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)

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.

The Beauty Maven is no stranger to the spa, is the first in line to sample the newest beauty product, and loves to break a sweat at spinning class. She is the one to go to when you want a sultry makeover for your night out on the town or you when you need someone to tag along with you to the gym to keep you on the Elliptical for that extra 10 minutes! The Beauty Maven always keeps herself perfect inside and out, but she also does the same for you. The gifts below will show any Beauty Maven they are truly appreciated!

Get in the Holiday spirit with some Glitter Lashes from Sephora and at only $5 it’s a great stocking stuffer that will add the perfect shimmer for a holiday party, New Year’s Eve, or any special event. The brush tipped pen allows you to add some glitz to your lids, eye liner, or lashes.

Every beauty needs their beauty rest and now you can drift away while paying tribute to Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany’s! This stylish mask is a dead ringer for the mask worn in the movie and don’t we all want to look like a movie star while sleeping? ($14)

Winter is right around the  corner and pretty soon our toes will be begging for a pedicure. Why not offer them some relief with aloe infused socks? These socks offer spa like releif to tired feet and they come in a pack of 3 so you could easily break up the pack and give one to each one of your pals in the office. ($14.99)

This is a perfect gift for the gym fanatic in your life, because plastic is out and stainless steel is in! L.L. Bean is offering stainless steel water bottles in a variety of colors and sizes, and the engraving fee is only $6. You’ll never lose you water bottle again, and if you do the gym will know who to return it to. (27 oz bottle $18.95, without engraving)

E-boost is a perfect compliment for the water bottle above, ideal for stockings, or just great all by itself. E-boost is great help you get energy, keep up your immunity, recover from a hard workout, or maintain your focus. It is chopped full of vitamins and minerals and even comes in a new delicious flavor of pink lemonade. Just pour the packet, fill your water bottle with water, and you are ready to boost! ($14.99 for a tube of 10 tablets or 20 pack for $28.00)

This gift is an ideal mix for the beauty and fitness friend in your life. A gift certificate to Flirty Girl Fitness can include workout classes (which are anything but typical), manicure, massage, and many other spa treatments. Services and classes start at $20, but this gift is totally customizable based on price and services.

Give the gift of relaxation with this chic lavender eye pillow. Great to use in the bathtub, as an accent pillow, or while receiving an at home massage. It won’t break the bank either, because it’s from one of our favorite stores Target for $20.99

Add a touch of fun to your ear-buds and toss those plain white ones in the trash! Compliments are sure to follow when you put these cute Paul Frank ear-buds in your ears. If pink isn’t the color of your choice there is also a blue & white choice or black & white with skulls. ($21.95)

Indulge in rich, luscious, chocolate cupcakes without adding a single inch to your waistline! Dylan’s famous Candy Bar has branched out with a full line of bath and body products. So treat your loved ones to the Ice Cream Dream Gift set in Chocolate Cupcake flavor. It includes: 12oz. sugar scrub and 8oz butter cream for only $35. But make sure to exfoliate your skin and not your taste buds!

Everyone wants the perfect eyebrows and now the famed eyebrow guru Anastasia has made it easy to obtain Holloywood eyebrows anywhere with her brow express palette. The set is available in 2 color options, blonde and brunette and contains the following: 5 brow stencils for shaping, 2 brow powders for blending, 1 angled brush for application, cream highlighter to accentuate the eyes, and wax cream to ensure a perfect shape all day. ($38.00)

Tarte truly hit the nail on the head by naming this product the Treasue Chest, because to any Beauty maven this is a treasure chest beyond their wildest dreams! The chest includes 16 shimmering eyeshadows, 16 matte eyeshadows, 16 lipglosses, mineral powder bronzer in park ave princess, soft pink luminizer, and 4 powder blushes. As if that wasn’t enough it is also contained in an elegant jewel encrusted kit complete with a mirror. The price is only $52.00, which is a huge steal considering one eye palette alone could cost $40.00 if not more.

Splurges

Just in time for the holiday season Reebok is releasing their Tinsel EasyTone shoes. Now while, the gold and silver tones are reason enough to purchase them on the spot, read on because these aren’t your average gym shoe. Reebok’s EasyTone shoes help tone key leg & butt muscles by using advanced balance pods built into the shoe, therefore it is possible to generate 28% more butt muscle activation compared to an average sneaker. It also makes your hamstrings and calves work 11% harder. So if you can get a work out just walking around shopping in these imagine what will happen if you actually hit the gym! We’re sold! ($125.00)

Have you tried every single mascara out there hoping to get long, luxurious lashes, because we sure have! Well now there is another option out there and while it’s a little on pricey side it’s well worth it if you are dying for gorgeous, show stopping lashes. NeuLash claims that if you apply their serum to your eyelashes once a day you will achieve thicker and healthier lashes in 4 weeks. NeuLash is ophthalmologist and dermatologist safety tested, and has been proven to be safe to eyes without any adverse side effects. This truly is a miracle of the holiday season!-($150.00)

(Marin Heller)

This week’s D&D spotlight falls on the newest addition to the list, from Infuse Yoga Spa in Lincoln Park. We just couldn’t wait to share with you the amazing deal(s) for PoorLittleRichGirls only. In addition to the obvious yoga offerings at Infuse, this urban oasis offers everything from facial treatments that ease headaches, soothe swollen tissues and open air passageways to Thai bodywork which combines the benefits of massage and yoga through stretching and compression of muscles by palms, thumbs, elbows, knees, and feet to the sen energy lines of the body.

Located on Halsted just north of Fullerton, Infuse is like an urban oasis waiting to help you rid your mind & soul of toxins and help you focus on the life you want to lead. Now, at half price

D&D Offer for PLRG Readers:

PLRG readers get 50% off a 1st Month Special Membership (regularly $120), includes one month of unlimited yoga classes & discounts on Private Yoga, Thai Bodywork, events & more! To sign up, visit www.infuseyogaspa.com & click “Reserve Online”. Choose Class: Membership-First Month Special and enter Promotion Code PLRG at checkout, or call Infuse at 773.880.8055.

AND

Get 2-for-1 workshops & events. You & a friend can each register for any workshop & enter promotion code PLRG at checkout for half price (regularly $25-$30) or call Infuse to book. Each person must register separately for this promotion.

Namaste.

PLRG helps you score a deal on your downward dog.

As the new Get Hot columnist at PLRG, let me tell you that I understand firsthand 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, in private, corporate classes and at Yoga studios…and you’re right- it’s expensive. But, don’t think that means I’m the one raking in the dough- teachers don’t see that cash! My love affair with fitness has also led me to convince myself, in the name of saving a buck, that I can keep up with irrational workout plans, like running on the lakefront in the winter (I thought, “I don’t need a gym membership and running in the snow will be refreshing and good for my glutes.”)

Yeah, right. I ended up caving in last January and buying a membership at peak season time. So much for saving a buck.

So what’s a girl on a budget to do?

Depending on your level of budget importance, here’s a few suggestions:

Firstly, ALWAYS check a gym or studio’s website. Some specials are online only and unless you have an informed and/or generous receptionist you might miss out on printing a one week free membership or first class free pass! If there is a place you are dead-set on becoming a member of, get on their email list and you will stay informed about when any specials are being offered. Fitness establishments have also recently taken up advertising in The Red Eye and in the neighborhood coupon books, including deals waiving joining fees (check out the LVAC/LPAC ads of late) or even the first month’s membership, so keep your peepers peeled! You can also try your shot at joining a friend who is already a member for a one-time free trial. Most gyms offer guest passes to their members specifically for that purpose.

Once you are at the gym or studio, ask what’s going on for the girl on a budget. If you’re a student, bring your school ID to see if there is a student rate. I’ve had gyms negotiate with me as a yoga instructor who is in the process of going back to grad school. Since I was genuine, I ended up with an amazing deal! I also then immediately went on Yelp and reviewed them with flying colors (being the polite budget diva that I am, plus good karma never hurts).

Do your homework, so you don't overpay for your gym.

Another negotiating idea is getting your roommate/boy toy involved. Most places give deals if two people sign up at once (or even a couples’ rate, like at Midtown Tennis Club) and it gives you negotiating power over the salesperson receiving commission on TWO memberships… plus, you can avoid those love handles griped about in Advice from a Jerrk’s last week!

For those of you addicted to Yoga, Pilates or other speciality classes, here are a few tips & tricks especially for you:

Sign up for Groupon.com! Studios have been offering class packages at ridiculously cheap rates, like Spring Pilates’ recent deal of 5 classes for $30! 900 Grouponers enjoyed this deal that includes Pilates, Yoga (including hot), kettlebells, BOSU and other classes in Wrigleyville. Not too shabby!

A few yoga studios have $5 first class specials… as well as the hot new idea of “Karma” or donation-based classes (pay what you can, usually suggested donation is $5-15 per class, cash only). To name a few, Infuse Yoga Spa in Lincoln Park offers two pay-what-you-can weekly classes (as well as a $5 first class deal). Moksha Yoga at Riverwest, Lakeview, and (recently opened) Logan Square has $7 Karma classes 2-3 times per week at each location. Other studios like YogaView have once-weekly community classes that are free. Get there early for a spot, they fill up FAST!

If even these deals seem just out of your reach, there’s a few final (and FREE) things a fit budget chick can do:

Get your company to sponsor a class, or find an instructor to come and teach one at your company. Instructors can charge less for these cash only/off the books style classes. All you need is some space, some tunes and a few coworker friends to join you for what usually can be a cheaper rate than at a studio!

If you have Comcast, they actually have some pretty great free fitness videos On Demand that include Yoga, Pilates, kickboxing and more. The videos tend to be short (under 20 minutes), but think of it like circuit training, you’ll be forced to pay attention and mix it up for your body, which burns more calories than doing the same thing over and over! And you’re already paying for it anyway- might as well use it!

Last, get ambitious with YouTube. Like Comcast, you’ll get short videos but it’s better than nothing! Now just make sure your neighbors don’t kill you for all that thumping racket!

I’ll be here every two weeks, so feel free to drop me an email with a question or column idea at christylyonsyoga@gmail.com!

Yours in Fitness,
Christy Lyons
www.christylyonsyoga.com

For our Anniversary Issue this month we’ll be cluing you in to the best of what the city has to offer. But, we don’t want to just sit here in our ivory towers telling you what you will like best. We think it makes more sense for you to tell us.

They say “pain is beauty,” but if you know where to go the pain will come from the ripping off a strip of wax and not from abusing your budget. We’ve pulled together all of our fave spots for everything from getting your yoga on to getting your hair did. Now you pick the winners!

Indigo Studio
309 W. Chicago Ave. #300
Chicago, IL 60610
312.664.0207
jj@theindigostudio.com

PLRGs get 50% off classes & class packages. Mention PLRG to redeem.

-1 class, $8 (regularly priced $16)

- 5 classes, $38 (regularly priced $75)

- 10 classes, $65 (regularly priced $130)

- 20 classes, $118 (regularly priced $235)

Infuse Yoga Spa
2536 N. Halsted St.
Chicago, IL 60614
773.880.8055
unwind@infuseyogaspa.com
www.InfuseYogaSpa.com

_________________________________________________________________________________

PLRG readers get 50% off a 1st Month Special Membership (regularly $120), includes one month of unlimited yoga classes & discounts on Private Yoga, Thai Bodywork, events & more! To sign up, visit www.infuseyogaspa.com & click “Reserve Online”. Choose Class: Membership-First Month Special and enter Promotion Code PLRG at checkout, or call Infuse at 773.880.8055.

AND

Get 2-for-1 workshops & events. You & a friend can each register for any workshop & enter promotion code PLRG at checkout for half price (regularly $25-$30) or call Infuse to book.  Each person must register separately for this promotion.