CLASSPASS Month in Review: July

Classpass-month-in-review-JULY

It’s time for another recap of my workout adventures in New York City.  Last month was the first time I opted into the new ClassPass (<–Save $20 if you join using the link.) membership structure in New York City instead of the unlimited plan. Since I tend to run outside and travel more during the Summer months, I thought that ten classes would be more than enough. As it turns out, the CORE Plan was perfect! The Core Plan is $125 per month and allows ClassPass members to take 10 classes per cycle and visit any studio up to 3 times. I am going to stick with the CORE plan for next month and then will reassess in September. If you’re a ClassPass member, did you change plans or are you still on Unlimited? How do you like the new plan? 

If you’re on CLASSPASS  feel free to follow my fitness schedule here. I love meeting readers so if you see me in a class, please say hello! If you want to check out my previous monthly recaps, click herehere,  herehere, and here.  Also, my friends are taking me up on this offer already, but if you guys have ANY questions about ClassPass, even if you’re not in NYC, feel free to email me! I’m happy to help and can also reach out to the team if you have specific questions. 

June 20 – July 20 

  • Number of classes taken: 9
  • Number of studios visited: 6
  • Average cost per workout based on NYC rate of $125 per month for 10 classes: $13.88

Row House Full Body 45 at Row House Chelsea 

Rowing is a wonderful, low-impact workout which can supplement any workout plan. While I’ve taken classes at CityRow, Row House is the first rowing workout in NYC that truly reminded me of the rowing practices Bo and I sweat through in high school. The Full Body 45 class is a 45-minute class which includes a 5 minutes of rowing drills to warm-up, 15 minutes of rowing intervals and sprints, 5-10 minutes of strength work, another 15 minutes of rowing intervals and sprints, followed by a short cooldown. The class is perfect for people of all abilities as each person controls the speed or intensity at which they row. Scott is our favorite instructor, constantly motivating students while correcting form and ensuring that everyone is pushing themselves. For those who need to sweat and then dash to work, the Row House Chelsea location includes a small, but nice locker room featuring two showers, blow dryers and toiletries where you can get ready for work or date night.

Fly 45 at Flywheel 

Historically, I’ve had a love hate relationship with Flywheel. I love that the studio provides water, spin shoes, towels and healthy snacks with the cost of every class. But, I have had one too many sub-par teachers who don’t inspire or push me during class. Bo and I really like two teachers, Josh Arden and Johnny De Triquet, who merge challenging classes with awesome, upbeat playlists. Now that we’ve discovered these teachers, we try to take their class at least once to twice per month, if not more since they teach bright and early!

High 45

High 45 at Mile High Run Club 

I’ve professed my love of Mile High multiple times (full review here). Their High 45 class is a great class for runners of all abilities. As you can guess from the class name, the workout includes 45-minutes of running. The running includes a five minute warm-up and five minute cool down. In between that you’ll sweat through 35 minutes of tempo work. A typical class includes half hills and half speed with most intervals ranging from three to six minutes! My favorite teachers is hands down Jes Woods!

Dash 28 at Mile High Run Club 

If you’re newer to Mile High or running, this class is a great option for you! The 45-minute class includes 28 minutes of treadmill running followed by 10 minutes of strength training using body weight and kettle bells. The running portion includes a mix of hills and speed work, similar to the distance class, but due to the short duration, flies by quickly. I highly recommend Corinne!

Mixed Level at The Bar Method Brooklyn (3)

This is hands down my favorite barre studio. It’s super convenient, spotless, welcoming and offers more than eight classes per day. The 60-minute, non-impact total body workout includes a warm-up, arm section using free-weights and body weight followed by intense leg work at the bar and finally an ab section. The teachers are welcoming and do a wonderful job providing adjustments and helping you ensure you get the most out of the workout. This studio has two showers so you can easily get ready for work after class. Make sure to bring socks with you for class and wear leggings or crops. My favorite teachers are Lauren, Alyssa and Katie!

HAIL High Intensity Interval Training at ICE NYC (2)

Bo raved about this workout after his first visit and then subsequently went four more times before I got my act together and joined him. Conveniently located in Tribeca, ICE offers high intensity interval training during their 60-minute HAIL class. The workout, which welcomes people of all abilities, leverages body weight, rowing machines, kettle-bells and sandbags to deliver a full-body workout that is challenging yet enjoyable. Our favorite teacher is Gigi but everyone thus far has had great energy and a fun playlist. The class typically has 20-25 students which makes hands-on adjustments or corrections nearly impossible, so beginners should be careful. If you love Fhitting Room, Exceed or other high intensity workouts you’ll love ICE.

Your turn: If you’re a NYC local, what are your favorite studios? Where should I sweat next? 

This post is not compensated nor requested of me via CLASSPASS. While it does contain affiliate links, as a CLASSPASS affiliate, I only receive a small compensation if you choose to purchase a CLASSPASS membership.

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My July Training Plan

This morning my alarm went off at 5:25 AM. Waking up this early after a wonderfully, long weekend was not easy. I was groggy and wanted to push the snooze button. Why had I committed to meeting a friend at 6 AM after a holiday weekend? Am I a masochist? No, I am merely a girl who is ready for a plan. Inspired by my friends who are kicking off their Fall marathon training, I decided last week that after months of not having a true training plan, it was time to kick things into gear. My body is healed and craving the challenge and my mind really enjoys having a plan and knowing what is on deck for the week.

Sometimes a girl needs a plan

Instead of committing or creating a multiple month plan, I am taking this one month at a time, especially since I’m just coming off injury.  This plan, similar to my previous plans, includes a combination of running, yoga and strength training. In fact, it is very similar to my September training plan as I loved the energy and results I felt during that month of half marathon training. I was pairing running with Bar Method classes which helped me lengthen and tone my muscles while the running helped me get in half marathon shape.

Running

  • Three runs per week, including

Bar Method

  • Eight to ten classes this month, averaging two to three classes per week

Other

  • Yoga, spinning/cycle, swimming or other strength

I have found that I can do Bar Method and a cross training workout on the same day but I do not want to do Bar Method on the same day as a run. Most weeks, this workout combination will average six to seven workouts but also allows the flexibility to do things such as bike with Bo, try new classes on ClassPass or join a friend for a Soul Cycle or yoga date after work. Also keep in mind that Bar Method is an effective yet low-impact workout.  I chose Bar Method as my primary strength training this month is due to the proximity to our apartment, its availability on ClassPass (<–Save $20 on ClassPass with this link) and the positive effects it has on my body and running.

Bar Method pic

Tank Crops  (color sold out online but on sale in some stores) – Sandals

So, with that in mind, here is how July has gone thus far:

July 1 – Bar Method Brooklyn class

July 2 – 4.5 mile run with Lululemon Run Club

July 3 – Rest day

July 4 – Bar Method Brooklyn class

July 5 – Bar Method Brooklyn class

Your Turn: Are you training for anything right now? If so, what does your plan look like? 

 

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Friday Favorites – April 15th, 2016

marsh pic

Even though this week was a short one, after enjoying an extra day of vacation in Savannah on Monday, it has been brutal. Between client and team meetings, I felt like I was running all over NYC and New Jersey. There were also some subway issues this week, which I’m sure were due in part to the craziness taking place with the presidential candidates in town yesterday. Oh well, this afternoon we are heading down to Stone Harbor, New Jersey for a gorgeous beach wedding. Even though the wind and cool temperatures are following me everywhere, I am already looking forward to tomorrow morning’s long run along the water and some relaxation while Bo and the other groomsmen attend to the groom tomorrow.  What are you doing this weekend? Any fun plans? 

As promised, in regular Friday fashion, here is this week’s version of Friday Favorites. So, as you count down the hours until the weekend begins, let’s dive into this week’s edition of Friday Favorites, including recipes, articles, posts and other things that caught my eye this week.

  • In just six short days I will be enjoying a girls weekend away in Jamaica. When I saw this on sale earlier this week, I knew it would make the perfect poolside to happy hour cover-up since it can transition easily when paired with my favorite, gold sandals and this fun clutch.
  • I am SO thankful that big, Fortune 500 companies are starting to realize that parental leave and work life balance are important for the long term relationship they have with their employees. This week E&Y shook things up by announcing a new policy which allows both moms and dads 16-weeks paid paternal leave. This announcement puts them at the front of the consulting pack for parental leave and will hopefully inspire other companies to make similar changes.
  • With two half marathons coming up (Flying Pig and Brooklyn), I love the idea of using the Flying Pig on May 1st as a practice half marathon. Since it is three weeks before Brooklyn my legs will have time to recover from the hills while I can mentally think about what changes I want to make before Brooklyn.

barre pic

I’m wearing this tank in the above pic which I snagged at Target last weekend!

  • I returned to the barre this week in a big way, unintentionally taking two classes withing 12 hours – oops! My time away from barre classes made me realize the impact these small movements make on my body. I left both classes (Bar Method Brooklyn and Barre3 West Village) feeling challenged and just a bit leaner since the workouts really focus on strengthening, lengthening and engaging your core muscles.  While the two studios are very different they both have a great community feel and the movements helped me target a few weaknesses such as my glutes. Expect to see more barre classes in my monthly ClassPass (<–Get $25 off your first month with this link) recaps.  Click here to read all my monthly ClassPass recaps.
  • Speaking of ClassPass, they announced some new changes this week including new plan options. What are your thoughts? 
  • Are you trying to grow longer, thicker hair? Two of my favorite bloggers, Rachel and Gina, shared great posts this week all about hair. I ordered Gina’s favorite hair mask and already swear by the same supplement as Rachel! What’s your favorite hair tip or product? 
  • I love reading that British kickboxing champ Ruqsana Begum is launching a line of athletic gear for Muslim women, including hijabs, in hopes that it inspires them to feel empowered to participate in sports!
  • I am guilty of ignoring LinkedIn as I love my company and my role. But, this article made me realize the value it can provide and was the kick in the butt I needed to add “update LinkedIn profile” to my to do list. I appreciated the advice of using the app instead of the website to find tips and articles to help improve my current business and grow as a manager.
  • I just added the ingredients for this quinoa tabouleh recipe to this week’s shopping list. Making a double batch of this will provide enough to enjoy as a dinner side, paired with grilled chicken or fish, as well as a perfect salad topping for lunches!

pineapple hacks

  • The perfect gift for almost any occasion, my friend Katie made this wine pineapple for an upcoming housewarming party and I immediately pinned it for a few upcoming birthday and bachelorette parties! Hopefully this will be a Pinterest win for me versus a fail.
  • The warm weather means that iced coffees and breakfast smoothies are making a return to my daily routine. Easy to whip up and satiating, it’s easy to forget that everything you add to the blender, regardless their health content, should be measured and has both calories. While I never recommend measuring things daily it can’t hurt to take a minute and assess your smoothie to ensure you’re not making the same smoothie making mistakes highlighted in this article.

 

Disclaimer: This post is not sponsored and instead is a list of the things of my favorite things this week. As normal, it includes lots of beauty and fashion items which means there are a few affiliate links via ShopStyle. It takes time and money to maintain a blog so I thank you for the support and few cents that come from clicking through the links!

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