Breast Cancer Awareness: Pink Products We Love
October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, and we are thrilled to see so many fashion and beauty brands doing their part to support the cause. We rounded up our top pink shopping picks and can’t wait to share them with you. Giving back never looked and felt so good!
ZINK hot pink bag, $645
An impeccably made Italian bag in a fabulously bold hot pink color. We love the classic style with an added pop of color! 25% of proceeds will be donated to the Susan G. Komen Foundation in the month of October!
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.
How-to Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle: Tips from Exhale Spa’s Nutrition Intuition
In the health and wellness world, March is the month dedicated to nutrition awareness and at exhale we decided to celebrate with a day of awareness entitled NUTRITION INTUITION.
I was joined by two of exhale’s healers: Laura Benge, our National Spa Director and Rachel Lustgarten, R.D. nutritionist, Keri Glassman, nationally recognized nutrition expert, Katie Lee, Cookbook author and lifestyle expert, and Jeremy Bearman, Executive Michelin- starred Chef of Rouge Tomate NYC for a panel discussion on how to incorporate good nutrition, simple cooking and tasty food into your life on a daily basis.
We spoke on the difficulties of maintaining a healthy lifestyle day to day and some takeaways on solving those challenges; tips like how to cook a nutritious meal in less time than ordering delivery! Prepare raw foods as soon as you bring them home from the market: clean the greens, wash the lettuce, chop the vegetables and store them in containers to be used during the week as dedicated meals or reliable sides for chicken or fish.
Keri made the point that a holistic lifestyle is key to a lean, sexy, happy body. And that it’s not just the food that you eat but your sleep, stress reduction techniques and peacefulness of your home space will all factor in to maximizing health and wellness. According to Keri, a spritz of lavender in the bedroom is a great start to a sleep worthy space! Katie suggested to start your week with a good nutrition plan and if you cheat a little on the weekend, you can start again on Monday. She also shared that preparing foods in advance, like boiling a pot of rice, quinoa or lentils, or steaming a bunch of broccoli and refrigerating are easy ways to stay on track.
New Year, New You! Giveaway
Celebrate the New Year and a fresh new you with a fantastic PageDaily giveaway! Enter here for your chance to win our fabulous giveaway stocked with health inspiring and fit goodies like Tanya Zuckerbrot F-Factor Book and Bars, a 3-Day Cooler Cleanse, 60 minute Fusion Massage from Exhale Spa, Bliss Spa products and much more!
Our New Year, New You giveaway package is valued over $1700 and includes:
• Tanya Zuckerbrot F-Factor Book & 3 flavor box of F-Factor bars
• Exhale Spa 60 Minute Fusion Massage
• Living Proof Restore Shampoo + Conditioner
• June Jacobs Masque, Balm + Hand & Foot Therapy
• Red Daisy Sports Bra + Capri
• Spa + Wellness Gift Card by Spa Week
• Stila Dream in Full Color Make-up Palette
• POP Phone Handset by Native Union
• Stephanie Johnson ML Traveler Make-Up Case
• Blake Brody In-Studio Footwear
Enter to win and invite your friends to increase your chances!
* Entering this contest will automatically subscribe you to PageDaily emails offering tips, tricks and product picks of celebrities and experts.
Beth Ostrosky Stern Supports Animal Rights with a Workout Fundraiser at Exhale Spa, Bridgehampton
Saturday, August 6th – Beth Ostrosky Stern and other animal-loving friends, including Katie Lee, hosted a fundraising workout event at Exhale Spa in Bridgehampton to benefit the Wildlife Rescue Center of the Hamptons. Supporting attendees experienced one of Beth’s favorite workouts (and mine), Core Fusion, taught by Exhale co-founders Elisabeth Halfpapp and Fred DeVito. The Wildlife Rescue Center is a not-for-profit corporation that operates a full-time professional wildlife hospital staffed by licensed rehabilitators, biologists, animal behaviorists, and volunteers.
” [My husband] Howard and I love the Hamptons so much and the most beautiful part for us is the wildlife that surrounds us. I feel that it is our responsibility to help animals that are sick or hurt. We’ve pretty much taken over their natural habitats, so that’s the least we can do. I have been calling the wildlife rescue of the Hamptons for years when we’ve witnessed animals in distress. Their center is in Hampton Bays and the work they do there is just phenomenal. When an animal is in need of help, I ask that everyone call the Wildlife Rescue Center immediately. They arrange for transport for the animal to come back to the center for evaluation and medical assistance, and when the animal is better, they will release him into the environment in which he was found,” Beth said at the event.
Scott Cohen, Bruno, Beth Stern and Melissa Meyers
I was so touched by Beth’s story…
“Last summer we found a deer in our lawn. She was obviously a Mama Deer because she was lactating. It looked like she had been hit by a car and found her way to our lawn. I called wildlife rescue immediately and they came to our home and transported her back to their facility. She was lying comfortably in a secluded area at the center. There was a fawn who came into the center a week prior and was emaciated and would not accept milk from a bottle. This fawn was in the same area as my Mama Deer and overnight something magical happened. The baby was feeding off of my deer! The baby continued to feed off of her until she was strong and healthy. The sad part of the story is that the momma deer didn’t make it, but the fawn ended up getting released into her natural habitat shortly after, due to the Mama Deer feeding her. Nature amazes me! So, whether you see a turtle run over by a lawn mower, a hurt or sick bird on the beach, an opossum by the side of the road, a deer stuck in a fence, or a squirrel or a fox in trouble, etc., please call The Wildlife Rescue Center at 631-728-4200. Let’s save some animals!”
For more information or to make a donation, visit wildliferescuecenter.org
The annual Wildlife Rescue Center cocktail event is August 20th in Southampton. Check the website for more details.
Top photo: Beth Stern, Elisabeth Halfpapp, Fred DeVito and Katie Lee
Amazing Exercise Classes in NYC and Tips from Fitness Gurus
There are so many workouts to choose from these days so how do you pick the best one for you? If working out feels like a huge chore, then you have not found the right one. Exercise should be fun and exhilarating and the endorphin release is a natural high (I always joke that it keeps me out of therapy). My associate Caitlin and I recently tried four new workouts in NYC that we think are worth sharing. Try them all one time for FREE and see what works for you! If you don’t live in NY, read below for great tips from some of the best fitness experts and ideas of how you can do some of these exercises at home.
xx Melissa
As One: Group Workout to Accelerate your Metabolism and Burn Fat
As One Fitness is probably one of the toughest workouts I have experienced–it pushed me to reach my physical potential through a variety of group exercises that use a combination of external resistance apparatus such as sand bags, ropes, and the AK27 bench (this is a bench with a heavy weight at the end where you hold it in your hands on one side and then do a series of killer squats). After a series of warm-up exercises and stretches, we began the routine followed by a run up and down several flights of steps which reminded me of my Radu days. The workout was founded by two of the best personal trainers and triathlon coaches, Mark Merchant and George Vafiades. Clients of As One include top media personalities, professional athletes, and Fortune 500 executives.
Our co-ed group consisted of about ten people who were all different fitness levels from beginner to triathlete. Although the workout was extremely challenging, I found that Mark and George push you to be YOUR personal best. Here’s the skinny:
• The intense workout is 75 minutes and scalable to any level
• It is only recommended that you do this routine 2x weekly so muscles can repair
• The systematic and unique class regimen guarantees results while utilizing the intimate and energizing team support system from which tri-athletes benefit
• As One promises that with regular work-outs, you create lean muscle, increase your metabolism and lose weight!
As One
1841 Broadway (at Columbus Circle)
Suite 713
New York, NY 10023
(917) 362-3909
For pricing and class schedule, visit www.as1effect.com
Mention PageDaily for one complimentary class!
If you don’t live in NYC and unable to try the classes, we asked George to give us his tips and suggestions to make sure you are putting intensity into your training:
1. Use a timer – pick four exercises and a full body movement (jumping jacks, burpees, etc.) and do one after another for a set time. Start with 10 minutes and build up to 30 minutes. This way the progression is built in and it is very clear you are doing more and more from workout to workout.
2. Schedule 15 minutes of stairs everyday – there are stairs everywhere so put on your sneakers and go! Do the stairs faster, add squats on every floor, grab a dumbbell… the options are endless to constantly challenge yourself.
3. Sometimes it’s hard to motivate when traveling and using the hotel gym so pick 5 exercises that you can do (cable curl, pushups, ab board, etc.) and create a countdown. Start with ten repetitions and go through one round and then do a 2 minute interval on the bike. Next do 9 reps of each followed by 2 minutes on the bike, etc. until you get to 1 rep of each.
4. Squat! You cannot get into great shape without squatting. Do lots of them with weight or without. Switch it around and be creative but squat! No other exercise activates more muscle groups, challenges the cardio-vascular/respiratory system and stimulates the endocrine system like the squat.
5. There can be no cop outs! You need to train regularly. Goals will not be met if you are constantly giving yourself days off. Every once in awhile that is fine, but keep yourself on track to be physically active, excited about doing, and never utter the words, “I’m too tired”. Being “tired” is a most often a state of mind– and a self fulfilling prophecy. Say it and you are. Don’t say it and see what you experience.
Amplitude Vibrations Studio: The Next Big Workout Trend is Good Vibrations
Want a workout that tones your body with no weights, no impact, and you don’t even have to wear shoes? No it’s not yoga, it’s vibrations, and did we mention it only takes 20 minutes? “This is a game changer,” says co-owner and trainer David Newman. First it was spinning, then Zumba, and now vibrations is set to be next big trend in exercise. Vibration training is unlike anything I’ve ever tried and perfect for the busy NYC woman who can’t fit in an hour plus to work out. It involves doing simple exercises you already know how to do but on a vibration machine
Amplitude Vibrations Studio
261 East 78th Street
New York, NY 10075
(646) 692-9317
For pricing and class schedule, visit www.amplitudevibration.com
Mention PageDaily for one complimentary class!
Figure 4 at Pure Yoga: Ballet meets Yoga
When I walked into the calming, zen environment of Pure Yoga on New York’s Upper West Side, I had no idea of the butt-kicking workout I was in for. I was told to bring ballet shoes for Kate Albarelli’s new “Figure 4” class, so I assumed this would be cake for me, having practiced both ballet and yoga (I was in for a big surprise). Kate, a dancer with 15 years of professional ballet and dance company experience created this challenging and effective class–a mix of isometric exercises, ballet and yoga.
Moving through the exercises using my own body weight as the primary form of resistance made me feel the burn. I worked muscles I thought didn’t exist. The 60-minute class covers it all…arms, abs, thighs, butt, calves and even your hip flexors. We started off at the ballet barre with a ball between our legs to work the inner thighs and then moved into a variety of floor exercises including the dreaded plank pose. Kate has great energy and plays amazing music so it motivated me to make it through this complete body workout!
Here are Kate’s tips regarding her Figure 4 exercises
(some of them can be done from home):
1. In order to get the best and most effective workout, all ranges of movement must be utilized within the given exercise. This means that isometric (small) movement, full range movement, and medium sized movement are all required in order to workout muscle length, the insertion of the muscles, and the slow/fast twitch muscles. An example of this would be “fitness second position”. Standing at a wall, take feet wide, toes turned out. Bend down until your hips are almost parallel to your knees. Pulse (small, isometric movement) for 20 counts. Stay in your original bent knee position, then, take a medium range, by lowering down and up a few inches, a little slower than before. Try 10 of those. Finally, employ full range movement by bending deeply and straightening all the way 10 times. Finish with your original pulses. Now all points along the muscle have been targeted.
2. In order to keep the BEST knee health, body alignment and posture is of paramount importance. Knees should always point over the 3rd toe, whether your legs are turned out or parallel. If not, too much strain on the knee will occur and injury is inevitable. When in class, look down and make sure that when you bend your knees, they are always bent over the middle of your foot (3rd toe).
3. While performing planks or push-ups, always keep your chin up enough to place a tennis ball underneath it. By keeping your chin up (not too low or too high), you create a straight line down the back of your neck, which keeps your postural alignment correct and your position the most optimal. This makes things more difficult, but much more natural and healthy for the body.
Pure East
203 E. 86th St. at 3rd Ave.
(212) 360-1888
Pure West
204 W. 77th St. at Amsterdam Ave.
(212) 877-2025
http://pureyoga.com/
Mention PageDaily for one complimentary class!
Read about Exhale Spa’s NEW Boot camp class
Mention PageDaily for one complimentary class (only applies if you are first timer to Exhale)!
Bikini Blaster Plan with Core Fusion Boot Camp Moves
It’s that time of the year: you shed your winter layers and suddenly notice your muscles again – or rather, the lack thereof! The tee shirts and shorts aren’t looking quite as you’d like (and forget about that swimsuit). No need to panic – there’s still time to get in shape for summer…but you need to start now!
No more procrastinating. From this moment forward, every morsel of food that you consume counts as calories going in – and every step that you consciously take (forgoing the escalator for the stairs) counts as calories going out. At the end of the day, it’s simple math: over consume and you gain weight. Over exert and you lose weight.
Once you shift to choosing your calories wisely, it’s time to implement a series of strengthening and toning exercises. I want to share some of the most fun, challenging, and muscle-burning moves from our Core Fusion Boot Camp class at exhale (also found on the Core Fusion Boot Camp DVD). This series will jump start your fitness routine and get you on the path of exerting energy through challenging movements. Your muscles will start to become stronger and in the process become shapelier. Lean muscle is what burns those calories. So get started today!
Core Fusion Boot Camp Workout for Bikini Blaster Results!
You can do this Core Fusion Boot Camp Workout 2 to 3 times per week. The classes use a Core Ball, but you can switch in any ball—volleyball, soccer ball, kickball, beach ball—that you have available. It just needs to be able to support your bodyweight for pushups. You’ll also need a 5-to-8 pound dumbbell for the lifting moves.
Single Leg Pulse
Targets: Shoulders, abs, butt, legs
Stand on right leg with left leg held out in front of you. Hold the ball or weight with arms extended directly in front of you at chest height. Bend right leg slightly lowering your body 2-3 inches, then straighten the leg and return to standing. Do 20 pulses in this style. Switch legs and repeat.
Single Leg Squat and Leap
Targets: Shoulders, obliques, butt, legs
Stand with your legs wider than shoulder width, toes turned out slightly. Hold the ball or weight overhead slightly in front of your forehead, elbows partially bent. Squat down until you can touch the ball to the floor in between your feet – then spring up to the right, extending the ball over head as the left foot leaves the floor. Return the ball to the floor between your feet and then spring up to the left, extending the ball overhead until the right foot leaves the floor. Twist from your trunk as you leap to activate the oblique abdominal muscles. Do 10 reps. Repeat a second set.
Uneven Pushup
Targets: Chest, triceps, abs
Get in full pushup position with your right palm on the ground and your left palm on top of the ball. Make sure your left elbow is directly over your left wrist – the body should form a straight line from head to heels. (Beginners can do a modified pushup position with knees on the ground.) Bend elbows and lower yourself toward the ground – then straighten arms and return to starting position. Do 10 reps. Switch sides, repeat.
Oblique Trunk Twister with weights in the Curl Position
Targets: the full abdominal wall with emphasis on the obliques, the inner thighs.
Start by sitting on the ground with knees bent and feet flat on the floor. Place the ball between your inner-thighs and hold there. Holding a 2-pound weight in each hand, roll slowly down to your waist, vertebrae by vertebrae. Bring fists together near the breast bone. Rotate trunk from side to side to work the oblique muscles. Do 10 reps. Repeat 2 sets.
Pretzel Position
Targets chest, biceps, abs, hips, butt
Sit on ground with left knee bent in front of your left hip, right knee bent and positioned behind your right hip. Rotate right hip forward so that the right ankle is higher than the right knee. Place ball on ground in front of your left leg to get started for the basic position. The next, more advanced level is to press into ball with palms at chest level, shoulders down, elbows out. Lift bent right leg a few inches off ground, then press right leg back. Be sure to keep the right ankle higher than the knee and the right knee behind the right hip. If you can’t lift the right knee in the beginning, just slide it along the floor, working to keep the ankle higher than the knee. Do 2 sets of push backs. A second variation is to keep the same position and lift the right knee up just enough to clear the floor. Do 2 sets of 20 lifts. Switch legs in between sets.
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Fred DeVito, Health & Fitness Contributing Editor For over 30 years, Fred DeVito has taught New Yorkers to live healthier, leading fitness classes at the acclaimed Lotte Berk Method Studios, and more recently, at Exhale Spa, where he serves as Executive Vice President of Mind Body Training. With his wife and partner, Elisabeth Halfpapp . . . Read more about Fred DeVito |
