Best Fitness Studios for Runners

With the marathon coming up and my knees feeling a bit stiff from all the running, I've started to supplement my runs with a few fitness classes (via Classpass of course). It's definitely not normal to run 26.2 miles in one day nor is running on asphalt great for my joints but what can I say - I'm a little crazy.

My days of being a spring chicken are far from over (sigh) so my training runs are followed with stiff knees, tight hips, and a weak core. So it's imperative that any additional workouts improve my balance and flexibility. And if I get a six pack in the progress, then hey, even better!

Classpass (and New York City) boasts of hundreds of classes but only a few types do the job: barre, pilates, and yoga. Occasionally, I'll sign up for a spin or high-intensity class but those are few and far between since additional cardio might overwork my legs and make them more prone to injury.

Barre
It's only recently that I learned women runners will suffer from hip issues compared to men. So it's better to avoid them altogether by taking a class that focuses on strengthening our legs, hips, and inner (deeper?) abs. The stronger these main muscles are the less chance I'll end up with a knee injury. It also can't be denied how similar some of the exercises are to those done in physical therapy. For instance, the tucking in barre class is something I've definitely done with my therapist.

Here are my go-to spots: Pop Physique (cute studios to boot), FlyBarre (accessibility and their Power 45 class is amazing + intense), and Physique 57 (classes are broken up by difficulty level).

Pilates
Similar to barre, pilates increases core strength and helps loosen my hips for a more fluid stride but it's the emphasis on breath control that keeps me coming back. Using my breath with more increased awareness helps on those hilly routes or when I want to increase my pace. Another thing that makes pilates a must for runners is that it helps correct your posture which minimizes a chance of injury.

Here are my go-to spots: Flex Studios (always challenging), New York Pilates (wide range of classes and picturesque studio), and Pilates on the Square (I've always felt welcomed here).

Yoga
Runners are notorious for not stretching. I'm definitely guilty of forgoing deep stretches only to regret it later. Enter yoga. The foundation of these classes is rooted in postures that offer flexibility, stretches, and mental focus. Holding a tough pose also trains the mind for enduring long, hard runs. I try to take a class 1-2x a week depending on how tight my body feels.

Here are my go-to spots: Sky Ting Yoga (amazing space + amenities), Tangerine Hot Power Yoga (classes are small and teachers are so attentive), Y7 Studio (a bit more energetic and music is fresh to death).

I hope this run down inspires you to take a few new classes around the neighborhood. And for those of you not on Classpass, check it out here! It's so easy to add classes to your gym routine and test new studios around the city.

Never Miss a Morning Workout Again

Starting my summer with a cast on my wrist was a recipe for cabin fever. Not to mention my training runs were also set to start around the same time. I was going stir crazy, staying tucked away inside.

But every moment has an expiration date. And my moment of insanity expired as soon as that cast came off (and I got over my muscle atrophy shock).

My surgeon warned me that I wouldn't be as strong as I once was and to take it easy on the long runs. So I tried... For about 14 hours. It felt so good to run off the stress and enter my familiar place of solitude. I gave my legs a well deserved North Brooklyn tour too.

Running will always be my first love but with the marathon up ahead it needed to be supplemented with strength training. I did after all take a hiatus on living.

For me, I've supplemented my runs with an assortment of classes on Classpass. Check out their plans here.

One of the things I love most about using Classpass is being able to find a workout that works for my time. That usually means AM workouts before heading into my job, an on-the-fly lunch sweat, or later than usual night classes. Lately, it's been crack of dawn AM classes.

Not the easiest to get up for but I rounded up a few tips below that make it easier for me and could potentially work for you too!

1. Prep Your Clothes
When it's that early, the last thing you want to do is fumble around your room looking for your yoga pants and heels for your workday. Plan it out the night before and pack it up. I usually have it all packed in a gym bag and leave it by the door.

Here are a few gym bags I'm loving:

2. Map It Out
If you're venturing out to a new studio make sure you know how to get there and how long the commute will take you. This key for my fellow subway riders. Once you figured that out, plan to leave 15 minutes earlier. It'll give your leeway and the time to scope out the new studio.

3. Take What You Need
Based on the studio's amenities you could either do with or without the dry shampoo, body wipes, or even deodorant. Classpass will let you know what amenities the studio will have but if you really want to get the full details - check Yelp or their website. I always do and it saves me from carrying too much.

In case you're wondering what I do bring, it tends to consist of Amika's travel kit (dry shampoo is a must for curls), my bare make minimums (BB cream, brow pencil, mascara, and a bronzer/blush duo), and deodorant.

Shop my gym bag essentials here:

4. Don't Forget to Eat
This. It's so easy to skip this part especially when rushing but try not to since your body does need sustenance before any hearty sweat session. The night before I fill up my water bottle and pack it along with a post-workout granola bar. Are you starting to see a trend yet? For AM fuel I prep overnight oats in a mason jar which are easy to eat on the go.

5. Shower Check
Nothing can ruin an exhilarating sweat session than having to pay for towels, or worse, get stuck waiting in line for the single shower. Again, check on yelp for the studio's shower situation. If it's not looking good book your class at different studio or plan on getting there early so you can be one of the first on their shower signup sheet.

Top: Outdoor Voices  Pants: Outdoor Voices  Sports Bra: Sweaty Betty  Tote: Baggu  Sneakers: Brooks  Lipgloss: Coral Sands via L'Oreal  Hair Products: Perk Up Dry Shampoo + Un.Done Texture Spray via Amika

After a week of doing strictly morning classes, I felt more energized. And with each class I made sure to avoid that early morning dash by following my tips listed above. Hopefully, I've inspired a few of you to sweat it out in the AM. It's really not that bad once you get into the swing of it. Pinky promise.

Photos by Lauren Adriance.

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From Studio to Street

I'm not an early bird and treasure what little sleep I get - they're like golden bits of deliciousness. But, when winter hits and night falls at 4 pm it's time for me to start making sacrifices in the name of stress-relief, and first on the block is the snooze button.

Although I'll miss that extra hour of snoozing through an alarm, I know I'll feel better in the long run.

When it comes to me and my winter habits it's important to play to your body's strengths, not weaknesses: I'm more energetic in the morning, running in the dark gives me the heebie-jeebies, and after a long work day I'd rather eat than sweat (must be the hibernation tings).

All signs point to rise and grind morning Classpass classes - the early sweat sessions also put me in better spirits too.

A few recos on AM class faves: Y7, Mile High Club, & Peleton.

I do have a few gripes - finding studios with showers, and lugging toiletries & clothes for the rest of your day. But, with a few months of classpassing behind me here are a few tips and tricks I've learned along the way to make the whole process easy peasy.

1. Wear sneakers/shoes that are great for working out and presentable for the office. These all white Theas from Nike (size up!) are so crisp and so perfect for the athleisure trend and my life. Another great option, go for classes that are sans shoes: yoga, pilates, and cycling classes (rent them there). That way you'll only have to worry about one pair.

2. Wear clothing that can take you from studio to street. This is essential if you're trying to minimize the bag-lady look. Lucy Activewear does such a great job of designing clothes for this exact reason. Their team always has us in mind and constantly creates versatile and high-performance pieces. Their winter collection fits seamlessly into my life and the luxe layers are perfect for the busiest time of the year.

For this look, I couldn't head into the office with leggings but Lucy does have some amazing pants sans prints. Or, you can follow my lead and pack a midi skirt. The quilted long sleeve from Lucy is super soft, warm, and appropriate for my office - which I love.

3. Beauty products that can multi-task and come in travel size are a godsend. I've shared my beauty travel bag before here, but my everyday beauty bag carries the true heavy hitters. This might be a post for another day, but my top three products that currently make getting ready a breeze are: Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer, Benefit's Gimme Brow (obsessed!), and PUR's Chateau Cheek Stain. I also spray on Avène Thermal Spring Water pre-glam sesh to rid my face of any exercise-induced redness.

4. When it comes to hair, I just un-bun it and go. If it's one those super sweaty sessions then I'll make sure to spray on this dry shampoo from Carol's Daughter. Honestly, though, my curls and I lucked out - the heat & sweat just gives me a better hair day.

Eyeglasses: Warby Parker  Long Sleeve Top: Lucy  Top: Lucy  Leggings: Lucy  Skirt: Ann Taylor  Sneakers: Nike  Necklace: Marc Jacobs (similar style)  Bracelet: Vintage  Purse: Marc Jacobs  Lipgloss: Grace via Buxom

As we enter the mad rush of the holidays, remember to treat your body right - it's the only one we got.

P.s. I created a "Current Sales" tab at the top of my blog. It'll be updated daily with new sales to help you (and me) as we navigate the stores & web during the holidays. I'm almost positive Lucy Activewear will have one so check back on Black Friday!

Photos by Lydia Hudgens.

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