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Archive for the ‘Class reviews’ Category

Soul Cycle and a confession!

posted by in Class reviews, Fitness, Personal life, Workouts on Jun 14, 2013

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Ya’ll I have a confession to make…it’s something I’m finally ready to come out of the closet with…I’ve spent years hiding it. But here goes. I am deeply, madly in love with Kelly Ripa. I totally and completely adore her. And if I had all the time in the world I’d watch her show every single morning of every day for the rest of my life. I know, I sound crazy but it’s like we’re the same person (only she has way better arms….working on that). I know I’ve told some of you but I’m ready for the world to know. Kelly, if you’re listening, it’s me Jamie. (Ha!).

Anyway, I feel like I channelled my inner Kelly Ripa by trying out the brand spanking new SoulCycle in Marin this morning. I have attended one other SoulCycle class in New York and fell in love with it and was so thrilled to hear that they were expanding to the West Coast. WOOT WOOT! So for all you local SweatPink’ers, you’ve gotta go!

I arrived a bit early for my 7 am class so I could scope out the facilities and am so impressed! The new studio is beautiful, inviting and just totally rocked my socks off. Despite the early hour, the whole SoulCycle Marin crew was amazingly helpful and friendly. After I got my snazzy clip in bike shoes, I made my way into the studio to get locked and loaded on my bike. Only I forgot how to clip in. I know, I know, I struggle. One of the lovely ladies in yellow came over to help me get clipped in and properly adjusted on my bike. I warmed up my legs and got more and more excited for class to start…

Our instructor Jenny came in bursting with amazing energy, enthusiasm and so much ooomph (not to mention a rockin bod). She had an amazing and energy filled playlist and led us through one of the BEST workouts ever. Within the first five minutes, I was one big giant ball of sweat. Literally drenched to the bone. We did an amazing arm workout mid way through – who knew such little weights could pack such a big punch – oh, and New Yorkers, I’m sorry I’m not sorry we stole Jenny from you. She is fabulous. I am so glad we West Coasters are getting the chance to get to know her kick ass classes. :-)

Check out my SoulCycle Marin video review and awesome swag here.

#SweatPink ya’ll!

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Shred Results – Stepping Out of My Comfort Zone

posted by in Ambassadors, Class reviews, Fitness, Workouts on May 16, 2013

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I put a blog post up in the beginning of April about this, but I wanted to share it here too.

I recently ventured out of my comfort zone and completed Jillian Michael’s 30 Day Shred.

I want to start by saying that I am extremely proud of myself. I usually start something and then give up on it after a few days. This time was different. I was determined to finish what I started. It became an addiction. I usually do rest days on Saturday and Sunday to spend time with Tim and Mason, but this month I made sure that I had time for my workout. I did have 1 rest day, but it was a hectic day.

I did not follow the meal plan. I have never been good following one so I just did the workouts and watched my calories.

Measurements:

Photos:

Check out those love handles — they shrunk!

I love that my tummy went down too. I am also noticing that my backside is not as big.  I did get a little less tan over the 30 days, come on summer!

My overall thoughts:

The first couple days were ROUGH. I could barely walk down the stairs (and our house is a raised ranch). I think Tim enjoyed watching me walk funny. I was not sure I would survive Level 1. I was impressed with my improvements in the first ten days though. I had much more stamina on Day 8 than I did on Day 1 of each level.

There were points in the 25 minutes that I wanted to just give up, but Jillian had a way of saying the right thing at the right time to get me to push through and continue.

I liked that there were two ladies in the video, Anita & Natalie, that were doing different levels of difficulty. For the most part I followed Anita and if I got brave or wanted to feel pain more I followed Natalie. It makes it less intimidating, in my opinion.

I know that everyone says this, but if I can do this anyone can. Don’t feel like you have to do it perfect like Jillian; do it to the best of your ability and you will see results. There were times I wanted to die, but I kept at it and did the best I could.

I would definitely do the Shred again. I saw positive results and I actually enjoyed switching up my routine. I cannot wait to try another routine like this. I am currently contemplating the 6-week Abs program.

Happy Spring!

***Most of this was posted on my blog, but I wanted to share with you guys here as well***

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Yoga: finding zen for body, mind, and wallet

posted by in Class reviews, Fitness, Workouts on Sep 27, 2012

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Ah, yoga. Such a beautiful practice that works wonders on the mind and body, especially if your muscles and joints can’t take high-impact exercise. Yet, between all the peaceful oms and empowering shoulder stands,  I simply refuse spend $15 to $30 on just one session.

Thankfully, yoga has become so popular that you can easily practice on the cheap. Although there is something special about gathering in a room with fellow human beings and participating in this ancient practice, cyber yoga will just have to suffice (for some of the time, at least). Below you’ll find six great alternatives to pricey studio sessions.

1. Yogis Anonymous.

YA streams classes live, so you can experience the general vibe of being in a yoga class without actually being there (or paying full price — $15/month).

2. Hulu.

Just search for ‘yoga’ and plenty of instructional videos will pop up, most of which are free. If you want to take it a step further, sign up for Hulu Plus (just $7 a month) and enjoy even more videos.

3. Do Yoga with Me.

DYWM offers a variety of classes at different levels, with convenient perks, like quick videos that explain how to do each stretch appropriately. This site offers more interaction, allowing you to create a profile and get to know fellow yogis and yoginis.

4. Tara Stiles’ Youtube Channel

A great option for people with exercise ADHD (guilty). Tara’s wide variety of 5- to 10-minute clips allow you to switch up your routine often, and they’re a fun way to start and end the day — like with this morning stretch. Tara’s unpretentious approach to yoga

5. Yoga by donation (Various locations. My favorite local studio is Princeton YogaAbove.)

If you crave the one-on-one attention and overall experience of yoga class, check out studios that offer yoga on a donation basis. This way, you pay what is right for you. But no mooching! If you can pay the full price, please do. Yoga teachers depend on your generosity!

6. Complimentary yoga days at lululemon stores

Every week lululemon stores offer a free yoga class in their showrooms led by local instructors. It’s a great way to get to know your community and enjoy quality yoga for free. Find a lululemon store near you by clicking here.

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Amanda Schoonover is a writer dedicated to showing the world that ethical lifestyle decisions don’t have to be expensive. All of us can make decisions we feel good about, and absolutely should.

Her blog, a thrifty hippie, focuses on two things:

1. Cheap things

2. Good things

A thrifty hippie doesn’t sacrifice ethics for cheap stuff. She (or he) realizes that you don’t have to be a vegan-preaching, Prius-driving snob to care about the earth and the people in it. Please follow along Amanda’s journey of the marriage of frugality and ethics while sharing your thrifty hippie stories and tips!

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