Friday, January 28, 2011

Fitness First: Countdown To Spring Break

Spring break. Those two words mean a lot! They mean beaches, boys, and bikinis. Those three things together can be a nightmare if you’re not comfortable in your skin. We are all hitting the gym more than ever right now, because we want to tone our bodies for spring break after our holiday binge-eating. Who wouldn’t want a tight tush and a flat stomach for spring break? We have pulled together some workouts from a trusted fitness magazine to help you get the ideal spring break body.


ABS

Shape magazine got in contact with Victoria’s Secret model Marisa Miller to find out how she keeps her abs flat and toned. Marisa’s Super-Model Worthy Ab Workout is an effective ab workout that is sure to bring results. 
You must do 3 sets of each move three times a week, with no more than a 30 second break in between moves. 
You will need 2 5-pound weights, a Bosu balance trainer, and a mat. (All available for your use at the UCF Gym.)



Plank Progression



This move works the core of the body, and requires the Bosu balance trainer. You must get into the plank position on the round side of the Bosu ball, and hold for 30 seconds. Then you turn to the left, balancing on your right arm, and stagger your feet with your left arm in the air. Hold for 30 seconds. Then switch to the other side. 

Standing Crutch


This move requires 15-25 reps, and 3 sets. You will need 2 5-pound free weights.
Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, holding a dumbbell in each hand in front of your chest. Pull in your abs and lean forward to the right for 15-25 reps. Repeat to the left. 




Burpee






This move works the whole body, including the abs. You will need a mat for this exercise. 
Get into plank position on the mat, but with your arms fully extended. Hop feet forward, then jump up into the air with your hands raised. Continue for 1 minute.




TUSH



Shape magazine feature The Ultimate Butt Workout. This workout is split into 2 groups. You must perform 20 reps of each move in one group in order, and repeat twice. Take a 1-minute break in between the two workout groups.
You will need a pair of 5-pound dumbbells, a 6 to 8-pound medicine ball, and a bench. 




Dead Lift


Stand with feet slightly apart, and a dumbbell in each hand. Let the weights pull your arms down. Bend over until your legs and back are at a 90 degree angle. Lift up 45 degrees, using your butt to pull your weight up. 

Leaning Lunge Combo


Hold a dumbbell in each hand, and lunge forward with your right leg, letting your left knee touch the ground. Straighten your right leg, and raise your left leg behind you. Alternate sides. 

Curtsy Lunge Lift


Place hands on the wall, and stand about 2 feet away from it. Keep feet hip-width apart and arms in front of you. Take your right foot and step it back to the left and lunge with your hips bent. Then straighten the left left as you raise your right leg. Switch sides.

Mogul



Hold the medicine ball in front of your chest. Stand with feet shoulder width apart. Squat and keep your upper body still. Raise your hips a couple inches, lower them, and repeat. 


Single-Leg Squat Push


Hug the medicine ball in front of your chest. Lift your left leg up, balancing on your right foot. Lean forward with your right leg bent, and straighten the right leg while keeping your left leg raised. Switch sides. 

Balay Batu


ACTIVEWEAR

Coming back for spring semester, I know that we all have our New Year’s Resolutions, and I bet most of yours is to go to the gym more often. So if you wanna lose a couple pounds for SB’11, why not do it in style? Here are a couple tips for you to look good at the gym as well as feel good about yourself. Hey, whatever it takes to get over to the Rec Center, right?
Even if its a baggy t-shirt or a cute sports top, the main goal when to dress for the gym is to be comfortable. You don't want to work out in something too tight or too flashy, because you will become more self-conscious rather than focusing on a good workout. Remember, spandex is a privilege, not a right. No one wants to see a muffin top at the gym. Try wearing fabrics which are loose, soft, and breathable for you to enjoy your workout. Forever 21 has a great collection of cute tanks and leggings for you to be comfortable at the gym. 


Performance Sports Top, $13.80, Forever21



Capri Athletic Pant, $15.80, Forever21



Basic Sports Bra, $10.80, Forever21


Kelsey Haddock




Monday, January 24, 2011

Weekend To Do: Gasparilla


Ready to skip out on your average frat party? Head out to Tampa for Gasparilla! 

Hosted by Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla and the city of Tampa, this annual event celebrates the legend of Jose Gaspar (Gasparilla), a pirate who sailed from southwest Florida. Gasparilla is an all day party, with a mardi-gras type feel! A 3.8 mile long parade weaves its way through Bayshore, while the krewes throw beads, coins and other random trinkets. And the fun doesn’t even stop there, if you’re not already exhausted from being with Captain Morgan, there is a firework show to top it off! if The average attendance for the event is over 400,000 people! So take advantage of this annual historical pirate extravaganza, and the best part is...its free!




Schedule:
Sat, January 29, 2011 - Gasparilla Pirate Fest
11:30-1:00 PM Invasion
2:00-5:30 PM Parade
6:30 PM Outbound Voyage

Time: 11AM - 7:30 PM on 1/22/11
10AM – Til the coppers clear ye out 1/29/11


for more information go to gasparillapiratefest.com



Katie Lopus 

Sunday, January 23, 2011

Style Setter: Spring Dresses + Boots

We are all trying to perfect the rough biker babe meets soft delicate feminine look. Not as easy as it may seem but here are some options that may help guide you to perfect this look.


 While the weather isn’t freezing anymore we aren’t quite in the shorts and flip flop stage, so here is a way that we can mix cool and flirty dresses with boots to keep our precious toes warm. If the weather gets chillier than anticipated make sure to keep a sweater with you in your car or bag to grab to avoid goose bumps. Also, pair these dresses with pattern stockings to jazz up this look for a night out on the town.

ASOS Fold and Pleat V Neck Dress $60.34
ASOS.com


Urban Outfitters BDG Canvas Boot $68



Canvas boots give a more casual look to match with a dressier dress, which you can wear during the day for work or even out at night.

This shift dress can be worn as a comfortable class outfit or to dress it up slip a skinny belt around the waist to synch it for a more pulled together look.



Bloomingdales Wilt Slub Angle Tank Dress $122

Cooperative Sweater Cuff Boot $78
Urban Outfitters



This sweater is a great investment to keep with you at all time to cover up whenever the wind blows.



Forever 21 Ruffle Trim Sweater Cardigan $19.80

Friday, January 21, 2011

Spirit Style

With UCF winning its first bowl game ever, and our basketball team doing so well, school spirit on campus is a must! We should all take pride in our school and represent UCF to the fullest extent. And who says that you can’t show your school spirit while still being in style? We have put together some unique school-spirited outfits that are sure to make you stand out in the crowd during a basketball game, tailgate, or just while you are walking to class!







This urban-inspired look is perfect for a sports game, tailgate, or just walking to class. Tuck the t-shirt into the high-waisted shorts and pair it with a double-strap belt to form an outfit that will stand out.


Shirt VS Pink $29.50


Shorts Forever21 $17.80


Tights Forever21 $7.80


Belt Urban Outfitters $29



Boots Payless Shoes $34.99

Bracelet Guess $30



We all like to look cute for tailgates, and even though we are still far away from Fall semester, we are all thinking about what we should wear. It is always fun to dress up a bit more for a tailgate. Pair a high-waisted skirt with a cute top and a chunky gold necklace to achieve a look that is as elegant as it is comfortable. Make sure to wear cute, flat shoes to be comfortable while standing on your feet all afternoon. 


Skirt Forever21 $19.80


Top Banana Republic $45


Necklace Banana Republic $79.50




Shoes Steve Madden $59.95 


Balay Batu
    

Monday, January 17, 2011

Beauty: Makeup For The Season

As we dive further into the spring semester, we find ourselves focusing on trends in clothing in order to remain in style during the season. However, no outfit is complete without the right makeup to complement it. For spring 2011 makeup, we should all remember these three words: lips, nudes, and colors.



Bold lips can make a statement, when used wisely. Pair a deep, bold red color with natural eyes to create a timeless look.





Natural makeup has also made a reemergence in spring 2011 fashion. Use light brown tones on the eyes, nude lipstick, and bronzer to achieve Leighton Meester’s flawless natural look.




A great makeup tool for flawless natural eyes is the Urban Decay Naked eyeshadow palette. At the price of $44, you get 12 gorgeous, natural colors that are perfect for everyday wear. This product can be found at your local Ulta or Sephora.







Bright eye makeup can also be the perfect complement to your spring wardrobe. A fun, colorful eyeshadow can amp up an otherwise bland outfit. This spring, pair a bright eyeshadow with dramatic lashes to create a look that can add flair to any outfit.


Balay Batu 

Style Setter: G.I. Jane Fashion Is Back!

Military fashion is back in for Spring 2011! From structured military-style jackets to comfy cargo pants, this fashion trend has made a prominent appearance in Spring 2011 runway shows. The military look offers effortless chic with comfortable pieces that are perfect for daily wear.

Gucci puts a classy twist on the military style by pairing a structured sleeveless jacket with comfortable cargo pants and a chic leather belt to feminize the look.


Banana Republic pairs a military-inspired vest with a feminine top and comfy cargoes to create a look that is as versatile as it is fashionable.


Celebrities are also sporting military-style clothing. Style icon Kim Kardashian pairs lace-up military-style high heeled boots with cargo skinnies and an earth-toned blazer to create a versatile look.


 Balay Batu

Style Setter: Start Spring Semester with the Cutest School Supplies!

We all had our fun during winter break but now the time has come to buckle down and jump right into spring classes. What better way to make school more exciting by having the cutest accessories?


Vera Bradley Three Ring Binder
$10-$16
VeraBradley.com
Marc Jacobs Laptop Case
$38-$48
NeimanMarcus.com


Etsy.com

Vera Bradley 2011 Desk Calendar
$5-$20
VeraBradley.com



File Folders
$8-$15
charmingcards.com


Small Agenda
$380
gucci.com


Katie Lopus