Fitness Challenge Week 3

With only one week to go to Miami, I was sidelined by what I can only guess was the flu. I wasn't able to make it to the gym once, much less workout three times in a week. And as far as my goal to eat fewer simple carbs, I could only eat Saltines for two days straight. So much for that!

I've definitely been frustrated with this setback, along with my progress, which has been slower than I would like. I know I have a tendency to be impatient, but even that awareness still that doesn't stop me from wanting to see improvements overnight. I've been equally bummed out by the cold, gray weather. (I'm sure many of you in the northeast can relate.) I'm ready for spring!

While walking my pup in the drizzly rain this morning, I had a revelation that helped me put things in perspective. I was thinking about how much it sucks that it's still chilly at this time of year and that the trees don't have any leaves on them yet. Then, I looked up and noticed that, in fact, many of the trees do have buds on them—a sure sign that spring is around the corner and progress, no matter how slow, is being made.

As for me, I'm finally feeling better and looking forward to heading back to Equinox tonight for a Pilates class with my favorite instructor, Sasha. And I'll appreciate that even if my body isn't slamming (yet), a month ago, I didn't even belong to a gym!

Fitness Chalenge Week 2

With a lot of work, maybe these abs can be mine!

It's week 2 of my fitness challenge and so far, so good. In the past week I went to a stretching class, Pilates class and yoga class at Equinox. (The stretching class was a little lame.) I've been pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoy working out. Not only am I starting to see small changes on my body, I feel so much more open--meaning not tight when I bend down to pick something up or get out of my chair after sitting for a few hours. As another bonus, I'm starting to feel a little bit friskier (though that may be a result of see Priscilla Queen of the Desert!).

With about 2 weeks to go before Miami, crunch time is on. Here are my goals between now and then:

• No desserts or candy, fruit is OK. (One exception: I'm headed to tea at the Plaza on Friday.)
• Continue to cut back on crackers, white rice and bread.
• Amp up my cardio. My specific goal is to get to a point where I can run fast enough that my pup actually has to jog to keep up. As it is now, my jog equals his fast walk.
• Continue to make it to the gym at least 3x per week. 

Check back to see how I'm doing. And don't forget to vote on which dress I should wear in Miami from Rent the Runway!

Read week one of the fitness challenge.

The Liquid Strength Six Week Challenge

That's me! After 3 weeks at the gym, I'm starting to see the tiniest hint of definition in my arms.

After years of not belonging to a gym, I finally rejoined Equinox to start getting my butt in shape. My goal is to tone up my flabby arms and actually see muscle definition in my thighs again. At the very start of my quest to get in shape, I stopped by Story Von Holzhausen's Liquid Strength Class.

Story is a busy new mom who created the class for women who want to get in shape fast--fast because they don't have time to fool around. (You can check out her exercise videos on YouTube.) By the end of the class, not only were my butt muscles burning, I was so inspired by Story's positive attitude, I found myself signing up for her 6-Week Challenge, without even really knowing what was involved. I just know I want to be in shape for our trip to Miami on April 8 and Story seemed like just the woman to get me there. 

The 6-Week Challenge kicked off on Monday with three days of clean eating, meaning no processed foods (crackers, cookies), grains, dairy, booze or excess sugar. I'm personally committing to going to the gym 3 times a week (for Story's class, Pilates, and body conditioning classes).

Check back in weekly to hear my progress. For more specifics on the Challenge and Liquid Strength, check out Story's blog.

Ice Skating is Having a Moment

Break out your triple axels and slachow jumps, because ice skating is back in style. Gossip Girl Leighton Meester was seen ice skating yesterday, in full Missoni, no less, at a Herbal Essences-sponsored Portraits of Hope benefit.  But Leighton isn't the only one channeling her inner Michelle Kwan. In Paris, the rink at the Pailleron turns into a disco on certain evening, according to the New York Times. And in New York, mini pop rinks are being created all over the city, including a the new W Wall Street and The Standard (shown below).

Madonna to Open Gyms

Other celebs have fragrances, Madonna has a line of gyms. And seriously-why smell like Madonna when you can look like her--she is shredded at 52! Too bad her line of Hard Candy Fitness Centers currently have no plans to open up in the U.S. Could be reason enough to go to Mexico City.

Read more about Madonna's gyms.

Madonna to Open Gyms

Other celebs have fragrances, Madonna has a line of gyms. And seriously-why smell like Madonna when you can look like her--she is shredded at 52! Too bad her line of Hard Candy Fitness Centers currently have no plans to open up in the U.S. Could be reason enough to go to Mexico City.

Read more about Madonna's gyms.