Aqualillies Synchronized Swimming Fitness

At a Glance:

Website: http://www.aqualillies.com/fitness/
Address: (season starts again in April) Annenberg Beach House, 415 Pacific Coast Hwy, Santa Monica, CA 90402
Length: 75 minutes
Price: $35 drop-in, $160 full season (6 sessions)
Sweat scale: hard to tell underwater
Energy level: medium

Sometimes I say to myself, “Only in LA” and my experience with Aqualillies had me repeating that phrase quite a bit. I couldn’t help but tell anyone and everyone! The Aqualillies is a professional synchronized swim/dance team who has successfully brought back the art form of “Water Ballet” into mainstream culture. Think of those classic swim numbers in the movies from the golden age. You can’t help but look in awe as they float with their makeup set perfectly. These women have opened for Bon Jovi! Lucky to be invited to participate, I set out to my local sports shop and bought a new cap, goggles, and swimsuit. Would I be as graceful as them or would I sink to the bottom?

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solidcore all levels

At a Glance:

Website: http://solidcore.co
Address: 650 N Glebe Rd, Arlington, VA 22203
Length: 50 minutes
Price: 1 class/$37, 10 classes/$330, month unlimited/$309 with 3 month commitment
Sweat scale: high
Energy level: medium

Solidcore is the premier megaformer class in the DC area…for a good reason. The prices reflect how in demand the classes are which is why when I got word of mock teacher classes I signed up quickly for two! These free classes are during off-peak times in order for training teachers to get experience in front of students. While they only happen a few times a month, I was lucky enough to be in town and it was well worth it!

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Tidal Turbulence at Sandbox Fitness West Hollywood

At a Glance:

Website: http://sandbox-fitness.com
Address: 8317 Beverly Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90048
Length: 45 minutes
Price: first class free, 1 class/$26, 10 classes/$220
Sweat scale: high
Energy level: high

Sandbox Fitness opened in Sherman Oaks last year and was one of my very first reviews. While that location is conveniently located a couple blocks from my office, many people don’t love traveling into the valley to workout. Fret no more; Sandbox has opened a West Hollywood spot in a prime spot!

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30-30 at Basecamp Fitness

At a Glance:

Website: http://www.basecampfitness.co
Address: 8714 Santa Monica Blvd. Suite C Los Angeles, CA 90069
Length: 45 minutes
Price: first class free, 1 class/$29.99, 10 classes/$279.99, month unlimited/$199.99 with no commitment
Sweat scale: high
Energy level: high

Basecamp prides itself on being an in-and-out workout that challenges you during every second. While most studios have 60-minute classes, Basecamp classes run 35 minutes long with an additional five minute core section at the end.

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#ShapeMeetTweet Recap + Tips & Tricks from Top Influencers

On Wednesday, Shape Magazine brought together 100+ bloggers and influencers at the Annenberg Community Beach House for a #ShapeMeetTweet day packed full of inspiring speakers and killer swag.

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Guests were treated to trendy fruit skewers and coffee to get things started and each seat was pre loaded with, of course, a Bluetooth enabled selfie stick. Shape Editor in Chief Elizabeth Goodman Artis said a few welcoming remarks once we all got settled and then the day continued with some amazing panelists.

While each #girlboss had their own story, I’m breaking it down with some tips and tidbits from each speaker.

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My Next Race…

I have been absolutely dreading writing this post because I know that once it’s on the Internet, I can’t back out. I am here to announce that I will be competing in the LA Spartan Race on December 5th. TomTom reached out and asked me to join their team and after not enough consideration and research, I accidentally said yes.

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If you don’t know much about Spartan Races, they are races laced with ridiculous obstacles that require you to use your mind and body—or do 30 burpees as penalty for backing out. I foresee MANY burpees in my future.

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The No Excuses Gym Bag: Be Prepared for Anything

If you’ve made your rounds through at least a few of the many fitness studios in LA, you’ve noticed that facilities and services vary greatly. Some studios have fully stocked locker rooms, free filtered water, free cycle shoes or rentals, towel service, etc. Other studios keep it simple and don’t offer a lot of the extras. Luxury amenities are wonderful, especially if you use ClassPass and aren’t necessarily paying more for the extra services. But don’t let the locker room determine where, when or if you work out! Below, you’ll find everything you need to pack to be prepared for just about anything.

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Beauty Cleanse Giveaway with Cold & Thirsty

Beauty Cleanse GiveawayYou’re invited to Cold & Thirsty’s Beauty Cleanse Preview Party! Tomorrow, Thursday, October 22nd, from 7-9 pm, Cold & Thirsty is officially launching their new beauty cleanses with an intimate event that includes samples of their juices, almond “Mylks”, and brand new Superfood Mylkshakes and organic herbal face masks made on site by Fruits to the Roots! Interested in attending this exclusive party? RSVP to info@coldandthirsty.com

The beauty cleanse packages are the perfect way to prep for the holidays and can help you get glowing skin, more energy, and boost your metabolism. The cleanses come in three and five day packages and include the new Superfood Mylkshakes along with Cryotherapy sessions. If you preorder the cleanse at the party on Thursday, you will receive a 10% discount!

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How I Accidentally Trained for a 10k

Although I wish this wasn’t true, I have never been a runner. In middle school I remember consistently running a 12-minute mile. In high school I remember my lacrosse coach taking me to the side for some one-on-one laps in attempt to correct my form. Running has never been my thing, which is why I gravitate towards classes like Pilates, barre, and spin. I do understand the importance of a truly heart-pounding workout and try to force myself to take a class with a running component about twice a month.

When the Lexus PR team reached out to offer me free admission to one of their Lexus Lace Up races, I panicked—I’ve never even considered a race before. I casually mentioned the email to my husband and without hesitation he said we should do it. And not just the simple 5k, but the intimidating 10k.

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