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.

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.

While strolling through the aisles of Dominick’s last week I accidentally tapped a pharmacist with my grocery cart- oops! After apologizing profusely he told me all would be forgiven if I came to the pharmacy for a flu shot. Yuck! Not only do I hate shots, but I am also very…well, cheap. Plus, I wasn’t really sure if I was planning to get one this year.

Making an appointment for one of the always-inconvenient flu shot “clinics” at Walgreens or Osco was not really something I was looking forward to. But, at Dominick’s it’s only $28 and you don’t even need to present any insurance info. And no wait or appointment necessary! Not only that, but upon completion of my shot, they gave me a coupon for 10% off my entire grocery order! So, not only did I kill two birds with one stone by getting my groceries and flu shot taken care of under one roof, I also saved big on my bill. This is a PoorLittleRichGirls must!

(Written by, Pam Sherman, founder of Chicago Anytime Assistants, a flexible ‘anytime-you-need-it’ personal assistant service for the busy Chicagoan. She is constantly hunting down deals and sales for her clients and is now sharing them with PoorLittleRichGirls as a contributor.)