ashleyd /

So fresh and so clean, clean

Tuesday night my friend Elizabeth and I met for an evening workout class at Equinox’s Birthday celebration at their 63rd and Lexington location. I was so excited to bring Elizabeth since the celebration and gym were open to guests as well as members. As soon as we entered, a Kiehl’s table greeted us. The table was filled with over 100 small size samples including Acai Damage Reparing Serum, Light Weight Body Lotion, and Facial Fuel. Kiehl’s and Equinox have a great partnership including stocking all NYC Equinox gyms with Kiehl’s products. This is a huge benefit for members as it allows me to use the gym products instead of lugging shampoo, body wash, and lotion back and forth each day. Their products are all natural and good for the body!
Yesterday and today I used facial fuel during my morning gym shower. The name, Facial Fuel, is perfect as the formula truly energizes and wakes up my skin. It cleanses with a mixture of caffeine, menthol, and vitamin E which invigorates while refreshing the skin. This product is for all skin types and did not leave my skin feeling tight or dry. In addition, it removed my makeup which is one benefit I rarely find in other natural facial products such as Burt’s Bees. I this week’s workout reward will be a Kiehl’s purchase from the Equinox store after tomorrow night’s yoga class in the village with Lauren!
What is your favorite face cleanser? Do you normally use the gym shampoo and products or bring your own?
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Have you sipped your greens today?

I’ve always steered clears of juices as they tend to be high in sugar since they are often highly concentrated fruits. Therefore, I’ve never tried green juices or other natural juices in the past. Nor have I envied fellow bloggers juicers or daily juicing routines. However, our Monday trip to the new and updated Chelsea Market changed all of this. As we exited Amy’s Bread, I saw a chalkboard sign for One Lucky Duck. I’ve had the opportunity to taste their all natural treats once before when Melissa of FitnessNYC brought them to the blogger brunch. One Lucky Duck is a fabulous juice and takeaway business which is also associated with the famous vegetarian favorite hot spot, Pure Food and Wine. Their take out business consists of juices, smoothies, sweets, cookies, prepared foods, shakes, and salads. As their website states, everything at One Lucky Duck is made by hand at Pure from local and organic ingredients. This ensures their flavor and freshness! On Monday, the staff was sampling an array of green juice samples. Apprehensive at first, since I am not a fan of cucumber, I took a sample. Much to my surprise, it was love at first taste. The sample I tasted was their Thai Green juice. Thai Green features greens, cilantro, lime, and pineapple. The pineapple helps offset any bitterness from the greens and keep it from tasting too much like grass! After seeing my surprise delight, they offered a sample of their green giant. The kind staff suggested that I test having green juice during my afternoon lows when my energy is drained and I often turn to Diet Coke or coffee. After enjoying my first taste so much, I happily purchased three, planning to enjoy 1/2 of each bottle per day. Thus far, I have absolutely loved this afternoon treat. The greens and nutrients give me a burst of energy while leaving me full and refreshed. Tomorrow will be the real challenge as i’ve saved my Green Monster, the most intense, for Friday. I highly suggest that you try a daily dose of greens either as a morning or afternoon energy boost. If you’re in NYC you can hop over to either their main store at 125 e 17th street or order online at www.oneluckyduck.com/takeaway. In addition, you can follow their inspirational founder, Sarma, on twitter!

I can’t wait to try more of their products! In fact, I hope to soon plan a dinner date with either Bo or my girlfriends at Pure Food and Wine!


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The Fitnessista Winter Shape Up 2010: Day 1

I was more than excited when I read that the fabulous model of health and nutrition, Gina, was hosting a Winter Shape Up. This will be the first complete challenge I participate in and am thoroughly excited. It comes at the perfect time. Over the past two weeks, I’ve been able to focus on my workouts and making small changes but having a plan that updates weekly will help me stay on track and not get bored. This challenge will help me focus on my health and nutrition while also having a great coach and support group. I love that Gina is participating in the Winter Shape Up as well. 


While I could have used today’s work holiday in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. as a day of rest from the gym, the Shape Up motivated me to get moving and head into the city to enjoy a great workout at Equinox. Since I am also trying to get back into running shape and train for the NYRR Longest Throw 4 mile run, I added some cardio to today’s plan. 

My workout was as follows:


45 minutes on treadmill: 5 min warm-up, 3.1 miles on treadmill at 6.0mph and 1 incline, 15 minute incline walk cool down while catching up on this month’s InStyle.
3 rounds of the Day 1 interval Gina provided:
Int/Adv:
-Warm up with 5 minutes of moderate intensity cardio
Circuit:
–Lateral raise squats (15) 10 lbs

–Renegade row (12 on each side) 7.5 lbs (wow this one was tough but I loved it!)

–Bicep curl Plie Squat (15) 10 lbs

–Mountain climbers (30 seconds)
–Stability ball back extension (12)

–Tricep dips (15- with straight legs makes it more challenging)
–Squat jumps (30 seconds)

–Weighted Ball crunch (light weight behind your head- 25) 7.5 lbs

–Calf raises with wall tap (15) 4kg medicine ball

–Burpees (1 minute)

I wrote everything down in a small notebook that I’ll use to keep my food journal and workouts. It’s weird how hard it is to write everything down again. I haven’t done this since I did Weight Watchers back in 2005-2006. But, thus far I’ve been diligent today and I hope that after a week it will become habit. Gina also challenges us to focus on nutritional changes as what you look like is 10% genes, 10% workout, and 80% nutrition! I am not going to waste all the time and energy I put in on the 10% workout portion by eating horribly! 


Thanks Gina for an awesome plan!

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