fithiphealthy

DONT YOU KNOW THAT YOU'RE TOXIC {BY SAYEH!}?

A few years ago, I took a trip to Mexico with some friends for some sun and fun. During one of the many random conversations we had while soaking in the rays, one of my girlfriends asked me what my spirit animal was, and I was stumped. What’s a spirit animal, you ask? Your spirit animal is the animal you most identify with. If someone could wave a magic wand over you, the animal you would turn into is your spirit animal. For you Harry Potter fans out there, your spirit animal would be the shape your Patronus takes. (Yeah, I said Patronus.)

I truly couldn’t think of my spirit animal. I could name animals I really adored, like the koala bear or the meerkat, but none of them fit my personality. I agonized over this question for 2 years (no, I’m not joking) before I came up with an answer: the elephant. They are loyal, steadfast, and care deeply about their fellow elephants. However, since then, I’ve been worried that I’ve chosen incorrectly. After all, the elephant-like memory thing doesn’t exactly match up, considering I can’t leave the house on my first try without forgetting something. Ever. But, alas, I haven’t been able to think of anything else I could possibly be...until I learned that Kristen Bell loves sloths. And I mean LOVES sloths. (Which kinda made me love her. Also, am I the only person who didn’t realize she was the narrator for Gossip Girl??)

So I decided to do a little research on the sloth, and see what the all the hub bub is about. Turns out that sloths are eating constantly, but they still have little energy--hence the fact they are named after the laziest deadly sin. Their diet consists mainly of leaves, which are organic and green and all, but because they are so difficult to digest (the process takes over a month), Sloths have little energy to spare--making them super slow in all they do.

The more I read about the sloth, the more terrified I became. Is my spirit animal the sloth?? After all this time? I DO just eat and eat and eat and I’m slow and my eyesight is bad, and I like to stay up late, and I’m definitely hairy! Why God?? Why? The SLOTH?? Of all the cool animals? I couldn’t be an elegant gazelle or a regal eagle? A sloth?? Awesome. Way to go, spirit.

BUT, before I went down my shame spiral, I remembered the lesson of my Lithe Detox. It isn’t ME that’s slowing me down. It’s what I eat. On a typical day, I try to make the best choices I can, but I’m certainly not regimented, and have been known to skip breakfast, eat soup dumplings for lunch and a Tiffin feast of samosas and sag paneer for dinner. On those same typical days, I often struggle to get out of bed, and feel exhausted by 4pm.

On the Lithest Level 3 detox plan, you start you day with an invigorating tea, a green smoothie for breakfast, a juice before lunch, a great Lithe Foods lunch and smoothie, another juice, a tasty Lithe Foods dinner, and then a delicious after dinner snack and soothing bed time tea. Repeat for 3 days.

Like the sloth, I felt like I was constantly consuming things all day on the plan, but that’s where the similarities ended. At the end of the first day (my favorite), after my dinner of a portabello panini and wild rice soup, I felt full and light and clean. As the second day progressed, I felt really energetic, and didn’t have a midday slump like I’m used to, despite being slightly headachey towards the end of the day.  I also noticed that my tummy was still as flat as it was when I woke up--which NEVER happens. I usually wake up feeling good about my belly, but end the day with a stomach so bloated, I want to shower with the lights off! Even my friends commented about how little I looked in the middle. By the end of the 3rd day, despite being ready to rejoin the world of food, and eyeing my friends’ calorie-laden lunches, I looked even better in my midsection, and was still maintaining high levels of energy with no headache.

In all, I gained tons of energy and lost close to 3lbs! And that’s without working out, and burning any extra calories. I tweaked my knee, and only worked out once while on the detox. It was a great experience, as all my Lithe Foods experiences are. It’s not meant to be a quick weight loss fix, so I wouldn’t use it for those purposes (although you do trim down), but is more to just tidy up your insides and get yourself on track.

For me, it really was just a huge reminder that I am not slothful after all. That when I eat the right things, and take care to put whole, natural foods in my body, I feel better and look better and am a task-accomplishing machine! That’s a pretty powerful re-realization. So although the detox plan didn’t make me any less hairy, it did make me realize that the search is still on for my spirit animal. Phew. What’s yours?

See you in class!

Image of Lither, Sayeh Hormozi wearing Lithe's Hotstepper dress via Dom

25 THINGS {BY SAYEH}!

Recently, in an effort to be more green, I’ve signed up for the paperless option for all of my major bills. Instead of giant packets from my cell phone carrier, I get an email with a link to a pdf of my multi-page statement. This means that I no longer get anything of importance in my mailbox, except my precious weekly issue of US Magazine. I’m obsessed with it. I open my box daily (I never know when it’s actually going to show), and peer in, trying to guess who’s face will be shining back at me from the glossy cover. One of my favorite features in the magazine is the “25 Things You Don’t Know About Me” column. This is where I find out ridiculous things I never needed to now about people I don’t care about, and I LOVE it.

I know that Felicity Huffman pees her pants when she jogs. Andy Cohen loves a lady with a side ponytail (what?). Kris Jenner makes Lamar Odom a lemon cake every week, and Zooey Dechanel hates papaya and loves scrunchies. What’s better than that? Now, if I ever run into these people, I’ll have things to talk about with them! Hey Lamar, don’t you just LOVE lemon cake? Zooey, why do people think you’re so annoying, and yes, papaya is gross! YUCK. Now let’s hang out and be friends forever!

Although I’ve basically divulged every detail of my life through my blogs thus far, in a tribute to that great literary publication US Weekly, I’ve managed to find 25 things about me that you don’t know yet.

1. I am terrified of bugs. All bugs. Big or small. The scene in Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, where they walk into that tunnel full of insects, is my idea of hell.
2. I’m obsessed with avocados. They make everything better. (Except pizza, in which case Ranch dressing makes that better.)
3. I secretly love Celine Dion. If “That’s the Way It Is” comes on, make room for me and my fake microphone.
4. I have been to Kabul, Afghanistan.
5. I LOVE the Olympics. I could watch gymnastics 24 hours a day.
6. I have a black thumb. I kill all plants that enter my home. Even when I really try not to.
7. I had blond hair from 9th grade until my junior year of college.
8. My mom owns a high-end lingerie boutique in Dallas, and I haven’t paid for underwear in years. (Thanks mom!)
9. I am always late. No matter how early I leave, or how hard I try, the universe thwarts my efforts, and I am late.
10. I’ve never met an Asian cuisine I didn’t LOVE. I could eat Thai for breakfast. Sushi for lunch, and Chinese for dinner.
11. If I wasn’t in the field of education, I would be a holistic healer of some kind. I love learning about home remedies and pretending to diagnose people’s various maladies.
12. I used to be obsessed with Outkast.
13. I have seen Boyz II Men in concert 5 times.
14. My favorite fruit is a tie between the mango and the pomegranate.
15. Opening drawers and cabinets where things are just tossed around willy-nilly gives me anxiety.
16. I lose EVERYTHING. Always. Even in my own purse. I spend a collective 30 minutes a day searching for various things that are usually exactly where I looked first, or in my hand, or on my head.
17. Getting in bed after I’ve just put on fresh, clean sheets is one of my favorite things.
18. I have the WORST sense of direction, EVER. I’ve gotten turned around walking out of Lithe Old City. (Perhaps this and my inability to find things accounts for why I’m always late.)
19. I hosted two television shows on my university’s cable access network. I think they still air the episodes 10 years later.
20. My favorite song to sing in the shower (when there is absolutely no one around) is Little Mermaid’s “Part of Your World”. “Bet ya on land, they understand. And they don’t....reprimand their daughters! Bright young women, sick of swimmin”...ok, I’ll stop.
21. I was obsessed with the Chipettes of Alvin & the Chipmunks fame, when I was younger. I still think the Chipmunk Adventure is one of the greatest movies ever made.
22. My last meal would be gyro sandwich and slice of pizza from my best friend’s parents’ restaurant, Lotsa Pasta back home in Dallas.
23. If my phone rings after ten o’clock, or if the same person calls me twice in a row, I am convinced someone has died...and become too afraid to call them back.
24. I’m never happier than when I’m by the ocean, but lakes and rivers freak me out.
25. My idea of an amazing night is a few good friends, an amazing meal, and some laughs.

Stay tuned to find to the blog to find out 25 Things You Don’t Know About Lauren and all your favorite instructors!

See you in class! 

Image of Lither Sayeh Hormozi & Lithe Instructor, Meghan Grauzlis via Dom

SAYEH'S LIVING LITHE!

Tight End

What you need: Gloves!
Props: Lithe’s Higher Power Band System (Pom Handles), Tall Box (from Hipster)
Clothing Considerations: Long pants (You place the pom handles around your ankles at one point.)
Sweat Factor: Imagine you are standing on a corner on a rainy day, and a giant SUV plows through a puddle near you, and mercilessly splashes you without so much as slowing down. Now, do that 10 times...and you might be close.

Growing up in Texas, I was a pretty big football fan. The Dallas Cowboys were winning Super Bowls, and I was going to my high school football games every Friday night. I fancied myself pretty knowledgeable about the sport. But, as the years have passed, I’ve become almost completely disconnected from what’s happening in the NFL. Eagles fans heckle me about another embarrassing Cowboys loss (as if they can talk, oooh buurrrrn), and I just shrug my shoulders because I haven’t the slightest clue what they’re talking about.

But in recent weeks, a phenomenon has swept the nation, and has brought football back into the forefront of my mind. Two words: Tim. Tebow. This man has single-handedly brought prayer back into public schools. Kids everywhere are having Tebow flash mobs--meaning they all take a knee simultaneously in some predetermined location, and feign ardent prayer. (Somebody oughta tell these kids that Rodin’s Thinker has been sportin this pose a century before Timmy hit the scene! DUH kids.) PRAYING flash mobs? Hopefully the trend will hit Philly soon, where the very mention of the term flash mob has shopkeepers and restaurant owners on South Street reaching for their baseball bats.

For those of you whose Facebook news feeds haven’t been inundated by Tebow-related attempts at comedy, Tim Tebow is the quarterback for the Denver Broncos. Extremely open about his religious beliefs, he is given to taking a knee on the field during games to say a quick prayer. Inevitably, it seems that despite his poor performance throughout these games, once he prays--things turn around and the Broncos come back and win in dramatic fashion. Case in point, last weekend when the Broncos ousted the Pittsburgh Steelers in the first round of the playoffs. Tebow miraculously threw an 80-yard touch down pass to bring the score to 29-23 in overtime. The real crazy part? He threw for 316 yards that game. 3:16, Tebow’s favorite bible verse, which he often writes into the shoe polish under his eyes. Go fig.

And it’s because of all this Tebow mania that I almost fell to a knee to say my own prayer in Tight End last week. I was in so much pain that I almost pulled the girl off the box next to mine to make her kneel and chant with me: Dear God, make me a bird so I can fly fah. Fah fah away from here. Tight End is KILLER. Imagine that Weightless, Hipster and Sweet Cheeks got busy and made a little Lithe baby. That would be Tight End.

You begin the class by grabbing onto the pom handles and doing a cardio sequence similar to the fun, dance-cheer series in Weightless. The dance moves themselves are different, but super fun, and equally intense. Then, once your heart rate is pounding and your sweat is forming into little beads all over your body, you incorporate the tall box. Using the bands for support, you do a quad and glute-murdering series of squats, lunges and kicks.

Once you’re legs are giving way, and you’re considering consulting your lord above for support, you get down and go straight into another high octane cardio series. Once you can shake your rump no more, you get back on the box for some inverted work--a la Sweet Cheeks. Here you place the pom handle around your ankle and use the resistance to tap and lift your leg in a zillion different directions. The real crazy part? Lauren kept telling us that she was merely introducing us to Tight End basics--that soon the class will attempt to actually murder us with a lot more moves on the box, and a more ramped-up dance series during the cardio segments.

Tight End is a must-take for anyone looking to kick it up a notch and get their serious sweat on. And when you’re legs are quivering and the sweat is dripping off the end of your nose, just channel your inner Tebow, have faith...and believe. And hey, if you need to say a quick prayer to get through it, go for it. It’s working for the Broncos!

See you in class!

Image of Lither, Sayeh Hormozi in Lithe's Mojo Vented Top & Leather Leggings and Lithe Instructor, Melissa Weinberg wearing Lithe's Attitude Pants via Dom

NEW YEAR! NEW RULES! {BY SAYEH}

Every December, as the new year approaches, my family and I sit around and discuss what our resolutions are for the coming months. Inevitably, my mother and I discuss our health and weight (we have the exact same shape). We want to eat better. We want to work out more consistently, etc. My father talks about how for his resolution, he would like both of his daughters to get married, so he can stop worrying about them. And no matter how much we explain that this ardent wish not only a) sets the women’s movement back 50 years, and b) isn’t a resolution, he just says in his thick Iranian accent: “Vhy not? You are getting too old. And I’m vorried nobody ever gonna marry you.” We all throw our hands up at the futility of arguing this point, and my sister then announces her annual resolution--which is always the same: to floss more.

This year, I really wanted to come up with a new resolution. Not because I’ve reached my fitness goals, or because I feel like I’m done striving for a healthy lifestyle, but because I wanted to think bigger. When reflecting on my year of Lithing and blogging, my entries were never only about fitness. They also covered the important things like celebrity gossip, and also often led me to realizing something about who I am and the kind of life I want to have. I’m pretty sure that is no coincidence considering that’s what Lithe Method is all about really--not just honing your body, but your entire life.

So as I walked around my hometown of Dallas this year, and met up with close friends I hadn’t seen in a long time, my NEW new year’s resolution dawned on me. I want to stay in touch more. In every way.

First, I’m AWFUL about staying in touch. Of course, I call my mom several times a week because if I don’t, I get weirdly spelled texts with frightening emoticons that I think are supposed to convey sadness and disappointment...but only succeed in making me feel weird inside. But aside from that, I’m terrible. I get phone calls from friends, and tell myself that I will call them back later because we have SO much to catch up on, and I really want a clear block of time to devote to the overdue chat, but then never make that block of time, and never call back, and then feel bad for not calling, which makes me less likely to call back because I feel so guilty, which makes it even longer than it should be. Ultimately there are months between phone calls sometimes, and inevitably the first 15 minutes of each phone call is me apologizing for being a cray.

But this year, as I was sitting across from my friends and family, hearing them laugh and catching up on all that’s happened in the last year, I realized how much I’ve missed everyone. I resolved that despite my new life in Philly, and all of the obligations that keep me busy, I can still stay in touch with my life back home. So if that means squeezing in a 10 minute chat as I’m walking to the subway or while I’m going to and from class, it adds up--lots of little check-ins equal a good deal of quality time.

And while I made a resolution to do that, I realized that staying in touch is more than phone calls and email.  I realized that, for me, it means being aware in general. And not just aware about others’ needs, but my own as well. So I expanded my original resolution, and decided that I should stay in touch with myself too (there’s a good joke in there somewhere, for sure.) It’s a fine balance though, caring for others while also thinking about what’s best for you. It’s difficult not to feel selfish when you make a choice based purely on your own needs, but this year I’m going to give myself the space to do that a little without beating myself up about it.

So, if that means saying no to some obligations to recommit myself to my Lithe regimen (I gained 5lbs in December, and my first class back, after weeks, was Skinny Jeans on Tuesday--and it wasn’t pretty), or sitting on my couch all day long watching a Millionaire Matchmaker marathon, instead of doing laundry, then that’s what I’m going to do. I hope we can all find that time because ultimately, staying in touch and taking care of ourselves makes us better friends and daughters and sisters and partners in life.  And thank goodness for Lithe, without our strong cores, how could we shoulder it all?

Happy new year, and see you in class!

Image of Sayeh Hormozi wearing Lithe's Hotstepper Dress via Dom

HELP IS ON THE WAY (BY SAYEH)!

Yesterday, Lauren encouraged us to “be lithe” by make sure to stretch at the end of each class, and by taking advantage of stretch-heavy Rare Form, Thinny and Melt. This is a great start for sure, but if you’re anything like me, you need extra help.

I am the least flexible human on the planet. I’ve done the splits exactly once in my life. It was during gym class in the 4th grade, and it was only because this guy I really liked was watching. Adrenaline took over and I somehow just found myself down on the ground, legs splayed in front and behind me. It was an incredible moment. I was shocked, but of course totally played it off like I do it all the time (I was a super cool 4th grader). I also couldn’t walk for several days after, and my crush was totally unimpressed. (Loser!)

Since then, my body has rejected all forays into flexibility. Even putting my leg up on the low barre in the studio is a challenge. I struggle to touch my toes, and my hips are so tight that I often just laugh in class, when comparing my range of motion to others. And although I know the the key to increased flexibility is consistent stretching, I just can’t bring myself to do it on my own. Also, I don’t even really know what stretches to do.

If you find yourself nodding to in recognition while you read this post, never fear! Help is on the way. Starting in the new year, Lithe TV will begin premiering mini stretch workshops for you to use in your homes, at your own leisure, to supplement your stretch time in the studio. Watch and laugh as Melissa Weinberg grazes the ceiling with her toes, and I struggle to get my leg up to hip height.

And if you’re thinking to yourself, I’m already flexible and amazing, then....GOOD FOR YOU! Show off! (So maybe I’m a little jealous.) But I am told, that even if you’re generally flexible, consistent stretching is still important to keep you feeling centered, limber and of course Lithe. So stay tuned to the blog to see the first Lithe Method stretch workshop video, and have a few laughs while you give your body what it needs to keep Lithing.

See you in class!  

Image of Lauren Boggi Goldenberg in Cinch Side Bends wearing Lithe's Haramaki (Cinch Band) via Dom

LITHING OUTSIDE OF THE STUDIO {BY SAYEH!}.

Last week, several obligations kept me out of the studio much more than I care to admit. After all my preaching about going to class 5 times a week, I fell way short and was beating myself up about it. I stood in front of the mirror, puffed out my belly and was certain that after just 3 consecutive days away from class, I had ruined all of my hard work from the last 6 months. I should have gotten up and gone to a 6am class, I thought. I really could have squeezed one in during lunch, if I ran full speed both to and from the studio, I said out loud while I turned to examine my protuberant middle from a different angle.

It’s a problem situation. Somewhere along the road, I’ve decided that there is a little man living inside of me that has a trunk full of body parts that he’s just waiting to bust out. If I don’t work out in 48 hours, I think he’s going to root around in that thing, and find my butt from December of 2010 and slap it right back on--obscuring the brand new butt I’ve been working so hard to shape.

I think these types of fears come with the territory when you’ve tried really hard for something. Worked long hard hours to finally buy yourself a nice piece of jewelry you’ve been eyeing for a long time? Then you’re probably nuts about knowing where it is at all times. Because you know how hard it was to get it. The same goes for me with my workout. I put in countless hours of sweat and commitment, so I find that I get terrified that I may screw it all up somehow and find myself back where I started.

After a few moments of obsessing, however, I realize that a few days off will not be the end of the world or my new body, and cut myself some slack. Yes, I could wake up at 6am to go to class, but then I’d be looking at a 14 hour day. Or yes, I could have sprinted to the studio at lunch, but my coworkers wouldn’t really appreciate that during my 1:30 meeting.

So, instead, I’ve told the man with the trunk (with all my junk in it), to go eff himself, and got creative and fit Lithe in where I could.

• When zipping around town on my scooter, I kept my feet in stiletto the whole time. By the time I got to my destination...my calves were bur-ning.
• When standing at my stove stirring up my dinner, I did a few Liberties.
• When my girlfriend stopped by, I made her do a set of lunges, curtsies and sumos between each of our stories, (and sips of wine) while gripping the kitchen counter. (She definitely thought I was a lunatic, but it was hilarious and made for some great laughs. I think she’s still sore.)

It certainly was no substitute for class, don’t get me wrong, but it helped me to feel that I wasn’t completely abandoning my commitment to my workout, just because my schedule was getting more hectic than usual. Because if I’ve learned anything from this process, it’s that the way I feel mentally after a workout is equal in importance to how my body is changing. And even if I don’t get my heart rate up high enough to burn any serious calories with little moves here and there, it’s makes feel productive which gives me a little mood boost. After all, Lithe Method is all about balance--your entire well-being, not just your physical one.

And with the holidays on the horizon, and travel and family--it’s only going to get tougher to make it into the studio for me. And I know I’m certainly not alone. So, I’ve decided not to go down that slippery slope of getting down on myself about not working out, which often leads to...not working out. Instead, if you look into my window any night soon, you’ll see me doing some crazy arms series in between wrapping presents, or doing some deep pliés while I’m waiting for some Christmas cookies to bake. Please don’t think I’m crazy and also...get away from my window!

See you in class! (Sooner rather than later, I hope!)

Image of Lither, Sayeh Hormozi in Lithe's Hotstepper Dress via Dom.  Read about Sayeh's 6 month transformation!

BOOTY BOOTY BOOTY ROCKIN EVERY WHERE! {BY SAYEH!}

I Like Big Butts, and I Cannot Lie!

As much as I abhor the song, I can’t deny that Sir Mix-A-Lot was a man way ahead of his time. In 1992, long before J.Lo stepped onto the red carpet in her infamous green Versace dress and wowed the world with her assets, and single handedly ushered in the era of the booty, he was singing its praises. Literally.

And the parade of voluptuous behinds has been marching on ever since. The torch has been passed from Ms. Lopez to Beyonce to Kim Kardashian and most recently to Pippa Middleton. The entire world was captivated by her hiny when she followed her sister down the aisle in her amazing curve-hugging Alexander McQueen dress. Now, let’s be honest, how bummed (pun intended) is Kate that her sister’s BUTT stole the show at her wedding?? Kate wears the classic Grace Kelly gown, marries the prince, but her sister’s tuckus is what people are writing home about? Dayum.

If that’s not a testament to the power of the booty, perhaps the padded underwear spawned by Pippa’s derriere is. That’s right. You can buy and slip on Pippa’s rear for a mere 24 bucks! It really shows what a badonkadonk worshipping culture we’ve become. I can’t say that I’m upset about it. In fact, I couldn't’ be happier. I’ve had a giant butt since I had a butt. Seriously. My baby pictures? Giant butt.

My behind has been a running joke with my girlfriends for years. From dragging me onto the dance floor every time that god-awful song comes on and pointing at my butt whilst rapping the lyrics (now you know why I hate it so much) to nicknaming it a WMD (weapon of mass distraction), my butt has been a source of much conversation and actually some angst for me.

Buying jeans? Forget it. I envy my friends that can just shop for jeans on line. I have to devote a day to trying on stacks and stacks of different styles to find the right denim for my derriere. And form fitting dresses? Forget it. I can make anything slightly tight and demure look like I’m about to dance in the background of a music video just because of my butt! I’ve long considered my booty-blessing more of a curse, despite the fact that it’s become cool and trendy to be maximus in the gluteus.

Until recently.

Since I started lithing, my butt has finally reached it’s full potential! All of the squats and lunges and fold over seat work and the killer butt-work we do on the mat, has taken my god given asset and really shaped into something entirely new. Recently, while changing into pjs in front of my sister, she shrieked and pointed at my butt. And not for the reasons she used to (sheer shock at the size), but because she couldn’t believe how lifted and firm it’s become. She even marched me out to show my mom, at which point they both started copping a feel to confirm what they were seeing (they’re strange people). Still not over it, my sister asked me to drop trow again when our girlfriends came over (I happily obliged, duh.) Because for the first time in a long time, I’m proud of my booty. And I’m not alone. This is a Lithe Booty.

I look around the studio and see behinds every where that would make the tabloids scoff at the apple-bottomed Brit they can’t seem to get enough of. I’ve watched as a close girlfriend, and fellow Lither has gone from constantly lamenting her tiny hiny to standing in front of the mirror in awe at the booty she’s sculpted for herself from the very butt she had written off as lost cause.

I guess some would say that the easier, less sweaty solution would be to pay 24 bucks for a slip on version of someone’s else’s bum, but I say why bother when we each have our own to work with. One, that with a little help from Lithe, can be shaped and lifted into something pretty incredible. Besides, you never have to throw a Lithe booty into the wash when you’re done wearing it. Nor do you have to explain to your significant other why your butt is hanging on the lampshade. The Lithe booty is permanently attached, and won’t wear or tear over time. Viva la Lithe booty!

See you in class!

2010 Image of Lauren Boggi Goldenberg via Nic D'Amico & Philadelphia Magazine & Lither, Sayeh Hormozi in Lithe Wear via Dom

SAYEH'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT.

I’m sure I’m not speaking for myself when I say that I have been running myself ragged the past few days in preparation for this holiday. First, there have been the personal grooming  errands. We’ve talked about my eyebrows before. I can’t sit across from people I don’t see that often sporting Andy Rooney brows (may he RIP). Next, the nail salon because arriving at dinner with butter and bacon under my finger nails (all of my T-Giving dishes include these 2 ingredients) is just not an option. Not to mention the time I’ve spent on my favorite new recipe source Gojee.com* finding new ways to make those dishes. Then of course, there’s the trip to the grocery store to pick up everything I need, along with the jillions of other people trying to do the same. Which of course translates to lines. Lines at all of these places, in fact.  

But most importantly, it’s the mental energy that’s required to execute all this stuff. It’s all the thought that goes into the logistics of getting it all done. Okay, I’m going to scoot to work, then get my eyebrows done at lunch. And since the threading place is close to Reading Terminal, I’ll go straight there for that pie the Amish make that my best friend’s mom loves so much. And THEN... Well you get the idea. It’s exhausting. So here are some things I’m going to try to do this holiday to make it all worthwhile.

1. Eat what I want. If you’re like me (or the new post Lithe Diving me), you do your very best to make good food choices for most of the year, so I’m going to cut myself some slack on Thursday and pile it high and deep. I refuse to waste a single moment wondering the calorie count. I’m just going to lick my fingers and go back for seconds...and thirds...and...

2.  Leave the kitchen! It’s so easy to get caught up preparing for the day’s events, that you miss out on moments in the living room. Your uncle sleeping with his mouth open and hand down his pants. Your niece wondering if all of this hoopla is because “today is her very happy birthday?” I want my goat-cheese appetizer to be as beautiful as the recipe photo, but I will resist the temptation to obsess. Throw stuff on the plate, and get out there with the rest of them! That’s going to be my mantra.

3. Relax! I know that’s a tall order on a day like Thursday, but I’m going to sit with my favorite people and chat with a glass of wine and take little breaks and breathers when I can. I also  plan to beat everyone I know at Balderdash. (I’m amazing at this game. I challenge anyone. Seriously. Try me!)

And after the chaos dies down, my hope is to get back to real life with the same focus as my pre-Thanksgiving self. Because for me, and I think for many others, Turkey day is the turning point for the last 6 weeks of the year where my healthy food choices and exercise just go out the window. Between holiday travel and obligations and parties, it’s tough to stay on top of things.

So this year, my hope for myself and wish for all of us Lithers is that we can find a balance between enjoying ourselves and all the fun, festivities and food the holidays have to offer, with keeping our energy and well-being paramount. For me, that means squeezing in classes everywhere I can, but most of all just making time to just take it all in. After all, the holiday season is truly about the relationships we cherish and this year, I’m certainly grateful for all the amazing new ones I’ve forged in the Lithe studio--not least of all the new one I have with myself.

I hope you all have a great Thanksgiving!

See you in class.

*Recipes are sourced from great food blogs, and can be found and filtered by what you crave, what you hate, and what you have in your fridge. And the photos are pretty incred. (They have a similar site for Cocktails too!)

Image of Sayeh in Lithe's 'leather' Leggings and Performance Bra Top via Dom

SAYEH'S LIVING LITHE!

Weightless

What you need: Gloves!
Props: Lithe’s Higher Power Band System (Pom Handles)
Clothing Considerations: Whatever you’re comfortable in.
Sweat Factor: Drench City, Soak-afornia.

In the 5th grade--for various reasons I will not detail here, and I’m sure did not fully comprehend at the tender age of 10--I learned that the surface gravity of the moon is only about 1/6th that of Earth’s. What I DID understand however--with the help of my Texas Instruments solar-powered calculator--was that at 60lbs, I weighed 10 lbs on the moon. 10lbs! That’s two 5lb. Lithe dumbbells (in case you were straining to do the math). That’s 10oz less than I weighed when I was born! (My poor mom.)

For the rest of that year, I basically channeled the future Jonathan Lipnicki, and told anyone and everyone my moon weight. When my mother’s friends stopped by for a visit, I would promptly ask them how much they weighed, so I could calculate their moon weight (dividing by 6 was my secret super power). Needless to say, my neat trick wasn’t super popular. Instead of finding out the numbers, I was told how cute I was or what a funny girl I was. Defeated, I would retreat to my room, pop in my Please Hammer, Don’t Hurt ‘Em tape, and lament that no one understood my genius while humming along to that classic heart-breaker: “Have you Seen Her?”

Recently, while taking Lithe’s newest addition, Weightless, all of these memories came together (yes, even the MC Hammer part), and it was a powerful moment. And an even more powerful workout. Weightless is like Pom and Sculpt and A-list Abs had a baby. It’s got a bit of everything in it. You grab onto the Pom handles and kick off the class with a cardio sequence of jacks and calf pumps and squat jumps, etc.--all moves you already know, if you’ve been to a few Lithe classes.

Then you relive my 5th grade bedroom dance-a-thons with an amazing cardio-cheer sequence that has a move in it called the MC Hammer. No, it’s not the typewriter move (aside from the fact that his mom is knitting through this entire video, this dude is pretty good) made famous by the artist that was Too Legit to Quit. It’s some chest popping, fist pumping good times. And you can’t help but giggle our way through it. As with the the cardio-cheer sequences in Pom, the Weightless Hammerdance takes a few tries before you get the hang of it. Don’t get frustrated. Just imagine yourself in sparkly parachute pants, and you’ll get the hang of it in no time.

For the remainder of the class, you alternate the cardio-cheer series with sculpting--both at the barre and on the mat--and you take the bands with you wherever you go. You use them to work your arms and back while you do your Liberties and Lunges, and you add them to your ab work while on the floor (this part was KILLER). In fact, it was all super-intense, and according to Lauren, this is just the beginning. She was just “easing us into” everything Weightless has in store since it was our first time. That’s difficult to imagine considering I was SOAKED when I left. Me! The girl who doesn’t sweat. If you sweat pretty good, then you might want to consider bringing a beach towel.

Even if you’ve been Lithing for a while, this class will certainly challenge you. And although, Earth’s gravitational pull leaves us much heavier than we would be if we lived beyond our atmosphere, I think Weightless will have you walking around feeling a little closer to your moon weight anyway.

See you in class!

Image of Sayeh wearing Lithe Wear Leather Leggings and Mojo Vented Top & Lithe Instructor Sheri Tolin via Dom

SAYEH'S LIVING LITHE!

It’s official. Today is the 145th day of the “Living Lithe” column I’ve been writing for Fit.Hip.Healthy. That means that I’ve been reviewing classes and sharing my general musings with all of you for 63 days longer than Kim Kardashian was married to Kris Humphries. That’s what I call commitment! Those two could learn a few things from me.

I gotta admit, I’m a little shocked that the marriage only lasted 72 days. Call me crazy, but I was sure they were gonna be one of the ones that made it! Look at everything they have in common. They both have names that star with the letter “K”. Kris Humphries shares the same name and spelling as Kris Jenner, Kim’s mom (how many married couples can say the same?) Um. They both...well, that’s a lot by Hollywood standards!

Plus, TMZ has done some advanced math and figured out that at $10 million bucks for their lavish wedding ceremony, this marriage has cost the couple about $138,888 dollars a day. You better BELIEVE that I would be staying in that marriage at those rates. Even a Kardashian can’t afford to throw away that much money a day!

Can you imagine if each Lithe class cost 140 grand?? You would make it come hell or high water. Little Timmy’s got his first baseball game? Too bad! Mommy’s gotta go to Waspie, buddy. She’ll catch the highlights on Youtube. (He’s gotta have something to tell his therapist when he gets older right?) Priorities people!

I’m not married, but I imagine contemplating divorce is akin to what I go through when realizing I may have to “late cancel.” I agonize forever, move meetings around, postpone major life events, consult my friends, and consider getting a spiritual adviser. Get my monthly pass reduced by one whole day?? NEVAAAAAH!

But hey, who am I to judge? Being a celebrity sounds like a nightmare, and all I can hope is that Kim and Kris will learn something from this whole ordeal (thank God for prenups?) Because, like the end of the Humphdashian union, it is also the end of an era for me as I wrap up the Lithe Passport, and I too have to take stock of what I’ve accomplished and learned these past 4 months. And here are the top 5:

   1. My sweat-o-meter is wayyy off! Apparently, I just don’t sweat that much (it’s more like a light sheen). And after extensive Internet research (for those of you that don’t know I’m a WebMD), I have no idea if that’s a good thing or a bad thing. But, since it seems that many of my fellow Lithers break a sweat the moment they just hear the words High Mini, my sweat factor for the classes has been ZERO help to some of you. All I can say is, I’m sorry and I’m trying to drink more water.

   2. It really never gets easier. Don’t get me wrong. I feel incredibly stronger (wanna feel my arm muscles?), my form has drastically improved, and my stamina has seriously increased--but all that means is that I can go harder and longer and get more out of the workout.

   3. It’s so important to branch out with instructors, classes, studios--everything. Take Skinny Jeans for example (I’m acquiring a sheen just thinking about it). Liz’s is different than Kim’s is different than Brooke’s is different than Krista’s. If you take Lauren’s, it’s different every time. With it’s constantly rotating schedule, new classes, regular changes and adjustments to old ones, it’s practically impossible to get into a rut which I’m eternally grateful for.

   4. 5 times a week has really been the key for me. Ever since the spring edition of the challenge, when I began Lithe Diving back in April, I’ve really committed (ahem Kim and Kris) to going 5 times a week. That’s when the inches and lbs just started falling off (did I already ask if you wanted feel my arms?) The rule is, if I’m in Philly city limits, I’m going 5 times a week. If that means I have to take a 6am class, or get up early on a Saturday, then that’s what it means.

   5. When I’m working out consistently, I’m a happier more functional person outside of the studio. People often joke that Lithe Method is addictive or refer to it as a cult (perhaps Bela can design a robe we can work out in?). And if that’s the case, consider me a proud member. If I’m addicted to something, it’s the sense of accomplishment I feel when I walk out of a studio, steamy and fogged up from the efforts of 20 women pushing it to limit. If I have a drug of choice, it’s watching and feeling my body transform into something really strong and powerful that helps to carry me through life.

So, in a twist of irony, Kim filed for divorce exactly 1 year to the day that she met Kris at a New Jersey Nets game last Halloween (is that actually irony, or am I as confused as Alanis Morrissette in that song?). In other words, in the course of 1 year, she met Kris, dated him, got engaged, got married in a ceremony that MADE her money (I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again, she’s an evil genius), and has filed for divorce. That’s a helluva year! And it only took the couple 72 of those 365 days to realize that they don’t want to be married anymore.

It took me only 30 days of Lithing 5 times a week (spring challenge) to start truly changing my body. To realize that I’m capable of really committing and following through with something--an accomplishment I used to think was impossible.

Ultimately, I think it only takes 1 day to make the decision that you’re going to really try and change your life, and I think that’s been my big take away from all of this--1 decision on 1 day can make all the difference. Best of luck to all those taking the fall challenge. I’ll be thinking about you and rooting for you (and looking forward to the Kim and Kris divorce special on E!)

See you in class!

Sayeh 

Images of Sayeh wearing Lithe Wear's Hotstepper Dress, Performance Bra and 'Leather' leggings via Dom.  Hair & Makeup via Dawn Troccoli Episcopo.