What started as a 30 day challenge — and an amazing opportunity made possible by the generosity of Fred DeVito — turned into 2 months of an experience that totally changed my life in so many ways. Back in December, Fred asked me if I’d like to take Core Fusion classes 4-5 times a week and document my experience on my blog and on the exhale website. Of course I said yes. I was struggling with my weight and body image in November and December, having actually gained a bit of weight from October to that time. I felt uncomfortable, I couldn’t fit into my clothing and I was having a hard time making any substantial changes.

Additionally, I was suffering from a chronic gastrointestinal illness that kept me feeling in pain, bloated, uncomfortable and pretty miserable most of the time. I knew things needed to change and this was my opportunity to make these changes.

I had taken Core Fusion a bunch of times, but never with any regularity. The classes are pricey at $35 a class (made less expensive with class/monthly packages and specials on sites like Rue La La) and a monthly membership is more expensive than a regular gym membership. For that reason, I never seriously considered joining. If I had to choose one thing, I figured I’d choose a gym that costs less and offers a great variety (or so I thought).

So in January I began to take Core Fusion classes regularly. But at the same time, a few other changes occurred. My boyfriend and I ended our relationship, which was stressful because I had to move a lot of stuff into a very tiny apartment – but it was like a breath of fresh air at the same time. I had more time to evaluate my goals and priorities. I took better control of my stomach problems by eating smaller portions which really seemed to help my general discomfort.

I was writing more, as per the requirement for this challenge. As a writer, this was the nudge I needed to get back into practice. I was feeling happier and more positive about everything in my life. And, the most important changes from this time:

I was doing Core Fusion almost every day — finding and learning new things about myself, my strength, my capabilities. At the same time, I was networking with a group of amazing women who were participating in the challenge with me — many from home using the Core Fusion DVDs

I know it was a combination of those things that contributed to my feeling so much better, but I do attribute Core Fusion for helping the rest fall into place. Through these classes, I found my real love for treating my body well — for treating mySELF well, really. I never “loved” exercise other than running before. I did it because I felt like I had to. And I never did any strength training. I knew it was important, but I didn’t really know it was important, you know? I knew it because people said it but it never got through to me enough to put it to practice.

So there I was in January, my life drastically different than just a few weeks before. I was pushing myself through Core Fusion classes, struggling with soreness and bad knees. It was hard but I always felt great at the end of class and I was generally enjoying myself. Then I started taking Core Fusion Yoga and found a yoga love there, which I needed in my life. And I continued to attend Core Fusion and each day continued to love it more.

The results started showing quickly. After just two weeks, a friend of mine noticed muscle definition in my glutes and thighs. After a month, I met with Catherine, the health counselor and Core Fusion teacher I’ve been working with, for measurements and photos. We took measurements at the beginning of the challenge, and I was excited to see what the numbers showed.

And oh how the numbers showed! I lost about .5 inch all over and about 4% of my total body fat in just one month. After posting these results, it came to our attention that at least one person was concerned about these numbers. What I failed to explain in my measurements post was the fact that machines like the body fat/BMI machine include a 4% margin of error. I assumed it was understood, but it appears I was wrong. Additionally, food eaten, hydration and other factors can affect this number.

That said, even if the numbers of the body fat percentage were not my specific numbers, the fact that the number decreased after one month is still valid. The margin of error is the same; the only difference is me. However, to address this issue, Catherine and I met again to do all measurements and photos a third time. The numbers were still incredible. It reported a 3% body fat loss from the beginning of the challenge — still an amazing thing for a month and a half! (In the interest of full disclosure, we did these measurements at the end of the day rather than the beginning like the 4% result). My BMI went down by .2, and I lost about 2 pounds from the first day Catherine weighed me.

However, NONE of those numbers mattered at all to me. What mattered to me was the way I felt. Jeans that I could barely get past my thighs in December, much less close the button on, were now comfortable. Beyond comfortable, in fact. I was suddenly able to wear an entire wardrobe I didn’t have access to previously. One pair of jeans, I wore it all day, through breakfast, lunch and dinner — dinner OUT. And I didn’t feel like I was going to suffocate. I felt great!

In addition to how I felt in clothes, there’s also the matter of how I felt health wise. And the answer is that I felt better than I had in two and a half years, since I first got sick. As I said, I started eating smaller portions which of course contributed. But that’s not such a constant, as the amount I eat changes every day. What stayed the same was the fact that I was taking Core Fusion. I don’t believe I would be feeling as good as I am today if not for taking Core Fusion regularly. I was considering having major surgery in April and now I am not. I’m going to ride this whole “feeling good” wave as long as I can, by continuing to do everything I have been doing that seems to be working — and that includes lots of Core Fusion.

I also have mirrors in my home. I look in these mirrors. I can SEE the differences in my body. I can feel the differences as well. I’ve got muscle definition and tone all over. For those of you who are scared of getting bulky, I’ve got none of that. Just tone and definition. I love making a muscle in my arm and seeing my bicep! And I see it when I don’t plan to, like when I’m in the curl position, holding onto my outer thighs, and I look down at my arms and — HELLO MUSCLE!

I am stronger. Much stronger! I can now do long form pushups (!!!!!!!). I can use a heavier weight for upper body than when I started. I can hold planks for a really long time!! My knees don’t hurt when I run anymore — and I just ran 11 miles on Saturday! My legs don’t shake as much when we do thigh work at the bar. I can get much deeper into the curl position during abs and feel my abs burning more. And of course, there is the issue of my flexibility — being that now, I HAVE SOME! My new favorite part of class is round back against the wall, just because it means I get to show off my newfound flexibility to everyone in the room. Yes, my legs shake the entire time. No, I can’t let go of my calves and put my hands under the bar if that is what the rest of the class is doing. But I CAN DO IT. I can get my legs straight up and stretch them in a new way and look in the mirror and admire how straight they are and feel like I made amazing progress. And I have no doubt in my mind that after a couple months of stretching like this (maybe less?) I will be able to lift my hands off my calves and keep my legs straight up without holding on. It will happen.

In the second month of this challenge, I reaped even many more benefits than the first. This is when I noticed my body begin to reshape, which is something exhale boasts but I needed to see for myself. My body truly is a different shape. For the first time in a long time, I don’t hate my body. I hate to sound so negative, but I have struggled with body image issues for a very long time. Now, I look in the mirror and see all the hard work over the last 2 months. Am I as “thin” as I was a few years ago? No. Do I feel even more confident and happy in how I look and feel than I did a few years ago? YES. I don’t go on the scale because I don’t want it to ever be about the scale again. It is about how I look and feel. I look and feel strong. I look and feel great. My confidence has improved greatly.

And, another friend noticed that my arms are muscular and complimented me a couple weeks ago. Validation is always nice.

One more thing I wanted to cover in this very long recap (sorry!) is the social network support I’ve received throughout this time. When I started the Core Fusion Challenge, I opened it up to anyone who wanted to take part, at class or with the DVDs. I expected some people to follow along but I didn’t expect anything like what I got. I met so many amazing women, all striving to be their best, to work hard, to achieve results. They gave me so much support, encouragement and motivation throughout this time. And they still do now, as I remain in touch with most of them! I even made friends through this! I’ve taken Core Fusion classes with some new people as a result of my challenge who I now hang out with and talk to regularly. How amazing! And I know that every time I write a post or need an opinion, I have a support group ready to hear about my Core Fusion experiences and willing to offer their advice and guidance.

And of course, there is Fred, Catherine and the wonderful teachers at exhale spa who I got to work with this entire time. I was so lucky to have Fred to offer support and answer any questions I had. If something hurt, he gave me expert advice and within a couple days I was as good as new. Catherine has been a rock for me throughout this time as well. I went through some very tough times during the last 2 months — a close friend passed away, I had to adjust to moving back to my tiny apartment after a breakup, another friend betrayed me in a horrible way — and Catherine has been there for me every step of the way, doing all she could to make sure I was okay. If anyone ever needs a health counselor (or to take a great Core Fusion class), I cannot recommend Catherine enough.

The other teachers at exhale have also been incredible. I tried taking as many different teachers as possible during this tim. Every one was fantastic and they all have something special to offer. Exhale does a spectacular job at training these teachers (16 week training program!) and as a result, we get teachers who know how to teach well, correct our form, push us harder and make us want to be better with each class.

I tried taking as many different types of classes as possible. Core Fusion was the main goal here, to be supplemented with the other class offerings at exhale.  As a result, I tried Core Fusion Yoga, Music Yoga Flow, Yoga – Level 1 and Core Fusion Cardio. I continue to take Core Fusion Yoga and Core Fusion Cardio about once a week each, as well as Core Fusion a few times a week, and I just love every class. I crave them. As soon as one class ends, I want to go back for more. It is addicting but not in an unhealthy way. It is simply fun. I’m not trying to lose weight, I am trying to be the best version of me I can be. This challenge helped me realize how I can go about this and gave me an amazing starting point.

While my Core Fusion Challenge has officially ended, my Core Fusion experience is far from over as I continue to take class just as much as I have been. The results, the positivity I feel, the calmness and peace at the end of each class — I am not willing to give any of this up. I can tell you with certainty that Core Fusion simply works. It is worth the price because a gym membership won’t get you these results – especially if you are like me and don’t bother with strength training. I brought a few friends to try Core Fusion and they are all hooked. The experience is much more enjoyable than what a gym could give you. It is hard to motivate yourself but the teachers at Core Fusion do the job quite well!

I hope you try it out if you haven’t yet. If you are a brand new student, you can try a week of unlimited classes for just $40. The DVDs are all affordably priced as well on Amazon as well. The brand new DVD which is more like a real Core Fusion class is called Lean & Toned and comes out in May. I will be reviewing it here closer to then and I am very excited about it.

Thanks for keeping up my entire challenge! The Core Fusion Challenge came into my life at the perfect time. I am so happy you got to share it with me.

I was concerned about my upcoming 11 miler but my toes felt much better the day before. And yesterday I ran 11 miles outside in the gorgeous weather and my toes did not hurt! I felt great.

I am so excited for the NYC Half! I know it will be amazing. I am especially excited to run down 7th avenue through Times Square amongst cheering spectators! I think I should make a shirt that says it’s my birthday? Tacky? Thoughts?

My friend Melissa wrote a post the other day where she mentioned a half marathon taking place in Queens on April 3, two weeks after the NYC Half. I was intrigued. The race takes place in Flushing Meadows Corona Park, in my hometown! Just a 5 minute drive from my mom’s house. And the race sounds fun — it is the inaugural 13.1 Marathon — New York. This race is part of the 13.1 Marathon series, which is popping up all over the country. The tagline is “Where the party meets the pavement” and I found out they have live bands throughout the race and a fun after party that might or might not include beer.

I registered.

Am I crazy??! Maybe. But here’s what I’m thinking: I can run another half marathon and won’t have to train!! I will ALREADY be trained. Really, what’s the difference between running 12 miles next week and 13.1 the week after? And then 13.1 again two weeks after? Not such a huge deal. And it will be FUN. And in my hood. My mom can come (read: drive me) and cheer me on. My friends can come. The course is AWESOME. And running two half marathons is kind of like running one full one, just with a 2 week walking break. No?  :)

The race begins at Arthur Asche stadium, where I was fortunate to watch Roger Federer (swoon) play in the US Open this past summer. The race ends here:

[Source]

And there you have it. If you think I am crazy or if you just want to praise me, feel free to comment or email and let me know. I am open to all opinions. Not that it matters, because it’s ON!

Anyone else want to run it too?

If I can run 11, I can run 13.1. Twice.  Let half marathon season begin!

I knew it was different from the beginning.

I knew it was different when I decided to stretch before class while sitting on the floor with my legs extended in front of me. I reached forward and for the very first time in my life — including the 12 years I spent taking dance class — I was able to touch my toes. Yes, I had to severely flex my feet to do this, but that’s neither here nor there. For the first time in my life, I could touch my toes.

I knew it was different when I was able to put my yoga blocks on the level closest to the floor instead of the middle or highest (there are 3 levels) during the stretches of our right leg, when we go into splits (or in my case, tiny attempts at splits). I knew it was different when I was able to abandon the yoga blocks completely during the stretch and split of my left leg, which has always been my more flexible side. But not that flexible.

I knew it was different when the class sat in rounded backs against the wall to put their legs straight up in front of them. I took my strap like always around my right foot, my tighter leg, my foot with tendinitis. I was able to stretch the leg higher than it had been recently.

I knew it was different when I moved the strap to my left leg and my leg stretched up so far towards my face that I couldn’t believe how naturally it happened.

Fred noticed.

He came up to me and told me to put the strap aside. For a second I thought he was going to show me a new stretch but when he told me to lift my right leg too and put my hands on my calves I understood what was happening.

“This is your graduation day,” Fred told me.

I was with the rest of the class. My legs were straight up in front of me. Shaking uncontrollably, yes. But they there. Straight. Up. I was in shock. I was smiling. No, it wasn’t easy. But I did it. Two months of hard work and I accomplished one of my initial goals. A goal, I might add, that I never really thought was remotely possible.

When I started this challenge in the beginning of January, I outlined my objectives to Fred, and one objective was to be able to join the class during this portion. I’ve often been frustrated when I feel like the only person in the room who can’t follow along. I sometimes feel jipped, like I am missing an essential ab workout. Of course, I was not jipped. I am getting there in my own time. Getting my body ready to go there — because everyone’s capabilities are different. Certain things will always be easier for someone else than they are for you. Certain things will always be easier for you than it will be for someone else.

But really, I never expected this to happen. I even told Catherine, the exhale health counselor & core fusion teacher, in our last meeting that I know my body and I know I will never be able to join the class in this exercise.

Ha! What do I know?

But Fred knew.

And it was in his class that I was pushed past any thoughts of “I can’t.” And, instead, I did. I accomplished a major goal. After almost 27 years of living with terrible flexibility and 12 years of dance where I just couldn’t do the stretches; after accepting that I am just not a flexible person, using the excuse that “I have a tight lower back” and being sure I could never significantly improve in this area, I was proved wrong.

There is no question about it. I knew Core Fusion helped me so far with building muscle, gaining strength, improving my core/glutes/abs/arms, transforming my body, helping me fit back into my clothes. But I wasn’t sure if it was helping my flexibility. Until Wednesday night, when all the small improvements I didn’t notice finally added up and became one big – and very noticeable – improvement.

After just two months of taking Core Fusion classes regularly, I can say with 100% certainty that I greatly improved my flexibility.

I will never again say “I can’t.”

Class was at 7 am in SoHo, and I had no idea how long it would take me to get there. Me being me, I got there very early. So early, in fact, that exhale wasn’t even open yet. Oops!

I wasn’t waiting for long though, and I had the luxury of being the only person in the studio for awhile. I got ready, spread out my mat, got my props and stretched. Kayleigh arrived and I introduced myself to her and then three other students arrived as well.

When a Dave Matthews Band song came on a few minutes into the class, I smiled; I was so happy! Any teacher who plays DMB during an exercise class is a great teacher. This only happened to me once before, in a spin class. The song (Stolen Away on 55th and 3rd) was peaceful and relaxing and great for the beginning of class. (I’m going to see DMB for the 12th time in July!)

While it might have started slow, the rest of class was a major workout. The room was heated and the flow was nonstop. Every stretch felt so great after my long run over the weekend. We did a very long and intense set of planks mixed with side planks, without stopping. I was so proud of how well I did during this! I felt strong.

Core Fusion Yoga is seriously an amazing cardio session. I was literally dripping with sweat and my heart was beating fast. While I could get away with wearing cotton during Core Fusion, I wouldn’t do that in Core Fusion Yoga because there is just so much sweat! If anyone is considering joining exhale but concerned that they won’t get enough cardio in, trust me: between Core Fusion Yoga, Core Fusion Sport and the new Core Fusion Cardio, there are more than enough cardio options. And for me, Core Fusion Yoga is such an incredible way to get cardio in because you’re also getting deep stretching and strength training at the same time.

Kayleigh is a fantastic teacher and I felt so comfortable doing all the yoga moves, even though I am not much of a yoga person. We did many sets of 4 pushups throughout the class and I did all of them long form, not on my knees. I felt so strong! Kayleigh even complimented me on my pushups. She also corrected my form throughout the class which helped me experience each pose in the best way possible.

The class moved so quickly. It was all nonstop, and having just four of us there helped ensure we got a lot of special attention. I rarely felt limited by my inflexibility. I was able to do almost everything with no issue, and had the yoga blocks there for when I did need some extra help.

The most challenging part of class was these planks we did where we twisted to the side (working our obliques/waist) and bent one leg inward while keeping the other on the floor. We did a bunch of these on each side and it was so hard to hold this position. We held the last one on each side longer than the others, and during the last one Kayleigh noticed I was struggling. Her words of encouragement pushed me through and I finished the exercise strong.

We did something I hadn’t done in other Core Fusion Yoga classes that was really interesting. Kayleigh had us sit on the floor and hold on to the yoga blocks and we did a sequence of lifting ourselves up by pushing down on the blocks and stretching our legs forward and back in this way as well. It was so hard and I really felt it in my abs.

Speaking of abs, sigh. The curl. We held the yoga block between our thighs which I prefer to holding with our hands above our bodies, so that was good. The movements were so hard and toward the end I was really struggling. By the last 10 seconds I was doing my best with my arms off my legs, but right before we were about to be done I lost it and had to hold onto my legs with my hands. I quickly took my hands off to finish abs strong. Sometimes I feel guilty when I don’t finish something full out when I know I could have worked harder, but this morning I know I did the best I could so I felt great about it.

Towards the end of class, another great song that I love called Winding Road came on. Such a perfect song for unwinding (pun not intended!).

As we relaxed at the end of class, Kayleigh came around the room and fixed us. For me, she pushed my legs down further against my mat and pressed down next to my shoulders to make sure I was as relaxed as possible. I really needed that! I carry so much tension in my shoulders and have a hard time relaxing them myself. Kayleigh explained to me after that she is also a yoga teacher so she is able to get more into the yoga aspects of class. Core Fusion Yoga is a great class to take with any teacher, but I did like the variation here.

Wonderful music and an incredible class. Core Fusion Yoga first thing in the morning is the perfect way to wake up and start the day. I felt so rejuvenated after and in a great mood for the rest of the day! I’m sad I can’t go every week because of my early meeting, but luckily next week my meeting is canceled again. I will be back then – and I’ll be bringing friends!

First, I want to reveal something. The first time I took Core Fusion, I almost walked out within the first 10 minutes. We were doing the planks and pushups in the beginning of class, and I very clearly remember thinking, “This is not for me.”

That was it. “This is not for me.” I thought this based only on planks and pushups (ironically, one of the “easier” parts of the class for me now).

But I didn’t quit, I decided to stick it out, out of curiosity and also because I feel embarrassed walking out of a class. I’d only done it once before, in an extreme situation.

So I stayed. I stayed through burning thighs (did NOT know to expect that, wow), glutes, and abs. After abs I thought, “Anyone who does this workout regularly will have the best abs ever.” And then class was over and as we stretched to a Joshua Radin song I felt so at peace and so happy I stayed in the class. And I could not wait to go back.

Now that I rambled long enough and set you up with the background, let’s get to the meat here: Core Fusion Cardio.

Core Fusion co-founders Fred DeVito and Elisabeth Halfpapp listened to what their students wanted and set to work to create it. As wonderful as Core Fusion classes are, people also wanted some fat burning cardio thrown into the mix. And while Core Fusion Sport and Core Fusion Yoga will certainly give you that, people wanted more – especially since Sport and Yoga are not for everyone. I happen to love Core Fusion Yoga with an intensity that shocks me, but you might have noticed after reading my experiences for almost two months that I don’t take Sport. I tried it and decided I would rather spend my time on Core Fusion or Core Fusion Yoga.

That said, when I found out that Core Fusion Cardio was being debuted I jumped at the chance to try it out as soon as I could. And try it out I did, on Monday night. I brought two girlfriends with me; one, a seasoned Core Fusion veteran (Missy!) and the other my friend Jackie, brand new to exhale, just two classes in to her unlimited week pass!

From the website:

Core Fusion® Cardio is a calorie burning, sweat inducing, body sculpting, power-packed fitness experience, masterminded by the co-creators of Core Fusion®, Elisabeth Halfpapp and Fred DeVito. Merging cardio with intense strength and flexibility moves, this 60-minute class generates maximum calorie burn, resulting in defined abs, sculpted legs, and high, rounded glutes.

I had no idea what to expect. That was the worst part. We got to class and set up a yoga mat on the floor along with light hand weights. Again, I had no idea what weight to use. I asked Fred and he told me 1 or 2 pounds. I took both because I didn’t know what I’d need.

Before class began, Fred spoke to the class for a minute and explained he they developed this class. He also informed us that the class is conducted at a fat burning level – meaning no more than70% of your max heart rate. As Fred explained, we should be able to hold a conversation at any point during class. When you work out at higher intensity, like in a spin class, you are burning carbs and sugar. At this lower intensity, that is how you burn fat.

And class started. I don’t remember specifics about the warm up but before I knew it we were holding a plank, doing some pushups and doing mountain climbers. I was familiar with this exercise from when I did Jillian Michaels’ 30 Day Shred last year and it is a hard move. Even harder is how many we did in a row. We started by doing 16 in a row, and kept increasing the amount throughout class. By the end, we were doing 64 mountain climbers in a row without stopping!

Let me describe a mountain climber: you hold yourself in a straight arm plank, with your weight over your hands. Push one knee forward, off the ground, to your chest. Put your leg back and immediately push your other knee forward, all the way to your chest and switch again. And switch. When you are doing this correctly, your abs will be pulled in and your weight will be above your wrists. Your feet will be light, barely even touching the floor. We did these quickly and repeatedly throughout the class.

I do have to say, by the end, the first few sets became easier. But as we added on more and more, it was very hard to keep up. I would say I held my own pretty well considering it was my first time!

I was struggling. This was hard. I didn’t know what to expect. The thoughts that went through my head were very similar to that very first CF class: “This is not for me. I’m glad I tried it, but I won’t ever be back here again. How much longer until this is over?”

But we all know I’ve said those words to myself before, and look at me now, taking Core Fusion all the time.

I guess I just wasn’t used to this nonstop fast movement. I wasn’t used to sweating like this. The class was entirely strength moves, I need to add. Don’t think for a second that you are skipping a strength day to do Core Fusion Cardio. Um, NO WAY. We did planks and pushups, of course. As I said, we did countless mountain climbers. I’m going to have to ask Fred for the total number of mountain climbers done during one Core Fusion Cardio class, because I am curious and because I want to tell people how hardcore I am, supported by statistics.

We did leg moves such as lunges, plies, squats, warrior 1 and warrior 2 – all while holding hand weights and doing upper body work. I LOVED this. My favorite section of Core Fusion is when we use the hand weights and work on our arms, and it made me so happy to be able to do this exact thing throughout the entire class. Did I mention that I got complimented on my newly toned arms the other day?? Love it! I used my 2 lb weights throughout most of this, but had to drop down to 1 lb a couple of times.

Interspersed throughout everything was, yes, mountain climbers. There were many brief downward dogs, which is one of my favorite stretches. We also did some punching and boxing moves that I absolutely loved. And we did more of the punching holding our hand weights. Awesome. And the longer class went on, the stronger I felt and the more I loved it. My thoughts of never returning faded and I found myself realizing that this class is going to be insanely popular, and I wanted to be a part of that. I started loving the entire class. And then I saw one of the Core Fusion teachers, Erin J. taking class too and I waved to her and she said “Hi Dori!” It was great seeing a teacher learning the class!

By the time we did 64 mountain climbers in a row, I was feeling both tired and awake at the same time if that makes sense. And I felt SO GOOD. Fred counted in sets of 8s, which really made it seem bearable. When we were adding on 8 more, we were really just adding one more set of 8 and it seemed attainable!

Towards the end, we did the curl. As I got into my position, Fred looked up at me and commented on how much I’ve improved. That was so great to hear! Back in January, Fred had to really help me get into the correct position and I struggled a lot. I have noticed improvements myself but it is always nice to hear validation for my hard work. It’s still not perfect, but I am so proud of my improvements. Fred said, “Don’t worry, we will only be in this position for 4 minutes.”

HA. 4 minutes is brutal in the curl. Luckily, the time really did go quickly and I was able to keep up. We actually held hand weights during this. I used my 1 lb weights and eventually I had to put them down and use no weights. Hard stuff!

I was dripping with sweat. The entire class was dripping with sweat. As I looked around, I saw so many people – older, younger, men, women, all getting the workout of their lives. All keeping up, too. I was impressed! When I had looked over at my Jackie who is new to Core Fusion, I was worried about what she must be going through if I was working so hard to keep up. And she looked incredible! Punching and squatting and looking totally in her element. As soon as class was over, she turned to me and said “I LOVED IT!” She plans on going back again this week. Her exact words were: “I’m excited for it, and I’ve never been excited for anything exercise-related in my entire life.”

I loved it too, and afterwards I talked more about class with Missy, who is a CF regular. She felt just like me – a new obsession! We both love it. We both think that this class is the perfect complement to Core Fusion Open classes. And now that we know what to expect, I am sure the class will feel a whole lot smoother. We both plan to go every single week! In fact, I will be missing my favorite show House to attend class, that is how much I love it. And missing House is a very big deal. (Sorry live-tweeting House friends!)

I was on a high for the rest of the night. I couldn’t even fall asleep! Taking this class made me feel amazing. Don’t trust that voice that tells you “this is not for me” – always give it a chance. Imagine I had walked out of that class the first time after 10 minutes? I would still be slaving away on the elliptical and spin bike, trying to see results that just weren’t there. Core Fusion on its own did so much for me, but if you want cardio too? Here’s your class. Fred and Elisabeth are in the process of training more teachers in Core Fusion Cardio, and then more classes will be added to the schedule in NY and the class will begin popping up in the other locations as well!

And really, what it comes down to is this:

Anyone who takes Core Fusion Cardio regularly will be in the most amazing shape ever.

Let’s skip the apologies and get right into it shall we? On Saturday morning I met up with Ashley and Melissa, a reader who commented last week. After getting her sweet comment, I emailed her and learned she is also training for the NYC Half Marathon. We decided it would be a lot of fun to run the 9 miles together!

We decided to run 5 miles and then run another 4 as part of the Run for Haiti, where 100% of race entry fees went to Haiti relief. This race was also a double qualifier for the 2011 NYC Marathon. I’ve decided to qualify for guaranteed entry for November, 2011! All I have to do is run 9 New York Road Runners races (8 because Haiti counts twice) and volunteer at one race.  Of course, anything can happen between now and then (ahem, injuries) but for now. . . I plan on running the NYC Marathon in 2011!

We met at my apartment and ran to the park on the east side, across Central Park South, up Central Park West and back. We did 5 miles that way and then went into the park for the race. We talked the entire time and the miles sped by. It was such a gorgeous day, too. Sunny and in the 40s. Tropical!

There were SO MANY people!

I got a cool number for the race: 5050! Here I am with Ashley and Melissa:

It was amazing seeing people lined up to race for Haiti as far as our eyes could see. We actually snuck in with the 7 minute milers because it was so hard to get a spot. When the race began there was a Haitian group singing We are the World, which was powerful.

You can hear the song, watch the race coverage and see just how gorgeous Central Park was that day covered in snow. And you can get chills like I did when you see just how many people were running for this cause in this video here:

We started running and some people tried to trample us. Yes, we were in a faster group but, I mean, this was a race for charity, no? Plus, there were tons of walkers (this was a run/walk) where they shouldn’t have been too!

We talked so much that I didn’t even notice the Central Park Hills. Seriously! It was so smooth. For the last mile we decided to put on our headphones and do our own thing. Since I was feeling amazing (had I really run 8 miles already?! The 9th was my PDR!) I followed in Melissa’s footsteps as she jetted off and I did the same. I took off running and sped up my pace. I felt so awesome! This was the easiest and best run I’ve had, especially for such a long run! My knees felt fine, my foot felt fine, the sun was shining, so many people were united for a wonderful cause.

As I ran faster and began dodging people, I wondered if I could beat my 4 mile race PR of 40:00 exactly. I was running faster but at the very end had to slow down for a tight corner and it was too crowded to spring near the finish line. And then I couldn’t even step OVER the finish line. It was full of people just standing! So I lingered near the finish and tried to stick my foot in to record the time!

I knew that last mile was the strongest and fastest I’ve ran (this does not count the 5th Avenue Mile which was fast but certainly not strong!), but was it enough to beat my time?

I checked my time later and . . .nope. Not enough! 42:39 with an average pace of 10:39. Oh, well! Apparently those easy hills were made easy by our slow, chatty pace. At least it felt fast, huh?

And I decided to run another 4 mile race in April where I will (yes, I am making time goals again now that I know I can do it) aim to PR.

After the race we miraculously found each other. We walked back to my apartment and Ashley and Melissa got their stuff and left for brunch at Alice’s Tea Cup. I felt so upset that I couldn’t go with them since I am dying to try their baked french toast! But I had plans . . . for a tour of The Lite Choice!

More on that in another post very soon! In the meantime, anyone want to go to Alice’s Tea Cup with me so I can finally try the french toast? Anyone?

The Race for Haiti raised over $400,000 towards earthquake relief. I know this is comparatively minor, but it is SOMETHING and I am proud to have been able to participate and help this incredible cause.

I plan to run with Ashley and Melissa in the weekends leading up to the big race. Running with friends is great and it made the scary long run much less scary. After last weekend, I know I will do great at the NYC Half!

For the last set of thighs we did something I had never done before – we did the small repetitive movements in a lunge position. I actually really liked this because this is a stretch that helps my leg muscles loosen up for running, so doing thigh work with the stretch felt really good. And it burned like the other thigh exercises, so I felt like it got 2 jobs done.

Erin was so helpful with my position when we did glutes moves at the bar. I love being corrected and knowing I’m getting what I should be getting from the workout. Abs were abs. Painful. Brutal. But when I stick through it I feel so much better after than when I let myself take breaks. I used to give up when it became too hard but lately I’ve really been sticking it through. I think my abs have gotten stronger so it is slightly easier to not give up.

And then class was over. I loved being done on Saturday morning before noon with the rest of my day open!

I did want to touch upon something that happened before the class. The locker room was completely packed and I got there early enough to snag myself a locker (I would). Missy arrived to take class with me and I told her she could share my locker. We were getting ready, putting out stuff in the locker, when a lady came up to me and asked if she could have my locker.

Have it? Like.. share it? Or did she want me to take my stuff out of it? I told her that Missy and I were already sharing and she went off in a huff. Ummm. Not sure what that was about.

Anyway!

I had the day off work on Monday for Presidents Day, so I was able to take a daytime class. Marnie was teaching and I’d had her once before, but wasn’t able to give her class a fair review. That’s because it was during the first or second week of the challenge and it was the day after I took Fred’s class. Needless to say, I was extremely sore and wasn’t able to get the most out of class.

Let me just say I am glad I went back! I loved Marnie’s class. Now that I can hold myself up during the entire plank, I’ve been focusing much more on my form. As a result, I have been getting stronger in my core! Amazing how all the little victories add up and turn into a big one.

Arms were especially hard! We did something I had never done with the arm weights and I had a tough time keeping up. I love being challenged, although I kinda wish I had lighter weights for that part! For the last set of thighs, we did the LUNGES again. I had never done them before Saturday, and then I have them two classes in a row? AND Missy did them again that same week in Kate’s class! Is there a theme?

I’ve actually noticed themes before. I don’t know if this is on purpose or coincidence, but let me give you a few examples.

• Before the challenge started, I took class for the first time in a long time and did the pretzel pose for glutes for the first time in my life. Two days later, I took class again, and we did it again!
• We usually we use a red ball as a prop during class, or no prop at all. We rarely use the block. But for one week, almost every class used the yoga block!
• On a different week, we always did glutes work on our hands and knees. That is usually rare, and I have only done it once since that week!
• Is it just me, or has every teacher been using the song “Hey Soul Sister” during leg stretches after thigh work?

Others people have noticed themes as well. I wonder if this is planned or if it is random!

*Update - I received confirmation that this is, in fact, random

Also – how do the teachers get the music timed so perfectly?! That continues to astound me.

Moving on. I really did enjoy the lunges for thigh exercises because I ran 8 miles the day before, and this was a much needed stretch. For glutes we did pretzel under the bar, holding onto the bar. I hadn’t done pretzel in awhile so I really enjoyed the painful burn as much as I could. I did notice that because my right side is so much tighter, I had a hard time getting that leg off the floor to do the movements as well as I did on my left. Have to keep stretching and working on that.

Abs was very challenging but I like the variation of moves we did. And then class was over and I felt so pleased with my decision to not spend my day off in bed as I had originally planned and instead to do something productive and take Core Fusion. I never regret taking class.

Of course, that meant I had to travel to the opposite corner of the city in the wee hours of the morning. I wasn’t willing to take the stress of not one but two subways arriving in a decent time at 6 am, so I forked up the cash to cab it over. This is something I rarely do and it was worth it. And this is the reason I don’t usually take class at the Gansevoort. It would be different if it were only one train ride away like the Central Park South, Upper East Side and SoHo locations are. But when there are two trains involved, nothing is certain!

I arrived at the Gansevoort at 6:40, nice and early the way I like to get places. I texted Meghann to let her know I was there and a few minutes later the locker room door opened. I looked up expecting Meghann but it was Missy! Meghann arrived a few minutes later and we took some photos, being the bloggers that we are:

I felt great since I gave myself time to get ready in the morning. Enough time to make coffee and order leggings online. Oops.

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I have discovered that coffee is they key to 7 am Core Fusion.

I brought my extra pair of Core Fusion grippy socks so Meghann could have the full experience, although I was considerate and I warned her they haven’t been washed recently. What can I say? I’m going to Queens to do laundry at my mom’s on Saturday. City living, kids!

We went into the studio and I helped Meghann get set up with 3 lb weights and a strap. I showed her how to hang from the stall bar, which is important to use before and after Core Fusion class for a nice back and full body stretch. Since this class was recently added to the schedule, there was only one other person there. It’s funny – if Meghann wasn’t in NYC, Missy and I would have gone to Central Park South and that person would have had a private lesson!

Stall bar:

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Diana introduced herself to us and I told her about my foot tendinitis. She asked what I’ve been doing during thighs and I told her the teachers have been having me do chair pose and wide V (second position for all you dancers) so I can keep my feet flat on the floor, since I can’t go up on my toes right now.

Class started and the plank was very good. I was very conscious of my form and Diana complimented the entire class on listening to her instructions on having the proper form. Pushups were good, reverse pushups were good. I can’t believe how much easier reverse pushups have become for me over the last month and a half. I used to barely be able to bend my elbows at all and now I can do it!

We did arms and I felt strong again with my 3 and 4 lb weights. It burned but I was able to keep up and do it all.

When we did thighs, Diana had us only do exercises I could participate in! In my other classes since being injured, if the class was doing something I couldn’t, like small V (first position) on their toes, the teacher would come to me and have me do something different. But Diana set the exercises today based on what I could do. I thought that was so nice of her. Of course, no teacher should ever have to do that or feel like they have to. The needs of the class are most important and I will be fine doing anything I can. That said, I thought it was a very nice thing of Diana to do.

We did chair pose, wide V and thigh dancing (there are usually three sets in thighs). During the first two sets, I felt like I’ve really gotten a better grasp on the correct positioning. I tried hard to keep my stomach pulled in and my back flat and straight. It’s not easy, but I’m hoping to make this second nature, or at the very least, as close to second nature as I can get it! Thigh dancing is pretty rare during Core Fusion classes because it is considered one of the most challenging moves. The last time I did it was a few weeks ago. But I was able to hold my own today! Diana even complimented my moves, as I got really into the “dancing” idea of this. Not that it didn’t burn, because it did. But I didn’t collapse out of the position, which is great.

Then we did pushups and after a couple I felt so strong I decided to try for straight legs. And I did it! It was very hard and I couldn’t get myself as low down, but I was able to do real pushups! About 7 in a row. It felt great.

For glutes we did the moves on all fours on the mat. I hadn’t done that in awhile so it was a nice change of pace. The core work we do sitting under the bar was great too, I really felt it in my abs with the way Diana had us move our legs. We did an alternating legs straight in and out and then bent in and out and back to straight. I’m able to lift my legs during bent legs so that really helps me feel the burn.

Instead of another plank at this point we did a movement I haven’t done before, keeping our feet together in front of us and lifting our butt off the floor and back on in a sitting position. Very nice change!

During the C curve (also called the Curl if I haven’t mentioned it) I also felt pretty able to keep up and take my hands off my legs at certain times. I’m definitely improving here. It was very hard though! I glanced over at Meghann to see how she was doing and I could tell it was tough for her as well. As it should be!

We did different leg stretches at the end which was also a nice change of pace. I enjoyed this.

And at the very end of class, the very last song was . . . the theme song from House. Again! Erin played it on Tuesday as the first Music Yoga Flow song and now Diana was playing it as the last song in Core Fusion when we rest in savasana and stretch. I loved hearing it! It felt like a big screen was going to emerge from the ceiling and an episode of House would play. Which, really, would be the perfect end to a Core Fusion class. . One hour of class followed by one hour of House. Fred, what do you think??

Since there was no big screen, class ended and we went up to Diana to chat a little. In my first post about class in this challenge, I wrote that I like taking Diana’s class because she reminds me of my friend who is a professional dancer. Diana’s hair and body both remind me of Emily. I told Diana about that and it turns out she knew exactly who I was talking about — she knows my friend! They just danced together recently. What a small world!

When class was over I felt so amazing! I feel like I overuse that word here but really, it is the most accurate term to describe how I feel after class. I was in such a great mood and I came to work happy (Maaaaaybe the upcoming 3 day weekend played a part as well). Missy and Meghann both loved the class too. I really wanted Missy to love it since she takes lots of classes and hasn’t had Diana before, and I wanted Meghann to love it since she has never taken class!

You can read Meghann’s review here and Missy’s review here.

I just love how a wonderful Core Fusion class sets the tone for the entire day.

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Updates:

Check out Rachel from Shed It and Get It’s results from her Core Fusion Challenge using the DVDs!

Mazel tov to my baby brother and Mallories on their engagement!!!!!

Both classes were with Erin J. I took her class once back in June and I remembered thinking it was insanely hard! Confession: that might be why I haven’t been back since then. Before class I introduced myself to Erin and told her about my foot injury (I’ve got tendonitis from running – I know, I am so injury prone) and she had had the same injury and understood. She knew exactly how to help me throughout the class. Perfect!

Core Fusion always begins with a quick warmup, and then the first things we do are planks and pushups. That is to be expected. What is not expected, however, is the way Erin teaches these moves. Whoa.

So we started in a forearm plank and alternated lowering each knee. Then we stayed still, and then we lowered both knees (burning abs!). But here’s where it got crazy. We went right into slow pushups without stopping. I thought to myself, “OK cool. After slow pushups we will do faster pushups and then be done.”

Um, no. After slow pushups, we went right into a straight arm plank. Again, no stopping! Once in straight arm plank we did even more movements and some side planks too. When we went back into a still straight arm plank I thought we were done.

Again, no. We went right into fast pushups. NO BREAK. This was so hard! I’d never done it this way before and it was such a great challenge. Just what I needed, actually. When we finally finished, my heart was racing!

Arms were especially good at this class. I think it is because I took a few days off from class and my arms felt refreshed. I felt very strong with my 3 pound weights, when just a few days before on Saturday I had to go back to 2 lbs because my arms were so tired.

During thighs is where I need to do different movements because I can’t go up on my toes with my foot tendinitis. Erin was on top of it, telling me what to do and making sure I kept up with everyone else. Butt was great too, and we did another straight arm plank before abs.

And then it was time for abs. I couldn’t believe it, the class sped by so quickly! The hour usually goes by fast in Core Fusion, but this was unlike any I’d been in before. I couldn’t understand how time was moving so quickly. The music was fantastic, which probably helped, but I don’t know! It just went by fast.

And I might have signed up for Erin’s class again on Saturday! 

We did my favorite abs movement, with the strap wrapped around the bar. Love that! And during the C curve I really held my own! I was able to do most of it and I am getting better at staying lower down.

When class ended, Missy and Kristine arrived to take Music Yoga Flow with me.

Here is the description from the exhale site:

This class is geared for students looking to have a great time in a consistent flow from pose to pose. Set to great music, including rock, reggae, hip hop, blues and world beats, each flow class offers an inspiring message and a deeply relaxing finish.

The class was completely packed! Erin put the music on and I could not believe it – the very first song was the House theme song! Anyone who knows me (or sees my Twitter homepage) knows that I LOVE House. It is one of my favorite TV shows of all time. And I had no idea the theme song was a real song. I downloaded the entire soundtrack later that night.

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So right away I was happy with the music in this class.

Music Yoga Flow class was a serious workout. I was sweating and working hard to keep up. It was a flow yoga class, which means we move from pose to pose without stopping. There were a lot of very challenging planks and some pushups too. Kristine told me she finds the class relaxing, but I didn’t feel that way at all. It felt like a hard cardio workout! The music was phenomenal. I want to listen to all the songs Erin played. She has excellent taste in music.

I’m not really a yoga person, although I love Core Fusion Yoga because it is a perfect mixture of yoga, cardio and Core Fusion. I have also been enjoying Yoga Level 1 – which I actually do find very relaxing, and it teaches me the poses in a nice, slow way. I love the stretch I get from that class as well and find it helps my muscles when I run. I would probably choose those classes over Music Yoga Flow, but that’s just me. Music Yoga Flow felt a little too yoga-y for me if you know what I mean. That said, I’d try it again but I won’t skip a regular Core Fusion class for it unless I had extra time that week to take more classes. I definitely recommend trying out Music Yoga Flow and seeing if you love it – because I am sure many of you will.

Woohoo! Maybe my curse of never appearing in race pictures is over?

Here I am!

Click here to read my Gridiron 4 Mile Race Recap!

I am the happiest racer.