I got the best workout top when I was in Utah.

I know it might sound silly, but every time my workout got really tough the other day, I would look down at my shirt, smile, and push ahead.

Pushing outside of our comfort zones (beyond the burn and pounding heart) is the only way to get stronger.

Well, I made sure that happened! Dan kicked my butt with this kettlebell workout:

strong today kettlebell workout

There was very little rest, and at the end we were drenched… drenched in sweat.

For the squats above, we did half of the reps with the KB on one side, and the other half on the other.

Except for the final round, we did uneven squats! A heavier weight in one arm, and a lighter in the other (I had a 20lb and a 35lb). My eyes were filling with tears, so hard but so great!

I’m not the only one that is working it hard with weights.

Friendly Friday: Strong Is Sexy!

Here are some other women that are showing that it’s okay to grab a weight over 10 pounds and go into full #beast mode.

In fact, strong is sexy. Forget the saying that “strong is the new skinny”… that’s over used anyways. Strong is sexy. Strong is confident. Strong is feminine.

In true Friendly Friday tradition, if you have a blog or post that you want to share, please feel free! That’s what it’s all about!

Lindsay: Strength Is Beautiful: 

the lean green bean

I had the pleasure of meeting Lindsay at Blend and I have to say, she is strong and beautiful! This post highlights some of the amazing women she works out with and their capabilities are inspiring.

I have got to get my deadlift up! lol.

Laura: Sprint 2 The Table

sprint 2 the table

To be honest, I don’t have one particular post from Laura from the past week because I wanted to share your site in general. It has some amazing eats and workout tips.

I met Laura last weekend and found out that she is a figure competitor.

Of course I had to pick her brain and get details on her experience. I realized it was much different than mine, in fact, she felt amazing even DURING training!

Her upbeat attitude and strength pulled me in, and now, I might… MIGHT be considering doing another figure competition.

Am I crazy? Love to hear your thoughts on this one.

Neghar: Assess Accept Adapt.. A Guide To More Productive Training Sessions

eat lift happy

Neghar is a gorgeous woman and a true inspiration. This particular post isn’t new but it’s new to me so that counts!

I love that she shares how to discover where you are now and how to safely make progress with your training. One important tip she shared:

Work out as strong as you are in the moment. Things like sleep, diet, stress, etc can affect your ability in the gym. So if you’re not where you were 2 days ago, that’s okay. Listen to your body and you’ll get much more out of the workout!

There is far too much for me to write down, so check it out and read it from start to end.

5 Strong Woman & A Microphone

Okay, before I sign off I have to share this podcast from What The Fitness. While in Utah, I had the pleasure of sitting down with a few of my favorite bloggers for a quick podcast talking fitness and the best tips for getting started.

Talk about motivating!

My Guests: 
Linz (Itzlinz.com)
Lindsey (RunStretchRepeat.com)
Vanessa (FitSavvyHaute.com)
Stephanie (Wholesomebydesign.com)
Amanda (Runtothefitness.com)
If you liked what you read, please share it via Twitter or Facebook!

Are you following me on either?

@femininemuscle
Facebook page

ALSO… I need your opinion:

Thoughts on doing another figure competition?
A good idea or just keep focusing on my overall fitness? 

And GO!

*If you are loving the shirt above, you can find them here:

http://www.etsy.com/shop/LivingProofGear

(this is not an affiliate link, I just really love these tops)

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Top 10 Thursday: The Top 10 Weight Loss Questions…Finally Answered

May 23, 2013
weight loss questions

It’s Thursday, already? Not that I am complaining, I am welcoming the weekend with open arms. Before jumping into the Top 10 (which is a REALLY good one), I wanted to share this picture, taken of one of my amazing boot campers. As a participant of the What’s Beautiful Campaign with Under Armour, this picture [...]

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From 0 to 8,000: How To Deal With Altitude Changes When Exercising

May 22, 2013
how to run at elevation

Hello! After a crazy day of catch up yesterday, it seems life might be getting back on track. I was even able to go through a few of the pictures from the amazing weekend in Utah and I can’t wait to share them below. But first, the important stuff. I mentioned last week before leaving, [...]

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Miss Zippy Reveals: The 3 S’s To Be A Better Runner

May 21, 2013
misszippy interview

Shoes — Speed — Scheduling That’s what it takes to be a faster runner. Sounds too simple, right? Well, there’s a lot that goes into each of those but don’t worry, we’ve got it covered! Recently, before jet setting over to Utah, I was able to sit down with my friend Amanda Loudin. Amanda just [...]

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THIS JUST IN: I’m Moving To Park City, Utah

May 19, 2013
blend retreat utah

Hello! It seems like so long ago since the last time I was able to sit down to my computer. To be honest, I’ve missed it terribly and am very excited to get home! As Dan mentioned, I have been in Park City, Utah since Friday for the Blend retreat. I have had an absolutely [...]

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How To Launch Your Own Hyper-Successful Body Transformation Campaign

May 18, 2013
How To Start a Body Transformation Campaign

It’s Dan today. Taylor is out in Utah living the good life, hiking in the mountains, hanging with other cool-as-heck fitness and health bloggers… and then there’s me… Alone. With the cat and the dog. But don’t feel worry for me. I’m actually getting tons of stuff done this weekend in a quiet home. I [...]

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Friendly Friday: Blend Edition

May 17, 2013
blend retreat shout out

Chances are good that right now I am flying across the country. This morning I left my little condo in Charleston and boarded a plane for Salt Lake City, Utah. Considering that I can count the number of times I’ve flown on one hand, and I’ve never been out west before, to say I am [...]

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Top 10 Thursday: 10 Ways To Verbally Pump Yourself Up

top ten pump up May 16, 2013

We all have our own special ways to get ready for something. Some of us stay extremely quiet to get “in the zone”, some of us turn into Chatty Cathies on acid, and some of us practice self talk. Everyone is different. Personally, for me, it depends on the event. For races or competitions, I [...]

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Road To Weight Loss: When The Number On The Scale Brings Tears To Your Eyes

May 15, 2013
weight loss motivation and patience

About twice a year I hold a big 8-week body transformation challenge for my boot campers. During those 8-weeks the extra motivation to win and be awarded awesome prizes like new shoes, free boot camps, gift cards and even champagne, pushes the women to sweat just a bit more and eat just a bit less. [...]

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Jason C Brown Interview: Kettlebell Training Tips From The Master

May 14, 2013
Jason Brown interview

Imagine walking up towards a gorgeous European beach, toes in the sand, sun on your skin. The only thing that stands between you and your blue ocean view is one more giant sand dune. You can taste the salt in the air and you’re growing impatient to see some hot European men sunbathing. The dune [...]

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The 4 Important Kettlebell Exercises For Newbies To Master + The 300 Calorie Vegetable Challenge

kettlebell training beginners May 13, 2013

Happy Monday! It was really nice to sit by my parents’ pool and unwind for a bit yesterday. Plus, the cake I made was a hit. I have to say, I think it’s the best vegan dessert I’ve made yet! Now it’s back to the grind! Last week, I had the amazing opportunity to talk [...]

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