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.

The Core of it All

Getting fit isn't the easiest lifestyle change. Even I have a hard time waking up early for runs or getting myself to a class via Classpass. But in the end, I think about how I'll feel afterwards and treat myself (this month's mantra for sure).

With the Brooklyn Half happening this weekend (ahh! can't wait) I've been putting more focus on my core. Your core (the entire midsection including the back) is what stabilizes your body during your day to day and reduces risk for injury when kept strong and flexible. 

Another benefit to keeping your core in tip-top shape - better posture. A must if you work behind a computer all day long, as I do.

While I am no certified trainer, I'm an avid collector (pinner if you must) of great workouts and articles that can work for almost anyone:

- Refinery29 has a great 30 Day Plank Challenge you can do. I'm starting it on Monday and would love it if you joined me. Not sure how to do a plank, watch this.

- If you're in NYC and looking for a no-frills ab class that gets the job, check out Absolutions. I go once a week and feel better for it everytime.

- Got an early class? Pre-pack your workout bag to make getting out the door easier. Find more hacks here. 

- Stretching your core is equally important. Set an alarm midday for a brisk walk and a few desk side stretches. This infographic has 17 different ones to try this week.

- Want to take it to the next step with a full body workout? I've heard great things about the Bikini Body Guide. The price is a little steep so try snooping around eBay (didn't hear that from me).

- You might want to focus on foot health and safety, too. Check out these The Good Feet Store reviews for some examples of how you can help with this.

- Find a few fashion-forward pieces from Lucy. I swear, new activewear that looks and feels good is like a welcomed boost of motivation. Plus, their new SS15 collection is bananas.

I've been contemplating whether I should share my fitness schedule or what my day-to-day (kind of like what I eat, do, etc.) looks like. If you think it would be helpful or are curious about it - let me know in the comments :).

Imagery via Lucy.

Hello Biceps!

Last month I focused on my core with Classpass. A few amazing things I noticed after focusing on my core, the emergence of baby abs. Like holy cow, baby abs. Can you imagine if I did a few more barre classes and stopped eating after 10pm (old habits die hard).

For February, things were switched up to avoid the dreaded plateau.

So, after a few too many episodes of Dance Moms and watching Maddie's strong and graceful arms I decided it's time to make moves. And if all else fails, I at least want to be able to conquer 1 push-up.

I'll still incorporate my ab-focused workouts but this time around I'll make sure there are a few focused on my arms too. The classes I'll be taking (or have taken) will be listed down below if you're curious. I'm also attempting to clean up my bad habits (baby steps) to help melt the flab away. I'm sure if I weren't so tempted by macarons and Domino's this wouldn't be an issue, but unfortunately bagels are my weakness. My only saving grace is that I'm not a soda fiend - lemonade on the other hand...

After some extensive research I learned about the 80/20 rule. It's where you eat clean 80% of the time, seems easy enough and not as restrictive as some other diets - instead it's more of lifestyle change. Afterall, there is only so many slices of pizza a girl can eat before it all catches up her. 

A few changes I've made include switching my daily cup of coffee for Kombucha. I'll still have my coffee but in less quantities. Another is eating energizing snacks after intensive workouts to block my sugar/carb carvings - A favorite of mind include Nuwi which is a drinkable quinoa snack. The texture reminds me of a thick smoothies but it may not be for everyone. And for pre-workout snacks, I rely on smashed avocados on toast or hardboiled egg. Make your pre-workout snacks are eaten at least a full hour in advance, otherwise you run the risk of upsetting your stomach.

As for the bicep-inducing classes I definitely recommend for those of you in NYC:

Again, Kettlebell Kickboxing. It's tough but your arms will look amazing in a few weeks time.

Row House, the name says it all. Your upper body will be pushed to extremes but you'll feel amazing right after.

If your focus is on creating lean muscle, sign up for Flex Studios classes. I finally got the chance to take a class and loved the all-body workout.

If there are any you'd recommend leave them below in the comments, I'd love to try them out. It's crazy how much motivation a Lifetime reality show could give one person, haha! Training for my half starts next month (March 8th) but let me know if you'd like a peek into my training schedule.

Photos via Lululemon.