Author: Orange DECA

Sunday Shoutout & Fitness Spotlight [Rachel Wilson, barre-OM]

I met up with Rachel last week for coffee (well, I got coffee, she got a smoothie) and got to talk to her about yoga, barre and all things sweaty! I loved how friendly and down to earth she was. She had me laughing during the entire interview and I’m excited to take one of her upcoming classes. Here is a glimpse at Rachel Wilson, founder of the barre-OM method.

Expertise: Rachel moved to Columbus in 2013 and hit the ground running on the fitness scene. We could impress you with a list of accolades she has accomplished during her ‘day jobs’ ~ teaching, law, volunteerism ~ but we’ll keep her accomplishments fitness related since this is a fitness blog! You can read more about Rachel’s notable law & teaching background HERE.

Although Rachel is highly accomplished in many fields, her passion and calling is health & wellness. She holds many fitness certifications including Lagree Fitness, Indoor Cycling [Schwinn] and a Yoga Certification [Yoga Alliance, RYT 200]. She was also originally certified through B. Fit Barre in DC, and has now become the founder of her own method, barre-OM [keep reading for more info!]. She teaches at several boutique fitness studios around Columbus including PAI Yoga & Fitness, The Butcher Shop Fitness, Grow Yoga, Replenish: the spa co-op and one of our local favorites, the apparel store, Bend Active. Grow Yoga states, “Rachel strives to make her vinyasa classes challenging, playful, and inspiring, with the ultimate hope that everyone leaves her classes with a smile.” You can visit her full bio on Grow Yoga’s website HERE.

Q & A’s with Rachel

Why do you live a FIT life?

I come from a family of athletes and coaches who love sports and I grew up playing volleyball, basketball and running track. I played Division I basketball at the University of Pennsylvania and over time, injuries led me to pursue lower impact fitness options. Exercise allows me to feel like myself; peaceful, strong, healthy, and happy. I feel like I’m my best self when I’m doing yoga – its my moving meditation.

What’s your diet/fuel look like?

High protein, low carb. I love green smoothies & raw juices (has own juicer at home).

Why did you want to become a fitness instructor?

After falling in love with barre during law school, I wanted to become an instructor for several reasons. My body changed significantly after taking barre regularly for several months and I want other people to see that they too can change their bodies in significant part by adding barre fitness to their routines. I want women to realize that you can be strong and fit, even though you may not necessarily be a size 2. I also yearn to share my love of barre and fitness generally with people of all shapes, ages, races, fitness levels, cultures and experiences. I hope to add greater diversity to the barre and yoga communities in Columbus, Ohio, and elsewhere as well.

Also, there is no greater feeling than witnessing a client having a breakthrough. There are moments in class when I can see clients mentally deciding whether they will give up or if they will keep fighting to stay in the position, to allow their legs to tremble uncontrollably, and to endure the burning sensation they are feeling during what some might call “controlled muscle failure.” Every single time that a client makes a decision to fight, to continue to push themselves, it is awe-inspiring, humbling, and motivating. I want clients to realize that if they can be comfortable being uncomfortable in barre class, they can endure and thrive in challenging situations in everyday life as well.

Tell me about barre-OM? I’ve heard great things, what’s all the buzz about?

Barre-OM is a fusion of my two passions – yoga and barre. Its unique in several ways;

Yoga inspired. Barre-OM gives you lots of traditional barre exercises which consist of small isometric movements, but also combines other techniques and benefits that yogis love.
Offers modifications for all skill levels, injuries, pregnancy, etc. Everyone’s body is different & barre-OM allows them to practice safely and effectively.
Anatomical explanations provided. People deserve to know how each movement is benefiting their body!
Class is challenging, but fun. You’ll get in a great workout and leave sweaty & happy!
Sense of community. I enjoy getting to know clients and helping them connect with each other.

I teach barre-OM myself, as well as license it to various yoga studios (currently offered at PAI Dublin, PAI Gahanna (soon), Replenish, Bend Active and Detroit Barre).

Some of Rachel’s Favorite Things

Favorite ways to sweat: Vinyasa & Bikram [yoga], Lagree, Barre, Spinning
Favorite yoga pose: Half moon – strength, balance, focus, openness
Favorite FIT place(s) around Columbus: Grow, PAI, Butcher Shop, Cycle 614, Bikram Hot Yoga Columbus, Replenish: the spa co-op
Favorite cheat meal: any kind of pasta
Favorite music – Beyonce. Period.

Anything else we should know about you?

I LOVE watching the NFL! My cousin is the QB for the Seahawks, so of course, that’s my team!

Can’t wait to try a class! Where can we find you?

Rachel lives near downtown Columbus and recently got engaged. I look forward to taking her classes, sweatin’ it out to some Beyonce and hearing about the wedding plans!

Photos courtesy of Rachel Wilson

Week SIX of our Living Fit Winter Challenge

Welcome to week SIX! Lots of fun photos and social media buzz last week, nice work!

Winners of the Bend Active gift cards [from week four] were PEGGY & AMANDA! Great job ladies on all those points, miles and sweat! ~ pick out something cute!

Don’t forget to log your points for week FIVE on the spreadsheet & send FIT resolutions by 1/15

Week SIX…
- Bonus challenge options (50 points total, 25 each)…
  1. Submit ideas to LFC – see email for details
  2. Attend our GROUP RUN on Saturday
  3. Try a new fitness place or class ~ try a local favorite you’ve been wanting to try or check out complimentary classes at Bend and lululemon on Sundays

Double points for water this week – drink up! Remember, you should add an additional 8 oz for every hour of sweat & every caff. or alcoholic beverage

Week SEVEN will include a CLEAN EATING CHALLENGE so start making your grocery list now… food prep is half the battle.

Lan finished the Disney Marathon, so proud of our little lady!

Have a great week! Stay fit!

Why I Run [Guest Post]

Why I run. [by A Racanelli]

Running to me was never something I really enjoyed; I was more of a “team” kind of girl.

Of course, I would run if my coach assigned sprints for speed, or long distance runs to build endurance; but it was never my choice of exercise.

During college, a few of my sorority sisters had been cross country runners in high school, and convinced me to join them a few times a week on a run throughout Lexington, Kentucky. I enjoyed the time I spent with them, but still never considered myself a runner. During my last year of college, I experienced a few personal trials and decided to get my running shoes out again, at the suggestion of a counselor that I had been working with. Running brought escape, and solstice from what was going on around me. It gave me an opportunity to free my mind from the problems that I was facing.

In January, 2001 I decided that I would set a running goal – a half marathon – to help me feel better about my situation and give me something to look forward to and feel good about. So, I trained and ran my first big race in April of that year. It was so fulfilling; to accomplish something so great during a time of trouble.

Each time I’ve been faced with winding roads (work, marriage, family, etc…), I’ve gotten my shoes out again. The road is open and it provides the time that I need to sort through the issues ahead. Running gives me the opportunity I need to feel good about me, and eliminates the stress that I am feeling at the time.

After 13 years, I finally consider myself a runner. I am proud of myself for meeting all the goals I’ve set and accomplished; I know that I am a better wife, mother, and individual when I carve time out for me to hit the pavement or treadmill.

And that’s why I run!

Amanda has now completed 12 half and 3 full marathons and recently become a yoga lover. Her favorite marathons were Disney & Chicago, while her favorite half was the Louisville Derby Festival. She is one of our Living Fit Columbus runners and motivates us all to push harder and embrace our inner strength.

Run on, Amanda!

Photo credits to:

http://cdn.triathlete-europe.competitor.com/files/2013/01/road-running-631×421.jpg

http://woodstok.io/public/images/running.jpg

Living Fit Columbus & Amanda 🙂

Tour of Columbus [V Power Yoga]

We enjoy traveling around Columbus and trying new studios, new styles of yoga and of course, meeting other fitness lovers. We struck gold on this studio tour!

Four of us attended a class at V Power Yoga last Saturday morning and unanimously, we can’t wait to go back. We first heard about it through Rachel Kerr from The Beauty Barre and then found it on our recently acquired ClassPass Columbus.

After class, #livingthesweatylife

Here is a recap from two of us…

[rehash from L nguyen]

This morning it was rainy. I don’t mean just a sprinkle, it was a pouring monsoon out! That didn’t stop us yogis from going to an 8am heated yoga class. This month, we are trying out ClassPass and decided to give V Power a whirl. I had never been to this studio before, and have only heard amazing things. Naturally, on a Saturday morning, any normal person would sleep in. I was so excited to try this place out that I was up close to 6am!

The class, itself, was a power flow. Great for any morning energy! Erin (our instructor) started the class out with slow stretches to get our muscles juicy and warmed before jumping into our vinyasa flow series. The class was heated and it felt SO great coming in from the rainy cold! I especially loved the energizing music – it makes you just want to dance! The hour went by so fast- it was 9am before we knew it. As with any heated yoga class, I took advantage of being warmed up and practiced my scorpion before leaving. Erin provided very helpful tips post-class [ie, to not be scared to keep bringing my feet to head in forearm scorpion]. I wished we lived closer, but will definitely be coming back!

[rehash from T gellenbeck]

This was my first yoga studio in the downtown/warehouse area. I was not up at 6AM like Lan, but I was excited! 🙂 We got there about 15 minutes early and were the first to arrive. The instructor, who we later found out was one of the new co-owners, greeted us with smiles, got us checked in and moved us into the studio.

Things I loved…

The heat. It was a heated class (which I love, especially in winter), but not TOO heated. We all broke a sweat and were nice and warm, but weren’t dying.
Room to move. The class was full on the website (a few of our yogis didn’t get in!), but there weren’t a TON of people packed into the class. It was nice to have arm room. This likely means to sign up early!
The instructor [and co-owner], Erin, was amazing!! She was nice, easy to hear and very good at giving instruction. She moved around the room and helped people with modifications, congratulated yogis on their poses, etc. She gave us some ideas for hip stretches (as runners, they tend to always be tight), chatted with us after class and encouraged us to come back. We will!!
It was the perfect combination of my favorite studio, Harbor Yoga, and other studios that give you a bit more time to practice certain poses [like PAI]. The first half was very fast flow, upbeat music, quick sequences, a great cardio/power workout. The second half was a bit slower and gave us time for play, something I love as a new-er, wanna-be yogi. Their site describes their practice as ‘vigorous and athletic.’ My type of workout!
This awesome shirt….

The only downfall for me personally is the location/drive time. Since we live in Dublin, it took about 20-25 minutes to get there, so round trip, it was about a two hour expedition ~ great if you have a lot of time, but a big chunk if you’ve got a long daily to-do list.

Here is some more info from their website:

V Power Yoga is nestled in the warehouse district of downtown Columbus. Reservations are not required, however new students are encouraged to arrive 15 minutes before class. Loaner mats are available for $3. Loaner towels are available for $2.

Free parking is available on the east side of Neilston St. Metered parking is available on 5th St. [Meters are coin only!]

252 North Fifth Street
Columbus, Ohio 43215
Tel: (614) 22 VYOGA

Overall we LOVED it and will definitely be going back. You should really check it out!

Week FIVE of our Living Fit Winter Challenge

You made it half way through the challenge!

Week 4 …

Log your points sometime soon ~ Remember, $50 in Bend Active gift cards are at stake! Winners will be announced early this week. Make sure to LIKE Living Fit & Bend on Facebook.
AWESOME JOB on all the miles this week! 15 miles per week is a good push during winter/off training months. Pat yourself on the back and log your total mileage [Google Drive] so we can see how much pavement we accumulated!

Week 5…

Week five bonus challenges… ITS DOUBLE BONUS CHALLENGE WEEK!!! That means you can earn 100 points instead of the usual 50! Pick TWO – each is worth 50 points…
1. Log 200 minutes of yoga or 200 minutes [approx 20 miles] of running. Or combination of both. You can do it!
2. Attend a FIT event OR a new FIT studio/gym. Remember Fair Trade Yoga’s open house is today and next Sat is a yoga day, we can try a new place.
3. Prepare your FIT and personal 2015 goal setting and resolutions! Get them to Teresa somehow by Jan 15 so we can do a blog post.
  - A great resource on lululemon’s website ~ http://www.lululemon.com/education/goalsetting
  - Also a good blog post here ~ Top Ten Ways I Goal Set

Inspiration points are also double. This week, you must post to social media to count your inspiration points each day. Pick your fav ~ FB, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest… 10 points per day for posting whatever you choose; photo of your sweat session, inspirational quotes, bucket list/resolution items, favorite workout, clean eating ideas… you name it! Remember to use #livingfitcolumbus on Instagram 🙂
We officially have an Instagram account ~ please follow us @LivingFitColumbus [right now we are pretty lame!] and also continue using #livingfitcolumbus

Other news

Email us @ LivingFitColumbus@gmail.com for more info or to share ideas ~ we are considering a blog overhall in January and would love your input.
A few of us are heading to the Open House today for Fair Trade Yoga Studios in Powell around 2:30PM, see flyers below. This fits one of the bonus options for this week – 50 points woo hoo!

Can’t wait to see those FIT goals! Happy 2015!

Class Pass Columbus

Like trying new things?

Like making friends in lots of places?

Like cross-training in a variety of ways?

Well, hello ClassPass, welcome to Cbus!

We are excited to try out this new-to-Columbus fitness concept. ClassPass is a monthly membership where you can visit multiple fitness studios around your city.

Here are the basics:

What is ClassPass?

ClassPass is a monthly membership to the best boutique fitness classes in your city. There are thousands of classes available to ClassPass members, including cycling, pilates, yoga, strength training, dance, martial arts, and more.

For $79 per month (price varies by city), ClassPass members get unlimited classes to studios in the ClassPass network. While members can take as many classes per month as they’d like, they can visit the same studio up to 3 times per monthly membership cycle.

Although subject to change, some awesome ones in Columbus we are excited to visit include V Power Yoga, The Butcher Shop, Pure Barre, Thank Yoga & PAI Yoga.

How long is a ClassPass membership cycle?

Each ClassPass cycle is one month in length, and will automatically renew on the same day each month. For example, if you buy your ClassPass on April 5, your membership will renew on May 5. Once your new month starts, you’ll be able to re-visit your favorite classes (and also explore new venues!) ClassPass does NOT require an annual/long-term commitment.

How many classes do I get with a ClassPass membership?

You’ll be able to take as many classes as you’d like each month! You can visit any studio in the ClassPass network up to 3 times per membership cycle.

Watch for our posts on social media as we explore Columbus over the next 30 days with our new #ClassPassColumbus! And while you’re at it, #PassTheHappy!

Sweat session recovery: Protein smoothie [guest blog post]

[Guest post by J Bondurant]

Protein after a workout promotes muscle recovery. Whether I workout first thing in the morning, mid-day or in the evening, I almost always have a green protein smoothie after my workout. It fills me up just enough, and I sneak in lots of greens.

↓

Recipe for protein smoothie

• 1 banana, frozen

• 2 cubes greens

• unsweetened vanilla almond milk (use enough for desired consistency)

• 1 scoop of [chocolate] protein (16 g)

↓

Since I am a texture person, I prefer the greens and banana frozen so that my smoothie is like a milkshake. The bananas are easy – I simply freeze them individually in sandwich bags. Greens certainly can be bought frozen from the store; however, I like to use fresh greens that I puree and freeze myself. Not only is it more economical that way, but also the greens are much smoother in your drink. I buy 2 large bags of a kale/spinach combination at Costco, puree it in the food processor (add a little water), freeze the puree in ice cube trays, and then store the cubes in a freezer bag for several weeks at a time.

Perhaps the biggest key to a great smoothie though is the right tool. I absolutely love my Nutribullet 900. In the medium size cup, I add the banana and greens first, fill to the line with almond milk, and then add the scoop of protein. It comes out perfect every time.

Enjoy!

Eat your greens photo credit to www.carolinejordanfitness.com

Midweek Shoutout [Fair Trade Yoga Studio]

Fair Trade Yoga Studio | Powell, Ohio

[by t gellenbeck]

We first met Sherry Hoff, owner of the new yoga studio FAIR TRADE YOGA, at our Run+Yoga event at Bend Active a few weeks back. She kindly donated her time to offer a yoga session after our 3-4 mile run!

Living Fit Columbus Run+Yoga Event @ Bend Active, Dec 2014

I then caught up with Sherry at her soon-to-open studio in Powell. She showed me around and shared her goals, vision & grand plans for offering fitness classes in her new space. She was still finishing up some construction and decorating, but here is a quick look…

Her logo… the outdoor sign wasn’t up yet

Reception area ~ yogis can check in, store personal items and eventually purchase hydration & apparel

Where the ~~magic~~ sweat happens!

Sherry’s style and studio will offer a variety of yoga techniques and classes. On her website she states, “I offer specialized Yogic plans for all people. There are many paths of Yoga to explore and two of the most common ways to begin a personal practice are through the physical practice (Asanas) or through Meditation Yoga (Raja). I bring both of these together, to create and teach a holistic approach to the mind and body!”

Fair Trade will offer a variety of classes including heated [85-95 degrees], Power Vinyasa, Ashtanga, Slow Flow, Restorative, Guided Meditation and even kids’ classes.

I also got to meet up with Rachel Kerr, owner of The Beauty Barre [over coffee, of course!] She is a super sweet yogi, deserving of her own blog post all together [stay tuned!] Rachel will be teaching at Fair Trade and offers a power vinyasa style. She likes a fun, powerful workout, upbeat music and encourages you to sweat, sweat, sweat! Looking forward to taking her class and getting to know more about The Beauty Barre in 2015.

Rachel Kerr, yoga instructor & Beauty Barre founder [Photo credit to BeautyBarre.net]

Grand Opening Info

Fair Trade Yoga Studios has its Grand Opening Event this Sunday, January 4th from 1-4PM. The studio is located @ 36 North Liberty Street, Powell, OH 43065.

Why should you come?

live music
refreshments
discounted products and apparel from local vendors
sample/purchase Bend Active‘s new Columbus Legging [partnered with 614 Magazine & FIT Columbus]
giveaways & door prizes ~ one lucky yogi will win free yoga for ONE FULL YEAR!
Living Fit Columbus peeps participating in our #LFCwinterchallenge will earn week 5 challenge points for attending [anyone up for a group run?!]

To RSVP to the event [and be entered in the giveaways] email Sherry @ yogabysherryfair@gmail.com.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

We took our first Vinyasa flow class with Sherry on a Saturday morning in January [2015]. It was a great class and we hope to return many times. There is even a jogging trail nearby, so a run+yoga day perhaps?

Giveaway ~ LFC Winter Challenge Week #4

Great news!

Bend Active has offered to donate two $25 gift cards for week 4, the midway point of our LFC Winter Challenge!

All you need to do to be eligible is these three things…

Have logged all points from weeks 1-3
Log a minimum of 150 points this week (week 4)
LIKE both Bend Active and Living Fit Columbus on FB

That’s it!

Winners will be drawn at random next week, so get your liking and logging on!!

Sunday Shoutout! [NOOMA drink]

[by t gellenbeck]

NOOMA drink is one of my new favorites! Born & raised in Cleveland, it is slowly making its way to Columbus in various yoga and fitness studios, including our local Harbor Yoga Studio.

So what is it, exactly?

The company describes themselves in this way, “What started as a casual dinner conversation about issues with typical sports drinks, got the wheels turning… a clean hydrator to replace lost electrolytes without the acid and with only quality ingredients… NOOMA was born.”

LOVE. this. brand.

Like really, love it. Not only the product itself, but the people behind it!

Five things I love about NOOMA…

The product benefits ~ rehydrates and replaces electrolytes needed after an intense sweat session like a run or hot yoga class.
The taste ~ not too syrupy, no tangy aftertaste, no acid… just a clean, smooth drink ~ CherryLime & Mangosteen are my favs.
Low sugar, woo hoo!
The team & their ‘grassroots’ style ~ talk about DOWN TO EARTH, genuinely nice people! Their marketing guru, Leigh, networked with our running group, came to be a guest speaker for my business/marketing class… love a company that is willing to help, network, share time and products. They really believe in giving back and getting involved in the local community, our favorite way to connect!
Social media ~ as a blogger, photographer & business teacher, imagery & social content really intrigue me. @drinknooma on Instagram is one of my favorites, lots of great stuff!

I’ve tried a LOT of rehydrating beverages including SOS, Gatorade, NUN, Powerade, VitaCoco… NOOMA is hands down my favorite and I can’t wait for it to make its way around Columbus!