Boxing at Prevail Los Angeles

When I was still in NYC, I started taking boxing classes and really enjoyed it as a workout.  I took classes at Title Boxing Club and The Kickbox Haus.  Around March 2015, I knew I was going to be moving back to LA so I started "researching" boxing gyms.  This mainly involved stalking ClassPass' instagram account and searching for boxing hashtags.  That's how I found Prevail.  I started stalking their instagram account, checked out their website and their Yelp reviews (for whatever these are worth).

Fast forward to end of May, I finally am back in LA and I finally got to take a class at Prevail.  The only setback was I didn't have my wraps or my gloves (my stuff was still in transit from NYC) but lucky me, wraps and gloves are free for your first class.  I ended up buying new wraps and borrowing their gloves.  I then followed the "regulars" into the back room where either 1.) the magic happens or 2.) I die and go to hell.  It must've been my lucky day because while the magic didn't quite happen, I didn't die.

The class itself was a good workout.  My class was divided into 6 "stations" with groups of 3 rotating through.  We started with a short warmup before going through the circuit which I actually enjoyed.  My prior classes were all bag work and conditioning exercises so it was a new experience for me to actually do mitt work and "noodles" - basically one-on-one with preset moves.  Overall, a great workout with fun and varied exercises that worked the entire body.

Why did I not experience the magic??  Let me explain.  As a first-timer at this studio, I was a little apprehensive.  I guess that's just me with my first time doing anything.  Anyway, as a first timer, I thought that they would at least explain how they run the classes or where to put my stuff or where the bathroom is (if there is one).  Basically, give me a brief rundown of the place.  I've never been here before, fuckin' introduce me to the damn place.  Furthermore, the class is about to begin and I hear the instructor ask one of the newbies to please leave the water bottle outside of the room.  This is what I'm talking about.  If the people at the front actually gave us a quick intro to the place, we wouldn't have to look like fools.  Maybe they were having an off-day, maybe they're just standoffish, who knows.

Because of this last bit, I haven't actually been back to the studio.  I did purchase a one-month unlimited package just because I really do enjoy boxing as a workout.  But I am giving this place another chance and not just because I bought the package but also because everyone deserves a second chance.  I've also asked my little brother to come along so I hope he likes it at least.

Do you box?  xoxo

Sweat at One Down Dog

The first class I signed up for when I got back to LA was a yoga class at One Down Dog in Silverlake. I took a class at this studio when I was visiting in December and I remember falling in love with the place.  Not only were the people super friendly, their merchandise inventory is also amazing.

This time around, I signed up for "Sweat".  I'm not a yoga newbie so I wanted a class that was going to challenge me a little bit and I figured a class called "Sweat" would do it.  On their website, the class is described as yoga with a cardio boost.  Misjudging LA traffic, I arrived at the studio about 35 minutes early so I had time to browse their merchandise.  I ended up purchasing a new yoga mat (mine is still in transit) and really had to stop myself from buying anything more.

The class itself was great.  The room was a warm 82 degrees, nice not uncomfortable.  The instructor was great.  She adjust form when she needed, demonstrated a pose when needed and more importantly she had a positive vibe and a killer 90s playlist.  The class is a little faster paced than the average yoga class but I kept up ok.  Did I sweat?  You betcha (not dripping sweat coz even hot yoga can't get me to drip sweat).  Would I go again?  Most definitely.  I haven't tried a lot of yoga spots in town but this is hands down one of my faves.

Namaste One Down Dog.  'Til the next class.

Where do you get your yoga on?  xoxo

Working off stress

This year started off rocky at work.  I feel extremely overworked and exhausted.  If it continues this way for the next couple of months, I will age 10 years too soon.  My solution? Work-wise, no idea.  I guess I just have to be more vigilant and conscientious even more than I have been.  I need to be systematic but also keep myself educated.  A tall order, but a necessary one.

Stress-wise, working out has been very helpful in keeping me safe.  Again, thanks to classpass, I have been adding newer workouts to my schedule just to keep it fresh.  This past month, I have tried new classes and have given old ones another chance (I'm looking at you Bikram).  So far, my favorite has to be Fit Rxn NYC.  I have only taken two classes so far but I always look forward to booking the next one.  The classes I have taken there are TRX Mash-up and 30/30.  Of the two, TRX Mash-up is definitely more intense.  I was sore for two days after this class and I haven't been sore from a workout since November 2014.  Definitely not for the faint of heart or the weak-willed as my wrists could barely handle the work but I got through it and I feel more bad-ass because of it.  30/30 is a spin/TRX combo, not as intense as the mash-up but still a good work-out (didn't make me sore at all).

This coming week I have signed up 2 strength classes, yoga and cardio.  I like having a balanced workout week.  Before I incorporated yoga into my workouts, I felt tired all the time.  With the addition of yoga, I feel more relaxed and am starting to get more flexible.  I have also fallen in love with boxing and kickboxing and even bought gloves.  These classes are added into the mix once or twice a week - my favorites are Title Boxing and Kickbox Haus.  I also try to take a barre class once a week - my favorite is FlyBarre.  No matter how many times I've done this class, it always leaves me sore.  A great core workout and never gets boring.

Working out 4-5 times a week has given me a more zen state of mind when it comes to my job.  The time I spend working out is my "me time", where I spend about an hour on just me and nothing else.  There's the added benefit of getting stronger and more fit because as the saying goes, "Summer bodies are made in the winter".

How do you guys destress?  xoxo


#classpasschallenge #passthehappy

Get Lean Beginner Program Recap

I just finished the Get Lean Beginner Program.  Thirty days - 2 runs, 30-min workout x1, 45-minute x1 and 15-min yoga per week.  According to the app, I completed 65% of the workouts.  I call BS though.  I have a non-conventional work week meaning the days I work changes from week to week.  The problem with the app is that the workout days are a little bit too rigid.  For the Get Lean program, I had to switch some days around but the program thinks I skipped those days.  It's great for those who keep strict schedules, not so great for me.

Overall, I think this was a great beginner workout program.  After 30 days, I can actually run on a treadmill instead of just walk.  Combined with a healthier diet, I also lost about 6 pounds.  For the next 30 days, I am still undecided on which workout program to try next.  Whatever it is, I hope it works with my schedule.

PS - The last week of the program was completed while on vacation in Puerto Rico while also enjoying rich Puerto Rican fare.  Still lost 6 lbs at the end.  Like I said, not bad for a beginner program.

NTC+ Workout Week 2

Started week 2 of my Get Lean Beginner Program on NTC+ and definitely feeling slightly stronger.  My diet is still the same as last year, no real big changes there since I've been eating healthy anyway.  The only difference is I probably eat less.  The sugar cravings have also subsided plus I've been drinking more water.

I probably should've taken "Before" pics so I can track the changes in my body.  Since I'll be in Puerto Rico on the 4th week of the program, I'll probably have some "After" pics then.

xoxo

NTC+

I have been using the Nike Training Club (NTC) App to workout for over a year now.  I don't use it as regularly as I should but I do what I can with the schedule that I had.  Had, yes because now that I'm done with school, I get to workout more.

NTC recently updated the app where you can create 4-week programs and some of the workouts are customizable.  The programs also incorporate other types of workout such as running, swimming and yoga.

I'm almost done with the first week of my 4-week program.  I am not trying to bulk up.  I am just trying to get a little leaner, you know for swimsuit season.  Of course, working out alone won't do the trick so I'm trying to eat healthier as well.  Less carbs, more greens and lean meats.  At the end of 4 weeks, I'll let you know how it works out for me.

xoxo