Find Celebration in Everything

With the holiday season reaching its end, we have had to make big changes to how we celebrate. Family gatherings have been different, but what hasn’t changed is the delicious food we have had the pleasure of enjoying. This can make it easy to forget about your reasons for exercising. This time of year, we want to ask you to stay determined about your health and fitness. It will make it easier to slip into the new year and keep some of those reachable resolutions. You got this! 2021 can only get better.  

‍Holiday Drink Recipe
‍Not ALL holiday drinks have to contain a carton of heavy cream mixed with enough booze to down an elephant. We wanted to fill you in on a quick alternative beverage that’s sure to make the season bright.
‍*This recipe also includes a healthy alternative to whipped topping made from coconut cream.*

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Coconut Whipped Topping:

‍Ingredients:

• 1 (14 ounce) can full-fat coconut cream
• 1-3 tablespoons powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Place coconut fat in bowl.  
2. Using a hand mixer or the whisk attachment on your large kitchen mixer, whisk on medium for about 2-4 minutes until the cream becomes fluffy and forms small peaks.

Add in your sugar and extract and continue to whisk until all ingredients are incorporated.

Important: Refrigerate until ready to use.

‍Skinny Peppermint Smoothie:

‍Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
• 1 scoop vanilla protein powder
• 1 banana
• 1 cup ice
• 1/2 tsp peppermint extract

Instructions:

1. Blend all of the ingredients together until well combined and frothy.
2. Pour into a fancy glass and top with a coconut whipped cream and crushed peppermint candy.

Drink! Or share. This would be delightful at holiday parties or whenever you want to get in the spirit.

‍Music to move to
‍The best part of the holidays is the music! But let’s be honest, not all of it is made for moving. Don’t let the nostalgic songs of yesteryear stop you from rocking out during your exercises. We put together a little playlist with amped up versions of all your holiday favorites to help get the sweat flowing.

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7cxO1aOG8QfukoO33JVBaa?si=Fa8pmewKQbajNwLCyLhrTQ

‍Circuit of the Month
‍This month we focused on YOGA. We may think it’s just a way to get into all sorts of bendy poses, but it’s also is a sacred activity that helps bring together the body and mind. This time of year, it’s more important than ever to stay aligned and keep your body healthy. When stress rises or overeating can become the norm, taking a break to do some yoga can reset your system and get you feeling better.

Some benefits of yoga include:

1. Lowering stress and depression (by decreasing cortisol)
2. Relieving anxiety (by discovering a sense of peace)
3. Improving heart health (by lowering cholesterol)
4. Promoting better sleep (by increasing melatonin)
5. Improving flexibility, balance and strength

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/13-benefits-of-yoga

‍We can’t talk about all the wonderful things yoga can do without suggesting a pose to go with it! This month, it’s the Pigeon Pose (or if you’re adventurous, the Eka Pada Rajakapotasana). It’s a move that helps open the hips and hamstrings, elongate the back and even decrease pressure on its lower area.

We are sharing 4 different variations of the Pigeon. After mastering the “Pigeon on a Perch” pose, feel free to explore the others to find the pose that’s perfect for you!

‍The Pigeon Pose:

• Start on all fours in a squared table pose.
• Slide the right knee forward toward your right hand. Angle your right knee at two o'clock.
• Slide your left leg back as far as your hips will allow.
• Keep your hips square to the floor. If your hips are not square, there will be unnecessary force on your back, and you won't be able to open the hips to their fullest.
• If you're not feeling a deep stretch in your right glute, slide the right foot forward--little by little--toward your left hand. With practice, bring your foot parallel with the front edge of your mat
• Your right thigh should have an external rotation, and your left thigh should have a slight internal rotation. This keeps pressure off the knee cap.
• Depending on how you feel, you will be upright on your hands while sinking the hips forward and down. Level two will rest on their forearms, and level three will rest the chest on the floor with the arms fully extended in front of you.
• To get full release in the hips, breathe and release the belly. Stay in this position anywhere from 10 breaths to five minutes.

Featured Member
‍Every month we like to highlight those who are an inspiration and motivate us to keep going. So if the heaviest thing you’ve ever lifted is a pencil or are finishing your 5th marathon, feel free to grab some tips from this month’s featured member: Kammie of kamsaysgo.

‍This motivational mom lost 100+ pounds and turned it into a lifestyle. She doesn’t let empty gyms or exercising at home stop her from reaching her fitness goals. What started out as a weight loss routine became a new mantra for her: “A long, healthy life is the goal.”

Follow Kammie on Instagram (kamsaysgo) for workout tips and to share your inspirations as well.

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‍Use our APP
‍The Fitness Connection app is a great way to stay even closer to your workout.

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Since you’ll be bringing a friend with you to the gym, our app also has some awesome guest features:

• Redeem 5-Day Free Pass
• View Class Schedules
• Access FC @ Home
• Become A Member Now

Download the app today!

‍It’s not the end
‍Most of us can’t WAIT for 2020 to be over. The new year will bring with it the hope of something better. Even if that something doesn’t happen in the world, you always have the power to make your own happiness. Start making your own reachable goals, no matter how small, and remember you are never alone. Visit us at Fitness Connection today to get your sweat on or just say “hi.” We’re always happy to see you.