Where can you find me this week???


I was walking around my neighborhood the other day, and got distracted happens easily by a new store that popped up.   I was lured by the beautiful and bright running shoes, hanging fancy free in the window.  Always up for a little shopping, I stopped in the store Heartbreak Hill Running Company, appropriately named for the hill that either makes-or-breaks runners during the Boston Marathon...Heartbreak Hill.

The shoes and workout gear in the store are bright, and fancy.  It makes me want to run and update my workout attire.

I try to like running.  I really do.  But, I'm just not that into it.  It's not even a love-hate relationship.  And at times, for cardio needs...it is a necessary evil.  But I know it is a great (and affordable) way for people to stay in shape.  You can run anywhere, all you need is a decent pair of shoes and a little bit of patience.

Let's face it.  This whole "I'm not into running thing" is something I need to work on.  After thinking about why I don't particularly care for running, I can identify a few issues.

1. Its just me my self and I, stuck in my own thoughts
2. I rather sprint than run for an hour... which leads to....
3. I get bored easily, and need constant distraction

So how can I work on this?  Maybe if I run in a group setting, I might enjoy it a little more.  I might be motivated to move a little faster if I needed to keep up with a group.  I won't be stuck in my own thoughts.  I might even meet some new buddies that are into fitness...

Problem solved.  I found these folks, the November Project, a grassroots morning workout tribe that meets to annihilate the stairs at Harvard Stadium (Cambridge) and Summit Hill (Brookline) while most of Boston is sleeping (630AM).

  

Im going to join their tribe for my next fitness adventure, a.k.a Cheap Thrills (Staying fit in Boston without shelling out  a dime).  

I will report back monday... I might just develop a new love for running!

Be well, 

Maureen

Hot Child in the City

Lets face it.  We have all wanted something that Jennifer Aniston has at one point in our life.....I know you tried out the Rachel hair do'.  Or maybe you lusted after Brad.  But what about that body??? Now that's what I'm talking about 

So how can I get a tight and toned Jen worthy body on one of the hottest days of the year in Boston?  B * Tone Fitness to the rescue!  Apparently Jennifer Aniston, Katie Holmes, and Denise Richards are obsessed with the Megaformer machines that are the main attraction at this Newbury St studio.


If its good for Jen...its good for me.  So off I went to check the studio out!

The studio is open, squeaky clean, and full of the aforementioned amazing pimped out Megaformer machines and Real Ryder spin bikes (I am totally doing a post on these bikes...stay tuned).  Look Familiar?  They are a much fancier slightly more impressive version of the reformers you may have used to do pilates. 

I took Jenny's Class on Thursday.  She was so helpful and welcoming as she helped me get acquainted with the Megaformer.  I really appreciated the time she took to show me how the machine operates, the countless adjustments she made during class, and her positive energy.  She kept me motivated and made the effort to ensure I was in proper alignment so I would get the most out of each exercise and prevent injury.  

Jenny's class was fabulous!  I am totally in love with the type of workout this class provides, and my body was challenged in ways that I never imagined (sure I am fit...but this is a different type of work out and it was HARD...but in a good way).  I got my cardio on...my strength training covered, and annihilated my core.  The 45 minute class flys by...because the exercises on the Megaformer are done circuit style.  We did squats, lunges, push ups, ab work, and other crazy things throughout class (all personally modified to meet each participants fitness ability).  Truly amazing. 

So where does hot child in the city come in to the post? It was hot as balls outside I chose to go on this weeks fitness adventure on the hottest day of the year in Boston (real smart).  I was praying that the AC would be in full effect in the studio....and it was!  B* Tone Fitness was an oasis on that disgustingly hot day.  It was actually a brilliant idea to go work out, because the B * Tone Fitness was much more pleasant than my apartment.  


So get off your couch, and check out this studio...the first class is only $5.00!  Your tush (and the rest of your body) will be toned in no time!! 


Be well,
Maureen

Where am I going to show up next?

To keep things interesting, each week I will try a different type of activity.  Variety is the spice of...fitness life, as it keeps your muscles guessing and begging for more!

The other day when I was visiting my friend (and 2011 Best of Boston Make-up Artist) Tavi de la Rosa at James Joseph Salon on Newbury St....I saw a sign for a new fitness studio called B*Tone Boston.

So after getting my pretty on with Tavi, I could not help but yelp B*Tone (this fit chick is always on the prowl!).  

Apparently Jennifer Aniston, Katie Holmes, and Denise Richards are obsessed with this studio chain.  According to the website each class performs a circuit of 35 exercises and combines pilates cardio conditioning, and strength training all in one work out.  Oh yea... and all these exercises (squats, lunges, push ups, ab work) are done on a pimped out pilates reformer machine! Yikes! 

It looks as though B*Tone is an obvious choice for my next fitness adventure...If Jenn and Katie are obsessed...It is worth a try (maybe minus the zone diet, Scientology, and Tom Cruise)

Have you ever used a reformer?  Tell me about your experience!

Be well, 
Maureen  

My First Fit in Boston Adventure!

I always wanted to try out a class at Sweat and Soul Yoga (SASY), the delightfully quaint sister studio of Back Bay Yoga.  I first found out about this studio after getting the BEST spray tan EVER from my friend Brian at Dream Tan Boston.  SASY's sign caught my eye as I was doing the walk-of-spray-tan-shame to my car;  Their logo is a big fat laughing Buddha...and I thought it was very clever!

Upon further investigation, I found that SASY offered a great variety of yoga classes featuring different styles of yoga.  What got me excited about visiting this studio was their hip hop yoga class. Werd.

I tried out Caitlyn Graham's hip hop yoga class (a few teachers offer this style), and it was everything I had hoped it would be (and more!).  The class was a Vinyasa style yoga to a tasteful hip-hop blend (more pop-ish than hip hop-ish) and I found it to be surprisingly energizing and relaxing at the same time.

We opened the class with double pigeon (You had me @ the first pose.....my fav!!).  The class proceeded to become playful and energizing.  It was exactly what I needed coming off a night shift of stomping out diseases and saving lives.  My favorite part of the class was when Caitlyn let us breakout into our own flow...and to the sound of the music we busted our own move....

I absolutely adore this studio and cannot wait to come back for another visit.

Maybe you will join me?

Be well,
Maureen <3

P.S.  What is your favorite hip hop song?  Could you ever imagine it being played in a yoga class?? When I was younger I wanted to be a fly girl (from In Living Color)...Just saying!

This Week's Featured Workout:

I am headed off to Sweat and Soul Yoga's Hip Hop Yoga class.  Yoga is a great way to complement your workout routine....and I cannot think of a better way to enjoy my practice than to incorporate some great music to guide my flow!  Werd.  I will report back later:)

Be well,
Maureen

Greetings!!

I am so excited to announce the birth of my new blog, Fit in Boston!  Every week I will showcase new and exciting ways to stay fit in boston.  


I recently lost over 35lbs with the help of some amazing products from Isagenix, consistency in my workouts, and variety.  I found that the secret to my success was to participate in fitness activities that I found to be fun and enjoyable!


Here are my transformation photos:



          November 2011                       March 2012

    

So come and join me as I continue on my weight loss journey.  I cannot wait to find new and exciting ways to stay fit in boston and share them with you!

Every Monday I will let you know a little about the new activity of the week, and will report back on Thursday.

Be well,

Maureen