fithiphealthy

LOUD N' PROUD!

 

Our January "10" is doing great and many have gained strength, lost weight, inches and feel better already! Here's a few little notes from two super successful Lithers: 

Hey Lithe Team, 

I am sooooo excited! I have already lost 7lbs and in addition to that I feel GREAT! I'm starting to "get it". 

I have seen the biggest difference in my body after 1 week of "10" than I have in the past 2 years. I know its early in the program but I just wanted to say that I think this is going to be a great experience and I feel I will get a lot out of it.  I have been trying for over 2 years after having my daughter to get back in shape but despite all my efforts I saw little or no improvement.  Thank you!  JP

Lauren,

i just had to write you a quick note to tell you how amazing the "10" has been for me.  I had been, as you know, out of Lithe for a while, and knew that this was exactly the class I needed to get going in the new year and get motivated.  It has been incredible.  I still have 4 classes to go, and my body is already completely different.  It's SHOCKING.  I get undressed and look down at my legs, and I don't recognize myself.  My pants are already so much looser, and my belly isn't pooching through my tops as it used to-a fact that made me change clothes five times every morning. 

The combination of the meal plan and the workout has truly been a success.  Like you said, once I started eating the way you prescribed, I just got it.  Now, I'm making great decisions, even on the weekend.  The impact on my waistline, and my bank account has been significant.  I used to be obsessed with eating out, and now all I want to do is cook great food at home. 

I can't believe I'm seeing results like this, and I'm essentially only halfway through the series.  I'm feeling stronger and have more endurance already, so I can't wait to see what I look/feel like when it's over.  I will definitely not stay away from Lithe for so long again.  Thanks for helping start my new year off right!  xoxo, SH

Illustration via itlooksgoodtome.com

LIGHTEN UP.

It's time again!  Have you been in a bad food, no Lithe state of mind?  Maybe you've been disorderly eating?  It's time to get clean up your act, get conscious and back on track, ladies.  Here are our dates for the next Lithe "10" .  

We're holding it at Northern Liberties on Tuesdays, Thursdays and on two Sundays (free parking!). You can register online. Remember, the "10" is a pre-paid $300, 10 (75 minute per class) class program complete with a fantastic, flab-fighting meal plan. 

Below are our set dates (much like the Immersion course).  Lithers' who are not enrolled in the "10" will not be able to use an existing class card/unlimited monthly or "drop in" to Lithe "10" classes at a class card rate. 

Tuesday, February 2nd at 7pm

Thursday, February 4th at 7pm

Sunday, February 7th at 11am

Tuesday, February 9th at 7pm

Thursday, February 11th at 7pm

Tuesday, February 16th at 7pm

Thursday, February 18th at 7pm

Sunday, February 21st at 11am

Tuesday, February 23rd at 7pm

Thursday February 25th at 7pm

LITHESTYLE.

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:

Hey Lauren! 

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...

IF I TOLD ME TO.

I always gush over Lither' Lauren Hall's posts, but this one in particular really warms my heart and inspires me.  Especially after my weekend of overindulgence and doing absolutely nothing good for my body. 

So many of us make excuses that we can't put in an hour for ourselves-We let life get in the way of our health, happiness and goals.  Lauren has made some major changes and she's done it all on her own.  She looks amazing and I totally agree with everything that she says here.

It's so important to be thankful, realize that there are no shortcuts out there and power right through the mental and physical struggle. Doesn't it feel good when you put in the work and really earn it!?  We are what we eat, we are how we move, we are what we do.  Just tell yourself to and be brave enough to follow through!  

Another illustration via Sara Singh

DIET & LITHE?

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

LITHING FOR THE GOLD.

Megan writes: 

Lauren, I was the Oscar statue for Halloween this year and have gotten such an amazing response from everyone because of the body you created and I worked hard to achieve. Only a lither could pull off a naked gold man! I attached a picture of my most Oscar-inspired pose. Thank You! 

Megan, you look fantastic!  WOW!  I love the costume!

MOTIVATION.

It's always tough to stay motivated this time of year.  Parties, holidays and nasty weather make it tough to keep on schedule.  If something isn't working for you schedule wise, don't quit, modify it!

Remember that there are no hard and fast rules to getting in and staying in shape.  Just do it slowly and never take your eye off your goal. I've been Lithing for years and every 6 months my body STILL continues to change, become stronger and more fit. 

The next time you start to slide with your exercise program, stop and think. The on again off again exercise routine will never get you the results you want. Instead, use these tips to stay on track and achieve and achieve your desired fitness goals:

1. Try not to beat yourself up if you miss a class. Life is full of challenges and unexpected obstacles. Setbacks happen, but try not to let a couple of missed workouts turn into two months of inactivity-There is no excuse for that!

2. Take a break. A plateau, burnout or lack of motivation might be your body asking for a break. Take an occasional break from your regular exercise routine for a few days or so, keeping active with some low intensity activities like walking.

3. Write it down. Does it ever seem like you're not getting anywhere? Monitor your program to adjust your regime as necessary. Writing it down also lets you measure the improvements you've made over time (like finishing Hotstepper or doing 30 push-ups), which is good to review during times of waning motivation.

4. Treat yourself to technology. Tools like heart rate monitors and calorie trackers make exercise more fun and let you see instantly the results of your efforts.

6. See the whole picture. Focus on all the benefits of exercise, like how a good workout makes you feel, your productivity level at work or the decrease in your cholesterol or stress level.

The more benefits you can identify the more motivated you are to exercise, even at times when you don't feel like it.  Get your self together!

Image via Garance Dore

SWEET!

I know that I blog about Lither Lauren Hall's blog, lithe life whenever she blogs about Lithe (I'm sorry Lauren!).  Lauren, I apologize in advance for sweating and stalking your blog spot : ) 

Anyway, I love Lauren's recent post about Sweet Cheeks and the sweetness of success.  Good work and congrats on sticking to it-So many people fall off the health wagon right about now! 

Out-take Sweet Cheeks image of Lithe Instructor, Tiffany Young via Dominic Episcopo.

66/65!

 

I wanted to report on our August Lithe "10" results: 13 people, 66" lost and 65 lbs lost (from those who were weighing in). Boy, do they all look amazing, bloat-free and healthy. Congrats!  

Fun out-take images of Tif and I from last Saturday's shoot with Dom.  Tif is stretching out my low back with our Lithe Method Melt. Can you see the LM?   More to come...

SECOND WIND.

Many of us meet a weight loss goal and then get frustrated when things slow or change. Most people never get started let alone commit AND meet their goals!  Lither Melissa B. has lost sooo much weight since January and has stayed committed (but even she gets frustrated).  

Meissa and I went to high school together and I've never seen her look so good.  Congrats to you, Melissa!  I love her blog--Check out this inspiring, honest post.  

Watercolor image via Stina Persson