Back to Basics

Back to Basics:

After a great first experience at 305 Fitness, I decided to take their Basics class so I could feel more comfortable in class.

The class is described: 

 "Although this class winds down the tempo a bit, you're still sweating like crazy in this 55-minute non-stop workout. Ideal for beginners or those who are looking for a more moderately paced class, this cardio class has the same wild party energy of ((305)) Arms and ((305)) Legs, but teaches more movement fundamentals, so you can get into the ((305)) groove. We highly recommend this class to try out as your first."

The class was taught by the founder of 305, Sadie Kurzban. I have to say that I was expecting the class to be easier than the first class but actually I was sweating even more than the first time! 

Sadie was a great teacher who was very honest about the difficulty of the class and that she her self learned to dance through fitness classes and had not been a dancer until later in her life.

This did make me feel better! Knowing Sadie had found her rhythm through fitness classes gave me the confidence to follow along and really get a grip on the moves. 

I highly suggest taking the Basics class if you are interested in really learning the moves. 

I may take one more Basics class to really cement the steps!  

Dance The Morning Away!

While most of you were on the treadmill this morning I was dancing like I was in a nightclub in Miami for 55 Minutes. Where was I, you ask? I was at 305 Fitness, a new boutique studio getting a lot of attention.

I decided to take a 7AM class the night before, giving me no time to back out. When my alarm went off, I immediately regretting my choice, I am not a dancer by any stretch of my imagination (maybe the occasional dance party alone in my apartment) and doesn't it seem to early to dance like this?!

The studio is a cool downtown space with two floors, a friendly front desk staff, and great bathroom amenities!

I was shown to the studio where I quickly noticed a DJ booth with an actual DJ! All classes have an instructor and a live DJ who spins different tracks, so no class is ever the same. Denise, the instructor came over to meet me and just told me to have a good time.

At 7AM on the dot the lights dimmed, the strobe lights flashed, and the music started. Denise wasted zero time getting right into the choreography. Now I have taken so many classes where it is impossible to follow a long but Denise made it easy enough to watch and dance...at least I think I got it down.

Jumping, squats, the cha cha, and booty shaking for 55 minutes straight is a GREAT workout combining cardio and strength training, they even have a weight series for your arms.

By the end of class everyone is sweating, smiling and rushing to the showers to get to the office. Not many people can say they danced with a live DJ before sitting down at their desk.

Be sure to check it out and get ready to sweat!

Best Smoothies in NYC

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day but can often be the most difficult to prepare for! New Yorkers are always on the go and sometimes it can be difficult to make a healthy breakfast at home. Luckily we have plenty of options and one of my favorite way to eat breakfast is to DRINK it.
The only tricky thing is that sometimes we have TOO many options when it comes to picking out a healthy smoothie. Here are two of my favorites:

• Juice Press's The Fountain of Youth-A blend of blueberries, raspberries, strawberries and banana sweetened with a little of agave and boosted with hemp protein and coconut oil, no ice or filler at all. This is a great breakfast that really keeps you full and because the fruit itself is so sweet, no need for the agave!

• Liquiteria's Coffee and Cacao- By far my favorite smoothie in NYC. Liquiteria originally known for their juices, has an one of the best smoothie menus in town.. My favorite is the Coffee and Cacao which is made with fair-trade coffee, raw cacao, almond butter, bananas, chocolate almond milk, chocolate whey protein & raw coconut sugar. This is a perfect sweet option with a caffeine boost!
  
  
  

Who Says You Can't Sweat in Style?

Athleisure is all the rage right now and I for one could not be happier about it!

(Not your average gym outfit)

Throw away that old college t-shirt and your gym shorts and get your athleisure on! Here are my favorite places to shop for the coolest and most fashionable workout wear:

• Carbon38
• Bandier
• Lululemon
• Net-A-Sporter

(Fun, Printed Leggings)

How to go a First Class

Here is my advice for how to approach a new exercise class:

1) Sign Up: Always sign up in advance, that way your information and class is all reserved online. If you have questions always give the studio a call to make sure you aren't forgetting anything important.

2) Dress for Success: Make sure you have the proper exercise clothes.  Black spandex that wick, a good sports bra, and a tank top is always safe and pretty standard for most classes.

3) Arrive Early: It is important to arrive early, 20 minutes should suffice. This way you can get a good feel for the layout of the studio, fill out any remaining paperwork, and I always find that when doing something new it is important not to be rushing or late on your way in.

4) Ask for Help: Let the front desk know you are new and also let the instructor you are new too. See if they have any tips that will be helpful for beginners.

5) Take it Easy: Pace yourself, this is new and you should do what you can. Eventually if it is a class you like, you will be able to go harder because you will be comfortable and stronger!

6) Have Fun: Most importantly just have fun! Group exercise may be intimidating but remember everyone was new once too!

Culture of YES

It is beyond difficult to put SoulCycle into words, it is really such an experience that I hope everyone can try. According to Wikipedia SoulCycle is

 is a New York City-based fitness company, with studios in New York, Washington D.C., Connecticut, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Maryland, Florida, Illinois and California. SoulCycle, founded in 2006, offers a full-body indoor cycling workout class, with a regular class being 45 minutes.

When SoulCycle co-founders Elizabeth Cutler, Julie Rice and Ruth Zukerman (departed, 2009) met in New York City, they were determined to find an alternative to the fitness routines that felt like work. Since 2006, when Julie and Elizabeth opened their first studio on the Upper West Side, SoulCycle has opened 30 locations nationwide, with plans to open 50-60 studios worldwide by 2015. Riders of all ages have responded to the SoulCycle cardio party (SC’s youngest rider is 12 years old, their oldest is 81) with approximately 20,000 people riding at SoulCycle every week and about 440,000 active riders. In 2007, SoulCycle launched a robust retail line which includes a collection that is offered in new store openings. SoulCycle releases a monthly new collection of clothesbased on a theme. Every month the theme is different along with the designs. The clothing ranges from pattern and colored leggings to t-shirts, sports bras, sweatshirts, sweatpants and tons of accessories. SoulCycle teams up with big brands such as Lululemon and Nike to create signature one-of-a-kind pieces. In 2012, the company unveiled its very own SoulCycle Bike, an indoor cycling bike designed specifically for the SoulCycle ride.

SoulCycle was founded on the belief that fitness can be joyful. It combines inspirational coaching, high-energy music and a workout that benefits the mind and body. SoulCycle trains instructors (176 and counting) to teach the SoulCycle method. Research indicates that on average, SoulCycle riders burn between 500 and 700 calories in a 45-minute workout. The company describes its classes as a “dance party on a bike.” SoulCycle uses custom bikes and clip-in cycling shoes for its classes. SoulCycle operates on a pay by class model and does not offer memberships. A Soul Cycle class starts with the bike set up per rider. Each bike set up includes the seat height, fore/aft seat position and handlebar height. Also available to select are 1 lb, 2 lb, 3 lb and 5 lb weights for the arm portion series. The class 45 minutes in length has about 6 different songs of around 5 minutes in length. This can include turning the resistance up if you are going up a big hill or turning the resistance down if you are going for a sprint. About the 7th song in the class starts the arm series which includes the weights selected in the beginning of the class to a long song. The class ends with two more songs. Every class taken is different. SoulCycle has quickly developed an avid following and a strong community, especially on social media. Philanthropy is also a part of SoulCycle. Since 2007, it has raised more than $3 million for local organizations through charity rides, and it recently launched a Soul Scholarships program for at-risk teens in New York. 

What I would add to the page is much more about the culture. While the workout is a big part of the brand what makes the company so successful is the company's culture and something we refer to as a culture of YES as well is our partnerships to grow our community and spread soul.

What I would add:

SoulCycle was founded on the belief that fitness can be joyful. It combines inspirational coaching, high-energy music and a workout that benefits the mind and body. SoulCycle trains instructors (176 and counting) to teach the SoulCycle method. Research indicates that on average, SoulCycle riders burn between 500 and 700 calories in a 45-minute workout. The company describes its classes as a “dance party on a bike.” SoulCycle uses custom bikes and clip-in cycling shoes for its classes. SoulCycle operates on a pay by class model and does not offer memberships. A Soul Cycle class starts with the bike set up per rider. Each bike set up includes the seat height, fore/aft seat position and handlebar height. Also available to select are 1 lb, 2 lb, 3 lb and 5 lb weights for the arm portion series. The class 45 minutes in length has about 6 different songs of around 5 minutes in length. This can include turning the resistance up if you are going up a big hill or turning the resistance down if you are going for a sprint. About the 7th song in the class starts the arm series which includes the weights selected in the beginning of the class to a long song. The class ends with two more songs. Every class taken is different. SoulCycle has quickly developed an avid following and a strong community, especially on social media. Philanthropy is also a part of SoulCycle. Since 2007, it has raised more than $3 million for local organizations through charity rides, and it recently launched a Soul Scholarships program for at-risk teens in New York.

 

Review: SLT NYC

Doing something for the first time is always a little bit uncomfortable, especially when that something is trying a new exercise class. I find myself trying new classes on a monthly basis and I still have butterflies every time I walk into a new studio. I always do my research and try to talk to someone who has been before but there is really nothing like trying it yourself!

During the month of May I decided to try SLT (Strength Lengthen and Tone) at the SoHo location. SLT is an extremely popular in the boutique fitness scene and I recently read the 'megaformer' is going to be as popular as a spin bike.  

The website describes explains "SLT is challenging and unlike any other workout out there. We plank, we lunge, we twist, we pulse…we constantly provide you with fun, unique and intense exercises that help to make you stronger and leaner. The full body workout is done with the assistance and resistance of weighted springs, thus requiring constant engagement of the core…for 50 minutes straight." 

I had heard from friends that they were sore for days after taking a class and one even said it was "pilates on crack". So I decided I had to try it.

I think it is important to always be at least 15 minutes early whenever going to a new class so I arrived at 8:10am for my 8:30am class. It was kind of hard to find the location as SLT is located on the 8th floor in building on Crosby street, and the lobby smells like falafel (there is a falafel stand next door). 

As I made my way up the very slow elevator I could hear the base bumping. The doors opened and I saw a cute blonde with a mic demonstrating as 6 other (very sweaty) women followed her. I must have looked like a deer in the headlights because it took me a minute to realize where the front desk(if you could call it that) was. I checked in and was told they had two bathrooms and to have a seat. I waited nervously for the current class to end and my class to begin. I made it a point to introduce myself to the teacher and to let her know I was new. She told me to take it slow and to do what I could but other than that it was go time! 

I will be honest it was not my favorite. 

The Pros:

-A hard work out, I definitely sweat! 

-Teacher was understanding that I couldn't do some of the moves. 

The cons:

-Lack of customer service, front desk was rude. 

-Not enough instruction on certain moves and I feel like they should explain to newbies how the machine works. 

-The teacher should curate her playlist. 

-I understand that space is limited in NYC but there was no place to put my personal items. 

It wasn't a terrible experience but I feel like if I was to go back I would try a different studio. I know that it is hard to please everyone but to me before the work out started I was already feeling like I was in the way and the front desk staff couldn't have cared less. If I am paying $40 to work out I think I could at least get a smile. 

I was definitely sore for 3 days which to me seemed like an accomplishment but I won't be adding SLT to my weekly work out regimen.

The Importance of Strength Training

"I don't want to bulk" is the most common excuse trainers hear from women when they suggest incorporating strength training to their workout routine. Many people, especially women believe that cardio is the only exercise that will help take extra weight off and keep it off and while cardio is an important component, it is just as important to add a little strength training to the mix!

Some of the benefits include:

-Perserve Muscle Mass and Boost Stamina 

As you get stronger your body will be able to handle more and won't tire as easy. 

-Controls Weight

As you gain muscle the body actually burns calories more efficiently.

-Reduce Risk of Osteoporoses

By working your bones you are building density and muscle mass.

-Decrease Risk of Injury  

With stronger muscles you are protecting your body from relying on the joints, you are also able to build balance and coordination.

Who doesn't want to be stronger and reduce injury risk while exercising? I know I do but the free weight section of the gym can be intimidating! 

For those who need the support of a professional feel the burn and learn the proper way to incorporate strength training at the  The Fhitting Room!

(Photo: Well & Good)

The Fhitting room is a High Intensity Training (HIT) boutique fitness studio delivering a comprehensive, body-changing workout in a small class environment. Using the FHIX format integrating five essential building blocks to deliver optimal results: (1) functional movements (2) strength training (3) high intensity intervals (4) total body focus and (5) highly varied exercises.  

To learn more  check them out at their website or visit them at either one of the three locations. www.fhittingroom.com

Get ready to feel the burn!

Time to find your best SELf!

Welcome!

Being healthy is and should be a priority to everyone but as the health and wellness industry continues to grow it is important to find what works for you and cancel out the noise. The "noise" I am talking about is that advice from a co-worker who's sister's husband tried that diet or that Instagram post you saw. 

I am here to report on the NYC health and wellness scene. This blog will give reviews of what is trending in the fitness scene and inside scoop on  the methods that work and don't work! 

 I promise to give honest and true feedback, as someone who works for a very popular exercise company I know what makes a workout a safe one, I know what will be scaleable, and most of all I am looking at the details and will report back so my readers will know what is right for them!