Free Personal Training/Workouts for the New Year!

During the past two years I have undoubtedly enjoyed the magnificent food and drink that New York has to offer -- certainly more than during any other period of my life.  And it has been a joyful experience.  But with every action comes a reaction, such as unfortunate and continual weight gain.  As my food intake increased, my health and fitness has decreased.  I do work out two times a week (boxing, mostly), but my body has gotten too used to my regimen.  I need to change it up and add to it - time & intensity - while decreasing my regular rendezvous with ice cream and cupcakes.

I am still mourning the loss of my footloose, fancy-free lifestyle.  And working out, well it HURTS.  Almost as much as denying myself cupcakes.

However, and especially during this time of year, gyms are offering special workout programs FOR FREE.  Indeed, they are attempting to get you to eventually commit and PAY.  But I have spent the last week trying out three new workouts at two different gyms without spending a cent.

To be clear, I do already belong to Equinox, for which I pay $128 a month.  However, I managed to get an hour-long personal training Pilates session (on the reformer and other machines) at the 33rd and Park Ave. gym, as well as a one-on-one 30-minute circuit training introduction at the 19th and Broadway location. 

Additionally, a family friend directed me to The Black Box on W. 25th St., which is the CrossFit outpost in NYC.  Hearing about the insane puke-enducing workouts that CrossFit is known for, I was more than a little tentative about checking it out, however I discovered online that they offer a few free "beginners" classes a week to help you see what it's all about.  So I went to one of those this morning.  And while I didn't barf, it was not for the faint of heart.

Equinox Spa

I went to the Equinox Spa this past Sunday to use the gift card I had received from family friends. I am not a consistent spa-goer, but I have been to a few including Soho Sanctuary, Bliss and Mario Badescu. I tend to get facials, mainly, with the occasional relaxing bikini wax.

I was excited to check out what Equinox had to offer - they offer 10% off on all services to members, which I am. So I signed up for a short facial with a collagen eye treatment and a spa manicure/pedicure. When all was said and done it cost $207 (with tip). I guess I'm not cut out for this type of thing because that seemed pretty steep to me for what was fine, basic service. The people were nice, the services fine, but nothing really to remember. I would recommend the other spas I mentioned, with the Soho Sanctuary on top of that list.

Movin' on Up

OK, so I have finally landed in my third temporary living spot since April 16. This one on the Upper East Side. The good news on this is:

a. I should be able to stay here until I am able to move back into my apartment (fingers crossed).
b. Although I don't have a computer, joining Equinox was a wise move because they provide free I-net access (how do you think I am writing this?) - and there's one close by.
c. There are lots of stores, particularly thrift shops, that I will check out for you. There are also a ton of restaurants - an obscene ton, in fact. Hopefully I will be able to control my eating habits in this habitat.

Next move: getting a computer/lap top and high-speed access at home...

Carry on...

Chelsea Market: Cupcakes

So what better way to top off a personal training session at Equinox than by eating a cupcake! I'm not sure when cupcakes replaced crack, but I know that I can't get enough of these things, which is why you probably can't find one in this town for less than $2.

Anyway, I headed to the Chelsea Market where I knew I would find a grand selection of pastel-colored cakes-in-a-cup all dressed up and ready for Easter at Eleni's (see big photo). I managed to limit myself to one small $2 vanilla cupcake piled high with pastel yellow frosting and hot pink sprinkles. I snapped a quick shot of the counter displaying endless selections including $7 cookies(!), before they started yelling at people for taking photos. Timing is everything.

Upon exiting I noticed another bakery called Ruthy's just two doors down. While I was happy with the selection I made at Eleni's, I couldn't help but be a bit awed by the giant "flowers of frosting" (see smaller photo) atop the cupcakes in Ruthy's display case. A quarter more expensive than what I bought, true, but I think I may have to stop in there soon so that I can make a thorough journalistic evaluation.

Happy Easter!

Lots o' shopping

I have been running errands and attaching all kinds of shopping opportunities into the mix. Here's the rundown:

1. I quit NYSC (New York Sports Club). It kind of stinks. There's a lot of them, and several in my neighborhood...but just because there are lots of McDonald's around doesn't mean you should eat dinner there every night.

2. I joined Equinox. Yeah, hells yeah, it costs more. But! I got a good deal through my company's corporate rate and therefore escaped paying any initiation fee. It will cost me $118/month and I had to sign a year contract. But, dude, it is SO MUCH NICER. I want to move in. I haven't worked out there much yet, so I can't comment on the class/trainers yet, but I have a feeling it will be better than average. I have a personal training session set up for next week. Will let you know how that goes.

3. So! I had to buy some new work out clothes, obviously. So I went to Paragon Sports, arguably the world's most expensive sporting goods store. But I was in the 'hood, they have lots of stuff, and I did get one thing on sale. Not a great sale, but a sale nevertheless. Everyone always makes fun of my pajama bottoms and huge T-shirts, so I'm trying to mix it up and look MILF-ish (except for the part where I am not a mother).

4. And since I was in the general neighborhood, I had to make my bi-monthly stop in at Club Monaco. I got a skirt for $19 and top for $29...well worth it. That sale section is really something else!

5. I also stopped in at Barnes & Noble, sat on the floor, and read almost an entire book - for free! Now THAT'S a bargain.

Cha cha cha...