Forget the Giants vs Redskins Kick off. Have your own Fitness Kickoff

Ok, the title of this entry was inspired by my viewing my first EVER football kickoff game when my gym buddy Amanda asked me if I wanted see the game with her at a sports bar. It was my first ever football game ever in its entirety. (I know the occasional glancing at the screen while munching on Super bowl nibbles doesn't count.)

Anyways, while riding out the wave of summer guests, I clung to the notions that once the waters had stilled, I would definitely need to do something special to get my booty back in gear with working out AND, I would make sure that I took some time away,

I looked at fitness retreats/spas and couldn't justify spending the money. SO, I decided to have my own Fall Fitness kickoff and design my own retreat!! After some deliberations, I decided to hit the very cosmopolitan and international Montreal. (I wanted to feel like I was in Europe and had already been to Quebec City, so I knew the province of Quebec would not let me down!) I booked my hotel in Old Montreal where historical landmarks, sublime architecture and cobbled stoned streets abound!

My next step was to find a workout studiot. I was open to either yoga and/or pilates classes. After much research, I happened upon Spa Zazen, a wellness center located within a 10 minute walk from my hotel. Even better they offered New Client Starter Package and I got 3 private machine classes for only 120 CAD!! You would NEVER find that rate in New York. I also booked an affordable (65 CAD) one hour massage. The owner Jennifer was a gem in helping me make coordinate my appointments.

Upon entering Spa Zazen, I knew I made the right choice. The exposed bricks, wooden floors and abundance of light lent the center a wonderful, tranquil energy. My trainer Natalie Fitzpatrick was awesome and delightful. And she's actually the ONLY certified Yamuna Body Rolling practioner in Montreal! (Ya'll may recall that I had Yamuna sessions in the Spring that I really enjoyed.) I was soo happy to have Natalie kick my butt as I woke up my muscles which had been on snooze. Even as the muscles ached, I remembered why the pilates reformer is one of my favorite fitness apparatuses.

The day of my final session, I had a swedish massage that was the cherry on top of the sundae and walked out feeling so light on my feet. During my "retreat", I also made sure to eat well and "detoxed". I also did sooo much walking and sitting around and people watched.

So, if any of you fell off the fitness bandwagon, I encourage you to have your own Fall Fitness Kickoff. You don't necessarily have to leave the city, but the weather is cooler now and is prime for outdoor activities. Gyms and studios to revamp the fitness schedules, so look and see if any new classes have been added on to pique your interest.

NYSC Soho has a new Tuesday Zumba class that I am VERY curious about...