The Unofficial Start of Summer

Happy Memorial Day weekend! As most of you know I am a sucker for warm weather- even if I'm just sitting in the house all day. As I have been since 2011, I will be heading east, this time with my sister, to soak up the cold hopefully sun this year. Besides venturing to The Sloppy Tuna and Ditch Plains, we found some new hot spots and activities to fill out time with. 

[NOT me. Source]

First, I finally get to take a SUP lesson! A great friend of a friend recommended a fabulous instructor and she is taking us out for 90 minutes in Amagansett on Sunday. After 3 years of waiting to do this, I am over the moon that we finally booked it. Here's to hoping I stay on the board and out of the water.

 

[Source]

Montauk Juice Factory opened near my crossiant place and I am so excited to head over and try the their Liquid Sunshine "Glow" drink. The descriptions says it's good for my body, hair and skin so why not? This is their first season out there so you should definitely check them out. Also, stayed tuned for a Q&A with the CEO! (12 South Etna Avenue)

The Surf Lodge, the fabulous night spot with amazing chairs, is hosting free workouts in the mornings on Saturdays and Sundays. There is yoga at 9 AM and bootcamp at 10 AM. My sister is not exactly yoga-friendly so we are going to run over on Saturday for bootcamp then run to breakfast. 

[Source]

Also, my amazing fitness instructor friend Kat will be teaching not once but twice this weekend in East Hampton at Summer Kicks via The Fitist Collective. The company partnered up to give the BEST fitness studios a popup out east all summer long. Kat will be teaching for Uplift on Saturday and Bari on Sunday. If you're looking for an ass-kicking workout, I recommend going. (5 Railroad Ave., East Hampton)

I know it sounds like a lot of working out and health for a vacation. But you've got to balance out all of the yummy seafood with something right?

What are you doing this Memorial Day?

Xo,

Lynette

Class Review: Peloton NYC

One of my favorite cross training activities is going to spin classes. When the PR team at Peloton invited me to try out a class at their new flagship studio in Chelsea, I just couldn't resist. The studio is located just off of the 1 trains' 23rd St. stop. 

When you first walk into the studio there is a large retail area that sells everything from Splits59 to Nike. There's a wide selection of tanks, sports bras, capris, hair tyes, etc. I checked in with the very friendly girls at the front desk and they gave me shoes, water and a tour of the studio. Before you head into the locker room or spin area, there is a large open space to hang out in that offers complimentary Jack's Coffee and snacks. 

After peeking around there for a bit, I headed into the beautiful locker room. There were beauty products and towels that you could use at your convenience. 

I put my stuff into one of the lockers, put my shoes on and headed back into the waiting area. I would like to note the shoes had an extra strap (like what you use to hold your snowboard boots onto your snowboard) that kept my feet in nice and tight. I really liked that. 

Throughout the studio, they had sample bikes that you purchase for your home. Peloton is the only at-home fitness solution for live and on-demand indoor cycling classes. The screens were a bit bigger than what are on the in-studio bikes so you are able to view the instructor. 

The one thing I fell in love with once I got inside the spin area was how spacious it was. There were a significant number of bikes but I didn't feel like I was going to be on top of anyone. I used a guest log-in on the screen because I didn't have a username yet. The screen shows you how to measure up to everyone in class as well as your resistance, cadence and output (power). 

When I took this class, the studio had opened only a few days beforehand so there were a few music and screen glitches. The class itself went by pretty quickly. My instructor mixed things up with sprints and a lot of hill climbs, many of them sitting down rather than standing up which is something that challenged by body. Overall, it was a good class. I look forward to seeing what the other instructors have up their sleeves. 

I would have liked to see more variety in the class, louder music and different mixes and more motivation/inspiration. She did a great job of encouraging us to keep going but there was a lack of inspirational encouragement. 

With that said, Peloton NYC definitely has some serious potential. I see this studio taking off in the near future and I can't wait to go back. 

Classes are $30 for a single ride and includes shoes and water. In-studio and home packages are available as well. Bikes for your home are $1,995. Also, Peloton has taken over the Tiffany's on Main St. in East Hampton with a retail shop so if you spend the summer out east and don't want to miss a class, consider making a purchase!

Peloton NYC is located at  140 West 23^rd Street. Hope to see you there!

Xo,

Lynette

*Disclaimer: I was contacted by the Peloton NYC PR team to review a class at no charge. All opinions and thoughts are my own. 

Gym Bag Must-Haves

For the holidays this year I asked for a simple gym bag. Why? I've been playing sports since I was 2 and this is the first time since then I was able to pick something that I actually wanted that wasn't branded with the team or organization I was with. My aunt surprised me with the exact bag I wanted but what the heck was I supposed to put in it?

Here are 4 essentials that every girl should have on hand for a workout:

Botanics All Bright Cleansing Face Wipes

Originating in the UK, Botanics is now available in the US with a few fabulous products for your gym bag. One that stood out to me was the face wipes. They are perfect post-workout if you aren't going right home. Wipe away sweat and the "dirty" feeling before you head out with friends to brunch or wherever your day ends up taking you. They quickly and effectively cleanse away excess oil, daily impurities, and makeup (including waterproof formulations!). ($6.99)

Sweatshirt

Once your body finally returns to normal tempurature after your workout you might be cold (or maybe that's just me). In any case, make sure you have some sort of sweatshirt with you. One of my favorite is from Gap fit. It's long, goes great with leggings, has a hood and most importantly keeps me warm. (Similar to mine)

SOL REPUBLIC's Relays

Recently I've been running a lot without my Garmin or music. But sometimes I just crave some tunes and that's when I wish I remembered by headphones. This happens a lot during run club. SOL REPUBLIC launched a new set called Relays. They come with different sized flexfit things so you can customize them to fit and STAY in your ears. The headphones are water and sweat resistant,  have a clip-on cable that ensures the cable won’t ever get caught and you can adjust the volume on the cable. Every once in a while mine pop out of my ears but other than that I love them and are my go-to headphones when running.  ($79.99)

Under Armour Headbands

How annoying is it when your bangs are flying around during spin or when you have brunch plans after your workout and your hair is sticking up everywhere? Under Armour headphones heard your SOS. They come in so many cool colors, are thin and stylish, and have elastic so they don't move. 

What are your gym bag must-haves?

Xo,
Lynette 

*Disclaimer: Botanics, Sol Republic and Sports Authority (headbands that have been previously reviewed) provided me with product free of charge for review. All thoughts are my own. 

Birthday Girl!

The last year was a whirlwind of many different things. Aside from having an additional 438574975 mid life crises, here are 25 other things that have happened this year and that I learned (also- this number is getting too high to this is the last year I'm going it. Last year was hard with only 24!):

1. I finally moved out of my house.

2. I've also started dating again (now that have have hours on hours of free time!)

3. I've gained hours on hours on hours of free time. 

4. Dogs are still not my thing. 

5. I bought my own bed. And a dresser.

6. Goal for my 30th birthday? BQ or Bust

7. I ran 3 half marathons.

8. I ran 2 and a half times around Central Park for one of them and I will never do that again. 

9. My parents talk to each other again and I don't like it one bit. 

10. My new hood has amazing places to run that I have been taking full advantage of. 

11. Montauk did not treat me too good last summer but hopefully this year will be better. 

12. I made several new amazing friends in my new hood. 

13. I learned how to relax, slightly. In the form of laying in bed for an extra hour or two. 

14. The beach will still always make things better. 

15. My newest half marathon PR was unexpected but very welcome.

16. PR and writing is definitely what I want to do with my life.

17. Healthy chicken parm is super easy to make and I've learned some new variations. 

18. For the first time ever, I spent the holidays away from my family. I won't do that again. 

19. Guys will always look at me like a piece of meat. If someone could tell me why, that would be awesome because I am so much more than that (or so I think). 

20. Networking is my new things. I will always love meeting new people, especially those who can help further my career.

21. I recorded my first podcast. It was terrible and is going live in June. 

22. I'm sick of hearing people say they don't have time for things.

23. I can't believe all of the amazing things that happened this year. 10 years ago I never would have imagined any of this. 

24. When in doubt, go for a run. It's good for the body and better for the mind. 

25. I cannot wait to see what the future has in store for me (I wrote the same thing last year I know). But it's true. I love my job, my friends, running, my family and am so excited to see what gets thrown at me this year. 

Xo,
Lynette

Thursday Three: Weekend Fun

I am so excited for this weekend for many different reasons that you will see below. For today's Thursday Three I am keeping it simple and telling you about what fun my weekend should be. 

[My birthday! These are my 2 college best friends who took me out last year. This year I'm celebrating in my new hood]

[A nice spring run pre-celebrations. This picture has 0 to do with this weekend, I just really like it]

[Visiting home for Mother's Day. I get to see this turkey cat]

What are your plans for this weekend?

Xo,

Lynette

Recipe: Stuffed Peppers

I've been trying to branch out and get creative with all of these new foods I've starting liking. A few weeks ago I decided to go all out and make stuffed peppers. I like to think this meal was healthy but I doubt it was. I made 2 so I didn't have to make dinner again the next night.The recipe was simple but I would stick to making it on the weekends if you are like me and tend to eat late on weeknights. 

(recipe adapted from Living a Frugal Life)

Ingredients Needed:

• Ground turkey
• Chopped onion
• Chopped tomatoes
• 1 chopped small green pepper
• Shredded cheese
• 1 cup quinoa
• 2 green bell peppers
• Green beans
• Corn
• Black beans

Directions: 

Preheat over for 425 degrees. 

Cut the top off of the green bell peppers, get rid of all of the seeds and rinse the inside with water. Turn upside down on a paper towel to drain excess water. 

Cook the quinoa according to directions or how you usually cook it. I do 1 cup of water per cup of quinoa. 

Next, brown the ground turkey. 

Then add in the chopped green peppers and onion. 

When the turkey meat looks pretty much done, toss in the rest of the veggies. 

Once the quinoa is cooked to your liking, toss it into the pan with the meat and veggies. Add in shredded cheese. 

Spoon mixture into the green bell peppers and place on a baking dish. Cover. Bake for 30-40 minutes. If you want the peppers crunchy do under 40, softer do about 40. 

When they're done, sprinkle with additional shredded cheese and bake uncovered for about 5 more minutes. Serve with a side salad and enjoy!

How do you make stuffed peppers? Favorite fillings or themes?

Xo,

Lynette

Work Those Arms!

[Stacie Clark, Source]

The warmer weather means one thing: summer is coming. Which translates to bathing suits, dresses and tank tops. I have never been a fan of doing any type of arm work, which you have probably read many times on here. Fortunately, Women's Health's Janaury 2014 Next Fitness Star winner Stacie Clark shared three of her favorite at-home arm workouts to help get me (and you) ready to wear our cute summer outfits. 

[Source]

None of these require equipment so they can also be done while traveling. Last minute workout before hitting the beach?

Pike Walk Pushup Combo
Stand with your feet together, arms at your sides. Bend over (it's OK for your knees to be slightly bent) and place your hands or fingertips on the floor in front of you. Walk your hands forward until you are in a pushup position and do one pushup. Keeping your hands in place, walk your feet forward until they're as close to your hands as possible. That's one rep. Continue moving forward until you've done five or six pushups.

Airplane Extension
Lie face down and extend your arms out at shoulder level with your palms facing the floor. Pull your shoulder blades together and lift your arms, legs, and chest off the floor. Holding that position, bring your arms forward, reaching past your head. Hold for one count, then move them back. Lower yourself to the floor. That's one rep. Do 10 to 15.

T Pushup
Get into a pushup position with your hands on the floor directly below your shoulders. Lower yourself to the floor. As you push yourself up, rotate the right side of your body upward, lift your right arm, and roll onto the outside of your left foot. Straighten your right arm so your fingertips point toward the ceiling. Hold for one second before returning to the pushup position. Repeat, this time rotating left and reaching up with your left arm. That's one rep. Do five.

Here is a little more information on Stacie:

Fashion director-turned-certified athletic trainer Stacie Clark knows exactly what it takes to work toward a goal and succeed. With over 15 years of experience in fitness and athletic development from youth to adult, Stacie’s focus is on individual and group training, encompassing the fundamentals of functional bodyweight training and athleticism.

Now, go work those arms and get ready for Memorial Day! Ps. It's less than 4 weeks away. 

Xo,

Lynette 

Thursday Three: May Things

How is it May already? Time is flying and I'm not quite sure how I feel about it. I know I've been slacking on blogging, I owe plenty of PR people posts. That's how you know it's been a busy few months, I owe my own people press!

I am excited that my birthday is in less than 2 weeks and I get to spend it with some pretty awesome people. However, that is not an excuse to slack on writing anymore. Here are 3 things I vow to accomplish this May:

Write at least 20 new posts for Life's Better In Yoga Pants (source)

Try and book that last minute room in Montauk I told my sister was already booked

Explore all of my new neighborhood now that it's nice out (I better not have jinxed it)

What are your plans or goals for May?

Xo,

Lynette