exercise Archives - Amy Hirsch

Exercise Space

Your exercise room can have a decorative element and still be highly functional.

When choosing an area of the home to use as exercise space, so many people go with a basement room. I much prefer the idea of getting out of the basement and into a more engaging, inviting part of the home.

An exercise space should be an environment with plenty of light, not a sheet rock box. If you plan for an an exercise room ahead of time, when building or remodeling, you can curate an area that’s derivative of the rest of the home. Your exercise room can have a decorative element and still be highly functional.

Nice mix of materials in this exercise space. From Elle Decor.

Stepping into a great space makes you feel motivated and inspired. Being healthy and fit is all about feeling good. A great exercise space enhances that experience. Rather than retreat to a forgotten room, create a workout area that you always wan

Exercise in a space you enjoy! From Architectural Digest.

Minimalist design makes the most of the scenery. From Architectural Digest.

My Fitness Routine

I make fitness a priority in my life for a few reasons.

I make fitness a priority in my life for a few reasons. Not only do I appreciate the health aspect of staying physically fit, but I feel rejuvenated and full of positive energy after a good workout. Exercising clears my mind and helps me focus throughout the day. If I don’t stick to my routine, I feel completely off kilter. Working out preserves my sanity and, now that I have children, sets a good example for maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

fitness routine 7 — Consistency is so important.

fitness routine 6 — My focus is on health and fitness.

fitness routine 3 — Whatever you do to stay fit, stick with it.

My own routine is consistent in timing even though each work out is unique. Three days a week, I work out with an amazing personal trainer: Bill Curcio of Curcio Training. I worked out with Bill religiously for a year before I got married. He once told me I’d stop coming to our regular sessions after my wedding, but I didn’t believe him. He was right though; life and work simply got in the way and for years I didn’t work with a trainer at all. However, a couple of years ago I committed to getting back into my previous routine and am again training with Bill. Three days a week at 5:30 a.m. we focus on interval training and Cross Fit. One morning each week, I’ll do a three mile run instead. I try to never do the same thing two days in a row, but use interval training, Tabata, and Cross Fit to focus on my core. The continuity I find in staying with this routine is a big part of my own personal wellness.

fitness routine 2 — Some interval training exercises.

In addition to having a consistent routine for working out, I also have preferences for fitness wear. I love Lululemon‘s workout clothes. They are comfortable, no fuss, and have a great fit. As with anything else in life, it’s a matter of liking what I know is right for me. One thing about Lululemon that you have to keep in mind is that once they sell out of a certain item, you can’t get it again. When you find something you really like, it’s best to stock up while you can! For shoes, I love New Balance. They are great for training and light running.

workout clothes 2 — Clarity Tank from Lululemon

What are your routines for staying healthy and fit?

Flywheel

A neighbor recently introduced me to Flywheel, which currently seems to be the hottest fitness option.

A neighbor recently introduced me to Flywheel, which currently seems to be the hottest fitness option. Flywheel Sports has a studio in Stamford’s Chelsea Piers sports complex and this was where I first experienced Flywheel.

For those of you not familiar with it, Flywheel is an intense indoor cycling experience. Each session lasts from 45 to 60 minutes and includes climbs and descents all while working your arms with weighted bars. During the class, momentum and enthusiasm are encouraged by unique playlists created by the instructors. An in-house DJ compiles the music which the instructors use to choreograph a different experience for each class. With the use of technology, Flywheel users can track their personal cycling stats to measure progress over time. It’s an intense, energizing way to work out, taking the stationary bike to an entirely new level.

The idea of Flywheel really appealed to me as something different. I wanted to try something new, especially because I hate running in cold weather. I’ve never cycled, but thought Flywheel would be a great new workout to add to my routine.

It was insanely hard and super intense. I had no idea what I was getting into and have never sweated so much in my life. I couldn’t wait for the class to be over — but I want to do it again! I was definitely out of my element but I don’t want to quit. I am determined to master Flywheel!

Another class offered by Flywheel Sports is FlyBarre. I haven’t tried this class yet and am a little nervous to take it on. FlyBarre is a body sculpting class that includes weight training, dance, and core strengthening exercises, all choreographed to energetic, fast-paced music.

What I like about Flywheel is the opportunity to test my endurance and push myself to new limits. I look forward to the challenge!

Are you trying out any new fitness routines this year?