Yesterday, I met Meghann and her mom and brother for lunch at Alice’s Tea Cup. If you can believe it, I’ve lived a few blocks away from there for 4 years and never went inside! So happy Meghann invited me because I absolutely loved it and I’m already itching to go back!

[Stolen from Meghann]

We shared scones to starts – Pumpkin and White Chocolate Cranberry. I actually preferred the White Chocolate one to the Pumpkin! I ate the majority of it since everyone else seemed to like the Pumpkin better. Fine by me!

[Stolen from Meghann]

I’d been salivating over this french toast on the menu: Alice’s Curious French Toast – French toast bites infused with apricot brandy tea, baked bread-pudding style and attacjed with fruit coulis, vanilla creme anglaise and sweet syrupy stuffs.

I don’t know what sweey syrupy stuffs are but whatever it is, I want it.

In the end I decided to go with a half sandwich and soup. I was so cold from my walk there and wanted to be warmed up by Tomato Basil soup, plus this sandwich sounded like the perfect thing to order at a tea house!

Cucumber And Watercress with lemon chive butter on whole wheat

It was wonderful! The lemon chive butter was especially amazing. I felt so dainty. I also ordered a pot of Organic Ginger tea. It was fantastic as well and didn’t taste too gingery at all!

Tea! Both these pics from Meghann’s camera as well. I felt like an amateur taking out my point & shoot when she had her fancy camera.

So this morning I was up before my alarm excited for the race! I was tweeting with Heather, Meghann and Ashley while getting ready. We were all so excited!

At my last cold weather race I wasn’t dressed warmly enough. During the race I was fine, but standing around before the race was unbearable. I planned better this time. I wore (all items are for running/workout) a long tank top, long sleeved top, jacket, wind stopping vest and a (not running) fleece. I wore running fleece gloves and big regular fleece gloves over them. I wore 2 pairs of running socks. I wore an ear covering headband and a hat over that.

I left my apartment at 8 and walked to the race. I found Meghann and Ashley standing in front of baggage check. I shedded a layer of warmth, my winter coat, and checked it with my bag. We met up with some other bloggers but they left because they were trying to PR and we were running for fun. We wanted to find Melissa and Heather (with Mark!) to run with but couldn’t find either of them.

All bundled up: Jesse along with Meghann, Ashley and me

We headed over to our corral. Well, mine and Ashley’s corral. Meghann is much faster but decided to run with us for a leisurely (for her) race and the fun that comes with talking the entire time. Ashley and I both run 10 minute miles during races.

Pink Corral. For girly runners:

We still had 20 minutes so we . . . bounced! The 3 of us just bounced up and down while talking. The sun was out and before the race started I was able to remove my fleece and tie it around my race so I could display my number and *maybe* actually appear in a race photo. I would probably have felt silly bouncing like that along but I loved doing it with friends! It warmed us up, except for our hands.

We briefly interrupted our bouncing to take photos:

And then the race started. I’m used to starting about 4 minutes after the race begins, by the time my corral gets to the start line, but today the wait was longer than usual for some reason and we started about 8 minutes after the start! Once we were off, things went smoothly. My hands eventually warmed up (I am definitely getting hand warmers for my half marathon)  and I started to feel my toes again. This was my first race without an iPod. We talked the entire time and we listened in on other people’s conversations. It is so interesting to hear what people discuss during a race — typically, other races! I really liked not wearing my iPod, although I would only do it again if I was running with a friend or the race provided entertainment.

Ashley and Meghann in action:

Butts:

I got a kick out of PINK scrawled across Meghann’s tush!

Best part about racing with friends? I finally get a RACING ACTION SHOT of myself! (You might know I rarely appear in official race photos). And yes, I realize how selfish I sound. But . . . pictures of ME! YAYYYY!

My awesome running vest in action. Love it.

During the 2nd mile, there were signs splitting up runners into which superbowl team they are rooting for. I don’t know or care about either team, so I asked which side we should run on. Ashley wanted the Colts to win, so we went on that side. We ran over the same type of tracking device at the start and finish lines, and that device tallied the percentage of runners for each team — how fun!

Apparently, we were in the minority:

Results from “Who will you root for?” split – SAINTS: 66% COLTS: 34%

I loved getting to know Meghann and Ashley more and the time really flew by. I know it was an easy pace for Meghann but for me it was basically my normal pace. I definitely got a nice workout but didn’t overdo it at all. I was worried because after my 5 mile run on Tuesday night, I woke up Wednesday with a foot injury. It hurt so much with every step I took. I have tendonitis. I am happy to say my foot felt great! It did not hurt one bit. I was so worried it would ruin my half marathon training, but I really think I will be fine.

Meghann took this gorgeous scenery picture. I feel bad taking all Meghann’s pics but I didn’t think to take these since I see the sites all the time. At my next race I think I will bring my camera again because I did have fun with it and it didn’t bother me while I was running like I thought it would.

Thanks Meghann!

Seeing the finish line is always an amazing thing, although we didn’t sprint. I was so focused on waving at this one race photographer that I didn’t notice 3 on the other side of me until too late! I just want to be in race photos!

My official time is 41:32 for 4 miles, with an average 10:23 pace. This was actually my slowest race ever! Not by much, though. I finished my last 4 mile race in exactly 40 minutes, and my 10K average was 10:13 miles.

After the race we met up with a big group at Arte Cafe for brunch! I finally got to catch up with Heather and Melissa. Heather was just a few minutes behind us in the race and Melissa was a few ahead. Too bad we missed them! Heather is hilarious, look at her “running” socks:

I also met new bloggers! I don’t have a list of people and their corresponding blogs although I might send out an email so I can get a list together, since they are NYC based like me, runners (like I attempt to be) and I had a great time talking to them all! Every was just so nice. I get intimidated in big groups but everyone was so welcoming today. The food was pretty good too, especially the muffins they gave out when we got there. So good and doughy. I was starving since all I had before the race was a green juice.

I might have taken 2 more muffins home.

I got a mushroom omelet, and it was pretty good. Ashley baked vegan macaroons for everyone and they were wonderful! They had the consistency of cookie dough and the taste of coconut custard pie. Yum!

And a group shot that Meghann took:

After brunch we stopped in at Alice’s Tea Cup (a different location than the day before) because Meghann loved her chocolate mint tea yesterday and wanted to buy some. I regret not trying hers when I had the chance! I was tempted to buy some tea but I don’t yet understand how to make loose leaf tea and I just want a better grasp before committing. Yes, I’m nutty and get nervous about strange things. But I live so close to Alice’s that I’ll just pop in when I am all set up to brew the tea at home.

I plan to go back to Alice’s Tea Cup soon anyway. I want to bring all my friends there. It’s just so cute and delicious. And I need to try that french toast. And a brownie.

Anyway, I took the bus back home and had the most amazing 2.5 hour nap. It was much needed!

I had such a great weekend! Racing with friends is so much fun, I hope I get to do that again. I skipped out on 7 am Core Fusion today (Monday) in favor of an extra hour of sleep and it was so worth it. Back this week with more Core Fusion recaps!

I decided to handle any issues with cold/bad weather/dark running by trying a one month membership to a small gym very close to my apartment called Strive NYC. Their website advertises the following offer in two different places on their site:

Low Priced One Month Trial, convertible in the first two weeks into a Yearly Prepaid Membership or a One Year Commitment Pay-as-you-Go Membership

Sounded perfect for me! A low priced one month trial to use the treadmill as I pleased, just two blocks from my building. And by the time the month ended, it should be a little warmer out.

So last Saturday I went in to Strive to find out more details about this offer, as well as the price of their 3 month membership option. I met half of the husband and wife ownership team, the wife Malou. She took me on a tour of the gym.

Strive NYC is very small. There are no classes. It is literally just machines, which do not have individual TVs. However, there are shared TVs up against the wall. The locker room has no amenities, but it looked clean and nice. There were renovations going on around me.

I figured this gym would be perfect for me since I planned to use only the treadmill. I figured it would be much cheaper than NYSC since NYSC lets you use any of their locations all over New York City, has individual TVs on the machines, has a much larger variety of machines, offers lots of classes and has amenities in their locker rooms. Strive only has the one small location. And I read some reviews online that put the monthly price as low as $30 a month for some people.

Once the tour was finished, I told Malou I enjoyed the tour and was interested in the one month trial. Malou shook her head, looking at me like I had two heads:

“There is none,” she told me.

“But it says it on your website.”

“No such offer exists.”

“OK, but why does your website mention this offer on both the homepage and the membership page?” I needed to know.

But Malou seemed to have no idea what I was talking about. She would not give me a one month membership.

Malou and her husband Yves are the owners. So I assume they control what goes up on their website. I assume they approve the content. I assume they KNOW the content. But based on Malou’s reaction, either she truly has no idea what’s going on with her own business or she lied to me.

I decided to find out the prices for the 3 month membership and was SHOCKED to find out that each month is more expensive than a month at NYSC. That’s right. Strive is charging members a higher price for a small club with no classes & no amenities than NYSC charges for big clubs with individual TVs, locations all over the city, amenities, classes, etc. What a major ripoff. I really hope some of their members find this post and switch to NYSC. Even Crunch Gym is cheaper than Strive – and they are famous for all their unique classes!

I’m not saying anything is wrong with a gym that isn’t fancy. I’m not a snob. I just think that a less fancy gym should charge less fancy prices.

I told her that I was paying less at NYSC. Malou shrugged. I walked out. Malou did not try to make me any better offer. I went home with a bad taste in my mouth and pulled up the Strive website. Just to double check.

Yep. The offer was right there, both on their homepage next to a highlighted Special Offer image and also on their membership page.

I sent them an email using their contact form and pasted the one month trial text. I explained I was in there earlier and was told this offer doesn’t exist, and I asked why they advertise it on their website. I never heard back.

*Update: In a Google search of Strive, I found this case study from their web developer. As stated here, “I worked closely with the owners to create a clean and welcoming design aimed at attracting a wide audience.” So it is confirmed: the owners DO know the text on their website. They just don’t feel like honoring it.

I don’t like to bash businesses that are just trying to survive in a very expensive city, but I have no tolerance for blatant deception like this. I was willing to pay Strive a fair price for one or even three months. The owners at Strive don’t seem to care about standing by their offers or running an honest business. They don’t know who I am or that I’d write about their horrible customer service on the intertubes for everyone researching New York City gyms to see.

But they should treat every customer as if he or she writes a fitness blog. Because you never know who just might.

That just flew by, huh? On Saturday, my last day of the first month, I took class with Catherine, who is also the health counselor I’ve been working with. Catherine’s classes are always packed and everyone just loves her. I even overhear people saying how great she is.   

Great yes, and a very hard class. Catherine really pushes everyone and because she remains so upbeat, you just want to please her! I left her class a few minutes early to get to Yoga Level 1 with Diana. I’ve taken a few beginner yoga classes before at other places, and I’ve hated them. But I love Diana’s class at exhale. As do many others, since the class is always packed. She teaches in a way that is easy to follow, makes sense and she always gives modifications to each pose. I feel very comfortable and I feel like I can hold my own in her yoga class. It is a much needed stretch for my half marathon training too!

After class I met up with Catherine to take photos and measurements now that the month is over. As we did each measurement, I couldn’t believe the results. I seriously could NOT believe the improvements!

Remember, my challenge was to take class 4-5 times for an entire month. From January 1 – January 31. I ended up taking a total of 21 classes. This included two gentle yoga classes, three Core Fusion Yoga classes and one Body Sculpt DVD use. The rest were Core Fusion Open level.

I also did very little cardio during this time. I started my half marathon training towards the end of the month, but plan to ramp it up in February and run three times a week. I can then get a better sense of the changes that happen when I combine Core Fusion classes with a regular cardio regimen.

I’m not going to go into my specific before and after numbers here because I have a very small frame and my numbers were already on the lower end – which, I need to add, is normal for me. What is normal for me is not necessarily normal – and could potentially be dangerous – for someone else.

That said, I will give you the total numbers lost in each category:

Some notes on these numbers. The most dramatic – and most telling – change is the body fat percentage. This number is considered a better measure of your health and fitness than BMI, because BMI does not take into consideration if you have lean muscle mass causing your BMI to be higher. The same issue is with weight. A scale can tell you if you’re “overweight” but you might not necessarily be “over fat”, which is where the real health issues lie.

So the fact that I lost 4.3% of my body fat in just a month of Core Fusion is MAJOR. I did not change how I eat, as I always ate on the healthier side with occasional indulgences (read: French toast). But if someone without the healthies habits were to eat better and take Core Fusion regularly, I really believe the results would be incredible.

My BMI and weight basically remained the same, which makes sense because while I lost fat, I gained lean muscle. And that is what you want! Additionally, if my weight dropped too much it would no longer be a healthy weight for me. It is a very good thing that my weight is still in the same healthy range.

So please remember not to rely on the scale. How you feel in your clothes, in your body, is a much better representation of how you’re doing with your health. And I can say that my clothes are fitting much better these days, even though my weight is about the same.

As for the inches lost. Well – wow. As I said, I am pretty small to begin with, so I didn’t expect to lose much and this is more than I ever could have imagined. I lost on average .5 inch all around – just imagine what someone with more to lose can lose in the same amount of time. And keep in mind that I gained muscle. That’s why my thighs didn’t change by the way – because I can reach down and feel hamstring muscle! I lost the fat and replaced it with the muscle. I am most impressed with the change in my arms – many women have issues with arm flab around the triceps. For me, .5 inch and that is basically gone now.

Now that my body and strength have dramatically improved, here are some observations I’ve had about Core Fusion over the past month:

• I don’t get sore anymore. In the first couple of weeks, taking class two days in a row was painful because I was so sore. My thighs, my calves, my triceps – they all burned so much I couldn’t do any movements full out. I remember when I could barely do reverse pushups if I did them the day before! Now, I don’t feel so sore if I take class every day in a row.
• Thighs never get easier. Never. As strong as I get, it still burns!
• Pushups do get easier. I still do “girl pushups” (on my knees) but I can get much farther down than I was ever able to. I can also do all the pushups without stopping, which is a huge improvement.
• Reverse pushups get easier. I used to dread them and the pain and difficulty that ensued. I had a hard time even bending my elbows. Now, I can bend my elbows and stick with the movements without stopping.
• Planks get easier. I went from having to collapse during planks a few times to not collapsing at all on most days. This move hurts less and I feel stronger.
• Glutes got harder. That’s right. The more I work my tush, the more burn I feel during glutes exercises. Wonder why that is?
• Arms got easier. At the lower weight, that is. I was using 2 lb weights when I started this challenge. Now I usually use 3. It burns much more, and sometimes I want to go back to 2, but I feel like I am getting a better workout and really, I should be pushing myself, right?
• Abs haven’t gotten easier (yet). Part of the reason abs will always be hard is that there are always modifications you can do to make it harder, but I can’t even do those yet. It’s still hard for me in the “easier” positions. I do believe that I have much more to improve upon here and I do think it will happen if I keep taking class. My C Curve is not where it should be, but I am working toward it in each class.
• Core Fusion was what I needed to heal my shoulder injury. For a year before I started the challenge, I’ve had a shoulder injury that came out of nowhere and really got in the way of my life. I’ve had MRIs and been to physical therapy. The problem was identified but no one knows how I got it. Nothing made it feel better (aside from a cortisone injection that lasted a few months). When I started this challenge, I was concerned about my shoulder and how it would hold up. I wasn’t sure if I would be able to do the pushups, planks or some of the arm exercises with weights. I did all these things anyway, figuring if my shoulder hurt I’d stop. Well, it didn’t hurt. A couple weeks into this, I realized that I didn’t feel the constant ache in my shoulder anymore. Another week into it, I realized my bad shoulder didn’t feel as strange compared to my good one. A month in, I think it is safe to say my shoulder injury has healed. I attribute this 100% to Core Fusion. After a year of pain, I took Core Fusion for a month and feel all better.
• Core Fusion is helping my knee injury. Much like my shoulder injury, I’ve had the knee pain forever and been to physical therapy, had MRIs, all that good stuff. While my knee has given me trouble this month, I do believe Core Fusion is helping my strengthening the muscles around my knee. And I am proud to say that I ran 7.5 miles on Sunday and for the first time, had absolutely NO knee pain at all. I attribute this to Core Fusion as well.

OK friends, now that we’ve got the cold hard facts right here in front of us – that Core Fusion really WORKS – anyone want to join me on my second month of the Core Fusion Challenge? I know I can’t stop now. This class has given me more than I could ever get with a gym membership. There’s no going back.

I still have lots to improve. I still have weaknesses that I want to improve on and I know I can. This class is hard work. It is in no way easy. But it is so, so rewarding. The more I saw and felt results, the more I wanted to go back to class. I feel better than I have since before I got sick with a GI illness 2.5 years ago. I fit into more clothes than I have in this same amount of time. I feel more confident and I feel much stronger.

So . . . who’s in for month 2 of the Core Fusion Challenge??!

Last Tuesday after work, I took Laurie’s class for the first time. I’d heard good things about her and class did not disappoint. I decided, after holding the beginning plank the entire time once again, that I can officially hold planks. It’s for real. Great feeling! Laurie was funny and joked throughout the class, but even better was when she came behind me to fix my alignment. Especially during thighs, I always need to be pushed forward a little to get into the correct positioning. It makes the exercise so much harder but it also ensures I am doing it correctly – and without risk of injury.

Just a few hours later, at 7 am Wednesday morning, I finally took a class with Elisabeth. Elisabeth, along with her husband Fred, founded Core Fusion. I was really excited for this class because I’ve been wanting to take it all month. The first thing I noticed was that class was packed. At 7 am. That doesn’t usually happen, but for Elisabeth, people wake up early! Class was beyond wonderful; Elisabeth is so inspiring and such an amazing teacher. She made me feel so comfortable and corrected my position throughout the class so I would get the most out of each movement. Arms were especially hard, and abs were especially amazing. I was pushed to my limit and I felt so accomplished after.

I took a much needed rest day on Thursday, and woke up bright and early Friday for another 7 am class with one of my favorite teachers, Kate. Kate’s classes are extremely tough – some of the hardest I have taken – but also the ones I feel the best about after. Her teaching style is upbeat and motivating. Also, she played Rusted Root. Any teacher who playes Ecstasy during an exercise class wins in my book.

During thighs we did all three sets in a continuous movement, shifting seamlessly from one position to the next. This made thighs even harder than they usually are – and they are usually HARD. And they never get easier. I actually have some thoughts about what gets easier and what doesn’t for my next post – which will recap my month, review my results from my measurements and discuss my plans for next month!

I did like how fast paced the thigh work was because I didn’t really have time to acknowledge my pain, it was just move move move!

For butt I did not like what we did. We had to stand at a 90 degree angle and hold our arms on the bar straight in front of us while doing to butt/leg lifts. I was so focused on making sure my arms were straight and my knee was over my 3rd toe (for proper alignment) that I didn’t get the most out of the butt movements. It was still a tough workout though!

I’m so good at the plank at the end of class, much better than at the beginning. Maybe because I am all warmed up? Teachers always compliment my form on that one and today was no different. That’s because holding myself up is so much easier at the end of class that I can focus more on my form.

Abs was doable because we kept switching what we were doing. I really liked this better than staying with the same movements for too long and feel like I got a better abs workout as a result.

After class my friend and I were so happy with how wonderful it was. In fact, I am getting our other friend to come with us, hopefully this coming Friday. The class felt like I really worked out hard and I still enjoyed (almost) all of it.

Back tomorrow with the Core Fusion Challenge 30 day recap!

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 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.

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?

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!

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.

And on to the post . . .

___________________________________________________________________

It is very easy to forget the pain of this class when I’m not in it.

Why is that?! I suppose because I leave class feeling beyond happy — truly ecstatic at times. Last night, I walked home smiling and texting people to tell them I don’t think they could make it through this class. Of course I was being facetious. Kind of.

And seeing results has just been that much more motivating!

Tuesday night’s class was especially great. Tammy was teaching, and it was my second time taking her class. I thought she was great last week and this week I thought she was even better! She made a few funny comments throughout class which was nice. The music was good, too, although she hadn’t heard the playlist herself before. We used playground balls in class, which I normally wouldn’t be excited about but since I haven’t used them yet in this challenge (how is that!) I was actually pretty happy about it. I never would have thought I’d be happy to see that evil red playground ball, but the equation explains it: Red ball = different movements = happy muscles.

We did planks while squeezing the ball between our legs and I actually held my own here. I see and feel definite improvements in how long I can hold my beginning-of-class planks, although they aren’t any less painful. I think I held myself in the position longer than ever last night. I felt a great sense of accomplishment after that.

Last time I had Tammy I mentioned we didn’t do bicep curls. Well, guess what? We didn’t do bicep curls again! I miss my favorite exercise. I think tonight I will try a 4 lb weight for that exercise to make up for it! Think I’ll be able to do it?? (*Note – we do something called hammer curls which works the biceps)

We did lots of very difficult arm exercises though and I loved it. And then we did thighs and I WASN’T MISERABLE! First time since starting this challenge that I didn’t pray for a fire alarm to go off during thighs. I’m not sure what was different, maybe just the combination of exercises? I was able to do almost all of it; I think I only stood up to straighten my legs out once! In fact, thighs went so well that I didn’t push myself as hard as I could have during the last set because I didn’t expect it to BE the last set. I was holding out a tiny bit to make sure I’d be ready for one more. The entire section of class went so quickly I thought there had to be more. But don’t think that means I didn’t get a good enough workout – my legs were SHAKING just like always. Especially when I had to hold the playground ball in front of me and above me while doing the second position plies. I think the combination of exercises we did was just perfect for me.

First time that happened! Hopefully not the last . . .

For glutes we sat on the floor in a pretzel position with the playground ball under our ankles. Very hard and very good butt workout. I liked this because we don’t do pretzel very often. In a fluke a few weeks ago I ended up doing pretzel twice in two days, with two different teachers, but that truly was a fluke! So it is a nice change of pace when we do this move. My left side is still hurting from last week!

I’m especially happy to say that my C Curve is getting better! I really felt like I was almost low enough for it to be correct. I was able to hold myself in that position much longer too. The only time I really struggled was when we put our legs straight up/out in front of us with the playground ball between our legs. I couldn’t find a good position and because straightening my legs is so difficult for me (tight muscles!) I ended up missing out on the exercises as they should be. Tammy noticed though, and after class told me she didn’t have time to fix me but that next time I should keep my legs higher or keep my knees bent at a 90 degree angle. Sounds good to me. I will try that!

I also want to add that on Sunday I went back to Core Fusion Yoga with Barbara. For some reason (ahem, 4 days straight of Core Fusion) I had a very tough time doing something that usually isn’t too hard for me – side planks. Side planks are typically easier than regular planks, but on this day for some reason I really just couldn’t hold myself up on the left side. Barbara noticed my frustration and asked if I was OK. I was fine, just frustrated. We all have off days.

I ran 4.5 miles that morning and my right knee was killing me, so I had to modify my movements throughout the class as well. Class was still wonderful and I loved every second of it. The hour goes by so quickly! The class was much more crowded this time, despite the torrential rains – I think because the name changed to Core Fusion Yoga and more people are interested. I love that more people are interested since I want them to add more classes to the schedule.