Workouts to Get You in Top Shape for Summer
With bikini season fast approaching, it’s time to get back in shape! I always like to change up my fitness routine to keep it exciting and try new classes. Even with all the new exercise options out there, I have my faves that are challenging and effective. Whether you’re stuck in a fitness rut or just looking to try something different, check out my picks for some of the best exercise classes to get you swimsuit-season ready.
Core Fusion at Exhale Mind Body Spa
Core Fusion at Exhale Spa is my number one go-to workout. I’ve been doing it for so many years now…ever since the Lotte Berk days with Fred De Vito and Elisabeth Halfpapp who are now the Founders of Exhale. This amazing barre class gives you a full-body workout and focuses on the core. The workout really gets results by offering a variety of exercises that include many of the disciplines used in pilates, yoga and ballet. If you have never experienced it before, make sure to go to a beginner class. The workout never gets easier but I promise will change your body! Exhale Spa has locations all over the country.
Soul Cycle
It’s impossible to write a workout article without mentioning the ever-growing popularity of spin classes, especially SoulCycle. These high-energy classes have a cult following and are a celeb favorite. They incorporate cardio cycling with core work and light weights to build upper body strength, all in a zen environment. The inspirational instructors are motivational and have some of the best music playlists in town. Studios are popping up everywhere in New York and LA.
Barry’s Bootcamp
Bootcamp classes are another fitness trend and Barry does it best with his challenging mix of extreme cardio (running on a treadmill) alternating with heavy weight work. This fave of Kim Kardashian and Katie Couric claims to be “the best workout in the world” and after trying it, I would agree that it was one of the toughest workouts ever! I think a great class for die-hard exercise enthusiasts or people who are in serious training mode. Studios are located in New York, California, Tennessee, and even Europe.
Zumba at Alvin Ailey
It sure is a treat to work out right at the Alvin Ailey theater in one of their dance studios. This Zumba class has a huge NYC following that includes dancers and broadway actors as well as anyone who wants to have fun while following the dance routines of famed instructor Ben Byrd. This latin-inspired blend of dance and cardio is a blast, although I did feel like I had two left feet compared to some the regulars in the class.
405 W. 55th Street (at 9th Avenue)
New York, NY 10019
212-405-9000
Punch Fitness
Punch Fitness Center is a one-on-one personal training center that offers the ultimate physical challenge through kickboxing, boxing, and weight training (yes…it is a killer, no joke)! The complete body workout combines aerobic and anaerobic exercise with calisthenics. Adelino da Costa, the founder and creator of Punch Fitness, was previously a professional boxer and trainer. He and his talented group of trainers will greatly improve your strength, endurance and cardiovascular fitness as you listen to upbeat tunes from West and South Africa. The intimate setting consists of cardio and cable machines, free weights, and a boxing area with a variety of punching bags and a 16X16 ft. boxing ring. The center welcomes children ages 7 and up to come in and train for fitness or for fun!
1015 Madison Avenue, Lower Level (Between 78th & 79th ST.)
New York, NY 10075
212-288-2375
30 Things We’re Looking Forward to in the Hamptons
As Editor in Chief of Gotham and Hamptons Magazines, Samantha Yanks is the authority for what’s hot and new in the Hamptons. If you’re heading out East this weekend or any time this summer, check out her fab picks for what to do, see and eat. Be sure to bookmark this one! xxMelissa
Retail:
Marie Eiffel
8 Grand Avenue, Shelter Island Heights
Marie’s simple designs have complex meaning. The best-selling Jackie shirt was inspired by the plight of sex trafficking slaves. A portion of the sale of each shirt is donated to the Katie Ford organization to combat sex trafficking.
Everything But Water
66 Newtown Lane, East Hampton
Boardwalk floors and cabana fitting rooms make you feel like you’re already at the beach. Browse through racks of swim and resortwear by Lisa Curran, Eberjay and Shoshanna in a “laid-back yet lux” environment.
C. Wonder
5 Main Street, Southampton
Open from Memorial Day to Labor Day, this pop-up will be more than just a store. There will be ice cream socials every Saturday afternoon and live DJs and dance parties every Saturday and Sunday.
Ruby and Jenna
78 Main Street, Sag Harbor
Young shoppers will find reasonably priced clothes in a high-end environment. New merchandise arrives daily, so they’re always stocked with the newest trends, from colored denim to high low dresses.
James B. Fairchild
619 Hampton Road, Southampton
The store’s stunning décor is only the beginning of the unique finds this store has to offer. Everything they sell is one-of-a-kind, like the fabulous vintage Hermes and Chanel accessories.
Topshop
Montauk
The one-day only pop-up party is back! Topshop is headed back to Montauk after the success of last summer’s blink-and-you’ll-miss-it pop-up store. The shopping extravaganza will be held on July 28th at Ruschmeyer’s.
Nili Lotan
38 Main Street, East Hampton
The new store, opening Memorial Day weekend, aims to be a little piece of TriBeCa in the Hamptons. We hear they are planning special summer items that will be more colorful than the neutral palette Nili is known for.
Bespoke Global
46 Jobs Lane, Southampton
The high-end home furnishing pop-up will feature pieces by international artisans, rotating until Labor weekend. Products from their exclusive collection, Be:Sotted, will be on display, and as the name suggests, all are fully customizable.
