January 14, 2013
THE NO-DIET WAY TO LOSE WEIGHT

CELEBRITY TRAINER JOEL HARPER SHARES HIS HEALTH SECRETS
Grace Gold  01.14.2013   |   GRACE GOLD    |   LEAVE A COMMENT
    

New year, new you; but is there a way to lose the holiday weight without the pain of dieting?

Promax Fitness Ambassador JoelHarper says these simple strategies are easy to incorporate into your routine, and will help you lose the pounds without having to feel hungry or deprived.

  • DAILY EXERCISE:  “Never go a day without working out for a minimum of 15 minutes,” says Harper. Do exercises that work multiple body parts at once and burn calories quickly. If you’re in a pinch, push-ups, squats and stairs can give you an intense workout in a short amount of time.
  • EAT BREAKFAST:  “It kick starts the metabolism and will keep your energy level up,” says Harper. Stay away from sugar and high fat, and instead gravitate towards protein-rich egg whites or quinoa, that also have healthy fats to keep you feeling full. 
  • PORTION CONTROL: ”When serving yourself, make sure all your food items don’t touch each other on your plate,” advises Harper. Remember that the average serving size for meal basics like rice or chicken is the palm of your hand. 
  • MULTITASK: When you have a list of errands to get done, figure out how to exercise at the same time. “Ride your bike or run between errands, and bring a friend to make it fun,” suggests Harper. 
  • WATER: You don’t have to give up alcohol to lose weight. “If drinking alcohol, always have a 10 oz glass of water between each beverage,” instructs Harper.
  • SNACKING: Plan ahead and pack your own snacks, so you don’t get stuck somewhere and make an unhealthy choice. “I always have a piece of fruit and protein bar in my backpack – my favorite is the PROMAX LS,” shares Harper.
  • STRETCH:  Everyone has tension, but getting rid of yours can help you lose weight by lowering cortisol levels. “If you have food in your teeth you would floss it right out, do the same with tightness you feel in your body by taking the time to stretch,” says Harper.
  • SILENCE: Positivity goes a long way to keeping you optimistic and on track, since people who feel defeated are more prone to falling off weight loss plans. “Close your eyes every day and repeat this to yourself. ‘I have an abundance of energy and am bringing JOY into every person that I come into contact with,’” says Harper. And mean it!
  • NO WORRIES: If you don’t get your workout in, or if you eat something unhealthy, don’t beat yourself up – a sense of failure can negatively trickle into other categories. “Counteract it with doing something positive for yourself instead,” says Harper.

January 10, 2013
13 HEALTHY TIPS FOR 2013

SIMPLE WAYS TO LOOK AND FEEL YOUR BEST IN THE NEW YEAR
Caitlin Murphy  01.10.2013   |   CAITLIN MURPHY    |   LEAVE A COMMENT
    

We are about a week and a half into January,  so if you made a New Year’s resolution to get healthy, hopefully you are still going strong! In case you need a little motivation boost here are 13 healthy tips to incorporate into your 2013.  Getting healthy is all about making small changes, so each one of these tips is a quick easy thing you can do to live a healthier life in the new year.

1. Walk More: It turns out, sitting is really bad for us. It’s essential to get up on your feet everyday and in fact, doctors say we need to get at least 10,000 steps per day to maintain our weight and to promote physical fitness. Find sneaky ways to get more walking in, like moving around while you chat on the phone or taking an evening stroll.

2. Portion Control: We often eat much larger portions than we need to. A portion of meat should be the size of your fist, if you use butter it should be the size of the top of your thumb and half of your plate should always be filled with fruits and veggies. 

3. Find A Workout You Like: If the treadmill isn’t for you then don’t worry about it. If you find exercises you enjoy doing you’ll be more apt to keep it up, so whether it’s  dancing, a group exercise class or walking the dog, find something you like to do.

4. Pack Your Lunch: You’ll save calories and money…who doesn’t love that!

5. Sweat Every Day: Even if it is only for 10 minutes, break a sweat each day. Play with your kids, jump rope even play the Kinect…just do something to get the blood going. 

6. Eat An Apple A Day: This is one of the easiest ways to improve your eating habits…apples have tons of nutrients and belly slimming fiber plus they are so easy to eat on the go.

7. Try A New Workout: Switching up your regular routine will keep both you and your body from getting bored. Hit up yoga, Zumba a barre class or visit the new spinning studio.

8. Workout With A Friend: This tip will help you keep you workout appointments, plus spending time with friends is a great stress reliever.

9. Track Your Progress: There a so many apps and websites out there that help you keep track of weight loss or how many miles you’ve run , etc. I think tracking your progress is a great motivator because you can see how far you’ve come and you can see yourself getting closer to reaching your goals.

10. Eat Breakfast: People who eat breakfast weigh less than those who skip it. So grab a bowl of oatmeal or whole grain toast with peanut butter to get you going in the morning. 

11. Try A Food Journal: Oh, food journals are one of my favorite weight loss tools. It turn out that half a cookie I keep eating eventually adds up to two or three cookies and much to my dismay, those calories actually count. Writing down what you eat helps you get a handle on what you’re putting into your body.

 
12. Lay out your workout clothes at night: Make your life a little easier and put all your workout stuff (clothes, shoes, socks, iPod play list) together at night and you’ll have one less excuse not to hit the gym in the morning. 

13. Breathe: Stress is one of the worst things for our health…so in the new year, try to have less of it. Of course, life is bound to throw us crazy things, but if you take time to sit quietly and breathe each day, you’ll find yourself feeling calmer and more centered. 

January 3, 2013
SKIN AND BODY GYM BAG ESSENTIALS

THIS YEAR, RESOLVE TO TREAT YOUR SKIN BETTER
Tanya Sharma  01.03.2013   |   TANYA SHARMA    |   LEAVE A COMMENT
    

If you’re like millions of other women all across the world, you may have resolved to spend more time working out this year. While slogging off to do time on the treadmill isn’t likely to get you out of bed with much enthusiasm, there is one thing you can do to make the prospect of regular exercise a little more palatable: pack your gym bag! 

Truly that simple, filling your bag with the essentials your skin demands after a rigorous workout will ensure that you’re at least halfway there – or, if we’re being honest, a third of the way. With these products in your arsenal, you’ll avoid the body blemishes, sticky sweat and odor that accompany a typical workout session.

Skin and Body Gym Bag Essentials

They smell heavenly and work like a charm, so it’s no wonder everyone raves about Yes to Cucumbers Facial Towelettes ($5.99 for 30). Infused with Dea Sea mineral salts, green tea extract and cucumber extract, this is more than just an average makeup remover – it’s also a gentle exfoliant that leaves skin soft and smooth.

Skin and Body Gym Bag Essentials

Back acne – or “bacne,” as it’s affectionately known – can be difficult to treat. Stave off the development of new body blemishes and cure existing ones with the powerful Murad Clarifying Body Spray ($37). Its key ingredients include blue lotus extract, salicylic acid and retinol, which together work to clarify clogged pores and soothe irritated skin. Bonus: the 360˚ spray nozzle works from any angle to target hard-to-reach areas on the body.

Skin and Body Gym Bag Essentials

Most of us just grab a towel and stash it in our bags, but using the right kind of towel can actually make a huge difference in your skin’s condition. BareSkin ($13.99 – $55.99) is a naturally antibacterial, highly absorbent towel that wrings dry quickly, resists odor and is suitable to use in any environment, whether at the pool, on the beach or in the middle of a bustling gym.

Skin and Body Gym Bag Essentials

If your workout of choice is a morning jog or a few rounds of tennis, sunscreen is essential. (Even if you aren’t exercising outdoors, it’s a must – don’t skimp on this step!) Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Body Mist Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 70 ($10.99) is a non-comedogenic, oil-free formula that protects skin from harmful UV rays.

Skin and Body Gym Bag Essentials

Pucker up to a slick of Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment SPF 15 ($22.50). This creamy formula leaves lips pillow-soft thanks to a key blend of nourishing grape seed, jojoba, sunflower and avocado oils, and boasts an addictive citrus scent, too. The tinted varieties are perfect if you prefer a little color while you’re working out.

Skin and Body Gym Bag Essentials

A spritz of dry shampoo will instantly refresh limp, sweaty locks and leave hair fuller when you don’t have time to shower after your workout. Cult favorite Batiste ($3.99) is available in numerous formulas, including fun scented varieties and tinted versions for blondse, medium brunettes and dark browns.

December 26, 2012
HOW TO KEEP THE POUNDS OFF THIS HOLIDAY (FOR REAL!)

SPORTS CLUB/LA EXPERTS SAY IT’S EASIER THAN YOU THINK
Grace Gold  12.26.2012   |   GRACE GOLD    |   LEAVE A COMMENT
    

It’s no surprise to hear what the number one New Year’s resolution is for Americans: to lose weight. And close behind is the goal to stay fit and become healthier.

The high stress and party food-filled holidays can be an especially challenging time to maintain your discipline, but experts at the Sports Club/LA say there are five simple and easy tips that everyone can follow to maintain a wellness lifestyle, whether a gym member or not. 

1. Hydrate For A Healthy Holiday Glow

It’s the season for celebrating – and all of those glasses of champagne can cause dehydration. Water hydrates your internal organs first before reaching your skin, so insufficient water consumption will leave complexions dry, tight and prone to wrinkling. Increase your daily water intake to ten eight-ounce glasses to ensure you’re getting enough hydration to both stay healthy and enjoy glowing skin. If you need an extra boost, a hydrating facial can help plump up skin and reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles.

2. Sweat Away Holiday Stress

Have you been feeling a bit like the Grinch? Studies show that just thirty minutes of exercise (Sports Club/LA recommends cardio) improves mood and reduces stress. It’s a reliable way to escape the frantic holiday pace and gain peace of mind. If you’re in a time crunch, focus on cardio bursts, such as repeating one minute of sprinting followed by one minute of walking to maximize your workout in a shorter period of time.

3. Find A Health Club That Works For You

With the insanity of holiday scheduling, finding time to get to the gym can be difficult. In order to make sure you get there, consider the following when selecting your gym: location, amenities and variety. To make the most out of your health club membership, it’s not only important to find one that is convenient to get to, but one that offers all you need amenity and health-wise. That way, you have no excuse to not go to the gym if you forget your toiletries bag or because they don’t have a group exercise option currently running that you like most.

4. The Early Bird Gets The Workout

‘Tis the season for fun, festive gatherings. Therefore, get your workout over in the morning. Ninety percent of people who work out in the mornings do it more frequently and consistently. Plus, it kick starts your metabolism, burning more calories throughout the day. If you need help waking up, try making an appointment with one of your club’s personal trainers. A date holds you accountable to get to the gym on time, and you’ll even have your own personal coach pushing (and cheering!) you along every step of the way.

5. Opt For The Stairs

You will burn an average of 99 calories walking seven flights of stairs in ten minutes or less. Add the weight of bags, and your holiday shopping just turned into a butt-toning, calorie-burning errand. When you can’t get to the club, try turning household chores into fitness opportunities. Lunge as you walk into the kitchen, do a few crunches as you wait for water to boil. Incorporating simple exercises throughout your day can quickly add up!

December 14, 2012
YOGAWORKS: ZEN OUT AT ONE OF THEIR LA LOCATIONS

Christina Marrale
  12.14.2012   |   CHRISTINA MARRALE    |   LEAVE A COMMENT
    

ABOUT

Yogaworks has a long standing reputation in Los Angeles as one of the best places to practice, offering an array of different classes, of all levels and a variety of different price points. With over 10 locations in the Southern California region (not including Orange County) the zen chain continues to expand, as one of the sunshine states most popular yoga studios!

AMBIENCE

Studios are clean, well kept, bright and friendly. Expect a good crowd upon arrival, as the classes are quiet popular and well informed teachers.

EXPERIENCE

If your new to the studio, Yogaworks recommends it’s best to begin with Beginner or Level 1 classes so members build a strong foundation for a life long, successful practice.  This beginners level is designed to accomodate students of all fitness levels, people with existing injuries, people who have taken a few yoga classes and people who have never set foot on a yoga mat.  At the end of the Fundamentals of Yoga Class you’ll have a clear understanding of what to expect when you go to class and how to choose the right class. From there, Yoga Advisors can help you create a personal schedule and advance to the more skilled level classes if you desire. Yoga not your thing? The studios also provide Pilates, Bar classes and Dance, which are all wonderful full body workouts!

IN CROWD

All of the locations are constantly buzzing with plenty of friendly folk and even a few famous faces ( Colin Farrel & Olivia Munn to name a few).

WALLET WATCH

Class prices can range with a variety of different membership packages to choose from. The most popular? “The Regional” offering unlimited yoga at any Yogaworks studio in your area, perfect for those traveling frequently or on the move.

NEED TO KNOW

Interested in 2 weeks of unlimited yoga for $30? Try out the studio in the neighborhood of your choice all while grabbing a great deal! Visit Yogaworks website to claim offer (available to new clients only).

December 13, 2012
5 WAYS TO GET MORE FROM YOUR WORKOUTS

Caitlin Murphy
  12.13.2012   |   CAITLIN MURPHY    |   LEAVE A COMMENT
    

New Years is only three weeks away, can you believe it? Even though most of us are still knee deep in the holiday spirit (and that festive bag of red and green peanut M&Ms), it’s time to start thinking about those New Year’s resolutions.

Getting in shape is typically tops on everyone’s list, so to make your job a little easier here are 5 tips to help you get more out of your workouts

1. Add Interval Training: With interval training you burn more calories in less time… who doesn’t love that? All you do is alternate short burst of intense effort with longer recovery periods. Start with adding 5-10, 30 seconds sprints to you runs, alternate with 2 minute long recoveries. 

2. Wear a Heart Rate Monitor: It’s so easy to start out like gangbusters on the elliptical trainer only to start lollygagging, transfixed in a land of People Magazine.To keep tabs on your workout intensity, invest in a heart rate monitor, preferably one that also give you calories burned. That little device will increase you workout’s effectiveness and acts as a great motivational tool.

3. Mix It Up: Speaking of motivation, changing your workout routine up if essential to keep boredom at bay and ensure you continue to see results. I like to try a new class every weekend, my new obsession is bar class which is quite a change for the former cardio queen. Since most fitness studios offer first class free, it’s a risk free way to find a new workout you love. But mixing it up can also mean spending more time with weights than with the treadmill switching up the order of your exercises.  

4. Grab Some Coffee: A cup of coffee before you workout will give you a burst of energy to actually make it to the gym, and it will make you work a littler harder once you’re there. In fact, caffeine has been shown to increase athletic performance. But make sure it’s just a drip coffee… that half pump, hazelnut mocha with whip will defeat the purpose of going to the gym.  

5. Write A Schedule: This is my all time favorite tip. As with anything when you write something down, it makes it real. Plan your workouts a week in advance, sign up for any classes you want to take and write out exactly what you are going to do each day. You won’t waste time at the gym and you’ll find out how to fit in those 3 strength workouts and two interval sessions!

December 10, 2012
GET A HEAD START ON SHAPING UP!

Christina Marrale
  12.10.2012   |   CHRISTINA MARRALE    |   LEAVE A COMMENT
    

Are you looking to better yourself and your body in the new year? Though we’re not to 2013 just yet, the topic of getting in shape and feeling good certainly spikes come January. All of those holiday treats, drinks and relaxing by the fire can add pounds within a matter of weeks. With the new year coming fast, why not get inspired and kick off those resolutions early with some tips for achieving a healthy new you:

Join a gym: memberships have some major deals happening right now, including no sign up fee’s and free personal training sessions. Find a local gym and speak to their representatives to find out more details.  The best week to shop around for the best deal? The 1st week of January of course, one of the most popular in the fitness world!

Cleanse: Want to rid all of that junk you’ve consumed over the holidays? A cleanse is a great way to give your system a re-boot and help lean out the body! There are many types of cleanses available, so be sure to do your research and find one that best suits your needs. My favorite? Juice cleanses, specifically from Blue Print or Pressed Juicery, both of which are available to ship nation-wide.

Lastly, try a new workout routine: If you’ve already got the gym membership, why not mix it up with a spankin new class to challenge yourself? It’s a great way to make new friends and meet new people too. Pilates plus, bikram yoga or cross fit are all great options and will definately break a sweat, but if your looking for a more routine commitment, why not try Jamie Eason’s Live Fit trainer? A 3 month program custom tailored for men and women looking to tighten up, build muscle and change their lifestyle for good. Check out Bodybuilding.com for more details about the program, Jamie’s recommended diet tips, recipes and more.

November 1, 2012
HOW TO MAKE A HOME GYM

Caitlin Murphy
  11.01.2012   |   CAITLIN MURPHY    |   LEAVE A COMMENT
    

5 Pieces Fitness Equipment That Give You Gym Worthy Results At Home

It’s official…cold, wet weather is here to stay, so going for a run outside is definitely less inciting. We are also entering the start of the holiday season which means lots of candy, cookies, cocktails and a bevy of other delicious treats. This combo can be a little dangerous for our waistlines.

Well never fear, because we’ve complied a list of items that will transform your living room into a results ready gym. 

This means no excuses since having a home gym means you can workout in your pj’s, without having to brave the bad weather, all while catching up on your favorite television shows. Having a home gym is also great because you can complete your workouts in the time it takes to drive to the gym. Plus, working out at home is way less expensive than paying those monthly gym membership fees.

Here are 5 pieces of fitness equipment that will give you gym quality workouts and results at home.  You can get all five or just pick up one or two.

 

1. TRX Suspension Trainer: This strap with handles secures to a door and allows you to do thousands of different muscles toning and calorie burning exercises. A Navy Seal created it, and now professional athletes and celebs like Jennifer Lopez and Scarlett Johansson swear by the TRX to keep them in tip top shape. You can make the workouts as challenging or as modified as you want and the TRX comes with a training DVD so you can learn how to use it. 

 

2. Stability Ball: Lay on the ball for pushups, lean against it for wall squats or sit on it for shoulder presses, it really is fabulous for  tons of different exercises. The stability ball creates an unstable surface so your muscles are working harder to do simple exercises like a crunches or lunges. 

 

3. Jumprope.: Let me just say this…jumping rope burns 10 calories a minute!  It’s simple, easy, effective cardio in a hurry. Plus you can jumprope anywhere!

 

4. Bodylastics Resistance Bands: Resistance bands are a great compliment or alternative to dumbbells for strength training work. This set allows you to vary the levels of resistance so you can constantly challenge your muscles and it comes with a door attachment for even more exercises. The bands are well made so you don’t have to worry about them snapping a breaking.

 

5. Dumbbells: Dumbbells are perfect for any home gym. They are affordable, don’t take up much space and allow you to do many different exercises for each part of your body. For home, I like a set that is covered in vinyl or form so that they don’t scratch the floor.

Here’s to many happy at home workouts!

November 1, 2012
NEW PURE BARRE STUDIO OPENS IN QUEEN ANNE

Caitlin Murphy
  10.31.2012   |   CAITLIN MURPHY    |   LEAVE A COMMENT
    

You Have To Try This Celeb Favorite Workout That Melts Inches And Tones Muscles

THE HOTSPOT

Barre classes are just about the hottest workout trends! Everyone from celebs to college students, career gals to new moms can’t get enough of the low impact, high results workouts. The ballet inspired moves lengthen and tone your muscles without building any bulk, creating a long lean dancer’s body. Pure Barre already has one studio newer University Village and another one the Eastside, but the recently opened a Queen Anne location. Classes in the other locations were always popular so the new location is great news for Seattle residents. Especially as the holidays approach!

AMBIENCE

Nestled the the bottom of Queen Anne hill, and down the street from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the new Pure Barre studio is in a great location. If you work downtown  you could stop in for a class before heading home, or if you live in the city you could just hop the monorail to Seattle Center. The studio is also easy access for those that live in nearby Queen Anne or Westlake.  

The studio is located in the glass 500 Mercer Street building. Inside, the studio is large and airy  like many of the the Pure Barre spaces. Floors are carpeted with ballet bars around the outside, tall ceilings and mirrored walls. The clean and modern studios are one of the best parts of working out at a barre class. It feels more like a trip to the spa than a trip to the gym…granted a sore muscles and sweat inducing trip, but a trip none the less.

EXPERIENCE

You would never guess one inch plie’s could literally met inches off your body. (I mean that, you will sweat a ton!) Women who take Pure Barre classes have lost 10, 20, 30 even 70 pounds. Your legs will shake, your abs will quiver and yes, you might even curse. But after an hour of pulses, leg lifts and teeny tiny crunches you will have flatter abs and a higher your booty.

You’ll target your biceps and triceps with one or two pound hand weights (if you have the option, go for the one pounders, trust me), tone your lower body with sets of plies and squats that will cause you to think your legs and butt might just be on fire, and abdominal exercises that could only have been designed to create the flattest abs possible. The music is motivating which totally helps, and the class is entirely low impact so it’s easy on the joints. In fact many women love to to barre classes to stay in shape while pregnant. 

Pure Barre classes are tough, but the transformations and results speak for themselves!

WALLET WATCH

The first class is free! Yay! I love this since it gives you a chance to try the class and see if you like it. Single classes are $23 and one month of unlimited classes is $225.  Pure Barre offers many different membership options  so check out the website.

NEED TO KNOW

Pure Barre- Queen Anne

500 Mercer Street

Seattle, WA 98109

206.535.8910

purebarre.com

September 21, 2012
RISING LOTUS YOGA, A STUDIO CITY STAPLE

Christina Marrale
  09.21.2012   |   CHRISTINA MARRALE    |   LEAVE A COMMENT
    

ABOUT

Calm, serene and centered right in the middle of the San Fernando Valley, Rising Lotus is certainly rising in popularity. With friendly teachers, a beautiful studio, full range of classes and more! With several awards to boot (Best of Ventura 2011, Best Yoga Studio, Winner 2009 City Search “Best Yoga Studio in LA”, 2007 Fox Hotlist “Best Yoga Studio in LA” to name a few) ,it’s clear to see why out of several studios in the valley, this is one of the best. 

AMBIENCE

A warm and welcoming studio with a charming neighborhood feel, you’ll be right at home at Rising Lotus. 

EXPERIENCE

After hearing about the studio for several months now, I finally decided to check out a class. Upon arrival, I was greeted by a lovely staff, who showed me the ropes and what I needed to do in order to have a calm and peaceful session (aka, hide my cell in other room, remove shoes and get the proper yoga materials!). The class was a basic “Rising Lotus Flow” which is described as Lotus’s signature service. Poses are linked with the breath in these Vinyasa flow classes as dynamic and creative sequences are designed to create focus, wake the inner body and still the mind. Advanced poses may be given in these classes and modifications for the less experienced student. There may be music, chanting, Pranayama and Meditation. 

Six months of asana practice is preferred, which I did not have, but was able to keep up with in class. 

IN CROWD

The chill studio draws a crowd of local Valley fans in addition to a few young celebs! 

WALLET WATCH

One class is priced at $18, packages are offering ranging from $96- $700 and are perfectly suited for any type of lifestyle, check out a full list of descriptions on their website.

NEED TO KNOW

New to yoga? Here’s a few helpful hints straight from Rising Lotus’s website for newbies: 

  • Let your teacher know of any injuries or concerns you have at the beginning of class
  • We practice yoga in bare feet, leave your shoes in the front office
  • Please print your name legibly on our sign in sheet in time you come in.
  • Turn off all cell phones and leave your bags in the cubbies or front office to free your mind!
  • If you arrive late to class please wait until beginning meditation is over to enter.
  • Shh… savasana. It’s the most important part of the practice, yoga works on the nervous system and we need time to rest and integrate it. Don’t skip it!
  • Please refrain from wearing perfume, some students and teachers are sensitive to fragrance.
  • If you need to leave early please inform the teacher at the beginning of class and practice your own savasana before you exit.
  • And most important of all, have fun! Move at your own level, it is a non-competitive practice, If you allow yourself to build your strength and flexibility slowly it will serve you for the rest of your life!

Rising Lotus is located at:  13557 Ventura Blvd. Sherman Oaks, CA. 91423. Phone: (818) 990-0282

September 14, 2012
CYCLE FOR YOUR SOUL

Christina Marrale
  09.14.2012   |   CHRISTINA MARRALE    |   LEAVE A COMMENT
    

ABOUT

Clear your head and get your burn in at one of LA’s latest workout studio crazes, SoulCycle! Founded by Julie Rice and Elizabeth Cutler, these Manhattan mates bonded over their love of cycling and lack of connection with workout studios in their area, which ultimately led to creating their own space. After a few short months, the concept spread like wildfire, leading to studios now on the West Coast and many SoulCycle-rs.

AMBIENCE

Riders are treated to a studio of high end cycles, high energy music and some of the most talented instructors in the nation. Though cycling is proven to be quite a high energy workout, the studio is rather serene and calm, with low lighting and candlelight used during each ride.

 EXPERIENCE

The studio is truly unique, as each SoulCycle 45 minute class delivers an intense full body workout, all in a fun and energizing environment! SoulCycle uses their own, proven method which includes incorporating hand weights and core exercises while riding which scorches calories and gets your heart pumping, ensuring one major workout by the time your finished.

Beyond providing an intense cardio workout, the studio also incorporate a mental component of inspirational coaching, pushing and motivating students to meet their goals in and outside of the class.

 IN CROWD

 Kelly Ripa, Katie Holmes and even the Victoria’s Secret angels have all been spotted spinning away!

WALLET WATCH

Prices vary based on packages, for more detailed information, visit the SoulCycle website! Your first introductory class is $15, what a steal!

NEED TO KNOW

Lockers, Shoes, Towels, Water and bike seats are all provided for rent/purchase in studio. Showers and changing areas are also provided, leaving no excuse to get your workout in prior to heading into work or before a night out!

 Soul Cycle has 2 locations in Southern California:

 Brentwood: 11640 San Vicente Blvd., at Darlington Ave., Brentwood (310-559-7685)

West Hollywood: 8570 SUNSET BLVD  (at Sunset Plaza) West Hollywood, CA  90069 (310.657.7685

September 6, 2012
CROSSFIT…ONE OF HOLLYWOOD’S HOTTEST WORKOUTS

Caitlin Murphy
  09.06.2012   |   CAITLIN MURPHY    |   LEAVE A COMMENT
    

Get An Hour’s Worth of Workout Results in 20 Minutes

Who wouldn’t love a body like Jessica Biel or Cameron Diaz? Well, they owe their totally toned physiques to one of the hottest workouts on the planet right now…CrossFit. 

CrossFit training has been around a pretty long time and was once only used  for military, police and elite athlete training. Recently, however, it’s become super popular with regular women looking for a great workout,  thanks in part to its celebrity fans. The CrossFit workout use high intensity interval training and full body strength moves and lasts only – get this- 20 minutes! Now isn’t that just music to a busy person’s ears?  Plus since you are working out at such a high intensity, you are actually burning as many calories in those 20 minutes as you would slogging an hour on the elliptical machine.

Workouts are based on a WOD or “workout of the day” and usually include exercises like burpees, pull-ups, pushups, kettlebell swings and quarter mile sprints. Each exercise is performed for a certain number of reps or for time and exercises are often repeated in rounds. 

 Example CrossFit Workout: 

    – run a quarter mile
    – do 20 burpees
    – do 15 pull ups
    – walking lunges for one minute
    – Complete 3 rounds

This kind of high intensity workout gives you amazing results in no time at all. We’re talking super buff arms, flat abs, tight butt and thighs….the whole package. Just google CrossFit before and afters…the results are pretty incredible. It’s really no wonder so many celebs rely on these workouts to keep their movie star figures.  If you want to try a workout, visit a CrossFit specific gym so you make sure you getting the real deal. With 20 minutes workouts that give me Cameron Diaz arms, I’m sold!

June 29, 2012
Feel Great & Look Great With 5 Rules For Flat Abs

http://www.heavensalon.com/cm/hs-magazine/5-rules-for-flat-abs

June 25, 2012
Pilates Body

The Hottest New Work Out in LA!

Christina Marrale  Posted Monday, June 25, 2012 by ,

ABOUT

Ever wonder how bombshell Brooke Burke gets her killer body? This celeb certainly doesn’t keep it a secret, as she has been known to publicly support and rave about the hottest new workout in LA, Pilates Plus! International fitness guru Sebastien Lagree developed his own version of the traditional Pilates reformer called The ProFormer™ and created “Lagree Fitness”, a method which attacks excess bulk in the hips and thighs and tightens the body’s core muscles for abs of steel. The intense 40 or 55-minute training sessions, which combine Pilates with strength training, achieve visible muscle definition significantly faster than Pilates or any other kind of Pilates-based workout.

Nearly pushing the body to full muscle failure, this method is based on the fact that people do not need more time in their schedule to get fit, rather more intensity to develop a better result. A more intense workout burns more calories per minute, and results in a much stronger post-exercise reaction. 

AMBIENCE

This isn’t your ordinary work out studio. All locations have a wonderfully clean and modern design, with the large focus, of course, being on The Proformer. 

EXPERIENCE

The method is a fantastic combination of weight training and Pilates set to high energy music, which make for a class that is fun and upbeat. This workout utilizes the best of both worlds, strength training and pilates, leaving long lean but strong muscles. The workout certainly keeps the heart rate up through the class, with moves such as the “teaser” “catfish” and “tri-dips”… in addition to a few old school favorites, including “push up’s” and “lunges” are performed.  My favorite part about the class? Well, the fact that it is a total body workout, addressing virtually every area of the body every time you step foot through the door. Each experience is something new, working out a new area or adding in a new move to work an existing area that was a focal point in a previous class. 

After 2 months of classes 3x a week, I’ve lost 5 pounds off my frame and several inches off of trouble areas, including the bum, arms and upper thigh area. My abs are tight and toned, I am at my goal weight for the summer and have never been so happy with a workout! It’s a must for any Los Angeles woman looking to tone up and feel better about herself!

IN CROWD

Many celebrities are becoming hip to the method, Kim Kardashian, Khloe Kardashian, and of course Brooke Burke to name a few. 

WALLET WATCH

Prices range based on packages. A single class for a new member is priced at $20 in addition to a $99 unlimited monthly special as well. 

NEED TO KNOW

Heading in for your first class? Take note of these healthy tips (listed on Pilate’s Plus website) for what to bring and be prepared for! 

  • Most importantly, bring a positive attitude. The class is for you. You must be present-minded when working out to maximize the benefits of the class.
  • Bring a towel as you will most likely sweat! We also rent towels for $1.
  • Bring bottled water. Water is also sold at some locations.
  • Wear loose, comfortable clothes that allow your muscles to stretch and your skin to “breathe”.  Dressing rooms and/or restrooms are available for your convenience. You must wear socks – no bare feet! Socks with grippers are available at the studios for $15.
  • No cell phone use during classes.  Please be respectful of others.
  • No strong perfumes or scented lotions as some students are allergic.

Pilates Plus Los Angeles offers 4 unique locations in Encino, Studio City, Malibu and San Fernando Valley. For more information about the classes, packages and more, be sure to check out their website!

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