Equinox is known for their inovative training. So I wasn't too surprised to hear that they recently developed a class dedicated to surfing.
I only had one question: Am I going to get wet? Silly me.
VIPR SURF is a new muscle-building, flexibilty-increasing, calorie-torching class taught at Equinox in Santa Monica. Though the lessons are meant to help you with your boarding skills, the answer is no, you won't get wet.
Along with Equinox's other VIPR workouts, SURF utilizes a large 8 pound rubber "pipe" to perform a sequence of movements designed to sculpt the body. In this class specifically the exercises are meant to emulate surf-related movements and build muscles that will help you in the water.
Our routine began with a warm-up, followed by creatively named moves like Push the Wave, Rock the Beach, and Tilt the Board. The "pipe" was quite heavy but manageable, and I could feel my muscles being molded.
The next morning sealed my confidence in the program...I could barely walk I was so sore.
The great thing about this class is that it works for everyone, not just surfers. So while it may help you hang ten, it will also help you look like a ten.
Classes begin August 16th at the Santa Monica club. To try it out, comment below on your favorite summer activity. I'll pick a winner by Friday to try out VIPR SURF for free!
If your uber popular, packed yoga class doesn't make you feel "one" enough with your fellow yogi's, head on down to Santa Monica this Sunday for a free lesson with hundreds of other Angelenos.
Classes are an hour long and will be held at 12, 2, and 4 p.m., and guided by tunes from DJ Fabian.
If you're coming from a prior engagement, there will be tents to change into your workout wear. Also, the first 200 registrants will get a free Gaiam yoga mat!
This is just one of many stops on the Wanderlust's 7 city US tour. The next, and last spot, is at Space Needle Park in Seattle, WA.
With the 405 shut down, you don't want to drive this weekend.
This means that the usually 20 minute drive it takes from Weho to my favorite yoga class in Santa Monica could take hours....that's just not going to happen.
Luckily, I have been stocking up on workout DVD's from all my favorite classes.
Here are the best ones I've found:
Brian Kest's Power Yoga
This DVD from famed yogi Brian Kest is a great workout for all levels.
The vinyasa inspired instruction features three routines: Energize, Tone, and Sweat. Each is about 45 minutes to an hour, and gradually increases in difficulty.
If you're located on the west side, then just hit up his studio in person to meet the man himself.
But if you need a quick at-home fix during this gridlock weekend, you can get his original instuction for just $12 on Amazon. Check your local library for copies as well.
Physique 57
If ballet is more your bag, but Beverly Hills now seems a world away, try this bar workout in your living room.
Physique's "Classic 57 Minute Full Body Workout" is a complete cardio and strength training routine that will give you a rock hard body by the time the roadway re-opens.
If you sign up for the camp then, you'll pay only $97 for a 21 day intensive plan and all of the money will go to helping deaf children learn how to speak.
There will also be a giveaway for a free year membership to Fit Body, an iPad, and a fire engine ride with Culver City Fire Fighters.
Drop in from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at their new location: 4913 Sepulveda Boulevard, Culver City, 90230 If you're interested in Fit Body, but don't live in Los Angeles, check their website for tons of other locations nationwide.
Not only is it summertime, meaning daisy dukes and dangerously short sun dresses, but it's my birthday tomorrow!
And come Saturday, I need to be prepared to show off my assets in a teeny tiny bikini at my pool party.
Lucky for me, I was recently introduced to the "Glutenator" herself, Heidi Klum's trainer Andrea Orbeck, at the Muscle Milk Fitness Retreat.
Orbeck is responsible for bringing Klum's booty back after she gave birth, with her legendary Supermodel Sculpt workout.
So I sought out Orbeck's expertise to get my body b-day ready.
Using elastic bands she had specially designed, Orbeck took me through an hour long cardio and glute taming routine that had my thighs, "love handles", and bum screaming.
She'll be releasing DVD's so you can try the routine at home shortly (I'll be sure to alert you when they're out).
For now though, a version of the routine without the bands is in Maria Menounos new book, and here's a partial recap of what I went through with the butt segment:
Butt routine(perform 20 reps of each exercise on each side)
Butt Bridges while holding and 8 lb. weight across hip bones
Leg "kick-backs" (stay on side, bring knee forward then kick back behind you, keep body still)
Leg extension w/ circular rotation, clockwise then counter (stay on side, top leg extended, draw a circle with your foot)
In addition Andrea had me do three sets of treadmill sessions, a hip/thigh routine, and a cool down with stretching.
Until you get the full rundown of Andrea's fab butt blaster with her DVD's, try running through my abbreviated version 2-3 times a week after your cardio workouts.
And for more on what she specifically did with Heidi, check out my interview with her for SheKnows.com:
I love Indian food, but many dishes are loaded with hidden calories.
Some cream sauce here, full fat coconut milk there, and what looks like a healthy meal is actually a fat-packed feast.
I came across an awesome Indian seasoning though at Whole Foods recently to make Chicken Tikka Masala, and the recipe on the back didn't call for any "bad ingredients."
Arora Creations is not only healthy (it's just spices) but it makes cooking a cinch. All you need for this particular dish is the packet, chicken, ginger, onion, tomato sauce, garlic, and cilantro.
Most of this stuff I already had in the pantry.
I ditched the olive oil it called for and just used a spray of Pam to avoid stickiness, followed the directions, and steamed a little broccoli for a side dish.
It took all of 15 minutes to cook and only weighed in around 150 calories per serving (the only real cals come from the chicken and tomato sauce).
Impress a date this summer with this simple and spicy cuisine. But buy a better bottle of wine, not everyone considers Barefoot a top notch choice like me :)
