Fitness is in Fashion

Fitness Trends

From gyms that offer tanning and Botox, to shaking weights that promise sculpted arms with little effort, fitness and its trends are always in fashion. Some of the latest trends to emerge in fitness are Zumba, pole dancing, and what some consider the “greatest” of all these trends, P90x. So what exactly is this latest trend and is it worth our precious time? That is what we at Chasing Pumas are setting out to find.

P90X: Defining It

Power 90 Extreme, better known as P90X, is a workout system designed by personal trainer Tony Horton. This fitness system is fairly new to the game, but is already well on its way to becoming a craze. Using interval training, the system largely depends on the body itself, no bells and whistles. The system promises to transform the body in 90 days from frumpy to hunky, with workouts that shed close to 1,000 calories in 90 minutes.

Taking it to the Extreme

After overcoming nerves and finally borrowing the DVD pack from a friend, we at Chasing Pumas are now trying the program out for ourselves. Needless to say, the pace is fast and so are we. We are working our way from one DVD to the next while also trying to follow the protein-packed meal plan. We are already starting to feel the pain and see the gain after just a few weeks. However, we also have to be mentally prepared for the pain we endure each time we play the DVDs.

Extreme Results

The results early on are already dramatic, but so is the work it takes to get them. We are 30 days in with some positive results. Our buns burn, our arms are getting sculpted, and our thighs jiggle less. We even see the first signs of abs peeking through with a two-pack. We can only imagine what 60 more days will bring!

While the results are desired, they also take work to attain. Like the saying goes, “no pain, no gain.” Horton and P90X seem to follow this philosophy. However, they take it to a condensed and intense level. The system takes what the average exercise enthusiast does a few times a week, and puts it on exercise steroids. By the end of it, a six-pack is sure to be achieved. While we personally feel that the extremeness of the workout system is becoming somewhat unnecessary for our goals, that decision is ultimately up to the individual. All we can say is that P90X lives up the hype and the name.

"A Future Queen in Alexander McQueen"

Happily Ever After

Last Friday, April 29, people around the world witnessed a fairy-tale come to life, and we at "Chasing Pumas" were a privileged part of that group. As we sat in front of our TV screens and watched the royal wedding of Prince William to Katherine Middleton, we could not help but find our own happily ever after. However, our fairy tale did not begin with the announcement of the royal engagement. Rather, it began when Katherine Middleton stepped out of her carriage and began to process into Westminster. This fairy tale was one of fashion.

The Label behind the Lace

Kate Middleton’s wedding gown was not only much anticipated, but designed by the fashion label known as Alexander McQueen. Though Alexander himself committed suicide this past year at the tender age of 41, his protégé Sarah Burton continued to keep his label at the top. She worked under the fashion label and in secret to design Kate Middleton’s one-of-a-kind gown.

Kate’s First Decree: One of Fashion

The nuptials certainly evoked tears, but not just for the love shared between the bride and her groom. Kate Middleton’s dress proved every bit worth the wait, and why it was only fitting she become a royal. Our excitement was over the fact that Kate brought back lace, length, and sleeves.

Timeless, classic, and eternal, the embroidered ball gown was reminiscent of Grace Kelly’s own, worn in her royal nuptials years ago. Thanks to Kate years later, this modest trend has re-emerged. It was a welcome departure from the slits, strapless, and altogether boring dresses we have become used to seeing on brides. Surely women around the world have taken note, as designers across the globe went to work hours after the nuptials to imitate the look. The only unfortunate part was that it took almost 50 years for this trend to return. However, it did thanks to Princess Katherine. When she made her way down the altar this future queen in McQueen also made her first decree: off with the strapless and on with the sleeves!

"Life's Three Big F's: Fashion, Fitness, and Food"

We are used to posting fashion and art trends here at “Chasing Pumas,” but as we all know, looking good goes back to feeling good. Feeling good goes back to health, and before we can show off those bodies we have to make sure we are aware of what we are putting in them. Seeing as summer is just around the corner, a food trend post is only befitting.

One of the latest health food trends is Greek yogurt. However, not all yogurts are created equally. That is why we want to help you out with choosing the best one. After much taste-testing and researching into brands, our favorite brand was Chobani Greek yogurt. Why you ask? It was one of the few yogurts that packed a killer combination of nutrients and taste. With filling serving sizes, these little dairy products will trick your mind into thinking it's a sweet treat. Here is some more information we got from the labels to help you decide if this trend is right for you:

· 140-160 calories

· flavors ranging from pomegranate to pineapple and lemon, which are our personal favorites

· probiotics

· 15g of protein on average

· 0-2.5g of fat

As you can see, these little yogurts pack a healthy and tasty punch. The problem is this latest food is a latest trend selling out on store shelves everywhere. People actually have to make requests, and the stuff is on back-order in many markets. The only down side is for diabetics, because some of the flavors can pack up to 20g of sugar! Aside from that, they are a way better alternative to regular yogurts. So pick one up today if you can, and you'll be one step closer to looking good and feeling what Tony the Tiger calls "grrreat!" Stay tuned for more healthy food trends that will help you fit into fashion!

Ambrosio Adds Height

That was not the only thing 5'10" supermodel Alessandra Ambrosio was adding when she attended the amfAR Inspiration Gala. Wearing this season's newest trend of adding hemlines rather than subtracting in a long silhouette hugging Calvin Klein, the supermodel looked thinner and taller than ever. This trend was working, the tress trend however?...not so much.

This season pixies are in. Apparently Ale didn't get the memo. Now we aren't saying she had to chop her beautiful V.S. locks, we are just saying when in doubt let your natural out. The days of the J. Lo and Kim Kardashian horse mane length extensions are long gone. These extensions were too dramatic, too apparent, and too outdated as a trend. Lucky for her, the CK dress balances it out, and her style factor does not waver.

So Ale, you're being let off with a warning this time. After all, as women we all know how hard it can be sometimes to change up our hair.

Gaga Makes herself Goo-Goo

Even Lady Gaga doesn't always feel like the best "lady." In new sneak peeks of her upcoming HBO special Lady Gaga is seen walking her NY streets, ordering coffees, praying, and yes having a moment! At one point in the black-and-white laced video, Gaga says she still fights the bullies like her little "monsters." "I still feel like a loser." If this powerhouse feels like a loser, what are the rest of us? While surprising, it draws on empathy and also points out just how far back society has gone in terms of treating one another with respect. Hopefully this video is inspiring and shines an even bigger light on this nation's other epidemic: bullying.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oK-_Z4W3P8A

Tress Trend Alert!

From Michelle Williams to Hermione Granger and Ashlee Simpson, the newest trend for this spring heat is the pixie cut. Short, short tresses are definitely easier to manage. Hey, just add some gel and your done, but is the androgynous look crossing the line? Will you be tempting your hairstylist's scissors next time you take a trip to the salon and do the do? Personally, it's hard to pull this look off, and it all depends on the facial structure. In other words, beauty is the name of the game and as we all know it is in the eye or in this case hair of the beholder. So what do you think? Drop a comment.

W.O.W.

Our words of wisdom for the day are inspired by friendships. Sometimes family just knows you too well to like them all the time. This is when you need your friends to pick up the slack, and we at "chasingpumas" feel inspired by the friendships we have forged and hope to foster over the years. So today's words are a toast to friends and anyone in life who has changed it.

W.O.W.-"Life is not a function of what or how many things you do, but who you touch or touches you along the way. "-G. Leva

So today go out and touch someone. Not in that way. You know what we mean.