MAKE SWEAT SEXY @305fitness NYC

You should know by now that I’m a sucker for being INSPIRED.  Anytime I discover a new fitness format or fitness leader who makes me want to work harder, be healthier or simply have more fun, I’m eager to share ASAP.  Well this is certainly the case with Sadie Kurzban (@SadieKurzban) – a girl after my own heart.  Just graduating from Brown University, she took the plunge and started her own fitness company in NYC – 305 Fitness.  This girl has some serious passion, drive and focus.  At the ripe age of 23 she is doing it BIG!  When I was 23…hmmm, let’s not go there 😉

Sadie strives to bring some “Miami Heat” to NYC through her hot, sweaty, sexy 305 fitness workout.  She invited me to attend a class last week, so I wanted to share my experience first hand.

 (above) Sadie on the right & @DJBourgeois strikin’ a pose after our sweaty workout

So let me start off by saying that I’m NOT a great dancer.  My little sister is essentially a professional dancer and always teases me about how “stiff” I am.  Going into the 305ftiness workout I was a little self-conscious, not gonna lie.  Fortunately most of the people in the class were girls around my age and all very cool and friendly.  I was able to loosen up pretty quickly because everyone else was so easy going and Sadie did great job of setting a fun and welcoming atmosphere.  Also, the dim lighting and glow sticks let me “escape” to a “Miami” dance club where I had a free reign to bust a move 😉

Here are my hot facts about 305fitness…

  • Duration: about 1 hour
  • Format: Cardio dance workout – Hip Hop, Latin dance & little kick boxing, no resistance training
  • Intensity: Moderate – High; you can control how hard you push but def expect to sweat a lot!
  • Cool Stuff: Dark room with disco ball, glow sticks and live DJ on the 1’s and 2’s – yeah buddy!
  • Venue: Various dance studios and venues around NYC – totally a “pop up” fitness class
  • Price: High – you have to pay $20-30 per class. There’s a Living Social deal running to buy a package of classes.  305 was also featured in Daily Candy so keep your eyes peeled for more deals!
  • Website: http://www.305fitness.com/

Overall, I had a great workout, great time and met some great people.  I highly recommend checking out a class if you’re in NYC and wanna get your sexy, sweaty swag on!

(above) Me at my first 305fitness class – it was a blast!

Get to know Sadie!

305 fitness founder and your workout leader

What does GRIT mean to you?

For me, GRIT is all about the fiery commitment towards becoming the best version of yourself that you can be. It’s not about being better than the person next to you on the treadmill or on the sidewalk. GRIT is about pushing your own limits to become the very best you.

What made you pursue a career in fitness?

The best part about my job is that I get to help others reach their goals. I’ve always been fascinated by the magic in connecting with others and coaching them through a challenge. If I weren’t doing this, I think I would be a middle school teacher – it’s such an awkward age and those kids are like play-dough: dying for someone to come in and leave a big impression.

When someone tells me that she lost 40 pounds and kept it off or another person tells me my classes were the only thing that helped them get through a painful breakup, I feel like I’m living my life’s purpose. Being able to stay in shape is an added bonus to my job but what I love most about my work is helping others.

What song always gets you going?

“Heart of a Lion” by Kid Cudi

What exercise makes you feel sexiest and why?

Pushups. I know that sounds ridiculous. But there is something so sexy about a woman doing military style push-ups.

What do you say to motivated when you’re completely exhausted?

I don’t let the debate start because once I do, I know which voice in my head will win (the lazy one!). There are so many reasons to not work out or to not eat right. I try not to give myself a choice by planning ahead. Before going to bed, I lay my sneakers and gym clothes right next to my bed so I don’t give myself an opportunity to have an inner debate. Like Nike says, “Just do it.” Once I go to the gym, I always end up feeling better and it usually gives me a second wind of energy.

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Who’s that bada** Under Armour chick?

Meet my friend and honorary GRIT Girl,

Natalie Uhling

www.natalieuhlingfitness.com

I met Natalie about 1 year ago when I was staffed on an 18 month assignment in NYC.  I started going to her Turbo Kick classes just after falling in love with the format and becoming a certified instructor myself.   After taking just one of her classes, I was HOOKED!  She has energy that is absolutely unreal  and she always looks so good while working out – damn girl!  I always try to match her  enthusiasm and passion when teaching my own Turbo Kick classes in Dallas.

(below) Me and Natalie goofing around after Turbo Kick last Saturday 

Not only is she an awesome fitness instructor, she’s also the fresh, fierce face of Under Armour Women!  Natalie proves that GRIT is BEAUTIFUL.  She inspires me – so today, Natalie is officially an honorary GRIT Girl!

If you live in NYC, you should def check out one of her classes.  Natalie teaches Turbo Kick at 24 Hour Fitness – Midtown and Megaformer Pilates at SLT.   All of her classes exude energy, are tons of fun and SUPER challenging.  CLICK HERE to see her weekly schedule.  You’ll also appreciate Natalie’s authenticity and genuine spirit.  Not only that, but she works her BUTT off in EVERY class.  I’m talkin’ sweat puddles on the floor – this girl is not messin’ around!

So now I’m sure you guys are asking the same questions I was about this  super fit model chick.  Here are Natalie’s answers to some of those questions:

What are your top 5 tricks to looking good while working out?

  1. Wear your hair in a high messy ponytail.
  2. Accessories with an Under Armour headband.
  3. Wear great leggings!
  4. Make sure your sneakers are colorful.
  5. Wear a neon colored sports bra … it makes you feel full of energy!

Describe your diet? Any tips you want to share?

I am a Pescetarian. Basically what that means is I am a vegetarian that also eats fish. As far as diet goes … try to eat as clean as you can! Eat for your body and most importantly listen to your body’s needs.

What you do recommend as the right mix of weekly cardio and resistance training/toning workouts?

I honestly don’t think there is a magic number or workout formula, everyone is different. It is important to listen to your body and do what you are craving. The more you are in touch with your body the better you will feel.

What song always get you going?

Right now it has to be “Clique” – Kanye West, Jay- Z & Big Sean!

What exercise makes you feel strongest and why?

Turbo Kick! It makes me feel like a bada** every time I teach because it is super intense! I am all about INTENSITY!

What do you tell yourself to stay motivated when your completely exhausted?

I think about all my students who have been waiting all day to come take class! It gets me excited and motivates me every time. My students are my motivation.

What advice would you give to someone who is just starting to work out?

Start slow and gradually build up! The last thing you want is to get hurt. Also, find a workout that inspires you and gets you excited about exercise.

What does GRIT mean to you?

GRIT is about inspiring others to lead a healthy and positive life.  GRIT gives you tools that will help you be successful in your everyday life.

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Urban Wandering

This weekend I went to NYC to hang with some friends and scope out the scene. I’ve been contemplating a move from the Big D to the Big Apple over the past few weeks. That said my friends labeled this trip as my “official recruiting” visit.

On Saturday morning I hit up the Derek Jeter 24 Hour Fitness in Midtown to get my usual 2-hour Saturday detox on. I had a sick Turbo Kick workout my girl Natalie (follow her @natalieughling) – one of my favorite NYC group fitness instructors and also the new face of Under Armor Women. After that, I did my 1st full-hour TRX Suspension Training class = KILLER CORE WORK and body weight resistance training. I felt nice and tight for the remainder of the weekend. I highly recommend you give it a whirl.

While wandering the Urban Jungle I hit up a street market in West Village, a roof top party near Gramercy Park, The Ramble and Alice’s Tea Cup in Central Park (you must try the pumpkin/caramel scone) and finally a b-day brunch/Soul Parade in Harlem. Let’s just say, this was a successful “recruiting visit” …

I’m feeling refreshed and optimistic for the week ahead. Here are some of my personal photos for you to peruse. Enjoy and Happy Monday 🙂

West Village impromptu “photo shoot”

(rockin’ my Hadliegh’s Bespoke slippers – constant movement is key)

Roof Top Action

Happiest birthday to my buddy Matt (@mattsalz)

Harlem Shakin’

Happy Birthday to my girl Charlotte (co-founder of www.teamfnom.com – check them out!)

All good things must come to an end…

Toppin’ off the weekend with a cup of Joe on my way home

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