Rock Your Jeans

Shop Your Shape: Find a Suit to Flatter Your Figure.

2013-05-08T20:37:00.000-07:00

Swimsuit season can be a stressful time for many women. The thought of trying swimsuits on may leave you feeling insecure and uncomfortable. Purchasing a swimsuit that doesn't flatter your shape may leave you feeling even worse about yourself. With that in mind, I thought a blog to help women find the perfect swimsuit for your shape would be appropriate. I did a little research on the topic and found some great tips on the subject.
In general, look to maintain a balance between your upper and lower body. Give larger areas plenty of support while drawing the eye to your better features. When in doubt use the tips listed below for more specific examples of what to look for.

The Athletic Shape ( Broad Shoulder, Narrow Hips, Muscular Legs)
Women with an athletic body type should focus on feminine cuts and details.
1 / Show off your toned lower half with embellishments at the hip and a tapered-back bottom.
2 / Soften your chest area with cups, padding, gathering, or a girlie print.
3 / Pass on bandeaus, boy-cut briefs, and shapeless tanks.

Curvy (Hour Glass Figure)
An hourglass figure calls for a suit that complements curves while keeping assets firmly in place.
1 / Opt for a solid or a small print that won't distort your proportions.
2 / Look for an underwire, balconette, or halter style to support your chest.
3 / Unless you have exhibitionist tendencies, stay away from anything with a shifty string top.
4 / Avoid swimsuits with boy shorts. These downplay your curves and may make you look boxy or unbalanced on the bottom.
5 / Tone things down with a small print. If you would rather mask your curviness than flaunt it, look for small polka dots or other tiny prints. These pieces have a concealing effect that may reduce volume all over.

Straight (Very Little Curves, Waist and Hips Measurements are Very Similar)
You have two options: Fake some curves or take advantage of the fact you have nothing to hide and wear a skimpy style.
1 / Enhance your boobs and butt with ruffles, gathering, or padding.
2 / Flaunt your straight silhouette in an itty-bitty string bikini.
3 / Avoid sex-appeal quashing bandeau tops and sporty bottoms.

Pear (Your Hips are Wider than Your Shoulders)
If your lower half is a little larger, camouflage your trouble spots with a strategically cut bottom.
1 / Conceal hips and thighs in full-coverage briefs, hipsters, or boy shorts.
2 / Draw the eye up with molded cups, halter straps, or cleavage detailing.
3 / Stay away from loud "look at me!" prints on your lower half.
4 / Look for tops with extra design elements above the waist. This detailing draws the eyes upward, making your bust look bigger and downplaying the weight of your bottom half.
5 / Avoid skimpy tops. While you may not have to worry about the lack of support, these tops only end up emphasizing your bottom half, making it look even fuller than it actually is.

References

http://www.womenshealthmag.com/style/womens-swimsuits

http://m.wikihow.com/Find-the-Best-Swimsuits-for-Your-Body

Push Your Heart Rate, Improve Your Health

2013-05-01T10:19:00.002-07:00

http://www.fox51.com/fox51-today/weekly-workout-tip-reagan-harris-pt1-1

Portion Distortion

2013-04-27T07:15:00.000-07:00

Here are a few simple examples to help you navigate through cultural portion distortion (oversized portion sizes).

Q/A from the Fox51 viewers. Thanks viewers!

2013-04-23T08:44:00.000-07:00

http://www.fox51.com/fox51-today/weekly-workout-tip-reagan-harris-pt2-0

Try this FREE workout I recommended on Fox51 this morning.

2013-04-08T12:23:00.001-07:00

Three exercise, six sets, reps as follows; 12, 10, 8, 8, 10, 12.

Fox51 Fitness Segment

2013-04-01T12:46:00.003-07:00

Check out this weeks fitness segment for a new exercise that will help you create lean triceps and shoulders.

http://www.fox51.com/fox51-today/weekly-workout-tip-reagan-harris-pt1

Our Most Recent Rock Your Jeans Winner, 13.5 inches in 8 Weeks!

2013-03-30T06:29:00.001-07:00

Congratulations Meghan! 13.5 inches in 8 Weeks! Learn more about her experience by watching this video!

From Hard Core to a Hard Core

2013-03-24T14:27:00.002-07:00

Summer is right around the corner and most people are beginning to think about getting into there best shape possible for swim suit season. With that in mind, I get various question about how to tighten the hips, butt, or thighs. The most commonly asked question is how to flatten and tone the tummy. So let's talk about the abdominal muscles and how to get the most out of training them.

There Purpose
Abs are high endurance muscles that are designed to provide support to the spine and rotate the hips in forward motion. Abs provide explosive power in athletic movement and are the center of most every day movements. So are they important? ABSolutely!

Because these muscles are designed to work all day, your abs require lots of repetition or high endurance exercises to experience results. For example, three or four sets of 25 crunches or a plank for 30-60 seconds, two to three times.

Is there much function to the appearance of a six pack? Unfortunately not. Outside the aesthetic appeal, a six pack has little to do with function and a lot to do with a relatively low percentage of body fat.

There Makeup
Our abdominal muscles are made up of three different layers. The top layer, most often referred to as the six pack, is the rectus abdominus. This muscle's main purpose is forward flexion of the spine. In other words, bending the body forward as in a crunch, a sit up, or bending over. The side muscle, known as transverse abdominals are rotational muscles that help rotate the spine during twisting or turning movements. The last layer are internal & external obliques often referred to as "love handles." These muscle work to bend the torso from right to left.

Why is this important? To properly recruit the abdominal muscle you must know how they work and what their purpose is. In addition, it's important to note Ab exercises will not necessarily help you lose belly fat, but will help you tone and tighten the muscles underneath.

Top 5 Most Effective Ab Exercises
In a study conducted by American Council on Exercise (ACE), they determine which Ab exercises recruit the abs most effectively. Below are the top five exercises listed from most to least effective.
1. Bicycle Crunches
2. Captain's Chair
3. Stability Ball Crunch
4. Vertical Leg Crunch
5. Torso Track

For an accurate description and pictures of each exercise click on the link above. Happy Exercising, and as usual Rock Your Jeans!

March 18, 2013 Fitness Segment

2013-03-22T14:45:00.003-07:00

Exercises for the waist, hips, and thighs.

http://www.fox51.com/fox51-today/weekly-workout-tip-reagan-harris-1

Fox 51 News Segment 3/4/13

2013-03-05T09:57:00.002-08:00

http://www.fox51.com/fox51-today/high-intensity-interval-training-reagan-harris

Gearing Up For the Next Challenge!

2013-02-22T09:26:00.003-08:00

Rock Your Jeans is gearing up for the next challenge. If you or your business is interested in helping us MAKEOVER TEXAS, let us know how you'd like to contribute. Please email information to rockyourjeans@hotmail.com.

Fox51 Fitness Segment 2/18/13

2013-02-21T06:54:00.002-08:00

This week's Fox51 fitness segments.

http://www.fox51.com/fox51-today/weekly-workout-tip-reagan-harris-0

Overcoming the Dreaded Fitness Plateau

2013-02-10T14:34:00.002-08:00

The New Year has begun and you've been working steadily on the new you. Progress is slow but your still improving until you hit the emphasis fitness plateau. All progress comes to screeching hault and you feel frustrated. So how do you over come the self defeating hold on your progress? In the fitness business there is simple acronym we use to help us determine what method in your workout program we need to change to help you move past this plateau. This simple acronym is FIT, frequency, intensity, & time. Isn't it interesting the one thing we are striving for is exactly what we need to overcome our plateau? So let's look more closely at these three principles.
First let's begin with frequency. Frequency refers to the number of times in a given week you are exercising. For example, you began your new program January 1st, you've started lifting two to three times per a week, as your fitness level improves you continued with three workouts a week. Now four weeks in and you can tell your body's ready for a change and could stand something new or different. Frequency in this example is as simple as adding an extra day or two of walking in your workout week. The surgeon general recommends that exercise should be done most days of the week, that's four or five days a week. Add an extra day or two to your workout regime and notice how much better you feel and quickly your weigh loss improves.
The I, intensity. Intensity can be a number of things; it can be lifting heavier, cycling faster, adding intervals to push your heart rate. The purpose of intensity is to challenge the body in a way that it hasn't previously been challenged. Another words, if you've been lifting it mean lifting heavier, resting less between sets, or doing higher repetition. It could also be adding an interval between each set of reps. The object is to present a challenge to the body that will force it to change and need more energy to perform the task at hand.
Finally, time. Time refers to the duration spent doing the exercise. For example, you've been riding the stationary bike three days a week for thirty minutes, you've noticed improvement in the way your body feels after you finish and would even say it's becoming easy. In this example, the simple challenge I would introduce to the body is to lengthen the amount of time spent completeling the exercise. If thirty minutes is what you've been doing it's "time" to strive for 40-45 minutes. This small incremental difference in your workout places additional demands on the body and requires it to respond by providing more energy to your body and burn more calories.
Over coming plateaus can be very simple if you follow these simple steps. So next time your at the gym and feeling frustrated by the dreaded fitness "plateau," remember in order to be FIT you have to think FIT. Good luck!

A Great Way to Get in Shape this Spring & Summer!

2013-02-03T17:23:00.002-08:00

One of my favorite ways to get in shape for the spring and over the summer is to participate in local area races. This is one of the best way to set a tangible goal to work towards, participate in a community of health consciencoius people, and support a cause that's bigger than myself. Those three things in combination keep me motivated and striving for the next race. In addition, it's always rewarding to cross the finish line and experience the sensation of accomplishing my goals. It's well worth the time and effort spent leading up to it.
In order to be prepared for each event my training starts early. This winter will conclude the strength phase of my training. This is where my workouts slow down and I focus on gaining lean mass that will help to propel me to the finish line. Over the next few months, my training picks up by adding explosive power moves, speed work, and agility. Once race season begins, I focus on long duration runs to improve my endurance and stamina. Each phase of my workout is design to challenge my body and force it to repond by making gains in speed, power, & endurance. It's a great way to liven up a fitness program and stay motivated all season long.
Beginning a training program for each of these events can be confusing & overwhelming. Please feel free to contact me at rockyourjeans@hotmail.com to discuss detailed training programs that can help you cross the finish line feeling and looking your best!

Me, My Hubby,& Micah Man
Rose City Tri 2009

Listed below are a few of the local races that you can participate in. I have also include a link to their registration so you can join me as I strive for excellence in health.

1. Athens Triathlon (Sprint Distance)- March 16, 2013
2. Azalea 10K (6.1 miles)- March 23, 2013
3. Beauty & the Beast Ride- March 23, 2013
4. Susan G. Komen (5K)- May 11, 2013
5. Tyler Rose City 1/2 Iron Man & Olympic Distance Triathlon- May 26, 2013
6. Tri Waco (Sprint & Olympric Distance)- July 17, 2013
7. Jefferson Heritage Tri (Sprint Distance)- July 21, 2013
8. Rose City Traithlon (Sprint Distance)- September 14, 2013

A few resources for finding other races: www.trifind.com or www.runtex.com.

Ask the Trainer Segment 1.28.2013

2013-02-01T05:03:00.001-08:00

Fox51 with Reagan Harris

Great Shoe Advice for Runners

2013-01-24T11:18:00.002-08:00

Ask the Trainer & Exercise Segment

2013-01-15T12:40:00.000-08:00

Join me for my new workout segment with Ben Hill on Fox51. Like www.Facebook.com/KFXKBenHill.com to ask me questions that I can answer live on the show or to follow the segment. I'm looking forward to seeing you each Monday at 8:30!
http://www.fox51.com/fox51-today/workout-tips-reagan-harris

Why You're Not Losing Weight

2013-01-12T07:51:00.002-08:00

The New Year has begun, you've made a commitment to a new fitness program and you've been watching what you eat. You feel like you're doing all the right things but still not experiencing a change on the scale. Has this ever happened to you? Have you ever wondered why you're not losing weight?
As a trainer, for 12 years, you can imagine how often I get asked this question. With New Year's resolutions in mind, I thought it might be appropriate to talk about the reason's why you might not be losing weight. Listed below are seven reason's you should consider when wondering why you're not losing weight.
1.You're eating back the calories you burn.
It's Friday night, you've hit the gym early and burned about 300-500 calories doing moderate cardio and lifting weights. Now it time to head out on the town. The first stop...your favorite mexican restaurant. A common way to celebrate the weekend in our culture. It's Friday night and time to celebrate but let's think this through. You've burned 300-500 calories and the average meal at a mexican restaurant is about 1,000 calories. In this example, the amount of calories in one meal is more than the amount of calories burned. A few too many meals like this and it can be very easy to gain weight even when you're trying to lose.
2. You rely on exercise alone to do the trick.
Its true exercise is a great way to burn calories, build lean muscle mass, and improve your health. However, weightloss cannot be accomplished by exercise alone. The most realistic way to lose weight is actually very simple and can be understood by this simple equation.
1lb of fat = 3500 calories
250 calorie deficit in your diet + a 250 calorie deficit with exercise = 500 calorie deficit per a day.
500 calorie deficit x 7 days=3500 caloires or 1lb a week.
This can be easily accomplished by limiting the number of soft drink you drink in a day and replacing snack food with fruits and veggies or a simple protein shake.
3. You're not eating as healthfully as you think.
The average american believes they eat a healthy diet although the incidences of heart disease,stroke, and diabetes continue to rise. So where is the disconnect? In a survey conducted by a Consumer Reports study, 90% of American consider their diet to be "somewhat" healthy. In reality 43% owned up to drinking at least one full calorie soft drink a day.
When asked about fruits and vegetables, 58% claimed they ate the recommend 5 servings day however, when presented with a list of vegetables, 15 of them were consistently described as "rarely," or "never" eaten. So what does this tell us? Most people think they're eating pretty healthy even when they are not.
4. You're not being consistent enough.
The average American eats more calories on the weekend (Friday, Saturday, Sunday) than they do Monday through Thursday. Given that, it's easy to overeat on the weekend. The American diet is over portioned, calorie dense and predominantly carbohydrates. So let's think this through, consistency is key. Making healthy eating your diet not just a diet. Choose lean cuts of meat, monitor your portions, limit the number of baked goods, and increase your fruits and veggies.
5. You're not measuring the right things.
Weightloss can be determine in more ways than just one. Never rely on the number on the scale alone. It is a great way to determine your progress but taking weekly measurements can also reveal the changes in your shape. Are your close fitting different? Have friends and family noticed a difference?
The scale is a great way to recognize progress but not the only way. Last year I shed an extra 10lbs I had gained from the corporate world I recently left. It took eight weeks before the number on the scale changed but I continued to feel my clothes feel and fit more comfortably.
6. You don't need to lose weight.
You're body is in a constant state of maintaining homeostasis or balance. If you're at a healthy BMI or Body Fat % it can be extremely difficult to shed a few unwanted pounds. Although it can be challenging it's not impossible. Shedding a few pounds will require extra dedication, focus, and time.
7. You have an underlying issue.
If you have evaluated all the above possibilities and you're still not losing weight, it could be a health related issue. Maybe your thyroid's not functioning well or you have a hormonal disorder. Check with your doctor and the answer might result in a simple solution.

Tips for Healthy Grocery Shopping

2013-01-01T07:59:00.000-08:00

Love this video, couldn't have said better.

Healthy Grocery Shopping Tips

The One Leg Squat, Simple & Effective

2012-12-26T07:28:00.000-08:00

The one leg squat is one of the simplest (as partains to equipment standards) but effective exercises. It's a great way to recruit all the muscles of the leg and utilize the leg in a very functional way.
Although this exercise requires no equipment it is extremely different for the average individual. When working with clients, I have found the best way to teach this exercise is by using a TRX Suspension strap, Airfit Trainer or other similiar means of suspension training. I have my clients hold on to the strap with both hands and lower their body to the ground. I coach them to sit into their hips while holding on to the straps. This allows them to sit deep into the ground and keep their chest lifted. Over time with practice and improved hip flexibility the leg will gain strength and the movement will become natural.
Attached is a clip of someone completing this exercise, he calls it the "Pistol Squat."

http://www.thepostgame.com/blog/training-day-diy/201212/best-leg-exercise-ever

Healthy Holiday Meal Ideas

2012-12-18T12:09:00.000-08:00

The hustle and bustle of Christmas is in full swing. Everyone's making a mad dash to complete there holiday shopping and get ready for holiday guest. With all the madness around gift giving, let's slow down just a moment and begin to think and plan for the upcoming holiday meal. Christmas dinners can be loaded with extra calories, oversized portions, and lots of left overs. Let's plan a few holiday meal substitutes to help you rethink Christmas dinner and start your New Year's on the right foot. Below are a list of holiday favorites fixed with a healthier spin.

1. Healthy Egg Nog- Make this holiday favorite by using skim milk instead of heavy cream and equal parts egg whites to whole eggs. Sweeten to your liking with a low calorie sweetener.

2. Cheese Log- Loaded with calories this holiday favorite ranks high on the calorie list. You can make it healthier by substituting sour cream with tangy greek yogurt. Better yet, skip the cheese log and go for a lighter dip. Dips with a tomato base like marinara or salsa tend to be lower in calories and just as fun around the holidays.

3. Gravy-Most gravy is made from pan dripping which is loaded with fat and calories. This year try making gravy using chicken or beef broth, cornstarch and seasoning. This is great way to protect your health and save on calories.

4. Dessert- Save on calories by choosing a delicious fruit fill pie such as apple or cherry. Choose a slice with little or no crust will also help by allowing you the festive holiday flavor with fewer calories.

Merry Christmas and Looking forward to seeing you this New Year!

For more Healthy Holiday Makeovers check the link attached.
http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/health/nutrition/unhealthy-holiday-foods.

Get Your Rear in Gear

2012-12-13T12:41:00.000-08:00

The New Year is right around the corner, and if you're like the most of us, getting into shape ranks pretty high on your priority list. Below are three exercise I recommend when looking to get your rear in gear.

1. Lunges - Lunges often get a bad wrap. When done correctly they're a great way to shape the muscles we use in day to day tasks like walking, riding, or reaching to pick something up. A safely executed lunge creates a ninety degree bend in the front and back knee. Always check to make sure your joints line up to prevent injury. One way to do this is to lunge side ways in front of a mirror. Watch your body as you bend into a lunge position. Make sure your front knee remains over your ankle, your shoulder over your hip, and your hip over your back knee. Press through your front heel as you rise. This will tell the butt to turn on and really help in creating that great shape your looking for.

2. Squats - Again another excellent exercise that resembles our natural body position. When squatting make sure to tighten your core by pulling your belly into toward your spine. This will help protect your back by recruiting extra muscles for additional support. Sit into your hips as if you were sitting into a chair and keep your chest lifted. Watch your self in a miror as you complete this exercise. Look for these specific postural cues and squatting can be very effective.

3. Hip Lifts- My favorite. For those of us with a little extra junk in our trunk, this exercise really isolates the glutes and works to strengthen a weak bum. To complete this exercise, lye flat on your back, push throught your heel as you raise your hips off the ground. To increase intensity, recruit hamstring (back of the leg) muscles by pointing and flexing your toes while you lift and lower your hips.

Lookin' forward to seeing you Rock Your Skinny Jeans this New Year! Happy New Year!

This Week's Celebrity Rock Your Jeans Rockstar!

2012-11-27T10:57:00.001-08:00

http://www.cbs19.tv/story/20158947/fit-city-success-staying-on-track-after-thanksgiving-meal

Tips for Managing Your Diet Around the Holidays

2012-11-15T04:53:00.002-08:00

The holiday time is here and everyone is preparing for time with family and friends; as well as making plans for what to prepare for this years Thanksgiving Dinner. This time of year can bring anxiety to those of us that are watching our weight. This weeks blog is dedicated to helping you find successful ways to manage your diet given that this holiday is centered around eating.
Here are a few things to consider while making your Thanksgiving plans;
1. Don't go into Thanksgiving Dinner Hungry.
Stay ahead of your hunger. Make sure to have a healthy breakfast and a high energy protein snack prior to the meal. This will keep you from being ravenous at meal time and help you make healthy food choices during the meal.
2. Practice Portion Control.
Everyone is allowed a cheat meal once a week, allow this one to be yours, just don't over do it. Practice portion control by eating on a smaller plate or intentionally leaving space on your plate.
3. Don't Over Do Desserts.
I reccommend bringing a healthy dessert option that will allow you to enjoy this time without feeling guilty. If this isn't an option, make a dessert selection that has some nutritional value and fewer calories. Sweet potatoe pie can be made lower calorie without heavy cream and can still provide that sweet, seasonal flavor we all love to enjoy.
4. Start the Day After Thanksgiving (Black Friday) Healthy.
The faster you get back on track the better you feel about your ability to manage your diet and the less guilt you feel about your "cheat" meal on Thanksgiving. Begin the day with a healthly breakfast and exercise. It's true you can't out exercise a bad diet; however, research indicates exercise is a catalyst for adopting health behaviors. So start the day off on the right foot and get up moving!

Hope this helps you manage your meal time and enjoy your holidays this seasons! Happy Thanksgiving and as always Rock Your Jeans!!

This Morning on KLTV News

2012-11-05T09:58:00.002-08:00

Women Lose 103 Inches in Rock Your Jeans Challenge

The next challenge begins January 28th and is registering now!! Click the registration link on the right side of the page.