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By Amy Zhang June 9, 2017 in Fitness, Lifestyle 10 Comments

What is HIIT Class? Plus My Favorite Edgy Workout Wear

What is HIIT Training Plus My Favorite Edgy Workout Wear | by The Luxi Look

Fresh off a 7 day Barry’s Bootcamp challenge (yep, that’s 7 classes in 7 days). I literally cannot move, my body is so sore. I didn’t think my body would be able to handle 7 days in a row of such intense exercise! While I’m happy I was able to push myself to complete the challenge, I’m actually pretty relieved it’s over. Back to my 3x/week workout plan, haha! I will say that Barry’s Bootcamp is the best workout I’ve ever done for my body, and since starting to take classes (at first sporadically, now somewhat more consistently), I’ve been able to see a real change in my body.

Read: slowly maybe gaining some muscle definition? Anyway, for those of you that aren’t familiar with Barry’s Bootcamp, it’s a form of HIIT. What is HIIT, you ask? HIIT stands for High Intensity Interval Training. It has been proven to be one of the most effective ways to lose weight and tone up fast! With swimsuit season HERE and intimidating as ever, if you’re looking to shape up quickly, you definitely want to be doing HIIT.

What is HIIT?

HIIT, or High Intensity Interval Training, is an exercise method in which you alternate between periods of high intensity exercises (read: really hard) with low intensity exercises. For example – sprinting on the treadmill for 30-60 seconds, followed by walking or jogging for 30-90 seconds.

Why is HIIT effective?

By switching between high and low intensities, HIIT has been shown to burn more calories and fat than steady state exercise and boost your metabolism. It’s effective and allows you to shorten your time at the gym with all the benefits and then some. If you hate the thought of an hour on the treadmill or the elliptical machine, then you definitely want to incorporate more intervals in your life! I’m heading to Europe in two weeks and in anticipation of being in a swimsuit 24/7 I’ve definitely been trying to ramp up my workouts. HIIT is a great way to do so!

And of course, one of the best ways to motivate myself to hit the gym is by buying a new gym outfit. Whatever it takes, right? ; )

Look cute while training with my favorite edgy workout wear picks:

Cropped Star Hoodie

As you already know, I have a huge soft spot for anything with stars on it. This cropped hoodie is perfect for throwing on over a sports bra and running to the gym, going on a hike, running errands, or even just laying around the house.

My Favorite Sports Bra for HIIT

This sports bra has gotten me through the toughest workouts! It’s especially great for high intensity workouts as it provides medium support (for small to medium chests) which is perfect for anything from weight lifting to spin to pilates class.

The BEST Leggings Ever by Varley

Love the material Varley uses for their workout clothes, not to mention they always come in the coolest prints and most flattering shapes. You probably already have 10 pairs of basic black leggings, so opt for a pair with some mesh detailing. (Black + mesh panels = super slimming pant!).

Get To-and-From the Gym in this Mesh Jacket

Very into mesh details right now, can you tell? This jacket is simple yet edgy (love both black and white versions!) and at $25 (!!) is the ideal breathable layer to bring with you as you go to and from your workout this summer. I have the black version and I love it!

A Must Have Printed Cut Out Sports Bra

As you can tell, Strut This makes some of my favorite workout clothes. This cut out sports bra is different than the usual basic sports bra so you’ll be sure to stand out at the gym.

Light as Air APL Sneakers

These sneakers really are SO comfortable! One of my favorite bloggers, Marianna Hewitt wears these all the time. I knew I had to snag a pair for myself. The all black is classic. It goes with everything, but these light as air sneakers come in so many fun colors; including rose gold, my fave!.

How are you shaping up for summer?

By Amy Zhang November 18, 2016 in Fitness, Wellness 16 Comments

Why You Should Practice Yoga

Happy Friday!

Wanted to quickly chat with you guys about YOGA before the weekend. I’ve shared my workout routine before, but something I’ve been trying to incorporate more lately is yoga. I find exercise to be the #1 form of stress relief for me, but nothing clears my mind the way yoga does.

I know a lot of people think yoga is “boring” and “not real exercise” (I disagree with both statements!) – but I really do believe yoga is one of the best things you can do for your body.

The benefits of yoga are practically endless.

Increased strength and flexibility, improved circulation, posture, bone health, stress relief, the list goes on and on… It’s also a great cross-training option – especially if you run and/or lift weights! I especially love hip opening stretches (LOVE/HATE half pigeon pose).

The key is to find the type of yoga that is right for you.

Here’s a helpful guide to different types of yoga. My personal favorite is heated vinyasa (the heat is so detoxifying), so I stick to that. Although LA has a seemingly endless amount of yoga studios, I had a hard time finding a studio I really loved. Lately I’ve been really into Y7 studio – basically heated vinyasa set to badass music (think tons of hip hop).

Why You Should Practice Yoga | The Luxi Look

In terms of what to wear to yoga, it helps to wear something slightly more form fitted so you’re not constantly readjusting your clothes. There are so many stylish athleisure brands out there today – if you’re looking for a wide selection definitely check out Sculptique – some of the cutest workout clothes out there.

I’ve always wanted to get my yoga teacher training certification – any trained yoga teachers out there with insight or advice?

Happy weekend babes!

xx, Amy

top and leggings: koral activewear from sculptique

By Amy Zhang November 2, 2016 in Fitness 14 Comments

Work It Out

Let’s talk health and fitness… I haven’t always been the biggest fan of working out and it wasn’t until a couple years ago that I started exercising consistently. To this day, gyms intimidate me so I stick what I know and love – group fitness classes. I’ve tried it all – barre, spin, yoga, pilates, circuit training, etc. (Classpass is good if you don’t know what you like or already know you like everything). There’s really no quick fix to getting in shape – consistency is the key. It wasn’t until this past year that I really found what I love and have been sticking to a routine that has led to actual results for the first time in my life.

Sooo currently my routine is Barry’s Bootcamp 2x a week with a hike or a different type of class mixed in here or there. I love the combination of intervals on the treadmill (the only way to do cardio) and weight lifting, and aim to sweat for an hour 3-4x a week. Being active has really become part of my lifestyle and it helps so much with anxiety, stress, and general mood and well being. It’s not always fun or easy to get up early and workout, but I always feel amazing after when those endorphins kick in.

Call me crazy, but new and cute workout clothes are definitely motivation for me to get my ass to the gym. How cute are these sets? There have definitely been mornings when I’ve wanted to stay in bed but then I remember the cute gym clothes I set aside and somehow that drags me out of bed…

Work It Out

Workout Clothes

I love Strut This for their matching sets.

Somehow the “one size fits all” sizing is actually that. The fabric is super soft and comfortable – and they have the cutest prints. Definitely check them out if you haven’t already.

Varley is another new fave.

The material is incredible for sweat wicking so wear to any of your favorite activities, you will fall in love! I love discovering new activewear lines, I feel like the athleisure trend continues to stay, which makes me feel better about running around town in my workout clothes all day.

What’s your workout routine / how do you stay healthy and grounded?

xx, Amy

photos: ryan chua

By Amy Zhang September 27, 2016 in Fitness, Wellness 10 Comments

Getting Back on Track

If you followed me on Snapchat or Instagram stories you most likely saw the meals I was eating in Italy… and well, let’s just say I’d be lying if I said I didn’t come back from Italy with a little vacation weight gain. I’m a tiny bit softer than I was when I left. But honestly, no regrets because nothing beats homemade pasta.

I know a lot of people go away and get a little vacation weight gain and freak out – but honestly it’s mostly just your body holding on to excess water weight since you’re most likely dehydrated from traveling and eating differently than you’re used to. Your body is built to handle small fluctuations and will adapt and bounce back in no time.

Vacation Weight Gain: Getting Back on Track

Now that I’m back home, here’s my plan of attack for the next few weeks as I attempt to get back to feeling normal (the jetlag is not helping either) and a little less puffy.

How To Get Back On Track After A Little Vacation Weight Gain

No alcohol.

It’s possible I drank more wine than water in Italy, but the fastest way to get back to normal sleep and eating patterns is to cut the alcohol.

No fried/processed foods.

As much as I love carbs, it’s a definite no-brainer to eliminate the daily chips that came with happy hour (always a spritz!) and cut down on the pasta and bread.

Limit sugar.

Ugh. I have the biggest sweet tooth ever and this is really hard for me, but dessert on the daily was excessive and all signs suggest that sugar is one of the worst substances for you. Studies have shown excessive sugar can lead to heart disease, belly fat, and potentially even cancer. Yikes.

Sweat 3x a week.

I’m horrible at working out on my own, I spend more time “stretching” in the corner than actually doing anything productive, so in an effort to actually be effective I turned to boutique fitness classes years ago and haven’t looked back. My absolute favorites in LA are Barry’s Bootcamp and The Studio MDR.

Lots of whole foods.

Thinking smoothies/eggs/oatmeal for breakfast and lots of fruits, veggies, and lean protein throughout the day. My boyfriend and I love to cook dinner together (actually I got extremely lucky and he is an amazing chef : ) I make small contributions here and there) and we try to keep it very clean. Last night we landed and immediately make a big batch of vegetable soup and garlic chicken thighs for dinner. You’re welcome to come over for dinner anytime ; ).

Overall, I live by the 80/20 rule.

If you take the 80/20 rule literally, my philosophy is that if you eat right 292 days of the year, the remaining 73 you can let loose a little ; ). Like a lot of girls, I struggled with finding out what was right for my body and health for a long time and it really wasn’t until I let loose and became more in tune with my body did I actually begin to feel better. Some of the first blogs I ever read and loved were centered around health and fitness, so stay tuned for more posts on these topics!

Truthfully it’s way less about how I look and more about how I feel. By the end of our trip, AJ and I were desperately craving chicken and vegetables (boring, lol). And my body completely rebelled against any and all wine : (. My skin broke out horribly in the worst way in a year and I knew that my daily diet of espresso, pasta, wine, and gelato needed to change. But all good things must come to an end and as much as I LOVED Italy (full recap to come) I couldn’t be more excited to be home and back to work, as dorky as that sounds.

Last thing – can we talk about this heat wave we’ve been having?! Yay or nay to summer year round?!

xx, Amy

jacket: lovers and drifters club | top: l*space | bottom: l*space

photos: lauren miller

By Amy Zhang April 13, 2016 in Fitness 2 Comments

Athleisure Picks

Let’s be honest, getting to the gym itself is an accomplishment. Looking cute while you sweat is an added bonus.

The athleisure trend has been going strong for years and is here to stay. After all, who knows where you might go after your pilates or spin class? I’ve rounded up my favorite fitness picks of the moment to make your transition from gym to errands as flawless as possible.

Athleisure Picks

1. Mesh Hoodie – breathable layers are the best to throw on after a sweaty workout session, especially when the seasons are transitioning. Love that this one is mesh and perfect for showing off your sports bra or top underneath.

2. Essential Sports Bra – find a sports bra you love and buy it in every color. I love the fun back details on this one, but make sure you find one that provides the right support!

3. Cute Sneaks – I don’t recommend running in Nikes, especially if you’re like me and have high arches – hello IT band/knee pain! You’ll most likely need more support for your feet and it’s best to get fitted at a specialty store for running shoes. However, I do love Nikes for running errands, going to-and-from the gym, and with your favorite casual outfits.

4. Water Bottle – be green, use a reusable water bottle. This one is sleek and will keep your cold drinks cold and your hot drinks hot. Drink up!

5. Gym Bag – I’m all about the prints! This bag is large enough to carry all your gym essentials and have you going to and from in style.

6. Printed Leggings – I looked in my closet the other day and sifted through a sea of black leggings. I love all things marble and have my eye on these leggings.

Have you come across any fitness finds recently you’d like to share? Please tell, I’d love to see!

xx, Amy