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Feb 4, 2016
All Posts· Gear & Shoes· Training Diaries

Lithe Method with New Balance Women

Lithe Method 2

It’s been quite awhile since I’ve done anything other than spin, run or lift weights. When training for a race, it’s good to be focused on doing the workouts that will lead you towards your goals. There shouldn’t be any randomness in training. Each training session should have a distinct purpose that will lead you towards your running specific goal.

Now that my specific running goal is to PR in a 10k in March, I have the freedom to mix up  my workouts without having to worry about messing up my training schedule. I’m excited to jump back into the fitness scene a bit this winter.

With so many fitness options available it’s easy to get caught up in the boutique fitness movement and want to take every single available class. Taking classes is fun, but learning how random classes fit or don’t fit into a training schedule is something most people don’t know how to manage well. Take too many classes and you aren’t doing enough running. Take a class you aren’t familiar with and you may end up injured or too sore to get the most out of your running workouts.

Read how I helped Kayla organize her fitness class schedule while training for the New York City Marathon.

New Balance Women

Recently, New Balance hosted a studio class workout to celebrate the launch of their new Studio Skins. I had the chance to test out new gear from the Spring 2016 line as well as experience out a Lithe Method class.

The Class: Lithe Method: a Cardio-Cheer-Sculpting® workout that utilizes resistance bands that hang from the ceiling and strap to your wrists for the cardiovascular portion of the class and a ballet barre for lower body strength training. The cardio portion of the class is cheerleading inspired, while the work at the barre includes high repetition variations of squats and lunges.

Where To Take it: Currently only in Philadelphia!

Who Taught Class: Lauren Boggi, founder Lithe Method

Did I like it?: First off, I know how cheesy it sounds to take a class based on cheerleading moves at the age of 40. Trust me,I wasn’t sure what I had gotten myself into. My lack of coordination is usually an issue in anything that requires choreography, but I was almost able to keep up during this class.

The “cheerleading” moves were mostly plyometric exercises including jump squats, jumping jack variations, mountain climbers and burpees that were combined into a short choreographed routine that included other moves like “driving the bus” (I have no idea if this is a real or made up move).

The leg work at the barre included 7 sets of single leg squat and lunge variations on each leg with sets of squat variations in-between the sets of single leg work.

I surprised myself by really enjoying the workout. If there were classes offered in NYC, I’d definitely go back.New Balance Women Spring 2016

The Gear: NB Women Spring/Summer 2016

Top –  Studio Cami: Fitted, deep-v top with a built-in shelf bra and adjustable straps. Cost: $37.99 (currently on sale) Thoughts: Initially, the deep v-made me uncomfortable, but paired with the right sports bra, I felt at ease. It did not ride up once during the workout and did not require any adjustments. Fits true to size.

Pullover – Sunrise Sweatshirt: Over-sized, boyfriend fit pullover sweatshirt with a slouchy collar. Cost: $74.99 Thoughts: I really like it! It’s long and cozy. Fits as expected. If you are between sizes go with the smaller size.

Pants: – Printed Perfomance Tight: a mid-rise tight with shirring at ankles. Cost: $84.99 Thoughts: The red print is a little outside my comfort zone, but these tights are extremely comfortable. The waistband isn’t too high or too low and it doesn’t give me a hint of muffin top. I’m wearing them as I type this. Fits true to size.

Shoes: – Studio Skins: created for barre, dance, pilates and any other studio class that typically doesn’t require shoes; phantom tape supports the foot and there is cushioning placed under the ball of the foot. Cost: $54.00 Thoughts: I love barefoot workouts and these are perfect for keeping your feet from slipping while giving you a bit of support. I’ll be wearing them to keep from slipping during my TRX sessions in my kitchen. Fits according to shoe size.

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Comments

  1. Kayla says

    February 4, 2016 at 2:01 am

    The poster child for marathon training with group fitness ha 🙂 So nice to see you for half a second last week

    Reply
    • Jess says

      February 6, 2016 at 2:10 pm

      Yes, it was great bumping into you!

      Reply
  2. Allie says

    February 4, 2016 at 10:18 pm

    This is so interesting! I love the little slipper shoes and just may have to get those for Barre.
    You look great in all the pictures. Love seeing your smiling face 🙂

    Reply
    • Jess says

      February 6, 2016 at 2:10 pm

      I think you would really like them!

      Reply

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I'm Jess Underhill, a certified run coach and freelance fitness writer. I experienced my first runner’s high when I was 13 and it had a profound impact on how I saw myself and this world. My mission in life is to help people chase down their personal bests and crush their goals so that they too, can change their perceptions. Read More…

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