A Modern Work Out

Typically, when I think of working out, I think of an all-out heart pumping, sweat session.  I love my cardio because it makes me feel like I actually accomplished something.  To me, the harder I work means the more calories I torch.  I like to go to the gym or go for a run in the morning right after I wake up because then I feel good for the entire day.  However, my routine Wednesday morning run has been replaced this semester by modern dance class.

I feel the same about dance class as I do about going to a class at 9:30 A.M.  Painful and unecessary.  Put both of those things together and you have a very unhappy 20 year old.  If I didn't need the fine performing art credit for school, believe me I wouldn't be putting myself near any dance studio.  My only other option was to take an art class and if you can believe it, I dance better than I draw.  Other than the fact that I'm completely uncoordinated, I can't stand standing in one spot stretching and breathing and counting.  That's what I figured modern dance to be.  


However, as I'm now into my 6th week of it, I notice I'm a little more flexible.  These weird moves like "dog in room" and "baby cobra" (I know, what the hell, right?) actually do something.  Contrary to my previous beliefs, modern dance could be a good thing after all.  We start with a warm up, we do moves that stretch and lengthen the body, and even learn small dance routines.  The moves aren't hard by any means and I don't drip sweat after I do them for an hour either.  I'm impressed to say the least.  Although, I must say you wouldn't find my professor's collection of music on my iPod.  I try to ignore that part.  But, I've been to yoga classes and even spent $59.99 on Winsor Pilates DVD's and I didn't stick with any of it.  Maybe all I needed was a friend to peer pressure me into taking a class.  An hour of moving your body and stretching sure beats any lecture that I could think of.  I may not be quite ready for Dancing with the Stars, but don't worry, I'm working on it.  (Look for me next season) At least by the end of the semester I hope to be a little more flexible and dance away with an A.


Here's a little youtube video showing one of our warm ups! http://youtube.com/watch?v=_F7my5hJfXg&feature=channel

Look The Part

I consider working out to be one of my favorite hobbies.  I also love it because it goes hand-in-hand with one of my other favorite hobbies--shopping.  As much as I love to shop for pretty much anything (I even love grocery shopping), nothing makes me happier than shopping for new clothes.  And when you hit the gym, you can't be running on the treadmill in your favorite pair of jeans.  So not only is working out good for you, it's the perfect excuse to go out and expand you're wardrobe.  Find something flattering, cute, and really comfy before you hit the gym!

Typically, I'm an old t-shirt and shorts type of girl.  However, this past weekend forever changed my life.  One of my best friends just got a job at the gym, Equinox in Scarsdale and she introduced me to the most beautiful pair of work out pants in the entire world.  Lu-Lu Lemon's black "Groove Crops" are (in my opinion) the perfect pair of pants.  I dubbed them the "miracle pants" as they flatter your bottom half perfectly and are as comfortable as they are stylish.  They're made with wicking fabric which pulls moisture away from your skin and distributes it evenly so it evaporates faster.  So convieniet, especially if you're aiming for a really sweaty gym-sesh.  The best part about them is that the material isn't supposed to pill after you wash it!  That's one of the worst things in the world.  You spend a ridiculous amount of money on nice pants and then you wash them once and they look like they're 10 years old.  They waistbands come in different colors and patterns and I wanted to buy one for everyday of the week!  The only negative thing about them is their price.  For these "miracle pants" you're going to have to shell out $87.00. (Unless you have a friend that works at their store and you get them 40% off :) ) I believe they are so worth it!  Comfy and cute.  It's like the best of both worlds.  They're made for high impact workouts, yet they're simple enough where you could even pair them with your favorite tee and get away with wearing  them on the weekends or to class.  Again, I highly reccommend these Lu Lu Lemon Groove Crops.  You'll look good, feel good, and get the best possible workout. :)

http://shop.lululemon.com/Groove_Crop_II/pd/np/500/p/1034.html