Designed to burn fat and sculpt muscle simultaneously, HIIT includes a mix of kettle bell training, burpees, lunges and squats. This class incorporated those–and then some. It was a sold-out show, with 21 clients, and we each occupied a fixed spot in the studio vs. other HIIT classes, which often rely on circuits and continuous movement of small groups between stations.

In addition to the music, those of us who’d chosen to wear a Wahoo heart rate monitor supplied by the front desk were also able to push ourselves using the numbers displayed on a flat screen.

I always find this type of information inspirational vs. defeatist, so, whenever I saw my intensity level change from orange to yellow, I knew it was time to step it back up.

After several rounds of exercises, laid out for us on a chalk board at the beginning of class, we ended with abs: side and center planks plus scissor kicks. Ugh. What I need and dread most.

And, before I picked up my berry smoothie and headed out the door, I grabbed Robert plus a kettle bell for a sweaty photo opp. Posing for the camera and on the mic in class, this guy was born to do it.

The process of writing this blog has opened my mind to not only testing my limits through new workouts and innovative activities, but, also re-visiting those of my past.

Introducing Lyons Den Power Yoga, now open on Church Street, across from the perennially chic Tribeca Grand.

Founder Bethany Lyons is a classically trained ballet dancer and Master Instructor at SoulCycle (she’s one of a hand-selected few from the very beginning, and, if you know Soul and how it has overtaken cycling from Brooklyn to Beverly Hills, you know that’s a big deal). Inspired by Baptiste Yoga, her studio is the only one of its kind in NYC.

Lyons Den is a small, cozy space three floors up. Still under construction, the building-in-progress somehow matches Bethany’s grounded personality.

Bethany & Josie, the de facto Lyons Den mascot. (Notice the front desk doggie door!)

I signed up for a class called “Power Flow,” a creative interpretation of the Baptiste “Journey into Power” sequence. I had no idea what that meant. Do you? I’ll break it down: Baron Baptiste is an actual man. And, he comes from a family who studied the teachings of Krishnamacharya (the original yogi). But, that’s where the new age-y stuff stops. The key to “power yoga” is accessibility–followers of all ages and backgrounds are invited to participate, and, feel empowered, through strength of body and spirit, to lead in their lives. Plus, it’s hot: 90-95 degrees (but, less than Bikram’s 105+).

As a beginner, I found the class to be both comforting and challenging. It has a consistent rhythm and it’s relatively easy to follow. Asana (poses) to know: Upward-Facing Dog, Downward-Facing Dog, High Plank, Low Plank, Pigeon, Triangle, Warrior I and Warrior II. Chants were limited to a few “om”s at the beginning and end.  After several poses, I was literally dripping in sweat, even more so than in cycling class. If you have your own mat, bring it. I was glad to have mine.

After 60 minutes, I can say that I was never bored, I didn’t miss the bike, I felt concentrated and calm. Bethany’s Midwestern accent is soothing and her presence as an instructor is spot-on, serious with a few silly moments in between.  In her words, she “shows up big” and asks that students do the same.

My take? At Lyons Den, there is definitely joy and peace to be found, long after the holidays are done.

Lyons Den Power Yoga: 279 Church Street, NYC

…and the newly-opened CrossFit 212.

Then, there’s AQUA, where my fitness blogger friend Kayla and I took our first aquacycling class.

Already much buzzed-about in Europe, aquacycling is different from “terrestrial” spinning in several ways. First, the bikes are anchored into a 4-foot-deep pool, so, the ride becomes impact-free.

And, instead of our usual three standard positions (first, second and third), there’s a fourth, which involves slipping off the bike entirely so that you’re floating in the pool, holding onto the saddle in front of you and lifting each leg out of the water, one at a time, to really engage your core. Our instructor switched back and forth, both in and out of the pool, and the bikes look like this:

As for what to wear? We decided that a sports bra and swim suit bottom are best, plus required rubber water shoes provided by the front desk ($2 shoe rental fee; first class: $34 and $40 thereafter).

AQUA’s studio is absolutely beautiful, with loft-like ceilings and exposed brick walls lit by (faux) candlelight.

While I can’t say that it was the most challenging workout in comparison with my usual spin classes, I can definitely agree that aquacycling is beneficial for athletes who are injured, pregnant women and those for whom just being in the water is motivation enough to work out.

Because, in the end, we all have to find our own reasons to keep coming back for more.
Any questions? Feel free to comment here and I’ll be happy to answer you!

Meet Kayla on her site, Kayla in the City.

Top: Forever 21, Denim: LOFT (similar here), Heels: Jimmy Choo (old), Rings: RAGEN (right) and vintage (left), Sunglasses: David Yurman (similar here).

1) Run hard at the 100 on 100, my (quickly upcoming) 100-mile relay race through the heart of Vermont on 8/17.
2) Challenge myself in semi-scary, new ways: starting with the Zip Line at Summer Streets this Saturday, it’s time to go big or go home.
3) Beat the “30-day countdown” birthday blues.  I share my big day with Beyoncé, so, this year, I’m trying to rock it with her same sense of confidence and gratitude.

A last look (for now) at the jewels by RAGEN.

That birthday list just keeps getting longer…

Even though I’ve lived in Manhattan for 10 years, I’m kinda still a Jersey girl at heart.

One of my favorite places to spend a summer afternoon is the mini golf course on Pier 25 in Tribeca.  As a West Chelsea resident, I’m a HUGE fan of Hudson River Park–it’s where I run, walk my dog and mellow out from the sometimes overwhelming hustle and bustle of the city.  This is one of the park’s little-known sporty treasures.

My jewelry is from a new collection called RAGEN.

Founded by a friend and finance girl turned designer, the pieces range from super sparkly and attention-grabbing (her Luscious Lips ring is a favorite) to delicate, ladylike and layer-able.

Necklaces from the Miles collection.

Crescent Moon necklace, from the Celestial collection, and Arrow Ring.

Pin your favorites directly to Pinterest (hover your mouse for my new Pin It! button).

And, stay tuned for more.

Dress: Mossimo for Target.  Heels: Vintage.  Nails: Essie Rose Bowl.

Jewelry images by Shante Carlan.