So he finally popped the question. “He” being your BF, your BFF’s BF, your brother, the list goes on and on. According to the National Center for Health Statistics there were 2,733 marriages in Illinois in January of this year alone. So, we’re willing to bet that you or someone you know is getting married in the near future.

And, you know what that means- time to get your ass in shape. Whether you’re marching down the aisle or just know you’ll run into your ex at your friend’s reception, you absolutely want to look like the best version of yourself when the big day arrives.* But, you haven’t stepped foot in a gym in ages and you don’t even know where to start. We’re with ya, sister! So, we headed over to Equinox to check out two new classes that promise to jump start any workout routine.

Oh, please tell me he's the class instructor!

First on our list was Whipped!, a low impact approach to cardio fitness, which elicits high anaerobic intensity in quick bursts (30 seconds of performance, followed by 30 second of recovery). What does that mean, in English, you ask? It’s a butt-kicking 45 minute workout that gives you a stamina boost, so you’ll actually be able to keep up and finish the class, reaping maximum benefits.

The class is broken up into five stations, each targeting a specific area of the body. The ropes station was by far the toughest and is how the class got it’s name. Giant, heavy ropes are attached to the wall, while you stand at the end of the ropes and “whip” the ropes into various shape and directions. This apparently works areas of the body that are otherwise not targeted in a normal workout regime, which PLRG can attest to, as the next day we were sore in places of our arms and back that we didn’t know could be sore. Other stations include power lunges and squats, push up and plank variations and energetic jumps.

Overall we were big fans of this class. It really got our hearts pumping, but we were still able to keep up and finish our reps. There is a fun, almost playground feel to the set up, which makes it feel less like “work.” And, if you’re a bit self conscious it’s a great alternative to the traditional classes where everyone is lined up and staring at you/themselves in the mirror. In this class, everyone is working on different stations and moving around with the intervals, so the fear of the person behind you staring at your butt is eliminated.

The group fitness room at the LP Equinox.

The next class we tried out, Tabata, is so new to Equinox, that they haven’t even officially begun classes in Chicago (not to worry, they’ll be starting up Spring 2010). This method of working out has amazing health and fitness benefits. It’s basically interval training of 20 seconds of intense exercise moves combined with 10 seconds of rest and recovery, repeated 8 times for a a total of 4 minutes.

The class uses techniques and equipment you may already be familiar with (kettlebells, steps, stability balls) and works all areas of the body. But, by doing them in the 20 seconds on, 10 seconds off intervals, Tabata is scientifically proven to increase athletic performance and Vo2Max (your body’s ability to consume oxygen) and shed fat- in just weeks.

Tabata is also interesting, because you can use the theory behind it for any of your workouts. So, PLRGs don’t have to spend a fortune to experience its benefits. For example, when you’re on the treadmill run as fast as you can, like you’re running for your life, for 20 seconds. Then, step off to the sides for 10 seconds, then back to running as hard as you can for 20 seconds. Do this eight times and you’ve seriously amped up your cardio routine.

These are just two of the group classes offered at Equinox, but there are plenty of others to suit anyone’s fitness tastes, which is really what matters when it comes to getting into shape. No matter what gym you belong to, or even if you don’t belong to one at all, finding an activity that gets you moving, but is also fun is vital to staying committed to your fitness goals.

Best of luck to all of you soon-to-be buffed brides and sexy singles out there in wedding land!

*PLRG does not endorse crash diets, unhealthy exercise/eating habits or losing drastic amounts of weight before your wedding. It’s not good for you, your dress will need to be dramatically altered and let’s face it- the second you’re on that honeymoon you’ll start eating again and you’ll gain it all back and then some just a few months into your marriage. Trust us, we’ve seen this happen to alot of normally level-headed women. Oh, and if you’re losing drastic amounts of weight for someone else’s wedding, cut it out. What, are you trying to show up the bride!? ; )

(Lacey Brenly)

For all you budget beauty buffs, this just in! A beautiful, sexy, fresh look walked the runway at this season’s William Rast fashion show in New York fashion week and PLRG was there to get the scoop from Charlotte Willer, key makeup artist for Maybelline backstage, herself! The look accompanied a collection of American biker meets rocker chic casual wear in leather, denim, cotton knits, furs and fringe. William Rast, as you may know, started as a denim line by co-creators Justin Timberlake and Trace Ayala.

The makeup was very clean with flawless skin, a strong brow and bold lash topped off with the perfect nude pout. Willer and the team at WR created the look inspired by both Bridgette Bardot and an idea of riding the open road. Walking down the runway it was so simple but so beautiful at the same time, and most importantly it was a look we can all do at home on a tight budget! All products used were Maybelline (and this is the truth! I witnessed it backstage!).

What you need:

Maybelline Dream Liquid Mousse Foundation, $8.79, Drugstore.com

Colossal Volum Express Mascara in Glam Black, $5.99, Drugstore.com

Define-a-brow eyebrow pencil, $5.49, Drugstore.com in your shade or something slightly lighter than your eyebrow hairs

Color Sensational Lip Color in Nearly There*, $7.49, Drugstore.com

Mineral Power line of loose blush, $7.49, powder, $8.29 and illuminator, $10.99, Drugstore.com

How to get the look:

1) Apply the liquid foundation to clean skin using your hands to massage in the product as if it were a moisturizer, this, according to Willer, will give you the most flawless and seamless look.

2) Layer at least 5 or more layers of the mascara for a false, stuck-together lash look (think a new take on the 60’s lash minus the loads of eyeliner).

3) Fill brows using short strokes of the pencil and blend using an angled brush.

4) Use your finger to dab on the perfect nude lip defusing the edges creating a natural, not over-lipsticked look.

5) Finish using Maybelline’s Mineral Power loose powders of your choice, the illuminator makes a fabulous cheek highlight when added to the top of your cheekbones and the blush is wonderful for a light flushed and glowey look!

Take a look at the full collection and more photos of the William Rast Maybelline look at Style.com.

*This color was created by Willer for Maybelline especially for the show!  It is the perfect nude shade for those of you frustrated by the hunt for a perfect nude!

JP is a New York City freelance makeup artist working on everything from film and fashion to live performance. She moved out to NYC as a women’s footwear buyer and quickly realized her passion would always be in the art of makeup and transforming people. She left her desk job to pursue her dream and has never looked back! Even through the “tough times” following her passion makes everyday a pleasure. To contact her for work in anything beauty, character or hair… or for a guest blog, please email: jp.makeupdesign@gmail.com

Surprising, and somewhat kooky, beauty products that work!

This week: Milk of Magnesia

You heard me. The topical solution may be great for curing upset tummies, but milk of magnesia (government name magnesium hydroxide) is actually one of the makeup industry’s best kept secrets for curing oily skin and keeping your makeup in place all day.

Nothing is worse than leaving the house with a perfectly primed face just to have your makeup go completely South by lunch time due to an unruly case of the oilies. Milk of magnesia also has disinfecting properties that kill bacteria, which is great for acne prone skin.

How to use it:

Shake the bottle well. Use something disposable like a cotton swab to lightly apply to skin; it is very potent and will completely dry out, harden and ruin your makeup brushes. Only apply the solution to where you need it and let it dry before applying your makeup.

Quick tips:

• If you have sensitive or dry skin, this treatment is not for you
• If your face looks chalky after it dries, then you have applied too much. Simply rub away with a warm cloth or clean hand
• Always put this on your face along with foundation-never by itself. You don’t want that whole “Powder” effect happening.
• A little goes a ways with this, so don’t use too much

Lenora E. Houseworth is a Chicago-area writer/editor, freelance makeup artist and self-professed beauty addict. ”I join PLRG as your all around beauty guide, here to solve any of your cosmetic needs. Look at me as your beauty genie: Whatever you want to know about makeup and beauty, feel free to ask me and I will do my best to find out for you. My obsession with all things makeup related goes back as far as I can remember and I believe anyone can and deserves to look beautiful on a budget. I can be found on Twitter @sisterbaby, www.sugarrimmedsweet.blogspot.com and by email at l_ houseworth@yahoo.com.

Frizzy hair, skinny lips, skimpy lashes, lumpy thighs - for every dilemma, there’s a product that’s claimed to solve it. But many don’t, and lots of us have been suckered into buying stuff that doesn’t work, which we all know PLRGs cannot afford to do.

And, poof, just like a fairy-godmother, the March 2010 issue of ShopSmart, from the publishers of Consumer Reports, appears and gives us the lowdown on bad beauty deals:

Lash Growers
Lash growers are regulated by the FDA as drugs. (Latisse is FDA approved, but ShopSmart doesn’t recommend it because of risks.) You’ll still see plenty of other “lash lengtheners” on the market though. Some have been issued warning letters by the FDA because they contain drugs.

ShopSmart says Stick with mascara. Lancôme Définicils, $24, was top-rated in their last test.

Hair Smoothers
Ads for Brazilian Keratin Treatment (BKT), a popular salon technique, claim that it leaves hair smooth and healthy-looking for months. But a main ingredient in BKT is formaldehyde, a probable carcinogen that is not banned by the FDA in hair straighteners.

ShopSmart says Try a straightening iron. They like Revlon Perfect Heat Ceramic RVST2001C, $30.

Lip Plumpers
The results for lip plumpers were unimpressive for increasing lip volume, though some, including products from Clinique and DuWop, temporarily smoothed lip lines a little.

ShopSmart says Try makeup tricks instead. Line your lips with pencil just outside your natural lip line, then dot highlighter just above the upper lip and just below the lower lip. If you want a more permanent pout, see a cosmetic surgeon for temporary injections.

Scar Eliminators
No product can completely eliminate a scar or stretch marks.

ShopSmart says See a dermatologist. Certain laser treatments can reduce redness and smooth skin so scars are less noticeable.

Bust Boosters
There are no ingredients that have been scientifically proven to enhance or firm the bust.

ShopSmart says Use a moisturizer or bust cream if your décolletage needs softening. Or try a push-up bra or bra inserts, aka “chicken cutlets.”

Under-Eye-Circle Erasers
Many products promise to erase under-eye circle, but they’re hard to treat due to enlarged veins and very thin skin under the eyes.

ShopSmart says Some eye creams with caffeine can offer temporary help for puffiness. If the problem is allergy-related, try antihistamines or topical hydrocortisone cream. You can also see your dermatologist for cosmetic surgery.

Double-Chin Slimmer
A $20 infomercial gadget called the Neckline Slimmer promises to eliminate a double chin with resistance exercise, but the device mainly exercises neck-flexor muscles that have nothing to do with a double chin.

ShopSmart says Try losing some weight or see a cosmetic surgeon. A scarf might also do the trick.

You got motivated. You got a trainer/ a gym membership/ a Yoga mat/ or package for insert trendy fitness class here.

Note to self- buy latex gloves and a surgical mask for next El commute.

And then you fell on the ice. Or worse, you injured yourself in the very class that you were trying to be so dedicated to. Or maybe you just sat next to the WRONG person on the El and got the worst cold you’ve ever had. Just like that, you’re back to being a benchwarmer and your couch and hot chocolate begin to chip away at any fitness gains you made with that New Years’ resolution you so diligently stuck to for all of January.

What does a PLRG do in this era of exorbitant healthcare costs, insurance that seems to cover NOTHING, and doctors that want to help but, only can after three appointments, pre-certifications, and weeks of wasting time waiting on insurance companies?

With that said, I’m here to dish the solutions to get you on the mend in no time at all… and perhaps, even for FREE!

If you slipped on the ice, tripped wearing those bad-for-your-feet-but-oh-so-cute fluffy boots, or just took a misstep in your Zumba class, the budget-friendly diva will head to her local physical therapy clinic. A little known gem is what’s called an “Injury Screen”. Call your local clinic, ask for an injury screen, and POOF… you get a 30 minute slot FOR FREE and whether or not you have insurance has no bearing on this appointment. Better yet, you can have a trained physical therapist look at your injury, assess you, and let you know whether or not you need to see your doctor or whether you just need the skilled therapy a physical therapist can provide. Sometimes, your physical therapist might have such a good relationship with your GP (aka your normal doctor) already, that a simple fax can even get you a prescription for therapy (if needed). And just like that, you’ve solved your injury, bypassed a few co-pays and hours in waiting rooms, and are on your way to being back in action.

Try the new, female-owned and operated Sports & Ortho Physical Therapy Clinic at 405 N. Wabash, 2nd floor, phone: 312-464-0700. A classier version of most clinics, you won’t find drab medical-looking fixtures here. Instead you find hardwood floors, leather chairs for waiting, private rooms, and state of the art equipment including Wii Fit, ellipticals, treadmills, bikes, and even a ladder machine. With an in-clinic Yoga studio and a massage therapist on site, this could become your go-to feel good place.

If you're busy (or too broke) to be sick, just visit your local drugstore!

Now, if what’s got you down is more illness than injury, and loads of Echinecea and sleep are doing nothing for you, what to do for that? Simple. Get yourself to your local Take Care by Walgreens or CVS Minute Clinic (locations are easiest searched on each company’s website). You can see a Nurse Practitioner or Physician’s Assistant (both whom are practically as well trained as doctors, not kidding!) for simple ailments such as urinary tract infections, sinus infections, flu-like symptoms, the common cold, and more. Better yet, this PLRG herself knows that it’s amazing to be able to walk into a place on your own schedule, wait 30 minutes or less (usually), most insurances are accepted, and get treated with the same prescription a GP would give (and usually with better attention).

Bonus: CVS’s Minute Clinic makes copies of your medical records for you to keep as well as for you to get electronically! That way, you can always be in the loop with your treatment and keep your GP up to date.
So what are you waiting for? Get out there, feel better, and get back into the game! After all, spring fashions & bikini season aren’t that far away…

Yours in Fitness,

Christy

www.christylyonsyoga.com
christylyonsyoga@gmail.com

As a PLRG “Get Hot” columnist, let me tell you that I firsthand understand how expensive keeping fit, kicking butt, and getting zen with Yoga or Pilates can be. I’ve been teaching Yoga for over 2 years now at big-name gyms, corporate private classes, and at Yoga studios…and you’re right, it’s expensive (and no, teachers don’t see that cash)! My love affair with fitness combined with my lifestyle as a PoorLittleRichGirl have led me here and I hope that my column can help you have the best of both worlds.

It’s a new year. A new decade even. And you have finally set yourself up with a budget to include fitness.   But you need MOTIVATION. You need a workout partner who won’t let you change your mind and go get a glass of wine instead (yes, all you best friends out there, I mean you!). You need more than a membership and a sauna.

Personal training and fitness boot camps are the latest craze because they obligate you to show up. And not just because of the financial commitment. They make you feel like part of a team, regardless of whether that team is you plus a trainer or you plus a group with a boot camp instructor. Their ability to motivate works wonders for weight loss, toning and consistency in a much stronger way than willpower.

It looks like you could use a swift kick in the ass...

So, how do they measure up? Which one is right for you?

First, let’s look at personal training, also known as PT. PT is good for people who need a person to chat with and encourage them while they workout. A fantastic way to save on PT is to do a duet session with your boy toy or with your best friend… half the cost and twice the gossip! A typical PT session will start with a cardio warm up and then a session tailored to your needs and wants. Interval training (alternating exercises of high and low intensity), weights, or even some boxing can be incorporated by your trainer into your workout. The best part of PT: ASK FOR WHAT YOU WANT. This is YOUR PT. Your trainer’s responsibility is to cater to you.

**PLRG Special Alert: #1 Gym on Sheffield in Lakeview is doing an AWESOME special of $100 for 1 PT session, body composition analysis, nutritional guidance, and a 1-month gym membership! **

On to fitness camps! Boot camp classes have been around for a few years now and most gyms offer them.   The quality of the instructor can vary though, so definitely try a session out before you commit. Some instructors are even ex-military and instruct in the same style. Some are much softer and you can even find a women only camp, such as Michelle Rossfeld’s Chicago Women’s Fitness Camp at 30 E. Adams, Suite 900. The team environment of boot camps can really motivate you off the couch, and are even better if you can get a friend on board!

Now all you need to do is put on that cute winter gear and get off that couch! Good luck!

Yours in Fitness,

Christy

www.christylyonsyoga.com
christylyonsyoga@gmail.com

As a PLRG “Get Hot” columnist, let me tell you that I firsthand understand how expensive keeping fit, kicking butt, and getting zen with Yoga or Pilates can be. I’ve been teaching Yoga for over 2 years now at big-name gyms, corporate private classes, and at Yoga studios…and you’re right, it’s expensive (and no, teachers don’t see that cash)! My love affair with fitness combined with my lifestyle as a PoorLittleRichGirl have led me here and I hope that my column can help you have the best of both worlds.

According to experts, our faces should be treated to a facial exfoliator twice a week and a routine facial every eight to ten weeks, but how do you get a radiant complexion especially if you’re on a budget?  Well ladies, Mario Tricoci esthetician (and self-proclaimed PLRG) Heather Landies has the answers!  I caught up with Heather this week to find out her advice…

Heather Landies is an experienced esthetician that has spent the past five years at Mario Tricoci at 900 N. Michigan Avenue.   She specializes in facials and waxing, specifically microdermabrasion, peels and non-surgical face lifts.  She has been the top-rated esthetician for the past two years.

To start off and get the most bang for your buck, Heather recommends that ladies look into spas that have lots of spa services and great amenities - showers, relaxation rooms, the works and take full advantage of them. Heather suggests booking one service, then extending your spa experience both before and after your appointment.  Arrive an hour before your facial to get settled in and spend around 30 minutes in the steam room.   Not only will you be relaxed and ready for your appointment, the steam helps open your pores, so you will get an even better treatment. After your facial, don’t be afraid to help yourself to the complimentary refreshments.   Make a cup of hot tea, take a shower and curl up in the relaxation room with a book for an hour. We’re busy women, and the bottom line is that sometimes we just have to schedule time to relax.

If you can’t afford a routine facial, Heather says the next best thing is to get mini-facials every other appointment.  This will help you maintain a healthy skin regimen, which is the key ingredient in skin care.  It’s important to talk to your technician honestly about the products you use and how you care for your skin.  Going in for a facial or mini-facial every couple months will help you and your technician develop the appropriate regimen for you.   For the healthiest skin on the tightest budget, Heather suggests a facial four times a year at the end of each season.  One thing not to skimp on are products.  Give your technician a price point for products and services based on your budget, and he or she can help you figure out what is best for you and how often you really need to schedule appointments.

Heather’s tricks and tips for the best skin care on a budget:
• Make an appointment at the Aveda Institute. If you can handle a little commotion and the occasional hands-on interruption from instructors, this is a great way to keep your skin looking healthy for a really great price - just $40 for a facial.
• Take advantage of Spa Week Chicago, which typically happens twice a year in April and September. Chicago spas offer full-length services at discounted rates. Make sure to book way in advance because spaces fill up quickly.

Start off the New Year right and treat yourself to some pampering while getting your face in shape! To schedule an appointment with Heather, call 1-800-Tricoci.

(Jenna Daugherty)

Since returning to Chicago from my home-for-the-holidays annual trip, I’ve been thinking about how people - my family included - take out their anxiety and stress in the most interesting of ways.  My father holds his stress in his neck, my mother turns to adult beverages and my sister gets headaches.  It was as my plane circled O’Hare for hours before we were able to land on the only open runway due to the arctic blast that hit the city, I realized that my teeth were clenched so hard that my jaw was beginning to ache!  Now, I’d like to think that my oral hygiene is above average - I brush at least twice a day, use mouthwash, floss (semi) regularly, see the dentist twice a year for cleanings and until 2009 have never had a cavity.  In fact, until 2009 I hadn’t visited the dentist for anything other than these regular cleanings.   Well in the past 12 months, times have changed for my “grill”.  I’ve had a chipped front tooth (courtesy of a beer bottle), cracked back tooth (who knows what from), broken retainer (the only remnant of my middle school years in braces) and I’ve even noticed that my pearly whites were not as pearly as I would like them to be. I drink coffee every day, red wine every so often and acidic foods on a regular basis.

That’s right, I said it - 2009 was a rough year for my teeth.

When PLRG found out that The Salon at Ulta was now offering a new cosmetic teeth whitening service called SpaWhite, I figured the least I could do for my teeth was to schedule an appointment.   “Cosmetic” as we all know can sometimes be code for “temporary” or even “fake”, so on my teeth’s behalf I proceeded with caution.  What I expected - a dentist-like, lengthy, boring procedure - couldn’t be far enough from what I found.  The treatment was done in the same type of treatment room as massages or facials would be done, and the comfy lounge chair was no different either.  The pretty blonde named Jennifer who performed the treatment was as sweet as could be, and immediately told me all about the difference between SpaWhite and a typical dentist-type whitening.

Here’s the deelio - SpaWhite (part of the larger WhiteScience brand) doesn’t actually bleach your teeth. Instead, the process removes the stains from teeth using a combination of a patented “foam suspension peroxide” system and something called DayLight 5K light.    I’ll get to the parts I know you care about.  Before we started Jennifer matched the color of my teeth and promised at least 2 (and up to 4) shades lighter when we were finished.   She put some gel into a rubbery mouth tray that reminded me of the things football players wear during games and told me to bite down.  Next she positioned a blue light on an adjustable cord so that it was right up to my mouth.   The rest was all about relaxation - for me and my teeth.   She spent the next 20 minutes massaging my hands, arms, face and scalp, and I almost fell asleep more than once.  When the time was up, I rinsed and looked in the mirror - and I was pleasantly surprised with the results.   My teeth were for sure lighter than when I arrived - not an overly obvious change, but a change for the better nonetheless.

What impressed me most was how SpaWhite is marketing towards the salon/spa audience - mainly women - who want to have whiter teeth but don’t necessarily want to have to schedule another dentist visit or spend hundreds of dollars.   This treatment retails for $199 but The Salon at Ulta is currently running a “Fall in Love with your Smile” special of $129.   They also have a “Two for Tuesday” special which offers 2 whitenings for the combined price of $199 (aka bring your friend).   Plus they have the cutest accessories to keep your smile whiter.  My favorite is what they call WhiteICE.  This little tube of whitening “paste” seriously looks just like a lipstick case, and even has a little mirror on one end.  WhiteICE is basically a maintenance product for after you’ve had the SpaWhite treatment that you can use as often as daily.   You lightly rub the stick on your teeth and it erases stains.  You don’t have to rinse, but you shouldn’t eat or drink for 30 minutes after applying, which isn’t that tough because it tastes just like minty toothpaste, which (at least for me) makes other flavors seem unappealing for a little while.

Whether you take out your stress at the gym, on your significant other, or on a pint of ice cream, I would still recommend SpaWhite if you’re looking to whiten your smile.   As for me and any other teeth-abusers out there, I have a feeling 2010 will be a better year for teeth everywhere.

(Noelle Provencial)

Detoxify.  Cleanse.  Purify.  Restore.

These trendy words are all over the fitness and wellness industry, and never more so than when people are primed to get their New Year’s resolutions in order in less than a week.

So what on Earth do they all mean?  Why are some of the products ridiculously expensive?  And why should you want to “detox” anyway?  How can a girl on a budget who of course craves the clear skin, radiant eyes, and flat abs cleansing promises do it cheaply but safely?

I’m here to help.  Let me preface by saying that you should ALWAYS be in good health confirmed by a medical doctor before beginning any sort of cleanse.  This is especially important if you have any pre-existing conditions or if you are on any medications as some natural herbs in cleansing products can interact with medical drugs.  So get checked first!

Now, as the holiday drinks and cookies begin to pile on, a New Year’s cleanse can sound very appealing.  Think long and hard about how far you want to go.  You always want to set a goal that is reasonable for you, your occupation, and your prior experience with detoxifying routines.  Any goal, even if its just to give up your beloved diet soda (yes, personal experience with that one… sigh…) or if it’s to go whole-hog vegan (pardon the irony), is a great goal.  Do it for you and no one else.

For the budget diva, at-home kits versus spa treatments are the way to go (but be on the look for New Year’s specials in the Red Eye and such… spas have really suffered in the recession and prices are LOW!). Peruse your local Whole Foods (or try Life Spring on Clark & Belmont, a great family-owned place with good prices) and compare prices and ingredients if you are looking to do an actual cleanse.  Many of these kits are glorified laxatives, so be aware of that, and many have the same exact ingredients but range in price.  You could be better off just filling your fridge with fresh produce, Kombucha, and buying some organic teas on your own.  Another but pricier option could be enlisting the help of a place like Karyn’s Inner Beauty Center in Lincoln Park, a sort of go-between where you do thing on your own but with support.

I’m a true believer of Yoga as a great detoxifier.  Its twisting & compressing poses give all of your systems a good squeeze to keep things moving, literally.  This is ESPECIALLY important for your lymphatic (read: immune) system which has no pump and relies on body movement to keep things going & draining.  I’m running my 2nd annual Detoxification Yoga series at Infuse Yoga Spa this year beginning Sunday, January 3rd, from 10am -12 noon for 6 weeks.  Last year an amazing group of women signed up and this year the series is already almost full with returning clients and customers who heard of the amazing comraderie and results.  Think of it like Detox for Dummies… each week is a themed topic (i.e. Nutrition) and a complimenting Yoga practice with discussion, fruit, teas and handouts after.

Whatever way you go, cleaning your system by treating your body right is always a great thing to do after the holidays.  Your skin, eyes, energy levels, and mood will thank you for it.

Now that’s hot.

Yours in Fitness,

Christy

christylyonsyoga@gmail.com
www.christylyonsyoga.com

As the new Get Hot columnist, let me tell you that I firsthand understand how expensive keeping fit, kicking butt, and getting zen with Yoga or Pilates can be. I’ve been teaching Yoga for over 2 years now at big-name gyms, corporate private classes, and at Yoga studios…and you’re right, it’s expensive (and no, teachers don’t see that cash)! My love affair with fitness combined with my lifestyle as a PoorLittleRichGirl have led me here and I hope that my column can help you have the best of both worlds.

For all the PLRGs out there who are trying to be good girls this year and do a a little less indulging, take this quiz to test your knowledge of calories, fat, sugar, sodium and more in traditional holiday foods….

This quiz was created by Jen Spilotro, MS RD LDN. She received her undergraduate degree from Michigan State University in Nutritional Sciences and her master’s degree in Nutrition from Case Western Reserve University’s School of Medicine. She has experience working in a community hospital as a clinical dietitian and food service manager. She has also worked as a Bionutritionist for Northwestern University’s Clinical Research Unit where she planned and prepared research diets. Jen is now working for the American Dietetics Association as a Research Analyst where she uses her industry expertise to evaluate scientific literature for ADA’s Evidence Analysis Library.