Gravity Gym in NYC!

OUT OF TOWN GYM REVIEW!

Gravity gym is pretty rad.  This past weekend was a great adventure in mid-town NYC for myself and my online workout buddy Angie.  We wanted a hotel with a kickin' gym and a spa if possible and also a location proximal to Central Park.  We found all these features in the Le Parker Meridien. We met up from the wilds of North Carolina and Michigan for a trifecta of wurking it, exploring and shopping, and eating amazing food.

http://www.parkermeridien.com/gravity/

We both love to go "meathead' in the gym and are pretty competitive.  SO we immediately ditched our baggage, real and emotional, in our room, a mere ten minutes after we hopped out of our taxi and b-lined for a 2:30 class called American Psycho, more on that below!

Gravity gym has a plethora of work 'em out tools.  Cardio equipment in multiples!  And I never saw 100% capacity on the cardio machines, although I wasn't always around at rush hour.  A full free weight area, yea!  And extensive resistance machines if that is your scene.  I prefer body weight exercise and free weights, so the machines are never a must have for me, but the ones at Gravity were in good condition.

Cardio equipment is also high quality, no wobbly treadmills, or sad ellipticals.  Also found here for heart pumping goodness were an arm ergometer, and rowing machines; not your typical gym fare.

This gym also has a pool, and a full group fitness class schedule.

The group fitness rooms are on the smaller side, maybe 10-20 max capacity.  Here is were I think there is potential to grow.  Our instructors often did not demonstrate our exercises, and did not really do anything besides hold a timer.  NO form correction, NO verbal encouragement, NOTHING besides start and stop.

I have had a variety of instructors along the ability and experience spectrum but none as spartan with instruction as my experience here.  I only interacted with two trainers but I was not impressed.

We did a Tabata style class that was 20 seconds on all out, 10 seconds off to recover the whole time! I felt that the exercises were randomly chosen and they were trying to drill us into the ground versus maximize our success.  Ang and I , Meathead 1 and 2 gladly took the abuse! BUT I have had better, more balanced workouts.  Also no real warm-up to this class.  The kicker was when one of the trainers came up to me and stretched me waaaayyyy beyond  my end range of motion.  I was too shocked from the workout to verbalize a no-thank you but not impressed by that!  We were laughing all weekend at how not-too-out-of-shape folks ruined themselves within two hours of landing in NYC!

We also did a spin class were the instructor did not bike along!  Yikes!  Once again, our instructor was just calling out tension levels and time frames but once again no verbal encouragement or push.  I have had so-so spin classes and spin classes that border on a spiritual experience because the instructor engages and pushes you to your limits!  I would have liked a little more meatiness this workout.

From a technical aspect, they need to improve there sound system in the group exercise room.  A huge gym like this should have an integrated professional jam set up!  Half the fun of group exercise is great motivating music, which we definitely had, but you also need to hear them.

The bones of this place are great.  This gym is outfitted with high quality equipment and all the usual suspects for getting fit.

I would like to keep sampling the platter of offerings for the classes!  And see what other things are out there as far as options for instructors.   A great instructor pushes and makes you come out of class successful and pumped, and I just did not get that experience here.

Definitely utilize this awesome gym but maybe ask around at the front desk for who is an engaging instructor who really interacts and is fun.  Gravity totally redefines working out away from home with this multi-level workout space, no sad garage sale T-mill and one ten pound dumbbell tucked away in the bowels of the hotel.

We also had amazing massages at Moonshine spa tucked nicely inside the gym, so the Le Parker Meridien is full of all kinds of goodies.  Also Ten Over Ten, located in the hotel, does great mani's and pedi's and blow outs are available at Dry Bar (also in hotel!), a do-up-the locks station!

Lastly, verbal hug to poor Madeline, our video sampler extraordinaire as the cold monster has stopped her in her workout tracks.  We wish her quick healing and look for her updates once she feels human again!

Madeline versus Jillian, 90 day Body Revolution Week 3 continues...

Phase 1 Workout 4

Sunday, February 24, 2013

I have really similar feelings about this dvd and Phase 1 Workout 3, so this post won’t be particularly long. I was not gasping for air throughout the entire thing (just during the cardio intervals – wow!), but it was still a REALLY challenging workout.

One thing I really like is that Jillian is taking some of the moves from Phase 1 Workouts 1 and 2 and building on them, so you can actually see your strength improve.  I also love all the coreshe incorporates into Workout 4. You are in plank for almost every circuit, which is a killer for your core.

These dvds are definitely more difficult than 1 and 2. My muscles were screaming by the end of Workout 4, which is not the worst thing in the world. Oh, and you don’t need your resistance band for this one (workout 4), so that made me happy (why do I hate that thing so much?).

So far, so good. I’m actually looking forward to doing each of these dvds 3 more times!

Guest Blogger Madeline Update on NEW VIDEO from Jilly B's 90 DAY BODY REV!

Madeline sent me this goodness yesterday!

Saturday, February 23, 2013

Phase 1 Workout 3

I graduated to new dvds! I was so excited to try out a new dvd today. 

I am SORE. My arms are killing me, and I did this workout about 3 hours ago. I cannot imagine what they will be feeling like tomorrow. My overall thoughts about this workout: it’s REALLY tough, but you don’t realize how difficult it is until you are about halfway through. 

Positives: She begins to incorporate a little more plyometric (jumping) moves, and she does a lot of upper/lower body at the same time. She also incorporates a lot of yoga into this one – downward dog, plank, and crescent lunge. The cardio intervals were a LOT more difficult, I was panting at the end of each one, but for the most part, I was not gasping for air throughout the workout. It was a serious challenge. I also like that she uses new moves I’ve never done before – it really kept me interested through the whole 37 minutes (a little longer than her promise 30).

Negatives: There are a couple moves that I just did not feel like I was doing properly, particularly the one move where she uses the resistance band (which honestly, I hate). The other negative thing has to do with something she says. At one point, she’s trying to motivate you to push harder, and she says “I don’t want you losing just 1-2 pounds per week – I want to see you losing 5 pounds a week!”

I’m sorry, but I’m 130 pounds. If I’m losing 5 pounds per week, we have a serious problem and I should probably go see a doctor. I think she forgets that some people may use these dvds just to stay in shape or tone up a bit, not lose a ton of weight. I don’t know why, but that comment threw me off for a second.

Overall, this is a arm and quad KILLER. And it only gets harder from here.

I can’t wait!!

WEEK 2 = DONE! Guest Blogger Madeline sums up her first 14 days!

WEEK 2 = DONE!

I have officially completed week 2 of Body Revolution! 10 more weeks to go!!

How I’m feeling: Really good! As I progressed through the strength dvds, I realized I was becoming less sore each time I went through them. Can’t wait to feel the burn when I start Phase 1 Workouts 3 and 4 tomorrow and Sunday.

DVD observations: I’m starting to get a LITTLE sick of the Cardio 1 video (which I have to do throughout the next two weeks as well), but it’s only 26 minutes, and it’s a KILLER workout in only 26 minutes. Plus, with the 2 new strength dvds over the next 2 weeks, I think I will be just fine with the Cardio.

Body observations: Nothing too obvious. I’m sticking to my diet as best I can (though my fiancé brought home GIRL SCOUT cookies the other day! I’ve been resisting the temptation), and I’m feeling my core getting stronger.

Overall: Loving it so far. This is the first time in several months I’ve worked out 6 days per week, and I think it’s because the dvds are only 30 minutes, and the schedule is organized REALLY well. See you tomorrow for my thoughts on Phase 1 Workout 3!

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I am gonna two-cents it again!  I have done all three workouts making up phase one and I would like to throw in some pros as well.

Jillian uses simple moves that are challenging but give you room to grow.  Initially, you can do a lot of these moves with lower poundage weights, but there is endless potential to really push by adding heavy weights or trying the advanced version.

I feel like J-monies gives lots of alignment cues and continually goes over do's and don'ts for form!

INSPIRATION!

Madeline is a guest blogger tracking her experience as she takes on Jillian Michaels 90 day program, Body Revolution.  Enjoy her latest entry below.

Also check out her cooking blog, http://thelawsofthekitchen.blogspot.com, for interesting and creative kitchen adventures!

From Madeline:

This morning I did Phase 1 Workout 1 for the LAST TIME! I am 2 workouts away from being DONE with week 2!!

Phase 1 Workout 1 is TOUGH. I had to really push this morning to get through it, and I wanted to share what did get me through it:

In one of the dvds, Jillian says something to the extent of “if you constantly remind yourself of the ‘why?’ then you can get through any amount of the ‘how?’” Basically, she’s saying if you have an end goal and you constantly remind yourself of it, how you get there will be less of a struggle. With a goal in mind, you can push yourself through these tough workouts because you know where you want it to lead you.

My “why?” is twofold: 1. I want to look great on my wedding day – those pictures last a lifetime – and; 2. I want to reach my ultimate size/weight goal that I have been hovering near for almost 2 years. Those “whys?” are all I need to push just a little harder through these workouts.

Just wanted to share! Hope everyone is having a great week.

GUEST Blogger Madeline has completed Week One: 11 More to Go!

Week One: Done! 11 More to Go!

I have officially finished the first week of Body Revolution. So far, so good! I’m not sick of the videos yet, which is good. I think by the end of next week, I’ll be ready for a change, which will be perfect because I move on to Phase 1 Workouts 3 and 4. 

Overall, I’m loving it so far. I think if you had never worked out before, these dvds would be VERY difficult. I’m working up a good sweat, and I feel great when they are done. I love having a schedule to follow – it keeps me on track!

I’ve been tracking my diet as well. I post a lot of really tasty things on my blog (thelawsofthekitchen.blogspot.com), but I have the same breakfast every morning (2 scrambled eggs, 1 apple) and usually the same lunch every afternoon (spinach salad with onion, tomato, cucumber, pine nuts, reduced fat feta cheese and red wine vinegar with a little olive oil). Between that, healthy dinner choices, and this workout series, I think I will be looking great on wedding day!

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I am going to jump in here and mention that Madeline and I back to backed the 2nd strength video and the cardio and we had a great workout. I agree that 2-3 of the cardio moves would be a really great challenge for the beginner exerciser and would add that there is no shame in utilizing the pause button or taking a ten second breather if you cannot catch your breath.

These videos just cruise by too, it reminds me somewhat of how I like to train clients. No breaks, lots of variety.

Thanks again to Madeline for test driving JM's bod-DAY revolution!

GOING RIGHT OUT OF MY COMFORT ZONE!

The GO Training February contest is for readers to submit stories of being pushed out of das comfort zone.  That may be getting up the courage to go to your first Zumba class, your first 5 K, or pole vaulting in the NCAA finals.

Submit your story to me via email (beth@gotrainingwithbeth.com) and I am looking to hear how that experience changed you! Get it to me by February 28th and you will be in the running for a 20 dollar REI gift card!  The winning story will be posted here on March 3rd.

So...just so you know, that title is intended to be sung to the tune of Kenny Loggins "Danger Zone".  And the following ditty is my tale of discomfort!

I would say training for my first marathon experience put me into a new zone of mental maturity, bumped me out of my comfort zone.  I have done sprint triathlons that have lasted an hour and a half to two and a half hours, but never had I tried running for 4 or 5 hours.  I did the Detroit marathon last October, which is a fantastic way to visit friends and family and get in a little adventure.

Pushing aside exhaustion and discomfort built a stronger noggin for me.  Getting the big ole 20 mile run  in 3 weeks prior to go time made my heart sing!  Just knowing I made it through and felt okay after was such a big win!

The week of the marathon I had a rough week...my legs felt a really flat, and I actually had a melt down  (including crying and mumbling) during a 6 mile run, my last "big guy" before the marathon as I tapered before the race.  I was intimidated that my body was not going to perform on the big day.

I sheepishly boarded the manbird from Greensboro, NC to Detroit, Michigan, as I hadn't felt super strong the week of the race.  While in the air, I reflected on the months of hard work I had invested and focused on all the little wins along the way. The endurance was inside my body, I had done the training, and now it was time to enjoy the race.  I took the advice of so many other marathoners (Sarah, Ang, Laura, Genevieve) to really soak up the fun and to embrace the joy of running.  I toured every corner of the giant Fitness Expo and felt the energy around the packet pick up. I even had the pleasure of an extra security check from border patrol (?).  Apparently, I was specially chosen to be given the close-up-squinky eye by the Canadians as this was an INTERNATIONAL MARATHON.  Exotic Canada! And also had the great pleasure of seeing my buddy Brian at the start line! I also new other friends were in the field of runners (Christelle and Bert)!

The morning of the race I showed up right on time, not too early, not too late, slipped into my starting area with 10-15 minutes to go.  I warmed up, and discarded extra layers of snugglies as the first wave went out.  I had somehow lost my gloves, it was chilly! But picked up some discarded by someone else (Don't mind if I do! Thank you Genevieve for this idea...).  Because of the size of the Detroit marathon, it takes about 10-25 minutes to get to the start line after the initial start gun (unless your an elite runner!) to actually get to the running.

I felt amazing for the first 13 miles! I was sticking right on the heel of another runner with my same pace and it was exhilarating!  Around mile 15 I hugged my mom and my cousin and then had to do a blister prevention, followed by a bathroom break. And then at mile 17, I started to feel pain in the quad region. I had just less than ten miles to go and I was HURTIN' for certain.  Only option was to push through, push PUSH push through.  I started doing the one mile countdown, 17 down and 9.2 to go, and so on.  I soaked up every cheer, smiled at every funny sign, and dug deep.  And the wave of happiness and accomplishment at mile 26.2 was totally worth the last hour and half of discomfort.

This is myself and my buddy Brian finishing together!  He is faster than me, but had an Ankle Mc Crunchin' at mile 8 I think, and ran the whole darn thing still...woah!  It was awesome to cross the line with him!

My marathon experience was great for building up my perception of what I can do, and for strengthening my mental resolve.  I am so grateful to all my friends and family who helped me along the way!

JANNY CONTEST WINNER

Woah, she was a tough one!  SO to refresh your mind with a moist towelette....the contest was basically  for readers to submit a non-allergenic recipe, no gluten, dairy, corn, shuggy sugar, or soy.   And two yummy and quick recipes were submitted.  A big hearty thanks to Angie and Shabana!

Black Bean Salsa VERSUS Avocado Stirfry!

Okay, how exciting is this...Angie's pile of goodness is on the left and Shabana's is on the right.  I didn't have time to go to my crunchy groovy Earth Fare or the illu$triou$ Whole Foods, so I came home with Planters sunflower seeds, which they totally semi-violate the pure sunflower seed but time was limited!

Black Bean Salsa

One can organic black beans, rinsed and drained

2-3 Roma tomatoes

1 small bunch cilantro, rinsed and chopped

1 shallot peeled and minced

Cumin, a couple dashes (awww shake shake!)

Salt and pepper to taste

Gently toss all ingredients in a bowl and enjoy!

Angie recommended as a side dish or as lunch.

My husband and I loved this dish.  And it was so super fast to make.  The shallot is broken down nicely by the lime and since my guy can sometimes be a savory light weight, the shallot is appreciated since it is less bold than garlic.  Also colorful for the eyeball!

Avocado Stir Fry

Combine in a small skillet:

1 TBSP of EVCO or EVOO

1 (not quite ripe) Avocado

1 tsp ginger

1 minced garlic clove

1 tsp turmeric

pinch of cumin (ouch! said the cumin, just jokes! Get it?)

Garnish with sunflower seeds

Stir fry 5-7 minutes until done to your liking.  If you have a young avocado and it's a little harder, follow as above and let it steam until done.

Mmmmhmmm, creamy avocado... and I put ours over steamed brown rice.  Putting avocado in a stir fry was new for us!  But the warm and creamy-ness was also dreaminess. The flavors were also a new pairing for me, a fresh combo with turmeric and ginger sharing the stage.  I enjoyed this too but liked the salsa just a tiny scooch more.  A sincere thank you to Shabana for opening my eyes to avocado as a stirfry option!

CONGRATS TO ANGIE, 

THE JANNY NOM NOM NON-ALLERGENIC MEAL WINNER!

And thank you to Shabana for the awesome and thoughtful contribution!  Both of these ladies are constant and supportive GO training members and each on a unique fitness journey!

Shabana is 8 months away from her first half marathon!  WOOT!

And Angie is doing 30 days of yoga in 35 days, a challenge put out by her local yoga studio!

Here are these two beauties together!

CARDIO POWER! (HIGH KICK!) DAY THREE OF JILLIAN- BODY REVOLUTION BY MADELINE

February 11, 2013

Day 3

Phase 1, Cardio 1

I was really excited this morning to try my first Jillian cardio video. This video, unlike the strength videos, is done throughout the month (total of 8 times), so I was wondering if I was going to get really sick of this video, love it, or something in between. Beth joined me this morning, so that made me even more pumped for it!

The video was quick – 30 minutes, possibly less than. She has you do 8 exercises each for 1 minute, and you repeat the series 3 times total. The exercises use both your upper and lower body, and some of them are actually fairly high impact (read: there is some mild jumping). 

There aren’t really any modifications – you just have to get through it. Is it the most difficult cardio video I’ve done? Not really, but it is a challenge. I was sweating and completely out of breath by the end. She doesn’t really do a warm up, and my body could have use that, so I think the next time I do this video I will do my own little warm up before jumping in.

Pros: Beth observed that after doing this video a few times, I’ll have memorized all the exercises. If I’m ever in dire need of a workout, say at a hotel or something like that, I can just set a timer and do each exercise for 1 minute repeated 3 times. So easy and convenient! I also liked that it was not overly intense – I didn’t want to dread a video that I have to do 7 more times this month.

Cons: A little short for my taste. I would’ve maybe repeated the circuit once more? Maybe added in a few more moves? Also, she will occasionally take these loooong pauses in between exercises, which is nice for water, but sometimes…you just want to get it done! Stop talking, Jillian!

Overall, I liked it! I was originally planning to make my rest day tomorrow since I’m in school from 8-5, but I feel like I’m on a roll with the videos and hope to get up early tomorrow to do Phase 1 Workout 1. Wish me luck!!

Day Two of Body Revolution by Madeline!

Phase 1, Workout 2

Today wasn’t nearly as tough as yesterday. This workout utilized the resistance band (only once), and hand weights. 

The next time I do this workout, I’m definitely going to use heavier weights for the exercises. She does both rows and bicep curls, but she doesn’t tell you until the second run through that you should use the heaviest weights possible.  I plan to use 10 pound weights instead of 6 next time I do this.

I still worked up a good sweat, but this workout was not nearly as intense as phase 1 workout 1. Jillian, however, explains that the reason for this lower impact workout is to build strength for the future workouts. This makes complete sense – this workout focuses on building core strength and on targeting smaller muscle groups. Because she explained it, I don’t mind going through a lower intensity workout knowing it’s preparing me for the coming weeks. The other great thing about this workout is she purposely avoids the muscles worked the day before, allowing them a chance to recover. I’m really thankful for this as my shoulders are SUPER sore after yesterday’s workout!

One other observation: I timed this workout to see if it’s actually 30 minutes. It’s 36 total, however, she spends 3 minutes warming up and 3 minutes cooling down, so the actual workout part IS 30 minutes. Just a heads up that you should give yourself 40 minutes to do the complete video (this is helpful for me when I do morning workouts because I wake up at the last possible minute).

I’m feeling good, and ready for some cardio tomorrow morning!

GUEST BLOGGER! Madeline versus. Jillian Michaels

Hi All!

My name is Madeline, and I am Beth’s friend/neighbor. I am definitely NOT a personal trainer – just your average law student who loves staying in shape. Beth asked me to try out Jillian Michael’s Body Revolution program and blog about it, which I am happy to do as I am getting married in less than 4 months!

A little about me: 2 years ago, I was 40 pounds heavier. I lost all my weight with a serious diet change and exercise videos. The book that changed my food perspective is called “French Women Don’t get Fat,” which sounds really awful, but it’s all about eating clean, healthy foods with no additives or preservatives. I started a cooking blog (thelawsofthekitchen.blogspot.com) that features ways to make (mostly) healthy and delicious foods at home. 

Exercise videos are a must for me. For some reason, if I have to go somewhere to exercise, it seems a million times harder. Working out at home is a great way to save time, and if you can find videos you like, it’s even better. Through workout videos, I’ve gotten into pretty good shape. I promise to be honest about what I find difficult in these videos, and what I do not.

Enough about me and onto Jillian! Full disclosure: she is NOT my favorite workout video person. She can be really abrasive and sometimes it seems that she forgets that people are watching these videos over and over again. That being said, I’m really excited to try her new program.

Body Revolution is a 90-day program that goes through 3 phases. Basically, you do 2 strength videos twice a week, and 1 cardio video twice a week. Your cardio video changes once a month, and your strength videos change every two weeks! I LOVE this idea – I get bored with workouts really quickly, so I think changing it up every two weeks will be perfect for me (and hopefully you, too!). The best part: each video is only 30 minutes. For some reason, 30 minutes once a day 6 days per week sounds super reasonable to me. I’m crazy busy, but I can squeeze in 30 minutes a day, and so can you!

Today I did Phase 1 Workout 1. To be honest, I was expecting it to be a breeze for me. It’s the beginning of the series – how hard could it be?

Um, really hard. 

I was able to get through the entire 30 minutes without stopping, but my muscles were shaking pretty hard by the end. She uses free weights (I used 6 pound weights throughout), and focuses on your abs, shoulders, and quads. She managed to make me feel like I got a GREAT workout in 30 minutes. My shoulders were screaming by the end, which I love. Isn’t it great to feel the muscles you’re working?! 

Cons: I really do not have anything bad to say about this one! Jillian is way more aware that people have to do this video over and over again, and she’s way less annoying than usual. 

Pros: This video hits some great problem areas, particularly the front of the shoulder. She gives great modifications throughout – ways to make the exercise harder, and ways to make it easier. I also love that she incorporates some yoga poses – she has you hold plank for about 30 seconds and warrior 2 for about 30 seconds. Both are very challenging, but it’s a great way for you to catch your breath mid-circuit without taking a break. 

Overall: loved it! This video really made me look forward to the rest of the program. If she starts this hard, I can tell I’m only going to get stronger over the next few months. Can’t wait!

Make a shiny GOAL!

Hey there you!

Come with me and let's make an awesome goal!

Often times in the past, I have solely focused on weight loss as THE GOAL, the ultimate indicator of my diet and exercise success.  Have you ever dieted and worked out and felt deflated when the scale didn't budge?

However, the more I learned about the body, and health, I have made more and more non-weight related goals.  How much water did I drink?  Did I try a new form of exercise? Did I schedule weekly workouts?  Did I master my new Pilate's video?  How about focusing on doing yoga everyday for a week? Or what are my body measurements?  How are my clothes fitting?

A smokin' hot goal is achievable, measurable, and has a time frame attached.  Also make sure it has meaning for you.  Maybe you do better with a short time frame, maybe you can manage several goals at once.

For instance, a long term goal I had last year was to finish the Detroit marathon on October 21, 2012.

Smaller goal? This week I am trying to drink two Nalgenes a day.  Achievable?  For sure!  Meaningful, yes, I function better when hydrated!  A challenge...YES,  I really struggle with hydration.

Medium? This month I have a goal to track taking my medication, and vitamins and marking it on a chart. This is super meaningful for me as I recently found out I have some autoimmune business, and being accurate will help me perform better.  I made a snazzy chart and have it right in the kitchen, super double bonus I track how I am doing with water on it too.

If your goal was really easily attained, kick it up a notch!

If it was hard to do, you may need to adjust it or figure out why it was hard to complete.  I think a lot of us tend to EXPECT-A-WHOLE-HECK-OF-A-LOTS-MAYBE-TOO-MUCH!  For instance, I wanted to do 3 tennis tournaments, 3 sprint triathlons and marathon prep this summer...when I was voicing my frustration to my husband of how I JUST wasn't reaching my goals, he gave me the really? face.  That was too much and too many different activities to do well at in a 4 month time frame.

SO if you getting el frustrato with the scale, expand your measures of progress! A goal to try something new, like a kick boxing class? Meditate for 5 minutes every day for a week?  Go to a cooking class!?

My next big race goal is a trail half marathon...April 20, 2013 the Owl's Roost Rumble.  I have my training plan set, and despite a small set back with a tummy bug, it's plenty of time to train and appeals to my love of trails and exploring.

What's your next goal?