Welcome

Welcome to Self Soul Space! This blog is designed to bring you healthy lifestyle tips. A true healthy lifestyle, embodies a healthy mind, body, spirit, and environment. Thanks for stopping by to check out my way of living.

Friday, August 30, 2013

Pinterest workouts got me again...

Like most, I love pinterest.  I could pin all day!  And like most, I pin but never do anything with my pins, LOL!  Since I have been forced to take a few weeks off from running (Dr's orders).  I've been looking for some great workouts at a lower impact to my joints. Then it hit me, Ashley, you have like 100+ pins regarding fitness on Pinterest.  So, I went thumbing through my pins.  Here are some of the fun and crazy workouts I've been trying out.  Some will stay in my workout rotation, and some will remain on pinterest, lol! 

So here's the first one, its a favorite, and doesn't require a gym.  I've actually used this workout in the past during my half marathon training.  The bonus is one round is only 15 min, so repeat 2-3 times, you've really got a great workout in under an hour!


Now, this was another favorite, it's for the elliptical.  I must be honest, you will look like you took a shower with your clothes on when you're done, LOL!


What in Sam's h*ll was I thinking with this one... the Brazilian Butt Lift Treadmill Workout?  Another butt kicking workout.  My Butt would rather sit then lift... Lol.  But I'll keep it around for a good treadmill sweat.  Walking and trying to sit the following day will be a bit of a challenge.


This was another treadmill workout, I was soaked after the 45 minutes, and I burned as many calories as I normally do running, bonus.  It's a keeper, just for some variety.


This Fitsugar workout is another great workout that doesn't require a gym.  This is how I occupied my time in North Carolina. It will also be good for when my traveling schedule picks up again.

My last two were not favorites... The first did not require a gym, but my joints were feeling all of the many jumping jacks, and my wrists were screaming after all of the push-ups.  Pinterest can keep this one!
The second is a good scheduled workout for cross-training, however, I sub'd the running for walking at an incline.  Now, I would not have this be my everyday workout schedule, but adding some of the workouts to my cross-training days might not be too bad.

Try these workouts, see if you like them.  And don't let those fitness and healthy recipe pins just stay on Pinterest!!  Enjoy the sweat!!

Wednesday, August 28, 2013

Wellness Wednesday

Wellness Wednesday is back... Did you miss it?  I hope you were still making small changes to better you health and wellness while we were on vacation.  Today's wellness tip is to go for a walk.  Walking is one of the easiest exercises, just about anyone, at any age can do.  It doesn't require any special equipment or a lot of time.  You can squeeze in a walk before you get dressed in the morning to help wake you up.  Take a stroll with some co-workers on your lunch break.  Or my favorite, take an evening walk with the family after dinner.  I love this time of year because the evenings are still light (thanks DST), and in most parts of the country the evenings are cooler than the heat of the day.
 Walks can be as calm and relaxing as you would like, or as rigorous and powerful as you would like.  They are also a great way for you to clear your mind or catch up on gossip with your friends.  Just make sure you have on comfortable shoes, so you can put in the distance you so desire.  So, head out this Wednesday for a wellness walk, and make it a part of your daily or weekly schedule.  Stay well my friends!

Tuesday, August 27, 2013

Smoothie, smoothie, smoothies

Yum, yum, yum... I love smoothies!  And so do my kids and husband!  Smoothies are a great way to get in an extra serving of fruits and vegetable (yes, I said vegetables) every day.  You can get as creative or be as simple as you would like.  The trick to keep them really healthy, is to avoid adding extra sugary juices.  Natural fruits can add enough sweetness to your smoothies.  Here are my steps for the perfect smoothie!

  1. Pick 1 or 2 veggies: spinach, romaine, celery, kale, carrots, or cucumber.
  2. Pick 1 or 2 fruits: apple, grapes, melon, mango, berries, pineapple, pear, banana, kiwi, peaches, or oranges.
  3. Select a liquid base: water, coconut water, unsweetened almond-rice-soy milk, non-fat plain yogurt (or Greek), or fresh squeezed juice (not from concentrate).
  4. Add some extras(optional): flaxseed, protein powder, almond-peanut butter, juice from a lime/lemon, avocado, coconut oil
  5. Blend, and enjoy!

Here are some other helpful tips: put veggies in first, cut up hard fruits & veggies, add liquid to loosen veggie/fruit purée, spinach is a great veggie to add bc of all of health benefits but in a smoothie its virtually tasteless, add protein & healthy fats to get more bang for your sip, make enough for 2 glassfuls and store extra in fridge for next day snack, and stay away from fast food smoothies- they are just sugar loaded, with processed/unknown ingredients that only increase your calorie count.

Stay tuned to Self Soul Space for some fun smoothie recipes that are Kid tested- Husband approved!



Check out my post on Dr. Oz's 3-day cleanse, they're some great smoothies even when not on the cleanse!

Monday, August 26, 2013

Back in Action!

Hey Self Soul Spacers!  How was the rest of your summer?  Mine was awesome and busy, a trip to Walt Disney World, to North Carolina, and some fantastic quality time with family and friends before the school year begins.  A lot has changed/ is changing as far as Self Soul Space goes... You will see a new layout coming your way, new recipes, fitness tips, new Wellness Wednesday topics, ways to let your soul shine bright, and awesome ways to improve your space (including DIY crafts/recyclables).  Let's make this our healthiest fall ever!  Welcome back to Self Soul Space!  Lets go to work!!