You’re wrong.

Welcome to Tone House, the hardest workout in New York City.

Bathed in red light, you’ll breathe harder than in any other class in town, you’ll sweat profusely as you carry the weight of a 70-pound harness on your back and you may even see black spots in between sets. But, you’ll be back for more.

Founder Alonzo Wilson lettered in every high school sport and went on to play college football. He now models for Wilhemina (that face, those guns!) and in conversation, he’s surprisingly soft-spoken for someone who designed a workout so crazy fierce.

The 15-minute warm-up consists of several rounds of hurdles, like these.

Then, there are pushups and burpees wearing the harness, strapped to the wall.

And, sprints back and forth across the studio, followed by resistance exercises using TRX bands that leverage your full body weight.

You’ll do all of this for an hour until it’s time to stretch and gather for one last team huddle signifying “game over.”

But, if you’re like me, the next morning, as you tell your friends about your more-than-grueling evening the night before, you’ll maybe, just maybe, also check the schedule.

Those were my first words upon arrival at Living Room Soho, the bright, airy Gyrotonic studio on Broadway founded by a gorgeous Greek former ballerina named Angeliki.

From white-washed brick walls to fluffy towels in Neopolitan shades of cream, pink and chocolate, it’s heavenly.

Influenced by gentle, flowing movements like those in ballet and using a special piece of equipment with weights and pulleys (made by a company called Cobra), Gyrotonic can help build strength, increase flexibility and maybe even teach you how to sit up straight.

Until last week, I always thought that meant arching my back, stretching myself up, up, up–all the way toward the ceiling.  But, I was wrong. Sitting up straight actually means shifting your weight back so that your head, neck and spine are in perfect alignment (no arch or curve of your spine, whatsoever). Why does it matter? Well, if you find that after a few hours at your desk, you suffer from lower back or neck pain, you might want to examine how, exactly, you sit.  You’ll likely find that a few ergonomic tweaks make all that time at the office more enjoyable (though I can’t do anything about your boss!).

Besides feeling a little taller and much more relaxed, after our session, I got busy with Angeliki’s amazing collection of floral scented bath products, lotions and oils by girly brands like Cath Kidston.  Yum!

A big thanks to NYC’s ultimate Greek goddess!

Book a class or private session at Living Room Soho here.

For me, each of my long-term relationships has come hand-in-hand with the rotation of a specific pair of “fat” jeans toward the front of my closet.  They’re old but semi “designer” (Citizens for Humanity) and they never see the light of day when I’m single.  (Here they are and note that I’m also hiding behind my bag, which is a tactic that I’ve frequently employed when madly in love.)

It’s not that I’ve ever stopped working out, entirely, because I haven’t. My boyfriends have always been sporty types who share my love of running, biking, baseball, the beach and walking endlessly around the city.

It’s just that when I’m in a relationship, I tend to completely lose sight of my own routine when it comes to exercise, sleep and eating. Hardcore cycling classes get replaced by a few minutes on the elliptical, salads become steaks and the occasional dessert becomes an evening affair right before bed. And, as happy as I have been with the other person in those relationships, I haven’t been happy with myself. For me, “I” rarely comes before “us.”

Dating in New York can be a full-time job. In fact, it’s almost like playing professional baseball. Where are you in the lineup, did you strike out, knock it out of the park and are you the one consistently saving the game? Performance on a date or in a new relationship can be analyzed in a million ways, there could practically be a score card.

I’ve spent hours over the past year boxing, climbing and kicking major butt on the bike, largely in part to build this blog. I’ve really challenged myself (and changed my body) in order to create something to share with–and inspire–you. And, I’m not giving that back.

And, while I know that I’ll always have to work for my abs, regardless of my relationship status (that’s just my genetics), I also know now that when I do find the right guy, I’ll never again need to look back.

Are you where you want to be? How do you balance work, life, love and your fitness level?

Photos by Mariana Zenteno Photography, Shante Carlan Photography & Lindsay M. Koffler Photography.

Why he’s different: Remember from my recent review of the studio, Michael is a real crew coach vs. a fitness instructor. He rowed competitively in high school and college; after graduation, he continued as a coach for a few girls’ varsity teams and, most recently, the men’s varsity team at Clarkson University. He describes his training style as “a mix of fun camp counselor and intense crew coach” and you’ll find that all this high-level rowing combined with professional coaching makes for some really loud in-class cheering and major attention to proper form.

What’s inside his closet: A self-described very low maintenance kind of guy, you’ll find lots of workout clothes by Lululemon and Nike plus a few vintage pieces from Beacon’s Closet and newer ones scooped up at H&M.

A day in his life: Starts with 20 minutes of stretching, followed by 3-4 back-to-back classes at Brooklyn Crew. On off days, you can find Michael listening to bands at Glasslands and eating pizza at Roberta’s in his Bushwick neighborhood.

Fitness (and life) motto: “Keep calm and row on.”

Want to book a class with (and bat your mascara-free lashes at) Michael? Click here.

A year ago, I changed things up.  Having always worked in marketing & events for fashion magazines and luxury brands where the day-to-day is beyond demanding, I needed to create some new space.  I wanted a place where I could write about what I want, and just let my hair down and be myself.  In the process, I have learned more than a thing or two about the digital and social worlds (before STRENGTH+Sole, I had never put forth a single Tweet!). I have also, I hope, helped old friends, new friends, family and co-workers discover places, ways and reasons to work out–and work their closet.

They’re no longer alive, but, my grandparents were my biggest fans, long before social media. They lived ten minutes away for most of my life. In these photos, you’ll see my grandmother’s wedding ring, which I wear on my left index finger. Every so often, whether I’m at a business meeting or out on a date, searching for the right guy, wherever he may be, I look down and think of her. And, also, of my grandfather–an eternal optimist and entrepreneur, whose life motto was, “The time is now.” This gives me hope.

So, here’s to STRENGTH+Sole. Here’s to you. Thanks for reading, commenting, clicking and supporting the work that I love most. And, to my grandparents. Everything that I do is for–and because of–them, too.

Aqua Dress; Rebecca Taylor Coat; Manolo Blahnik Mary Janes.

Photos by Sean Williams/studioARC; shot at Billy’s Bakery, Chelsea.