Buying The Right Sports Bra??

Ladies i am putting the end to our bouncing nightmare!

Welcome to the 'shock absorber bra'

There is nothing more frustrating then feeling uncomfortable whilst working out(well apart from your earphones wrapping around you).

 I have worn two bras, I have worn a bra than the nike sports bra-tops, I have worn a sports bra and a top with built in support. Yes they have worked but it meant I had more washing, more luggage to carry, more items to put on and more things to buy. 

The Shock absorber bra' has really made my life easier. This bra is the UK's leading sports bra brand and is definitely the one for myself. Highly recommended! 

This bra is literally like sellotaping your boobs down. I am such a cardio bunny so you can image how much jumping/running around I do and this bra really does do the job. 

I wouldn't say they are very flattering as they are very flattening. However, they do wonderful colours/designs and is available in sizes 32-38B, C; 30-40 D, DD; 28-40 E, F, FF, G, GG, H, HH and suitable for high impact in all of them!

My personal favourites are; 

Shock absorber black max support bra.

Shock absorber ultimate run

Shock absorber Active multi sports support bra

Why is it so important to wear a good sports bra? 

Unfortunately our breasts contain no muscle. They are just skin,fat and ligaments. Therefore if the skin and ligaments are stretched beyond there ability unfortunately they are stretched for good(cries). In other words- they will sag. (Cries again) 

How to spot a good sports bra? 

The most important thing is that your bra limits your movement. It should fit comfortably, not to tight, no bulges and no gaps. 

Look for the word 'breathable' when purchasing your sports bra and in any sports wear that is. Try and Steer clear of cotton as that will remain wet and cause discomfort and chaffing, ewwww.

This lingerie may not be the most flattering in your draw but it is very important if you are an active lady. 

Types of sports bras

Encapsulation bras have individual cups. Like most everyday bras' each cup surrounds and supports each breast. 

Compression bras compress the breasts against the chest minimizing movement. 

Combination compression/encapsulation bras offer the most support with the combination of the compression and the individual cup support.

Bra tanks/shimmels(pic below) provide support for low-impact activity, such as yoga/Pilates/weight training ect, not ideal for running or high-impact activities. 

Straps also play a significant role when choosing your sorts bra. Racer-back straps provide the most support, then wide straps will come in second place with speghetti straps being the least supportive for high-impact activity. 

How should your sports bra fit? 

Your sports bra should feel tighter than an everyday bra, however you should be able to breathe and move comfortably. 

You want to make sure the band and cups fit well. The band shouldn't move, so if you raise your arms up, the band shouldn't be moving up. If so? Make adjustments or try a smaller size. 

Your breasts shouldn't be bulging out at the top or at the sides near your armpit. if so? You may need to go bigger. 

If you find the fabric is wrinkling or has gaps try a smaller size. 

This is definitely something you want to be fussy about. 

Do make sure you are comfortable, it will seem tight but that is right, be aware of the adjustments you can make, the hooks, straps, clasps, anything that can alter the support. 

Last but not least make sure you test it. 

A few jumps on the spot will do the trick and you should feel hardly any movement or discomfort in your breasts, if so then yay! If not, then keep looking. 

This is such a great investment, an item that every exercising lady needs. Once you try it your'll never look back! 

Look after your boobs ladies, don't let it be too late! 

Kimmys' Top 10 Metabolism Boosters

Are you one to gain weight quickly? 

Do you feel feel like you've inherited the slow metabolism? (Thanks parents)

Do you see your friends eat what they like and never put on weight? 

      Keep reading as I am giving you my secrets to speed up your metabolism. No surgery, no crazy potions, just you and natural remedies.  

Firstly it is good to know what your actual metabolism is. As I am sure most of us just hear it thrown around here and there, especially if you are trying to lose weight. 

So here you have it, your metabolism refers to all the chemical reactions that occur continuously in your body, including the digestion system and use of energy. Your metabolic rate depends on many factors, such as; age, genetics, body-type, gender, hormones, diet and exercise. So you can see how much work your metabolic rate has to do. 

        Let's make the difference

1. Luke warm water with fresh lemon juices

Rise and shine with a big glass of fresh lemon squeezed into warm water. Prefebly half of a lemon and make sure it is the first thing to enter your body. This helps kick start your digestive process for the day. Lemons are high in pectin fibre which helps fight hunger cravings. I personally find by starting my day with fresh lemon water makes my choices throughout the day a lot healthier. Studies have shown that those with a more alkaline diet are more prone to loosing weight quicker. There are many many benefits to this but we are focusing on metabolism boosters. 

2. Green tea 

I'm sure everyone loves a good cup of tea, but how many? If you are a regular tea drinker why don't you incorporate green tea aswel, or even replace your white tea with green tea? Studies have shown if you drink 5-8 cups of green tea a day(iced or hot) you may increase your metabolism by 90 calories. 

3. Eat enough calories

Yes that is right we need to eat enough calories in order to burn our calories. Sounds ludacris but it is correct. If you skip meals your body will think you are starving it, which means your body will store more fat incase you are to do this again. If you eat 1,330 calories (please note this is an average amount not catered to anyone) which our bodies use daily doing nothing, you cannot go wrong. 

4. Spice it up

Some simple spices can help increase your metabolism. 

'Simple right? So Take note;

Ginger, cinnamon, cayanne and turmeric.  

This spices simply fire up your metabolic rate, quite literally. Have you ever found yourself sweating or seen others break a sweat from a hot spice? This is the work of a compound found in these spices which increases thermogenesis, which releases heat and increases the bodies temperature. In other words setting your metabolic rate on fire, burning extra calories, simply by adding more flavour to your dish. 'Amazing!'

5. Exercise 

All types of cardiovascular exercises can increase the metabolic rate significantly, whether it is anaerobic or aerobic exercise, well at least in the short run anyways. However, by exercising regularly and effectively you will increase the heart rate which stimulates the metabolic rate by demanding more energy. 'just what we want to do.'

So the more you exercise the more calories you will use. 'Easy peasy hey'

6. Go organic

I bet you are wondering how this can help you lose weight? Well here is the answer! 

Those toxins they use on non-organic foods slow down your metabolism mainly by interfering with your thyroid. Which means non organic foods can actually contribute to slowling down your metabolism and could even cause weight gain. 

7. Eat breakfast 

Kick start your metabolism with a nutritious breakfast.

"Breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince, dine like a pauper" 

I'm sure we have all heard of that saying. So start your day right and fuel your tank, noone is made to run on empty. Studies have shown that those that eat breakfast are more alert, are more to their ideal weight, and are in a better mood for the day. 

8. Cut out the bad fats

Its' quite simple really, trans fats slow down your metabolism and cause weight gain. Trans fats are found in processed foods and certain oils used to fry foods. Trans fats help processed food stay on shop shelves for longer.

  'Man-made foods'

There are plenty of foods that contain none of this rubbish. Read your food labels and avoid your trans fats/ hydrogenated oil. 

9. Eat your omega3's

Omega 3's play a significant role in weight-loss. These 'good fats' can be found in foods and supplements, if taken regularly and moderately your'll notice the difference. 

It literally is 'Eat fat to burn fat' sounds crazy but omega3 fats is an essential part to a fast burning metabolism and success weight loss. 'Could this be the  something you need?'

10. Make some muscle 

By strength training you are increasing your resting metabolism, making your body burn off calories after your session and even on your days off. Do remember muscle weighs heavier than fat so do not be alarmed if you see the scales go up if you are strength training.

'I hope you have enjoyed my top 10 metabolism boosters, please feel free to leave any comments' 

Beat The Bloat

Most of us are too familiar with bloating. It is very annoying, very frustrating, majorly uncomfortable and of course it looks super unattractive.

So what causes it???

A major contribution is Sodium, (in other words SALT), and salt is in EVERYTHING!

I am sure you have heard of many things that cause bloating (eating too fast, drinking whilst eating, fizzy pop ect) and of course the ultimate cure; peppermint tea (which actually does work).

 So here you have it;

Sodium consumption

Too much sodium causes bloating. 

How? 

The excess sodium is kept just beneath the skin, where it attracts water, which is retained in your cells. In other words this is what makes you look puffy and feel bloated. 

How to avoid? Simple. Cut down on manufactured food (man made foods). You don't need to go crazy over this as there is sodium in mostly everything, all you need to do is to try and reduce it where you can and read you food labels.

Fortunately for us, food labels are displaying the products information that can help us avoid excess salt consumption.

As you can see in the example below this pizza clearly displays this has a high content of salt. 

Unfortunately sodium is hidden in all kinds of products, you do not even have to add salt to foods for it to contain salt. Products such as canned foods, packaged foods, fast foods, most foods that are man made already are packed with sodium and salt. Your'll notice that soup contains high levels of soup unless it is home made of course. 

How much salt should we have daily? 

Ideally we want to take in no more than 6g of salt daily. Children should eat less and babies should consume even little. 

Not only does salt/sodium contribute to bloating but it can also raise your blood pressure and slow down your metabolism(we definitely do not want this). 

My beat the bloat transformation

07/02/2015^

10/03/2015^

Make the cut and Beat the Bloat! 

No Meat Monday

Monday yay or nay?!

Starting my week with 'no meat Monday' is definitely a yay for me.

I have two days a week where I eat no meat and I love it! 

•salmon•sweetPotatoeWedges•broccoli•squeeze of fresh lemon•thyme and mixed spice seasoning•dinner is served

Why?

•To be incontrol•eat lighter•control meat consumption•to be creative with other fresh foods•body maintenance•reduce risk of heart disease and other chronic decisions

I would say 'to be incontrol' is my biggest factor here. I have worked with many women and I think us women really struggle to be incontrol of our food intake. (Basically we are a sucker for food). 

Therefore I came up with this healthy eating regime, which is flexible and allows us to not feel restricted but to learn to take control of what we eat. And it works!! (not just for me but for my clients too).

Snack•

I always cut my fruit up as I love picking at food•

 

Meat consumption

Adults generally need about 10-35% of their total calorie intake to be from protein. (Of course this does depend on lifestyle and motives). 

We do not need meat everyday, vegans and vegetarians do just fine without meat. There are plenty of other ways to consume protein; nuts, fish, tofu, soya, eggs, faux meat, soybeans, lentils, almond milk, beans, peanut butter, pasta, rice, almond butter, cheese, milk, and there are a lot more of course).

•soya protein•one egg•organic almond milk•pancakes 

This lifestyle works great for me, it might be for you, but it might not be. Give it a go, be incontrol, small steps are the best steps as they last forever! 

Motivated Monday, no MeatMonday

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