QuickFit: The Short But Sweet Workout

So many machines tackle in so little time!

Tabata taught me that quality workouts don’t have to mimic the long, enduring suffer fests of Ironman training. The strength training intensity at Hard Pressed (and its predecessor) showed me how to exhaust my muscles with weight—and a lot of it. But still, my Ironman-affected brain couldn't completely grasp the idea of a workout that was as long as a short pool swim but maybe as intense as the feeling that flows through my body on grueling bike days. That is, until I met QuickFit.

Thanks to a promotion between Lateral Fitness and lululemon, I tried QuickFit last week. It was a break away from my desk, it was the featured class of the week, it was free with a lululemon code and it was taught by Lateral’s co-owner Erik Marthaler. Erik had already kicked my butt once—the first 15 minutes of his Recruit class are no joke—so I figured I couldn’t go wrong with another one of his workouts. And if I didn’t like it (Me not like a workout? Not in Chicago.), it was only 30 minutes wasted.

The Lateral-Lululemon Connection

A look inside Lateral Fitness

I've walked past lululemon athletica locations enough times to note that each shop chooses a local yoga instructor to teach their weekly community classes. I've taken enough group fitness classes--and maybe even cyber-stalked the local lululemon page--to find some of their workout favorites (they'd flock to ambassador Gideon Akande's Breakfast of Champions and Shockwave classes when he was still a trainer at Equinox). Not that I wouldn't expect the lululemon employees to find the latest and greatest workouts, instructors and trainers in the city, but their studio selection for the month of May has me dancing at my desk.

Lululemon chose Lateral Fitness, the posh River North boutique gym that opened in February and would easily land on my Top Gyms list if I were to create one. Lululemon not only named them the 'studio of the month' but the 'studio of the quarter' meaning Lateral will be highlighted from now until July and their yoga instructors will be leading the free Sunday yoga class at lulu's 900 N. Michigan location.

Yes! Bart Yasso Runs Chicago...Today!

The one time I did see Bart in Chicago with Team World Vision.

Sheesh! Bart Yasso, Chief Running Officer for Runner's World and the man behind those Yasso 800s we love to hate, is everywhere today. Everywhere close to home, that is.

I've joked that I'll miss Bart by a day when he's been running in the Windy City, but this time I have no excuse. Even if I don't run today (I'm following orders and not running until Friday to help my ailing leg), I can't miss the twice-in-one-day opportunity to see one of running's most recognizable names, especially when it's an open-invite for both. Actually, I take that back. I can miss it if I read the times wrong like I've already done with Lululemon's track workout--I swear it said 6:30 p.m. when I looked at it last night but it was at 6:30 a.m. And where was I? Sleeping.


Being that I've already missing both of the Lululemon events--the Rush and Walton store hosted Bart last night at their fun run and this morning for a track workout that I'm sure included Yassos--I have one last chance to catch Bart in Chicago. He'll be in Lakeview tonight to hang with the Luna Chix at Universal Sole's Wednesday Women Fun Run. I'm drilling it into my head now: run at 6:30 p.m., talk at 7:30 p.m., run at 6:30, talk at 7:30.

Maybe he can offer me a healing mantra for my leg? Or advice on pushing through the pain like he's has to do in races? Here's to hoping.

I Spy...a Lululemon Sale

You know something has to be big when a Twitter account is created for it. That's exactly what Lululemon expected of its warehouse sale when the company created the Twitter handle @lululemonWHUS. And big is only half of it.

Lululemon's no stranger to hosting massive sales, but this is the first time that such an event is hitting the U.S. But not just anywhere, the lululemon athletica Warehouse Sale opens in Chicago on January 27 at 9 a.m. and runs until 9 p.m. on January 29. Granted it requires a trek out to Rosemont to take advantage of the slashed prices and piles of products--and either paying for parking or the El to reach the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center--but it sounds like it's worth it. As long as the discounts are more than 25 percent off--I passed up a pair of pants at Core Power Yoga because $73.50 was still too much for me to spend. And as long as it's somewhat controlled chaos. With the Facebook attendee list pushing 5,000 and counting, that's a lot of people to push through, no matter how good their pants make your butt look. But it sounds like lululemon has addressed all my fears, provided I can tolerate being patient in line. That's manageable considering the payoff of new workout gear. Hooky-worthy, too!

What's your plan of attack at the warehouse sale?


Photo grabbed from lululemon athletica at flickr.

Wednesday Workout...with Allison English

What does your typical Wednesday workout call for? Is it a swim, a bike or a run? How about some Pilates or yoga? Or do you take hump day off as a breather from whatever you put yourself through Thursday through Tuesday? Whatever the case, Chicagoans want to tune in for this suggestion. It's Yoga in the Park--Lincoln Park's Oz Park, to be exact--and it's taking place tomorrow, June 15, from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. Allison English, yogi extraordinaire from Equinox Fitness Clubs, is teaming up with Lululemon's Halsted Street store to lead aspiring and routine yoga enthusiasts through an hour-long session.

English leads packed classes at Equinox Lincoln Park--trust me, I've seen the masses spilling out of the studio--and teaches in a way that makes you embrace rather than shy away from yoga. I've only sampled about 30 minutes of her classes while learning about other Equinox offerings, but as a usually scared, completely inflexible attendee, she explained all the postures with easy-to-understand cues and knew how to make yoga fun. She also makes you wish you could be as flexible as she is--but that, I know, is something that would only happen in my dreams as I can barely touch my toes, and that's cheating with bent knees.

If the lure of an outdoor workout isn't enough, here are two more reasons to attend: Class is free and Lululemon is bringing the mats. Perfect for anyone who either doesn't have a mat or doesn't want to spend the rest of the evening cleaning dirt off hers (that would be me).

But one thing to keep in mind is that Yoga in the Park might turn into Yoga in the Store if today's weather doesn't carry through to tomorrow. If it's nice, meet at the Dorothy statue in Oz Park. If it's inclement weather, meet at Lululemon Halsted, 2104 N. Halsted. Not sure? Call the store at 773-883-8860. Or if you can't make it, there's always next week. Yoga in the Park is every Wednesday at Oz Park, same time but different instructor. The 22nd brings Allison Powel to the mat and the 29th brings Cory from CorePower Yoga's newest location in Roscoe Village.

Photo grabbed from yogabyallison.com.

Oprah's Fit Ultimate Favorite Things

Either Oprah Winfrey has dreams of working out when her show's final season wraps in a few months, or she recognizes sporty comfort when she sees it. And with the media mogul's stamp of approval, two active brands, Lululemon and Nike, are only going to become more popular now that they've made her final Ultimate Favorite Things list (her show is going bye-bye next year). Among the 22 items guests received at the taping of her annual Favorite Things episode (part one was revealed on Friday and more are in store come Monday) were Lululemon's Relaxed Fit pants and pairs of Nike Free Run+ shoes. Let's just say BIG, GIANT LIKE.

I already went ga-ga over the Nike Free shoes earlier this year--I caught myself doing it again the other night when my friend wore hers. Minimalist design to mimic barefoot running builds running strength with compromising comfort, support and traction. And when you can choose from a variety of colors, you're bound to find a color combination you like enjoy to wear the Frees on and off the running route. Why does Oprah like them? "It's the next best thing to being barefoot," she says.

Now my eyes can spot the Lululemon insignia from a mile away and I'm surrounded by it--I swear--every time I go to yoga. I might feel like the odd woman out in since my down-dog go-to's consist of Nike, Under Armour, Adidas and Moving Comfort, and my only Lulu pants have probably been out of style for at least two years--a never-in-the-yoga-studio pair I snagged on sale before Lululemon expanded to within walking distance of my house. I only wish that my closet could handle more of their items (sorry but at $98 a pop, my wallet has to take a pass--it's cringing) like those drawstring pants or the Scuba Hoodie. But I've got one question: why did she choose the the Relaxed Fit Pant over the Still Pant? Same price, same four-way stretch fabric that's a Lululemon signature, same appealing drawstring. Must be the back zipper pocket to safe-hold keys and ID and the waist design that can flatter any rear. With the option to roll it low or wear it high, depending on your best assets, these pants apparently provide the illusion of a smaller behind. And what's not to love about that? And Oprah thought so too, saying, "Anything that cuts your butt in half should be your favorite thing too!"

OK, OK, so I ogled over the cruise trip and the big screen TV--and my mouth watered at the sight of the mac and cheese--but to see these fitness finds among the big ticket items was a huge plus. And a bit of a surprise to follow a panini press, a pan of decadent brownies and that so-called best mac and cheese, items that can pack on the pounds instead of parting with them. But if Oprah likes them, they must be good. Right?


Photo courtesy of Nike.

Fit-Event: Home's Not Too Bad This Winter Weekend

Sorry, folks, I've got Chicago on the brain on this one. I've got a husband on call this weekend, a friend skiing in Park City (I'm so jealous), my first Saturday of the year where I finally have a less hectic schedule that allows for more play time, and there's no snow to keep me busy outside with my snowshoes. With a snowstorm in the east, the Olympics in preparations in the west, the Super Bowl in the south, it's easy to say there are many milestones in the two days ahead. Here in Chicago one would think there isn't much going on for the weekend since these other geographic corners of the continent are garnering far more attention. But on the contrary, there are plenty of activities to keep the body moving without straying too far from home.

Cycle for Survival. Grab your cycling shoes and head to Equinox in the Loop for this fundraiser running from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 6. The fitness center will turn into spin central with 100 teams of up to eight people pedaling to raise money for Memorial Sloan-Kettering Center. When participants aren't riding, they can enjoy yoga, stretching and more (Berry Chill will be on hand to help refuel the cyclists, too). Read more details about the event here or make a donation at cycleforsurvival.org.

CorePower Yoga. Throughout the year, CorePower Yoga offers targeted programs from teacher training to yoga bootcamp. While Boot Camp gets underway on Sunday, Feb. 7, the Gold Coast location is previewing its Live Lean program on Saturday, Feb. 6, at 10:30 a.m. The 10:30 a.m. slot is usually reserved for a yoga sculpt class, but instead of paying for yoga, you can check out the Live Lean program for free. But check the schedule online before you go--earlier in the week the LiveLean session was listed but five minutes ago, the class appears to have switched back to yoga sculpt. If that's the case, stay tuned for other freebie previews.

lululemon athletica. Yoga, and now running, reigns supreme at Lululemon, not only with the clothes offered but within the store's community. At the four stores in Chicago--900 N. Michigan, Rush and Walton, Bucktown, and Lincoln Park--there's plenty to do all weekend. Check the stores' calendars for details but know that you can join the running club at 900 N. Michigan on Saturday mornings, participate in community yoga on Sundays, a cardio class at Rush and Walton.

Rowfit. This indoor rowing and training studio just opened on February 1 and provides a place to train in the West Town area of the city, 1064 N. Milwaukee. If you've never rowed before, don't despair. Not only is it easy to learn, but it's a great exercise that works the entire body. It's hard to pass up attending at least once--the first class is free. Also, stay tuned for more information about this new facility in an upcoming post.

These are only a few highlights to keep you busy before the Super Bowl rolls around Sunday night. Check out REI and Fleet Feet for a few other options, or this calendar of events. Photo provided by Equinox and Cycle for Survival. Posted by Kate

I'm Loving Me Some Retail Expansion

Not to go all local once again, but this one is for those of us in the Windy City. And among all the economic woes that the country seems to be facing between magazines and newspapers shuttering their doors, restaurants disappearing to be replaced by new concepts or gone altogether, and jobs vanishing faster than ever, this was the one glimmer of hope spotted on the building front close to home. Not to mention it's some good shopping news amid the Borders on Michigan Avenue closing, Victoria's Secret moving into Water Tower Place from its current digs in a stand-alone store sandwiched between Borders and Filene's Basement (and just south of H&M, too), and Pottery Barn already closing its Magnificent Mile store and focusing on its business on North Avenue. While this news isn't on the mass scale like some of these behemoths, I'm at least more excited about it since it brings more Lululemon to downtown and that more my cup of tea.

I was excited when I read in the Crain's Chicago Real Estate Daily that Lululemon was expanding in Chicago. And not only are they planning to add another downtown location, but this one is even closer to my house so I'll have more reason to frequent the spot. I've always liked the enticement of free yoga and other classes like last week's boot camp, but yes, I usually pass it up in favor of a workout that doesn't involve battling traffic--cars and pedestrians--on the Mag Mile to get there. Silly, I know, but sometimes I'm all about convenience. The new spot is rumored to be opening in the Gold Coast neighborhood at 930 N. Rush Street, a location formerly occupied by a Gino's pizzeria, at the corner of Rush and Walton. Granted this new location is only steps west of its 900 N. Michigan store, but it sounds like Lululemon is hoping to expand and grow in the larger, stand-alone space. I'm thrilled for the developments already. Photo grabbed from Tiger Mask. Posted by Kate

Make It a Lululemon Day

If you haven't been able to tell from some of my previous posts, I'm a sucker for freebies, especially of the fitness and food variety. Discounts and sales are great too, but finding free deals are my favorite. And lately I've been on the hunt for new classes to amp up my fitness regime. While this deal is a Chicago special--especially for those living in Lincoln Park--a little web searching can turn up some events in an area near you because this store is all about customer education in addition to the merchandise up for sale.

If you're looking to get a workout in tonight and need it to be new and breaking from your normal routine, try visiting Lululemon Athletica's Lincoln Park location at 2104 N. Halsted. Kicking off at 6:30 p.m., the store will be hosting a boot camp workout taught by Lululemon ambassador Mike Thomson of Core Fitness. I'm penny-pinching and searching for things on the cheap and this event is free, plus you'll find an assortment of nibbles to munch on after the butt-kicking boot camp. Trust me, you'll get a workout from this class. With a combination of bodyweight plyometrics, strength drills, cardio moves and an ab blast, the soreness will set in after you wake up those tiny core muscles that have been resting all winter, or forever. But at least your muscles can scream at you while you sit through the rest of the program which includes a lecture on how testosterone and estrogen affect our bodies. So guys, this workout is for you too.

OK, so you're not in Chicago or you just can't make it to Lululemon tonight? If you have a Lululemon store in your area, check out the community page online and look for fun events happening near you. Many stores regularly offer free yoga or Pilates over the weekend taught by area instructors, or you'll find more boot camp-type activities. Photo grabbed from BTB Fitness. Posted by Kate