fithiphealthy

DEAR LITHE {LOVE LETTERS}. 9 May 2013

Dear Lauren –

I moved to Center City almost 8 years ago from NYC after the birth of my first child.  I had developed post-partum depression with the birth of my first child, and was thereafter diagnosed as clinically depressed. Fast forward 4 years and 2 additional children, I struggled to get back into a fitness groove, as I knew being active always made a difference in my emotional health. I had tried a few of the boutique fitness programs here in Philly, but after a few months, I got bored and quickly dropped out.  I tried DVDs at home and those also fell by the wayside.

I moved out to the Mainline in June 2011 and joined a gym, and again found myself unable to develop a routine.  Moving out to the suburbs coincided with the onset of peri-menopause and a resulting 30-lb weight gain. I tried to regain control of my hormones and stave off the effects of osteoarthritis, which was exacerbated by my sudden weight gain.  With the help of a really good endocrinologist, I was able to put my hormones back in line, but the weight didn’t come off as quickly as it was put on.  That’s where Lithe came in.

It was about a year ago (my Lithe-versary is May 6^th) that the Mainline Studio opened, and my first class was a 101 with the queen of the breath, Carrie Gero. I was sore but I came back two days later and took another 101 with Cheri Tolin, and then I met you Lauren in Waspie, and I remember you tickling my shoulders to make them relax and instantly felt the change.  That summer I also signed up for my first ‘10’ and met some of the other amazing instructors like Krista, Bari, and Elizabeth. With ’10’ I was introduced to the community of women that were part of Lithe and I became officially obsessed.

Since my first class, I have lost a total of 15 lbs. and since ‘10’ I have lost a total of almost 19” over my entire body. I have more I would like to accomplish, as recently I discovered through the 3-day Detox that I needed to eliminate dairy from my diet when I dropped 4.5 lbs. (included in the 15 total above) in those 3 days! (way to kick start the summer :)

188 classes later, I am a stronger, more confident and happier mom, sister, wife, friend and self.  Thank you Lauren and Lithe for helping me achieve a feeling of confident beauty, that radiates from within every day.  I know I owe it to all the instructors, staff and my fellow Lithers. This coming year I am again committing to the FitHipHealthy motto – especially the eating healthy part. I am a lifelong Lither and forever grateful.

Love NM

DEAR LITHE {LOVE LETTERS}. 25 Apr 2013

Dear Lauren:

There I was.  New to Philadelphia and not knowing a soul until a cooking class changed my life.  It was there that I met my now good friend Amy and one night over drinks, she flexed her impressive bicep and exclaimed: "you've GOT to try Lithe Method!"

I was reluctant but I took a 101.  The next day, I literally couldn't walk but I was hooked. I decided to take a step back and start with Lithe Immersion and immediately loved the workout, but more than that, I loved the community.  I still remember the way several ladies gave me a spontaneous hug in the RH locker room when I shyly announced I was a newbie and had just taken my first regular class.  I loved how amazing the instructors were; so friendly, strong, and best of all for me, so curvy!  Bari became my guru, Carrie's Spirit was my ultimate stress reliever, Melissa's kicks would always make my jaw drop, Liz G.'s Skinny Mini was my Sunday necessity and just like that, Lithe was part of my life.  I went from barely being able to make it through the first set of ten lunges at the bar, to making it through all three sets and still having energy to keep going. 

I love the relationships I've made through the workout and the camaraderie we all share after finishing an exceptionally hard class.  My non-Lither friends would shake their heads as I moved around personal and work commitments to get my Lithe Passport stamps and after I scheduled a trip based on the December challenge.  Exercise had always been something fleeting for me but Lithe became a necessity and the RH studio became my second home.  My body's changed, but so has my outlook on life.  Before Lithe, ketchup was a vegetable and now, I make my own breakfast quinoa, make smoothies in my own Vitamix and am always eager to try Lithe's latest juices and lunches.  The fit.hip.healthy lifestyle has made my time in Philadelphia truly special and I know I'll take the lessons I've learned with me.

In the 2+ years since I started Lithing, I've seen Lithe and its community grow and I couldn't be happier.  I remember when Gerri, Kim and Elizabeth started and now I count them as some of my favorite and most inspiring instructors.  I've also seen how EVERY new instructor brings their own uniqueness, talent and passion to Lithe and how each makes class an extraordinary experience.  Even though I know I'll be back in Philly for visits and will make trips to Lithe's NYC studio, I am truly going to miss all of the amazing women (and Fran) I got to see on a regular basis.

Lauren, your community and your workout sustained me through my years in Philly and I'll always be grateful. Until next time, I will always remain your faithful, Lither,

Theresa

INSTAGRAM ♥... 18 Apr 2013

PROGRAMMING TIPS FOR APRIL. 1 Apr 2013

I've heard from many Lithers, when they first start coming to classes, that they were already working out every day, thinking that they were ‘fit’ and had just hit that inevitable plateau with their results. Then, they realize, Lithe.Is.Different.

I have specifically designed Lithe around a sculpting regimen and cheer-based cardio (Cardio-Cheer-Sculpting®) that will give you unparalleled results…and I've put a system in place that assures you will never plateau. By constantly updating and adding workouts, customizing classes to the season, and orchestrating the monthly class schedules so you almost can't avoid variety in your workout, you'll never get bored, and never stop seeing results.
 
Monthly...
 
Each month (since 2005... the beginning of time here at Lithe), our schedules change.  Some people fight me tooth and nail about it, but, some of you roll with the punches, embrace our ever-changing schedules -- and then see amazing changes in your bodies.  There's a method to the madness - I know how easy it is to get comfortable in a routine, and so do your muscles! In order to continue to change your body, you should switch up your classes every 2-4 weeks; please don’t stick to the same workouts week after week and month after month.  *If you see a workout on any studio schedule for 8+ weeks, please know that there IS a reason for it.  Getting bored?  Increase your weight and grab those 5's or 8+ lbs.
 
And remember, Lithe works in mysterious ways: our leg-focused classes will change your arms (and burn the most fat and calories) and arm-focused classes will change your waist!  

To every thing, there is a season...

Just like eating seasonally is important, it’s just as important to work your body in unison with the seasons and what you’re are taking in food-wise.  People tend to turn inward, be more lethargic and tight as the weather turns cooler. That’s when you’ll see more Rare Form, Melt, and Floored classes on the schedule.  When it becomes warmer, we take it outside with Hotstepper and Walk-star and up the ante with more hi-cardio based workouts. 

I also keep a keen eye on Lithers bodies and fashion trends when developing new content and classes. I look at what people will be wearing (and revealing) in the upcoming months.  I know that you want to look great in your clothes!  
 
Seeing a lot of band classes on the schedules?  It must be post-holiday or pre-summer! Either way, it’s fat-burning time, ladies!  If it's Spring-time, short shorts and higher hemlines are upon us, and I'll create a new leg-focused class, or Short Shorts and Watershed will reappear on the schedule.  Fall and early spring usually coincide with Skinny Jeans, and you’ll see a lot of Lithe Classics on the schedules… There’s no better workout to target your lower half and tone the hips and glutes to pull off a pair of skinny jeans!

So remember, to get the most out of Lithe, embrace the variety and continue to push yourself. You'll love the results! 

Images of Lithe Instructors, Lauren Boggi, Melissa Weinberg & Bari Rosenthal via Dom

DEAR LITHE {LOVE LETTERS}. 26 Mar 2013

Hi Lauren,

I have been hoping to run into you between the Rittenhouse and Olde City studios but our paths haven't crossed. I have to tell you how I've come to recently realize the importance of the Lithe Breathing. I will admit, it must have been the hardest concept for me to wrap my mind around when I first started Lithe over a year ago. The method of breathing, and the importance of the pursed lips, and inhalation weren't very natural to me - and I imagine, others may have the same sentiment. We breathe every day, but not in such a pattern that requires such thought and purpose.

After taking a few 101 courses, I felt I had the knack of everything and off I went, happily immersing myself in all of the classes I could take. Honestly, I found myself more focused on making sure I tucked enough, and checking out my rear in the mirror as evidence of my tucking. (Praying each time that my booty would magically look more toned, lifted and smaller.) Tucking aside I also had to worry about my lunges - always checking to make sure my knees weren't over my toes. And I can't forget stiletto - I still find myself more often than not erring on the side of flat footed routines than stiletto, in an effort to retain proper form. Wide second? Please - let's not even talk about how my knees just love to turn in - I blame it on my lack of flexibility in my hips and overly tight hip-flexors.

OK - so where does that leave me? It leaves with the one constant through all of Lithe Method: the Lithe Breathing. In the beginning I wasn't doing it often enough, on cue, or strong enough. Why? Because I was focused on too many other things (a few of them mentioned above). Slowly over time my confidence grew and I knew my lunges and tucks were better, so much that I didn't need to obsess about checking my form all the time - in that same moment, I realized that I had slacked on my breathing.

Over the past few months I made it a goal to push through every routine as hard as a could, with the best form I could maintain and regardless of anything else going on around me - STICK WITH THE BREATHING!

I swear - it has made a huge difference on my abdomen and strength. I feel abdominal muscles - all over!! I know they are there because I can literally move my fingers around and pick them out as if I had a "clear as day" pack of abs. Unfortunately, I have some "fluff" as I affectionately call it (aka fat) overlaying them, but that is besides the point.

The point is the breathing truly does force you to contract and stretch your abs, working them throughout the entire class. It's easy to let your abs just go along for the ride and remain unengaged - but there are no benefits to that. The benefits to the pursed lips (and occasional spit on the mirrors): rocking abs, without doing 100 crunches every morning and night.

It's incredible and I can't emphasize enough how important it is for other Lithers to get on the band wagon and purse those lips! I used to be self conscious about being the only one in my area of the studio making noise while breathing, but heck - there is no looking back! I love knowing what is hiding under my "fluff"! :) 

XO, AC

DEAR LITHE {LOVE LETTERS}. 7 Mar 2013

Dear Lithe,

I wanted to write a love letter expressing both my gratitude and appreciation. I have dropped over 10 pounds and have lost inches everywhere since I began Lithing (10/24/12). I feel sexier than ever and feel more confident buying clothes; my husband and self-esteem thank you very much too. I began to see results right away but wanted to give it 4 to 5 months, just to see how many more changes I would see. A lot more changes came indeed. I used to have this roll of back fat, that no matter how much I yoga’d, dieted or worked out at the gym, would just NOT go away. Well…it’s gone (kisses to you). Thanks to the Lithe Method, the Lithe staff (and Lithe Greenies) I feel like a new woman.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart and though I will be moving to Dallas soon, I will ALWAYS be a lifetime Lither. I have attached a couple of photographs so you can all see the changes in my body. No Photoshop here, this is pure Lithe-ah-natural baby.

Love,

Tara McConachie

 

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

ME ON MONDAY (GETAWAY). 6 Feb 2013

I'm late again, but I have a good excuse.  This past weekend I traveled down to Florida to spend some time with family in Highland Beach.  I have to tell you that I didn't realize just how tightly wound I was until I was three days into my vacation.  On day three, I got off my butt, traded in my bikini top for my sports bra, and worked it out on the beach, Escape style.  It brought back a lot of great memories.  I can't tell you how much I miss Lithe Escape: R&R, fabulous food, fitness, friends, fun and RESULTS! 

Since 2009, Lithe Escape has been a big part of my life; something that I really look forward to every six months.  I haven't been able to pull myself away all that much since Mars was born, but now that he's 18 months old, I'm ready (I promise, post Lithe NYC opening!). 

I've heard through the grapevine that some of you are dying to go again, as well.  I have some ideas in my head but I'd love to know where you would like to go!  We could revisit some of the beautiful and luxurious villas and small boutique hotels that we have been to already (Bolt House, Highland House, La Luna & Hibiscus Hill House, Harbour Island, but I'm always game for something new and exciting.  I'm taking requests and I'm all ears!

Images of LBG Lithing on the beach in Highland Beach, FL via Jordan

BURN! 30 Jan 2013

For those of you who are trying to lose weight, wearing a heart rate monitor and keeping track of your numbers!   

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