Lauren, I saw this article on nytimes.com and I immediately thought of Lithe. Glad I can do them now! Susan
Thanks for the link, Susan! You're right on. There's nothing like Lithe's Push-up sequence to work the entire body and spike that heart rate.
Image of Lithe Instructor, Krista DeNofa via Dominic Episcopo.
It's really important that you never press or push your back down into the mat when you're doing abdominal work or squeeze your bum to cheat that martini tip (in the case of Method Abs, you're not pressing your back down into the mat, you're engaging your abs in imprint and then really going further in that pelvic tllt 'in tuck' and therefore, the back will rest against the floor during your compression work).
Being neutral and imprinted recruits your back muscles while keeping your spine in proper alignment, which keeps your abs in the proper position to engage, and you'll be a lot less prone to injury and low back pain/tension.
Image of Lauren Boggi via Dominic Episcopo.
Just about every new Lither starts out in our Immersion course. There is no better way to learn how to Lithe, get to know the workout, our instructors and build your strength and stamina for regular level classes.
So many seasoned Lithers get super strong and want to work harder, faster and stronger and in the process, forget our basic bio-mechanical principals that make Lithe, Lithe Method and give you that Lithe body.
Here's a little rundown of reminders that will get you back to basics and purify your practice. Remember, that if you don't know (and do) the basics (hello, correct breathing), you will miss out on Lithe's middle-minimizing benefits!
Take a Breath:
The key to the method is the breathing. The breath fuels and paces the workout. When done correctly, our classes activate more muscles in your core then anything else out there and our exercises are over 200 percent effective! The key with our breathing is engaging that deepest abdominal layer (transverse abdominis).
When you chew gum during class, not breathe at all or breathe normally or shallowly into your belly, shoulders or chest, you create slack in your middle and those deep, inner muscles just won't activate. As much as we cue breathing, there are so many of you who don't do it and to be honest, you're cheating yourself out of an amazing workout and real results.
Visualize This:
Remember to keep your abs taut as you inhale through your nose, feel your ribs expand out out to the sides like an accordion and then on that exhale, blow out through the mouth with pursed lips and pull the belly in while you simultaneously knit those ribs right back to together. it's a forced exhalation.
I'll be back this evening with some back and pelvis tips and reminders!
Images of Lithe Instructors, Nicole Sewall, Lauren Boggi and Krista DeNofa via Dominic Episcopo.
It’s that time of the year again…to live and Lithe under the sweet Jamaican sun!
Our
last Lithe Escape was a time for restoration and rejuvenation, and also
a time to slim down and tighten up. The results from our last Escape were
unprecedented—both in how everyone felt, and how everyone looked! Come
join us to renew and refresh in time for summer!
This time we are
escaping for five nights so more people can fit an Escape into their
schedule and their budget. During May 4th-9th, 2010, our Lithe Escape takes us to yet another breathtaking, historic Jamaican villa. Please join us this spring at the Hammerstein Highland House, set dramatically high in the hills over Montego Bay.
The Highland House is an incredibly unique and luxurious property designed in a way that combines both traditional colonial style and striking modern amenities. Originally owned by renowned composer Oscar Hammerstein, the Highland House is one of the most incredible villas on the Island. Think Blue Mountain coffee every morning delivered to your room; fabulous island-inspired organic and detoxifying cuisine; a mid-week fresh tropical juice cleanse; and of course two Lithe classes a day--one on land, and one in the expansive pool. Not to mention the beach, spa, local culture, and …peace and quiet.!
To top it off, Highland House has its own organic garden which is maintained by our very own Liz Solms. You will be able to tour the garden, and even pick the veggies you’ll eat at dinner! In fact, twenty percent of your stay will be donated to the local school nutrition program and school garden sponsored by Highland House.
To keep our Escape as intimate and hands-on as last time, we are limiting the Escape to nine people. The first four people will receive a rate of $2300/person. Accommodations are shared unless a solo room is specified and comes at an extra charge. Accommodations will be given out on a first come, first serve basis, though we assure you each and every room is like paradise. The last five people will receive a rate of $2500/person. So book early!
A year-long winter farmers market is opening at the Piazza at Schmitdts at Northern Liberties this Saturday! Over twenty organic, raw, ethically raised, sustainable local vendors! Products include winter veggies and fruit, cheeses, eggs, poultry and meat.
Vendors
Images via NBC Philadelphia, Tower Investments and Lithe Instructor Krista DeNofa in Lithe Method Abs via Dominic Episcopo.
I'm a little backed up on my New Year/2010 refection posts. This note and pic sent from a Lither brought back some memories of Lithe Escape, inspired us and really made us smile. I love that some of you really do keep up with your Lithing when you are away on vacation, working, at home and on the road. It's great when it really does become a lifestyle...Here's a little inspiration from a Lither in Belize:
I'm writing to you from sunny Belize, at the end of a wonderful and relaxing vacation. I have to say, though, I've really missed Lithe! It's sad but true... despite the warm sun, crystal clear waters, amazing food (I think my stomach has expanded to double its size this week!), and good company of dear friends - I still crave that High Mini high. BUT, I am proud to report that I've really managed to keep up with it as best as I can while I've been out of town for two weeks.
Power walks on the beach (got that heart monitor going!) coupled with ab work on a beach towel and barre work on a balcony railing, I feel like I'm able to somewhat keep it up! Knowing that I have to jump back into classes when I get home (and don't want to die while doing it) is major motivation to me, so I've been trying to Lithe as much as I can while away. Of course it doesn't compare to having you or Tiff reminding me to "Tuck-squeeze!" but overall I feel pretty good.
I'm so glad that I met you and discovered Lithe, because now I know how to continue to feel strong and healthy, even when I'm traveling or life gets busy. It is truly a lifestyle change and I am so thankful! Leaving today, the silver lining of going back to the freezing cold and lots of work ahead of me is that I get to go to Skinny Jeans tomorrow! I can't wait to see what 2010 brings. See you then...
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.
Here are some more great gift ideas that will make a statement and won't break the bank!
Nouveau Madonna: Norwegian singer, Annie delivers guilty-pleasure, electro-hipster-pop on her newest album. For the New Mom: Odette's sweet & petite pea-pod necklace. For the Fashion Folk: Super popular California artist, Danny Roberts (he recently created a signature line for Gwen Stefani's Harajuku Lovers fashion line) Girls In Glasses 100% Organic cotton Tee (Image via Igor + Andre). For the Writer/To-Do-Lister/Food Journalist: Oh Joy Notebooks (I must have about 12 of these-Support a Lither! Joy's currently living in San Diego). She's Crafty?: Urban Outfitter's designer, Cal Patch's new book, Design It Yourself Clothes: Patternmaking Simplified (Image via Hodge Podge Farm). For the Fitness lover/Lither/Gym burnout: Gift of Lithe. You can also purchase over the phone by calling Mary, Wendy or Hannah at 215-545-5144. They'll ship it right out to you! For Him: United Steaks Of America print by Philadelphia artist and friend, Dominic Episcopo.
More to come...
Hi everyone,
I've been doing Lithe for about 6 months and am addicted! I love the variety, the instructors and the classes are super fun. I'm definitely sore most days and feel like I'm getting an all-around body toner with the classes, although I don't seem to be dropping much weight.
I know that diet is a large part of the process. I'm wondering if I'm over-eating because I'm ravenous due to all of the Lithing. Do you recommend increasing cardio outside of Lithe (jogging) or do you have any diet recommendations to keep me fuller and satisfied longer? I already eat fairly healthy foods- steel-cut oats, Greek yogurt, hard-boiled eggs, quinoa, fish, etc., but I'm probably eating too much of it.
Do you have any thoughts or recommendations? Not sure if other members have expressed the same experience. Thanks so much!
We're so happy that you're loving Lithe! Oh yea, we hear this all the time and there are two words that will help everyone lose weight: Portion Control. Remember that losing weight is a simple input/output formula. You're at that crucial 6 month mark...You'll be seeing huge changes any time now.
If your goal is to lose fat, you'll need to burn more calories than you're taking in. I always say that diet is 85%. You're building a beautiful body and your muscles are long and lean but if they are lying under a layer of fat, you'll never "see" the fruits of your labor. It's important to know how many calories you need a day and how much you're burning (buy that heart rate monitor, it works wonders to keep you working correctly and burning what you should be!).
It sounds like you're on the right track with your food choices so I would recommend cutting back on your portion sizes and start measuring/weighing your food and just watch the weight melt off! As far as adding more cardio goes, I don't think that you need it unless you crave it. Some people add it on the days that they are Lithe-free.
Lithe Method is cardio & strength interval training. Most all classes are designed to burn at least 450-550 calories and hit every muscle group in the body within one hour. I'll post tomorrow about good snack choices to keep you fuller, longer! Good Luck!
Illustration via garancedore.fr
Hey Lauren, does Lithe offer prenatal classes?
No, not at the moment. We strongly feel that most of our regular level classes (with the exception of Fat Free, Cinch and A-list Abs) are safe during pregnancy.
We allow all women who are current Lithers' to continue taking Lithe Method classes with OBGYN clearance (we have a Lithe prenatal waiver). There is no reason that you should stop taking class or should not be able to continue your fitness routine unless you are considered "high risk."
We currently have quite a few ladies who are expecting taking classes in their 2nd and 3rd trimesters (see Dawn above). With that said, the experience of being pregnant is highly individual so you should listen to your body, watch your heart-rate, modify with our trimester appropriate prenatal modifications and if you feel exhausted you should stop exercising.
I must admit that our Lithe mama's look fantastic and the benefits gained are amazing: Confidence, reduced back and joint pain, higher energy, improved metabolism for you and your baby, greater strength and flexibility for childbirth and the ability to bounce back, lose weight and regain your shape quickly after your baby is born.
If you would like to take class and are pregnant, we require a signed OBGYN waiver and a short meeting to train you in our Pre-natal modifications.
Out-take image of the beautiful and fit Lithe Mama, Dawn Tricolli via Dominic Episcopo.
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