER. So after a 7 hour wait time, people must've had a great weekend, blood work, a CT scan and a urine test, I got the results... "You're not pregnant but you do have a stomach virus." All that and that's the best they could tell me. I will admit that the IV got me a bit more hydrated and helped with the cramps so I guess the hospital visit was helpful and I am glad it wasn't something more serious. Besides, I got to enjoy the extremely good looking staff at Kendall Regional Medical Center. I guess headshots are required in order to be considered for employment. All I can say after my rough weekend is this, nutrition is soooo important. Staying balanced and really watching what you put into your mouth. Sometimes we think, "oh hey this can't be that bad" and in reality it is the worst thing you can have. I believe that the protein shake I had been taking may have bared some responsibility to my feeling ill but for the most part I blame myself for not taking the proper precautions and listening to my body when I had mild cramping the week before. Either way, lesson well learned.

So that was my weekend in nutshell. I am glad you all had a great one and hopefully my Labor Day will be better spent. But hey, I will say this, I did have two great things that happened, 1. A HUGE announcement will be made with regards to major changes in TASTE Ladies and a big addition and 2. I was introduced to Niykee Heaton!! Thanks to her music, I survived the weekend!! And can we PRAISE her body!!!

 

Oh and by the way...

DAYS LEFT:

 

To life, to health, to fitness, to the NEW You,



Steph A.K.A. Mzs. Stiletto

FIGHTING THE TEMPTATIONS

So I hope everyone had a fantastic weekend. I most certainly did. Before I get started, I will remind you all about my 42 No Drinking Challenge. I want to keep you all posted on my progress and challenges. So at the end of each weekly post, I will be writing a side note titled DAYS LEFT which will let you know how much more I got left. Now onto today's post.

 

 

Not only has my nutrition been on point but I have been faithful to my fitness having completed five days strong this week. I will admit that being a good girl was not at all that difficult primarily because hubby was out of town so there were no drinking nor poor eating temptations. Unfortunately, he returned yesterday. Don't get me wrong, I am glad he is back, but the moment he got off the plane it was straight to the beach where he immediately made a stop at the liquor store and then after, we went to a cousin's house for a nice family get together. Now I come from a Cuban background and we all know what a Latin party consists of, great music, great drinks and great Foooood!!! So how'd I do?! Fantastic! I stuck to my no drinking policy regardless of my tempting surroundings and besides the small and plain vanilla ice cream I had, I did my thing fit ladies and gents. I so far am facing the challenges and with no pain but I am sure many gains.

 

 

 

Now I am sure you're saying, "ice cream?" Truth of the matter is, I think it was well-deserved. I had it topped with only peanuts and was guilt-free. I now have come to realize that if you've accomplished everything you wanted to accomplish during the week, if you have fought the urges, stayed consistent on both your diet and exercise regimens and are surely positive that you have given it your very BEST and nothing less, then there is nothing wrong with a little reward. I am not saying to overdo it, but try to supplement things like a Hot-Fudge Sunday with just regular vanilla ice cream (preferably frozen yogurt but if not available, just plain vanilla will do) and nuts, or maybe cinnamon, or fruit even. There is absolutely no reason why you should give up on your indulges because if you do, I guarantee that you'll have that one day where you decide to break and have them all at once then you've opened up the flood gates and going back from that is not only dissatisfying but will bring you to a depressive state. Trust me, I've lost the battle against many demons before but this time, I'm winning. Take my advice and you will be well on your way to fitness success.

 

I hope you all enjoy the rest of your week and remember, great week, gets you to a simple cheat.

DAYS LEFT:

To life, to health, to fitness, to the NEW You,



Steph A.K.A. Mzs. Stiletto

"SUMMER IS HERE, BUT NO DRINKS TO CHEER"

Summer has finally arrived, well, I live in Miami so it is basically Summer all year round but hey, it's still good to be able to celebrate. Today is June 20th and not only does it mark the first day of Summer, but for me, it marks the first day of my "Clean for 42 Days" policy. What's that about? Don't mind me while I explain. I ladies and gentlemen, consider myself to be quite the heavy drinker. While I do not indulge in any other social activities, I refuse to mention, there is nothing that makes my social setting more interesting than a nice vodka pineapple, vodka cranberry, shoot, vodka anything. Unfortunately, however, not only do those sweet little temptations tend to make my nights, but they have appeared to make my midsection EXPLODE! So for the next 42 days, I am on a NO DRINKING restriction.

 

 Why 42 days you ask? Well to be honest, I have a wedding that I am attending August 4th and the celebration festivities commence the 3rd so I am going to be realistic and say that I will make-up for some lost alcoholic consumption time that week but prior to, I must get into this amazing dress I have my eyes and heart set on. While absolutely no one is going to be giving the beautiful bride and her dashing groom competition that evening, I at least want to feel fulfilled and great about myself to be able to pull something in the likes of what I am wearing off.

Nope, that's not the dress and that's not me. :-)

 

 

I wasn't always a drinker but when I started working at a bar some years ago, I grew a high tolerance to it and honestly, I hate that I did because it allowed for me to be able to consume much more than the average individual. But again, it did much damage to my body and I am sure my health. All in all, I think a drink every now and then is not a problem, however, I believe one should be smart and, of course, SAFE while drinking. In the meantime, it is nothing but water for your girl and you know what, I'm not upset about it. I lived without alcohol for about 22 years so what's 42 days right? I have faith in me, do you? Want to do the challenge with me? Didn't think so. Oh well, wish me luck from the sidelines and to a clean and healthy 42 days.

Happy 1st Day of Summer!!!

 

 

To life, to health, to fitness, to the NEW You,


Steph A.K.A. Mzs. Stiletto

"A NIGHT OF THE GODDESS"

This past Friday, I held a demo class of The BurleXXX Workout at "A Night of the Goddess" a ladies night event hosted by Bossy Magazine & The Mitzani Team. I have to say, that it felt more like a performance by an entire group of bold and sexy ladies for there was not much that I had to teach. I was assisted by fellow Taste Lady, Gina Spaide and from the moment the warm-up to the legendary Prince's "When Doves Cry" to the amazing routine I created to Melanie Fiona's "4am" to the final cool down to Beyonce's "6 inch"  it appeared that the women may have even been able to show me a thing or two.

 

The BurleXXX Workout, although low intensity, is definitely made to help one not only develop strength and flexibility especially at the legs, but can also help you release your inhibitions and either bring back or help you find your sexy. One thing was certain Friday night, I do not for one second think that any of the women who participated had sexy to find, however, it definitely gave them quite the unexpected workout. Most students tend to start off in flats until they feel comfortable, not these daring ladies, they went straight to the high heels which gave them a more intense workout and of course, BURN. As mentioned in my bio, The BurleXXX Workout is part of a three dance style workout program which also includes Hardcore, hip hop fitness and Bum Burner, structured to help you burn calories through Caribbean movements.

The event not only featured The BurleXXX Workout, but the incredible sounds by DJ Shelly Rockstar @shellyrockstar, amazing photography sessions with, Erika Nelly @ErikaNellyPhotography. 

Other incredible vendors such as R&D Self Defense @rndselfdefense featuring the "Hottest Self-Defense Products Around." Definitely going to get me one of their smart and safe purchase products which include these amazing flashlight tasers:

 

I was also glad that I arrived just in time to catch the looks created by fashion designer Joann Chan from @grandstand_fashion.

 

Joann is also the woman behind my performance costumes:

 

All in all, the evening was quite the success. I was able to meet a lot of fantastic business women and potential students including the very talented and beautiful burlesque performer Ariel Amour @arielamour:

 

Special thanks to Shavon Robinson, aka Shevvy-Malibu of Bossy Magazine, a digital lifestyle magazine for the urban contemporary woman. She brought this event to me and I am so happy to have taken part in it. Be sure to visit her website at www.getbossymag.com for everything fashion, music, future and current events and more.

Also, stay posted on my live classes coming soon and email me at tasteladiesfitness@gmail.com to be put on our mailing list.

To life, to health, to fitness, to the NEW You,

 

Steph A.K.A. Mzs. Stiletto

RISE N' GRIND- A.M. WORKOUTS

One of the main reasons behind my inconsistency at staying fit was my hectic after work schedule. Aside from being a fitness head, I am also a music artist, so when my bag was packed with workout gear I could use at the gym after my full-time job and I would suddenly get called to attend an event, go to the recording studio, or any other unexpected life events, it was safe to say that the gym clothes made their way to everywhere BUT the gym. However, when I did happen to make it, I was dragging my feet after a long day of work and getting on a machine was a bigger challenge than climbing Mount Everest.

 

WHY ME?!!!

 

 

TIME IS NOT ON MY SIDE.

 

 

This time around I did not want to give up but I knew that in order to stay on track and not fallback, something had to change.

 

 

 

 

For quite some time now, my husband's friend has been telling us that A.M. workouts were the way to go, but the thought of getting up at 6am in order to beat Miami traffic and get to the gym by 6:45am made me, the woman that asks for 2 extra minutes of sleep time, cringe. I would always say "how do these early birds do it?" Never in a million years would I have ever imagined that I one day would become one of those early birds.

 

 



For the past week I have been doing just that. Getting up early and doing my morning workouts that is. How do I feel? Better than ever!! The fact that I can be at work knowing that I have already gotten my workout over with and that I am prepared for whatever last minute schedule change that may come my way after 5pm without having to worry about sacrificing my fitness, is amazing, simply put. Not only that, it's made me a bit more organized in the sense that I already know what I am wearing for work the next day because I leave my packed bag in the car overnight. So after my zombie wake up, it's brush teeth and out the door. Oh and, I have set a precedent, my husband too is now joining me in the A.M. which calls for more evening quality time. Do not get me started on the phenomenal morning energy boost. Who needs Red Bull when you got a burst of natural energy?

 

 

If you are considering getting it on in the mornings, get your mind out of the gutter guys, I'm talking workouts here, I say stop considering and get it done. Think of the ability to be able to do whatever you want after work without having to worry about cramming in your workout. Challenge yourself and get the job done. Rise n' grind because the hardest part, is the first wake up, so Get Up!! Come on, I'm counting, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1...GO!!

 

 

 

 

To life, to health, to fitness, to the NEW You,

Steph A.K.A. Mzs. Stiletto