I Like to Move It!

Hey Cheaply Fit readers, sorry for the hiatus, but its been a hectic few weeks. Anyway, I'm back in action. After I got home from work tonight, I opted out of happy hour with some friends and dragged my tired ass out for a three-mile jog around the neighborhood. It felt great and I was so proud I pushed myself to do it.  It was definitely the great tunes blasting through my headphones, compliments of Pandora, that kept me going.  The songs were so good that when I walked into my apartment I couldn't help myself. I broke out into dance. This solo dance party lasted about 30 minutes.  I think I'm ready for "Dancing with the Stars."

Between my run and my dance party, I did about an hour and a half of cardio and I feel great! Not only did I have a blast, but I've come to the realization that in my past life I was definitely a professional dancer; not so much a professional runner.  I absolutely love to dance.  It makes me very happy. With so much chaos surrounding my life these last few weeks, I feel like those worries have been tucked away. I'm ready to face the world or at least the L.A. world for now.

Anyway, I say when you can't get to a class I encourage all of you take some time to go for a walk or run around the hood and, in the words of Lady Gaga, just dance!

On another note, there have been some great deals out there on Living Social and Groupon, if you haven't noticed. Cardio Barre and Circuit Works to name a few. Don't you worry, you'll hear all about them in the upcoming weeks!

Also, I just want to thank all of you who have been supporting me through this venture and sending me the deals to keep me going. It means a lot to me.

<3 Me

Pilates Meets Boxing!

Ladies, if you haven't yet, you need to try Piloxing! Relax! It's not as scary as it sounds! Designed by Viveca Jensen exclusively for women,  it incorporates Pilates and boxing into an hour long interval workout.  In just one class, it's possible to burn 400+ calories. The workout combines cardio and strength training; utilizing weighted boxing gloves, your own body strength and fun dance moves. The first 45 minutes is nonstop intervals and the last 15 minutes is floor work i.e. core and stretching. At the end of each class, the group of amp'd up women shout out the workout's mantra: Sleek, Sexy and Powerful.  I certainly leave each class feeling as such.  Every sweat gland in my body is spewing in a good way. 


I'm lucky enough to have the original studio with Viveca herself at my fingertips.  I recommend her class as well as Cortney's. I absolutely love them both!  My experience with both instructors is that they have a way of making us feel confident in ourselves and our bodies.  It must be their awesome personalities and positive attitudes. Definitely contagious! 


I have to point out just how aware they are of everyone of their students.  They're very adamant about technique and making sure each person uses proper form.  So no matter the size of the class,  it's nice to know special attention is given to everyone when needed.  It speaks volumes when instructors actually take the time to help their students maximize their fullest potential.  


When I take Piloxing, I feel leaner, stronger, more flexible and overall more sexy and beautiful.  It's a very pleasant and empowering environment. I feel an unspoken bond amongst my fellow Piloxers in the sea of hot pink and black; which just so happens to be my favorite color combination! No hostility, just a united front. 


First class at the studio is $10 and gloves are provided for first timers only.  If you don't have access to the studio, I recommend buying the DVD or finding a club that offers it.  It's a rapidly growing workout that's expanding both nationally and internationally.  Get on it! 




www.piloxing.com

Playing in the L.A. Playground

Since moving to L.A, I haven't joined a gym, but have still managed to lose weight and stay active (aside from this rut I'm in).  I found this city is its own gym, just have to do a little exploration for the right proverbial machine.  One of my favorite discoveries has been the amazing hiking trails all over the area.  I try to do it as often as I can because, given the right trail, it is an incredible aerobic exercise. It's also a great way to clear your head and get focused.

Runyon Canyon, probably the most well-known by Angelenos, is a 130 acre park in the heart of Hollywood. It has quite the view of the city, and most importantly it is quite the place for people watching.  However, when it's excruciatingly hot outside it tends to smell like dog urine.  Walk with caution so you don't step in a pile of dog feces left behind by some irresponsible pet owner.   Another downside: it can often be too crowded.  Hmm it doesn't sound at all appealing, but it really does have it's perks. I promise.  For instance, my favorite part of this trail are the steps going from the Hollywood side up to Mulholland Drive. It is a great cardio workout and your gluteus maximus will thank you.  Hikers beware!  This trek is not for beginners or anyone with medical conditions.

If you live in the Valley, like me, I recommend checking out Fryman Canyon. It's never crowded and the three mile loop will undoubtedly leave you sweating and reaching for your water bottle.  Despite an occasional rattlesnake siting, this hike is my go to place if I don't feel like dealing with the Runyon scene or driving too far. The first 15 minutes is all uphill, so if you're with a friend, prepare for silence during the climb. It will literally take your breath away. And yes, I did say rattlesnake!