Hey hey! I am so behind on blogging. As in, I went to 4 Core Fusion classes and 1 yoga class and have yet to recap. And I will. Tomorrow.

ALSO it has been a whole month of Core Fusion! I got photos and measurements taken today and let me just tell you — WOW. Core Fusion works. I can’t wait to share this with you!

Today, I want to get an announcement out because there isn’t much time left to take advantage of this amazing deal at exhale spa. If you already take Core Fusion classes or feel like starting, you should do it now because they are offering something really great from February 1 to March 31 called Buddha Camp.

Throughout this 8 week period, exhale spa will keep track of the average number of Core Fusion and Yoga classes you attend each week and reward your hard work with great incentives. Here’s the deal:

3 classes

• Core Fusion Cardio class pass
• Exhale Mind Body Lounge Music CD
• Choice of Core Fusion DVD
• Gift bag of exhale products

4 classes:

• Core Fusion Cardio class pass
• Exhale Mind Body Lounge Music CD
• Choice of GRN manicure or pedicure
• Gift bag of exhale products

5 classes:

• Core Fusion Cardio class pass
• Exhale Mind Body Lounge Music CD
• 30 minute True Facial or Fusion Massage
• Gift bag of exhale products

To participate, you must sign up at exhale spa by February 3. That said . . . anyone interested in extending their challenge to take advantage of this?? Because, although I am not eligible for Buddha Camp, I WILL be EXTENDING MY CORE FUSION CHALLENGE!!!

One more month of taking Core Fusion and writing all about it! My amazing results might have something to do with it . . . will discuss in more detail soon! Anyway, please let me know if you’re interested and go sign up! Those are really great prizes.

And if you do sign up . . . I really want to hear about your experience. And maybe you’d be interested in guest blogging here and writing a little about it? I’m excited to find out who is participating in Buddha Camp!

I love Core Fusion Yoga. I just love it. I look forward to Sundays because that is the only day I can take it with my schedule. Which works out really well because I am training for the NYC Half Marathon and Sundays are my long run days. So I run for over an hour in the morning, go home to shower, rest and ice my knees and then go to Core Fusion Yoga in the afternoon.

I just want to explain quickly that I have had knee issues for years. An MRI showed patella femoral pain syndrome and bursitis. My physical therapist, upon examination, explained that I have valgus, which means my knees each bend inwards. This poor alignment is likely part of the reason my knees hurt. The other reason? Weak muscles! The muscles around my knee were never strong and therefore not able to support my body. This, in turn, put all the weight of my body on my knees. Not good!

Part of the reason I was so excited for this Core Fusion Challenge was because I knew if anything can strengthen up the muscles around my knees and build stability around my joints, it is Core Fusion. The thighs section is tough and you WILL build muscle from doing it.

That said, I need to stick with Core Fusion longer. My left knee, which I consider my “bad” knee, does not hurt at all. But now I have the same pain in my right knee only after long runs. It gets better each week, though.

So Core Fusion Yoga is the perfect post-run stretch (which I probably wouldn’t do very well on my own) and it is also easier on my knees than Core Fusion. There are some movements in the class that hurt my knees on a long run day, particularly when we are on our hands and knees and stretch one leg behind us, then bend it, stretch it, bend it again. During this, I just can’t bend my leg because the knee hurts, so instead I keep my leg straight and lift it when the class bends. Still a great movement for my butt!

Barbara is just so awesome. She makes me feel very comfortable and gives words of encouragement throughout the class. The hour goes by quickly and I really can’t believe how much I sweat during Core Fusion Yoga. It is crazy! Such a great workout.

When we got to the C Curve, though, I had a very tough time. Even more so than usual. Part of the problem is that we hold the heavy cork yoga block, but even after I decided to abandon it, I still struggled. A lot. I knew I wasn’t in the right position and when I got myself lower, I couldn’t hold myself up. I need more help with this.

And then class was over and of course I felt amazing. Other than my struggles with the abs section, I really enjoyed this class and loved every second of it. Sometimes before class I feel like I’d rather just stay home and be lazy on a Sunday, but as soon as it is over I am just so happy I went.

On Friday, I tried to sign up online for the Saturday morning 9:30 Core Fusion class. I had brunch at 11 with my friends from middle school and thought it would be perfect to get my workout out of the way! But when I tried to sign up, I was shocked to see the class was already full. I’ve encountered full classes before, but usually not an entire day in advance. I called up, hoping they reserve some spots for phone sign ups, but they told me the class was overbooked and I could try calling in the morning. I decided to just stalk the website in case someone canceled – and it worked. I got in!

Bergen was teaching, and I had heard wonderful things about her. I had assumed she was the reason class was so full, but it turns out she just started teaching at Central Park South on Saturday mornings. Guess it’s just a popular time?

I had a lot of props in my little spot this day. I’m one of the only people, if not the only person, who keeps yoga blocks during class. I need them for standing splits because my arms can’t reach the floor. And people usually take one or two sets of weights. I took three. I wanted to use 4 lbs for biceps and 3 for most else, but in case the 3 was too much I also wanted 2 lbs with me. And of course I had my strap, my towel, my key and my water bottle. Lots of stuff!

These ladies next to me already took mats though, which we generally get towards the end of class. They introduced themselves to Bergen as “regulars” and told her they heard nice things about her.

Class began and once again I was able to hold myself up during the entire plank! Bergen mixed in side planks, and I usually collapse down in the move from side back to regular plank. But today I held myself up! It wasn’t a fluke the other day, I really am getting better at planks.

Arms seemed to go on forever. And in more improvement news, I did not pick up my 2 lb weights at all! After using the 4 lbs, the 3 felt nice and light and I didn’t need to use the 2 lbs. I might continue to keep them with me a little longer just in case, but I think that soon I won’t need them, even for security. I can see more muscle definition in my arms.

We went to the bar for thighs and I had saved my spot with my strap wrapped around the bar. But when I got there, another lady took my spot and brought her own strap. What! Weird, since the spot next to it was open — so why didn’t she just take that? AND I had to lean over to her and remove my strap from her newly claimed area.

Thighs was hard, as per usual, but I have to say the music was really great. I don’t often notice the music because I have too much else to focus on, but I caught a couple songs and really liked them. I did have to stand up a few times during thighs. Even though I can tell I am improving, sometimes it just hurts too much.

I knew glutes would be different when Bergen announced we were doing the “Elisabeth Halfpapp special.” (Elisabeth is one of the founders of Core Fusion.) I had no idea what I was in for! We rested our elbows on a little wooden ledge above the bar, which seemed nice until we started doing the butt exercises. This was SO HARD. Like, really, really hard. I’ve never done this before in class so I love learning all the new exercises, but it was not at all easy. I dread the moment we are instructed to turn our leg out because that is what really makes the side of my butt with my standing leg burn!

For abs, we looped the strap around the bar twice, curled down and did a series of exercises that way. I’ve been in class where we’ve done this a few times before, though it is rare. I like it because it is a very tough abs workout that I feel like I can actually do better than holding myself up in a C Curve. We still did the C Curve too, but spent less time on it. It was a nice change of pace for me, especially since I still struggle with the C Curve.

After class, the self proclaimed “regulars” approached Bergen to thank her for the class and tell her they were testing her, and that she passed their test. I was relieved to hear she passed their test, because if that wasn’t a great class, then what is?

I love my running music, as evidenced by my Running Songs section on the blog and my detailed race recaps by song. As much as I love my music, I have one little problem – finding NEW music for when I need a change. I don’t listen to the radio and I don’t usually know all the songs everyone discusses on the Twitters. I also don’t go out to bars as much as a single (yes) lady probably should to hear new music. But when you have to wake up early to run 7 miles, the idea of getting drunk and making poor decisions loses its appeal.

So I was excited when Adam from Turn Up My Workout contacted me and asked if I’d like to try out his service. Um, YES.

Turn Up My Workout is simple. You subscribe to the service and then you can select what type of music you like: Hip Hop, Country, Pop or a mix. Then you select your intensity level from Low, Medium or High. And then you get a list of workout songs that will motivate you and that you’ll enjoy! Easy as that.

Adam started this service after losing a lot of weight (over 100 pounds!). What was his most constant motivator to exercise? Amazing workout music. The music pushed and inspired Adam and he hopes a great playlist will do the same for you. As a former DJ and music director, and self proclaimed “freak when it comes to discovering new music,” it makes sense to trust Adam with your workout songs!

For my playlist from Turn Up My Workout, I selected pop music at a high intensity.

I got an email with a list of music. I had a few of the songs already, and some of them I already knew I didn’t like, and I downloaded the rest from iTunes. The list had so many songs that it’s OK if you don’t want to get them all. There is enough on there to pick and choose. The songs are divided into categories; Warm Up, Workout and Turn it Up (for an extra boost.)

I used the playlist thrice. I didn’t finish it during the first run, so the second run was like a whole new playlist. And the third time was just fun. My verdict? I loved it. First of all, it was so refreshing to hear a different set of songs. Second, the songs were fun and fast, just like I wanted! I felt like dancing during my run, and it was great to get to know new music. I’ll be able to listen over and over until I know all the words and can have even more fun with it (the way I am with my current playlists). And then, if I get bored it, I can just get my next month’s playlist from Turn Up My Workout.

Even better, I can pick my favorite songs and incorporate them into new playlists with my old favorites that I’ve been using forever, to make the ULTIMATE PLAYLIST. Turn Up My Workout is really a fantastic way to find new workout music that you might not otherwise find on your own. Some of the songs I’d heard before and really liked, but could never download them because I didn’t know their names. This is a great service for situations like those, too.

I’m not going to show you my playlist because, well, that would defeat the purpose of you trying it out for yourself! But I will say this: thanks to Turn Up My Workout, I found my new favorite running song. Favorite to the point that during my long run on Sunday, I had it on my playlist three different times!

What song, you wonder?

“Whatever You Like” by T.I.

OMG I LOVE THIS SONG. Okay, so something you all need to know about me. I like to listen to really explicit, vulgar songs when I am running. I like to learn all the words to said dirty songs and sing them in my head (or even out loud if no one is around). Vulgar lyrics make me happy.

So when I was looking through Adam’s list on iTunes, I was really happy to see that “EXPLICIT” box next to some of the songs. I had never heard Whatever You Like before (I told you I don’t know new music!) and I can’t get over how in love I am. It really pumps me up to go on a run – especially now knowing I’ve got it 3 times on my playlist. I am even more excited for my half marathon now that I have this song because I plan to include it at least 3 or 4 times throughout the race. What a GREAT song.

That said – does anyone have any suggestions for me for really vulgar, dirty, explicit running music?

It *DOES* need to have a good beat, it can’t just be shouting gross words. This is part of the reason I love Girl Talk by the way – download Girl Talk if you haven’t yet. So please tell me your vulgar workout music — I’d love to hear your suggestions!

Anyway, back to the review. So a subscription costs $7.97 a month and the first month is free. Very worth it for those of you like me who are stupid when it comes to new music. Some questions you might have for me:

Would you subscribe to Turn Up My Workout?

Yes.

Are you going to subscribe to Turn Up My Workout?

No.

Why not? You just said you would, so why aren’t you?

My health insurance premium was  just raised to $700 a month. I have placed myself on a $447 billion spending freeze.

But if you have  the extra $7.97 a month (as I did prior to my massive premium hike) then I’d say it is definitely a great deal. Also. You might be like me and take your favorite song on the playlist and type it in to iTunes or Grooveshark and find out there are OTHER VERSIONS of it.

Um ok so first of all, please listen to the Weird Al version of Whatever You Like. I don’t usually like him much but this version is HILARIOUS. Really, really hilarious. Every line makes me smile or laugh out loud. And then listen to the “Raw session” by Rome. AWESOME for those of you like me who listen to music such as the Counting Crows. A really cool version. Love them both. Still laughing at Weird Al. And still LOVING the original. You can listen to them all for free on Grooveshark or buy them on iTunes.

Adam and I had a lot of fun this afternoon on the Twitters with our new discoveries.

*Baby I can give you everything you please, even share my government cheese and you can have as much as you like.*

OK so get to it, kids. Check out Turn Up My Workout and comment with your suggestions for vulgar, explicit workout music!

This has been a really tough week for me; a good friend of mine passed away unexpectedly. I was riding high from Tuesday night’s wonderful Core Fusion class when a friend called me with the news. Even though I got practically no sleep that night and worked a long day Wednesday, I decided to go to another class. I figured it would help take my mind off things and really, I had no reason not to.

I wasn’t sure how class would go, how I would handle it. I felt sad thinking about my friend Robin yet I was still able to find something that made me smile. The first plank we do in the beginning of class is a plank we have to hold for a very, very long time. For the first time, on this day, I was able to hold the plank the entire time and not collapse. When the plank was over I let out a small laugh. Despite how stressful the day was, how overbearingly sad, I was still able to find joy in something small like holding a plank. That is because it meant so much more than just holding a plank — it was proof that my hard work is paying off. It was proof that we can all accomplish what we want if we work hard and want it badly enough. It was proof that life does go on and we should live it as our best possible selves — as healthy, as strong, as accomplished as we can be. Yes, part of it was physical — I am physically stronger now than I was before this challenge. But it was also mental — I wanted to hold this plank more on Wednesday than I ever have before. I didn’t let myself collapse. I pushed and forced myself to stay in a position longer than it was comfortable (really though, is a plank ever comfortable?). And because of my commitment over the last 3 weeks, it simply was not as difficult anymore.

The rest of the class was just as good. I was able to up my weights for the bicep curls and use 4 pounds instead of 3. Another improvement; another minor victory. Thighs seemed to be getting better. My abs are have not yet improved the way my other muscles have been due to my struggles with the C Curve, but even that I can feel getting better. These small victories push me to work harder the next time, to keep going, to take an extra class. The more my body improves, the more my mind seems to improve along with it.

I know it is hard to stick with exercises that hurt. And Core Fusion hurts. But how great do you all feel when it is finished? And if you’ve been doing it, do you see any improvements in your body, in your strength? Please let me know. For me, I see major improvements in my body and strength, yes, but also in my outlook. I feel like I am a more positive person and while I am distraught over my friend’s death, and tempted to feel guilty for the times I didn’t see her, I feel like I am handling this much better than I would have been just 4 weeks ago. Those last few minutes at the end of class after we finished the hard part and lie in savasana really makes me appreciate how lucky I am. If you are doing the DVDs at home, you should try just laying down flat on your back and just relax with your eyes closed after you are finished. I’m not usually “one of those people” who talks like this, but I really think it adds so much to the Core Fusion experience.

I hope you all have a great week. And please call a friend or family member and tell them you love them.