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The Problem with Fit Teas & Skinny Teas

Hey guys!

Ever since I did my post on why I don’t believe in waist trainers, you’ve asked me to do a blog post on skinny teas and teatoxes! So, after much careful investigation, it is time for me to tell you what I HONESTLY think about this particular tea industry as well as my conclusions on the research I did. So let’s begin.

If you’re an Instagram user, I know you’ve come across pictures that may look something like this on your explore page:

Hot girl baring her midriff with a large chest, skinny waist, and long hair, holding a prominent cup of tea and the bag that it comes in. What could be more natural?!

Oh look! It’s another hot girl with big boobs, abs and long hair – but this time in a bikini, sitting at the front of a yacht with her tea. I mean yeah, I do that all the time! Not.





Oi! Another fit beauty with…oh you get the point. It’s the same formula. But seriously though, someone needs to get to the weights, can you drink your tea elsewhere while kneeling?

The marketing for these teas are simple and brilliant! I mean, get a hot girl, have her hold your product, and claim that she uses it to look like that and people will start to wonder. Get HUNDREDS of hot girls and models to do it and suddenly people will believe. And finally, get celebrities to endorse it? Well, then there’s no holding me back…TAKE MY MONEY!!! JUST TAKE IT NOW!!!!

Kylie Jenner’s 53 million young IG fans now think she takes tea everyday to look like this.

Really Victoria Justice?

I really like Vanessa Hudgens…but I don’t like this at all.

And take your money they do. They take it and pay the models and celebrities to hold their tea in a very awkwardly posed ad. (Who does that!??? Ok well it looks like a lot of people.) I honestly can’t even imagine how much these people get paid to do that. Especially KYLIE JENNER? I am sure Kris scored her a BIG campaign deal for that one. It makes me wonder how lucrative that industry is and how many gullible, hopeless people are falling for this magic weight loss shortcut. It’s truly sickening.

There’s no amount you could pay me to do that. If I don’t believe in a product and I know that it won’t bring value to your life, it would be SO IRRESPONSIBLE and SO DISHONEST of me toshare that product with you. I’d be hurting you like I’d be hurting my mom or sister. The most valuable thing about our relationship here is TRUST. And as your friend, I wouldn’t dare risk our relationship for money.

So why? Why am I so against these teas? Simple: Irresponsible advertising and lack of integrity for their product and their customer. They are in the business of selling FALSE HOPE.

THE CLAIMS

After researching many different tea companies and their products, most of them have the same general claims.

Their product will help you: 

Lose weight
Burn calories
Boost your metabolism
Cleanse and detoxify the body
Suppress appetite
Increase energy levels

That’s interesting. So how does it work?

Well, most of them have a system. You basically buy a kit that can last anywhere between 7 days to 1 month. Some companies have a morning or daytime tea combined with a nighttime tea, while others just want you to drink 1 cup a day. Usually the morning tea claims to help increase your energy levels throughout the day, while the night tea will help cleanse and detoxify your body (AKA help you lose weight).

THE RESEARCH

Did you know that because these teas are considered dietary supplements, they aren’t required to prove any claims on their labels? So even though they “claim” that drinking this tea will result in weight loss and a metabolism boost, there is NO published research to show that these statements are true!

In fact, according to the National Institutes of Health, Senna (the laxative herb used in many fit teas) has INSUFFICIENT evidence for weight loss! But it can cause stomach troubles, cramps and diarrhea. It makes you go to bathroom, so obviously you’ll lose that kind of weight. AND if you’re using it for more then 2 weeks (which most tea plans do), it can cause unusual bowel functions, and changes in electrolyte balance that can lead to HEART PROBLEMS, muscle weakness, and liver damage!

In the short term, Senna can help you move your bowels, but if you use it for too long, you intestines will become dependent on it for stimulation, and then you will be constipated if you don’t use it anymore.

In June 2013, SkinnyMe Tea’s IG page was shut down because the Australian Medical Association expressed concerned over the company’s portrayal of unrealistic weight loss which caused at least one customer to be hospitalized after using the tea.

Since then many knock off tea companies have popped up, each with a significant amount of followers! Check this out – Skinnybunnytea has over 1.3 million followers!

But take a look at the likes and comments. It’s very very low. An account with 1.3 million fans gets under 1000 likes and like an avg of 10 comments? That leads me to think that they are either buying followers and/or spending money to run those annoying sponsored ads. You will notice this low like to follower ratio on many tea account pages as well.

In terms of the companies being open about their claims, I had to dig REALLY DEEP to find the truth. Nowhere on the ads or packaging do the teas tell you that you need to eat healthy and exercise, however if you look further into FAQ’s on their websites, they finally admit that drinking their tea should be combined with a healthy diet and exercise! Some of them give you “free” ebooks with workout plans and meal plans. But, who knows if a licensed professional wrote those or not. Doesn’t say.

Of course they wouldn’t put any of this on their labels or packaging because they KNOW people are looking for a “quick fix” and they KNOW that people will buy into almost anything that promises amazing results with little work.

SO HERE’S THE TRUTH!

Drinking tea will NOT MAKE YOU LOSE WEIGHT or help you get abs. What’s actually happening are two things:

1. You are losing WATER weight from drinking the tea.

By drinking extra water, you are allowing your body to “flush” the excess salt out and to release the retained water. This keeps you from looking bloated or swelled up.

2. You are probably eating fewer calories because you’re drinking more water to fill up your stomach, so you feel fuller.

I tell you this all the time! HYDRATE! Sometimes you think you’re hungry but really you’re thirsty. So if you’re constantly staying hydrated, there’s less of a chance for you eat for no reason.

3. You paid for it, so it means you’re serious about doing whatever it takes to achieve your dream body.

Psychology people. If you pay for something and you are more likely to take it seriously. So I BET that the people who buy the tea are also more conscious of what they eat and how they work out because they don’t want to waste their money or their time. So if there are any results, it’s most likely from a combination of that person’s new lifestyle, not just from drinking the tea.

SO…HOW DO YOU LOSE WEIGHT AND GET ABS?

First of all, I don’t think you should buy the tea. If you want to drink tea, go buy a green tea at the store. It’s more or less going to do the same thing while costing a fraction of the price.

Time and time again, I’ve told you…nourish your body with whole foods and reward it by letting your muscles move! I’m saying: eat clean and exercise!

The problem is, people tend to think that working out and eating healthy are difficult and not fun things to do. They tend to dread it and find shortcuts around it. But, there is no shortcut to success! Whether it’s in your education, your career, your business, or your body – you’ve got to work!

You can’t avoid the work BUT you CAN make the work FUN! That’s what Blogilates is all about…helping you find THE JOY in working out! Because, if you can wake up in the morning super anxious to get your workout clothes on and start sweating, OMG, you’re set for success. You’re working out because YOU LOVE IT. And when you do anything that you love, the results will follow because you put your whole heart into it.

So, if you’re curious as to what workouts you should be doing and what you should be eating, here are my personal recommendations:

#1. Try PIIT28 1.0

It’s my newest workout program that requires you to only work out for just 28 min and 40 sec a day using a combination of Pilates and Cardio exercises. This will get your sweating within the first few minutes AND you will continue to burn extra fat and calories way after you’re done working out. I honestly LOVE IT. By joining, you get a lifetime membership to PIIT28 1.0 – which includes the ebook, the exclusive workout videos, the forum etc. Plus you get a free completion tank if you successfully finish the challenge! Learn more here.

#2. Try The 28 Day Reset

If you feel like you’ve plateaued and everything you’re eating, no matter if it’s healthy or unhealthy, doesn’t show a difference in your body, this is what you need! We begin with a 4 week “reset” where I take you through an omission challenge to discover your body’s food intolerances and sensitivities. Then after the 4 weeks, we slowly add make certain foods to see what you’re allergic too and what could have been causing that extra bloat, weight gain, etc. You also get 150+ easy eat-clean recipes to choose from that you get to keep forever. See more here.

If you want to get both PIIT28 1.0 and The 28 Day Reset together, click here for a discount!

#3. FREE WORKOUT CALENDARS

If you aren’t sure if you can commit to the programs above just yet, no worries! On my blog, you can find my free Monthly Workout Calendars as well as my Beginner’s Workout Calendar. Click here to check them out!

I hope you enjoyed reading this post. Let me know your thoughts below! Have you ever tried one of these teas?

 

 

 

RESEARCH:

https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/natural/652.html#Safety

http://www.cosmopolitan.com.au/health-lifestyle/healthy-eating/2014/1/spit-out-your-skinny-tea/

http://www.shape.com/healthy-eating/diet-tips/teatox-newest-way-detox

http://www.teenvogue.com/story/tea-detox-teatox-bad-for-health-dangers

PIIT28 Changed My Body

Photo by Rod Foster

Oh man guys! I think this is the coolest picture I have EVER taken! I bought this bathing suit from Nasty Gal a few weeks ago half thinking it wouldn’t make it as the outfit of choice for the PIIT28 cover, so I had a couple backups in case. But I am SO glad I stuck with it!

I can’t tell you how good it feels to look at this photo and be 100% in love with the way I look, not wanting to change a single thing. The way I felt when I took this picture and the way I feel right at this very moment are no different. I didn’t have to “diet down” or do anything weird for this. I was just working out and having fun! I had just finished testing out 4 weeks of my routines for my new workout program PIIT28 – working out only 28 min and 40 sec day, 6 days a week.

PIIT28 paired with eating well had me feeling SO STRONG, SO POWERFUL, and SO UNSTOPPABLE!

I am happy to say that after testing all the routines, I couldn’t be prouder of this program. It works, it’s fast, and best of all, it’s fun! In fact, the entire Blogilates office gets together to do PIIT without fail, EVERY single week! We just love it that much!

The program has been in development for over 1 year. I was supposed to release this in January, but I didn’t think it was perfect for you, so we slowed down. I am so glad we did. Because we gave ourselves extra time, we also set up a private PIIT28 Portal for all members of the program. So, it’s not just an E-book. It’s a community complete with exclusive follow along videos and animated GIFs!

So guess what? To celebrate, I want you to join me on March 1st to embark on the first ever PIIT28 Challenge!

 

Get PIIT28 1.0

It’s less than half an hour of commitment 6 days a week! In fact, to kick off the PIIT28 Challenge, I will be hosting a LIVE workout on Facebook.com/Blogilates on March 1st at 10am PST with the Blogifam and a few friends! You’ll get to work out with us all in real time for the full 28 min and 40 sec! We can scream together, laugh together, and sweat together! I am really excited for this!! Mark your calendars and please tune in!

Also, beginning March 1st, I will personally be doing the 28 Day Reset. This gem right here has been in development for 2 years and I worked with dietary experts to make sure every single one of your meals are nutritiously dense and tasty.

Every time I do the reset, I notice SUCH a difference in how light and energetic I feel! Plus my skin gets clearer too! It’s perfect. I really recommend that you do PIIT28 1.0 and The 28 Day Reset together. You’ll see your body changing in ways you didn’t know were possible.

 

Get The 28 Day Reset

I hope you guys join me and POPsters from all over the world on March 1st for the PIIT28 Challenge! I am soooooo super excited. This is going to be such a blast. You can find more information on what PIIT28 and The 28 Day Reset are all about on www.PIIT28.com.

Ok who’s in!??!!!

I wore a romper and people got mad.

Yesterday I had the honor of sharing a sofa with the founder of Virgin and superhuman extraordinaire, Richard Branson, the CEO of Tinder, Sean Rad and the CEO of WeWork, Miguel McKelvey. I felt very proud to be representing female entrepreneurs on such a powerful stage! We did a panel in Los Angeles called “Business is an Adventure” and spoke on mind-opening topics like the future of global business, to silly, candid topics like embarrassing real life Tinder stories. Haha – it was a blast!

Sir Richard Branson is INCREDIBLY down to earth and he knows how to make someone feel comfortable. I really admire that. I was initially intimidated and kind of speechless when I met him, but then he started talking to me about Blogilates! I was so stunned that he knew more about me than just the surface level info. A great reminder to ALWAYS do research on the people you’ll be meeting with – be it an interview, a panel, a meeting – whatever. DO YOUR BACKGROUND CHECKS.

Right before we got on stage, I asked him what he was up to later today and he casually said something along the lines of, “Oh we’re launching my new rocket ship into space and figuring out how to create a floating hotel that will orbit around earth.”

UHHHH.

WHAT.

Sir Richard Branson is a super human who is PIONEERING galactically. He’s totally living on another level! So for him to be able to keep it real with me when I met him – wow – major respect. You can’t imagine how many people I meet that have the most egotistical attitudes when they’ve barely accomplished anything.

The thing to remember about entrepreneurs is that we’re not just selling things. We do we what we do because we know that we are creating solutions that will change the world.

THAT is what gets my heart pounding and my eyes glittering. Entrepreneurs are risk takers, creatives, believers, and most importantly, doers.

I’ve had the entrepreneurial spirit in me ever since I was a child – before I even knew what the word “business” meant. I’ve sold chocolate candy to cookies sandwiches to extravagant corsages. In other words, I created convenient solutions for hungry students and fashionable prom goers :)

Anyway, here is where the story gets a little interesting.

After the event, I took a mirror selfie (as I always do) and posted it to Instagram and Facebook, sharing my outfit details and how I felt about being on the panel.

 

Had so much fun on my “Business is an Adventure” ️ panel today alongside Sir Richard Branson, the Tinder CEO and the…

Posted by Blogilates on Thursday, February 18, 2016

 

One would think the comments would be flooded with either “Cute romper!” or “Loved what you had to say on the panel!”

Except there was a whole conversation about the bad taste in my outfit choice.

People were telling me that I should “cover up” and that I can’t dress like that until I become an icon, that I am not a real businesswoman if I look like I’m going to a club, and that they “bet” even Richard Branson wore a suit.

WHOA. Hold on.

Are we really changing the ENTIRE POINT of the post so that I can get criticized for what I am wearing on a panel? Why does it even matter? Why are we even talking about this?

Perhaps it is because I am a woman. Perhaps it is because I have to fit into some type of a mold to be respected for what I say.

Well. Here’s what I have to say to the criticizers:

I think y’all need to check yo-selves.

I will dress as I please and I will dress in a manner that makes me feel confident. No, I will not wear a suit because I simply don’t want to. Don’t tell me to cover up and act a certain way because that means you’re telling me who to be.

My actions, my service, my products, my designs, and my IMPACT as a entrepreneur speak way louder than this red romper. Which by the way, was a hit because I chose to wear it to match Virgin’s company colors. Richard Branson was a fan.

What silly talk.

End rant.

Do you want to learn something interesting? Do you know why a lot of female CEOs and women in positions of power wear suits and cut their hair short? It’s because when they look more like men, they get more respect in the board room. Check out Indra Nooyi – CEO of Pepsi, Hillary Clinton – former US Senator, and Meg Whitman – CEO of HP:

According to a study published in The Journal of Social Psychology, when you look more “attractive” that is a negative point against you in corporate managerial positions. P&G funded a study that was directed by Yale University psychology professor Marianne LaFrance, Ph.D., who concluded that, “…women with shorter hair are perceived as more intelligent and confident than those with longer styles.”

It is sad but it’s true. This sexist prejudice exists. But I don’t blame these women for having to look a certain way to in order to gain and maintain respect in those male dominated industries. Do what you need to do to get your work done with as little distraction as possible. I got it. I would do the same.

No matter their haircut or the color of their suit, I have major admiration for their intellect and accomplishments.

At the Blogilates HQ, you will step into a world that may be different than what corporate America is used to. I wanted to create an environment that was non-competitive, open-minded, creative, inspiring and supportive. Here you will be surrounded by intelligent and driven women (and some guys) who respect one another whole-heartedly. We work as one big family. Each one of us ladies also happen to be fashionistas who love to have fun with our clothes. So, none of us feel like we need to protect ourselves against judgement and criticism when it comes to the way we dress. We all produce high quality work no matter if we are wearing suits or shorts.

So will I ever be cutting my hair and wearing more blazers?

I’ll never say no, but I will say that as of now, I love my hair long, my rompers colorful, my heels high, and my jewelry sparkly. If anyone wants to judge me for the way I dress instead of how my brain works, then that’s shallow and shortsighted. The way I dress is an expression of how I feel inside and I am not afraid to let the world know. So if someone can’t handle it, well, they need to figure it out, or else they will be missing out.

Now, can we get back to talking about something that ACTUALLY MATTERS?

 

 

POP Pilates Instructor Trainings 2016!

Hey guys!

Take a look at that spectacular side plank! That’s me and a few of my POP Pilates instructors, Steph, Isabella, and Lexi during our official POP Pilates photoshoot! I love this pose so much because it’s strong, powerful, and so POP!

Have you ever thought of getting POP Pilates certified? Do you feel like you want to start a career in inspiring people? Do you want to get paid to do what you ALREADY love doing? Guys – when I got Pilates certified as a sophomore in college, I didn’t know it at the time, but I made the MOST IMPORTANT decision of my life – it paved the way for the magic that was to come.

I remember teaching my first Pilates class ever. It was traditional Pilates – slow music, slow movements. I only had like 3 people at this small, intimate studio for all women, but I really got to know each one so so well. That studio ended up paying for my entire Pilates certification because they believed in me. That was the true beginning.

Because of that, I was able to start selling my own classes at the local Recreational center. Then I auditioned at 24 Hour Fitness and got hired at my first big box gym! That was the first time I started teaching to classes of 30+ with a microphone headset and I almost died from nervousness! Luckily, I was paired with a veteran instructor who team-taught with me that day. Eventually, I got more and more comfortable. With practice, I become more confident and knowledgeable and started acing other auditions. I eventually taught Pilates everywhere from luxurious studios to huge gyms like Crunch and Equinox.

But it wasn’t until I started adding pop music to my classes that my class numbers and following started to BLOW UP! I knew it was something special. So in 2009, I started teaching my own trademarked format, POP Pilates and putting that on schedules and on and YouTube (which is probably how you found me)! Then in late 2014, 24 Hour Fitness approached me and asked to partner with them alongside huge formats like Zumba and Les Mills BODYPUMP! I was SHOCKED!!! HOW DID THIS HAPPEN!!??? It was such an honor to even be considered in the first place.

Here’s a taste of what POP Pilates feels like:

POP PilatesThis is the next evolution of Pilates. Welcome…POP Pilates! It’s a dance on the mat choreographed to your favorite Top 40 hits. This class is BLOWING UP right now. Get certified ASAP because gyms are looking for POP Pilates instructors like crazy! The program is open WORLDWIDE. www.poppilateslife.com

So how is POP Pilates different than classical Pilates?

“POP Pilates is a dance on the mat! We take traditional Pilates to the next evolution, combining music with movement to turn the group exercise experience into a high energy, infectiously upbeat 55 min mat-based workout. Rhythmically flowing from one exercise to the next, your class will learn classical favorites like the Hundreds and the Roll Up and advance their way towards our signature fusion exercises that will leave everyone shockingly sore. POP Pilates releases gorgeous new choreography every 3 months, but unlike other strict choreo-based formats, we encourage our instructors to practice “Freedom of Choice” in song selection, pacing, and reps. By offering this freedom, POP Pilates instructors are able to let their own personality shine, while blowing up class numbers and still staying true to the brand!”

POP Pilates is incredibly intuitive to learn and we teach you EVERYTHING you need to know to become a successful instructor. Our educational training program is ROCK SOLID and will ensure that both new instructors and veterans are teaching effectively, safely, and in an engaging and entertaining manner. That’s why the class numbers for POP Pilates have been shockingly high in the gyms we’re currently in. It’s replaced other formats and attendance has doubled, tripled, and in some cases…quadrupled! No, seriously.

When we first launched, we were exclusive to 24 Hour Fitness but as of 2016, you can get certified in POP Pilates and teach anywhere!

I know you’ve been waiting a super duper long time for the new POP Pilates Instructor Trainings to be announced, so without further adieu, here are the training dates for Spring and early summer 2016!

Click here for specific locations

Also, to encourage you guys to sign up early, we are offering an Early Bird Special! For anyone who registers for a training at least 2 weeks before the date of the workshop, we will give you a nice 15% off discount! Just use the code “EARLYBIRD15” at checkout!

The above locations are our initial 2016 stops in the US. If you’re from a place that you don’t see up there, but you really want to get certified, then contact us at info@blogilates.com and tell us where you’re from. (International POPsters can get certified in our POP Pilates Online Workshop – PPOW) If you own a gym or are friends with a gym owner, and you’re able to secure a studio space for us to come and hold a training, then it will increase your chances of getting us over there. Either way, everything is possible and we want to do our best to get you certified and a part of the POP Army!

Every member of the POP Army gets this Official Instructor Bracelet.

Finally, I need to thank this lovely lady right here. This is my POP Pilates Program Director, Jules Fultz who teaches a ROCKIN’ POP Pilates class in Texas! If you live in the Austin area, you guys need to go find her and take her class at 24 Hour Fitness! She’s full of sparkle with a genuine, loving soul. I only add people to my team who really get us POPsters. And she gets the Blogilates philosophy for real – so don’t you worry, she’s “one of us”! Haha. Also, she’s been teaching group fitness for over 25 YEARS (legend!) and worked with me to create the scientific, fool-proof education behind our POP Pilates manual, choreography, and the Master Trainer program.

Many of you will get to meet Jules when you attend the trainings – you may see her name listed. Go follow her on Instagram @julefultz – she always does the Blogilates challenges and provides modifications for most poses that I ask you guys to do!

Finally, for anyone who may be confused as to where to sign up for POP Pilates trainings, the only valid place to do it is on poppilateslife.com. POP Pilates and myself are no longer affiliated with NAFC and split ways with them last year for reasons that I hope to one day be able to share with you. Do not sign up with NAFC or any other site, as all those training programs are infringing on my trademark and their training program is not up to date or correct. You will also not have access to our new killer manual and our mind-blowing choreography that is released every quarter if you sign up there. If you are confused, please email info@blogilates.com and we can help you get what you need.

We’re here to help YOU become a successful POP Pilates instructor so that you can spread the POP magic! That is all that matters!

Yay! Now tell me, where are you from? Comment below!

 

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Power Girl Challenge

Hey guys!

Because Feb is the official month of LOVE, I want to dedicate our Feb to spreading GIRL LOVE. That’s why on February 1st, I want all of us to tweet, instagram or facebook post about a “power girl” or “power woman” who inspires you. Maybe it’s your mom? Maybe it’s a celebrity? An author? Your sister? Whoever it is, on Feb 1, I want all of us to take a moment and show our appreciation for the women in our lives who inspire us. When you post, make sure to use the hashtag #powergirlcrush. Let’s see if we can get it trending!

Also, if you like spreading positive vibes (who doesn’t?), then I have the perfect challenge for you. I invite you to join me on a 14 day journey towards self empowerment and self discovery. This is the POWER GIRL CHALLENGE.

high res version

Every day for 14 days beginning Feb 1, I want you to take a photo in the pose of the day. In the caption of your pic, take a moment to journal what the hashtag of the day means to you. It could be short…it could be long…doesn’t matter. It’s however that word or phrase makes you feel. This daily practice will encourage you to take a moment to appreciate who you are, what you’re about, and dig deeper into what makes you, you.

And guess what else? I’m gonna sweeten Feb by hosting another POPFLEX contest for everyone who joins in on the challenge!

Both outfits, www.popflexactive.com

RULES:

Screenshot the challenge and post it on your Instagram, tagging @blogilates and @blogilatesdesigns. Hashtag #powergirlcrush.
Every day for 14 days, post the pose of the day with the hashtag of the day.
After Feb 14th, I will randomly pick a winner who has participated all days of the challenge.

WHAT DO YOU WIN?

You will win a full POPFLEX OUTFIT (top and bottom) as well as your fave Couture Yoga Mat!

Couture Yoga Mat, www.blogilatesdesigns.com

You can be from any country and be of any age! I cannot wait to see all of your thoughtful posts! Feb 1 we will kick it off hard and spread the girl love across the world!