Dear Lithe,
This is a Lithe love letter that is way overdue. As I sit down to write this, I feel like i'm writing a letter to an old boyfriend who still holds a healthy spot in my heart. I was a Lithe-er for almost a year when I lived in Philadelphia, and had heard of Lithe from a friend of mine in Boston. She insisted that Lithe was right up my alley, and swore "would change my life." She was exactly right.
I was a soccer player and college runner who always was stringy and strong -- Lithe, really. Until I went through residency and fellowship, when 80+ hour work weeks really took a toll on my body and willingness to workout. I came to Philly soft, tired, and down in the dumps about lacing up running shoes to earn my body back. I also got engaged and really wanted to get things back in order before I graduated, started my real job, got married, and moved home to Denver. I started the immersion and actually noticed a change right away. I had more energy, everything was tighter, and I loved the women I met at Lithe. We all had our individual story, but we were united by the fact that we loved feeling good, working out, and derived energy and a sense of accomplishment from strong women around us. Importantly, we also bonded over our real lives outside of the studio. I saw immediate results with improved muscle tone, melting fat, and an amazing sense of endorphin happiness when I left the studio after each workout. Even after a 12+ hour day, Lithe stuck with me.
When my fiancé had to leave Philadelphia unexpectedly for his job, Lithe became my staple and daily routine. Even with the heartache that came with doing long distance, Lithe was my rock. There is no way to describe how the studio, Mary, Lauren, and all the Lithe girls smoothed out that tumultuous time!
Lithe worked magic on my body, but after 4 hard months of work I hit a plateau. By February, I was frustrated at Lithing 6 days a week and not seeing any more change. I asked the girls for advice. Immediately everyone answered -- change the way you look at food. Change the way you eat. Change the way you drink. Try a detox, hit the reset button for your body, and eat the way you work out. Eat cleanly. Eat raw. Drink water. "Lithe" your lifestyle. So I did. And boy, were they right. This was just as Lithe foods were coming onto the scene, so we all figured out ways to eat and drink Lithe on our own and with the help of delicious Lithe Foods and drinking juice. I hit a level of tone and lithe-ness I didn't think would be possible at age 31. I felt better than when I was running 80 miles a week in college. And I looked better too!
I left Philadelphia to move to Denver last July 1st, very excited for our July 9th wedding. And heartbroken. I cried on the airplane knowing I was leaving Lithe and didn't know how I would find a replacement. Sounds silly but it’s totally true. Just ask the poor guy sitting next to me!
Since I left Lithe I have yet to find a replacement. I have contemplated flying back to Philadelphia just to come to Rittenhouse for a Fri-Sat-Sun three class mini retreat. I have begged Lauren to open a studio in Denver (any takers?!?!). In the meantime, I am counting the days until Lithe starts streaming. Thank you for Lithe for providing a place where energetic, successful women come to get in shape. Thank you to Lauren, Anne, Melissa, Liz, Elizabeth, Mary for teaching me and motivating me to get Lithe. You really have changed my life.
Melissa Brooks Peterson
Image of Melissa Brooks Peterson via Melissa Brooks Peterson
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