I know, I know, it sounds like a country song. But it’s a new fitness trend I recently tried in South Lake Tahoe at Splie (pronounced Splee-ay), and wanted to share the experience.
I came to SLT for a month to finish writing my book (stay tuned), and to take in the summer scenery of this beautiful place while hanging out with a friend.
Early on, I stumbled on this intensely cute gym/workout studio (which refers to itself as a non-gym) just a bike ride away from where I was staying. I’m always up for trying new things in name of The Blonde Side, so Zumba in the Dark sounded like a challenge I was up for.
First off, I will attest that while blondes may have more fun, that in no way, shape or form, means we are better dancers. And by we, I mean yours truly. But the great thing about this class was that it was in the dark (with fun lighting all around), so you felt a little more at ease honing in on your sweaty dance moves. At least I did.
The other great thing about this class, or perhaps the gym itself, was that no one was there to judge. This was clearly not an audition for So You Think You Can Dance, and the girls there, all 11 of them in the class, were there to bond, hang out and sweat up a storm while getting their Monday night cardio on.
I should probably also thank Ashley, our instructor, for that. This little blonde sporting her Zumba racerback and lululemon studio pants was working everyone so hard, they didn’t have time or energy to look around and silently critique your dance moves. As far as I was concerned, Splie was a safe zone, and you could dance like Elaine on Seinfeld.
The class started off with a little diddy from Whitney Houston, then went into some Salsa music, followed by some gangsta rap (which I thoroughly enjoyed), onto some N’Sync and mixed in all kinds of other things you secretly love on your playlist. We danced like “raggedy anne dolls,” did the chicken dance, toe taps and a whole bunch of other fun little numbers working on quite a wide range of muscles while all engaging our core throughout the 60-minute class.
Here goes my non-expert Zumba advice: don’t worry so much about trying to make the exact moves your instructor is. Instead, have fun and keep moving – it’s all in the name of sweat, right?
Another thing I loved about this studio that I noticed on my first visit was the awesome book shelf in the back. Not only is it cute, it’s stacked
The honor system bookshelf at Splie
with a ton of great cook books, self-help books, workout DVDs and much more, along with a handwritten note from Tara (the owner) to her clients encouraging them to borrow anything. This is a gym and owner that truly wants the best for her clients both inside her studio and out. That’s the kind of workout partner and friend we all need.
The non-gym also offers a number of other classes with a focus on personal training, stretch (similar to yoga), group fitness, and spin, just to name a few. Check out their class schedule for more info.
Inside the gym, there was a great wall quote which should serve as a constant reminder for us to keep pushing our limits, even if it means dancing like a fool (you know, when no one’s watching):
“You don’t always get what you wish for, you get what you work for.”
https://theblondeside.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/61514_636786013001845_440286126_n.jpg612612Jaymehttps://theblondeside.com//wp-content/uploads/2018/06/1526998321020-300x192.pngJayme2013-07-02 00:48:242013-07-02 00:55:09Dancing in the Dark [Zumba]
Red, White and Blue, look at all my new lulu! (I’m a rhymer too!)
As I started this post and was about to say there’s nothing that screams Team America more than red, white and blue workout gear from lululemon, I retracted that statement, as lulu is based out of Canada.
But nothing says you love the home team like sporting the patriotic colors red, white and blue, especially with the 4th of July fast approaching.
Items pictured to the left and why I love them:
In the Flow Crop: I’ll be the first to admit it – these pants look weird before you put them on. Because they’re made without leg seams (to avoid chaffing), the bottom of the pants bell out, but it creates the perfect fit once you put them on. They are considered “no fuss crops,” and I couldn’t agree more. They are basically an extension of your skin, and so comfortable. They also have the gusset to prevent cameltoes and that’s a huge win for mankind.
Price tag: $78
Forme Jacket: Made out of lulu’s signature fabric, luon, this jacket has a four-way stretch and is great for running or yoga and it super easy to layer, thanks to the thumbholes. There are vents under the armpits to help air those bad boys out and it’s a great all around jacket for pretty much any activity. #formejacket
Price tag: $108
red, white and blue lulu
RUN: Featherweight Singlet (in red): Perhaps one of the cutest/most flattering lululemon tanks I’ve ever put on. Not yet online (at least not that I can find), this loose tank is perfect for a hot run or even a night out. Seriously, it’s that cute, and I’ve been known to wear workout gear to a bar or dinner with friends. The tank has mesh panels for ventilation which is perfect for that Houston summer heat I live in. And the slit up the back middle is super sexy, whether running or just hanging out.
Price tag: $68
Items pictured to the right and why I love them:
RUN: Speed Short (in white): If you’ve ever seen my Instagram photos, you know how much I love these shorts and how often I wear them. If these shorts weren’t so great, I’d almost be embarrassed to wear them so often. To note, these shorts are great for us gals with bigger thighs full of muscle. Thanks to the “inherently wicking liner,” the shorts stay comfortably in place, which is great for running and other activities. Also, the white color looks great on tanned legs and perfect for the summer!
Price tag: $54
RUN: Swiftly Scoop SS Tech (in purple/blue): I couldn’t find the exact shirt online (the Swiftly Scoop is a popular shirt for lulu), but this is the new scoop neck in a short sleeve version. Here’s the kicker for this amazing shirt: it is anti-stink. Yup, you heard me. So next time you see me wearing this shirt two days in a row, it’s because of the X-STATIC fibers that actually inhibit the growth of odor-causing bacteria in the shirt. WINNING | NOT STINKING.
Price tag: $58
Energy Bra (in red): This is a light support bra for yoga, that is designed for the C and D cup yogis out there with medium coverage. For me, it’s a great sports bra for running, because my girls don’t move too much, if you know what I mean. There are also removable pads in the bra. Note, most sports bras at lululemon seem to run small, so be sure to go in and try them on.
Price tag: $48
Cool Rackerback (in red): I have this tank in about every color, but the red is definitely my favorite for the upcoming 4th of July! This is a versatile, multisport racerback made with a four-way stretch fabric that is breathable (luon). The tank features flat seems for chafe-resistance and comfort. Good for just about anything and comes in just about every color.
Price tag: $42
*Note, not all red, white and blues will be available online, you may have to check the awesome store near you.
I can’t take my eyes off the news today. I’m not one to commit myself to violent news scenes and partake in media frenzies often, but this one, the one that took place this afternoon at the Boston Marathon has my full attention.
Maybe it’s because it hit so close to home, having two of my best friends running the race (both are thankfully safe), or maybe it’s because I just signed up for my very first full marathon in Philadelphia later this year and just trying to imagine what I’d be thinking if I were in Boston running today. If you’ve ever run a big race or played in a big game or had to give an important speech, you know all the scary thoughts running through your head. What if I can’t make the full 13.1 miles and my ankle gives out? What if I forget my lines and don’t know what to say and everyone laughs at me? What if I make a bad play and lose the game? Those are thoughts we’ve all had on our own big days as we put so much pressure on ourselves to succeed, but today’s tragic acts show those are the least of our worries, at least for right now.
The Boston Marathon is one of the most storied events in athletic history, dating all the way back to 1897 drawing an estimated spectatorship of 500,00 people and runners from 96 countries. And this marathon is no average marathon; it’s one of six World Marathon Majors where runners must have a qualifying time in order to even lace up their shoes and participate. This was some people’s very first crack at a marathon and this was the final hoorah for many elite runners wishing to go out on top.
The Boston Athletic Association (BAA) stated there were 23,326 official starters and 17,584 finished the race before the first explosion took place around 2:50pm EST, causing remaining racers to divert and evacuate the original course path.
Running a marathon is no piece of cake and it’s not for the faint of hearts either. It takes hard work and dedication, both mentally and physically, in a sport that does not discriminate in age or size or anything else for that matter. To be able to accomplish 26.2 long, hard miles is tough work, and sadly, for those geared up for today’s race, they experienced a nightmare instead of the euphoric finish line they all worked so hard for.
JJ Watt of the Houston Texans and 2012 NFL Defensive Player of the Year knows just how hard today was and what these athletes were robbed of when he tweeted this:
Today’s 26.2-mile race wasn’t just another race, it stood for something so important to so many people around the world as each mile honored one of the 26 Newtown victims from another recent tragedy. NFL writer, Dan Durkin (@djdurkin) really summed up the violence our nation is currently facing in this tweet:
Sending our children to school and participating in races isn’t something we should ever have to question or dread. But in a time like this, we must remain positive and stick together for the common good; something the running community has long been known for, which was captured on so many Twitter feeds over the past few hours.
Our friends at Runner’s World (@runnersworld) helped spread valuable and timely information to those monitoring the #BostonMarathon hashtag by supplying phone numbers:
Other avid and experienced runners put their common sense and social media into overdrive for the common good, like Kevin K (@kkee20), who suggested this to ABC and his followers:
Runnerspace.com (@runnerspace_com) shared Google’s new people finder so families could easily track their loved ones in or near the course:
Even folks like SB Nation (@sbnation) shared links of stranded race participants in need of a place to stay for the night or trying to connect those with places:
And finally, my vote for most uplifting tweet of the day goes to Pete Manning who had this to say earlier in the day:
Thoughts and prayers to all those affected by today’s tragic events and a sense of thankfulness that our community can band together to help one another in a time like this.
To see the original blog on the Women’s Health Action Hero blog, click here.
To read The Blonde Side | Jayme Lamm’s profile on the Women’s Health Action Hero blog, click here.
https://theblondeside.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/endurance_g_marathon02_600.jpg400600Jaymehttps://theblondeside.com//wp-content/uploads/2018/06/1526998321020-300x192.pngJayme2013-04-15 22:44:362014-04-14 19:17:03Prayers for Boston | Women’s Health Action Hero Blog
Talk about the overstatement of the year, especially when fitness and losing weight seems to be on everyone’s mind. There truly is an app for everything, including my favorite: “I travel a lot and love to eat cupcakes and drink Veuve Rose six nights a week and it’s making me fat.”
Technically, that’s not the real name of the app, but the one I’m referring to and have considered my mobile BFF throughout the country for over six months now is the Nike Training Club App (NTC). It’s a free app you can download directly from the iTunes store and has been a lifesaver during my crazy travel times.
We have enough excuses for skipping the gym, travel doesn’t need to be one anymore.
All the workouts can be done in small quarters (i.e., your hotel room) and more than half don’t need any additional equipment like mats or weights. While most hotels have gyms, not all do (or like the ones in Vegas, it’s an additional $23/day for a one-time use). We have enough excuses for skipping the gym, travel doesn’t need to be one anymore.
My favorite part about this app? The Get Focused program, which offers 14 different body-focused workouts, each lasting only 15 minutes. Even if a scheduled workout isn’t on your agenda for the day, for whatever reason, we almost always have 15 minutes to spare and NTC makes it too easy to skip.
Workout scenario
Imagine this scenario: You’ve finished your day of meetings and you have about an hour to get ready for dinner with a few co-workers. You know it takes only 40 minutes to get ready, including shaving your legs and drying your hair. Instead of logging onto Facebook or Pinterest, open your iPhone or iPad and turn on the 15 minute “Cardio Killer” app, set it to your favorite playlist or Pandora station, and get your sweat on.
Don’t worry if phrases like “alternating froggers” confuse you, there is a quick video that shows exactly how to conduct the movement in a safe and efficient manner.
No equipment is required for this workout, and in just 15 minutes (albeit hard and sweaty ones), you’ll do a minute of alternating froggers, a minute of burpees, 30 seconds of squat holds, 30 seconds of squat jumps, a minute of 2 -feet plank side hops, 30 seconds of tuck jumps, 30 seconds to recover and repeat the sequence twice.
That’s less time than two entire Dave Matthews songs, trust me. It goes by fast. And don’t worry if phrases like “alternating froggers” confuse you, there is a quick video that shows exactly how to conduct the movement in a safe and efficient manner.
Once you’re finished, you can track and save your workouts, track progress and even get bonuses and rewards.
Custom-built workouts
NTC has more than 60 full-body custom-built workouts with 90+ multi-dimensional drills exclusively created by Rihanna’s personal trainer Ary Nunez and followed by some of the world’s best athletes, including Paula Radcliffe, Hope Solo, Alex Morgan, Kara Goucher, Shawn Johnson and many others. All of the workouts are set up interval style and can be completed in 15-, 30- and 45-minute increments.
The other great thing about NTC is that once it’s downloaded, you don’t need an Internet connection to work out (again, don’t let that additional hotel fee keep you from working out). Users can share workouts, and unlock reward content throughout milestone workouts.
For every minute of training, you get closer to exclusive rewards like personal training advice (again, this is free!) where your hard work unlocks embedded reward content as you reach training milestones and earn badges.
You can opt for a workout in one of the following categories:
Get Lean: High interval cardio drills to slim down
Get Toned: Light weights and intervals to add definition
Get Strong: Increased weights and reps to build strength
Get Focused: 15-minute workouts to target specific areas (like butts, arms, legs, back, abs and more)
The different workouts range from beginners to advanced, so the app developers (and I) firmly believe there are programs to suit every individual’s needs. According to the Nike website:
The app descriptions make workout selection an easy and intuitive process. Make sure you preview the drills for each workout before you start, so you know what to expect and what equipment you might need. Detailed instructions and videos ensure you know how to perform each drill.”
It’s literally a technological advancement that allows you to have a personal trainer in your room for free. With no invasion of your privacy.
Successful workout and fitness goals rely heavily on setting and meeting goals and NTC can help there as well. Say for the month of March you set a goal of working out 900 minutes the entire month. Sounds lofty and difficult to calculate, but not with NTC where you can set goals and track your progress each day. It’s a great way to keep yourself accountable and on track, even while out of town.
So next time you want to complain your hotel room is making you fat, just remember: There’s An App For That.
This article was featured on Culture Map, Houston’s Daily Digital Magazine in the “No Excuses/Fitness” section.
https://theblondeside.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/868b4793a96aae2aadb7aa645265e25b.jpg600800Jaymehttps://theblondeside.com//wp-content/uploads/2018/06/1526998321020-300x192.pngJayme2013-02-25 20:39:412013-03-19 20:43:17Don’t Let That Hotel Room Make You Fat
If I cancel last minute I’ll get charged? If I don’t sign up quick enough, will there be a spot for me? The woman twice my age looks five times better in her Lululemon pants than I do? This costs how much?
These are the workout questions.
I’ve found that if I’m charged a fee to cancel, I won’t (we’re more prone to bail on workouts last minute). I’ve found that if I wait too long, my favorite class and time will be full and I’ll miss a great workout. I’ve found that a 45-year-old woman who looks better in her Wunder Unders than I do can be the exact motivation I need. I’ve found that if I spend more money at the gym, I’m more likely to work harder and faster and turn on BEAST MODE the entire hour I’m there to get my full money’s worth.
“I didn’t want to be just another gym where you pay your $40 and jump on a treadmill and move on.”
I’ve found my fitness home, at least for right now.
Boot camps are fun and intense, and usually yield the results you want — if done consistently. But one thing Heather Garrigus, founder of Sculpt and Sculpt Fusion, noticed was that boot camp was usually dictated by the weather, and here in Houston, that can be a tough cookie to swallow.
Immediately following law school, Garrigus, came to Houston. Using her fitness acumen to teach group classes was not only how she made extra money to pay for law school, it was also her stress relief. Soon, she found her love for the fitness world fast outgrew her love of law and she applied her hard work and study ethics from her recent law school days directly to gyms, classes and their increasing trends.
Traveling to Los Angeles, New York and Miami, Garrigus scouted what was hot in those big cities, the industry trends and what people actually wanted.
“I gathered all that together because I knew eventually I wanted to open my own place,” she says. “I took all the stuff I liked from around the country and put it into one thing. I didn’t want to be just another gym where you pay your $40 and jump on a treadmill and move on.”
The gathering all of that into one thing? Garrigus wasn’t kidding.
The only other studio in Texas that uses these newer machines is in Dallas.
In any given class, you could be sprinting intervals on the top of the line treadmills, doing wall-sits, dangling from TRX
Photo courtesy of Facebook
ropes, pushing sand bags, doing spider-pushups, slinging ropes, jogging backwards, using step boxes — among a multitude of infinite possibilities.
Sculpt and Sculpt Fusion are what Garrigus classifies a boutique studio, where you pay for what you use. Her team focuses on more personal attention with classes ranging from two to 16 people max.
“Think of it like group personal training,” she says.
If you need that extra kick in the butt after a stagnant workout at your chain gym, you might consider trying one of her three locations. With classes named Shredded, Haute Hiney, Hip Hop Friday, Full Throttle and more, you know it’s pretty unique on the Houston fitness landscape.
Even if you already belong to a gym, Sculpt is a chance to add-on without the commitment. If you’re looking for extra intensity to start the new year off with or to avoid the rookies at your regular gym, it’s an option.
Sculpt Fusion
“I wanted something that got the intensity of a boot camp, but was indoors. There are so many limitations outside. I saw how popular and effective they were in Los Angeles and New York City — you got your cardio and weights all in an hour and then you’re done. You don’t have to leave class and say ‘Now I have to go do cardio.’ These classes are efficient and effective.
“We waned to add the cardio and intensity component because a lot of people want that intensity level — that’s the way people are going now and it’s the most effective way to burn fat and change your body. We added the spinning to the studio too and have fused half spin and half weights,” Garrigus says of her spot right off Kirby.
Sculpt
“The machines [ProFormers] at our Tanglewood location were developed from a guy from LA. Some people call it ‘Pilates on steroid.’ It’s a bigger machine, and you can do a lot more things on it, especially a lot more standing work and the intensity level is much higher than traditional Pilates.
“Again, you kind of fuse the flexibility training, cardio and weight training all into one workout. A lot of people like it because they found they’ve reached a plateau in their traditional Pilates classes and stopped seeing results. We want people to keep seeing results,” Garrigus says.
Sculpt is the only studio in Houston that has these ProFormers. The only other studio in Texas that uses these newer machines is in Dallas.
The instructors are also kind of a big deal. Not only have they all been in and around the industry for 10-plus years (almost all with Garrigus in some capacity), they’re all skilled in many areas, making these fusion workouts actually work. They’re all skilled at some level in Pilates, running, personal training, spinning, stretching and more, making them a versatile teach pool for almost any kind of client.
“My trainers continue to learn about new things and stay on the edge of what’s hot and what’s new keeping things fresh,” Garrigus says.
“A lot of gyms/clubs are so stagnant and we try to be anything but.”
This article was featured on Culture Map, Houston’s Daily Digital Magazine in the “No Excuses/Fitness” section.
https://theblondeside.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/f6dfd010c6498db202732d370b1f7723.jpg600800Jaymehttps://theblondeside.com//wp-content/uploads/2018/06/1526998321020-300x192.pngJayme2013-01-28 14:49:222013-09-20 11:45:39Hot boutique exercise studio looks to change the gym game: Pilates on steroids, anyone?
With the New Year comes a lot of promises to ourselves. Like evading the mall and lowering credit card bills. Or bringing your A-Game to work everyday.
Working out more. Eating less. Washing your hair on a daily basis. Cutting back on your superfluous champagne consumption.
OK, maybe those last few were just mine, but still, the New Year brings about a time where we all want to make positive changes.
I couldn’t go on any dates, couldn’t meet the girls for happy hour, couldn’t drive past Arby’s without wanting to crash my Tahoe into the brick building.
The fad of juicing/fasting/detoxing has been around for some time, but I decided the start of a new year was the perfect time to jump on that liquid train and see for myself. I decided to forego those cryptic recipes on the interwebs which required a food processor, ground up pig feet, splashes of cayenne pepper and other garb and instead try a local company: Crush Cleanse.
Crush Cleanse launched in October 2012 as Houston’s first premier juice cleanser. This particular cleanse focuses on a feeling of a cleansed body and mind — more than a weight loss tactic. The goal is to reset and reboot your body in hopes to help reinvent healthy habits and rid your body of post party toxins (i.e. the Veuve Clicquot mentioned above).
The cleanse comes in a one day, three day, five day and 10 day formats and can be purchased at various retailers throughout Houston or delivered straight to your door. I opted for the three day cleanse — which turned into 48 grueling hours of no food or champagne.
Yes, if you do the math, you’ll notice I didn’t make it.
What started out as an actual challenge to see if I could go without food for three entire days, ended up exactly that — a challenge. It was tough for a multitude of reasons. I couldn’t go on any dates, couldn’t meet the girls for happy hour, couldn’t drive past Arby’s without wanting to crash my Tahoe into the brick building and start gorging on fatty food. I don’t even like Arby’s.
While results vary for each person, it just wasn’t something I could finish. It did give me bursts of energy and made me eat less when I finally reacclimated to the wonderful world of food. Not only did my stomach feel smaller, I got full quicker and I wanted to put less bad stuff in my body.
Those first two nights I slept like a baby, which was also a pleasant surprise.
The Clean Truth
Crush Cleanse is comprised of cold pressed, unpasteurized, raw, vegan, gluten free and dairy-free juices. Made with an abundance of vegetables, fruits and nuts, it is not a cleanse where you are starved or guaranteed to lose weight — you’re still consuming approximately 1,200 calories per day.
Photo Courtesy of Crush Cleanse
“We don’t believe in depriving the body but rather in reviving it back to an all natural, toxin free state.”
Juices No. 1 and No. 3 each have six pounds of vegetables (including kale, spinach, romaine, cucumber and celery), so you’ll definitely get your fill of important nutrients and vitamins to try and ward off excessive fatigue or grouchiness. Each day of the cleanse you are flooding your bloodstream with all natural, live juices packed with vitamins, enzymes and essential nutrients.
“We don’t believe in depriving the body but rather in reviving it back to an all natural, toxin free state,” says Elena Dunn, principal owner and founder of Crush Cleanse. After time we all accumulate built up toxins from processed foods, alcohol, nicotine and even air pollution.
“Crush Cleanse is an all natural way to not only flush the body of these impurities but to balance and alkalize your PH — disease cannot thrive in a PH balanced system!”
The cleanse consists of six juices consumed throughout the day and there are different cleanse levels: First Crush (recommended for first time cleansers), Crushing Hard and Major Crush.
First Crush consists of a variety of all six juices (two green, pineapple, carrot, spicy lemonade & cashew), Crushing Hard replaces the carrot juice with a signature green juice and Major Crush consists of four greens, a spicy lemonade and cashew milk. These cleanse systems were specifically formulated to gently detox your system while still delivering an abundance of essential vitamins, nutrients and antioxidants.
Keep a bathroom nearby, at all times, under all circumstances.
Preparing for your cleanse is an integral part of easing into an all-juice diet. Things like slowly cutting out meats, sugars and starches three days before beginning your cleanse will help your body adjust and minimize symptoms. Some symptoms during your cleanse can include a headache, skin irritation, upset stomach, and a feeling of hunger.
All of these symptoms are normal as it is just a sign of toxins slowly making their way out of your body. As the days go, you can aim to look forward to: More energy, clearer thinking, no feeling of hunger, possible weight loss, glowing/radiant skin, and an overall feeling of healthiness inside and out.
If a cleanse is something you’ve never tried, it’s definitely an experience worth trying. You may not have ground-breaking results like others, but you’re likely to notice even a few small changes after you’ve completed it.
Plus, challenges are good. Toxins are bad.
The Quick and Dirty
– Juices are typically spaced out two to three hours between one another (depending on individual needs).
– You MUST drink water while cleansing, the only juices with a little water are No. 4 Spicy Lemonade and No. 6 Cashew Milk, so even though you’re consuming liquids, you still need aqua.
– The numbers on the bottles (one to six) are a suggested order to drink, but feel free to move them around (for me, I didn’t want or need them all, I just drank when I needed a pick me up or a boost of energy).
– You can workout while cleansing, but be sure to listen to your body and not push it too hard especially the first day since your body is ridding itself of all the built up toxins and impurities. With that being said you may feel slightly fatigued and headache. (I can testify to this — I did have enough energy to work out, but headaches and fatigue did start to take over on day two).
– Drinks MUST be refrigerated at all times and before you drink them make sure to shake them up (I thought it’d be easier to drink them out of a huge wine glass for the fun factor, but it’s hard to reshake the juice when you have half left, so keep it in the original bottle).
– The juices MUST be consumed upon delivery, the shelf life is five to seven days but best consumed right away.
– Pregnant, nursing, the elderly and children are not recommended to cleanse due to the unpasturized nature of the juices.
– Keep a bathroom nearby, at all times, under all circumstances.
This article was featured on Culture Map, Houston’s Daily Digital Magazine in the “No Excuses/Fitness” section.
https://theblondeside.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/6dd4d3f9269d1f2ae978cedb12911de4.jpg600800Jaymehttps://theblondeside.com//wp-content/uploads/2018/06/1526998321020-300x192.pngJayme2013-01-26 14:55:032013-03-20 15:02:35Taking the juice cleanse challenge . . . and failing: Detoxifying is tougher than you think
The Mat, $68 at Lululemon (photo courtesy of Lululemon)
Lululemon designer looks to Houston workouts to figure out what customers really want
I was all set to interview Katie Douglas, lead accessory designer for Lululemon, the yoga-inspired athletic apparel company. But I quickly learned that a meetingwith any Lululemon employee most certainly requires some degree of sweat. As it should.
Douglas and Lululemon accessories design assistant Kathleen Westerhout invited me to Sculpt Fitness for an early morning workout (which began with the instructor saying, “If you feel you need to throw up, please step away from the machines”), followed by coffee and breakfast at Tiny Boxwoods.
Based out of Vancouver, where the brand originated, Douglas and Westerhout came here to check out the chains’ three Houston locations (Galleria, Highland Village and most recently CityCentre), partake in a detailed and grueling fitness circuit and go on a “four-day taco bender.”
I quickly learned that a meeting with any Lululemon employee most certainly requires some degree of sweat. As it should.
Having been with the company for a little more than three years, Douglas is the ideal person to chat with about the brand and its loyal following, who are known as “luluheads.” During our conversation, she talked about the brand that both men and women are increasingly going gaga over, her favorite things about Houston and what’s in store (literally).
CultureMap: I’m not hungry. I’m still trying not to throw up from that workout. It was intense, right?
Katie Douglas: Yes, it was great. We’ve had quite a few good workouts since we got in town.
CM: Where have you been?
KD: West End Run Club, Yoga One in Midtown, Big Yoga, Sculpt and Yoga Collective. I think that’s it.
CM:You’ve only been here four days – if my math is correct, some of those days included more than one workout?
The Blonde Side and Lululemon girls after a hard workout at Sculpt Fusion in Houston
KD: [laughing]: Working out is not only part of the job, but it’s all something we love. One of the best things about our company is that the first focus is our people – we’re all about having well-rounded lives. Plus, if I didn’t actually use my gym bag or wear scarves, I wouldn’t know how to improve on them and if I didn’t actually do the sports, I wouldn’t know how the apparel needs to function for the sport, like yoga mats.
CM: So what have you noticed about the fitness scene here in Houston?
KD: The classes offered here are great – more options than most. In Houston we see a lot of fusion exercises – Austin too. Like yoga with weights. Vancouver is a bit more pure when it comes to working out, like just run clubs or just spin classes. We (Vancouver) just got our first spin studio about a year ago and CrossFit is getting bigger, but we do a lot of outdoor running and biking – Vancouver is beautiful. We’re a bit slower on the fitness scene, but everybody’s still very active.
If I didn’t actually use my gym bag or wear scarves, I wouldn’t know how to improve on them and if I didn’t actually do the sports, I wouldn’t know how the apparel needs to function for the sport, like yoga mats.
CM: Is Houston more fast-paced than you imagined?
KD: Yes and no. It’s the city so it’s definitely got that city-vibe where everyone’s got to get from point A to point B, but at the same time it’s the South. What amazes me is that you guys get up at 4:30 to go to a 5 a.m. workout and your day keeps going — we don’t get up so early.
CM: Are there certain pieces that do better in Houston?
Sink/Shower Kit, $68 at Lululemon (photo via Lululemon)
KD: It’s all about shorts: year round. It’s so hot you don’t need to wear pants very often. It’s great for us to experience your weather – it’s sunny and 80 but chilly in the morning, whereas it’s 50 and rainy in Vancouver.
CM: Yeah, we’re definitely all about the layers here. What do you recommend?
KD: There are some great lightweight down puffy jackets that are so lightweight you can throw them on in the morning and then stuff them in your bag – they’re not super heavy – so you’re covered morning and night. Back to the whole fast-paced lifestyle, we’ve also discovered you don’t go home and change a lot so being versatile and having layers is a must.
CM: You’re an accessories designer – what all does that mean for lulu?
KD: Scarves, socks, bags, yoga mats, yoga props, water bottles and headbands.
CM: The holidays are coming up. What are some must-have items this season?
KD: Definitely bags, scarves, or anything puffy. Or socks. I believe socks should be in every stocking.
In Houston, it’s all about shorts: year round. It’s so hot you don’t need to wear pants very often.
Kathleen Westerhout: OurToiletry Kit – I’m excited about that one. It’s a great gift because of the price point and everyone needs one.
CM: Any final words on our city or what we can look forward to in your stores?
KD: If Houston likes their color as much as I think they do, they’re going to be really excited about the next few seasons – winter is going to be amazing. As for the January, color palette – your mind is going to be blown. It’s so fun and happy. It’s really awesome.
KW: I can’t wait to plan my return – I want to come back for vacation – I want to see more of Texas.
KD: Me too.
Once upon a time (as in just a few months ago), I felt Lululemon was entirely too overpriced for apparel that I’d literally sweat in, especially someone like me who sweats like a man. The more I wear and learn about the product (i.e. the gusset, which prevents cameltoe) and become acclimated with their culture, the bigger a fan I become.
The recognizable logo not only symbolizes a commitment to living a healthy life, but also a well-rounded and happy one. That my friends, is well worth the extra pennies. And of course, plenty of motivation to get your sweat on.
This article was featured on Culture Map, Houston’s Daily Digital Magazine in the fashion/style section.
https://theblondeside.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/d076b177ab83bc8d3a6df45d33ca572b.jpg700525Jaymehttps://theblondeside.com//wp-content/uploads/2018/06/1526998321020-300x192.pngJayme2012-12-09 18:50:102013-01-07 18:56:39The Blonde Side Interview’s Lululemon Lead Accessory Designer
A few weeks ago I had the awesome opportunity to partake in a fit session at the lululemon at the Houston Galleria. As much as I already knew I loved the brand, I had yet to own a single piece. Perhaps it was the price, which felt a little hefty for clothes I would literally work up an intense sweat in, or the fact I grew up as a Nike chick, but nevertheless, I was invited to try on some pieces and give feedback on their products.
I probably tried on every single piece of women’s clothing at the store – from yoga apparel (I don’t even do yoga), to lounge-around wear, to running products (which were of course my fave). Just in tank tops alone I probably tried on 35 different variations including racerbacks, extra long tanks, racing length tanks, ones with built-in bras, ones without, neon, striped, you name it and I tried it on.
Luckily I’m a sucker for running in tank tops. It’s not that I have ridiculously toned arms like Madonna, it’s just more comfortable for me. I ended up purchasing the First Base Tank, $52, which is made of a lightweight and inherently moisture-wicking Rulu with a four-way stretch that moves with you. Clearly a plus when you’re on the move.
The other great feature that Kelly, the bubbly blonde team leader who was working with me, mentioned were the flat seams that prevented chafing: a must for long-runs. As the website says, “We wouldn’t build a house without laying a strong foundation, and we feel the same way about our winter run outfits. We designed this tank as the first layer to keep us toasty no matter what weather comes our way.” This tank was a clear choice the second I found out it doubled as a base layer, which is perfect for the upcoming snowboarding season.
The Blonde Side’s New lululemon Outfit
Something I had never heard of before was the “anti-stink Micro Diamond Mesh” which is strategically placed in high-sweat areas to keep you so fresh and so clean. It wouldn’t have been a day in the life of The Blonde Side without the ridiculous questions that come out of my mouth when Kelly tried to explain the anti-stink due to the “silver” that was woven in the shirt. “Silver, like my necklace,” I asked pointing to my Texas pendant like a small child. Indeed a blonde moment, but we quickly moved on: pants.
I also fell in love with the wunder under crops, $72 (mostly because they had the garnet color to rep my Florida State roots), but also because of the unparalleled comfort they offered the second I put them on. Although they’re made for yogis (again, not me), I couldn’t resist the purchase thanks in part to the gusset, which is defined as: “Drumroll please: gussets are the unsung heroes in the fight against our infamous foe camel toe. These diamond-and-triangle-shaped pieces of fabric are sewn between the legs for greater freedom of movement and to prevent tight fitting shorts, pants, or crops from riding up.” Yes, a drumroll was in fact necessary for that steadfast and awesome definition. What an invention! I had never heard that such an invention existed to hopefully rid the travesty of camel toes across the world.
The tight fit of the wunder under crops “makes it easy to check alignment and the calf-length leg allows us to hold onto our ankles easily in Dancer pose,” and there’s even a hidden waistband pocket to hide your keys or cards while working out. No wonder these are one of their core items and come in a variety of colors.
My fit session didn’t stop there when it came to pants. Again, I tried on at least 20 different versions, lengths, reversible options all kinds of materials, all designed for different athletic practices. While it was fairly time consuming, it really was worth trying on all the different options. It was clear within seconds what products had the four-way stretch, which is what I needed most for running.
The run speed short, $54, was definitely my favorite purchase. Not only were they ultimately comfortable, they didn’t ride up and they were actually stylish. As someone who takes lunch meetings and boards airplanes in workout gear on the regular, these shorts were taking my fashion status up a notch. Maybe two.
The Blonde Side’s lululemon Fit Session
According to the lulu website, “the fabric is extremely lightweight and moisture wicking to keep us feeling breezy and comfortable during hardcore sweat sessions.” The shorts are also cut to perform with vents at the back for breathability and split legs for freedom of movement. The speed shorts are also chafe resistant with flat seams to help prevent sweaty, sensitive skin from getting irritated, which is another plus for us runners, especially those of us with bigger/muscular thighs. Having already run a 10k in my new speed shorts, I can attest that they will probably fit all sized legs and are worth a try.
All the products at lulu are preshrunk twice so the clothes won’t get smaller – always something to consider when purchasing new clothes, especially workout clothes which get washed 3 times more than other clothing.
After everything, I ended up with four great pieces. Pieces that I’m already obsessed with. Pieces that my boyfriend reminds me that just because they are “anti-stink” doesn’t mean I need to wear them day in and day out. I guess I know what’s on my Christmas list this year! #hinthint
Another positive note I learned during my fit session – for us short gals (I’m barely 5-foot-2), the store offers complimentary hemming.
Lululemon at the Houston Galleria is a very active group of men and women, inspiring us in ways we all need. Be sure to check out their FB page and go to one of their events – I’ll probably see you there!
I do not like running. Let me start there. I am at best, an average runner. As I was debating an afternoon run a few weeks ago, I realized I needed some form of motivation. Something way beyond my usual Google search of hot and athletic chicks, so I turned a little impromptu game, making my run interactive by posting questions and polls on my social media channels. Once people started paying attention and providing feedback, I was pretty much forced to run. Which really was my only goal.
Here’s a look into my interactive running game:
1. I posted a poll on my Facebook page, asking friends/fans where I should run. I gave them two options – 3-mile loop around Memorial Park or running up and down my parking garage and stairs for 30 minutes.
The trick here was I gave everyone only 30 minutes to respond, that way I wouldn’t lose steam and could still manage to push my self out the door. As soon as the responses were in, I’d tie my Brooks Pure Flow shoes and take off. The poll semi-backfired because out of 64 votes, about 30 of those were for new options I didn’t post including suggestions of new running trails, a running club, a local CrossFit gym, etc, so it kind of skewed my results.
The awesome part about this? When the founder of Brian O’Neill’s Running Club suggested I head out to his club later that evening, another avid runner saw the post. She had never heard of BON, so I had the easy chance to introduce her to one of my favorite local running clubs. The power of social media and network sharing.
The other awesome part? One of my friends, a much better runner than I, suggested I run around the Bayou, a place I had never really heard of. Once I checked it out, I quickly added it to my list of local places to run. Not a bad FB survey, right?
2. I played a Pandora gamewith the Justin Bieber channel. My game went like this: every time a female artist came on, I had to
The Blonde Side’s Interactive Running Game with Justin Bieber
pick up the pace and run closer to a 7-minute mile as opposed to my 9-minute regular pace. But the joke was on me – only onemale song came on throughout the course of my 30-minute run. I guess it was a sweaty blessing in disguise. I posted this tidbit of hilarity on Twitter and got a ton of responses from other Pandora miscues. Apparently Biebs sounds more like Carrie Underwood, Ke$ha, and Demi Lovato than any of his male counterparts.
3. Instagrammed a collage of photos with the caption, “where did I run today?” Of course leave it to the blonde to run somewhere other than the 64 votes suggested, but I chose to head to Rice Village (it made more sense traffic-wise at that time of day).
The collage wasn’t entirely recognizable since I went through campus as opposed to staying on the regular runner’s path, but a number of people quickly guessed my spot. The post had over 20 comments and a few were from past Houston residents who had moved away saying how much they missed it here. A few of my followers asked if I was in need of a running buddy, so another plus!
What weird things do you do to help you get through a run?
My delay for not getting with the Pilates movement decades ago when the rest of the world was, went a little something like this:
I’m an athlete – pilates and yoga don’t make me sweat and I’d rather concentrate on beating someone to the finish line instead of rhythmic breathing, downwards dogs and pelvis tucks. I want to hurt the day after my workout – that’s proof I pushed my limits.
“You want your arms to burn tomorrow?” Sullivan asked. “No problem!” she said with a challenge-accepted look on her face.
This was exactly how my private session at The Athletic Club at The Westin, which recently completed a beautiful $1million expansion featuring more than 27,000 square feet of wellness offerings including the new Pilates Studio, started yesterday.
Still a skeptic to the whole Pilates practice, I quickly attributed my heavy breathing after just two minutes of activity to the Rocky Mountain altitude. Looking at Sullivan, at the age of 51, my qualms started dissipating with each passing rep. With her immense energy, glowing skin and fit body, surely she wasn’t more than 35-40 years old I inaccurately guessed.
Ok, Pilates, I’m listening…
The first glaring sign I was a novice at this whole Pilates thing? I showed up in my Brooks pure flow running shoes, ready for action. Looking down at my bulky shoes, Sullivan kindly asked me to remove them and then head over to the reformer.
Doing work on The Reformer
The reformer? Where’s the mat? Doesn’t Pilates involve some sort of mat, I asked? According to Livestrong.com, “a reformer is an exercise machine used to incorporate the Pilates exercise technique for a challenging and intense workout.” There are springs that allow the instructor to create more or less resistance providing an individual workout all while using the same machine. Resistance, I found, not weight, is really all one needs for a full-body workout.
As Sullivan explained, Pilates is a rhythmic practice of precise and “controlled movements” ultimately focusing on multiple parts of your body while keeping your core (abs/midsection) engaged the entire time. “Pilates is all about core and strength – your core is engaged in every single exercise. The attraction to Pilates is that it’s an all-body workout without being hard on your joints. Another benefit is that it lengthens your muscles without bulking, which is key for many women. The premise started as a method of rehab many years ago,” she explained.
The reformer looked like some of the apparatus, one I used many times throughout my physical therapy career – on the receiving end of course. (Remember I’m currently on 23 surgeries and hopefully not counting, so PT and I are well acquainted.)
I again was right back to my original skepticism – if this whole process started as a form of rehab when elite athletes were injured and not performing at the highest levels, why would an able-bodied fitness-craving individual want to do Pilates? But then something clicked, as each movement got harder and harder. PT was good for me back then, why wouldn’t it be good for me now? I saw firsthand how it built muscle and strength and never caused injury (like many workouts today do), so clearly Pilates was a good fit for me, right?
Jayme and Elizabeth Sullivan – still smiling post Pilates session
It turns out the fitness craze is a workout. The controlled movements in Pilates are key – just as it is with lifting weights or running downhill. You don’t carefully lift 80lbs on a bench press and let the weight come crashing down on you, instead you control it in both directions making it twice as hard while still engaging your core muscles.
The toughest part throughout the entire session? Figuring out how to breathe on cue as Sullivan instructed. Leave it to a blonde to not know how to breathe.
Oh, and back to the whole I want my body to burn and hurt tomorrow thing? First thing this morning, I booked a massage at Spa Anjali (which was named the #4 U.S. Resort Spa for 2012 by Condé Nast Traveler), because my body did in fact hurt.
While Pilates still doesn’t jive with my regularly-scheduled workout routine and I felt like an awkward turtle the whole time, I will go the distance and say I can see why many people choose Pilates as their form of workout. And I do plan to check out Yoga and Pilates for Golfers on my visit to The Westin this winter.
This post was part of the The Blonde Side’s marriage of Sports + Fitness+ Travel: tying sports trips into travel trips and working out while doing it.
https://theblondeside.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/photo-4.jpg14601460Jaymehttps://theblondeside.com//wp-content/uploads/2018/06/1526998321020-300x192.pngJayme2012-09-26 18:32:552012-09-26 18:44:17My First Pilates
