14 November, 2010

The Fitness Critic: Birkram Yoga Silverlake

Birkram Yoga Silverlake = 2
"it's ify at best"
*I found this studio on LivingSocial.  The deal was
$30 unlimited classes for 21 days**   
(Overall rating based on Environment, Vibe, Instructor Energy, Class Construction, & Execution.  On a scale from 1-5 where 1=complete waste time  5=kick ass total experience.)


I love Silverlake, I really do, but if this is the best yoga in the area I feel sad for it's residents.  The actual practice was decent, if you can appreciate this sweaty style of detoxifying yoga.  The unfortunate problem with Birkram yoga is also it's defining characteristic....sweat.  When not properly addressed you get the warm stench of a teenage boys locker room.  Which is exactly the scent of the this small studio.  The gross thing is that you actually get used to the smell!

If....if...... I lived very near this studio I would probably continue to make the occasional appearance.  Making certain, of course, to park in the designated parking lot-across the street and behind the drug store-to avoid yoga hating residents who are quick to leave a printed copy of a handwritten note demanding their street parking respect.  Thankfully, L.A. is flooded with yoga studios and I have relocated to West Hollywood.  So, goodbye stinky studio with crabby neighbors, I wish you well.

On to the next workout experience......CrossFit!!
@ Brick Sport Performance Training
**New Members Get One Free Week of Unlimited Classes!**

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12 November, 2010

10 lbs in 6 Weeks...Are You In??

I'm dedicated to being healthy but I'm far from perfect.  In fact, I recently gained 8lbs.  That's right, in the midst of my "healthiest year ever" I gained 8 freakn' pounds!  

Now, there are a few excuses I can throw your way.  Such as, "I fell madly in love".  

Yes, the "Boyfriend" excuse.  An oldie but a goodie.  Unfortunately, it's true.  Boys tend to eat whatever they want and rarely care about a a little weight gain.

It's far too easy to get caught up in the euphoria of a new relationship.  Plus, I didn't want to seem like a complete food nightmare.  I'm already,  "No meat, no dairy, no gluten, no soy for me please".  So instead, I found myself ordering french fries, downing cocktails, and requesting a fro-yo stop every night.  

Soon, I was stretching my cheat day into cheat weekends.  Those weekends quickly spilled into entire weeks.  And now I'm certain that all of October must be considered a "cheat".  

My second attempt to rationalize this eight pound weight gain...."I started taking birth control".

Another valid excuse, birth control is notorious for causing slight weight gain.  I don't care what anyone says, birth control has always been a guaranteed five pounder.  Five pounds, right in the thighs, ass, and breasts.  Not a complete waste of fat however, unwanted non the less.  

Since I refuse to fall out of love with the man of dreams and therefore, will not stop taking birth control I have to lose these 10lbs (notice I'm giving myself a two pound cushion for the holidays) the old fashioned way!  Decrease calories in and increase calories out. 

Six weeks and 35,000 calories to go...... 

Bonne Chance SkinnyFoodies & Enjoy the Day,
H.May

For The Love....

For the love of food.....
I was cooking before I was five, dominated the family kitchen, studied the effects of food on the body in college, and graduated from culinary school in 2007. 

I LOVE FOOD.  Next to sex and exercise, food is my favorite topic.

That's probably what makes staying skinny so hard!! 

I'm constantly putting myself in situations where I'll be tempted with culinary delights.  I'm a baker for god's sake! I want to eat thin crust pizza from Bottega Louis just as much as the next foodie.  But, garlic herb fries from La Poubelle aren't going to keep me thin.  And I really want to be skinny.

Not just because I think 110 looks better on my 5'2" frame than 120 but because it represents so much more.

To me, thin means I'm healthy.  I've been avoiding foods that cause excess fat gain.  But I'm not so skinny that I don't radiate a feminine softness. 

Thin means I'm happy.  When my outlook is positive and upbeat I can easily avoid temptations.  When I'm stressed or depressed I tend to over-indulge. 

For the love of being healthy.....
I like to eat a clean mostly-vegetarian diet, avoid gluten and dairy, limit my intakes of sugar and alcohol, and workout at least six hours a week.

Bonne Chance & Enjoy the Day....
H.May