$30 off ClassPass // Bargain + Fitness

Happy anniversary ClassPass! In honor of this celebration you’ll get $30 off your first month! Hurry (!) because this offer is for a limited time.

ClassPass a new kind of fitness membership that lets you enjoy diverse and exciting ways to work out. It’s a brilliant business model and suits my interests because I like variety and trying out new things. Each workout is a good sweat leaving me recharged and refreshed. It’s challenging and I’ve learned to push myself physically and mentally. I’m stronger, more toned, built endurance and always leave feeling I can conquer the day.

Catchup with my love and obsession for ClassPass and why it has transformed my mind, body and soul, in a prior post, here.

Deal

$30 off your first month special – Join me on ClassPass and you’ll get $30 off your first month of group fitness classes. From yoga and barre to cycling and Pilates, ClassPass lets you try the best boutique studios in your area. One monthly membership, endless options, all up to you! http://class.ps/d4g9x

Do something good for your mind, body, soul this 2016. Cheers to good health!

You must be a new ClassPass subscriber and must purchase a membership using this unique link (http://class.ps/d4g9x).

Free first SoulCycle ride at DTLA studio

Jumpstart your July summer festivities with some SOUL in Downtown Los Angeles! For the month of July, all SoulCyclists can take their first DTLA class FOR FREE*. That’s right. If you’ve never tapped it back at their 888 S. Olive Street studio, now’s your chance to catch a complimentary class there!

Here’s how it works:

• If you’re new to SoulCycle, sign-up for an account to ride for free, here.

• Click HERE to find a class that works for you between 7/1 and 7/31.

• Call the studio at 323-463-7685 to book your seat and mention this offer. They’ll look you up by your mobile # on your account.

• Drop the beat at DTLA!

And to make it even easier to find your SOUL, you can park for free for two hours with SOUL validation at the Level Building Garage. Enter on Hill St. (between 8th and 9th St.) then follow signs for Retail Parking.

So what are you waiting for? Grab a friend and come check out their DTLA studio in July!

*Please note: This offer is valid for existing riders as well as new riders. FIRST ride at DTLA only. One redemption per account. Sign-up for a new account to ride for FREE, here.

Strength. Integrity. Community. DTLA.

I ran a 200-mile race // ragnar relay so cal // fitness

I never thought I’d ever do it, but I ran a 200-mile relay race as part of the Ragnar Relay So Cal race 2015. Our team came in #42 and ran it in 26 hours and 22 mins. As much as this race was lengthy, it taught me a lot about endurance and pushing my mental and physical limits.

It’s been about a year since and even now just the thought of running a race that starts at Huntington Beach to San Diego is exhausting! It’s what crazy people do, right? In all seriousness, it was actually one of the best and challenging experiences. The race was well-organized, scenic routes, energetic crowds and spirited team members made it all worth it.

It’s been a longtime dream of Wayne’s and my good friend Jason made it happen for us! Jason was the super team captain and master organizer of this beast of a race. We didn’t have to worry because as a veteran of the race he had all the binders, splits and routes mapped out. Best of all, our 12-person relay team represented all the Harry Potter houses in matching outfits. I was team Hufflepuff and was just too cool running in knee high socks, yellow and blue striped tie and a wand–casting spells against other runners.

My three legs were a cumulative 14 miles and had its own sets of challenges. I ran in the mid-day heat in the Santa Ana river channel for 7 hard miles, enjoyed the dark midnight hours and nature’s noises in Laguna Niguel and experienced the sunrise rays of along the beach in San Diego. The most challenging part? Staying up for around 30+ hours and doing my best to be physically functioning to race hard.

It was an energy like no other and my team members were the most spirited, supporting and encouraging group of individuals. We tag-teamed providing water support where there was car access, squeezed in a Taiwanese dinner between van shifts and took turns napping in 20-minute increments, if possible. The team medals were pretty wicked. The 12 medals also came together like a puzzle to read, “Together we ran 200-miles.”

The photos need no explanation. Pure excitement. Spirited Away. Full adrenaline.

Best. Race. Ever.

Just don’t ask me to do it again.

$20 off ClassPass // bargain + fitness

As a long time fitness fiend, spending time training for marathons and even owning memberships at two gyms, I finally found my groove in a consistent workout routine. All thanks to ClassPass.

I LOVE ClassPass. It’s a new kind of fitness membership that lets you enjoy diverse and exciting ways to work out. It’s a brilliant business model and suits my interests because I like variety and trying out new things. I’ve been doing hot yoga, spinning, circuit training, ballet barre, stand up paddle boarding and been meaning to try boxing and surfing.

Each workout is a good sweat leaving me recharged and refreshed. It’s challenging and I’ve learned to push myself physically and mentally. I’m stronger, more toned, built endurance and always leave feeling I can conquer the day. I recently ran a half marathon in hilly San Francisco and set my personal record (!) and I owe it all to spinning and the motivational energy of my favorite instructor, Rene. During that race I just kept pushing myself. My lungs burned and legs were tired, but I knew I had it in me.

I can’t stop talking about it to friends. CP doesn’t have promo offers often, but I just came across a $20 off your first month of unlimited group fitness classes. Note: I pay $119/month and max three classes at each studio. This is an awesome deal because sometimes a month membership at a fancy gym or studio runs $120+/month. This way I can jump around and get diversity and cross train at various studios in different cities.

Deal

$30 off your first month special – Join me on ClassPass and you’ll get $30 off your first month of group fitness classes. From yoga and barre to cycling and Pilates, ClassPass lets you try the best boutique studios in your area. One monthly membership, endless options, all up to you! http://class.ps/d4g9x More details on the $30 off deal in a new post, here.

$20 off your first month special – Join me on ClassPass and you’ll get $20 off your first month of unlimited group fitness classes. From yoga and barre to cycling and Pilates, ClassPass lets you try the best boutique studios in your area. One monthly membership, endless options, all up to you! http://class.ps/d4g9x

Do something good for your mind, body, soul this 2016. Cheers to good health!

Day 10 // Meditate for 1 Minute | Birchbox Challenge

Sunrise up in the Alishan, Taiwan mountains

I’ve recently started setting my alarm clock at 11pm every night and been waking up more energized and ready to start my day (thanks to Day 16 #BirchboxChallenge)! I’ve been having quaint mornings of “me” time and among other things, I meditate for one minute. It helps reduce stress, clear my mind and calm my heart. I sit up straight, rest my palms in my lap, close my eyes, and pay attention to my inhales and exhales for 60 seconds.

The below tips to reap the full benefits of a one-minute meditation practice is taken from Birchbox and Tara Stiles, Strala Yoga founder and author of Make Your Own Rules Diet. I’m definitely guilty of getting lost in the hustle and bustle of everyday life–rushing out of the house to get to an appointment, not taking enough walking breaks at work and Instagramming during dinner. Even taking just one minute to meditate gives me a jumpstart to a more productive and brighter day.

Get Comfortable

Set a time for one minute using your smartphone. Choose a place in your home where you won’t be disturbed, and arrange yourself in a comfortable seated position. If you are in a chair, place your feet on the ground evenly. If you are on the floor, try crossing your legs or sitting on your heels. Sit up straight and rest your palms in your lap. Close your eyes and begin to pay attention to your breath.

Focus on Your Breath

Watch your inhales and exhales as they come and go. Allow yourself to become interested in the depth and pace of your breathing. Begin to lengthen your inhales and exhales. If it feels comfortable, pause at the top of your inhale and at the bottom of your exhale.

Guide Your Thoughs

Relax your whole body, including your face, neck, shoulders, back, legs and feet. If you notice your thoughts starting to drift, guide your attention back to your breath.

Finish Strong

When the timer goes off, don’t just pop out of your practice. Continue to breathe for 10 more long, deep breaths. When you are ready, slowly open your eyes.

—

About the Birchbox Challenge

Birchbox teamed up with a panel of all-star experts to bring a 31-day challenge to make 2015 your healthiest, happiest, most gorgeous year ever. I’m joining Birchbox on this month-long challenge and will share my success with #BirchboxChallenge. Let’s do this together!

Day 9 // Get Sculpted in 6 Minutes | Birchbox Challenge

I’m a lover of High Intensity Training (HIT) classes. The pattern usually is 30-seconds of intense cardio/strength moves that get quickly gets the heart rate up, followed by 20-seconds of rest. The Day 9 Challenge is something a little different.

Day 9 Birchbox Challenge “Get Sculpted in 6 Minutes” is created by celebrity trainer Ashley Borden. She swears by crazy effective workouts that can be done in a short amount of time, with minimal equipment. She uses the AMRAP technique ( “as many reps as possible”), which works muscles nonstop to condition your entire body, increase your metabolic rate, and burn a ton of calories. Her Sexy Six workout is just six moves and six minutes long but will leave you breathless and sweaty. Once you learn the workout, repeat it multiple times a week, focusing on your form and adding time as you get stronger.

Set a timer for 6 minutes. Do the 6 moves below, in order. Repeat the order as fast as you can, while maintaining your form, until time’s up. Keep track of how many times you got through the entire workout at the end, and beat that at your next workout!

See the moves here on Day 9 Birchbox Challenge.

—

About the Birchbox Challenge

Birchbox teamed up with a panel of all-star experts to bring a 31-day challenge to make 2015 your healthiest, happiest, most gorgeous year ever. I’m joining Birchbox on this month-long challenge and will share my success with #BirchboxChallenge. Let’s do this together!

Day 5 // Become a Morning Warrior | Birchbox Challenge

I’d like to say I’m a selective morning person. I enjoy waking up early on the weekends–make tea, journal, go to the gym and even declutter my desk. As for the weekday, after hitting snooze three times, I drag myself out of bed with just enough time to brush my teeth and wash my face before bolting out the door for work.

I keep telling myself I should wake up earlier during the work week to make time to quiet my heart, energize my body and mentally prepare for a full day. I’ve been trying these three powerful yoga poses from the Day 5 // Become a Morning Warrior from the Birchbox Challenge and been getting a jumpstart on my day and feeling invigorated.

This three-pose yoga sequence from Masumi Goldman and Laura Kasperzak, the brains (and muscle) behind Two Fit Moms, will leave you feeling peaceful and centered. Plus, you’ll get a gentle flexibility and strength workout just minutes after you roll out of bed. Each of these fundamental yoga poses stretches and strengthens your muscles in a short period of time. Once you’re familiar with each of the poses and can hold each pose for five full breaths, repeat the sequence at a faster pace. Remember to practice the poses on both sides of the body.

—-

About the Birchbox Challenge

Birchbox teamed up with a panel of all-star experts to bring a 31-day challenge to make 2015 your healthiest, happiest, most gorgeous year ever. I’m joining Birchbox on this month-long challenge and will share my success with #BirchboxChallenge. Make sure to also enter for their daily prize giveaways. Let’s do this together!

Day 2 // Get Sleek Arms Anywhere | Birchbox Challenge

Kick off 2015 on the right foot! Want toned biceps, triceps and shoulders but don’t have any weights? Channel your inner boxer with this series of quick movements (jab! hook!) to make them strong and defined. Last night I got home late from work and thought about skipping my workout. I’m glad I didn’t. I haven’t gone cardio kickboxing in ages, but came across this easy Sleek Arms Anywhere workout for the Birchbox Challenge, Day 2. It’s perfect for the busy individual. Recently my quick workout has been a 1-mile sprint, some arm-toning moves and 1 to 2 sets of the 10-minute workout (see the last video link below).

The One Arm-Toning Move To Master in 2015 | YouTube instructional video.

Another favorite workout of mine is a full-body, high intensity training, 10-minute workout that doesn’t require equipment. C’mon, you can find 10 minutes of your day to try this! You won’t regret it.

About the Birchbox Challenge

Birchbox teamed up with a panel of all-star experts to bring a 31-day challenge to make 2015 your healthiest, happiest, most gorgeous year ever. I’m joining Birchbox on this month-long challenge and will share my success with #BirchboxChallenge. Make sure to also enter for their daily prize giveaways. Let’s do this together!

free fitness running

With the Nike Women’s SF Marathon next month, training should be in full gear. Below are a list of free running clubs to help whip us into shape. We always prefer running outdoors (no hamster-style on the treadmill) and this is the perfect way to make running fun and enjoyable.

It’s a great way to meet new friends with like interests, there are multiple distances (5K, 5 miles, 10K) and paces, refreshments and most importantly, it’s absolutely free!

Some of our favorites:

Nike & Niketown

Every Nike store has a run club. Based on the area, some stores hold run clubs twice a week. Check with your local store for their schedule.

Lululemon

I LOVE their clothes! Lululemon also holds free yoga classes and run clubs every week. Check with your local store for their schedule.

Running retail stores

Usually running stores like Top to Top and Road Runner have their own run club. Check with your local store for their schedule.

Live in West LA?

Top to Top (2621 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica, CA 90403)

http://www.yelp.com/biz/niketown-running-club-beverly-hills

Wednesday at 6:30pm

Enjoy 3 distances of 5k, 5 miles, 10k, multiple paces, raffles (shirts, socks and even shoes!), and refreshments. I’m a proud member of the run club, since the days of when Ryan Greene and Paul Shanklin ran the run club–the best of times!! Also, at one of the anniversary celebrations of run club, they had a full-blown celebration! They invited the Cool Haus Ice Cream Sandwich Truck out (ate unlimited ice cream sammys), mariachi band, donkey pinanta filled with GUs, coupons and loot and pairs of shoes! They take care of their running family. Competitor Magazine rated TTT “BEST RUNNING STORE, Southern CA” & “BEST RUNNING STORE, Southern CA”. that HAS to say somethin’!

Niketown Beverly Hills (9560 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills, CA 90212)

http://www.yelp.com/biz/niketown-running-club-beverly-hills

Thursday at 6:30pm

There are distances of 5K, 5 miles and 8 miles. Sometimes they have athletic, beverage and beauty brands sponsors present. In the past, Neutrogena was there providing sun protection kits for all the runners! KeVita Probiotic beverage was also there sampling and giving away bottles. They always attract a good amount of runners and it’s fun to hang out afterwards.

Parking: On the street.

Brentwood Country Club Running Loop (793 Gretna Green Way, Los Angeles, CA 90049)

http://www.yelp.com/biz/brentwood-country-club-running-loop-los-angeles

I love this 2.1 mile loop. You can loop it however many times to build your miles. The mostly dirt path is easy on the knees and has slight inclines and a mini hill. Just becareful of the tree roots. Some of them protrude out from the dirt and can cause trippings for tired legs (or if you aren’t careful or if it’s too dark). Don’t run this after sun down. Paths aren’t lighted. Guarantee adventure if you do.
I usually start on Gretna Green Way, heading south and making a right on Montana, then right on Burlingame, right on San Vicente, right back onto Gretna Green Way.
Here is a map of the route via MapMyRun – http://www.mapmyrun.com/…
Parking: Free, easy parking along Gretna Green Way (btwn San Vicente & Montana), across from the Brentwood Science Magnet school. Please note: No parking along Gretna Green Way every Sunday morning because of the Brentwood Farmer’s Market.

Santa Monica Stairs (4th St & Adelaide Dr., Santa Monica, CA 90402)

http://www.yelp.com/biz/santa-monica-stairs-santa-monica

SM Stairs–equipped with 175 steps of steep, straight-away, wooden stairs. There is plenty of huffing and puffing, paired with sweating and thigh burnings (and @#$%#$@, under my breath).
TIPS: For those, wanting a more challenging workout, take two steps at a time on your ‘up’ or try running it. There is a large grassy island on 4th Street where you can stretch, warm up and cool down–or lay in pain…
Location: You can access the top of SM Stairs at Adelaide Drive and 4th Street (in this residential area). Or access the bottom of the SM Stairs on Ocean Ave.
I normally park my car along San Vicente (few miles away) and run westbound on San Vicente to 4th street then do the stairs and run back to the car. This forces me to run more. I mean, I guess I gotta run back to my car if I want to go home, right?
Parking: Available on the street during daylight hours.  Restrictions kick in after 6pm, others 7pm.  Be aware of the midday street sweeping restrictions on alternating sides of the street on Thru and Fri (parking even more limited during those times). Parking is often available on 4th St. of San Vicente… just a short walk to the stairs.