SLT, The Best 50 Minutes of Exercise, Ever

"This is hard as sh*t," my best friend Adrienne grunted to me as we attempted to pull our knees to our chest in the most twisted plank position while on a reformer. Moving it in and out with our hands up on handle bars, the resistance wasn't all that I loved to hate. Her seventh class, my first.  She did it.  But I on the other hand, realized that while I may appear toned, I'm beyond weak.  Having never been on a reformer machine before, leave it to my BFF to encourage me not only to try it, but to test it out during an SLT class.

SLT = strengthen, lengthen, tone (until you die) is a megaformer workout studio.  Being that I take barre classes about five times a week, the workout seemed right up my alley and I was excited to challenge myself again with something different. Our instructor, Kaitlin, showed me the ropes of the reformer and through cardio, a bit of weight training and body sculpting through Pilates, every single muscle of my body was worked.  I was sweating.  Actually sweating and you know I only like to 'glisten.'

There were only six people in our class, but the studio can hold ten.  It's small, but spacious with mirror lined walls and windows looking over the city streets.  The class lasts 50 minutes and costs $40 if you pay individually.  However, they of course have packages that are more cost effective.  Despite the fact that I wasn't able to do everything, there were women in there who could, including my BFF. This is a fitness class that I now need in my lifestyle.

To view a schedule, visit sltnyc.com.

SLT Midtown is located at 41 W. 57th St., NYC and SLT Soho is at 132 Crosby St., NYC

Study Proves Pilates Pays Off, I'm In!

After a failed attempt at trying to prevent myself from over-indulging in the Thanksgiving feast my family had yesterday, I of course feel the need to hit the gym. However, I'm going to start trying to incorporate pilates classes into my weekly workouts.  Of course I want to burn off the stuffing (my brother, sister and I prefer Stovetop over homemade), but a strong, yet lean-toned body is my overall goal and the results of a recent study prove pilates is the way to go. In a recent study done by Dr. Julie Kloubec with Bastyr University in Kenmore, WA of 50 physically active people, half took pilates twice a week for an hour each time and the other half maintained their regular gym routine for a total of 12 weeks.

After the three month period, researchers found that the participants who took the pilates classes had a much greater increase in overall strength and flexibility than those who maintained their normal physical activity.  The pilates group was able to do 39 percent more sit ups and 47 percent more sit ups in a minute than the other group. Other physical activities were tested as well.  The pilates group even grew a centimeter in height!

Brooke Burke Dishes Her Guilty Pleasures

Last week around 3pm I was anxiously awaiting a call from Brooke Burke.  At 3:03 my phone rang and an apologetic Brooke immediately placed me on hold so she could quiet the kids.  The California based mother of four, model and co-host of Dancing with the Stars has landed herself yet another gig – a partnership with Suave, encouraging women to indulge in themselves without feeling guilty.  Hey, why not? You wear so many hats, what's your favorite and how do you do it all?

Family comes first always.  I love what I do.  I'm so blessed to host DWTS, love blogging and find Modern Mom very therapeutic, but all of that is the icing on the cake beyond my family.  I feel all of my jobs compliment each other so I can do it all.

Do you have any advice for young entrepreneurs?

Yes, set reasonable goals.  Write a bucket list of everything you want to accomplish.  I believe every woman should dream and have aspirations, but after writing your list start chipping away at them.

You always look stunning on DWTS.  What's your secret?

Less is more for me, but I love Cellceuticals, topical vitamin C's, a good gloss and mascara.

Have you always been into fitness?  What's the secret behind your beach body?

I do Pilates Plus, eat very healthy and believe in small, smart meals.  I've always been into fitness and have learned what works for my body and lifestyle.  It's all about taking out time for yourself, too.  As a mother, others come first, but you can't lose your sense of self.

How does that relate to your partnership with Suave?

That's why I was excited to partner with Suave.  Their campaign is all about "me time," which can be just ten minutes a day, even just enjoying your simple shower and making it luxurious with one of their body washes.  I make sure to take time out for myself to do things like work out.  It's all about being organized and making the time.

(You can visit the Suave Facebook page to enter their Smart Splurge Contest).

What's your guiltiest pleasure?

Cooking is my ultimate escape.  I love going to farmers markets and making salsas and sauces.  It's theraputic.  With four children and a family of six, the kitchen is my conference room.  I drink wine, red is my favorite, and light candles.

The Proof is in Pilates

Have you ever taken pilates? Besides strengthening your core and arms it also helps to increase your overall flexibility. When I was younger I used to take the classes regularly and let me tell you, they are vigorous!  However, proof is in the pudding and they are well worth it. In a recent study of 50 physically active people, half took pilates twice a week for an hour each time and the other half maintained their regular gym routine for a total of 12 weeks.

After the three month period, researchers found that the participants who took the pilates classes had a much greater increase in overall strength and flexibility than those who maintained their normal physical activity.  The pilates group was able to do 39 percent more sit ups and 47 percent more sit ups in a minute than the other group. Other physical activities were tested as well.  The pilates group even grew a centimeter in height!

There’s no reason to give up your regular workout for pilates, but a class or two a week would be a great add on.  You can even do them in your own living room and follow instructors on demand or youtube.