SLB 8/16/21

You’re in it…I have four fresh ones for you: Mini Dress is a 39-minute sculpt with a non-traditional format. Summer Girl is an 41-minute high energy Cardio + Sculpt, Prodigy is an 18-minute QB version of Mini Dress and Dust is a intro to Chair Abs. I love this week because you can truly tailor it to you. Don’t let these 30-40 minute workouts fool you, they’re not easy. We’re flying higher. Rinse, repeat, and check in with us on the hotline for anything at all: 424-327-5470.

Full Length: Summer Girl is a 41-minute cardio + sculpt with a cardio > sculpt > cardio format. Expect your heart rate to rise quickly with Higher Power, Jack Crunches, Flick-N-Kick along with a weighted compound sculpt series, pushups and jumping lunges. Mini Dress is 39-minute weighted (or do it non-weighted) sculpt with a non-traditional format. You’ll see mis-matched reps but just trust me. Mini Dress is also another upper body/back workout in disguise that fits in 40 pushups and see-saws and makes it do-able. *All Levels: Pay attention to your knee alignment during the quick turning pivot.

Quick Burn: Prodigy is a 17-minute Quick Burn version of Mini Dress. This one is great for all levels as you can tailor it to you. Do it with no equipment or add in weights for a killer sweat and upper body burn. Dust is an 8-min. intro to Chair Abs QB that you don’t want to skip.

TIPS FROM STUDIO LB PROS (CON'T)

One thing we don’t talk enough about is how to successfully make the transition from primarily exercising at gyms and fitness studios, to primarily exercising at home. The key is learning what works for you in terms of self-motivation and accountability.  At gyms or in class, people tend to find their motivation because someone else is watching, or you may show up for your workout because you’ll be charged if you skip it. These motivational factors aren’t relevant w/ digital fitness so you need to change your mindset. Recently, I shared a few tips from myself as well as some of our long time members. Many of you reached out asking for more, so this week we’re talking with Chrissy S. & Alicia P!

Chrissy S. (Lake Tahoe, CA)

 “A few months prior (to these pictures) I was paddle boarding and someone took a pic. I saw it and signed up for the 7 day trial the very next day. Fast forward to my next beach vacation and I was finally comfortable chasing my kids around in a bikini because of Studio LB.”

How long have you've been a Studio LB Member?  How do you practice Studio LB?

I have been a member for just under a year. I typically follow the "Program" and practice five days a week. Okay, sometimes four but this forced stillness we are experiencing has been beneficial for me to fully commit 45-60 minutes to myself as often as possible. Starting my day with Studio LB affords me the ability to be whole for my children and my husband given the current state of 24/7 home life. 

What are some of your tips to stay committed and self-motivate? 

My commitment and motivation has everything to do with the results. I usually get up at 6am to get my class in before my kids wake up. Otherwise, the day gets away from me and I struggle to get it done. If I miss the alarm (I have a teething one year old = some nights are rough) I invite my 3 year old to take the class with me during the baby's nap. We crack up together and I may have to pause on occasion (because snack breaks are life), but I get it done. In the past, it has always been easy for me to derail from my workout routine. I used to let life get in the way. When you extract the commute, structured studio schedules and added expenses there is no way to not get it done. I also make an extra effort for accountability to have some kind of challenge going on with my husband or a friend. Currently, my husband is training for a trail marathon and he is as regimented as they come. He follows a training schedule and on the days he runs I commit to a no-excuses Studio LB workout. 

What are some of you tips to help yourself work at a 10 instead of a 5? 

My no BS philosophy for myself: you're defeating the purpose if you're not giving these workout minutes your everything. For me, the beginner series was key to the method. It may seem elementary at times for veteran fitness guru's but a 10 in form is everything to achieving that burn and the desired results. I workout in front of a mirror to ensure my form is on point the whole time. It's almost as though I'm competing with myself when I'm able to see what I am doing. I have never worked out without a shirt on in a studio but it is important for me to see my body form and movements so a sports bra and (high waisted - amen) leggings are my uniform. This is one of the things I LOVE about this digital platform. My inner wallflower really shines. Another technique I find helpful is to video myself on my phone. It can be beneficial to see where I need to step up my game if I am struggling to nail a movement. I am far from coordinated so I have fun with the cardio and just keep moving and I give the sculpt my all, results guaranteed.

Alicia P. (Koloa, HI)

How long have you've been a Studio LB Member?  How do you practice Studio LB? 

I’ve been a member since August 2019. My typical schedule is:

• Day 1 - Day 5: Studio LB

• Day 6: Hike or Jog (or take LB outdoors)

• Day 7: Yoga and Light stretching 

What are some of your tips to stay committed and self-motivate? 

To stay committed and self motivated I have built a routine that works for me.

1. Work out in the mornings. I am not a morning person by any means, but I know after a long day at work I will not be as motivated.

2. Record my work outs. This helps me notice how much I’ve grown over time. In the beginning, I had to modify almost every work out...now those calf pumps I struggled with come second nature!

3. Sometimes I’m just not in the mood for a full body work out. Swapping out full length workouts for some of my favorite Quick Burn workouts keeps me from missing a work out entirely!

What are some of you tips to help yourself work at a 10 instead of a 5?

For me it’s knowing my body and understanding what I need that day! Weights or no weights? When I’m feeling low, I drop the weights and focus on listening to Lauren. When I’m high energy, I add the weights to push myself and make sure I’m giving it my all.

The results you get are directly related to the effort you put in. Do your best to feel and look your best! - Mahalo, Alicia 

LB'S BONUS WEEK CARDIO + SCULPT RECS

TIPS FROM STUDIO LB PROS

I’ve always wanted to spread Cardio-Cheer-Sculpting world-wide but I created Studio LB because independent training transformed my body at many important times in my life. I’m a lover and a believer. My at-home training was what got me into killer shape and allowed me to become an SEC DIV 1-A athlete at the University of South Carolina, which btw, was no small feat for a girl from Jersey. I tried out with over 600 women from the south. Sure, we were all talented, and I was scouted, but these were girls who had cheered at a very high level their entire lives (think Netflix CHEER) and had been doing co-ed stunts long before I did. There was no NFL team in the Carolinas back then - We were it. I had always cheered all-girl and was always a base. The first time I was a flyer was at tryouts (got right up to hands on the first try) and I’d never done a layout or ran a < 6-min. mile. Both were mandatory. I learned really quickly and I believe that I made the 24 person coed squad (12 women and 12 men) because I had become so fit, empowered and confident …on my own, at home in my parents basement.

At-home fitness has been a huge part of my life since I was a child, long before I was a cheerleader, Pilates instructor, and created my own method. I love that digital fitness saves us time, money, and it can be way more personal than attending a class. I could literally go on and on about the benefits of digital fitness. However, one thing we don’t talk enough about is how to successfully make the transition from primarily exercising at gyms and fitness studios, to primarily exercising at home. The key is learning what works for you in terms of self-motivation and accountability.  At gyms or in class, people tend to find their motivation because someone else is watching, or you may show up for your workout because you’ll be charged if you skip it. These motivational factors aren’t relevant w/ digital fitness so you need to change your mindset. A few tips from me:

• Set achievable goals and tackle them one at a time.

• Take progress pictures. Seeing your results is one of the biggest ways to self-motivate.

• Use a mirror so you can see yourself. This is so important! Your form will be better which equates to RESULTS and you’ll work 100% harder, which again = results. You’ll also develop a deeper connection with YOU.

• Utilize the weekly schedules. I create the weekly content to work together so that you’re balanced, always challenging yourself and achieving the best results.

• Remember your “Why” and remind yourself of this every time you workout. Your “Why” is fluid —It should change as you change.

• Create a dedicated area for your Studio LB in your home complete with a mood board and progress pictures of yourself. Live your brand - Get into it and make it all about you!

• Check in with yourself during each workout. Are you simply going through the motions or are you working as hard as you would be if I were in the room with you?

• Get into a routine. whether you work out first thing in the morning or right after work. Find a time that works for you and stick with it.

• Check-In with us on the hotline! Text me and the team on the hotline and tell me what workout you’re doing, or create a workout schedule with a friend.  If you share your plan w/ others, you’ll be more likely to hold yourself accountable.

• Record yourself. This is a great way to check your form, and you may work harder knowing someone could see that video. 

Everyone has different ways to self-motivate, so we also reached out to some Studio LB pros to share their tips with you. Here’s what Katie, Lindsay & Danielle have to say!

Katie K.

Hi Ladies, Katie here! Some of you may have seen me in Studio LB workouts, or have talked to me on the hotline, or via email.  I’m one in our small but mighty team of four. Since we launched Studio LB, I have become a die-hard and have been exclusively working out at home, except for the occasional Yoga class or Activation workouts.  Yet, before Studio LB, the majority of my workouts took place in fitness studios. Over the last 3.5 years I’ve become so thankful for the ability to get a kickass workout without leaving my home, and given the circumstances I’m more thankful than ever that Studio LB was already part of my routine.  I love that I don’t have to waste time getting to the gym, packing up a shower bag, dealing with traffic. I don’t worry about getting charged a late fee or losing a class. If I’m not feeling cardio, I can easily do a sculpting workout or vice versa. Plus, I can do it from anywhere, whether that’s my living room, at a park or on a boat dock. But, mostly I love it, because it saves me so much time. I have time to stretch or add on a 30 min yoga video. I also have more time to for my morning routine and to make sure I give my pup some proper exercise. I can’t ever imagine becoming a regular gym user again, mostly for the sake of time and cost, but also because I have digital access to some of the best trainers and yoga teachers in the world.

Many of our new Studio LB members, and most of the world has recently made the switch from gyms and fitness studios to digital workouts. I also, remember when I first made the switch and what it was like during the transition phase. I personally, used to be extremely motivated to work hard b/c someone was watching me, or to show up for the class because someone would know (and charge me) if I didn’t. It takes a bit of time to learn new ways to self-motivate and hold yourself accountable, but once you learn what works for you, there are so many benefits to digital fitness and you may find you’ll never want to go back to the gym.

Here are some things that help me self-motivate and work my hardest during the workouts:

• I try to work out first thing in the morning.  I’m a night owl by nature, so mornings are tough for me, but as the day goes on I find more things get in the way.  If I miss my morning workout, I try to make sure I find someway to move later in the day- even if it’s just a 10-min QB during lunch or before dinner.

• It’s easy to go through the motions if you’re not paying attention. Multiple times during each workout I try to tune-in and ask myself if I’m working as hard as if I were on camera or in Lauren’s presence. I almost always can go a little lower, lift a little heavier, tighten up my form, & sharpen my movements.

• I try not to take any breaks. If Lauren stops to talk and explain  something, I always keep going.  I’ll also pause the video or rewind to add in a few extra reps if I feel like I was fumbling through cardio or my form wasn’t on point. 

• I record a lot of my workouts.  Usually it’s just for me, but I always work harder knowing there’s a chance I’ll post part of it to IG or send it to Lauren. 

• I usually follow the schedule, but I also listen to my body.  If cardio is on the schedule but I’m craving sculpt, I’ll swap the days around. I find it’s a lot easier to work at a 10 when I’m up for it mentally. 

Lindsay M.

How long have you've been a Studio LB Member?  How do you practice Studio LB?

It's been so long it's hard to remember! I think I officially joined Studio LB in April of 2017. 

I usually follow the full length schedule, six (ok, sometimes seven) days a week. I will swap in a Quick Burn or stack a few Quick Burns in if I have early meetings, am traveling, or just not up to a full length workout. I work out first thing in the morning, so limiting decisions helps to make sure I get going! 

What are some of your tips to stay committed and self-motivate? 

• No snoozing. It's a slippery slope. I set two alarms at 6:35 and 6:50 to make sure I get moving by 7. I'm a morning person, and know that no matter what I tell myself I won't work out after a long day at work. (Not gonna lie though, sometimes I lie in bed and read the workout description on the blog repeatedly before getting up.)

• If I'm not really feeling it, I pick one of my favorite Quick Burns, usually a Standing Abs or Flow, to get myself moving. I usually end up feeling motivated and, if I have time, add another favorite QB that suits my mood and available time for the day. I do try for at least 40 minutes a day.

• When I'm traveling, I usually do favorite workouts in my room or in the gym (Rocky is one of my hotel gym favorites). Quick Burns are easier for me to get motivated for an in-room workout, and Standing Abs are great for limited space. 

• If I'm REALLY not feeling it, or am stressed about getting to work on time, I take a rest day. I know rest days are important... but on days that I want to workout, I do, so that I can take real rest days when needed and not stress about it.

• I also used to write each workout down on a calendar so I could look back at all the workouts and QBs that I'd done and star ones that I liked. I just follow the schedule now, but when getting started, seeing that you did x number of workouts a week can be really rewarding.

What are some of you tips to help yourself work at a 10 instead of a 5? 

Definitely having a mirror. I have a cheap wall mirror that I prop up for my workouts - it really is a game-changer. I'm all about form and Lauren's cues, so having the mirror is helpful to maintain proper form and for inspiration, like when I glimpse new muscle tone or notice how crazy sweaty I've gotten (TMI?). 

If I'm feeling lower energy, I might drop down the weights or skip them to focus 100% on proper form. It feels mentally easier to keep going and is challenging in a different way. Or, I'll make sure I'm using heavier weights to up the burn during sculpting sections, for instance, if my cardio stamina is down. For me, it's really about knowing how I feel and what kind of movement will suit my mood and physical state. 

Danielle W.

How long have you've been a Studio LB Member?  How do you practice Studio LB? 

I’ve been a Studio LB member since its inception, however, I’ve had two babies since then (two kids in three years) so I’ve stopped and started a bit. After my second child in April 2019, I was determined to get back into shape, so I started working out 4-5 days a week depending on what the week looks like. Lauren gave me weekly schedules made for me (which was awesome) and now I’ve been DIY for a few months now.  

What are some of your tips to stay committed and self-motivate? 

I have no idea how I stay motivated, there are so many days where I’d rather do anything than exercise. BUT I want to look my best and having two kids under three years old…I’ve got to keep my stamina at peak as much as possible. I’ve worked out through some of the lowest lows of my life this year and so many times I really just wanted to give up. But no matter what, when I’m done, it’s always worth it. 

What are some of you tips to help yourself work at a 10 instead of a 5?

With my workouts the proof really is in the effort. I add 2 lb. ankle weights to almost every cardio + sculpt and lift heavy with most sculpt workouts. When I feel pain I always lean off the add-ons and focus on other areas. My biggest change came when I ripped my shirt off and started exercising in only a bra and leggings. I have so much puffiness still from my second (she’s 11 months) but I didn’t care - It forced me to suck in at the gym and keep my core engaged. I can almost see that line down my stomach even with some abdominal separation lingering. You get out what you put in…end of story. 

Following the Schedules

What does your Sunday morning look like? If it’s all sleeping in and bottomless brunch, I’m so jealous and equal parts hate/love you. If it’s always family obligations with your in-laws you can barely tolerate, God speed, I do not envy you. If it’s already getting a jumpstart on your Monday work load and grocery shopping to meal prep... same, girl, same. 

I ask because Sunday evening into Monday morning is when you generally get your weekly “Hi” from me in your inbox with your prescribed workout schedule. During the prior week I’ve planned and produced your weekly content, but Sunday nights into Monday morning are when I get to share with you what’s coming up on your schedule and that gives me butterflies. Will you like it? Will you do the whole workout each time? Did you feel it in your hamstrings like I did??

So it may seem like I’m just cranking out two longer and two shorter workouts per week, but I promise there is a method to my madness and a purpose for the schedules I give you weekly. I wanted to share a little insight of what goes into The Program and Quick Burn schedules, and encourage you to follow my suggestions for the next few weeks to really see radical changes in your body.

First and foremost, I plot out the week to optimize muscle balance. Even when a week has a specific focus, like last week we targeted upper body and back, you’ll still be seeing total body work to hit your core, lower body, etc. A balanced body is a happy one, and for many people the first sign of a muscle imbalance is joint or muscle aches (different from soreness). 

My programming develops your opposing muscles in harmony to properly support your body. To be honest, the only way you could end up with muscle imbalance from Studio LB is if you do everything on your right side, and then decide to bail on the second half of your workout!

The other key to following The Program schedules is alternating Cardio and Sculpting, while building in a Quick Burn or two and a rest day. The Quick Burn schedules also alternate between higher cardio and heavier weight sculpting day to day, just in a more condensed fashion. Almost every week I’ll kick you off on Mondays with cardio to set the tone for the week - it’s a great day to amp up your heart rate and challenge your mind/body connection with CCS choreography.

Finally, please don’t forget your rest day at the end of each week. Training six days a week is definitely enough, and our bodies need a day to restore. While we train we’re building strength, endurance and muscle and on that rest day our bodies’ connective tissue has a chance to rebuild. Taking a rest day can help you avoid mental and physical burn out, and also avoid any muscle strains or even stress fractures from overuse. Make sure to take a break and gear up for the week ahead!

Try it out for the next few weeks sticking to either The Program or Quick Burn schedule, and I want to hear your feedback on whether it makes a noticeable change in how you feel and look. Hit me on the Studio LB hotline with any questions 424-327-5470.