LITHE FOR THE NEWBIE. 11 Jan 2011

My home computer officially crashed and my blogging plans have come to a screeching halt.  I'll make up for lost time as soon as my new PC arrives today or tomorrow!  I cannot wait...I have some great things to share with you!  This week is all about Lithe and I'll be inspiring you to take your pracitice to the next level.  The good news is, we're about to debut our Lithe "key" and the icons above will help you decipher the right classes for you!

We're doing away with class "levels"...

We get it - you took the Immersion or 101 because we told you you had to start with the basics. So logically, you ask, where do I go next? The answer is, wherever you want to go. It's not about how hard the classes are - there's no Level 2 or 3 - all of our Lithe Method® classes are challenging total-body workouts, and ultimately, in every Lithe Method® class, clients will utilize Cardio-Cheer-Sculpting®, weights, our Higher Power Band System®, the barre and other small equipment to strengthen and lengthen every muscle in the body. But some of our workouts are more cardiovascular, while some focus more on sculpting. And some spend a little extra time on one body part vs. another.

So what you need to choose is not so much a level, but: first, do you want more cardio or more isolated body work out of your workout? Second, what part of your body do you most want to focus on today?  Keep in mind that you'll also work up a sweat in our more sculpting classes!

Biggest burn for the buck:
If you’re looking to pump up your heart rate and max the sweat factor, take one of our heart symbol classes. Super intense, fast-paced, intense cardiovascular workouts, that still sculpt and define each major muscle group.  Think:  Higher Power, Hotstepper, Spirit, Fat Free, Skinny Mini, High Mini, Split & Twiggy.

Cardio-Cheer-Sculpting® & Lithe's Higher Power Band System®
Be not afraid of the bands!  They change your body and these classes (and the results they yield) are unlike anything else out there.  Flowing and quick-paced with an emphasis on form, you’ll see results fast!  Gloves are mandatory for our band classes.  You can purchase gloves at City Sports, Target, etc for $10-20.  It's worth it...Our loaners are VERY used & are not sanitary.  Think:  Split, Higher Power, Waspie, Thinny, Twiggy & Spirit

 

The Emphasis is on...

Arms/Shoulders/Chest/Back
For those sculpted arms and shoulders to rival Madonna’s, select from classes marked with an upper body and a (weight or band) symbol.  Think:  Higher Power, Split, Sculpt, Waspie, Armistice, Wings, Sleeveless & Super Fly.

 Waist/Abs
Ready to wage war on the muffin top, and get those abs bikini-ready? Choose one of our tummy crunchers marked with the (mid-section symbol) to tighten up that mid-section.  Think:  Cinch, Waspie, Waist Not, A-List Abs, Floored, Thinny & Melt

Legs/Derriere
Looking to abolish cellulite, and make that booty the envy of skinny jeans everywhere? Take one of our classes marked with the (bottom half symbol) to really focus on that bottom half.  Think:  Skinny Jeans, Sweet Cheeks, Hot Legs, Hipster, Watershed, High Mini, Thigh High & Fabu-legs.

Still not sure?
Ok, if we had to pick a good segue class, we'd suggest Skinny Jeans, Sculpt or Split. They incorporate all the techniques you just learned in Immersion or 101, just at our full Lithe pace. And our band classes, High Mini and Sweet Cheeks are on the more aggressive end of the spectrum, but don't let that stop you if you think you can handle it! Ultimately, you should try ‘em all till you find the rhythm you like. Regardless of class level, all classes are programmed to make the most out of every minute. Our award-winning instructors move among the class to position, align and provide individual attention. So don’t over-think it - dive on in!

How many classes do you need, to get Lithe?
As with all things, the answer is, “it depends”! It depends on what your goals are for how fast you want to see results.  We guarantee you'll see results within 10 classes and if you went through the Immersion, you're already 6 classes in!  We recommend at least 2-3 classes a week, ideally with a different emphasis each time, to see results you’ll be delighted by*. But we have Lithers who join us every day, and those that meld us in around their other commitments. 

*You'll see the schedule is mapped out strategically to allow you to hit every body part as the week goes on - we've organized the classes so that even if you need to come at the same time every day, you'll always be offered a different class, so you'll naturally hit different areas, never get bored, and never plateau!

For full descriptions of each class, check out the workouts page on the website.

Comments

[Krista]

LOVE this idea! Great for planning your workout and the symbols are too cute:)

[Betty]

Thanks, Lauren! This is really helpful (even for a veteran lither!). Also, my legs/derriere are still sore from Fri. hot legs!

[Nicole G]

As a lither who comes to classes the same time every day, thanks for always switching it up! I do 6 classes a week, and I never have to do the same class 2x in one week.

[Isa]

Great guide! thanks.

[Kristen H.]

This is so helpful! I have been trying to plan my classes so they target different areas, and this will make it so much easier.

[carrie]

Love

[Marisa R]

This is so helpful, Lauren! Thank you!