fithiphealthy

LITHE LEERY? 16 Sep 2012

It's no secret that Lithe Method has a reputation. Ask women who Lithe regulary to describe that reputation, and the descriptions often include words like: fun, community, support, challenging, rewarding, and sometimes even addiction. But for some who've never actually taken a class, Lithe invokes something totally different. Peering into a studio with all of its mirrors and barres and various bands hanging from the ceiling and props leaning against the walls, and words like intimidating, insane, torture and impossible all come to their minds. 

Of course, I don't blame them. Starting any new workout regimen is a big step! And while I don't mind that Lithe has a reputation for being tough--because changing your body takes work--I do mind when women think they won't be able to do it. Some women see the flow of fit bodies that come and go from the various studios in town, and they think: I couldn't keep up. Or, I will be the only person in the room that's not in fantastic shape. And while I understand their fears, it's important to know that any able-bodied woman, regardless of fitness level or age, can Lithe!

Nobody who comes to Lithe starts with a Lithe body! There is such a diverse range of women that attend classes--from competitive athletes to women who are brand new to exercise. The best way to start out if you have no background is to do our Immersion program (a 3 week course of 2 classes per week) which builds you up gradually to the level of "regular" classes and teaches you our basic principles & form step-by-step).

Once you are "mainstreamed" into non-immersion classes, instructors always make sure to let you know how to modify certain sequences (do lunges with a flat foot, march in place) until your fitness level increases. And anytime you think you need a litle extra help, or want to take things a little slowly for a day, there's always our Lithe 101 classes. 

It's important to us that you feel supported through every step of your workout. We are here as you take it at a pace that works for you. Most women who begin Lithe are always surprised how quickly they catch on and how well their bodies take to the challenge! Still leery? Check out these additional tips!

Image of Lithers stretching before Weightless at Old City via Lauren Boggi Goldenberg

 

25 THINGS {BY SAYEH}! 9 May 2012

A long time Lither, Rosemary is my hero! When I began 4 years ago, I was a hot mess (and still am as exampled today in class when Lauren was actually concerned about me because of the tortured look of pain on my face). I would Lithe Stall constantly (still do)!  Yet, I would glance over my shoulder and Rosemary would be in Plyo number 29 with a look of serenity on her face that I was so envious of! Today, she continues to out perform me, even after 4 years of practice! She’s an inspiration, and here is 25 things you may not have know about her.

1. I was born and grew up in South Florida, but  was quick to leave for northern climes and headed to university in upstate New York. I was so excited to see snow for the first time, but the novelty has worn off even though I still love new snow.
2. I eschewed the fancy wedding scene and had a hippyish wedding with new found friends in the outdoors near Seattle with my attire being jeans.  This came after a summer of backpacking all over the west living out of a VW van with my soon to be husband.  Needless to say our families were scandalized.
3. I have 2 wonderful, talented children.  I introduced my daughter Leah to Lithe, and my son is getting married this June in Brooklyn.
4. My life has stretched from coast to coast. Growing up in the east, then deciding the west beckoned, and now again in the east.  Will Philly be my last stop?  Very unlikely.
5. I got to live on a houseboat on the ship canal in Seattle.  My husband named it Thyme for Rosemary. The sign is on our wall.
6. I never owned an umbrella while I was living there.
7. My daughter is a dancer and lives part of her time in India leaving her long hair chihuahua named Princess with us.
8. My first lithe class was when Northern Liberties was the only studio.  
9. Much earlier than Lithe, I was a follower of the Jane Fonda videos (but without thong leotards!!!).
10. I am a huge NPR fan and found touring the studio in DC as exciting as some people find Disneyland (a place I never intend to go).
11. I read the New Yorker every week.  
12. I am a follower of fashion and try to know what the new trends are even if I don’t follow them.  My style is still evolving.
13. My coffee is dark, strong and black.  
14. I love warm sands and blue oceans.  
15. I bake bread occasionally but did it weekly when I lived in Missoula, MT.
16. A trip to MOMA makes me happy.
17. My favorite décor is clean lines and modern.  My house however is very eclectic.
18. I like to get my own way, and can come up with many arguments about why I should.  
19. I hate snakes.  I am not too fond of palmetto bugs either.  I think dead ones smell like Jergens Lotion.  A remnant of my childhood in Florida.  
20. I love avocados but never touched them growing up with 2 avocado trees in my back yard. There also were unappreciated (by me) grapefruit and orange trees.  
21. My grandmother taught me to knit when I was a little girl.   I seem to always have a knitting project going, but not any rush to complete it.
22. My daughter wears my clothes and looks so much better in them than I do.
23. I am a total news and political junkie.  
24. One of my favorite movies of all time is Francois Truffaut’s Small Change.  I bet none of you have even heard of it.
25. I always want to know to know what is around the next corner.  

From the interactions I’ve had with Rosemary over the years, I can’t say that I’m surprised that she had the gumption to get married in jeans outside with some new friends. Go ‘head Rosemary! I know many of us could really benefit from a little of that spontaneity and guts in our lives! You’re an amazing, cool lady that truly exemplifies what it means to fit, hip and healthy!

See you in class!

Image via Samantha Stephens at Lithe Rittenhouse. 

DEAR LITHE {LOVE LETTERS}. 26 May 2011

Image of Lithe Instructor, Kim Sauer at the barre in Old City via Dom

LITHE RX: BEFORE & AFTER 24 May 2011

Meet Susie.  One of my favorite Lithers.  Mother of Lithe instructor, Jessica Procini.  58 years old. Lithing < 1 year (188 classes to be exact and only 2 late cancels).  She travels from NJ to Lithe 4-6 times a week, has attended two Lithe Escapes and has lost 24 lbs & over 20 inches! 

Susie, your energy and positivity are contagious and you're beautiful inside and out.  You should be so proud of your complete transformation! 

Images of Susie via Jess

LITHE OVER 40. 30 Mar 2010

So many women contact us and say that they want to Lithe but feel that they are "too old" at 40+.  I may not be 40, but more than anything else, I want every woman to know that 40 is NOT "old" and Lithe is for every woman. It doesn't matter if you're 20, 30, 40 or 50+, Lithe will be completely effective regardless of your age, how busy you are or how many kids you have/have had. Lithe is so customizable. Don't want to jump?  Modify!

I had a little pow-pow with Lithe Instructors, Lithe clients and fellow moms, Carla Camerieri, Carrie Gero, Mary Boggi, Jenny Raphael, Colleen Kapczynski & Rosemary Raphael about age, the mom factor and fitness.  I listened. They agree that no matter how important your job as a mother and a wife is, you cannot lose yourself in the role. There are no excuses. You have to make time for you in order to be a better mom, wife, girlfriend, significant other, etc.  Here's what they had to say: 

What!? Too old to Lithe at 40? No way-40 is young. The more you lithe the more you will be able to have fun forever!    -Rosemary Raphael

It’s called ME TIME, and along the way you find out that it’s really family time because lithing benefits my whole family.  I am so less stressed; feel more confident, I have become healthier, stronger, and definitely see myself as a future fit hip healthy grandmother.  Believe me, I was very intimidated with exercising and there was no way I was walking into a gym at my age.  Lithe Method was the perfect solution. The instructors, encouragement from other lithers and the whole environment at Lithe Method makes you feel welcome from day one…you just know I belong here and I can do this.  Lithe is one of the best things I have ever done for myself and my family.  All you need to do is take a look in the mirror at the results and you will be hooked!    -Colleen Kapczynski

I am 40, have two sons, 6 and 3, am a full time mom and work part time as a freelance writer.  I am motivated because Lithe makes me look and feel ten years younger than I am, and I love that feeling. (I am on a family vacation now and all put out because I haven't had my weekly regimen of sumos and abs!) Even though hundreds of Lithe squats are hard and painful, its all worth it when you feel sexy in your body and in your clothes.  But It won't happen unless you make exercise a priority. Find holes in your schedule where exercise can fit. I schedule my work, appointments, etc around Lithe on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. I also have a supportive spouse who helps me exercise on weekends by watching our boys. I make time for lithe while the boys are in school or with a babysitter.   -Jenny Raphael

For me, it's more a matter of necessity than it is a matter of motivation.  I know that not exercising will immediately affect my body and my mindset, and will affect my health shortly thereafter.  So it's high on my list of priorities simply because it has to be - just for me to maintain what I have and maybe hope for a little more.  I also know that regular workouts help me to maintain a positive self-image in the face of inevitable changes.  For women over 40 and beyond, I think it's not as much about appearance, as it is about strength, capability, and being comfortable with the person you are becoming, both inside and out.   -Lithe Instructor Carla Camerieri

In-studio shot of Colleen Kapczynski in pull-ups (yes, her forearms are real!). Images of Jenny Raphael in side-plank, Instructor Carla Camerieri & Mary Boggi via Dom.