fithiphealthy

DEAR LITHE {LOVE LETTERS}. 5 Mar 2013

Dear Lauren,

I would like to share my Lithe story with you as my journey sadly will be coming to an end when I move to Los Angeles this upcoming weekend.  I started Lithing in March 2010 after my friend who was visiting from NYC for the weekend suggested that we try Lithe.  We were unable to go together because she did not have time to complete the Immersion course, but I was so intrigued by what I had read online that I decided to try it out for myself.  Three years later, I can honestly say that Lithe has changed my life.  I was never an athlete or a dancer, and although I had joined various gyms over the years and stayed committed for a few months at a time, I always felt bored and would quit cold turkey.  The variety and quality of classes at Lithe is unparalleled, and the instructors keep me motivated and push me through each class.

I have to admit that my initial hope was simply to lose some extra weight.  I figured that I would try something new and, if it happened to work out, I would stop once I had reached my goal.  I had always viewed working out as a chore, but I knew as soon as I started Lithing that this time would be different.  It did take me awhile to get used to working out several days a week, and the first year was tough.  Although I noticed an improvement in my strength and energy level, I was not losing any weight because I had not changed my poor eating habits.  My turning point came one weekend in February 2011 when some of my husband's friends from California came to visit us in Philly.  We must have stopped by every cheesesteak shop in town, and by the end of the weekend, I had an epiphany and decided it was time to make a serious change.

I started what I like to call a "raw" foods diet and made all around more healthy food choices (including Lithe Foods which became my new obsession).  In addition, I committed to Lithing 5 to 7 days a week, every week (my record is 18 days in a row!).  I lost 20 pounds in about 4 months and have a newfound love and appreciation for working out and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.  I never look at Lithe as something that I have to do.  Instead, I find myself changing my schedule just so that I can fit in a workout every day if possible.  I truly enjoy going to class.  Sure, there are the days when I have had to "late cancel" because I have just not felt up to it, but I never allow myself two days in a row of "not feeling like it" days that are within my control. 

I got married this past July, and I truly felt like I was in the best shape of my life for the happiest day of my life.  My husband moved here from LA a few years ago, but I have lived in Philly my entire life.  I keep telling everyone that aside from my family and friends, the thing that I will miss the most about Philly is Lithe and everything that goes along with it.  I have tried similar workouts and barre classes every time we are on the West Coast, but nothing compares.  I hope to find something that I will come to love, but one thing that Lithe has taught me is the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle.  Thank you for creating such an amazing workout.

I will definitely be back during my visits home.  Hopefully you are considering bringing Lithe to the West Coast sooner rather than later, and I will be eagerly waiting at the front door on opening day. 

Michelle

Image of Lither Michelle C. on her wedding day via Michelle

THE RULES OF ENGAGEMENT! 21 Feb 2013

I recently got engaged (please, please hold your applause), and am still getting over the shock that someone is willing to deal with ME and my hypochondriacal, overly dramatic self FOR LIFE. So when Lauren asked on the blog this week: what is motivating you this spring? My answer was easy. Wedding Dress! Wedding! Pictures that will last a LIFETIME! And BEYOND!

I’ve always considered myself a practical girl. Down to earth and easy-going. I watch (and love) the crazy TLC wedding shows thinking how can you possibly say yes to a $20k dress with giant roses on the ass? How?? David Turtera’s show where he takes some bride’s crazy wedding theme like: Mermaids Living in the 1920s, and somehow turns it into a crystal-dripping centerpiece extravaganza under the sea used to make me shake my head in disbelief. How can people be like that over a wedding?? 

But now that I have stepped into this crazy wedding world where reality ceases to exist, and people tell you outrageous prices for silly things with straight faces and ask you questions like, “Do you want an ice sculpture?” totally un-ironically, I’m starting to understand how some people become like that. 

I’ve never imagined my wedding. And while I’ve often wondered why, I know now it’s because I’m too indecisive to have that kind of vision and foresight. I get anxiety when it’s time to order at a restaurant. After turning a server away 3 times with the request of just 1 more minute, I almost ALWAYS end up yelling to my friends: You go first! I’ll decide by the time he comes to me. But I never do—decide by the time he comes to me. I ask him things like: What’s YOUR favorite thing? Then the server inevitably says Everything’s good here. Which makes me want to punch him in the face. And when I finally do decide on something, I immediately regret it as the server walks away. And sometimes even get up the courage to run him down at his computer as he’s punching in the orders to say Wait! I actually DO think I want the chimichanga!! 

This does NOT translate well when it comes to wedding planning. I don’t have a vision board which includes a color palette and images of dream weddings. I don’t have a binder neatly organized with tabs that has everything I’ve collected since my engagement to provide inspiration for my florist or my caterer. I got nothing. 

Left and right people ask your colors and your preferred silhouette and the feel of your wedding. So many decisions. So many deadlines. Why do I need to decide on my wedding dress 8 months before my wedding. WHY? And while I COMPLETELY recognize that these are some serious First World problems, that’s a long time to feel good about a fashion decision prior to its debut! And on top of all of that, we ladies have to navigate our own hopes and fears for this day and our families’ and friends’ expectations WHILE fearing being pegged as a bridezilla--the inescapable stereotype which suggests we all become insanely mean and selfish the moment a rock is slipped onto our fingers.

To combat this greatest fear of mine (becoming like that), I find myself being careful about talking about my wedding much/at all. Sometimes acting like it’s just another day--that I’m not secretly staring at my left hand during meetings, tilting my ring this way and that to see it sparkle (I forget people can see me). I've convinced myself that my friends think being a bridesmaid is a pain-in-the-ass (which it totally can be), and felt bad asking them to be one (they've repeatedly told me I'm nuts for this). I've gone to floral appointments by myself where I'm so overwhelmed that I cry on my walk home, soaked to the bone from the non-stop rain and crappy weather.

But, a few cries after that lonely walk...cries about the guest list, missing my mom and sister who are at home in Texas and aren't here to help and everything else I could cry about..I had to admit to myself that although a wedding is just 1 day (as I've said many times in my life), it DOES matter and it IS a big deal...to me. That talking about it and asking my friends' opinions on things doesn't make me a dreaded bridezilla of TLC fame. That although this type of thing--making decisions, picking colors, planning a giant party, etc. doesn't come naturally to me, it doesn't mean I can't have fun giving it a go with some help from anyone willing. (Turns out lots of people are willing! Especially recently married women. They are going through wedding planning withdrawal and totally want to help and talk wedding wedding wedding. Thank God for them.)

Ultimately, perhaps all of this is doubly tough for me to admit, not just because I don't want to be a bridezilla, but because I have always secretly judged the newly-engaged myself. How I sort of scoffed at the diamond ring club. How out-of-perspective their wedding worries seemed. How, to be completely honest, all the showers and gifts and travel just added up and stressed me out. And now it's me. I'm the one asking people to do what I once struggled doing for them. Never unhappily, but often struggled. It's a tough thing to reconcile. It's given me perspective, understanding and kindness for the girl who's excited to show off her ring and for the girl who sobs because she's realized that throwing a wedding in the woods costs money too. And for me. The girl who didn't know that she would be the girl who really cares that everything look beautiful and turn out as near perfect as possible on her wedding day. 

And if I can't have THAT, I will happily settle on looking amazing, hot, bangin, dewy, glowing, fit ta death, wearing the right dress for my body with not too much train action and maybe a plunging v, sporting thick lashes, just the right amount of tan, incredible flowing Beyonce meets Kim Kardashian locks (I might need a fan for the proper effect), and rocking some Michelle Obama arms by the time I head down the aisle. For that dream, I'll happily become a Lithe-zilla and shout it from the rooftops! 

See you in class!

 

 

LITHE BRIDE! 29 Jan 2013

Dear Lithe, 

Although I write this letter as a Lithe Bride, I have to say, I didn't start coming to Lithe with the idea of "shedding for the wedding." Instead, I found Lithe through a friend who like me, had put on weight during grad school. I had just finished my dissertation defense and after a halfhearted attempt to get back into my spinning and yoga routine, I felt stalled and uninspired. I decided to put my gym membership on hold and use Lithe Method as a sort of temporary boot camp to whip me into shape. I could barely walk after my first class, but little by little, the classes became more manageable. Plus, I was having fun! Dancing! Cheering! Jumping! One month went by and I thought, "Hmmm...I'll just freeze my gym membership one more month." Then two months went by, then three. All of a sudden I was faced with canceling my gym membership for good. The decision was simple and I never looked back. 

Once Sean (my very lovely now-husband) proposed, everyone started asking me what I would be doing to "get into wedding shape." I honestly did two things: cut out some of my more ridiculous food choices (think Haribo gummies) and Lithed. Easy! I ended up having to get my dress taken in a few times, but thankfully my seamstress was a family friend! Needless to say, I felt absolutely amazing on my wedding day. Who knew it was possible to feel curvy and svelte at the same time? And not to mention - strong! Family who had traveled from across the pond couldn't believe my transformation.The best part? I didn't starve myself or get into a routine that I couldn't maintain post-wedding. Lithe helped me get into the best shape of my life, but also gave me the tools I needed to stay that way. One of those tools included an incredible support system, not only the instructors, but also some awesome fellow-Lithers who I now consider great friends. What better Saturday morning exercise motivator is there than breakfast and a good chat afterward?

Thank you Lauren and all the wonderful instructors (a special shout-out to Gerri who always goes above and beyond!) for encouraging, helping, and inspiring me along the way. I am truly grateful! This 6AMer is here to stay! 

Övgü Kaynak  

APPLE & GINGER (BFF)! 21 Dec 2012

We love our cold-pressed Fall Tonic so much that we've re-named it and relinquished its "chef special" status.  Apple and Ginger go together so well that I think they are officially BFF's (and your body's BFF, to boot).  Starting this week you'll see it in-studio often! 

NICOLE ON BHLDN! 25 Oct 2012

You love taking her classes and reading about her glamorous job here on Nicole's Closet.  Lithe Bride?  Check out Lithe Instructor, Nicole Sewall's  Winter Wedding Accessory picks on BHLDN!

Image via BHLDN

LITHE BRIDE! 11 Oct 2012

Dear Lithe,

I began lithe before my wedding in September and I am so pleased with the results!! On my wedding day, I felt strong, beautiful, lean and toned and I have you and the amazing lithe instructors to thank.  The classes are so fun and really made me feel healthy and fabulous for my wedding.  The classes target all of the most important areas of your body that you want show off in your wedding dress! Spirit was my favorite pre-wedding work out, along with Twiggy and Hipster.  Thank you for creating this fun and exciting new way to stay in shape.  I am addicted to the practice and look forward to keeping at it :-)

xoxo

Ali G.

Images via Jenny Ebert of 1 Art Beauty Life in NY.

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

LITHE ON LOCATION! 5 Sep 2012

This week's Lithe on Location is not only from the most distant place we've featured yet, but also a Lithe Bride combo! Lither Lauren Greenwald just became Lauren Gigi last week, and was able to squeeze in some Lithe while prepping for her wedding all the way over in Israel. Lauren, can't wait to see your pics in your dress!

Image of Lither, Lauren Gigi, doing a See-Saw, in Ashdod, Israel

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