An Update...I'm sorry!

I know, I know! I promised I would be a more active blogger once the semester finished...guess what - that hasn't happened!

I'm really sorry guys! I have had two papers to write (both finished and submitted!) but now I have two exams to prep for and that is taking a lot of my time and energy! The exam dates are June 5th and 7th so it won't be long and I'll get back in to the regular blog posts!

I am staying really active on YouTube though - so if you miss me, subscribe and you'll get regular videos! At the moment it's averaging out a two or three a week so that makes up for missing blog posts, no?

I'm also super active on Twitter (GeorgieToningUp) and Instagram (georgieedwards27) so if you've come to this page from the Diary of an Aspiring Beach Babe Facebook page, follow me on those two places as well for more regular updates!

In other news!

The Tone It Up Bikini Series is in full swing and I am loving it! I am doing things that I never thought I'd be able to do and I really feel as if my outlook on life has done a complete 180!

I'm working alongside Elle and Holli as my partners and I couldn't be more lucky! We have grown a lot closer and we've formed a true bond! We're iMessaging alllll of the time and we're helping each other out with this loads! It's actually one of the things that I'm loving most about this challenge because it's different to previous Series'!

I've achieved LOADS since I last wrote! (I'm feeling so guilty hehe!) I ran my first 5k since my injury, which was one of my goals during the series. It felt so good because after the half I didn't think I would ever be able to run again, let alone want to run again! I'm completely different now because now I'm really looking forward to jumping on the treadmill each morning!

I also finished a Tone It Up 5 Day Slim Down losing a total of 2.8lbs and 3 inches! I busted through a plateau and I learnt a lot about nutrition that week!

Meeting fellow local TIU Girl Laurene was amazing!

Three weeks ago I joined a new gym with my best friend! See you later crappy Uni gym hehe! I'm really enjoying it and I feel like it's given me a renewed motivation. I've committed to getting my booty call in at the Gym and it has made such a difference! All of the staff are super friendly, it's the best equipped gym I've ever gone to and it's in there that I'm learning a lot more about what I'm capable of!

There's a Tone It Up challenge running at the moment, as part of the Bikini Series, and it's to fit in 100 miles (biking/walking/running/swimming etc) by June 21st! So far I'm at 24 miles! I can't quite believe that figure haha! It seems beyond comprehension to me!

If you haven't signed up for the bikini series yet - DO IT! It's completely free and I promise you that you will love it!


So that's a brief snippet of what's been going on (imagine lots and lots of notes and studying too!) and again I'm so so sorry about the lack of posts!

There's lots of things coming up after my exams so there will be a lot to blog about! I'm travelling to Copenhagen for three days, there's a TIU meet up in my city AND there's Greece in July!

Thanks for being patient with me - I really appreciate it!


All my love and hugs,
Georgie
xxx

Fitspiration Friday: Bikini Series Winner Holli Berry!

It has been sooooooo long since I've posted one of these interviews! I know, I'm sorry! I LOVE doing them too so I really have no excuse! 

For those of you that are new to Camp Beach Babe, Fitspiration Friday is an old feature where I interview some of the most influential Tone It Up team members :) 

This week I got in touch with the AMAZING Holli Berry, who was one of the four Tone It Up Bikini Series winners this Summer. 

She talks about her experience in Cali, her routine and more! Check it out below! The purple is me, the blue is Holli! =D

How gorgeous is Hol!

Hey Holli! Thanks so much for doing this! First off, tell us how and when you first found Tone It Up :)

My best friend, Ashley (@ashluv77) introduced me to Tone It Up early in 2011. I jumped in on the very first Bikini Series Challenge, but didn't stick to it. Throughout the year, I did workouts here and there, but nothing consistent. It wasn't til April 1, 2012 that I basically dedicated my life to TIU. Now, I just love sharing TIU with others!

I can absolutely relate. It's addictive isn't it! Had you been working on your fitness before TIU? Did the girls inspire you to get started or give you that little extra push?

Motivation came in spurts. There were times I would work out for a few weeks and then quit. Nothing ever kept me going. Even when I would see results, I would think, 'oh my gosh, I've done so well...time to treat myself.' One treat would then lead to another and eventually, I was back where I started and all that hard work was gone. I was constantly fluctuating in weight. Sometimes I was thick, sometimes I was more on the thin side, but still never fit and happy. In March 2012 I hit a breaking point where I thought, I just can't do this anymore. I had finally hit my highest weight of 172 lbs. I was depressed and always down on myself. You can't have healthy relationships with others if you don't even have one with yourself. Seeing pictures of K&K and the transformations of other members of the community are what really pushed me.

Absolutely! I love how much of a community we are. Do you have a favourite Tone It Up workout?

Malibooty and Sunkissed Abs are both tied for my favorite TIU workotus. I love doing squats and lunges, but a lot of girls dread them. Malibooty gives you a fun way to lift and tone and make a "bootiful booty". Sunkissed Abs is similar in that sense; different ways to get true toned abs versus just crunches, which can get boring. It's fun to spice up your workouts. By doing the same routine every day, not only is your body not getting a variety to make results, but you're less likely to stick to your fitness plan.

Holli getting ready for Christmas!

Great advice! Malibooty is one of my faves too! Tone It Up workouts aside, do you have a favourite group exercise class?

I truly love spinning! I love getting lost in the music and my ride. Instructors that turn out the lights are the bomb. It's an easy way to focus on yourself and get in a major sweat. You don't notice anyone around you. I really want to try out a boxing class. I feel like that would be a blast!

I so want to try spinning! It's on my New Years Try-It List! Do you have a favourite cardio workout?

Circuits/HIIT's are number one on my list for favorite cardio. I don't like being confined to one machine, but I like being able to start my workout with a good sweat. Running outside would be my next fav. It's nice to get out and just take in everything around you; appreciate where you are.

Absolutely! I really learnt to appreciate nature when I started running! Tell us; what's on your workout playlist right now?

I use Pandora mostly, but my current station is "Salt n Peppa Radio". Love oldies that pump me up. When "Push It Real Good" comes on, you can guarantee it is about to be one amazing workout!

ROCKING the Daisy Dukes!!

'Push It' is the BEST SONG EVER!! Now, living the Tone It Up lifestyle like we do is more than just working out an eating right, it's about living a healthy lifestyle too. Tell us one of your beauty secrets!

I am obsessed with teeth! Mine, yours. Nothing is better than a pretty and clean smile. I probably brush my teeth 5-6 times a day. I carry a toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, and a mini thing of mouthwash in my purse. I chew gum like it's about to go out of business. Got to have fresh breath 24/7! A smile says a lot about a person. If you're around me after I eat, it's a known fact that when I am done, I am going to ask you if I have anything in my teeth. Not as much as a beauty secret as it is a beauty obsession. ;)

HAHA! This is so true though - dental hygiene is so important! What is your beauty must-have? Toothpaste hehe?

I must have lipgloss! Even chapstick works! Some kind of lip moisturizer. If I were on Survivor, that would be one of my necessity items.

Ok, toothpaste and lip gloss! Got it hehe! Are there any blogs that you look at besides the Tone It Up website to get inspiration or new workouts to get you motivated?

I look at ALL of my Tone It Up sisters blogs! I sometimes just click from page to page of fitness blogs to get my motivation. FitFluential is one I look at regularly. I even go on Pinterest and type in fitness, workouts, or inspiration and find pictures or blogs that way. 

Holli (on the left) with Laura, Elle, Karena, Sophie and Katrina on the Girls Trip to Cali!

Pinterest is amazing right? Do you have any favourite activities, besides running, to keep you active outdoors?

I love being outdoors! Hiking is the best! I enjoy getting lost in the hills/mountains, not sure where I may be going. Never been mountain biking, but I sure did bring along my bike my Daddy gave me. I finally put air in the tires, so I guess I will be taking that up soon. My boyfriend loves skiing! I would love to perfect snowboarding. I've been once, but it was an awful roll down the hill. But hey, I enjoy a good challenge.

I can just imagine! Try, try and try again right!? What are some of your favourite healthy recipes?

I love shakes! They fill you up, their refreshing. There are guilt free, holiday drinks for the winter or fruity ones for the summer. Lean, clean and green ones. Also, I love anything breakfast related. I could eat breakfast for any meal. The TIU Protein Pancake is my favorite TIU recipe. Sometimes, it comes out more as a scramble, but hey, it's still delish.

Exactly! Execution is not always important ;) You went to Cali this year!!! What did you do when you found out that you'd won?

Before they announced the winners, I stared at my computer all day, refreshing my facebook, twitter, the TIU blog, watching everyone write they were "patiently waiting". After hours, I decided to step away from my computer and watch a movie. I heard my phone beep, then another beep and eventually, that thing was going crazy! I got up and looked at my twitter, and my news feed had blown up with "Congratulations". I never even imagined I won the trip! When I opened the blog and saw my picture, I had to refresh the page, cause I just knew it wasn't right. Sure enough, I was going to Cali! My heart was racing, I was screaming and just in shock. Called my parents immediately and SCREAMED then balled my eyes out. Was the best feeling ever! I called everyone! My boyfriend didn't believe me. Took me an hour to finally calm down...at least a little bit. I don't think I ever got off that cloud.

Try not to get jealous!! This is Holli on ones of the gorgeous Cali beaches

I know!! I think I will always have that page bookmarked! Was it the absolute best girls trip ever?

It was the best trip ever, PERIOD! It was such an amazing experience. It felt like I was in a dream. We had an itinerary, so we were constantly doing something or meeting new people. I went there with three girls (Sophie, Laura, Elle) I didn't know, leaving there with three new best friends that I wouldn't trade for the world! It was nice having them to share this experience with. And Karena and Katrina...I left Cali with more than just trainers. I can't even describe how genuine they are. We honestly have the best supporting us. Just writing this is making me cry. Oh gosh, I'm pullin' an Elle.  I swear, when I got off the plane after the trip, I was like, 'wait, did that just happen?' It still to this day doesn't seem like it did.

Awwe that's so special! I can 100% believe it too! This is going to be the hardest question ever but what was your favourite memory from the trip?

Our "low key" night was the best memory. It was a personal and private evening of dinner and just six new friends hanging out. We all shared stories and got to really be ourselves. We laughed, cried. I got to see who these girls really are and why I got to be so lucky to sit amongst each one of them. Lots of fun times, inside jokes, and new memories were created from just those three days in Cali!

Oh wow! That sounds amazing! You've recently moved to a different state. How did you make your new home fit in with your new routine?

I did just move. Moved from Kentucky to Colorado. A big jump, but I made the best decision. It's been difficult adjusting my routine. Before I knew that when I was done with work, I was going to the gym. Same routine every day. So far, I haven't been working, so having a set time to wake up every single day and get my workouts in has been tough. Sometimes I go in the morning, sometimes at night. You would think that by me having all day, every day to workout, I would be rocking this bod, but even little things like cardio have been a struggle. I have mentioned many times that the altitude here has had an effect on my workouts. After finally getting into running before my move, I am now starting over. Of course, I won't let that stop me. It's just going to be more of a challenge to keep going. It'll be easier when I get back into working again.

Holli with Karena and Katrina on their JustFab shoot

Now that you're in a new home, do you have any goals for the next few months, or for 2013 in general?

Constantly setting new goals is what keeps me going. In January, I pick up my dress for my sisters wedding. I ordered a size 4, which is two sizes down than I was this past summer. I would love to be that 4 by that date, however, I won't stress and will just keep working hard if I am not there by then. Her wedding is in May, so I have time. I would also love to run two half marathons. One in the spring and the Rock n Roll half in the fall. I've never done a run before, so why not just start big!

Exactly! I'm so nervous for my half! Finally, to somebody on the fence about joining the Tone It Up team, what would you tell them?

Do it! It is so worth it and it's more than a "diet". Caring about your fitness and health becomes a lifestyle. I consider this a new way of living. K&K make working out and eating fun. We're taught to feel good about ourselves, not strive to be a certain weight. The Tone It Up Team is not even just a community to me anymore. It's my family! The support from our trainers and our fellow team members is tremendous! I don't think you can get the constant love and support we do from each other anywhere else. 

I love that!! We really are a family 

I love this haha! Holli lounging in her swag!

Here are Holli's 'Just For Fun' questions!

Favorite Fitness Related Quote?

Wake up with determination. Go to bed with satisfaction.

Favourite Color?


All shades of blue!

Favorite Pair of Shoes you own? =P


Well since it's fall, my current favorite pair are the Quynetta boots @ JustFab. Love any boots with a little heel.

Best Place You've Ever Visited?


Home. There is no place like it. Being far away makes it tough, so when I want a break from where I'm at, home is my getaway. 

Happiest Memory?


My happiest memory was my whole Cali trip. I was able to feel free and just take everything in. I didn't have a care in the world. And for the first time, I felt comfortable with myself and more happy than I had ever been! Being able to get back home and share my trip with my family, friends and all my TIU sisters was amazing! I get my happiest every time I talk about it. 

Anything Else You'd Like to Say?


Thank you! Thank you, Georgie, and for every other Tone It Up girl that has taken the time just to say hi. Some of you don't know the power you have of brightening up someone's day, just by a simple hello. I am so lucky to know such beautiful, positive women who are out there changing lives, not just in health and fitness, but in everything that you do!

BEAUTIFUL! Bikini Series Winners 2012

NO THANK YOU, HOLLI! I love yoouuuuuuuu!

You can contact Holli on Twitter (@Berry_Holli) or she has her own blog which you can access here :)

Search for 'Fitspiration' in the box to find even more interviews! I love doing these so if there are any people you would like me to get in touch with comment below! 

Love and Hugs!

Bikini Series Celebration

It's official. I'm the worst blogger ever. I'm so sorry!! I've not even got a real excuse other than I was kind of lost for inspiration for a while. All my exams are now over, I'm on Summer vacation, I'm working a lot but I still have time to blog!! 

Starting tomorrow there will be a lot more activity on the blog - I promise!! 

I'm so so so so so sorry!! 

To tide you over, here is a video I made to celebrate the end of the Tone It Up bikini series! (I'll do another post on that soon!)

Georgia <3

My Top Tips for Living a Tone It Up Lifestyle

The Tone It Up Girls

If you have been reading my blog from the get-go, you would have been living under a rock to not know that I have been following Tone It Up for well over a year now. I am a huge fan of Karena and Katrina and swear by anything they say because not only does it work, you have an amazing time whilst doing it. I have lost ALL of my weight through Tone It Up.

This isn't a post to sell TIU to you (although I can't reccommend it enough if you're not on the team), it's to give you some helpful tips and tricks if you're already living the lifestyle, or just trying to live healthily in general.

1. Booty Call

If you're on the team, by now you will have heard someone mention a Booty Call. A Booty Call is the Tone It Up way of saying "Get up and get moving". For 30 minutes before you start your day; sweat. It really is as simple as that. 

Booty Calling is included in my list of top tips because we all live extremely busy lifestyles. By waking up that extra half hour earlier, you are working out before your body has chance to realise what's going on and more importantly before anything else gets in the way later on in the day. There are no excuses. The only thing, person or anything else standing in your way of a booty call is you. 

My Top Tips for Booty Calling are

- Make yourself get up, do whatever it is you need to; sleep in your workout clothes (they're comfortable - trust me I've tried it), set 5 alarms, whatever it takes to get you out of bed and working out. 

- Plan in advance - there is no point in waking up early if you're going to stand around for 30 minutes debating what workout to do. Plan for the whole week, or the night before. As long as you know what you're going to do when you wake up.

For me it means setting an alarm, working out in my pyjamas just at the end of my bed for a toning workout or for a run.

Just get your heart rate going! It's no secret that working out increases your metabolism - but think about it. Working out in the morning increases your metabolism for the whole day! Think of all that extra fat burn!

2. Drink Water

Tone It Up reccomend that you drink half of your body weight in ounces of water every day. If you way 160lbs, thats 80 fl oz of water (that amounts of 2.3 UK litres if it helps). Not only does drinking water make you fuller for longer it also does wonders for your skin. 

My top tips for when it comes to drinking water are as follows;

- Carry a bottle around with you, wherever you go. Trust me, you will pick it up and drink some out of habit, because you're bored or without even realising. It doesn't have to be a big bottle. Most colleges/offices will have a drinking water tap.

- Not a huge water fan? Flavour it! Tone It Up have a million different ways to do it that you can find by searching their website. You'll be amazed at how easy it is to make water not taste like water!

- Count. Know how much you're drinking. Give yourself little mini prizes for reaching your target!

3. Social Media

Tone It Up are all about checking in! And for good reason! Finding a buddy to stay accountable with or even checking in with Karena and Katrina is enough to keep you on track. Twitter, Facebook and the Tone It Up community are your best friends. It's not unknown for TIU girls to find other TIU girls in their area to work out with!

When it comes to social media my tips are; 

- Sign up! Anything you get the opportunity to join - do it!

- Talk to people! There's no point in having account if you're not going to do anything with it.

- Take pictures! We all want to know how well you're doing...but remember; if you don't want to Tweet it, don't eat it!

- Use your SmartPhone to access social media on the go!

4. Plan Ahead!

You will always hear me saying Prior Preparation and Planning Prevents Poor Performance, or the 6 P's as I call them. That expression could not be more true. I've mentioned the importance of planning already in this post but if you've got something written down you've got something to do when inspiration is lacking. 

Top Tips

- Use the Tone It Up Calendar (shown above), Karena and Katrina post something for you to do every day; utilise the freebies!

- Check the Tone It Up website. K&K post almost every day with emails, alternatively sign up to the email newsletter for constant updates

- Plan on a Sunday for the next week. These two (here and here) print outs are my favourite. My number one tip is laminate them, and buy a dry-wipe marker so you dont have to print one off every week! 

5. Finally HAVE FUN!

The Tone It Up lifestyle is all about having fun. The key word is lifestyle. It's not a diet, it's not an exercise regime. It's a way of life. You wouldn't make something that you don't enjoy a way of life would you?

Top Tips

- Choose the workouts that challenge you, but you enjoy

- Set yourself a little challenge with groups of friends on Twitter/Facebook

- Blog the journey!

- Enter every challenge! 

There you have it! Your guide to TIU life :) I'm always available on Twitter (@GeorgieToningUp) or Facebook (here or here) if you have a question!

Share, Love, Inspire, Sweat ♥

Spring into Bikini Series 2.0: Launch Post

It's HERE!! It feels like I've been waiting all my life for the Tone It Up Spring Challenge. As you may know I found TIU just before the launch of last year's spring challenge so for the duration of the challenge I was 'testing the water' to a certain extent so now I am a fully fledged TIU Sister; I am so pumped for this!

It also could not have come at a better time; I was expecting a gain when I stepped on the scales this morning as I'd admittedly not done well last week. However I wasn't expecting a gain of 10lbs! I'm taking it with a slight pinch of salt as my scales are literally on their last legs of the current batteries (never fear I have ordered some replacement batteries) but a gain is a gain, I'm taking this challenge seriously. 

Therefore my start weight is 165lbs. Again I have no idea how this happened because I didn't eat THAT badly but hey ho. I'm taking it in my stride. I now have 20-25lbs to goal weight (I'm not entirely sure what to make my goal weight yet; 140 or 145; I'll get to 145 first and see). I don't know if I can lose 25lbs in 8 weeks but I'm damn well going to try. Anything is possible with Tone It Up.

What's on offer for the next 8 weeks

Despite thaty horrific number on the scales this morning I'm feeling confident. I've taken on a new mindset. I am the only one in my house (I live with my parents and younger sister) who is on an 'eat clean' diet plan. (My Mum is maintaining with Weight Watchers) Therefore, my house is so full of temptation. I've had an 'I-can-eat-what-I-like' calorie controlled mindset for a while now and it's clearly not working. I am still going to count calories as I like feeling in control but I WILL NOT pick something up just because I want to eat it anymore. I've got a goal. I want to reach it. 

It's going to be tough. It's going to be really tough. I'm going to have to fight the temptation that's absolutely everywhere in my house- I won't be able to avoid it. I can't change my family, nor would I want to but I've got to do what's best for me and beneficial in achieving my goals. 

I feel in control which I think is a good place to be in. I'm not nervous because I know I can make my body perform. I've seen myself change and this is really now to round off what has been an inredible journey. I'm so close to the body I've always wanted. I'm excited to be in maintenance and I know I can make it. It's not that far off now! 

Through the challenge I hope to get closer to my goals. I'm going to be working out and eating right for as long as my body will let me but I'm not going to stop now. This is not something I'm going to give up on. This is my lifestyle now. 

If you haven't already sign up for the Tone It Up bikini challenge. It's free, it's fun and you'll meet a hell of a lot of incredible women through it. 

I'm kicking it off with the new 5 Day Slim Down from the Beach Babe update to the diet plan =). No idea what I'm talking about? Click here :)

Tone It Up WILL change your life, I promise. 

Beach Babe Interview: Winner of the Spring Challenge 2011 - Kate Bear

Hi everyone! Welcome to the first of what will hopefully be many interviews conducted with what I think are some of the most influential members of our Tone It Up Team. 

I've been fortunate enough to make fantastic friends with amazing women through Tone It Up and I hope through these interviews I can pass on some of the ways they've inspired me on to you - my readers! 

Today's interview is with Kate Bear. Kate was the winner of the Spring Into Bikini Series Challenge in 2011 and her prize was a trip to California to live the Tone It Up life! 

In this interview Kate talks to us about everything from her trip to Cali to her beauty regime to the now infamous BMoreToned group! Check it out! 

Kate with Karena and Katrina

- Hey Kate! Thanks so much for doing this, how did you first find Tone It Up and when?

I actually kind of stumbled on Tone It Up when I was doing research for one of my clients. At the time, I worked for an agency who had a few athletic apparel clients. Being in charge of one such company’s social media presence, I was constantly looking for something fun and fit to share with their audience. One day, a friend of mine who loves working out shared a Tone It Up workout and I immediately fell in love. Katrina and Karena’s upbeat, fun attitudes. The awesome workout moves. The delicious sounding recipes. The more I explored their website from this one little workout I was passed, the more I knew I was going to love Tone It Up! That was probably around March of 2011 and I’ve been a TIU girl ever since. J

Kate recently on Valentines Day

- Had you been on a fitness journey before then or did finding Tone It Up motivate you?

That’s tricky. I was…but it was a failing one. Basically, I thought I was doing ok but I knew deep down that I really wasn’t. I needed TIU. They were the kick in the butt I needed to really get myself going on the journey I’m on now toward a healthier, more toned me. J

Kate and some of BMore Toned after running a 5k

- How did you find out you'd won the Bikini Challenge and what was the very first thing you did (besides jumping up and down and screaming!)?

I was, of course, waiting with bated breath once they announced the date they were picking the winner. To be honest, I was up against such amazing women, I really didn’t think I stood a chance. Unfortunately, it was actually an extremely busy work day for me so I was tied to projects most of the day. I didn’t get a ton of time to chat with the team online but I get some TIU updates right to my phone and once I started seeing the “Congratulations to the winner!” messages, I threw down everything and watched the announcement video. I was speechless. The jumping up and down and screaming part came much later when it hit me a little harder. Hahaha I immediately told my coworker Annie (who I had just convinced to join the TIU team) and we had a little freak out in the office. I called my boyfriend. I called my mom. I called my best friend, Emma (who ended up going to California with me). I felt so lucky. So blessed. So proud of what I’d done for myself. It was honestly one of the most exciting and indescribable feelings I’ve ever had. J

(and yes, apparently I’m going to end all of these answers with a happy face hahaha) 

- Was it the most awesome thing ever to go to California? (I'm so jealous!)

Yes. There are no other words but YES. J

Beautiful Kate in a beautiful outfit!

- What was the best part about your trip?

Seriously? Is this really a question? How in the world do you expect me to answer this? Haha We did SO MUCH…there’s really no way to break it down to the “best” part. But if you’re going to force me, I’d probably have to say working out with Karena and Katrina. We see them every week in videos and photos and updates and you feel like you get to know them. But you really don’t get to enjoy that back and forth. Not only did I get to hang out with them for a few days, we got to workout with them one on one. We did some cool stuff while we were in California, but that was definitely the coolest. J

Kate and her friend Emma with Karena and Katrina after a workout

- Is Karena as tall in person as she looks online hehe?

Hahaha actually yes. She’s an Amazon-like beauty. Karena and Katrina both are even more beautiful than they are online. Seriously. But the cool thing about them is that, even though they’re models and ridiculously pretty, they’re HEALTHY pretty. They aren’t bone thin. They are fit and toned and healthy. (And tall…well, at least Karena). J

- What's your favorite TIU workout and why?

The ladies have come up with a ton of great new workouts but I think my favorites will always be the Itty Bitty Bikini and the Bikini Strap workouts. They are two of the first workouts I got when I was in the Bikini Challenge and they’ve just stuck with me. The moves are solid and really work you (me) where you (I) need it. Plus, I love them (and pretty much all of the TIU workouts) because they’re quick. Like most of the girls on the team, I work. And over the past year, I’ve really upped my work load and responsibilities causing me to work even more. AKA much less time left to workout and stay fit. Having these short workouts really helps me stay on the ball. If I have time, I’ll do cardio and a few rounds of 1-3 of their routines. BUT If I don’t have time, I know I can still fit in at least 1-2 sets of one workout. I really strive to stay active every day and these workouts help me do that. J

How can you not love her?

- What's your go-to cardio machine at the gym? Why?

Hmm…none. Wait, I guess I can’t say that. Here’s the thing…I’ve never tried to make it a secret but I honestly hate cardio. Hahaha I always have. (although don’t tell anyone, but TIU is starting to change that…what? Who said that?)

I guess if I had to choose it would be the treadmill. But not because I like it. Hahaha Here’s another reason I love the TIU girls – they’ve helped me overcome my fear/hatred (well maybe not completely over the hatred) of the treadmill. With their HIIT workouts, I don’t get as bored on the machine, which a lot of times is my main issue. I like to switch it up if I’m on there – HIIT, run/walk/shuffle step, etc. It makes it less tedious and helps me feel like my cardio is done faster (and most of the time I burn more calories!).

Looking gorgeous in Hawaii!

- Tell us about BMore Toned!

Well, BMOREtoned is our little local group of Tone It Up ladies. It started out small. Sarah (@i_will_overcome) and Jami (@jamijoytiu) realized they were in the same area…then I realized we were so close. Then I brought my coworker Annie (@annietruax) then we gained Caitlin (@cait58TIU) then Lauren (@BmoreLC), Molly (@mbakes2123), Brittany (@beermeamartini) and Mary (@aznstarlette). To be honest, I’m not sure what the order was of everyone joining but it doesn’t matter. It feels like I’ve known these girls forever and I wouldn’t have it any other way.  They really have become some of my best friends and inspirations. We work out at least once a week together on Friday mornings and sometimes more than that, depending on schedules. And what’s cooler is that, over time, we’ve evolved our workout format. We used to just get together and say “ok…so what should we do?” Hahaha Funny, right? Most recently, we choose one or two girls to develop a workout for the week and we go with that. That way we don’t blabber away and we work hard to get our sweat on. J BUT, because we need to blabber away, we get together at non-workout times and hang out. We have holiday and seasonal dinners. It’s really fun. Like knowing everyone on the TIU team, it’s really been a blessing in my life to get to know and become friends with these 

girls. J

Kate with the BMore Toned crew!

- Do you have a favourite group exercise class?

Yes! I love love LOVE CXWORX. This is a core class created by Les Mills and put on at my local gym, Merritt Athletic Club. It’s a 30 minute core class that really rocks your socks off. They really strive to reinforce the fact that YOUR CORE IS NOT JUST YOUR ABS. Of course you work your abs, but you work so much more – your back, your legs, your chest, your arms, etc. It’s a really great (and again, quick) class! J

- We know that TIU are about living a healthy lifestyle as well as working out and eating right. So you've got to look good too! What's your beauty must have?

Lotion. I’m all about skin. That being said, I have scars and acne and run into things all the time and I by no means have beautiful, flawless skin. Hahaha BUT, I do know it is important. I love St. Ives Collagen Elastin for my body. It has this amazing fresh smell like fresh cut grass or some sort of herbal remedy. It’s really soothing in the morning. I also have this Ponds rejuvenating lotion that I use under my eyes and on my face and neck every day. It’s definitely a beauty must have for me. J

- You always look so smiley and glowy! Tell us one of your beauty secrets!

Awww! First of all, thanks! I really appreciate that. I’ve always loved that quote from Audrey Hepburn “I believe that happy girls are the prettiest.” Smile. Smile a lot. It really doesn’t hurt. And it makes your (and often everyone else’s day) at least a little better. J (ßsometimes I do too much, as you can tell my incessant smiley faces)

- What are your favorite songs to workout too?

Oooh that’s a good one. Although there’s often a new song that comes out every month or so that I add, I have a pretty standard list. My current top faves are:

Jay Z – On to the next one

Foster the People – Call it what you want

Rihanna – S&M

Girl Talk – Oh no/Get it get it (most things Girl Talk)

Lady Gaga – Born this way

And, a new favorite, MSTERKRFT – Bounce

The Beautiful Kate

- Anyone who follows you on Twitter will know that you love Pin Ups - what do you love about them?

I find them beautiful and inspiring. I’m not sure what drew me to them in the first place but I just adore them. They’re playful and sexy but powerful in their own way. Plus I think the other reason I’m so drawn to them is because I LOVE the retro style. ADORE it to be honest. Sometimes I can find cute things in today’s fashion world but there are just so many amazing shapes and colors and styles we’ve abandoned that I see on pinups. And the hairstyles…don’t even get me started. J  

- Do you have any favourite websites or blogs (besides Tone It Up) that you visit to get some inspiration/motivation/or just for fun!

Oh definitely. There are SO many amazingly inspiring women out there online – it’s hard to not find inspiration/motivation! A few of my favorites are Eating Bird Food, MizFit Online, Peanut Butter Fingers, to name a few. But, I’m definitely loving the teams behind our women’s fitness magazine’s social teams. They really are stepping up their game and providing engaging conversation and healthy tips. Women’s Health, Fitness, Women’s Running, Health, FitSugar, etc. They are always on top of it. J 

- What are some of your favourite healthy recipes?

Hmm…there are ton! It’s hard to pick favorites. Recently, I was introduced to this amazing salad by BMOREtoned friend Molly and I seriously make it for everything. It’s amazingly delicious and healthy. I also love stuffed peppers. They are so tasty and you can pack them with whatever! I think my favorite combo has been peppers stuffed with turkey, fresh corn, onions, and a little low fat cheese. SO good. (I’ll let you in on a little Kate secret – the key to a delicious stuffed pepper is mixing in an egg white into your stuffing mix. It helps keep everything together and makes it a little fluffier when you’re done). J

Kate loves the glamour of Pin Up Girls - I can relate!! 

- To someone just joining Tone It Up or starting the New Year off with health goals - what would you say to them? What advice would you give?

Get involved with the team. They are your BEST asset, tool, inspiration, motivation, friend, sister, etc. in your journey. No matter what kind of day you’re having, they are there for you. If you just need to say you feel flubbery (we all feel that way), talk to them. If you need to get it off your chest that you hate how work has kept you all week and you just need a cookie to forget about the stress, talk to them. Despite being some 50,000 strong, we are a close knit group. J

Also, set an alarm for your booty call workout. The early morning is daunting, I know. But do it. It will be the best thing you ever do for yourself. Start slow – do a quick workout for 1-2 sets. It really only takes about 10-15 minutes. Then add on another set. Then try a longer workout. And so on. You’ll gradually build up you “morning person”-ness and it will come naturally. Those extra minutes mean more than you could ever imagine. J

- Anything else you want to say?

As always, thanks again to this team. You really have been one of the greatest, if not THE greatest (sorry, Tom – love you J ) thing in my life and I cannot ever stop thanking you for helping me start and continue this journey to a better me. <3 

I LOVE this picture hehe!

Thank you so much Kate!! If it's possible we love you even more now!! Thank you on behalf of all of the Tone It Up Team for being such a huge inspiration! Sending big hugs from Camp Beach Babe!

You can contact Kate on her Twitter page - @KateKateBear

Who else would you like to see interviewed? Email me with your suggestions as well as question suggestions! This is going to be a regular thing from here on out :)