Lower back pain?

If you have lower back pain it may be because your hips are super tight. If you play a lot of guard in BJJ and/or sit a lot at a desk etc, then most likely your hips are super tight. Sitting for long periods of time tighten the hip flexors which can cause muscular imbalances in other parts on your pelvis and core contributing to lower back pain. Tight hip flexors also over take a lot in abdominal exercises so that you aren’t actually working your lower abs, but over working your hip flexors instead, further exacerbating the problem.

Try these stretches. Aim to do these every day. Hold it for at least 30 seconds each side.

Sophia McDermott, Lunge Stretch

Sophia McDermott, Cobra Stretch

Athleta workout gear, comfy, durable and versatile

I've been super busy behind the scenes and there is so much amazing stuff coming your way!!! heroes a snap shot a shoot I did recently decked out head to toe in Athleta gear. I. The amazing ladies who have enquired about these pants during my live workout sessions with you am wearing the Fallaron Joggers, XS. They are super comfy. :)

For the lucky ladies coming to my Sophia FIT Lifestyle Camp June 4, you'll be getting an Athleta gift card so you can put it towards some cool gear of your own!

Feel free to check out their catalogue

Ditch the crunches for flat abs! Try these exercises instead!

Pretty much all of us want a perfectly flat stomach. I don't know about you but the idea of doing endless crunches bores me to tears. But crunches work only one aspect of your abs anyhow. To get tight abs with the nice v shape and outlines on the side, you need to work you whole core including your transverse abs and your obliques. Here is one amazing exercise to get your abs in shape for the bikini weather! The exercise works your whole core including your transverse abs, which supports your spine and your rectus abdominals.

Rollouts on the PB

START

FINISH

TIPS!

• Maintain a straight line from knees to head.

• Draw your belly button towards your spine.

• Start by placing your forearms on the ball and drop your chest on your arms. Slowly extend your arms rolling the ball out, keep a straight line through your midsection and then roll the ball back in.

• Aim to do this movement 10 times.

Have a read of an article I wrote that explains how the core works in more details show some awesome exercises that target the whole core!!!

Here is a great core workout right here! Give it a try!

Shoutout to Sunday Provisions

A shoutout to one of the amazing sponsors at my SophiaFIT Weekend Retreat 2020 who will be providing the BEST nut butter on the planet at my camp. Specialising in a variety of pecan butters, they are healthy yet so decadent, rich and delicious. It’s like you are eating a dessert. I can't wait for all the ladies to try!!!

Check out Sunday Provisions - Formerly Beardy Boys for their amazing nut butters!

Workout with Me!

Las Vegas locals, who wants to stay fit and in shape?

I will be taking you through my Mat Movement Workout Outdoors, that involves a full body workout that will focus on strength, endurance and cardio fitness. The exercises will be a combination of martial arts, calisthenics and gymnastics based movement patterns, to create an awesome workout where all you need is YOU!

We will start off with a gentle warm up followed by the workout and then finish up with a cool down stretch with flowing relaxation movements with breathing and mindfulness to reduce stress.

WHEN: Tuesdays at 5.30pm - 6.30pm

WHERE: Rainbow Family Park, 7151 W Oakey Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89117

COST: Single sessions at $10
Family packs at $15 for the whole family
Pack of Three for $21

WHAT TO BRING: A yoga mat or towel

First Session is on TUESDAY MARCH 24TH!

My Top Tips to help you stick to your workouts!

It's easy to talk yourself out of working out! Even when you have the best intentions to work out, excuses are so easy to find - “I’m too tired” or "I’m busy," or "The weather is bad." Here are my top tips for staying in the game!

1. On Sunday nights plan your week of workouts! Treat them like an event so make time for them in your daily schedule! Write them down in your diary and put reminders on your phone!

2. If you workout in the morning, layout your training clothes and shoes before you go to bed so they are ready for when you jump out of bed

3. If you don’t train before work Have training clothes and shoes in your car so you can stop by the gym on the way home from work

4. Organise a active date/catch up during the week with friends or family. Other people will keep you accountable!

5. Have a collection of workouts you can do in your living room for when the weather is miserable and you don’t want to leave the comfort of your home. My SophiaFIT Home Workouts are perfect for this!

6. Set a goal! Write it down and stick it on the fridge or add it as a daily reminder on your phone. This will act as the driving force when you lack a bit of motivation!

If you are looking for the extra kick, send an email to sophia@sophiafit.com or click here. I would love to work with you and help you achieve your health & fitness goals.

Legumes

You’ve all heard of them and probably had them on your plate at one point or another. Legumes are packed with protein, vitamins, minerals and fiber with no added fat or cholesterol! They also account towards your daily vegetable serving! Legume family includes: Kidney beans, peas, soybeans, peanuts, green beans, lentils, chickpeas and alfalfa.

So why should you introduce legumes into your daily diet??

1. High in Protein

Legumes are a great source of plant-based protein. For example a cup of Chickpeas contain up to 15 grams of protein and white beans contain 19 grams!! If your goal is weight loss, eating enough protein can also encourage satiety and keep you feeling full while increasing your metabolism and the amount of calories you burn after a meal!

2. Boost Your Heart Health

Legumes have been shown to decrease cholesterol, blood pressure and inflammation.

3. Stabilizes your blood sugar

The high amount of fibre in legumes works to slow the absorption of sugar in the bloodstream and maintain blood sugar levels.

Don’t like the taste or idea of eating legumes? Well here is a delicious recipe that uses legumes in a sneaky way!!

Chickpea Protein Bars

Ingredients
1 15-ounce can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
½ cup packed, very soft dates (about 6-8)
¼ cup peanut butter (or any nut/seed butter, e.g. almond, sunflower seed, tahini)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon fine sea salt
⅔ vanilla protein powder
⅓ cup pepitas (green pumpkin seeds), toasted
⅓ cup dried cranberries

Method
1. Line a 9x5-inch loaf pan with baking paper

2. In a large food processor, process the chickpeas, dates, peanut butter, vanilla and salt until smooth, stopping and scraping the sides of processor bowl.

3. Add the protein powder, pepitas and cranberries. Pulse until very well combined and mixture looks like a dough ball (if not, add a bit more protein powder).

4. Press mixture evenly into prepared pan.

5. Refrigerate at least 4 hours or freeze 1 hour until firm. Remove from tin and cut into bars, Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks (or freeze for up to 2 months). ENJOY!!

Lifestyle Camp Review

The other week my Lifestyle Camp took place in the beautiful and quaint town, St Augustine, Florida. It was the most amazing experience where all the ladies connected just like they were sisters. The support and friendships made was just incredible. Ladies came from Europe, South Korea, Mexico, Australia and across the United States.

The camp focused on overall lifestyle and the health of body, mind and soul. The day started off with morning sunrise yoga taught by the lovely Jasmine Bienvenue.

After heading back to the house for a hearty breakfast we went to FYOA academy (http://foyabjj.com) nearby and trained BJJ. I focused on techniques and movement patterns that are better suited to women. We all had fabulous rolls and it was a great opportunity for women to train only with other women when they usually train with men.

All the meals were prepared by Lindsay Boston who did an incredible job. After she made a glorious post training lunch for us all, the afternoon was spent relaxing by the beach or doing some sightseeing followed by evening workshops that involved workouts, meditation, empowerment concepts and nutrition.

I can’t wait for my next camp to take place and to have the opportunity to meet more amazing women who I am happy to call my sisters. Stay tuned!

Veggies - How many do we need?

Vegetables provide nutrients vital for health and maintenance of your body! The list of benefits Veggies provide is ongoing but below are a few of the important ones!

• Can help you lose weight
• Are high in important nutrients including potassium, folate, vitamin A, vitamin C and the list goes on…
• Can reduce your risk of certain cancers, chronic diseases (such as diabetes) etc.
• Help to keep you immune system strong, heart & skin healthy
•Keep your gut, digestion and brain healthy

HOW MUCH?
Adults need to be eating a minimum of 5 serves of veggies! For kids 4 - 7 years they need at least 4 serves and 8 -18 years at least 5 serves of vegetables.

WHAT IS A SERVE?
A serve of vegetables or legumes (yes legumes such as lentils & beans count as veggies!!)
1 serve =
1/2 cup of cooked veggies
1/2 cup of dried beans, peas or lentils
1 cup of salad veggies

If you are struggle to include your 5 serves of veggies into your diet, My Nutrition E Book & 7 Meal Plan E Book are jam packed with veggie inspired recipes! And you can still receive 30% OFF my 7 Day Meal Plan Ebook! You can add your details here or shoot me a message for the discount code!