Trufit Pilates

Author: The Pilates Blonde

  • 2017

    2017 has been one of my favorite years…ever. I mean it flew by and honestly it was because I was having soooooo much fun.

    I used 2017 to get my shit together. I wrote out some goals and started crushing them right away…big thanks to lululemon for teaching me how to effectively goal set.  Some goals were big (drop 30 pounds) some were small (get outside more) but I went for it. During the process, I learned soon much about myself.

    I hated nursing school. It was mentally, emotionally and for me physically draining. I gained a shit ton of weight because I had to prioritize studying and sleep over the gym and kale. I could have and should have used the gym to cope, but the cookies where in the kitchen and easier to turn too. Im human…dont judge.

    I took a job opportunity I never thought I would get, teaching Pilates full time and (thankfully) learned it wasn’t for me. Teaching is still my favorite creative outlet and my biggest passion but when it was all I was doing it lost it’s shine. I realized while I was still teaching great classes, I didn’t have the energy and excitement I used to for my favorite thing in the world. When I was dreading my alarm every morning, I knew it was time to cut back. That being said I still get to teach two days a week for some AMAZING clients. Just an FYI, BIGGGG opportunities to sweat with me are coming in 2018. GET EXCITED.

    Ever since I was a baby blonde cruising around in my pink Barbie Jeep I dreamed of the day I would have a real one to call my own. Well, boys and girls, I freaking did it!! I got myself a cute little Wrangler with all the bells and whistles. Im so obsessed. So in love. So proud of myself because your girl didnt have any help…I went to three different dealerships with a plan and a lot of sass and earned myself a killer deal. PS Dave at the Jeep dealership in Norristown is a G and the best car salesman ever because he isn’t a typically sales guy. Tell him I sent you.

    I lost the nursing school weight. 30 pounds GONE and kept it off. I wrote about this HERE and HERE.  In case you missed it, here’s the SparkNotes: I counted macros, I worked out, I got in shape. My diet coach is starting her next six week program on January 14th. (email here at jmcd211@gmail.com for details)

    I promised myself I would starting dating in 2017. Ugghhh honestly the thought of a first date annoyed me. I started out like any normal 23 year old swiping left on guys who think it’s cool to post shirtless mirror selfies and drunk AC pictures. Vomit. Eventually I swiped right on a TOTAL babe with zero douche bag pictures. We met for coffee at my favorite place on earth (Wegmans) where I may have had two mommas I babysit for there for safety purposes (Thanks a million Tammy and Cara). Turns out he wasn’t a serial killer and now I have a boyfriend to workout with.

    Well it was a blast catching up with you!! My biggest 2018 goal is CONSISTENT content for you.  Imma do it I promise!

    xoxo,

    K

  • LEG DAY

    Keeping my promise to all my favorites… here is todays lower body lift!! My warm up… I’m laughing as I type because it kicked my ass… was a Cycle class with the one and only Tori Sterling ( @toristerling_ ) Her playlist was hot fire… per usual. If you haven’t been to Soul Beat yet… GET THERE.

    After cycle I went to Extreme Gym for LEG DAY. It’s been an hour and I’m still shaking so get ready… this is a good one. ALSO…my sweaty hair is the perfect indication of how hard this work out is. You have been fully warned.

    WARM UP 

    You can be a psycho like me and warm up with a cycle class orrrr Incline walk at 3.5 speed for 15 minutes

    Dynamic stretching: Leg swings (front to back // lateral )

    50 unweighted traditional squats

    25 glute bridges

    WORKING SETS

    ***Four sets of 12-15 reps depending on how much weight you can lift. Example: If I am not extremely fatigued at the end of 15 reps, I need to up my weight. On the other hand, if I can barely get 12 reps and my form sucks, I need to drop weight. Find the weight that is super challenging yet SAFE

    Sumo Squat Deadlifts with Barbell

    -keep core tight and back flat. Toes pointed out wider that hip distance. One hand over grip, one hand under keeping the thumb with your fingers. Lower slow and controlled.. press up through your heals and squeeze your booty at the top

    Weighted Lunges on Smith Machine

    – These always kick my booty. I prefer the Smith machine because it helps keep my body in alignment when I don’t have a spotter. I always keep both legs at 90 degrees in the lowest position and press up through the heel on my FRONT leg. 15 reps on each side.

    One Leg Deadlift on Smith Machine 

    • Im OBSESSED with one leg deadlifts. Again the Smith Machine helps with alignment as well as balance for these unilateral movements. Standing close to the bar with an overhand/underhand grip balance on one leg. Engage your core and slowly lower the bar with a flat back. Keep your hips square to the bar. Then press up through your heel and squeeze your booty at the top. 12-15 on this side and switch legs.

    Kneeling Squat on Smith Machine

    • GRAB A MAT. Fold up the mat under the bar to protect your knees. Come to kneeling on the mat with the bar resting on your shoulders. Sit your butt back toward your heels. Press up through your glutes and squeeze at the top.

    Hip Thrusts with Dumbbell

    • Find an open bench, grab a heavy dumbbell and the mat you were using for the last exercise. Sit on the floor off to the side, resting your shoulders on the bench. Fold the mat and place it on your hips with the dumbbell on top. Place your feet shoulder distance apart. Press up through your heels bringing your body into a table top position, squeeze your booty and slowly lower keeping tension on your muscles. TIP: I like to curl my toe to the ceiling to engage the back of the body more.

    Hamstring Curls 

    • Come to lying on the curl machine and pick your weight. Curl the pad towards your butt and pause with the contraction in your hamstring. Slowly lower.

    TRY IT. Let me know if you were just as sweaty and I was (am). Also, don’t forget to check out my babes at Soul Beat. Tell them I sent you!!

    xoxo,

    K

  • Bicep // Tricep // Shoulder Workout

    While Pilates is my passion, weight lifting will always be my first love. There is nothing like pushing out one more rep on your last set. Creating new and challenging workouts is something I am obsessed with. Per the request of clients from past and present I have decided to share with you the exact workouts I do to build muscle while leaning out.

    This Bicep // Tricep // Should day KILLED me. It’s been four days and Im still sooooo sore. I am definitely keeping this one in my rotation.

    WARM UP 

    Stair master for 10 minutes GOAL 50 flights

    Weighted Warm up

    • Hammer Curls 10lbs x 20
    • Tricep Kickbacks 10lbs x 20
    • Shoulder Raises 10lbs x 20

    WORKING SETS 

    **FOUR sets of 12-15 reps per exercise with about a minute rest in between sets

    Biceps 

    • Wide Grip Bicep Curl with EZ Bar
    • Hammer Curls with Dumbbell
    • Drag Curls with EZ Bar
    • Burn out: traditional bicep curls until failure (4 sets)

    Triceps

    • Skull Crushers
    • Tricep Kickbacks
    • Single arm isolated over head tricep extension with dumbbell
    • Burn out: tricep dips until failure (4 sets)

    Shoulders 

    • Shoulder Press with Barbell
    • Front Raise with Barbell
    • Rear Delt Fly (pinky finger on top)

    Also, get yourself a little notebook or piece of paper where you can write out your weight, reps, and sets for each exercise. I really wish I started doing this sooner to track the strength I have gained over the years.

    Please leave me a love note in the comment section after you kill this workout!!

  • MAJOR Announcement // Life update

    Well long time no talk, but trust me, I have been putting in crazy amounts of work outside of the internet.

    If you follow me on my socials, you have probably realized I have made some HUGE life changing decisions. As of June 6th, my 24th birthday, I became a full time Pilates instructor at Life Time Athletic in King of Prussia. I know what you’re thinking…

    “But Katie, what about NURSING???”

    Well I have to be honest with you, I was given an offer to follow my dreams and I couldn’t say no. Nursing will always be there but right now I’m on the proactive side of health care instead of the reactive side. I am taking clients with complex medical histories and helping them prevent another hospital stay. I know it’s not the only thing nurses do, but I hated hated hated handing out pills. The things that I love about nursing, the clients, the interaction, the progress are all part of my current career. This is a good thing.

    Because of this new life change, you can expect MORE content. I will be providing FREE workouts every Sunday, which will be the same as the ‘homework’ I give my clients in the studio.  Expect more recipes, playlists, beauty tips and stories.

    WHY PILATES 

    Pilates is a system of exercise designed to work the ENTIRE body starting from the core out. So what does that mean for you? Flat abs baby… in addition to the increase in muscle tone and flexibility you will see everywhere else. Have you ever heard of Kate Hudson? Labron James? They practice Pilates. Kate, to stay red carpet ready at all times. Mr James uses Pilates to prevent injury, increase his range of motion while decreasing workload on his body by moving his body more efficiently on the court.

    Sounds good right? What if I told you it is safe to practice seven days a week…because it is. In Pilates we lengthen your muscles without tearing meaning there is no recovery time. Pilates put my Rheumatoid Arthritis and Lupus in remission…something seven years of medications, treatments and hospital stays couldn’t accomplish. I truly believe Pilates is for every BODY.

    If you haven’t been on a reformer (pictured above) I highly encourage finding a studio near you!!

    I am so so so excited to share everything I am learning.

    I hope you have the BEST Friday!!

    xoxo,

    K