I want to tell you guys about a new app that I’m using called Mobli! It’s a cool new platform similar to Facebook and Twitter, but it’s focused around media (pics and videos) taken from your phone. I know it’s kind of overwhelming with all the apps and networking sites out there right now, but this is one I truly believe in and it’s very simple to use. You basically pick “channels” and people to watch and it’s fun! For instance, I’m watching Leonardo DiCaprio (he’s an investor) and the “fitness” channel. I’ll be posting lots of fitness pics, videos and more – so I hope you join me!

“See the world through other people’s eyes” – Mobli

Carrie B. and I were flattered to be featured on the front page of the Health section in this Sunday’s Houston Chronicle! Click the picture below to view the full article and visit Bombshell-Bootcamp.com for information on the classes and how to join!

Now is NOT the time to let your workouts become relaxed or non-existant! If you want to look good for all of those holiday parties and get a jump start on the new year, you need to start a program NOW!  For more info visit our site: Bombshell-Bootcamp.com

Looking for something new to spice up your workouts? If you live in Houston, you should check out the following upcoming events:

BreatheCure Conference Saturday, 10/29/11

TXU Turkey Trot Thursday, 11/24/11

This is one of my favorite races and I’ll be doing the 5k again this year! You have the option of the 5k or 10k race and proceeds benefit Sheltering Arms Senior Services. My favorite part is all of the people running dressed as turkeys!

Run in the Park  Saturday, 11/5/11

This is a great race with beautiful scenery and new running trails throughout the park! You can choose the 2 mile run/walk or the 5 mile run.

Bombshell Bootcamp starts in 2 weeks!  I’ve partnered up with my friend and fitness instructor, Carrie Barnhart (she’s also the former Captain of the Rockets Power Dancers!) and we are going to whip you into shape!

Cari@cari-fit.com or info@bombshell-bootcamp.com

First of all, I have to say – I don’t train my clients so they can be a size 0, but I train them to be fit and confident. Case in point – my client Erica Rose. She’s on this season of ABC’s “Bachelor Pad” and is one of my fittest clients and she is so confident that she was able to appear on last night’s episode wearing only a skimpy white bikini. I don’t know many people who would do that, do you? So, when I heard Blake call her “thick” last week during the premiere I shrugged it off (so did she) because he obviously has some insecurities and is just looking to stir up trouble. During the hanging challenge last week I was proud of how long she held on and she was one of the last girls to let go. She had to use a lot of upper body strength for that and the only reason she fell was because her partner couldn’t hold on. Erica and I both know how fit she is and so does everyone up at Fit Athletic Club (where we train) because they have seen us up there working hard every week. Erica can do 200lb+ on the leg press, sets of 30+ pushups at a time and planks for minutes on end – not to mention spinning, yoga and steep hill workouts on the treadmill. I would be willing to bet that she has more discipline (did you know she’s about to graduate from law school?), mental strength and physical strength than most of the other contestants on the show. Over the last year she’s worked her butt off and I’m proud to be her trainer!

Last week I got to meet President Obama’s long time trainer, Cornell McClellan in NYC when I was there for NBC Universal’s “Healthy Week”. He is a member of the President’s Council Fitness Sports and Nutrition and he told me about how he is helping the First Lady with her “Let’s Move” campaign and the “President’s Challenge”. The “Let’s Move” program was setup to help kids and parents stay healthy and the Let’s Move website has a ton of great resources and tips for healthy eating, working out and how kids can stay active.

The “President’s Challenge”

The “President’s Challenge” is a 6-week program where President Obama wants you to challenge yourself and set active lifestyle goals. Along the way, you can log your progress and earn cool awards! The program is not just for kids…they have a program for adults too! All you have to do is log 30 minutes of activity at least 5 days a week for 6 of the 8 weeks you are on the program. I encourage all of you to join this challenge and if you are a teacher or community leader, get your peers and students involved and join as a GROUP! Make it fun!

Join me and Signup Today!! Even the First Lady is doing it…
“To show everyone just how much fun it can be, I will be working to earn my Active Lifestyle Award.  I’m going to do it. And I want kids across the country to join me.” – First Lady Michelle Obama

How to Sign Up:

Physical activity is an essential component of a healthy lifestyle. Adding more activity to your daily life can be easy and fun – and now you can earn an award for being active. To earn your Presidential Active Lifestyle Award (PALA), all you need to do is document your active exercise each day (60 minutes/day for children and 30 minutes/day for adults), 5 days a week, for six weeks.
Join the President’s Active Lifestyle Program, here’s how:

1. Make the commitment  (this can be a family or team effort)
2. Sign up online, print the activity log PDF or start a group
3. Log your activity
4. Earn your award

With over 100 activities to choose from, there’s something for everyone! Record your activities and track your progress for 60 minutes a day/ 5 days a week for youths under the age of 18 or 60 minutes a day for adults. You can even compare your progress with others who are taking the President’s Challenge.

The President’s Challenge not only helps you stay active – it also gives you a little extra motivation while you’re at it. That’s because you can earn special Presidential awards recognizing your accomplishments.

Hi guys! I’ll be in NYC next week to lead workouts in Times Square as part of NBC Universal’s “Healthy Week”! Join us in taking a step towards a healthier lifestyle in this iconic installation, where every step counts towards a charitable donation to the American Cancer Society “Choose You” initiative. A running ticker collects all the footsteps (via sensors on the steps) with a goal of 1 million steps! You can also follow along with me as I lead workouts on stage! You can view the schedule HERE. Right now, I’m scheduled to be on stage at these times:

Tuesday May 24th 12:30pm – Workout with me and former Biggest Loser winners!

Wednesday May 25th 10am – Morning Yoga Workout!

I’ll also be in ExerciseTV’s booth during the day giving out custom workout plans! Come say hello!

Hey guys! I just wanted to send these links again so you can follow me on my Facebook and Twitter pages! I also give a lot of nutrition tips on there too!

Did you know that today is World Kidney Day? Probably not. I wouldn’t have either, except that one of my best friends, Nancy, had a transplant over 3 years ago and has taught me a lot about the importance of kidneys! Kidney disease effects hundreds of millions of people all over the world and over 26 million here in the U.S.! If you have high blood pressure, diabetes, or a family history of these conditions…you too could be at risk! It’s important to stay active, keep your blood pressure low and maintain a healthy weight by making smart food choices.

Read the rest of this entry »

I know many of you are still trying new gyms, workouts, classes, etc. since it’s still the start of the new year. Getting a trainer is a great way to jumpstart your workouts and get you on track. But, choosing the right trainer can be hard and most people don’t know what they should be looking for or what makes a good trainer.

Make sure they are certified and I would ask them who their certification is through or see if they have that info. on their website. Good ones are ACE, NASM, AFAA, etc. Nutrition advice can be hit or miss with trainers. Really, they should have a nutrition degree or RD certification to give you a specific diet plan….but most trainers (including me) will give tips or advice. If it sounds too crazy, like no carbs or consuming too much protein, then get a second opinion. Read the rest of this entry »

I hope you guys are enjoying the first few days of 2011 and have been thinking about how you can make 2011 your fittest year ever! Maybe you already started by doing my “Lose Weight by New Year’s Eve” challenge?

My goals for Cari-Fit.com this year include doing more blog posts, making more short workout videos for you guys and also to reach 5,000 subscribers! Thanks to all of my current subscribers! Please keep forwarding my site to all your friends, family and coworkers. I plan kick things up a notch this year so that I can provide you guys the best fitness information and tools out there! I welcome any feedback you have and if there is something you’d like for me to cover,  please let me know!

Happy New Year!
-Cari

Fall Training Camp Cari’s Fall Training Camp is designed to help you kick-start a healthy lifestyle and introduce you to the wide range of fun and healthy fitness activities you can do in Houston. It includes a variety of strength training and cardio activities including: boxing, resistance bands, running, yoga and more. In addition, monthly members will get a food journal (and reviews by Cari), nutrition advice, assessment with goal setting and body analysis. Cari will also take the group on an optional grocery store tour to learn how to shop healthy; on a restaurant tour to learn to order healthy; and an optional shopping trip to buy functional and stylish workout clothes and the latest gear. Memberships are $200/month or you can pay $20 for a single class.

To sign up click HERE or to get more information, email me at Cari@Cari-fit.com.

Get in shape NOW – before the Holidays! It’s not too late to join!

What’s Included?

• 2 Outdoor workouts a week at various locations so you won’t get bored (Spotts Park, Memorial Park, Sabine bridge, etc).  They will consist of cardio + strength training. Workouts will include upper body, lower body and abs by mixing in boxing, resistance bands, kettlebells, plyometrics and more!

• Package Also Includes (*For monthly members): a Food Journal; Personal Assessment and Goal Setting; Before/After Photos and Measurements; Yoga Classes at Joy Yoga; Kenyan Way Workouts, Cari’s Exclusive Recommendations for Online ExerciseTV Videos and Home Workouts, Workout Plan for Other days and a Copy of Cari’s new ExerciseTV dvd!

• Saturday Classes Include: a Grocery Store Tour, Shopping Tour (gear, watches, shoes, clothes,etc) at Luke’s Locker; Restaurant Tour (how to decide what to order at your fave places) and more… Read the rest of this entry »

I was recently asked to be on Dara Torres’ blog tour for her new book: Gold Medal Fitness!

I’m super excited because I’m a big fan of hers. I just started reading her book and I love it. You can read more about her and her book on her site: DaraTorres.com. Be sure to check back next week when I cover “Recovery: They Key to Your Performance”.

*It’s not too late to join my Summer Training Camp! The deadline to sign up has been extended to Monday, July 12th due to the holiday (camp will be extended so you get 8 weeks).

Cari’s Summer Training Camp

I have 5 slots left that I’m trying to fill. If you refer a friend and they sign up, I will send you $100 (via Paypal, mailed check,etc)! That’s it…no strings attached. You don’t even have to sign up or be a current client. But, if you both sign up….I will give you each $100 off the camp! That’s a great deal, considering you are getting 20 hours of semi-private training plus yoga classes, running excursions, shopping tour and tips for Houston’s best restaurants. Check out the details HERE.

*When your friend signs up, tell them to include your name and info. and then I’ll send you $100!

Summer Training Camp Cari’s Summer Training Camp was designed to help you kick-start a healthy lifestyle and introduce you to the wide range of fun and healthy fitness activities you can do in Houston. It includes a variety of strength training and cardio activities including: boxing, resistance bands, running, yoga and more. In addition, monthly members will get a food journal (and reviews by Cari), nutrition advice, assessment with goal setting and body analysis. Cari will also take the group on an optional grocery store tour to learn how to shop healthy; on a restaurant tour to learn to order healthy; and an optional shopping trip to buy functional and stylish workout clothes and the latest gear. Memberships are $200/month or you can pay $20 for a single class.

To sign up click HERE or to get more information, email me at Cari@Cari-fit.com.

Make this the summer you slim down and look great…it’s not too late to join!

What’s Included?

• 2 Outdoor workouts a week at various locations so you won’t get bored (Spotts Park, Memorial Park, Sabine bridge, etc).  They will consist of cardio + strength training. Workouts will include upper body, lower body and abs by mixing in boxing, resistance bands, kettlebells, plyometrics and more!

• Package Also Includes (*For monthly members): a Food Journal; Personal Assessment and Goal Setting; Before/After Photos and Measurements; Yoga Classes at Joy Yoga; Kenyan Way Workouts, Cari’s Exclusive Recommendations for Online ExerciseTV Videos and Home Workouts, Workout Plan for Other days and a Copy of Cari’s new ExerciseTV dvd!

• Saturday Classes Include: a Grocery Store Tour, Shopping Tour (gear, watches, shoes, clothes,etc) at Luke’s Locker; Restaurant Tour (how to decide what to order at your fave places) and more…

What About the Heat?!

We will be in the shade and as long as you bring plenty of fluids you will do great. Cari will monitor participants closely and will offer advice on how to workout in the heat. You will burn more calories and condition your body.

Is This a Bootcamp?

No. This is more like personal training but in a group setting. Cari will not be wearing camouflage and  there will be minimal screaming : )

What If I’m Out of Shape?

Each training group is limited to 10 people and all levels are welcome. Cari will adjust your reps/weights and cardio requirements based on your level of fitness and your goals. It will feel like personal training because Cari will be very involved.

When?

Every Week: Monday and Wednesday 6:30-7:30pm

+ 2 Saturday Classes per month (date/time TBD)

How Much?

$200 Per Month Total = Only $20/hour! ( less than 1/5 Cari’s personal training rates!)

To Sign Up or for more info, email: Cari@Cari-Fit.com

Recently on ExerciseTV’s community blog, someone asked me “Does Muscle Weigh More Than Fat?”? This is a great question I get all the time…

The answer is FALSE. Most people think muscle weighs more than fat and I’ve heard this excuse so many times from people that say they weigh a lot because they have more muscle! The truth is that a pound of anything is a pound…so a pound of feathers weighs the same as a pound of bricks

But, muscle and fat differ in DENSITY. So, a pound of muscle takes up less space because it is more dense and compact, where fat is lumpy and spread out (yuck). So, the more muscle you have, the tighter and leaner you will look. If you take a 150lb woman with 20% body fat and a 150lb woman with 35% body fat, the one with less fat will look slightly smaller and definitely more toned.

Also, for most people it’s impossible to gain 2-3lbs or more of muscle in one week. When people start working out and say they’ve gained weight because they gained muscle…that’s not true. But, you do want muscle. The more muscle mass you have, the higher your metabolism and also your body burns more calories at rest.

Btw…fat can’t turn into muscle and muscle into fat. That is another myth. But, by weight training you can get rid of the fat and replace it with muscle.

Ok, if you still really have no clue what foods are BAD for you….check out this blog: This is Why You’re Fat! Yes, it’s just pictures of of bad food….but they do get across a good point: eat this s**t and you will get fat! The scary thing is that the photos are real and come from readers all over the world. Guys…this is my attempt to gross you out and NOT make you hungry! While you brows your way through the grease-filled photos, repeat after me “This is GROSS, This is GROSS” ok?!

P.S. I better not see any submissions from any of my clients, blog subscribers or people that take my classes!!!!

My favorite gross one: The BACON Bouquet! haha

I’m so excited to be a new Exercise TV trainer and my new dvd will be out next month! Did you know I’m the only celebrity trainer that they have from Texas?? Cool, huh? My clients and classes can attest…I do say “Y’all” quite a bit!! But, I’m not near as bad as Paula Deen! haha.

I just created a Facebook Fan page to promote my upcoming DVD release with Exercise TV and I hope y’all join!

P.S. Stay tuned because I will be posting info on my new DVD and DVD release party here in Houston at Fit Athletic Club on Friday, May 21st! In the meantime, you can read more about my Exercise TV experience in this blog post: “New Exercise TV Trainer”.