THE NUMBER ONE SKIN CARE MISTAKE YOU’RE MAKING AT THE GYM

Treadmills, ellipticals and exercise bikes. Sounds scary, right? As someone who frequents the gym, I love working up a healthy sweat. OK, maybe I don’t LOVE sweating but I DO love the satisfaction of staying fit and putting my health at the top of my To Do list. There’s nothing more exhilarating than finishing a workout, muscles fatigued and mind reenergized. But did you know there’s one common mistake people make during their workouts? Rubbing their face.

When we work out, our internal temperature rises, causing our capillaries to dilate. As our face releases the extra heat and sweat, we quickly grab for that towel to swipe the sweat off our hot and sensitive skin. Unfortunately, all that rubbing elevates redness and blocks our pores, leading up to — you guessed it — major breakouts!

Before you start pumping more iron or sprinting on the treadmill, think twice about wiping your face with a towel.  Avoid unwanted redness by taking a soft towel and gently patting the sweat off your face.

And if you can’t break the habit, try a cooling serum like Enza Essentials RosaCalm to tame redness and calm reactive skin. The solution is really that simple. 🙂

xo Krista

NINE EASY EXERCISES TO DO AT YOUR DESK

Finding it hard to fit in a workout? Good news! You can make the most out of your time at the office. Spice up those 8 hour days with a little “fitness fun.” Your stiff and tired muscles will thank you for the mini-workout break. Plus, the more you move the happier and healthier you’ll be. So, the next time you’re sitting at your desk facing that long shift, try out some of these desk exercises for a more fit and fabulous you every day of the week!

What are some of your tips for staying active at the office?

xo Krista

BEAT YOUR WORKOUT BOREDOM

Happy Hump Day! If you couldn’t tell already, I’m kind of a fitness nut. But that’s not to say I absolutely love exercising all the time. Sweat dripping down my back, hot rosy cheeks and shortness of breath… makes me cringe just thinking about it. I’d much rather be spending the evening at home with my roommates sipping on wine while watching sappy movies! Exercising is hard! But, it is also important if you want to live a healthy lifestyle. Plus, the extra endorphins really make you feel good! The key? Make your workout fun so it doesn’t feel like work! My solution? Adding a medicine ball to my routine! Check it out below!

To start off, I do regular crunches on the medicine ball with my arms supporting my head. I do enough until I can start to feel the burn… and then I do ten more!

This move is my favorite! You want to start with the medicine ball above your head, about a foot from the ground.

With your body in a “V” shape, start to bring the medicine ball to meet your feet. At the same time, start lifting your legs until they reach the medicine ball. Once you can place the medicine ball in between your legs, squeeze and lower to the ground.

But, be sure not to let the ball touch the ground! To finish, raise your legs back up and repeat. After this move, you’ll be wishing it was still bikini season!

To finish my workout, I always challenge myself with a plank on the medicine ball! Who doesn’t love a challenge? If you’re in need of more workout ideas, make sure you check out my exercise your way to flawless skin post!

What are some ways you make your workout more fun?

xo Krista

EXERCISE YOUR WAY TO FLAWLESS SKIN

Want to continue your journey towards perfect skin? Then, stop skimping on your gym sessions, early morning runs, yoga classes, and afternoon walks! Yes it’s true; skin care goes far beyond cleansing your face every morning and night. Sweating from exercise can actually detoxify your skin! For me, I really enjoy exercise, but struggle to find the time. So, I came up with this fast paced, metabolism boosting, 15 minute routine! I’ve already started to see the results, it’s AMAZING! Give it a try. Your skin will thank you!

10 push ups. Make sure your hips are tucked forward!

80 jumping jacks. Your heart rate should start to pick up at this point!

15 alternating lunges. Try to get as low to the ground as possible!

20 sit ups. Engage your core the entire time!

25 squats. Don’t let your knees bend past your toes!

1 min plank. Try to keep your body as straight as possible!

(Repeat 3 times)

By exercising regularly, not only will your skin thank you, you will be able to enjoy that cinnamon roll or latte on a crisp fall morning! Stay motivated Enza loves!

xo Krista

TIPS FOR PERFECT HAIR AFTER A WORKOUT

We’ve all been there – you’re having a solid hair day until you hit the gym. You don’t even want to step back out in public after that sweaty workout! Luckily, I have a few tips for fabulous-looking hair after every single workout.

Spray your scalp and around your hairline with dry shampoo before you start exercising – this will help soak up the sweat that’s about to happen. Prevention is key, ladies!

If you have long hair, be sure to get it off your neck and forehead by twisting it up into a topknot of the crown of your head. Try braiding it before you secure it with your elastic – this way, when you take it out post workout, you’ll have loose, beachy waves.

Speaking of beach waves, try spritzing a salt spray in your locks and scrunch. The alcohol in most formulas help sweat evaporate. The effortless look is always in!

How do you style your hair after your workout? -xo Kayla

 

WHAT’S IN MY GYM BAG

If you’re like me, you’ve been frequenting the gym like a madwoman the past 2 weeks because your New Year’s Resolution is telling you to! For me, it’s been a little bit of a struggle but I’m already feeling better and am getting stronger each time I work out. To make the most of my gym time, I always make sure I have my tote filled with the essential items for a successful workout. Here’s what’s in my gym bag:

• Nikes – These are the most comfortable tennis shoes I’ve ever owned. And they’re cute too.
• Snack – I HATE working out when I’m absolutely starving and my tummy won’t stop growling. I always make sure to have a granola bar handy in case I need something quick before or after my workout.

• Cell phone and earbuds – It’s necessary that I listen to jams while exercising to keep me going.
• Deodorant – I don’t think I need to explain this one…
• Toner – I ALWAYS make sure to have my Extraction Toner packed in my gym bag. I spritz it on my face post-workout to refresh and balance my complexion. It also reduces any inflammation I may have on my skin.

• Headband – There’s nothing more annoying than my hair getting in my face while trying to work out. Plus this one is gold and sparkly – who says you can’t look great at the gym? 🙂
• Water bottle – Keeping hydrated is SO important while exercising. I love this Nalgene bottle because it has a narrow mouth, making it easier to drink out of while I’m killing it on the Elliptical.
• Shine Control – Enza Essential’s Shine Control is perfect for keeping my face looking matte while working out. I apply it before I start exercising and it absorbs the excess oils on my face.

What’s in your gym bag? -xo Kayla

 

EXERCISE YOUR FACE!

It’s common sense – if you want a killer bod, it’s necessary to work out. With some solid effort, regular exercise can transform your body.  But did you know that facial exercises can tone your face too? Yes, that’s right! If you want tighter skin with a bit of boost and lift, try these 3 facial exercises.

1. The Kiss

First, pout your lips like you’re going to kiss someone. (I should warn you – save yourself the embarrassment and don’t do these in public.)

Then, smile as hard as you can using your cheek muscles while keeping your lips in a pout. Hold this pose for 10 seconds, relax, and repeat 2 more times. You can feel it already, can’t you?

2. The Fish

This one is my personal fave. Start by sucking in your cheeks to make a fish face. Then, try to smile while keeping your lips together and hold this for 10 seconds. Rest, then repeat 2 more times. This will help increase blood circulation while naturally contouring your skin. Almost done!

3. The Whistle

Make the letter “O” with your lips, like you’re getting ready to whistle. Then, smile as hard as possible while keeping your lips in the “O” position. Hold this exercise for 10 seconds, rest, and repeat 2 times. Your face will feel tired and a little sore at first, but after regular facial exercising, you’ll be a champ! 

To get even better results from these face exercises, use Enza’s Tri-Peptide Cell Activator. This anti-aging serum contains stem cells to powerfully prevent skin from developing fine lines and wrinkles. If you work out your face daily and regularly use Tri-Peptide Cell Activator, your skin will be in tip-top shape in no time!

-xo Kayla

 

EASY EXERCISE IDEAS

If you’re like me, life is CRAZY busy. And, unfortunately, I don’t get to the gym nearly as often as I’d like. But instead of missing an entire workout sesh, I’ve discovered some super easy-to-do exercises that I can do at my desk! It’s almost like a miracle.

Ab Twister.

I use my water bottle that’s full for this one. It’s super simple – just hold your water bottle (or whatever weight you choose) at chest level and gently twist all the way to your left while keeping your feet and hips forward. Then, twist to the right side. You’ll be able to feel your abs contract! I usually do about 10 reps on each side for this exercise.

Chair Squat.

This one is SOOOO simple and is a great exercise. Hold your arms out in front of you and lift up your hips and butt just enough so you’re hovering over your chair. I hold this pose for about 30 seconds to feel the burn!

Leg Extensions.

Start sitting up tall in your chair with your arms at your sides. Lift your left leg off the ground, straight out in front of you and hold for 10 seconds. Be sure to squeeze your quads to get a good workout! Then, switch to your right leg.

See???? It’s not so hard to keep active even if you’re at a desk all day! I finish with a spritz of Cool Sustaining Toner on my face to refresh and balance my skin. What a great workout! -xo Kayla