The Great Outdoors.

While the weather is totally awesome right now get outside as much as you can. Enjoy the fresh air and get some sunlight. I recommend outdoor workouts and walks as much for your mind as well as your body. 30 minutes of natural sunlight every day gives you your daily dose of Vitamin D. Getting outside is also a great way to break up the monotony of sitting in a office all day. Get out for a walk, do some stretches, breath. You’ll feel, refreshed with more vitality.

Get creative with workouts outdoors too. There are so many things you can do with just your body weight such as burpees, push ups, ab work. Find a park bench and do step ups, dips and lunges. Grab a jump rope, do some sprints. The options are endless. Your mind and body will thank you for it.

Master Worlds Camp Recap

Late August in Las Vegas is one of the busiest times for the BJJ world. The Master World Championships as well as the Las Vegas Open are held and here and all come to participate.

I ran a training camp at the UFC gym Las Vegas (Blue Diamond) for all those who wanted to acclimate to the Las Vegas altitude and weather, who wanted to keep sharp and stay on track in preparation for the tournament. People attended from Canada, Mexico, Australia, Europe and from the USA. What an amazing group of people and what great training.

I cant wait until next year to do this all again.

Who needs to do some washing? lol

The ladies from my Lifestyle camp earlier in the year. Like a reunion.

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.

Next Lifestyle Camp!

I am so excited to announce that the next Lifestyle Camp will be hosted in Bellingham WA! The camp will run from October 21 until 26. Think Bon Fires, amazing hikes, jacuzzis to relax in after training and not to mention the stunning views and surroundings! I couldn't think of a more beautiful location to spend 6 days doing BJJ training, Yoga & Mediation and Empowerment workshops!! Please email to sophia@sophiafit.com if you have any questions about this camp!! 

Click here to book your spot: https://sophiadrysdale.squarespace.com/buy/

Numbers are limited. 

Master Worlds Training Camp

I am excited to announce that I will be hosting another Master Worlds Training Camp. Open to guys and girls!

WHAT IS THIS CAMP ABOUT?
The focus will be on polishing techniques, timed rounds and drilling to maintain fitness and get acclimated to the dry Vegas air before you steps on the mat to earn your gold medals!!! 

WHEN, WHERE?
The camp will be held at the UFC Gym. 4360 Blue Diamond Rd, Las Vegas, NV 89139
Date:  Saturday, August 18 - Tuesday evening August 21. 

Sessions times are as follows:
Saturday & Sunday  at 12pm - 1.30pm
Monday &Tuesday at 10am - 11.30am and 6:30pm - 8pm .

HOW MUCH?
Camp in Full: $180
Day passes (2 sessions Monday or Tuesday): $60
Single sessions: $35
Limited spots available. Day passes and casual sessions available. 

WHO CAN COME?
This camp is open to all females & males of all associations, teams, belt ranks. This camp is not exclusive to those competing at the master Worlds, however, the minimum age is for those to attend is 15 years old.

WHERE DO I BOOK MY SPOT:
Please reserve your spot and/or sessions below!

Chicago Tour!

There are loads of events coming up and I am super excited to be travelling, teaching and meeting new and amazing people. The 1st stop for June onwards is a mini tour in Chicago.

I will be teaching a coed seminar in at BJJ LAB in Naperville on Saturday June 30th at 10.30am - 1pm. To book your spot email Mark at: napervillebjj@gmail.com

My next stop will be women's workshop at Serafin BJJ Academy in Evanston on Sunday July 1st at 10am-12pm. I will be showing specific techniques and movements that work better for women. There will be Q&A for all the ladies who would like to ask any specific questions. To book your spot email Jen at: jenzanotti26@gmail.com

Finally I am teaching a seminar/workshop on Monday evening July 2 at 7.30 - 9.30 pm at ROL Academy in Orland Park. This seminar is Co Ed and I plan to teach spider guard concepts.

To book your spot register at www.rolacademy.com/seminar.

I can't wait to go back to Chicago! Book your spot if I will be in or near your neighbourhood!

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!