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?

Here, pics from Thursday’s press party, where a select few of us made it through the early morning master class led by NYC’s fittest: Sadie Kurzban – ((305)) Fitness, Erica Giovinazzo – BRICK CrossFit, Daury Dross – The Fhitting Room, Brandon Goodman – FlyWheel & FlyBarre and Lauren Imparato – I.AM.YOU.

Because it’s always chic to sweat, especially for the cause.

The final contenders: posing with our amazing instructors, the Mio Skincare girls and Neda Talebian Funk, the co-founder of FITiST.

Product provided by Sweaty Betty & Mio Skincare; all thoughts/assessments are my own.
Photos by Willy Somma.

Meet Kari Nicolle (pronounced “Kah-ree”). She’s an actress on the rise, an in-demand Flywheel instructor and the ultimate optimist.  I recently rocked a bike in Kari’s Flatiron class then sat down with her to talk about fitness, favorite products and her forecast for the notoriously tough-to-break-through town of New York City.

Her story: Kari hails from the San Francisco Bay Area and moved cross-country to study theater at NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts. For her, it was “New York, all the way.” Forever an athlete, having played soccer, softball and ridden horses competitively since grade school, she had never actually worked out inside a gym before moving east.

Now, she’s an actress with an agent and few Broadway and TV gigs under her skinny belt, out to score her first national commercial in 2014. “The talent level in this city is so beyond incredible, it makes me speechless.”

Why she’s different: She’s intensely positive–in and out of the studio. “Being a performer helps, it’s so in our bones to share ourselves with a crowd.”

Kari has mastered the art of teaching (she just celebrated her first “Flyversary” this month) and it may sound strange, but, I felt that she made amazing eye contact, despite the studio’s darkness during class. “I try to connect with every person in the room. People are only there because they really love it, from the staff to our clients…there are so many options,” she says.

What’s inside her beauty bag:
Clarins Gentle Care Day Cream: It’s the only thing that works for her super sensitive skin.

Paul Mitchell Super Clean Sculpting Gel: Great for girls with tight, stubborn curls.

MAC Lipglass in Prrr: “I don’t leave the house without it,” she says, and quickly whipped it out of her handbag to show me.

Fitness (and life) motto: “Don’t get in your own way–and, just keep showing up.”

Want to book a class with Kari?  Click here.

Here, a guide to my stay-fit favorites:

The source for post-spin smoothies and juices, plus a selection of natural beauty products, supplements and fresh produce, The Juicy Naam has locations in East Hampton and Sag Harbor.

My friend Laura chose The Moon juice made with Cucumber, Pear, Kale, Lemon and Parsley (left) and I had a I Am Berry Cute smoothie with banana, blueberries, cacao nibs, acai and hemp milk.

Flywheel’s East Hampton studio is smaller, breezier version of the Flatiron location.  You’ll find the same packed class offerings (book early, though) and complimentary shoes and water bottles, so, you can just roll out of bed and still enjoy a great class.

Round Swamp Farm is heaven.  I could buy (and eat) EVERYTHING here–and, it’s so cute!

A fit girl-meets-foodie’s paradise: fruit and veggies, packaged salads, spreads and homemade sauces galore.

Beautiful freshly-cut sunflowers to brighten your table.

And, THE most amazing berry muffins for breakfast.

Right next door is a farmers market with fresh flowers, olive oils infused with fruits and spices and a must-visit cheese maker.  Don’t miss the Chocolate Oat Crunch Cookies by Anke’s Fit Bakery, which are Tracy Anderson’s favorite sweet treat.

Anke’s cookies, snack bars and granola have no refined sugar or wheat flour and are sweetened only with organic maple syrup, agave nectar, raw cane sugar and fruit.  Butter is replaced with canola oil.  Healthy and happy.

Leave the car at the house and bike, especially in Montauk.  Navy Beach is one of my most treasured spots to relax.

Heading east this weekend?  Let me know what are your favorites.