fithiphealthy

THE WHITE STUFF.

 

{ UPDATE:  ALL SATURDAY CLASSES HAVE BEEN CANCELED & ALL LOCATIONS ARE CLOSED TODAY.}

Oh, everyone is calling about the impending snow.  Are we canceling Saturday classes at all locations??  Well, to be honest, we really don't know yet. If it's snowing and freezing, I bet that most of you will cancel and then we will cancel if class numbers dwindle too low.  

Our instructors drive as far as South Jersey, Chestnut Hill and Manayunk so we will have to wait and see. Some of you Lithers' travel even farther than that, so with that said, stay tuned to the blog and check Mind-body before you head out in the am so that there are no surprises.  Time will tell...

Illustration via It Looks Good To Me.

TOO LEGIT TO QUIT.

She's back!  Melissa, we've missed your musings, your inspirational attitude and watching you grow (and shrink!).

Image via garance dore.

TOKYO HONEY.

We all love a few (or too many) cocktails — especially during the holidays! If you're concerned with excess calories, alcohol can add up with the quickness.  The next time you're drinking or hosting, give Shochu a try (it's not Sake or Korean Soju).

Shochu is a grain/barley/sweet potato or buckwheat distilled, clear beverage from Japan that works great in cocktails and has way less calories than most other liquors. In most cocktails, a 1.5-ounce serving of hard liquor adds about 100 calories per drink, and this is before any juice, tonic, or simple syrup is added! The same amount of Shochu only adds about 30 calories, a savings of 70 calories per drink! 

Shochu is really tasty-it's clean and very vodka-esque.  It's a good substitute in a Cosmo or a Bloody and It's also great on its own, over ice, or paired with soda or tonic water. I take mine with a little agave and mint. 

You can find Shochu in Japanese restaurants, markets or online.  Award winning & American made Haamonii Shochu ($31) is usually the easiest to find in the States. If you're looking for a Japanese brand, Yokaichi Kome ($22) is perfect.

Image via Michi Girl.

TALK WITH YOUR HANDS!

Illamasqua Nail Varnish is not natural or organic but it's rich, highly pigmented and really glossy.  Perfect for the holidays or when you want to pump up the volume and modernize your mani.  Available at Sephora. 

LITHE WISE.

"Every human being is the author of his own health or disease."

                                   -Buddha

STEP BY STEP.

 

Itching to walk outside? Distance walking for fitness or for an event/cause is no easy feat. Here's an oldie but goody little news spot that I did in late summer re: fitness and distance walking for Koman. 

Out-take Hotstepper Image of Lithe Method instructor, Tif Young in Lululemon via Dom.

PERFECT.

 

Liz turned me on to this stuff in Jamaica and I've been totally hooked to the Hazelnut Coffee Shea Butter ever since.  

For years, caffeine has been used topically to reduce cellulite (it dehydrates fat cells and makes skin super smooth). I've noticed that caffeine has really started to get a lot of attention for it's antioxidant properties when used topically.  In fact, recent research suggests that topical caffeine may offer powerful anti-carcinogenic benefits and may even repair UV damage. Who knew?  Get some at Whole Foods!  

Image via me & Perfect Organics via Lucky Mag

STUMBLE?

Lauren,

I've been out of classes for about a month and a half-any suggestions on how to get back into Lithe without too much body stress?

Thanks, FT. 

Hi Lauren!

I have to say I fell off the Lithe bandwagon after my wedding and now I want nothing more to get back on! I really miss it, but I'm scared that I won't be able to handle a regular class right away.

I have wanted to get into Lithe 101 for a few weeks now, but it just hasn't fit into my schedule. Is it possible to attend an immersion class or two to get back into it? Or, is there another class that would be a little easier at first?

I want to get my new year's resolutions started early and would love to get back before the holidays!

MM

Great questions. This time of year, we hear this everyday.  Lack of motivation (AKA Burnout Syndrome) and LIFE happens to the best of us.  Unfortunately, there are no short-cuts to getting your bod back into fighting shape.

The hardest part is getting started!  Figure out why you got bored or lost interest (kids, work, family, holidays, school), then get excited and make the commitment. 

Get off the couch, go buy a cute little journal/notebook or use your phone and schedule your workout just like any other appointment that you have.  Maybe you need some new workout gear to motivated.  You have to push yourself and if you adopt a "no excuses" policy for yourself, you'll make it to class more often than not.

No matter what your fitness level, it's going to hurt...You'll be sore for sure (read my 'love note' here).  Good news is that it does get easier and every time you're in the studio, you're getting stronger and closer to your goal. 

We always recommend starting slow, modifying and jumping back into a Lithe 101, Immersion class, Waist Not, Skinny Jeans, Armistice or Melt so that you don't overdo it and get frustrated!  

Illustration via Tina Berning.

LITHE WISE.

"Pain is temporary.  Quitting lasts forever." 

                        -Lance Armstrong

PRETTY SOLID.

Wow, I think Kate looks great.  Check her out here in Elle UK.