Haute Body: Elevate Fitness Zumba

As you all know, I'm really into trying out new health foods and fitness classes as often as possible, so imagine my delight when the lovely Steven from Elevate Fitness got in touch inviting me to a complementary Zumba class!

Zumba in a nutshell:

1) Latin beats
2) High-impact aerobic cardio
3) Shimmying and shaking your jiggly bits in such a way that you actually feel sexy rather than obese

Naturally, Zumba is hence right up my alley. I've been wanting to try it since the January before last when I first heard about it, probably because I adore dancing for fitness, my mom is Latin American so the sassy style of dancing really appealed to me and I love working my body hard.

So how did my experience go? Well, let's just say I was not at all disappointed. The beautiful instructor, Amy, led the mixed-gender group of about twenty of us in a blood-pumping warm-up to some awesome throbbing beat with brass instruments thrown over it. I was exhausted after the warm-up and realized that I really should have gone for a wee before the session started as I was now desperate. I dashed off for a couple of minutes and rejoined the group later. Throughout the hour-long class, we worked through a handful of songs to which Amy gave us a few counts of aerobic choreography which involved jumps, box steps, grapevines, hip thrusts, body rolls and more. The atmosphere was very relaxed with everyone laughing and smiling, also, we were allowed to grab a few mouthfuls of water and were encouraged to work at our own pace. I never felt uncomfortable in the group or bullied by the instructor which I have at exercise classes in the past so I was really happy!

*Isn't Amy pretty???*

Elevate Fitness offers a range of classes including Bokwa, Boxfit, Kettlebells and more so they're definitely worth checking out. Zumba runs on Tuesdays at 8pm and Thursdays at 7pm at the Quality Hotel in Hanley, and on Wednesdays in Northwood at 7.30pm. One of the best things about Elevate Fitness is that you can pay as you go, which makes the £4-an-hour lesson really flexible if you know that one week you won't be able to make it, or another week you want to go twice.

I just wanted to say a great big 'Thank You' to Steven, Amy and Elevate Fitness for the free lesson which they kindly gave me. I must also say that all of my opinions expressed in this post are totally my own and nothing to do with the fact that I was gifted the lesson.

Have you ever been to a Zumba class? What's your favorite type of dance for fitness? Have you ever been to an exercise class where you've felt uncomfortable?

Love and snuggles
gabriellasofia
x

Haute Body: Jenny Craig How it Works...

I apologize for the intense LENGTH of this video, but I really wanted to talk you through the Jenny Craig Diet and the parts of it which aren't just the food you get. Many people I talk to just say, 'Oh Jenny Craig... isn't that just the one where they send you diet food to eat' but it's so much deeper than that as you can tell through the video. It's basically a case of teaching it's followers what kind of eater they are, why they've been putting on weight they didn't want and how to loose that weight whilst also enjoying the foods you love too! 

So you know I was kindly gifted four weeks of Jenny Craig food although all of my coverage for them was done of my own accord and with my own genuine opinions and I haven't received any money in exchange for my coverage.

Hope you enjoyed the video and head over to the Jenny Craig website as they're currently running a half price offer on their two week plan which is definitely worth checking out! Here is the link:

http://www.jennycraig.co.uk/

Please check out my other sites and let me know what you think in the comments box below:

Please follow me on Twitter at:

http://twitter.com/hautefuture

Click 'Follow' on my blog which has tons of reviews, beauty-fashion-lifestyle features and more:

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Subscribe to my Youtube channel where I post hauls, tutorials, outfits of the day and WAY more:

http://www.youtube.com/user/HauteFuture?feature=watch

Also check out my facebook page at:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/HauteFuture/149057205180776

Please rate, like, follow, comment and subscribe and I promise there will be loads of beauty, fashion, lifestyle, culture and gossip material going up on here each week :)

Thanks for watching, guys and I'll see you soon!

Love

gabriellasofia x

Haute Body: Jenny Craig Introduction...

When the prestigious diet Jenny Craig got in touch agreeing to supply me with two weeks worth of diet food (breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks for each day) I thought all my Christmasses had come at once, as I'd been wanting to have a healthier diet after Christmas which I didn't have to spend hours cooking for.

Here is what the fab brand says about themselves:

'Jenny Craig, Inc. was founded in Australia in 1983 by weight loss experts Jenny and Sidney Craig, who sought to establish ‘a company that would incorporate all the necessary benefits of successful weight management’. Jenny Craig opened its first nine Weight Loss Centres in Melbourne, all of which still stand today.

Today, Jenny Craig, Inc. is one of the largest weight-management service companies in the world, with company-owned and franchised Operations in the US, UK, France, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Puerto Rico. It is now part of the Nestlé Group.

Over the past 25 years, we've helped millions of people worldwide learn how to eat a nutritious diet that includes many of their favourite foods, increase their energy level through simple activity, and build more balance into their lives for optimal weight loss and well-being.'

What I love most about this diet (apart from the fact that it is reasonably priced diet food delivered to your door) is that the food looks and tastes delicious! I'm a couple of days into the diet now and I haven't been hungry once, plus even my chocolate cravings are satiated with the chocolate wafer and white-chocolate chip cereal snack bars.

So let's get down to business shall we? Each day on the Jenny Craig diet costs a bargainous £11 and this includes one breakfast, one snack, one lunch and one dinner. Also included in the price is a twice weekly call from an encouraging consultant (mine is called Leanne and she's absolutely lovely!), a 'support guide' for any further questions and a grocery list which enables you to encorporate your favorite foods (in moderation of course...) into your weekly menu. Good value for money? Definitely, especially when you consider that you could lose up to three pounds in weight per week, if a moderate exercise routine is included.

I will be posting another few posts on this fab diet so keep your eyes peeled for those soon! I'll do some pictures of the actual food, a review of the service and an evaluation post also, so if you have any interest in a diet that really works, you'll know where to come :)

All questions welcome in the comments section of this video (as ever) but if you have anything urgent you just need to know, then check on the Jenny Craig website as it's such an informative page that you're sure to find your answers there:
http://www.jennycraig.co.uk/

I just want to say a great big thank you to everyone on the Jenny Craig team that I've dealt with so far... Luise, James and Leanne have been fantastic taking my calls whenever I've needed them and not grumbled one bit when my questions have been stupid (how was I to know that I could swap my days around if necessary...?)

Please check out my other sites and let me know what you think in the comments box below:

Please follow me on Twitter at:
http://twitter.com/hautefuture

Click 'Follow' on my blog which has tons of reviews, beauty-fashion-lifestyle features and more:
http://hautefuture.blogspot.com/

Subscribe to my Youtube channel where I post hauls, tutorials, outfits of the day and WAY more:
http://www.youtube.com/user/HauteFuture?feature=watch

Also check out my facebook page at:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/HauteFuture/149057205180776

Please rate, like, follow, comment and subscribe and I promise there will be loads of beauty, fashion, lifestyle, culture and gossip material going up on here each week :)

Thanks for watching, guys and I'll see you soon!

Love
gabriellasofia x

Haute Body: British Pole Dance Academy Part 2...

Hey guys!

Hoping you checked out Part 1 of my British Pole Dance Academy Review because this is Part 2 and you'll be all lost if you didn't... only joking :) I'll catch you up; 1) I'm starting a new feature called 'HauteBody' 2) I've started Pole Dancing Classes (!) 3) This is Part 2 of my review of said Pole Dancing Classes. Up to speed? Good.

So, lesson two was even more fab than lesson one! Thankfully I knew exactly where I was going this time and managed to make it about five minutes early. This allowed me to chat to some of the ladies before I threw myself (literally) into the warm up lead by a sexy brunette lady whose name escapes me... so rude :( I did feel slightly odd as fellow blogger Victoria's Vintage was there watching me shake my booty and strut my stuff, but I soon got into it and managed to build up a sweat before I even hit the pole! The warm up consisted of a variety of muscle stretches (mostly on the upper body as obviously it's all don't to your arms to carry your fat a*s up the pole later on...), there was also bouncing from side to side using the hips and then a couple of floor exercises.

Once this was over, I headed to Hollie who was the beginners instructor who I was taught by in my previous lesson and happily was approached by the lovely Deb... Despite this only being my second lesson, it seemed that Deb noticed I wasn't struggling too much with the moves and she asked if I was confident to move up a level! Whilst flattered I was a bit apprehensive and said to her, 'I'm not sure... I don't want to fail then be sent back...' Deb simply laughed and effectively told me to man up, but with much kinder words of course.

Turns out I needn't have worried, whilst the intermediate moves were more of a challenge, I seemed to cope quite well! My pole-partner insisted this must be because on my 'gymnastic-induced bendiness' as she waved her arms around in the air. Deb and I laughed so hard. Seriously, that's something you don't expect... the British Pole Academy is a fab workout for the abs, not only because of the core strength required to support your body weight, but also because of the laughing you do! When a girl gets a move right, everyone stops and claps, and when someone suffers a pole-injury everyone is either A) very sympathetic or B) wetting themselves laughing depending on which is the appropriate response of course. For example, when a certain lady managed to break the WHOLE NAIL off her baby toe we all applauded her as we looked at the injured toe... luckily she was fine so naturally we all rolled about laughing, shocked at her fantastic recovery!

Before I knew it, it was time for the cool down and my body was glad for it. My muscles had been shaking for the last five minutes of the class, so I was happy to sit on the floor and fold in half.

One thing that I love so much about The British Pole Academy is the fact that it all feels like one great big happy family, and why shouldn't it? These ladies (led by Deb) virtually built the studio and the business from scratch so it means a lot to them. If you don't believe me, check the scrapbook in the lounge area of the room and see the photographs showing the shell the studio started off as. The care for customers in terms of safety, fun, and even finance by offering such cheap classes, are just three examples where this care is shown. The British Pole Academy is personal and professional all at once, and this is why I love it so much.

Just a couple of tips for anyone wishing to try pole-dancing for fitness...

1) Wear something inconspicuous. If you show up wearing jogging bottoms, you'll be noticed more than if you have tiny shorts on baring the thighs you've grown to hate. Trust me!

2) Make sure you complete both the warm-up and cool-down to the best of your ability. Your body will thank you because if you don't you're likely to injure yourself during the class and be aching for much longer for the next couple of days.

3) Make sure you hunt around for the best dance school. Most of the best ones will allow you a free trial, and don't pay in a block before knowing that you definitely want to attend lessons on a regular basis.

4) Don't take yourself too seriously. If you want to strut around the pole super-slutty or do huge outrageous over-exaggerated moves just because you saw them on Burlesque then go for it! Pole is very personal to everyone, with each student being there for a different reason... you're paying for it, so make sure you get what you want out of the class.

5) Find your style. Everyone has one. My style is more ballet than anything else although I do have a burlesque-esque vision in my head of how I'd like to look. Others wish to have a more athletic stance whilst some girls clearly want to bring out their inner-ho and you know what, that's all fine!  

To conclude, the class was absolutely awesome and I will be going back later on this week. My first two lessons were gifted by Deb, however, from now onwards I will be attempting to attend The British Pole Academy at least once a week at a detriment to my own wallet which proves I find this to be a perfectly worth-while spend... At just £6 an hour how could it not be? To book with the BPA call Deb on 07884423234.

Have you ever tried pole dancing classes? What do you think about exploring sexuality whilst getting in a good exercise? Have you heard of any other fun ways of getting a good work-out?


Thanks for reading guys :) Stay tuned for more HauteBody posts, one of which I'm planning right now...
On that mystery, I'll leave you :P
Love
gabriellasofia
 x

Haute Body: British Pole Dance Academy Part 1...

This post marks the first in a new blog series which I hope to keep up from now on... The series is called Haute Body and it's all about getting the hottest body possible, whilst having fun, trying new activities and most importantly, living a healthy lifestyle. The feature will encompass everything from diet and body inspiration right the way through to exercise and health trends. I decided that I would start this series back in December, but obviously that's a terrible time to begin a diet and exercise regime (what with the Christmas pud and sherry...) Then I was going to start it at the beginning of January as a 'fresh start' to a healthy lifestyle, but we all know how depressing January is and the only thing that offered any kind of comfort to me was all the remaining selection boxes lying around my house... This is why I resolved to properly launch this feature now, just in time for February when I hope to inspire everyone out there to enjoy diet and exercise for a change!

The fact that the beautiful Deb from British Pole Dance Academy (based in Burslem, Stoke-on-Trent) invited me to review her Pole Classes was a clear-cut sign in my opinion that this was a feature worth pursuing.

Now, don't get me wrong, I'm no prude by any stretch of the imagination and I've actually dabbled in the past in a couple of Birmingham-based pole lessons. As an ex-gymnast and ballerina, pole dancing always seemed like the 'grown-up version' which allowed me to work out my body, improve flexibility and explore my sexuality all at the same time. However, driving to a new pole-school in an area you've never been to before wearing a tiny pair of purple booty shorts and your Kiss band t-shirt is enough to make anyone's originally steely nerves quake in their boots... I'm pleased to say that my unreasonable nervousness was completely unfounded!

I arrived twenty minutes late (which is embarrassing enough as I'm usually super-punctual but got lost on the way), and yet Deb was very understanding and paired me with another girl in the beginners group before I could even take in the amazing studio. I was welcomed by all of the girls and the lovely instructor Hollie and now I had my chance to really take a look around the gorgeous surroundings.

Deb's studio is breath-taking. No exaggeration. It kind of reminds me of a girly boudoir, decorated with hanging curtains of pink and purple. Having been to classes with another company in the past, I was pleasantly surprised at the cleanliness of the floor, the sultriness of the lighting and the glamour of the stage. This place is sexy not seedy and trust me, there is a big difference where dance lessons are concerned!

Next, I had a closer look at the ladies around me. Packed full of about twenty lush ladies of varying ages, shapes and sizes, the studio was large enough, and so well-equipped that almost every girl had their own pole, a benefit which not many pole classes can boast. Perhaps the most obvious thing that stood out to me was that every woman there had a huge smile on her face. Right, I thought, I was after a fun new exercise to try... this seems about right!

Before I knew it, it was my turn to have a go at the 'Fireman' a simple spin with legs bent. AOK! I even got a couple of compliments from the other girls for my 'gentle' landing, pointed toes and all (that's the ballet in me I guess...)

As we were taught a couple more of the basics, I couldn't help but notice that almost every ten minutes Deb herself made a quick 'visit' to each of the girls, providing tips, mini-demonstrations and words of congratulations. I loved this hands-on approach and found that she possesses the perfect balance of friendliness and professionalism, not letting anyone give up, but gently encouraging us to try until we got each move right.

Before I knew it, it was time for the cool-down which Deb clearly considered of very high importance. The cool-down lasted for about five minutes and involved a variety of stretches. Apparently the warm up is quite extensive too, but we know I missed that, so I had that to look forward to next lesson. This reassured me that each of the instructors at British Pole Dance Academy and Deb herself truly care about the well-being of their students.

In conclusion, my first lesson (though short lived...) was absolutely fab. British Pole Dance Academy is a great place for women of all ages, abilities, shapes and sizes to learn a couple of death-defying tricks, get in a fun work-out and gain some extra self-confidence. I would recommend the classes to everyone out there, and for just £6 per lesson, you've got nothing to lose! Even after just forty minutes, my body was aching like I'd worked hard, and I'm almost positive I'll be going back after my PR lessons are over. To book, call Deb on 07884423234.

In Part 2 I will be posting about my second lesson at BPA, a bit of history on the company and some of my own tips in terms of showing up as a Pole-Newbie.

Have you ever tried pole dancing classes? What do you think about exploring sexuality whilst getting in a good exercise? Have you heard of any other fun ways of getting a good work-out?

Until next time ladies!
Love
GabriellaSofia

My First Tentative Steps Towards A Bikini-Fit Body...

It's that time of year where body image becomes quite the Hot Topic. Am I thin enough? Toned enough? Will I be confused with a sea mammal if caught laying on the beach this year? Eeek. The responses? No. No. And perhaps not, but only because I wont let myself lay out in the state I'm in at the moment.

At least I'm not in denial right? Working towards a goal always gives someone a purpose, so what exactly is my goal? Well, in a dream world my double chin would be gone, my upper arms would be toned, my breasts would be more pert and a cup size smaller, my stomach would be flatter with nothing to grope at and it would be toned although not too chiseled, my ass would be firmer, my inner thighs would ideally be none existent and... well, I think that's it. Not a lot to ask right? Wrong. Without going under the knife many of these fantasies will ever happen, and since I'm a student living on a students budget, I can just about afford to accept the fact that this is my body and I'd better get used to it.

However, some of these aims might be within reach, if I work really hard. So, the deadline is the 18th of June. This gives me eight weeks in order the make the best out of a bad situation.

Also, I apologize for being a little overly-critical of myself. I'm by no means a Fat Pig. And yet I'm not happy, and I'm sure I'm not the only one. When we force ourselves to think really rationally, most people know that there is really nothing majorly wrong with them. You know that honesty is the best policy and that's what I always strive for in this blog, so I'm going to go ahead and call us all out on committing one of seven deadly sins... Pride and hence Vanity. We know we are fine. But we don't want people to go about their daily business when we walk past because we are nothing disgusting to point and laugh at. We want them to turn their heads and think, 'Dang it, bitch is HOT.' We want people to be jealous of us. We want it all.

I am fully aware of this. In fact, I embrace it, because it's one of those almost unreachable goals which means that I will forever be working towards it which can only be a good thing. You can never be too healthy.

So what steps am I taking towards getting this 'Turn-Heads-In-The-Street-Envy-Inducing' beach body? Well, let me tell you.

1) I'm going to be giving some things up. These things will include red meat, any white carbs apart from healthily cooked potatoes once a week, drinks which aren't water or pure tea (although I will allow three spirit measures a week and a very weak glass of squash a day just to keep my life worth living), chocolate, non-low fat sauces and dressings (yes, this includes my two biggest weaknesses; ketchup and mayonnaise) and excessive amounts of cheese... a maximum of one small cube per day will be imposed without exception.

2) I will be drinking one mug of Herbalife weight-loss-boosting tea a day. It's really good but tastes like... well, I'm not even going to go there. HINT: it is known as Mingy Tea in my household.

3) A minimum of a half hour high-impact cardiovascular exercise and the same of low-impact will be done a day. I have already been running for half an hour a day for the past five days. Win :-)

4) 500 sit-ups are to be done each day.

5) I must use my Slendertone belt for half an hour twice a day.

6) I will have five mini-meals a day with my first at 10am every two hours until 6pm. If I'm having any basic carbs like bread, rice or pasta then they must be eaten at or before 2pm.

That's all I can think of so far! Oh and I'm going to try to limit my daytime naps to just once a week and a lie in past 10am just once a week too. This should mean my body is more active and hence constantly burning fat. Hopefully that should work wonders for my revision also as I wont be able to take one of my colossal 3hour afternoon sleeps. Everyone's a winner.

The only hitch is that I won't be able to properly start all this until Monday the 2nd when I return to university, as my parents constantly want to feed me up. I feel a bit like perhaps they are trying to fatten me up so there's more of me to go around when cannibalism is made legal... Seriously, all I hear is, 'And the chocolate cake is going out of date so we have to eat it right now', 'Will you cut the bread for with dinner and butter it? Yeah, the chips are ready' and 'Who wants a McFlurry???' Bah. It's not a bad life.

Anyways, if any of you out there have any tips for me or want to share your bikini body plans please let me know. Wish me luck!

gabriellasofia