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Row Row Row... For Your Body & Soul

Fact. Pushing and pulling are two of our most important primal movement patterns. This means we should be able to perform these movements effortlessly like our primitive ancestors did in order to survive. Pushing and pulling a bag of cookies toward you doesn’t count, but rowing does! So, when is the last time you grabbed two oars and hit the unforgiving sea in search of your next meal?

The good news is you don’t need paddles, a boat or arm-floaties with Strawberry Shortcake on them (been a long time since I paddled a boat) to condition your entire body. You can row like a pro in an indoor rowing class like Indo-Row in Santa Monica or any of the soon-to-be 20+ Indo-Row studio locations splashing up nationwide.

“Wiggity-what? Get on a rowing machine for 45 minutes? I can’t even do 5 minutes on the rowing machine at my gym.” If you’ve tried rowing machines in the past, it may conjure up images of quickly fatigued arms, or noisy air-based rowers that yield high-turbulent wind forces, giving everyone within ten feet dry eyes and sexy blown out hair. Those days are over, thanks to Indo-Row’s new water-based machines (see photo), which truly resemble the sound of the peaceful ocean as you row.

Excellent for upper body strength – arms, shoulders, abs, back -- and lower body conditioning too (especially glutes!) when you do it correctly, according to creator Josh Crosby. By the way, Josh is a World Champion Ironman competitor and elite rower who competed on the U.S. National Rowing Team for several years (dude knows a thing or two about rowing, okaaaaay?). You'll also benefit from an excellent cardiovascular workout without putting stress on your lower body joints. Whether you’re 17 or 71, Indo-Row is terrific for rehab, cross-training, perfect for beginners and super-athletes alike.

Here’s the BEST part. Indo-Row classes are designed to make you feel part of a winning crew. Authentic to professional rowing, you work in teams and cheer each other on, providing a rare sense of inclusion, support and encouragement. We’re talking fitness for the SOUL… Can I get an Amen?

Take the plunge at Josh’s class at Revolution Fitness in Santa Monica (first class is FREE) www.revolutionfitness.net or check out other studio and class listings coming soon at: www.joshcrosbyfitness.com

Learn more about IndoRow at: www.indorow.com

Let's Get Lateral

There’s a rumor heating up around town about some trainer that makes your heart go pitter-patter, while giving your booty and thighs a big squeeze. Whew… hubba hubba!! Too bad I’m taken.

Fortunately, that doesn’t matter. Ladies and gents, meet Helix, a breakthrough in cardio and strength training that features lateral (side-to-side) movement.

Sometimes referred to as “the forgotten plane of motion,” training in the lateral (or frontal) plane is essential to develop a strong, well-balanced and functionally efficient body that’s needed to get you through the day. It also develops the power and agility you need to go for broke in popular sports like golf, tennis and skiing.

The Helix trainer is a 2-for-1 special. You get your heart rate up as you strengthen and tone your inner and outer thighs, and your glutes. Who doesn’t want to lift and tighten these hot spots? Celebrity and athletic trainers like Gunner Peterson gives the Helix two thumbs up. Chiropractors love the core strength, lower and upper back posture restoration benefits. And, physical therapists are using it to identify functional weaknesses and rehabilitate folks with low back, hip, knee and ankle injuries.

Currently, the Helix trainer is available in various gyms, chiropractic and PT centers, and even boutique hotels across Los Angeles, Boston, Colorado and Washington. And, it’s expanding. Soon enough, you may also take a Helix class, driven by high-energy music and motivational instruction. If you don’t have access to the Helix now, look for ways to incorporate some frontal plane training into your workout routine. (You’ll have to ask or look that one up, due to my limited word count!)

Learn more, watch the video at: www.helixco.com

I Scream! You Scream! We All Scream for The Coffee Bean???

As a connoisseur of frozen desserts, I’m in my glory with the explosion of frozen yogurt shops snowballing across the city these last few years. Clearly, we have a frozen fetish. Yet, our obsession with this chilly treat has transformed a delicious summer evening event into a soft serve stressor.

After you’ve searched for a parking spot for an hour… waited in a Disneyland-long line that wraps around the block… dealt with a teen copping attitude when asked a perfectly innocent question like, “Can you add more sprinkles, please?”… and paid a $50 fine for parking in a residential zone… you can finally relax and lick away. Sound familiar?

Look, kid. That’s just tough life in the big city (inhaling cigarette). Until now. The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf – yes, you heard me right -- is now serving frozen yogurt and the best part is, no one really knows because they're too busy ordering coffee!

With a long-time niche in beans and leaves, how good can this yogurt possibly be? The answer is very good, not to mention refreshing and waist-friendly. Choose from an array of “tart” flavors (light and tangy) or “sweet” flavors (creamy with delicate vanilla notes), such as Pomegranate, Acai, Espresso Crème, Malibu Dream, Lemon Crème, Caramel Latte and more. With just 80 calories for a small and 120 calories for a large, you can decorate with a topping of your choice or have it blended in without sabotaging your healthy intentions.

Currently limited to only four locations as a consumer test is fine-tuned (note: visit one and sample away), you can expect to see 15+ locations offering up their new Stir menu, which also includes fresh yogurt and oatmeal concoctions that will send your GI system sailing smooooth!

Where: The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf locations in Beverly Hills (S. Beverly Drive), Los Angeles (Sunset & Fairfax), USC Campus and Manhattan Beach (Manhattan Village on Sepulveda Blvd.)

Why: Because fat-free fro-yo should be anxiety-free too.

Finally, Pilates Lightens Up in Style & Cost

For years, I’ve been reticent about diving fully into a regular Pilates regimen. Mainly because A) Pilates workouts can break the bank, and B) it gets a little too darn serious for my liking. With deep roots as a form of rehabilitation for professional ballet dancers, it’s no wonder this graceful form of movement can be somewhat stringent. It’s important to focus. I get it. However, is it possible to strengthen my core and stretch my body without feeling like I need a Ph.D. in orthopedic surgery? Finally, the answer is a resounding YES!

Queue in Pilates Plus. With multiple locations in LA, Pilates Plus offers fun, upbeat group classes using a system and style developed by long-time Pilates expert Sebastien Lagree of SPX Fitness in LA. In class, you'll be guided through a challenging Pilates sequence on the reformer machines. If you’re not familiar, this classic horizontal bed-like instrument has straps to hold onto and several springs that alter resistance levels. At first glance, these bad boys can be a bit intimidating. The cost for a one-on-one private session can also be scary – ranging from $50-$100+ per session (who wouldn’t feel that straight in the gut after a while?). However, sign up for a group reformer class with 10 or so people and reap the benefits for as little as $22-$39 per session!

Many Pilates studios today offer small group reformer classes, but what makes Pilates Plus unique is the upbeat music, relaxed and inviting true group fitness atmosphere. This place makes Pilates accessible to everyone. No need to be perfect, rich or famous. After easing your way through a simple machine overview, you can dive into a super-challenging workout that, I must say, out of any exercise, strengthens the midsection in a way you can feel almost immediately (this translates into less back pain, better posture and a feeling of “slim-ness”, folks). Bring on the boys too… this is a far cry from some sissy ballerina workout.

If you can’t try Pilates Plus, look for other group reformer classes across the southland (and nationally and internationally) that are licensed by SPX/System Dynamique, the same system used at Pilates Plus. There are MANY in front and behind the “OC curtain.”

Why Pilates Plus deserves that big ol’ plus…

*First class is FREE!

*An effective workout that goes deep into your core (abs, back, glutes, hips) and inner and outer thighs.

*Excellent for simply mixing things up and pushing through plateaus.

*Sculpts a long, lean body, improves posture, reduces back pain.

*The more classes you purchase in advance, the more you save.

*Parking varies per location (I had a great experience in downtown LA for 3 bucks).

*Fun and informative teachers (check out my friend Diana’s class).

*There are MULTIPLE locations across LA, Orange County and growing on a national and international level. Click here to see all: http://www.spxfitness.com/index.php?mod=studios

Remember When Water Was Just 2 Parts Hydrogen & 1 Part Oxygen???

Just when you think you’re FINALLY safe drinking triple-purified, reverse osmosis, distilled tap water with naturally-occurring fluoride that’s piped straight from the Arctic glaciers into your backyard well, out comes another water claiming to be the holy grail. This time, the new twist is found right in the cap. It’s called Activate and according to the package claim, “Vitamins and other healthy ingredients deteriorate sitting in water. So we keep ours separate in the cap for maximum potency and freshness.”

I had the pleasure of sampling Activate this past weekend after a 4^th of July morning run on the beach. Weaving my way through a sea of beach cruisers and bikini-clad drunks along the Manhattan Beach Strand, I bumped into Activate’s street team who explained the benefits of Activate to a curious crowd. Home to AVP tournaments, Manhattan Beach is THE place to pedal novel nutrition and fitness product innovations. We’re quite accustomed to being guinea pigs around here and with the heat of the sun beating down, I was eager to drink just about anything.

Why I’m Thirsty For More:

*Imagine a cold bottle of water giving Emergen-C or an Airborne tablet a piggyback ride. Talk about convenience. All you do is twist the cap and out falls the vitamin mix down into your water. Shake it up and you’ve got “fresh” vitamin water on tap.

*It’s sweetened with all natural stevia. Approved by the FDA for use in food applications earlier this year, stevia is excellent for achieving sweet flavor without the artificial chemicals or a caloric load from all natural sugar.

*Only 5 calories per serving. No preservatives.

*Depending on the flavor, you’ll get a healthy dose of vitamin C, B, Catechins (antioxidants) or electrolytes.

*Variety of flavors including Fruit Punch, Orange, Lemon-Lime, Berry, Grape, Passion Fruit, Lime and Grapefruit.

*A fresh concept with a clean, bright brand look-and-feel (Let’s face it… I’m a sucker for this stuff.)

Things I’m Having Trouble Swallowing:

*The research behind the claims stating vitamins that sit in water beyond 30 days lose anywhere from 22%-88% of their potency (depending on the vitamin). This is where valuable shelf-life testing comes in handy and I’m sure the big boy brands like Gatorade, Powerade, Vitamin Water, SoBe Life Water and newbies like Joint Juice Water and Skinny Water might have something to say about this. Stay tuned….

*I’m all over the use of stevia, however, I would say the flavor might be somewhat alienating to the mainstreamers. Properly masking the bitter aftertaste commonly associated with stevia is a food technology art that’s still evolving. I only tried the Lemon-Lime flavor, so I’m eager to check out the others.

*A pack of 4 bottles will cost you $9.00. I may have to save this one for my post-recession party and stick with my Brita and daily vitamin tablet for now.

Check it out and tell me what YOU think!

www.activatedrinks.com

 

Pedal Off The Beaten Path of Indoor Cycling With REALRYDER

If you head to the Santa Monica Airport these days, you'll discover an innovative fitness concept taking flight. Introducing RealRyder, a revolutionary indoor bike that simulates biking on the real road. With a unique mobile frame that enables you to pedal, steer and lean from side to side, RealRyder propels the usual stationary cycling workout into a first-of-its-kind FULL body training session for your legs, upper body, trunk and balance awareness.

If the airport location sounds a bit quirky (that's home to the RealRyder showroom), it's actually the perfect launch pad for a fresh idea like this. Pedaling from the cockpit of my RealRyder bike, I quickly caught on to the new (or perhaps old?) sensation... Handle bars that move if you don't maintain control... a fluid console that goes with your body as you lean left to right... Wait, this feels familiar.

Between our motivating instructor, cool tunes guiding our ride and competitive cyclist and RealRyder co-founder Colin Irving (pictured above) looking on, there was something special in the air. No, it wasn't a wave of plane exhaust rolling through the room. Rather, it was a feeling that something truly remarkable was taking shape. Join other in-the-know LA fitness enthusiasts who are raving about "getting real" every Tuesday night and you'll see what I mean.

RealRyder Showroom Address: 3200 Airport Avenue, Unit 21, Santa Monica, CA 90405: www.realryder.com

What I love:

• Classes are FREE, but you must sign-up in advance. Link to sign-up via FaceBook: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=96084692365&ref=ts
• It's easy, but does take some adjusting to, which means it's sparking change in your body.
• What an ultra-smooth ride!
• Easy to lock in my SPD clips OR cages are available if you don't have cycling shoes.
• Takes indoor cycling up a big notch by recruiting stabilizer muscles in your core, upper body and legs the entire time.
• Water is FREE. Towels are provided.
• Ample parking that's also FREE.
• I got a FREE hip t-shirt that actually fits!! (versus the usual XXL that turns into PJs)

Things that make you go hmmm...

• The room is warm (no AC), which isn't a complaint, but more of a heads up to ensure you dress appropriately and stay extra hydrated.
• All the freebies won't last, folks. If you want to get real on a regular basis, you need to become a squeaky wheel at your gym starting NOW.

Come Fly With Me… Come Fly, Fly Awayyyyy

A few days ago, I headed to the new Reebok studio on La Brea and 3^rd to check out the new Reebok/Cirque du Soleil workout. It’s called Jukari Fit to Fly and this innovative workout will send your mind soaring to the land of where-does-this-fit-into-my-weekly-workout-regimen? But that’s OK. Bring on the creativity.

Picture a brightly lit, modern studio with sleek hardwood flooring bordered by long, flowing white drapery. Several trapeze-type straps (aka: FlySets) hang from the ceiling in the center of the room. As the eclectic music piped in, I wasn’t sure what to fully expect, but I was eager to hang from the proverbial rafters. I mean how hard could it be to perform like those Cirque du Soleil people? I’ll just suspend myself upside down… then dismount onto on my hands… legs in full scorpion and then, I don’t know… simultaneously take a bite of an apple? 

Maybe I should warm up first….

After a graceful introduction, instructor Ilyse Baker proceeded to take us through a one-hour workout that combined cardio intervals, full body strength movements, balance and core stability training. As you might guess, the truly exhilarating part is when you run and leap through the air like a dancer holding onto the FlySet for dear life.  “YOU ARE NOT GOING TO HIT ANYTHING,” said the lovely, talented (and patient) Ms. Baker a few times. I took the hint to chill out, trust and play like a kid again. It worked.

The Net-Net: According to Reebok, Jukari Fit to Fly is meant to “put the fun back into women’s fitness.” True dat. It was fun. I would also add that if you want to NEVER ask for assistance opening a pickle jar again, this class is for you. After holding onto the FlySet for just a few minutes, I became keenly aware of how weak my hands and forearms are!  Who knew? Once again we learn that you can never strengthen your weak points -- or even know what your weak points are -- if you don’t try new things in life.

LEAST FAVES...

In order to fit this into my current workout mix, I’d like to see:

*A class designed for strength, core and balance training-only.

*A class designed around cardio-dance and suspension movements with a routine you perform at the end (Ilyse to the rescue!).

*$20 per class… Really? A bit steep for securing those early adopters in a down economy (although the first class is free and apparently, package rates are available). 

MY FIT TO FLY FAVES…

*Two days later… get ready for some DOMS, baby! You will feel it deep in your triceps, shoulders and lats like never before.

*Standing and floor exercises using your own body weight (some really great core work).

*Jumping and spinning movements as you suspend from the FlySet… weeeeee!

*Music is cool and colorful.

*World-class instruction from dance/performance-pro Ilyse Baker, who articulates everything you need to know while putting you at ease (don’t worry…she’s got your back)!

Try a class and tell me what you think: www.reebok.com/schedule

 

A Wobbly Workout You Can Jump Right Into

As I strapped my Kangoo boots on, a nostalgic feeling came over me from my childhood days at Skate Plus, the local roller rink back in my hometown. Yet when I looked down, it felt like I was about to embark on a ski slope or cruise The Strand in my rollerblades along Hermosa Beach.  I quickly awoke from my brief daydream when an instructor walked by with a shirt that said, “Do you Kangoo?”  With a bit of hesitance, I walked into a bright room filled with bodies bouncing everywhere.

It’s called Kangoo Jumps and while it debuted a few years back at a big fitness industry trade show, it’s starting to really take off around here thanks to local fitness instructor, Robert De La Riva.

So, how’s it work? Imagine replacing the wheels on your rollerblades with an oval-shape platform that allows you to rebound off the floor.  According to the company web site, the eye-catching workout provides 33 physical benefits ranging from weight loss to joint injury protection, cardiovascular and endurance training, bone mass support and even…wait, face lifts?

I don’t know about the cheeks on my face, but I can tell you from just one class that my other cheeks are already feeling a bit lifted and firm. Not only did I get a really great sweat on, for 45 minutes I felt like I was a kid again jumping around to happy, upbeat music as Robert led us through a high-intensity, off-kilter workout.

As I hopped around hooting and hollering with my fellow jumpers, I noticed the diversity in the room. From teens to moms, career professionals and athletes, it’s clear this workout welcomes all fitness levels. So, if you’re looking for a way to shake up your usual routine, keep an eye out for this super-charged aerobic workout coming to a club near you.

My Favorites:

*Interval training (boosts your metabolism, improves anaerobic  threshold).

*You’re having fun so you forget you’re even working out (except during the intervals).

*Lots of great balance, coordination and agility drills.

*A total body workout, recruiting large and small muscles alike.

*Forces you to engage your core the entire workout.

*Easy to do (believe it or not).

*This would make for an interesting party concept (perhaps sans cocktails...).

*EXCELLENT workout for kids & teens.

 My Least Favorites:

*My feet were tensing up a bit from the shoes (they don’t provide shoes in ½ sizes).

*$5 shoe rental fee.

*Women should be warned to wear a highly supportive sports bra!

 Check it out: www.kangoojumps.com