As a busy mom it is often difficult to catch a moment to get a workout in, even when I have help. This leaves us with the constant need to develop a workout that we can do at home while the kids are sleeping, at school or occupied. That is great, where possible, but why not incorporate the little ones into your fitness regime so that you can show them the importance of physical exercise, tire them out and bond?
If you check out my Instagram page you will see that I have brought my kids with me to the gym and my eldest son loves to do exercises on my balcony at home while his mommy and daddy trains. Fitness is a huge part of my life (and my job), so it’s natural that my kids are a part of it. Hopefully, I can instil the love of movement into them as it is beneficial to their health.
These are my top three exercises and activities I love to do with my boys. Try it if you are looking to make fitness a family activity.
Catch Me If You Can, Mum!
For this ‘game’, I head down to an open field and run after my boys while I carry the other one. This is great cardio due to the running, but also is strength training at the same time because of the weight of my other son. It’s like wearing a weighted vest, only this one is for free.
If your children are already teenagers then going for a run around your area or on the promenade together could be great to get the endorphins flowing! Perhaps play tag. Or do partner carries.
Lift me baby
The next thing I love to do is weight training with my boys. All you need to do is keep your child as a weight as you do the movements. If you have more than one toddler is it also great as they vary in weight. Lifting can also translate into walking, hiking and running pushing your kids in a jogger pram was one of my favorite new mom things to do. Hiking you could just strap your baby in a carrier and go!
These can include: Squats and lunges
Squat and press Planks and push ups with your child on your back Also take a look at my Bodyweight Series here.
These guides are priced at an affordable R110 and are designed for those looking to train using body weight, but you can also complete some of the exercises with your child as a weight. It will give you a great selection of exercises to do for any body part you want to train. They are also great guides for moms with teenage children who want to include their teens in outdoor training sessions! I created these for vacation, travelling and to get your workout in out on the grass or barefoot in the sand.
Family refresh
Kids can get restless when they are all cooped up at home. I have always loved hikes, stairs and beach training and have always recommended it when I trained Glow Girls at my Women’s Gym.
I still love to do my training on the slopes of a mountain, because you come back refreshed and the terrain helps to build the glutes. Make it a family thing by taking the kids with you on jogs, hikes or walks on the promenade.
Once the training is done, fill up their tummies
When we’re back home, I love to prepare some healthy snacks, smoothies or juices. If your kids are old enough, they can even assist you in the kitchen. Alternatively, you could try a combination of all the above exercises (start with a warm up of running after the kids, then a few sets of strength moves, followed by a leisurely walk), then pack some snacks for a picnic.
There are great healthy snacks in my e-books that you can try. You can prepare any of them. My favourites for healthy snack options for the whole family includes; Hulk Juice, Muscle Pancakes, Glow balls, pizza, The Hero Juice, brownies, hummus and veggie sticks, popcorn, healthy sarmies and boiled eggs.
These recipes mentioned above are available in my Winter Glow Cleanse, Glow Cleanse, Mamma Glow and the teen nutrional guides. The e-books range from R450 upwards and are available for purchasehere. I also have a wonderful FREE RECIPE selection under FIT FOOD here.
I hope you try these recipes and outdoor activities with your kids. Healthy living and exercise should be part of your daily life as a family. Try to find exciting ways of sneaking in workouts with your kids. A soccer, basketball or cricket game, wrestling match, Saturday morning hike, taking the kids to a community Zumba class or walking the whole mall flat with your daughter to find that perfect dress, can all be great ways to stay fit. If you nurture the ideologies of healthy living and the benefits of exercise and good nutrition, they will grow up to be mindful of this in the future.
There’s no doubt that the RushTush collagen is fast becoming a best seller as more Glow Girls are waking up to the amazing benefits of this powerful powder. It is a secret Hollywood celebrities and beauty insiders have used and tried to keep hush-hush for years. I am so proud to be able to make it accessible to all women without any worry about any unclean or nasty harmful additions like sugars and bulking agents!
I have two different types of carefully created and tested collagens in the RushTush pharmaceutical range. They are Premium Hydrolyzed Collagen (bovine) and Marine Collagen. I use both of them and although they both work amazingly well, you might be wondering which one to choose, so I’m here to explain the differences and help you to reach a decision.
Whether you go “land” or “sea”, rest assured you won’t regret adding this to your daily regimen. The question is which kinda Collagen Glow Girl are you?
Bovine – the collagen for the Active Glow Girl
This powerful powder is perfect for gym babes who want a natural boost. Bovine collagen is naturally sourced from cows and is the most common source of collagen in most supplements on the market today. It is a type 1 and type 3 collagen and thus has both beauty and internal health benefits.
Bovine assists with muscle recovery and allows you to build bigger and stronger muscles as it stimulates growth hormones. Some studies even indicate that when two groups (one is given collagen and the other not) worked out together on the same exercise plan, those using collagen picked up more muscle. Ladies, please remember that you are not genetically predisposed to gaining massive muscle. So, don’t let the idea of muscle scare you off. You might have seen female bodybuilders rocking muscles, but remember that they usually train using very heavy weights and use anabolics and steroids to attain the aesthetic they desire. To increase muscle to that extent cannot happen naturally and with bovine collagen, you are using a powerful powder developed by nature and through correct training, you will achieve the sexy muscle you are looking for, which is what many women actually call “ muscle tone”. Studies also suggest that arginine taken during training increases strength and body mass, and lowers collagen breakdown.
Adding this supplement to your program also burns more body fat and allows you to feel full, thus reducing your appetite. So, if you are on any of the RushTush Glow Guides or use my RushTushFit app or exercise guides, then adding a collagen supplement will help with your weight loss and muscle building efforts. In addition to this, bovine is a type 1 collagen as well, and thus also has a host of beauty benefits which includes; faster-growing nails and hair, glowing more even skin, fewer wrinkles, and less cellulite. It also is essential as it repairs bones, tendons, and ligaments, regenerates healthy connective tissue. This makes it great for elderly women, active runners, and anyone who has suffered an injury on the gym floor or otherwise. Collagen provides the body with all the amino acids it requires, so be sure to supplement with it daily for best results.
Marine – the collagen for the Beauty-Focused Glow Getter
Okay. Think of mermaid-long shiny hair and soft youthful glowing skin. If that is something you desire, then the solution lies under the sea, in the form of marine collagen. The magic powder has endless beauty-enhancing benefits, some of which includes: It helps to grow hair, nails and softens the skin
Reduces wrinkles Reduces cellulite Reduces signs of aging Builds bone strength Improves skin, hair and nails
This is the perfect option for you to add to any beauty purchases on the RushTush app and will maximize the effects of any beauty products. All beauties should add collagen to their skincare routine for its anti-aging benefits and achieve glowing skin.
Marine collagen is made from fish and is a type 1 collagen and that is why it mostly has beauty-related benefits. So, it is a great option for the Glow Girls who do not lead an active lifestyle. That said if you ever want to embark on a training program, but don’t know where to start then I have an app as well as exercise guides for newbies that will be just perfect for you. Workouts are mostly around 30 minutes, so you will be done in a flash!
Marine Collagen – for the Glow Girl seeking health and vitality
Being a type 1 collagen mostly, marine collagen also has a host of health benefits. These include:
It stabilises blood sugar Boosts metabolism Improves wound healing and reduces scars Reduces inflammation and helps with joint pain Increase brain health Gives the thyroid a boost
It also has antibacterial effects in the body and is a superior protein source for weight management as it can help to suppress appetite by keeping you feeling full longer and thus can help promote weight loss
Marine – the collagen for the Pescatarian or Veggie Glow Girl
The last consideration when it comes to choosing collagen types is your dietary preferences. If you are following the Veggie Glow then this collagen is a perfect addition to your eating plan if you are a FISH-EATING vegetarian or pescatarian. It is also safe for breastfeeding moms and pregnant women. To shop the Veggie Glow and my other Glow Guides, or to find out more about them visit: https://rushtush.com/product/veggie-glow/ or https://rushtush.com/e-books/
Marine – the perfect collagen choice for an Earth-Conscious Glow Girl
Marine collagen is sourced from fish scales and fish skin, which means that no part of the fish goes to waste. Consuming marine collagen reduces your carbon footprint and is sourced in a biodegradable manner.
The Marine Collagen retails at R450 for a 200g bag, while the bovine collagen, named Premium Hydrolyzed Collagen, goes for R330 for a 200g bag and R645 for a 450g bag. It is hydrolyzed for quick absorption to assist with those booty gains faster! The body does make collagen naturally and you can find it in certain foods, but hydrolyzed collagen is said to have a 90% absorption rate whereas collagen gained from food only has an absorption rate of 27%.
How to use both power powders:
Take two heaped teaspoons in the morning and evening. It can be added to water, glow shakes, Hulk Juice, or any other juices from the Glow Guides. It can also be a frothy creamy addition to your morning coffee, I like to add 1 teaspoon to my coffee. Yummy!
Remember to use your collagen every day over a period of three months to achieve the best results. That said, women who use my collagen report great results in less than 10 days! In fact, they’ve even suggested that I add a pair of nail clippers into each package…for their now, faster-growing fingernails of course!
I hope you decide to start your RushTush collagen journey today! Remember, the body loses collagen as you age, and since it is found in nearly every part of the body, supplementing becomes essential for us all! Both marine and bovine collagens will help you feel better and maintain your natural beauty. Which one you choose just depends on your preference, health concerns, dietary restrictions, and what you want to use if for. So ladies, which type of Collagen Glow Girl are you?
Let me know on Instagram @rushtush and @rushtushlife. I’d love to see your fabulous results! For more information on the benefits of collagen, how collagen assists with hair growth, minimize postpartum hair loss, and how it combats cellulite, please continue to browse my website. It is full of content to equip you with the knowledge I wish someone had told me YEARS ago! Enjoy!
It is important that all women know that cellulite is perfectly normal to have. I don’t know where or when it was sold to us that it was “bad” to have cellulite, but somehow along the way the beauty and health industry has profited off the backs of normal women anatomy by selling us unrealistic ideas of women’s bodies. I know it will take a lifetime of unlearning what is considered “beautiful” and “acceptable” in society, but the thinking will never shift if leaders in media and marketing continue to deliver the same outdated messages. One thing to consider, apart from how we as women feel about cellulite, is the males reaction to it. Not that I ever cared about what a man thinks, but many men react a certain way to things according to the way they think women want them too. Lol. Can we blame them? They’re just listening to us complain and they don’t know any better. I’ve written this piece so that women can understand a bit more on what cellulite is, how to live with it and also how to improve the smoothness of their skin. I hope to remove the thought that cellulite is “ugly”. My job is to empower you with knowledge about the phenomena and how to address it, if that’s what you want.
For those who want to know, yes it is possible to improve the appearance of cellulite.
Cellulite…what is this phenomena that we were taught to hate? Cellulite is sometimes called the orange peel or cottage cheese syndrome. It’s also referred to as the mattress phenomenon and that’s because the layer under the skin looks similar to a mattress. In your mind, picture a mattress that is filled with balls and covered with a sheet of material. Between the balls there are short bands that hold everything tightly together. The thin sheet of material is the skin and the balls are fat cells filled with toxins. Every time you pick up weight the balls get larger causing the dimpled appearance of the skin as it pushes up against the surface while the bands still try to hold everything down. The thinner your skin, the more visible the cellulite or dimpling can be. It’s basically the texture of the skin and the quality of the layered skin.
Who can get cellulite? Women, and even men, can get it and it usually affects the abdomen, legs, buttocks and pelvic region and occurs mostly after puberty. Cellulite is less visible in men, only because their skin is thicker than female skin. Female skin also tends to lose elasticity as we are said to age faster than males.
What is the cause? There are many causes of cellulite, but eating too much fatty, processed food, simple carbohydrates as well as salt and sugar are the main factors. Other cellulite-causing culprits include genetics, hormones, lack of exercise, little to no muscle tone, toxins within the body and whether you have a high fat percentage as this leads to more fat cells that are also larger in size. Have you ever seen an olympic sprinter with cellulite? But, you will see many longer distance regular runners with cellulite. You also need to choose your panties wisely as tight elastics around the butt is said to cause cellulite as it may constrict the blood flow in the area.
Can I do anything to get rid of it? Unfortunately, there is no “cure” for cellulite. You can however manage cellulite with lifestyle changes. Personally, I go through phases with my cellulite. If i’m adding weight, there will be cellulite. However, I have zero cellulite when I’m eating clean, supplementing with collagen, powering through leg routines, lifting weights, doing inclines, sprinting, hiking, running and doing stairs. But, if you squish your skin together, sit funny or get a different angle of course you’re going to see cellulite- it’s totally normal!
Here’s the plan I use to minimise the appearance of cellulite!
Get Moving:
Training regularly will increase circulation and that will lead to firmer skin. It also stimulates collagen and the amount of human growth hormone released by your body- both of which have thickening effects on the skin thus reducing the appearance of cellulite. Exercise increases blood flow to the skin, providing it with more oxygen and nutrients. This also provides a detoxing effect so any toxins in your cells will be released. Furthermore, your training will also help you reach and maintain a healthy weight, which makes the fat cells become smaller, and that will make the skin’s surface appear smoother. Now, don’t rush off to perform hours on the stationary bike, as cardio alone is not the answer to the end of cellulite! You need to do some sort of resistance training as well. Weight-bearing exercises provide the muscles under the skin with oxygen, allowing it to remove toxins from the body efficiently- and to remove cellulite, we must target the toxins that are stuck in the fat cells as well as to increase overall muscle mass.
I would recommend three weight training sessions per week of about 45 minutes. You’ll want to include exercises such as squats, deadlifts, step-ups, leg raises and my favourite exercise- the kettlebell swing! Running will also help you, but incline walking is the key to minimising your cellulite as it tones your muscles and creates circulation in the lower body while also increasing the quality of muscles, allowing them to push the cellulite-causing toxins out of the body. Try skipping, training using the stairs, and incline sprints also work well.
If you need further help with your training plan, you can always turn to my 8-week Newbie Body Guideand my 6-week Tush Sculpt, which focuses on the lower body if that is your concern and you don’t have an Apple device. If you do, download my fitness app, RushTushFit.
You also need to focus on what you put in your body:
Real fat loss is slow and steady, so resist any urges to try fad diets in a desperate attempt to drop the kilograms. Yo-yo dieting confuses cells and leads to them becoming irregular in shape, which makes the cellulite appear more pronounced. You see, yo-yo dieting may lead to weight loss, but then you gain it again and decide to try another crash diet, and so your fat cells are filled, emptied and then filled again. Remember it’s not just fat accumulation that causes the cottage cheese effect, but also the structure of the fat. So ladies, you simply have to maintain a healthy eating regimen because consuming simple carbs, sugars and fatty fast food doesn’t help you achieve smoother skin. Cutting down on sugar will have a massive effect on lessening cellulite! Also, drink lots of water to flush out the toxins from the body and change the texture of your skin. Water retention is known as one of the biggest contributors to cellulite. We are always told that we should up our water intake in cases of water retention and you might think that that is counterproductive, but consuming water will allow the body to eliminate the amount of water that is stored under the skin. Try fresh lemon in hot water every day upon rising. You can also have my Bad Bitch Juicewhich contains grapefruit and lemon- ingredients are known to minimise cellulite.
You can also try the famous Hulk Juice from my Glow Cleanse. It is loaded with lemon and greens as it helps emulsify the stubborn fat deposits so that they can be flushed out more easily.
Add the following food to your plate, as they may help minimise cellulite.
Berries as it helps flush out toxins. Papaya as it prevents irregularity under the skin’s surface. Grapefruit- eat one a day. Ginger Oily fish Avo Banana Green leafy vegetables- actually eat plenty of any veggies for that matter! Diuretic fruits such as pineapple, celery, cucumber, onions and asparagus.
Start supplementing with collagen…today already.
Collagen is the “cellulite smoother” that you just have to add into your diet! I talk about the amazing benefits of collagen all the time because I want women everywhere to experience the magical results of this powerful powder. Yes, your body does have collagen, but as you age you start to lose your natural supply. The hormonal change also results in collagen loss and skin becoming thin. But, as your collagen level increases through supplementation your skin walls will begin to get stronger again and will hold onto more moisture. The skin will also become firmer, thicker, more hydrated, more elastic and smoother than a baby’s bottom. This makes cellulite less noticeable. Many studies have shown that supplementing with hydrolyzed collagen peptides every day for 10 weeks can smooth uneven skin, increase skin density, and reduce fine lines and wrinkles. Hello, cellulite-free body!
Women have reported seeing results on my collagen in less than two weeks! Isn’t that amazing? Replenish your skin’s collagen by simply adding RushTush Hydrolyzed Collagen to your smoothies, water or Hulk Juice. It’s a best seller because more women are catching on to its wonderful benefits. It is an essential nutritional supplement used for smoother skin. Shop my hydrolyzed collagen via the RushTushLife app. A 200g bag retails for R315 and the 450g costs R630. Take 15g per day and while you’re at it, add protein-rich food which contains collagen such as; bone broth, beef, eggs, chicken and beans as well as foods high in zinc, copper and vitamin C (from citrus fruits, peppers, tomato, broccoli and greens) to your meals.
Lastly, rigorously massaging the area and applying topical creams do have some effect as it stimulates blood flow. Dry brushing is also great as it improves blood circulation and lymphatic drainage and helps break down toxins. Here’s the problem though, the effects are temporary! Even the latest technology, such as radiofrequency, body-firming treatments and laser lipo can only help to a certain extent as the skin has a turnover period and is constantly being renewed. So, if you are going to go this route, just know that it won’t be permanent and you’ll soon realise that exercise, increasing collagen and making healthier food choices is the only way to really combat cellulite. That is why I can only advise that treatments be done as an addition to a healthy lifestyle, not as the only way to rid the body of cellulite.
I know all of this sounds like hard work, but what amazing success story didn’t require effort? I hope you use these tips and share your RushTush Hydrolyzed Collagen purchases and cellulite-control journey with me on social media. Tag me on Instagram @rushtush and @rushtushlife. Remember to do this for yourself and only if cellulite is causing you distress because trust me, nobody actually cares. For me, there’s nothing better than a babe rocking her favourite outfit with confidence! I look forward to seeing your skin-firming results!
The postpartum hair loss struggle is literally the last thing you need to deal with. It can create unnecessary panic and stress when you find your hair thinning or falling out in clumps big enough to block the shower. Women often ask me how to doctor their way back to hair health. The first thing to remember is that losing hair after pregnancy is very common. While some report losing a few strands, others say they are losing balls at a time. For most women, it usually happens around 3 months after their baby is born and can continue for up to a year and then returns to normal. That said, everyone is different, and many women feel like their hair growth remains slower than before falling pregnant or that their hair is still thin, dull and lifeless even though their kids are toddlers or older.
Why is your hair falling out?
To get down to the root of the problem, the reason your hair is thinning is because your body is trying to get back to normal. During pregnancy you may have noticed that your hair was on luscious, glossy and bountiful – and you can thank estrogen and progesterone for your show stopping mane. Your hair was stuck in the growth phase during pregnancy. A normal hair cycle has a growth phase, then a transitional phase, followed by a resting phase, where hair will be released and fall out. After labour, hormone levels drop drastically, and hair rapidly sheds because it’s making up for the lost time in the other phases.
What can you do about it?
I experienced hair loss after my pregnancy with Haydar. I wasn’t focussed on taking collagen and didn’t fully understand the importance of supplementing with it during this crucial stage. I also didn’t develop my RushTush Premium Hydrolyzed Collagen yet, and back then I was looking for a suitable brand I could trust. When the opportunity came to develop my own collagen, I jumped at the opportunity to educate women and help them (and myself) through postpartum hair loss. Women often ask me how I’ve grown my hair after two pregnancies and I believe that supplementing with collagen is playing a big role in my hair growth.
How does RushTush Collagen benefit your hair?
Collagen is an amino acid powerhouse. Amino acids are to hair, what spinach is to Popeye and what almond butter is to a banana RushTush protein shake. Hair uses collagen to create keratin protein which promotes hair growth, elasticity and strength. It is also essential to regenerate and grow hair as it is a natural antioxidant. And the best news is that it is super easy to fit into your busy mom schedule. Simply add it to water or your Glow Cleanse smoothies. I’d take a total of 15g per day. Either all at night before bedtime, or 1 teaspoon in my morning coffee before my workout, another teaspoon in my tea etc. You can even add to your meals!
Don’t neglect your diet
Hair health begins beneath the skin and nutrition is the most important aspect.
Make sure you are getting in enough vitamins and minerals to support your hair goals. In my Momma Glow Guide, I have taken the guesswork out of your meal plans and carefully created a diet that ensures you (and your baby, if you are breastfeeding) get exactly what’s needed to be healthy and live your strongest, happiest lives. Excessive dieting and neglecting nutrition will also cause rapid hair loss. Also remember the quality of the food your eat is directly linked to your hair, skin and nails and not only your waistline.
How long do I have to use it to get results?
Everyone is different, but many people see huge differences in six weeks and some notice changes from as little as two weeks. Remember that Rapunzel locks were not grown in a day. Be consistent and use your collagen twice a day for best results. The Momma Glow Guide for Breastfeeding Moms and RushTush Collagen is a hair doctor duo that you can use to revitalise your locks after pregnancy. You can also use it to reap other benefits, which includes better bone health and smoother firmer skin- goodbye post-baby cellulite! You may also want to use it when you’re kid reaches teenage years, and physical stressors become more demanding, as collagen is also said to delay the greying of hair!
Click here to download my app and purchase my collagen: https://rushtush.com/rushtush-life-app/ The 450g bag retails for R630. The 200g bag retails for R315. Deliveries are nationwide. RushTush Hydrolyzed Collagen is halaal and we will gladly email you our suppliers halaal certficate upon request. It is 100% pure protein derived from bovine. one sevring per day of 15g will give you 17g of protein. It has additives and it sugar free.
I also believe that the stress of returning to work after my first pregnancy was a major factor of my hair loss. As women, if we think we’re dropping the ball- especially as a mom- we tend to feel guilty stepping away for a few hours to go to work. We put so much pressure on ourselves to be a career woman and supermom at the same time, while also working hard to regain strength by trying to pick up on the physical momentum we left off before the last stages of our pregnancy. Let me remind you that you’ve created, grown and birthed an entire human! Whether it was via c section or vaginally, both life events taking everything from you. Give yourself a break momma, you’re amazing! I got you!
If you want to start your fitness journey and you don’t know where to start you can get two weeks free upon sign up to my fitness app, RushTushFit iOS https://apps.apple.com/za/app/rushtush-fitness/id1484784716?ign-mpt=uo%3D2 I would recommend Beginners Program to allow yourself to ease into it. Be kind.
Lots of love,
RushTush
GLOW-UP CHALLENGE STARTS 13 MARCH.
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