fitness 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.

CST 50

My friend Felice Marcy and her business partner Annabel Marisca opened a fitness studio called CST 50 that fits all of my criteria for a really great workout.

I’ve talked before about the role of fitness in my life, as both a way to take care of myself, stay focused, and provide an example for my daughters. I like to mix up my fitness routine with cross training, running, and other effective workouts. I’m always excited to find something new that is interesting and challenging, especially when it’s being done by someone I know. My friend Felice Marcy and her business partner Annabel Marisca opened a fitness studio called CST 50 that fits all of my criteria for a really great workout.

The CST in the studio name stands for Cardio, Strengthen, and Transform, while the 50 indicates the 50 minute workout session that makes up each class. Classes at CST 50 feature an innovative piece of equipment called the Megaformer. Invented by certified weight and Pilates trainer Sebastian Lagree, the Megaformer uses resistance and counter-resistance for a workout that challenges your entire body.

Felice and Annabel have known each other for a long time; they went to high school together in Greenwich and had careers in finance. They commuted to the city together for years, but both maintained an interest in fitness that started when they were young. Felice took a Megaformer class in the city and quickly noticed how it changed her body from the inside out, improving her strength in ways that she could easily see in the mirror. She appreciated how the workout was easy on her joints, too. When she and Annabel started talking about making family-friendly career changes, they decided to bring the Megaformer to Darien where they are both raising young families. Together they opened CST 50 and their passion for the benefits of the Megaformer workout continue to inspire people to achieve new levels of fitness.

Felice refers to the Megaformer as a deconstructed Pilates machine, but makes it clear the benefits far outweigh other fitness routines. The Megaformer stimulates and engages muscle groups so that you immediately start to sweat. It is an intense, but safe, workout that can easily be modified for people with injuries or joint problems, but also grows with you as your fitness level improves. The core benefits of a workout with the Megaformer are enormous. No other workout engages your core during the entire routine, making it an efficient way to achieve a highly effective workout in under an hour. It’s ideal for people of all ages and fitness levels. While some men may look at the Megaformer and think it is a Pilates style workout more suited for women, in reality it is just as challenging and highly effective for men. Felice and Annabel’s husbands both attend CST 50 classes about three times a week, finding it a time-effective way of keeping fit for the sports they enjoy.

All of the instructors at CST 50 are trained and certified in both movements and sequences on the Megaformer. To see a schedule of classes or learn more, visit the CST 50 website. You can also find them on Facebook and Twitter. Their 1 Year Anniversary is approaching, so keep an eye out for upcoming special events at CST 50!

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?

A Fit Lifestyle

I’m not an obsessive health nut, but I do love the way a good workout clears my head and energizes me for the day to come.

Each morning, I wake up early to exercise. I’m not an obsessive health nut, but I do love the way a good workout clears my head and energizes me for the day to come. Between my work and my family, my head is constantly buzzing away with things I need to do and remember. Running gives my mind a rest and focuses me like nothing else.

Besides running, I also do Cross Fit and circuit training so, overall, I feel strong to the core and ready to take on whatever challenges might come my way.

Also, I think it’s really important for my kids to see me making my workout a priority but not going overboard with crazy diets. In fact, you’re much more likely to see me enjoying a big steak than picking away at a salad!

For workout clothes, my favorite source is Lululemon. They are the best and have different styles all the time.

What’s your fitness routine, and how does it impact your lifestyle?