But, just because the new year is here doesn’t mean that the party’s over. Never one for major New Year’s resolutions, I do believe in reasonable goal-setting to keep myself motivated through the dead of winter.

So, I’m dedicating 2015 to moving forward.

STRENGTH+Sole is getting a new look and we’re busy behind the scenes now, making your experience even better. That means: easier search, bigger images and more weekly fitness and fashion content. Stay tuned–it’s coming your way by March!

If you’re shopping for a new gym, take a look at David Barton‘s just-opened Chelsea location. Formerly, the raging, all-night dance club The Limelight, it’s now a haven for sweating of a different sort. With Life Fitness treadmills, ellipticals and weight machines tucked into dimly-lit, dreamy spaces and the original stained glass windows all around, this gym is proof that in New York, everyone–and everything–is always being reinvented.

Here’s to the power of positive change.

For me, the source of my equipment intimidation has always been weights machinery that seems too complicated to figure out and use by myself.  So, I decided to make a date with my fear and scheduled an appointment to work out with trainer Gary Peters at Equinox, who took me through a fast-paced, lower-body focused routine that I would definitely not do on my own. 

From squats with a barbell to chin ups assisted by a HOIST, these moves were challenging and out of the ordinary for me, and, an hour later, I could definitely feel the difference in comparison with my usual resistance training. The day after, I couldn’t sit or walk down the subway stairs, so, I know that it was effective! I can’t wait to go back for more. I also made a point of taking note of the settings and sequence of the moves on my iPhone, so that I can repeat the routine on my own.

So, next time you’re inside the studio or at the gym, don’t let a seemingly complicated Schwinn or a group of grunting guys stop you from mixing up your workout, surprising your body–and seeing major results.

Want to train with Gary? Find him here: gary.peters@pt.equinox.com

Check out these videos for an intro to foam rolling and 3 essential moves that you need to know.

For your quads:

Get into your glutes:

Don’t make this mistake when foam rolling your calves:

And, what type of foam roller should we use?

These ladies ROCK.
Follow Emily (@EMpowerednyc) and learn more about training with her here.
Check out Finish Line Physical Therapy and book a session with Brynn here.

Living in NYC doesn’t leave much room for regular massage after bi-weekly pedicures (all that running isn’t pretty) and weekly manicures (necessitated by constant hand washing from 24/7 water consumption–my Klean Kanteen is with me, always).

Luckily for me, as a Women’s Health brand ambassador, I was excited to find the Wahl Hot-Cold Massage Gel Pack stuffed into my mailbox.

The gel pack can be frozen for immediate use after high-impact exercise or heated in the microwave, for the inevitable muscle cramps and aches that follow a day or two later.

And check out its high-tech enhancement: a massaging disc that really gets deep into your muscles, simulating a real rubdown without an actual masseuse.

When it comes to fitness equipment and products, I’m pretty low maintenance. A towel soaked in ice cold water and eucalyptus oil or even a cool shower has always done the trick. But, my Wahl gel pack is a welcome addition, especially as my mileage increases. Six weeks until the race in wine country! Stay tuned for more: #willrunforwine!