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...

NOW is the time to try Gyrotonics

Ok, if any of you have ever thought about trying Gyrotonics, now's is your chance!

Fluid Fitness in Midtown is offering a sweet deal for New Clients. You get TWO Private Training sessions (1 hour each) and ONE Migun Massage (15 minutes) all for only $80. The value of this is $180.

Man, it's too bad I already work out here. I have visions of going into the studio in disguise and using an alias just so I can take advantage of this offer. (Giggle)

And where did I leave off... Oh yes, my unexpected discovery Part 2

Well! With everyone visiting me this summer, it forced me to change my fitness schedule to free up my evenings. Therefore, I decided to work out on Tuesdays at lunch time and putting rebounding after work on hold. Ya HUH, I gave up my glorious class... So my gym buddy Kiki and I decided to give the 12:15 Spin class a try at NYSC on 38th street.

Well, I must say that the instructor well..... he turned out to be an unexpected discovery. I've taken many spin classes with instructors who all had one thing in common and that was to make you ride as hard as possible and/or push you as hard as possible. (There's even an instructor that Kiki and I take once in a blue that is downright cranky and we take the class whenever we want a giggle.) As a result eventually, the class would start to wear on me and I would give it up.

Well NOT Kevin, his mantra is that you should walk out of the class feeling like you can take another class!! How freaking refreshing is that??? I loved it. A gentle, effective, sweaty workout with a trainer whose got a fanstastic sense of humor and reminds us that we are all just trying to work off the Ben and Jerry's and who actually walks around the studio checking on people's form and making sure their bikes are adjusted properly. A super spin instructor I say!

Though I am back to rebounding after work. He is my permanant Tuesday backup!

Boy did I take a summer vacation

My summer exploded with out of town family and friends visiting and the hurricane did not stop until early September, but now I am baaaaaccckkkk and looking forward to keeping ya'll updated on the cool happenings.