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LITHE ON LOCATION! {LOVE LETTERS EDITION} 10 Oct 2012

 

Hi Lauren,

 

I guess you can consider this a lithe on location/group love letter. Lately when 3 of my closest friends and I get together our conversations quickly stray from the usual topics of social outings and dating and work to our love for Lithe. We've spent countless hours comparing classes and teachers and moves, even practicing the action figure cheer sequence. We're a little obsessed. Honestly, I feel bad for our other friends because, well, they're not Lithing and we're not shutting up about it. 

 

It all started when my friend Vanessa was looking for something new after training for Broad St this year. She did the May immersion and was hooked. We all noticed how good she looked, even after just a few weeks, yet still none of us were sold. She wanted a Lithe buddy so she went after our friend Kaitlin. As Vanessa anticipated, Kaitlin was completely sold. That's when our conversations during our wine catch-up nights started being all about Lithe. The rest of us would collectively roll our eyes, but they swore by it. It wasn't long before we saw the changes in Kaitlin's body too. Despite all that, the eye rolling continued because the rest of us didn't feel like we could make the physical and financial commitment to Lithe.

 

Then the Living Social deal came out and Liz and I figured we would see what Lithe Method was all about. How could I resist, given that both Kaitlin and Vanessa emailed me the link to the deal and offered to get it for me because I was out of the office that day? Liz and I signed up for our first 101 class together and we finally got the hype. 

 

Lithe has been an amazing addition to each of our lives, strengthening our bodies and ourselves. I don't think any of us have ever felt better. I've had the great fortune of knowing each of these women since we were children and I'd say none of them have ever looked better or seemed more healthy inside and out. This weekend we were in Stone Harbor, NJ and Vanessa's boyfriend took this shot of us when we were practicing our wide second stiletto tuck and squeeze as the waves rolled in on the 109th St beach. 

 

THANK YOU for creating such an interesting, fun, effective method that makes us not only excited to work out, but also to get together and compare notes on the classes.  We are so grateful!

 

Best,

 

Jen

 

Image of friends (L to R) Vanessa, Kaitlin, Jennifer, and Liz, in Stone Harbor, NJ

DEAR LITHE {LOVE LETTERS} 21 Sep 2012

Dear Lithe,

When I signed up for Lithe’s Summer Challenge, I was focused more on actually making it to all thirty-six classes than I was on the effects that doing so would yield. The first couple of weeks I was stuck in my old habits of late cancels and not taking seriously my commitment to showing up. So, for the last four weeks, I knew I had to step up my game. And I did. I went to classes almost everyday and even had to take two classes a day a few times. As I counted down my list of thirty-six, the results of going to class regularly totally snuck up on me. I’d be lying in bed and reach down to scratch an itch on my leg or something, and I’d be blown away by how muscular it felt, even when it was relaxed. Or, I’d tie my hair up in front of the mirror at work, and I’d be completely surprised and super pleased to see the biceps peeking back at me. Before the Challenge, I had been going to classes erratically and did notice a change in my physique, but, wow, after the challenge, things are definitely different. I am doing much better in my push-ups, barre work, and form overall. Now, I feel like I can actually do the exercises as they are meant to be, with more proper form than before and stamina to push through most series. The fun-factor of Lithe has definitely evolved for me. I thought I was obsessed before, but it’s on a completely different level now. More than challenging me to become more fit, the Summer Challenge helped me in the area I needed most – dedication. Instead of blowing off classes because it’s been a long day at work or I’m just feeling lazy, I know that I can turn everything around if I just go for an hour. What is an hour, anyway? At Lithe, an hour is the best part of the day!

MB

DEAR LITHE {LOVE LETTERS} 17 Sep 2012

Hi Lauren,

The Summer Challenge is finished, and I’ve more than survived! I’m stronger, leaner, and most importantly Lither! I am doing push-ups in full plank (at least the 1st set!), proudly getting low in wide second work, and I can actually concentrate on my form during the cardio sequences instead of just surviving! As I finish my 4th Lithe Challenge, I really want to thank my fellow Lithers who noticed my hard work. I love celebrating our successes together, and the Summer Challenge was a big milestone. I also would like to share my calorie burns, as I faithfully wore my heart rate monitor throughout the challenge! My biggest burn? Split on June 30th with Brooke - 663 calories! Thanks for a great 6 weeks!

WEEK 1: 2,190 Calories
WEEK 2: 2,575 Calories
WEEK 3: 2,466 Calories
WEEK 4: 1,942 Calories
WEEK 5: 2,471 Calories
WEEK 6: 2,392 Calories

Total: 14,036 Calories!!!!

Thanks again, Lithe!

CB

DEAR LITHE {LOVE LETTERS} 14 Sep 2012

Dear Lithe,

When I turned 37 last November, I knew it was time to make a serious lifestyle change and try something new. It became apparent that my half-hearted attempts at the gym and sporadic running habits were simply not going to cut it. When I first heard about Lithe Method and took my first Lithe 101 class, I knew I had found something extraordinary. I initially chose Lithe because I wanted to change my body. After three months, I can truly say that Lithe has lived up to its promise. What I didn’t expect was the how much Lithe Method would change my life.

Being a newbie, I decided to do the Summer Challenge as a way to establish a consistent routine. Now that I have incorporated Lithe into my schedule, my classes have become as much a part of my day as brushing my teeth. While I do allow myself one day off per week, I always get the feeling that something is missing. My dedication to my workout became so intense that nothing could stand in the way of me getting to class on time. For example, I had a minor scooter accident (yes, I ride a scooter) on the way to my 6 am Walk Star class. I was fine, but the front fender of my scooter fell off. Once my brain was able to process what had happened, I simply picked up the broken front fender and continued on to the Old City studio while squeezing what was left of the fender between my knees.  For what it’s worth, I made it to class just in time.

The “Lithe effect” has taken me far beyond the workout routine. I spend more time than I probably should reading the blog and checking my waitlist. In order to make my husband more comfortable with the cost, I started to bring lunch to work, cut down on the take-out, and gave up my daily Starbucks habit. As a result, I not only save money, but I eat healthier. I even saved the “eating Lithe shopping list” to my phone and I use it regularly.

Because of my new healthy lifestyle, I am much more comfortable with my body – I even bought a pair of shorts for the first time in five years. All of these changes have made me a happier and healthier person, and I am truly thankful. In short, Lithe has changed my life because it changed the way I live.

Thank you,

VC

LITHE BRIDE! {LOVE LETTERS} 6 Sep 2012

Dear Lithe,

I just recently celebrated my three-year “Lithe Anniversary” which I thought was great timing to share a Lithe Love Letter and some photos from my wedding in April.

After finishing grad school, I was determined to find a gym or workout program that was fun, challenging, and effective. I had read great things about Lithe Method and it sounded perfect for me so I was very eager to try it. Right from the start I loved it and I’m still hooked three years later!! I am impressed with myself for sticking with it this long, but this also goes to show that Lithe is so dynamic. I appreciate the variation and extensive class list and how you are constantly adding new ones. All of the classes still challenge me and I continue to work on perfecting my form in every class I take.

I want to thank Lithe for making me feel great and look my best at my wedding! I especially want to say thank you to all the instructors for always keeping me inspired and motivated. I love being a part of the Lithe community and look forward to many more years of Lithing!

Emily

Images of Lither, Emily Marks, on her wedding day via Amanda Young for Swoon Over It Studios

DEAR LITHE {LOVE LETTERS} 7 Aug 2012

Hi Lauren- I have been meaning to send you a note for a while now just saying…. THANK YOU!

After being a competitive athlete and playing lacrosse at the University of North Carolina, I was hands down devastated when my doctor told me 3 years ago that I could no longer compete and it was time for me to hang up my cleats. After two complete knee reconstructions thanks to a consistently unreliable ACL, I figured it was over for me. Without sports, I naturally dealt with depression and couldn’t figure out a way to replace that part of my life. Being an athlete was what defined ME.  I tried everything. I couldn’t go to a gym without missing my 6 am workouts, I couldn’t go for a run without looking back for my teammates, and I couldn’t pick up a stick without wishing I was out there with all my friends fighting for an ACC title one more time. It just wasn’t the same whenever I tried to do something active post my Tar Heel days.

Then I found Lithe!

With its one of a kind workout approach - I was introduced to something that not only brought me back physically, but mentally as well. I love how Lithe reminds me of that feeling of pushing your body to a point you never thought imaginable and I love how I can walk in and out of the studio 5-6 times a week knowing I am working hard and working towards a new goal. It may not be a national championship, but to me, it is just as good. In four months, Lithe has inspired me in countless ways and I am so thankful for being introduced to such a remarkable program, group of women and new way of life.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you

MP

DEAR LITHE {LOVE LETTERS} 26 Jul 2012

Hi Lauren,

I’ve been thinking about writing this love letter / thank you note for a long time. I’m a graduate student in neuroscience (fancy, huh?) at Penn and I’ve had the hardest year of my life until a few weeks ago. I had to go through the most academically challenging year as well as some personal problems that resulted in me trying to escape going home and being angry/upset/frustrated with life for a long time. I started realizing that this feeling was even affecting my relationship with my boyfriend and I was escaping everything and everyone, shutting myself off to the rest of the world.

That’s exactly when I decided to seriously stick with Lithe that I had been going to on-and-off for 3 months. Regardless of how busy I was or how angry at life I felt, I told myself that I was trying to go to Lithe at least 3 times a week. The first month was probably the hardest, trying to juggle all the craziness in my life and holding my promise to myself. As soon as I started seeing physical and more importantly “mental” changes in myself, I held on to Lithe tighter and did not care even when I needed a cushion to sit on a chair because my butt hurt so bad or could not lift my arm high enough to grab something J So long story short, a few weeks ago I passed my exam and I’m now a Ph.D candidate. During my exam, my committee told me that I looked confident and no way near nervous. I owe it to Lithe because it taught me to be strong and self-confident. I’m still holding my promise and lithing at least 3 times a week. It’s made me a better person and for that I thank you!

Ceren

LITHE "10" {LOVE LETTERS} 16 Jul 2012

Dear Lauren and Elizabeth,

This is email is to thank you both so much for giving us the opportunity to participate in Lithe 10. I can't even begin to tell you how wonderful everything was from the food, to the classes and instructors and to the phenomenal group of 10 women that I met. It was a ton of effort on your end and I wanted to let you know that I appreciated every second of it. Please also pass it along to Krista and Bari as they taught us too.

Coming into Lithe10 I was uncertain on what to expect. I had done my research online and saw the reviews of how great everything was. Those reviews don't even come close to the actual experience of going through the process. From class one to the final class that was given tonight, the changes in my body and the confidence I have gained have been second to none.

When I first started the meal plan, I will admit I had what felt like a mental break down in Whole Foods. I'm the girl that eats out all of the time and never even thought about eating healthy (let alone cook). Looking at the list of week one, it felt like it was a completely different world. Soy pudding?? They make that? (One of the workers at whole foods had to explain what Ezekiel bread was.) Now I don't hesitate to go for healthier eating. I actually love going grocery shopping and am excited to try new things! So thank you for broadening my horizons.

The classes were the best. I loved coming in and not knowing what I was going to get. We even had a rotating prop day with Elizabeth which was awesome. One of my favorite moves that we did was from class five and we did push ups with our feet on the bar. I seriously felt like superwoman. The rebounders?? Loved them. You can't not be happy while jumping on a trampoline. And throughout the classes my strength grew. I went from not being able to do one penny pusher to the last class of being able to do them on my toes.

The women that I met through the 10 classes are so much fun to be around. I always looked forward to coming to class and seeing them. It's great having that community who can relate to exactly what you are going through. We all would like to do a reunion or do a continuation of some sort.

I finally understand what it means to be "Fit, Hip and Healthy". For me, it's about improving my strength, eating correctly and looking fabulous while doing it. It's all about balance and I get it now. Keeping fit, hip and healthy is a lifestyle. I fully plan on embracing it.

During our Barlesque class with Krista as we were doing our skipping walks, she shouted put some sass into it!!! You better believe that as I left class, I walked with sass. Thanks again for a life changer.

xoxo, S

DEAR LITHE {LOVE LETTERS}. 17 May 2012

Hi Lauren,

I got married this past Saturday, and I want to give a huge "thank you" to Lithe--and especially to you.  

My now-husband had to move to DC for work last August, so for the past nine months, I've been alone in Philly all week, every week, trying to cope with a long-distance relationship while planning a wedding.  Lithing five or six times a week has provided me with a sense of community, and the daily routine has kept me from feeling too lonely without Ed around. It's kept me happy and sane during a year that has, in many ways, been quite difficult.

In addition to the mental and emotional benefits, Lithe made me feel confident and beautiful in my wedding dress.  Throughout my life, I've been conditioned to be modest and self-effacing, but I can't deny that I felt absolutely, totally gorgeous on Saturday.  (My husband described me as "smoking hot," which felt pretty awesome.)  I'm stronger, sleeker, and fitter than I've ever been in my life, and it feels so great.  Thank you for giving me so much confidence!  (I can send you pictures when we get them!) 

Again, thanks for everything.  I've basically never even spoken to you in real life, but you've played such an important role in my past couple of years.  Now I must begin my campaign for a Lithe studio in DC! Pleeeeease?  :)  I'm moving there in August and will be so heartbroken to leave Lithe behind! 

Thanks again,

 Sarah

 

LITHE BRIDE! / DEAR LITHE {LOVE LETTERS} 19 Apr 2012

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