Fitness Archives - Page 7 of 7

My First Pilates

The Reformer

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.

Those are words you NEVER say to Elizabeth Sullivan, Certified Pilates (and Yoga) Instructor at The Athletic Club at The Westin at Beaver Creek.

“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.

September 26, 2012/by Jayme

Run 10 Feed 10 Interview for Women’s Health Magazine on WalkRunJog

Fitness

Jayme Lamm from The Blonde Side is an official Women’s Health Action Hero

A few month’s ago Women’s Health Magazine sought out “Action Heroes” for their upcoming race series, Run 10 Feed 10. It has been such an incredible honor (and even months before the race an already incredible journey) to be chosen as an Action Hero for the Austin, TX 10k on October 13th.

Recently, The Blonde Side was interviewed on WalkJogRun about the upcoming race and how training is going so far.

Here’s an excerpt from the interview:

WalkJogRun: Why is it important for you to run the RUN 10 FEED 10?

Jayme Lamm: It may sound silly, but social mediahas a lot to do with it. Aside from the simple and very important fact of giving back and staying in shape, I try and lead by example. I hope that many of my friends, or even acquaintances on Twitter can see the kinds of races I’m doing, see that I’m having fun and making a difference and hopefully they’ll want to join in on this race or upcoming races. Too often charities focus on things far away that we may not see or feel very often, but the RUN 10 FEED 10 race gives back within our local community – to me that is huge. I feel like I’m making an immediate difference right in my own backyard. With each race signup, 10 meals are provided to someone going hungry within the city of Austin – being able to help out so close to home while running in such a beautiful city – is there anything better than that on a Saturday morning?

WalkJogRun: How did you get started running?

Jayme Lamm: Although I run many races each year, I’m not a very good runner. I grew up playing softball and other sports and running was always my punishment. It’s hard to remember how great of an athlete I was many years ago and get beat by 70-year-old women in half marathons, but it keeps me going and pushes me!

WalkJogRun: Are you a morning runner or an evening runner?

Want this bag? Then sign up for Run10Feed10

Jayme Lamm: I live in Texas! I try to run anytime the temperature drops below 100, which lately seems to be never!

Read the full Run 10 Feed 10 Interview here.

Want to join me for the run on October 13th in Austin? It’s easier than Angelina Jolie adopting another child:

Go to the Run 10 Feed 10 website and scroll to the bottom where you see the Austin date and click Register Now. The cost of the race is $40 and includes your entry, the all-the-rage-limited-edition FEED bag you see philanthropist celebs sporting, and MOST IMPORTANTLY that money will instantly provide 10 meals to those going hungry locally.

*If you do sign up, please email me (jayme[at]theblondeside[dot]com) your name so I can add to my team. You’ll also get big-slightly-inappropriate hugs resembling TSA from me if you do it. And if you can’t run it (or don’t want to), please consider donating a few bucks. Seriously, skip that $5 footlong at Subway tomorrow and donate to this great cause.

#Run10Feed10

August 15, 2012/by Jayme

Sweat By Candlelight – DEFINErev

Fitness

Co-owner Erin Stewart on a DEFINErev Bike

I’m a firm believer in dinner by candlelight. I’m also that girl who prefers the lights off during those special-between-the-sheets moments with my man. So working out with the lights off, yeah why not? I don’t want to be judged by the mass amount of boob sweat turning my pastel pink sports bra into a deep shade of magenta or my ugly “push it harder” beast mode face I’ve somehow perfected over the years. I want to work out, I want to sweat, I want to be pushed, I want the time to fly, and most of all I want to feel DEFINED.

DEFINErev is a full-body, rhythm-based indoor cycling class which incorporates isometrics, an exercise ball and hand weights (sadly, even my strong pushup arms can only handle 2lb weights) for 45minutes.

Henry “Hank” Richardson just opened his 4^th location in West U (2518 Bissonnet) with blonde bombshell co-founder Erin Stewart. For the past month this place became my second home. The two, along with their lululemon-clad instructors and strategically digitized playlists have motivated me and made me sweat from places I didn’t know contained sweat glands like each and every blonde hair follicle. If at one time Hank was responsible for the all the curves and beauty of Julia Robert’s body, then surely I’d let him take mine over for a month and see what he could do.

Hank brought his raging workout idea back from a class he attended in NYC and after adding his own flair, decided to open up the exercise studios providing one of the first true “body and mind” workouts around Houston.

Founder and Co-Owner, Henry "Hank" Richardson

As someone who considers herself a truly hardcore college athlete, for the first time, I can admit that mind does play a huge role in meeting goals and pushing harder – whether in a fitness class or in the middle of a State Championship Final’s Game. When the spin instructors scream, “dig deeper” through their headsets with Ellie Goulding’s Lights blaring in the darkest moment of class (both literally and figuratively), the ability to dig deeper comes from the mind; not the legs and core I originally thought. Those muscles were exhausted and had long given out, but my head? Nope, that was ready to keep pushing through.

I asked Brian Vanas, one of the lone males in our nightly 5:15 REV class how this class compares to his typical workout. “It’s kind of funny but when I am there I feel like I am in a ‘cage’ and I can’t leave so I have to finish right to the end as opposed to when I am tired to just stop. I definitely burn more calories and sweat more in this class,” he said. His workout partner Jennifer Ban shares the same sweaty sentiments. “I think DEFINE classes push you more. The rooms are crowded and even though the instructors reiterate that your only competition is yourself, I can’t help but push myself a little harder when I see my neighbor doing more than me!” And it’s true – even though the room is virtually pitch black and the bikes are stationary, you still feel that sense of pride and competition and want to beat your neighbor both climbing up that hill and then again minutes later sprinting back down it.

The studio also offers a DEFINEbody class, which Hank refers to as their main class (REV is the cardio version and should supplement the body class). While cardio is usually my thing, I gave the body class a go – basically 45minutes making your legs do things they’ve never done (which for me, says a lot…) and hold onto a ballet bar while on your tippy-toes for virtually the entire class. I’m pretty sure my legs were shaking just like Anastasia’s did throughout the entire first Fifty Shades of Grey. Well, it worked for her and it seems to have worked for me, so we’re both happy girls.

Even Julia Roberts is a fan of DEFINE

I’m starting a fitness column where I partake in classes (both private and group settings) just like this one for at least 2+ weeks at a time. While these classes are putting my muscles to the test, I’m going to be putting them to the same test – was it worth it? Below is the scale I’ll be using to evaluate. This scale not only allows me to determine if this workout was worth it and beneficial for me, but it also gives you an inside look before heading in and checking it out yourself.

The Blonde Side’s Fitness Scale

Convenient (scale 1-10): 9 – with 4 locations and classes every few hours, it’s pretty convenient for the 9-5’er, the stay at home mom, or the freelance sports writer taking over Houston.

Price (scale $ – $$$$$): $$$$ (classes are pretty pricey, but there are deals for monthly memberships both based on number of times used or unlimited anywhere from $120 – $250/month)

Did boys notice a difference in my body (scale Y or N): YES

Did I notice a difference in my body (scale Y or N): YES

Would I consider a membership here? Unfortunately the classes/memberships are a little too rich for my freelance blood, but if I was in town more and had a bigger budget, I most definitely would.

You can follow them on Twitter @DEFINEbody & @DEFINErev and of course you can follow The Blonde Side on Twitter @jaymelamm

DefineBody.com | define@DEFINEbody.com | 713.526.1800 (West University Location)

July 2, 2012/by Jayme

Another Failed Fitness Challenge. April: Pushups

Fitness

The Blonde Side April Pushup Challenge (photo: Sunshine Winters)

Last month, in honor of Lent and trying to get back into better bikini body shape, I started a ridiculous monthly challenge. As you may or may not remember, I failed last month’s challenge by just one measly day. So it should come as no surprise whatsoever, that I once again failed.

Enter the month of April. Last month I ran at least 2 miles/day for 40 days (well 39 to be exact) and my legs were tired. I suffered a number of stress fractures, pains in my knees, legs, and feet that I’ve never before felt, but I did have an amazing ass. So it worked. And it gave me motivation to work out even on those days I didn’t feel so motivated.

For April I was going to devote myself to pushups. I already have pretty strong arms, but having had multiple shoulder surgeries and two complete replacements, my left arm wasn’t in the best shape. As a matter of fact, my left arm weaker than Lindsay Lohan’s vocal cords.

I vowed to do 50 pushups (or more) everyday in May. (There’s also this one hundred pushups program you can try.)

Get ready to judge me, once you see how far I didn’t get (I tally all these in my iPhone notes):

April 1: 55

April 2: 60

April 3: 50

April 4: 50

April 5: 55 (Literally by this day, multiple people, both girls and guys, made comments on my fit arms. It was working!)

April 6: 50

April 7: 60

April 8: 55 (On this day I had 2 different guys tell me to stop with the pushups as my arms were “too big” for a girl.)

April 9: 52 (Random, I know)

April 10: 50

April 11: 60

April 12: 50

April 13: 55

April 15: 100 (notice I missed the 14th, so this was my way of making it up)

April 16: 32 (What’s that? not even to 50!? I. Am. A. Slackass.)

April 18: 55

April 19: 30

April 20: 50

April 21: 60

April 22: 55

And that marks the end of April. I know what you’re thinking: April has 30 days, why did you stop? I wish I had the answer to your question, but all I got is this: I’m lazy. And I need motivation. And I noticed that I barely ran this month because I burnt myself out so much last month.

I need a better plan of attack for these monthly fitness and workout goals. Any suggestions? Keep in mind with all my travel, I need something fairly low-maintenance (as gyms aren’t always an option at my hotels).

May 1, 2012/by Jayme

No Celebratory Prosecco For This Loser.

Fitness

Day 40 – In. The. Books. But hold off on that celebratory Prosecco you think I deserve.

Forty days ago I set out on a goal for Lent, that instead of giving something up, I’d take on a new healthy habit (no, I’m not Catholic, but thought it was a great way to start a fitness goal). Enter my dedication and determination to run at least 2 miles/day for 40 straight days.

Like I said, don’t pop that cork just yet. I failed. But just by a day. Damn that one measly day.

During those 40 days, I suffered not two, but three stress fractures, and it still didn’t stop me, even against copious warnings from my doctor (and mother) telling me to take it easy.

During those 40 days, I managed to run through multiple hangovers courtesy of Bourbon Street, even with the threat of vomit looming over my mascara stained eyes on every single step.

The day after running a half marathon in Tampa when my muscles were stressed and strained beyond any immediate repair, I still managed to log a less than impressive 2.02 miles the very next day in my Brooks Pure Flow running shoes.

But enter day 39 in the beautiful outdoor loving city of Vancouver and thanks to a kidney infection, stitches in my knee (from falling off a flippin’ beach cruiser) and a nasty series of lies from a stupid boy and BOOM.

Hello Failure. Which coincidentally enough happens to start with F. A mere 12 or so hours from my proverbial finish line and I couldn’t bring myself to run 10,560 feet.

Day 10: the doctor sharpie'd all the areas on my legs with strains and fractures. But. I. Kept. Running.

Finishing today’s 10-mile run (in a feeble effort to make-up for yesterday’s discretions by more than tripling my mileage), I should have felt this overwhelming sense of pride and accomplishment, but nooooo. Instead, my head hung low (picture Lindsay Lohan entering rehab kind of low) and even I was unsure if it was sweat or tears streaming down my disappointed face.

How is it I can run every single day through all the pain and literal breaking of bones, but I can’t seem to get my second to last day in simply because I was distraught and grumpy?

My final tally: In 40 days (39 really, go ahead, twist that knife) I ran 144.89 miles which averaged 3.6/day. I guess not too shabby, especially for a non-runner. Those numbers would mean so much more had I completed my goal.

Also, no thanks to stupid Ashton Kutcher and his movie 40 Days and 40 Nights for making me live up to the name The Blonde Side, thinking Lent was only 40 days. Enter fail numero dos. Having looked up Lent (again, a day late and a dollar short kind of epiphany), it’s apparently 44 days (or 38 excluding Sundays, but again, I’m not Catholic so I don’t really get it).

I wish my first “fitness” post here on The Blonde Side could have served as some kickass inspiration, but if I can’t make my goal, perhaps I need to be seeking inspiration, not giving it.

The one plus? I did fall in love (for the first time in everdom) with my butt. Yeah, you heard me. Forcing myself to get out there and run each and every day (well, almost every day) with this dismantled almost dream of mine, I noticed a big difference in the way my butt looked, so I’m starting a monthly challenge right here, clearly with no promises that I will in fact keep it.

For April’s Challenge, I will do AT LEAST 50 pushups/day for the entire month. If that doesn’t sound like a big deal, try having two complete shoulder replacements and only 72% range of motion and then get back to me. Deal?

April 1, 2012/by Jayme