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I get asked just about every day what my workouts are. I am a certified pilates instructor and ab obsessed gym bunny. I go to Equinox gym when I am at my apartment, but for the past week and a half I have been visiting my family in Michigan. Whether you want to save money from a gym membership or simply workout on your own in between commercial breaks or when you wake up, Youtube is one of your best friends. Here are my recommendations and personal favorites for today...

This workout from Fitsugar caught my eye because of one word: barre. I am a barre FREAK. I think it's the greatest work out ever, in particular I love Xtend Barre which really lengthens and tones without bulking me up. For modeling I have to be as long and lean as possible and squats and lower body workouts tend to bulk me up. Barre is beautiful and doesn't compress my muscles...it actually works deep muscle fibers that are harder to reach. Smaller movements= better and more toned results. 

Cassie Ho is one of my favorite Youtube fitness bombshells. She is what made me see the potential and future of offering workouts to everybody without going to a gym. This extreme ab workout is one I do once or twice a week and incorporate the routine in my regular gym workout.  

Tone It Up delivers in this sleek and sexy ab workout. Grab your mat and skip the sneakers. This is a great workout to do in your hotel room or in small spaced areas. No excuses!

Those are my three ab workouts for you to complete today. I pinky swear I will film some workout videos of my own soon once I am relocated in LA. Comment below if you finish all three workouts and tell me what you think! 

Motivation + Greek Yogurt Cookie Dough (Gluten Free)

Motivating yourself is like bathing-you have to do it every day! Motivation requires constant upkeep and care-keep watering your inner garden. 

Anyways just had to get that out of my system and share with you. Fueling you fuels me. 

Speaking of fuel.... 

This gluten free cookie dough greek yogurt recipe is as yummy as it looks. Best part is that you can just mix the yogurt, vanilla, and honey together in the yogurt container! 

I was searching for yummy and healthy treats (oxymoron right?!) but I think this pretty much hit the nail on the head. Thanks 5 foot 7 always happy to find new sources for inspiration! 

Have a yummy breakfast and beautiful morning. I'm working on a DIY project then shooting some outfits tonight :) Stay tuned 

XOXO Emmy 

P.S What are some good DIY blogs? I'm feeling the creative juices lately! Comment below

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3 Ingredients: Berry Beautiful Smoothie

All you need is 1 cup of Greek yogurt (Oikos Vanilla 0% Fat is what I used), 1 Cup of Orange Juice, Handful or cup of berries ( I used a frozen blend of blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, blackberries), and a Juicer- here's my Nutribullet (on sale!)  

Add the juice in first, then the yogurt, and the berries. You can add more berries or juice depending on the consistency that you want. Snap the top on and blend for 2 minutes. 

Voila! It's sooo good- I gave it to my friends during finals week. I love that it's really refreshing and gives me energy! 

Hope you enjoy. You can also try experimenting with the fruit- sometimes I put in mango and pineapple or swap out the orange juice for grapefruit juice. 

XOXO Emmy

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Morning routine

I am a morning person! So obnoxious I know! But I do love to be awake before everyone else and get a head start. 

The way you start your day can make it or break it. 

1.) Decide to be happy. That's an easy one. But you have to really mean it! But being grumpy is not a good look, and also complaining is not an answer...if you don't like something then change it! 

2.) Sweat it out and release endorphins through exercise. I workout right when I get up, no makeup, no breakfast, I just hit the gym and go hard before my body realizes whats going on. I also feel amazing after a morning workout as opposed to one later in the day. Also you burn more calories if you eat after your workout . 

3.) Reflect...Gain clarity about your life, some people pray, I personally just think while I am working out and try to pump myself up. I think about my goals and ask myself what can I do differently today. I try to always outdo myself and do more than I did yesterday. 

4.) Planning. Time management is something I feel I can always use guidance on. I try to prioritize my tasks by what will have the best outcome, and also school always comes first. 

I am a clean eater so after my workout I will have fresh fruit, oatmeal, or eggs. I drink green tea or grapefruit juice and a glass of water with lemon( I don't like coffee!) Eating healthy is something to feel proud about so celebrate your victories (no matter how small they may be) throughout the day!

Also, I am excited about 2014. I know it is already day 20 but I think it will be an amazing year for all of us! Just keep working at whatever it is you need to improve on. Everything get's better if you keep at it! And focus on your "why" or purpose (whatever excites or fulfills you). Do something every day to get you closer to your goal/dream. 

And lastly...Life is supposed to be fun!

Okay I am off to bed xoxo, Goodnight loves. 

Ab games

Yes, that is me in the photo and no, it wasn't airbrushed. My followers and you have requested a post on what exactly I do for a workout. Tomorrow never comes, starting tomorrow is an excuse that will bring you down with it. Don't wish it were easier, wish you were better.

Diet is important, abs are made in the kitchen and the gym. I benefit from a high protein diet. I incorporate grilled chicken, salmon, nuts, oatmeal, veggies, and lots of water. Food is meant to nourish you, so I like to be as disciplined as possible.

Consistency is crucial. I workout every day because it is my outlet to relieve stress. You may have to jedi mind trick yourself into the gym but your body will not know the difference. Results are results, regardless of whether you were enthusiastic about being in the gym at 5 A.M or not.

Workouts:

One of my favorite workouts is going to X-tend class. It is a barre workout that ACTUALLY gives you beautiful results...I pinky swear!
Find an Xtend location near you

On my own I'm doing Pilates mat exercises that you can do anywhere (no excuses).
Check out Blogilates on YouTube for 10 minute workouts you can do in between errands, classes, etc.

I walk whenever possible, take the stairs, and always carry at least one water bottle with me. I keep myself motivated by the feeling I get while working out and the endorphins that are released. I shamelessly post selfies because I work my gosh darn buns off.

And you should have this feeling too. Be proud of your body and treat it like the temple that it is.