Train Like an Angel!

It's not all fluff and poses for the Victoria's Secret models. They work to be runway ready!

Whether you are interested in fashion or not, you have undoubtedly seen many many times, images and ads of terrifyingly thin models and photoshopped movie stars floating around. Almost everywhere we look now, there they are: skinny girls and doctored photographs setting an impossibly high and unhealthy standard for body image.

Here's a different image of a model:

It is refreshing to see a company and it's models promote a healthier lifestyle and share their workouts. Yes, these women still seem incredibly small but at least we know they actually work for their figures. Aside from the videos they share, here's another tid bit to consider: many of the wings they wear on the runway are actually quite heavy! These models have put up to 50 pounds of extra weight on their backs while still keeping their walk tall and stilettos firmly on the ground!

In preparation for this year's show, they've started sharing new videos and tips from celebrity trainer, Justin Gelband, to help viewers and fans "Train Like an Angel!"

Don't get jealous; get fit! Until tomorrow PGX'ers...

Image source: Hello Daily News

Today's Fitness Trend is the Medicine Ball Workout!

Get fit and toned with 9 moves and 1 tool!

I don't do gyms. I've tried before; I've gone through the motions of getting a gym membership and scheduling gym sessions into my routine but somehow, it didn't last. For those of us on a tight budget, the gym isn't always a priority either. Luckily, it's possible to get a workout without fancy gym machines! This weeks Friday Fitness Trend features just one small tool that can get you in shape and on your way to better health with just nine moves: the medicine ball.

Here's a weighted tool that I've seen before but never really knew how to use effecitively. If you feel the same way, Shape Magazine has shared a simple and straightforward set of exercises using a medicine ball that, when performed properly, can work wonders in your overall fitness ability and core stability.

Medicine Ball Workout: 9 Moves to Tone Every Inch.

Why is this a good workout? Well, it's easy to do at home and it allows you to be flexible. You can choose how many times a week and how many reps for each movement, enabling you to build up your fitness level. Each of the nine movements also works to improve your core stabilty which in turn, can help you improve posture and avoid lower back pain!

Have a healthy weekend everyone!

Image Source: Shape Magazine

Hey PGX'ers! It's the weekend!

Scroll on for interesting articles and tidbits from around the web!

It's so hot today! I'm thinking I should start this weekend right with a seriously refreshing Chilled Cucumber Avocado Soup and Cauliflower Prosciutto Flatbread from Tartalette!

I don't know if I've trimmed down to my goal yet (I'm working on it; it's going to happen), but here's an article you might find useful! Weight Watchers share their 10 Tips Toning Up Ater Trimming Down. Remember, the real goal we should all have is better health!

It's so good for you to get outdoors and enjoy the greenery and get some clean, fresh air. But sometimes life and unpredictable weather get in the way and you're stuck indoors. Bring some nature inside and green your walls with Woolly Pocket Living Wall Planters!

Bed Bugs. Unfortunately for those little pests, nobody likes them. They won't bring you mysterious diseases but their bites are not pleasant surprise in the morning! If you are travelling, BC Living shares a helpful article on How to Avoid These Nasty Hitchhikers.

Looking for some cool content? Check out the PGX Pinterest page! We've got great photos of delicious recipes, fitness trends, inspiring quotes to get you moving, and much more!

Have a great weekend everyone!

Image source: Au pays des Cactus

Welcome back to Weight-Wise Wednesday with a look at proper fitness technique at the gym!

PGX takes a look at how doing an exercise with the correct form could make all the difference to the outcome of your routine.

We've all been there. You're eating well, you're fitting in regular exercise sessions but for some reason, your workout routine is just not working for you. Chances are, a small mistake, such as not taking a long enough rest period, as explained by shape.com, is coming between all your hard work and the results you derserve! So, let's master those moves!

Shape.com's list includes:

• Proper posture on cardio machines
• How to correctly execute sit-ups on an exercise ball
• Working on your core to improve your form in all areas of your workout
• Proper kettleball technique
  

All it takes are a few tiny adjustments to your form. So, adjust, apply and get out there PGX'ers and show those exercises who's boss!

Image source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/adriarichards/2798736890/

What do you do when you hit a weight loss plateau?

One of the most common frustrations in weight loss is when progress slows down and then eventually stops even though you are meticulously following your plan. There is a reason for plateaus. Your basal metabolic rate (BMR) - the energy you need to keep your vital functions going when the bdy is at reast consumes around 60 - 70% of the calories you burn. When you loose weight your body mass goes down and so does your BMR! Ah ha! 

Say you weigh 175 pounds and eat 1,900 calories  a day. To lose a pound a week, you restrict yourself to 1,400 a day. Over the course of the week you've cut out 3,500! (There are 3,500 calories in one pound of fat.) At first the weight comes off but then the scale refuses to move. This is because with your weight loss your BMR has also declined. Now that you weigh less, there is less of you to move around and you burn fewer calories. You're pretty much burning close to what you're consuming. So, now that you know what's happening, here's what you can do about it:

1. Shake things up! Surprize your body with something new. One of our Facebook fans, Sherry. J has this today, "Rethinking about what I could do to change things up.. Like increase my water if I have slacked off or eat more vegetables or more exercise or just change how I do the exercise (ride a bike rather than walk)." Great tip!
   
2. Remotivate! Recharge your engines and pat yourself on the back for how far you've come. Write down all the reasons you want to lose weight and post it where you can see it everyday. Or you could follow Facebook fan, Anne G.'s advice and try "Climbing a mountain!" Go Anne! Try doing something that you might not have been able to do before the weight loss. 
3. Hang in there, baby! Even though the scale isn't registering all your hard work you might still be losing weight - just not substantial amounts for the scale to register. 
4. Double-check your numbers. It's pretty easy to overestimate the number of calories you're consuming and the amount of calories you're burning. Write it all down and double-check the numbers. Are they adding up? 
5. Feel good about the skin you're in. Take this time to really assess how you feel and explore if further weight loss is needed. You might just be at a healthy weight for you.
   

For anyone currently going through a plateau, we've walked a mile in your pants - and know how frustrating it can be. If you've got some tips to share, please leave us a comment!

Image Source: Dynamic Chiropractic