When I start to feel the pinch, what do I do? I drink.

Water. Lots of it.

Why? Hydration is a huge step toward looking and feeling our best.

And, right now, water is always with me in a bobble Sport. It’s a new slim-style bottle, designed to fit in most equipment at the gym or bikes at the indoor cycling studio. And, it’s convenient because I can fill it at a sink or fountain anywhere and still eliminate chemicals and impurities via a carbon filter contained within the bottle, itself.

In the morning, I toss in a few slices of fresh lemon to detox. (Plus, if you don’t love the taste of water, or lack thereof, lemon, lime, berries and/or cucumber can easily come to your rescue.)

At the office, my bottle is always on my desk, next to my computer. (If that’s not enough, set Outlook “sip” reminders for yourself every hour.)

And, I’ve got it with me around town, too.

Every New Yorker has a quirk or two. Mine is: I never, ever get on a subway without water. Because, hey, ya never know.

So, here’s to celebrating the holidays in good health. Eat, drink and be merry. And never find yourself on the subway, or at the office, thirsty again.

bobble Sport comes in 7 colors, find them all here. And, follow bobble on Twitter and Instagram.

Thank you to bobble for partnering on this post.
As always, all thoughts/assessments are my own.

So, instead of saying nothing and waiting for my next class, I’ll say this: sometimes, being part of a team, whether as a couple, a colleague or a family member, trumps being leader of the pack.

Here are a few shots of what I’ve been up to lately and don’t worry, the sweat-meets-shrink session is still happening. Stay tuned.

Not a bad way to toast the bday, no?

I’ve been live Tweeting and Instagramming from our fall fashion and shopping events. This is a branding statement which I firmly stand behind.

And, a busy schedule means squeezing in my favorites right in the neighborhood: FlyWheel’s Chelsea studio and late night strolls on The High Line’s newly-opened section 3.

More soon!

And, tell me: how do you juggle work, life, fitness and family?

At my office, there’s theClub, a pay-for-play gym with a full class schedule and full-time instructors, a greenmarket in the cafeteria on Wednesdays and blood pressure testing around the clock. The new meaning of “stress test”? My boyfriend’s company goes even further, offering a standard “uniform” (tee, shorts, socks and undergarments) for guys and girls who forget their clothes (or just hate doing laundry), in addition to equipment and personnel. They also sponsor race registration and help make it all happen with post-training parties and transportation to and from out-of-town destinations.

While out on the west coast, I toured Clif Bar’s HQ and took an insider peek at how the (lucky) crew behind my favorite energy bars make the most of their workdays–and make a difference in the community.

The Clif Bar athletes’ wall offers gym-goers a little last-minute motivation. I mean, if they can do it…

Bored with your cardio or weight training routine? There’s always rock climbing.

A conference room overlooks the garden with employee bike “parking.” (Even bikes are zen here.)

Look up and you’ll see more bikes…

…plus, skis and snowboards.

Coffee (or a puzzle break?) to spark afternoon creativity.

And, community: employees are encouraged to volunteer on company time for causes that they care about (provided that their office work is done). Onward and upward.

How do you make time to work out before, during or after work? And, what health & wellness benefits does your company offer or would you like to see at your office?

Welcome to “The Project: IMMERSIVE FITNESS” by Reebok and Les Mills, the global mastermind behind popular group fitness and team training programs like BODYPUMP (weights), BODYCOMBAT (martial arts), RPM (indoor cycling) and LES MILLS GRIT (30-minute high intensity interval).

Combining cinema quality video projected onto studio-sized screens with instructors who cue moves synchronized with exactly what’s in front of you, it’s the most high-tech way to get into the “zone” whether you’re riding through a kaleidoscopic cosmic explosion or stretching out under a sunset sky.

Recently debuted in London, The Project: IMMERSIVE FITNESS is on the road in Europe.  Stops include Stockholm, Berlin, Amsterdam, Paris and Milan, for any of you with international travel plans.  And, sign up to stay tuned, because it’s coming our way next year!

So, get ready for your turn in the spotlight.

And, the best part is: you don’t even have to go on a single audition.

WATCH THE PROJECT: IMMERSIVE FITNESS VIDEO HERE.
And, follow on Instagram.

The next level of fitness is here. IMMERSIVE FITNESS™ surrounds participants with cinema quality video content projected onto screens of a purpose-built studio.  Exercise moves synchronize perfectly with music and graphics, creating a truly immersive fitness experience. Learn more!

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Les Mills. The opinions and text are all mine.

But, consistency is the determining factor when it comes to increasing and maintaining your fitness. Setting yourself up for success starts at the office. So, stock your desk with extra gear, travel-sized products and pre-packaged snacks to break the start-and-stop pattern that’s derailing your evening exercise routine.

Here, my checklist of essentials to keep you going, long after the work day is done.
THE GEAR:
1. Extra clothes (these are the items usually forgotten; if they’re already in your desk, there are no excuses!):

• Tank (I love the Cory Vines Racerback)
• Sports bra
• Socks
• Extra pair of sneakers

2. Headband & hairspray: Slip on a stretchy headband, flip your head over and spray, flip back up and tie your hair in a pony with a little extra lift; I wear lululemon and Sparkly Soul, depending on my mood (STRENGTH+Sole promise: how put together you feel is directly linked to your desire to kill it at the gym).

3. Facial wipes: Try Neutrogena’s Makeup Remover resealable pack–won’t dry out before your next workout.

4. Makeup:

• BB cream or concealer (no need to be completely barefaced; P.S. nearly all of my makeup is by Bobbi Brown, which feels very light)
• Lipgloss or balm, like this one from Burt’s Bees

5. Toothbrush/toothpaste
6. Deodorant

THE FUEL:
1. Greek yogurt mixed with nuts: I eat Chobani’s collection of fruit flavors and Fage Total 0% plain
2. Energy bars: Try Luna, Larabar and KIND
3. Fresh fruit: clementine oranges, small apples
4. Hummus (go for classic, steer clear of spicy) with mini carrots
5. Water: 16.9 oz. or bigger; even better, an eco-friendly refillable bottle by Klean Kanteen or Nalgene

Photos by Roopa Bhopale, shot at Hive at 55, New York City.

How many times have you heard those words? Whether you’re a student or a full-time staffer, it’s inevitable. We sit. A lot. It can be frustrating to find yourself hunched over a computer day after day, cramming in exercise before you dash out the door in the morning or after your evening commute. Did you know that by incorporating strength movements and simple stretches into your daily schedule, you can tone, lengthen and even burn a few calories while you work?

Here, 6 steps to boosting your full-body fitness on the job:

1. Desk Pushups

Start in an inclined plank position with your hands on your desk and feet on the floor, shoulder width apart, leaning forward. Slowly lower yourself toward the desk, keeping elbows tucked in to your sides. Extend out to the original start position, without locking your elbows. Do 3 sets of 8-10 reps as a mid-morning break.

2. Chair Tricep Dips
Sit in a stable chair with your hands next to your hips and your body positioned toward the front of the seat. Slowly lower yourself down to the floor while bending your elbows toward the wall behind you. Hold at your lowest point for a second, then push back up to the original start position, focusing on using your triceps. Do 3 sets of 8-10 reps.

3. Bicep Curls
With a weight (3-5 pounds or grab a water bottle!) in each hand, curl up and in toward your ear, one at a time, twisting your wrist outward, away from your head. Do 3 sets of 8-10 reps before you break for lunch.

What you’ll gain: Defined biceps, taught triceps and strong shoulders. Hello, tank tops.

4. Chair Squats
Stand with feet shoulder width apart and arms in front of you. Slowly squat, keeping your back flat, until you lightly touch the seat behind you. Hold for 3 seconds, then, return to original start position. Do 3 sets of 12-15 reps.

5. Calf Raise
Stand with feet shoulder width apart (use a ream of paper for extra lift) and slowly raise your calves. Return to starting position. Do 3 sets of 12-15 reps, while waiting for photocopies to print.

6. Wall Sit
Stand with your back against a wall. Slide down until in a seated position and hold as long as possible. Return to starting position. Do 3 sets. You can do this while talking on the phone, no one will know!

What you’ll gain: Sleek, sculpted legs that say “I work out.” Grab your high heels.

Take twenty minutes to complete this routine a few times per week. Combined with walking, you’ll feel (and look) strong. Consider investing in an activity monitor (I love the Bowflex BOOST) to keep track of your steps and sleep habits.

Knowledge is power, especially when it comes to fitness.

Cory Vines tee; Lululemon leggings (similar here); New Balance sneakers.

Photos by Roopa Bhopale Photography; shot at The Hive at 55, NYC.

…paired with this season’s Chanel stacked booties.

Their owner?  Meet Jenna.  She’s a twentysomething self-professed fashion addict.

The purse? A gift from grandma (Nana knows her labels!). The booties? From Bergdorfs, of course.

Topped off with Celine sunnies and Marc Jacobs’ cobalt blue pompom cap-of-the-moment (Bleecker Street boutique), this girl isn’t afraid to mix and match.

I spy: the most gorgeous pair of sumptuous suede boots.

They’re Dior.  The color, the fringe, the hardware.  Hello.

And, meet their owner–Kim. I spotted her outside The High Line Hotel, where her company Redscout, the branding & design agency, was about to host an event.

I adore the rest of her look, too: a cozy cardigan layered over a simple black sheath and topped with a statement piece. Her style? Ladylike with an edge. Way to start the day off chic!

Necklace by Haute Hippie; Dress by Zara.

Twenty minutes before the photographer arrived for this shoot, I realized that I forgot to pack it in my tote, as I sprinted out the door for work.  So, like with any tough client meeting or training run that’s not going as well as expected, I made the best of it.

Here, I go from my desk to posing in the park with just a few accessories and a quick change of shoe.

So, the next time something like this happens, don’t worry.  Take a deep breath, smile and shake it off.  You can do it, too.

Heels: vintage; Sunglasses by Michael Kors (similar here).  Sperry sneakers by Milly.

Images by Shante Carlan Photography.