Yvette High Support Running Bra

1. Progress isn't linear

2. You can eat chocolate everyday and still reach your goals

I'm not suggesting you eat a mars bar for tea every afternoon, as there are probably things with more nutritional value that you can opt for and that will keep you fuller for longer. That being said, I do have a sweet tooth and I know if I cut sweets and chocolate out completely during the week I'm just going to pig out on the weekend instead. So I do have a few squares of chocolate here and there to curb the cravings! As long as you are eating in a calorie deficit, you don't have to eat clean all the time to reach your goals. 

3. Weights can be just as good as cardio for fat loss

I think a common thing for people to do when they want to lose weight is start running for an hour on the treadmill every day to see results. Even though cardio is good for you, it's even more effective when combined with weight training. This won't make you suddenly bulk up and get bigger, in fact the more muscle mass you have, the more calories you will burn whilst resting. If you're just starting out, I suggest starting with 10 minutes on a cardio machine, followed by 4-5 weight exercises on a particular body part (i.e. upper body or lower body) and then finish with 10-15 minutes on the treadmill. 

4. Progressively overloading is key 

Being a beginner at the gym can be daunting, but unless you're doing some wacko exercise throwing dumbbells around the gym, no one is going to be watching you! Everyone is too focused on themselves and their own form. My advice for feeling confident at the gym is to get yourself a good pair of noise cancelling headphones,  look up movements on Youtube if you feel like you need practice, and make yourself a fire playlist for your workout. 

For me personally, I also like wearing a nice co-ordinated gym outfit as it makes me feel more confident and subconsciously I feel like I have a better workout if I feel comfortable and good in what I'm wearing. A brand I am loving lately is Yvette which specialises in high impact sports bras. I've found that on the market a lot of high impact sports bras aren't as pretty as low support ones, which is why I was so impressed with the range of colours and design of the Yvette collection. Another feature I like about them is that they have non-removable moulded cups. There's nothing worse than the padding moving around in the washing machine and then having to try and get them in the proper place again! I also purchased some matching green leggings which passed the gym test - they don't fall down, they're squat proof and they even have a pocket for you to fit your keys, phone or Airpod case in. 

Wherever you are in your fitness journey, I think it's important to reflect back and see ways that you can improve but also how far you've come. I may not be as 'fit' as I was 4 years ago when I was 23, but I love my curves now and still feel strong and healthy. 

G

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* this post contains gifted items but all words and opinions are my own *

If you are planning to relocate to Washington state, you will want to do a little research on the options for cities you are considering. You will need to think about things like cost-of-living, weather, location in the state, and so much more.

When you begin to plan your move, think of the job opportunities in your new city, as well as the housing options. Consider other things like your hobbies and whether you prefer a larger city or a smaller one. Take in account all the variables of your life when considering which city you want to call home, and consider the following best cities in Washington state.

Seattle

The most obvious city, and the city you probably think of first when you think of Washington state, is Seattle. If you are hoping to move to a big city, Seattle is your pick for Washington state. While it is not the capital of the state, it is the largest city in the state and actually all of the Pacific Northwest.

If you are looking for a job, you are in luck in Seattle. There are many companies with headquarters in the city, including Amazon, Starbucks, and Microsoft. For sports fans, Seattle is home to the NFL’s Seahawks, MLB’s Mariners, and the NHL’s the Kraken. 

Seattle also has amazing art, culture, and music scenes, and is even considered the birthplace of grunge. Seattle has a lot of things going for it, and if you are looking for a great big city in Washington, Seattle is the obvious choice. 

Spokane

If you are looking for a city in the eastern part of the state, consider Spokane. The eastern part of the state is significantly different from the west, where most of the major cities you associate with Washington are located. Notably, western Washington is very rainy, while eastern Washington has a warmer and drier climate. Spokane specifically is protected on either side by mountain ranges, making the weather unique for the region.

If you love to be outside and relish outdoor recreation, Spokane is a great Washington city for you. You can ski in the winter, and hike and raft in the summer. There are several local ski resorts to enjoy. Spokane is a departure from the rainy western part of the state if you are looking for something different.

Bellevue

If you want to be near Seattle in a city with a similar feel, think about a move to Bellevue. Bellevue is situated right across Lake Washington from Seattle and can be considered a suburb or satellite city of Seattle. 

The city is known as a technology hub and has a bustling downtown for big city-lovers. If this sounds appealing to you, there are plenty of Bellevue houses for sale. If you like the idea of living in a busy city without actually being right in Seattle, give Bellevue a try.

There are many exciting cities to consider if you are planning a move to Washington state. From Seattle and Bellevue in the west to Spokane in the east, there are options that can meet everyone’s needs.