Event: Daybreaker in DC

GET FIT: There's Layers to this .. Yoga Game!

This past sunday the SCDC girls and I started our day with good intention and headed to Union Market DC - Dock 5  where they offer FREE Yoga with Nya every Sunday at 12pm. So if you're still chasing your 2015 resolutions and need to get a little bendy head on over there on Sunday. Now we all know how much I thrive off of yoga and am grateful every time I am able to practice in ecclectic settings. But there's levels to this yoga game at least during the F/W season.

Get Fit: Cleanse your body , Clear your mind

Cleanse your body , clear your mind . That's the thought process I had once I started a reboot this past week. Post-marathon training I have a little issue , I'm STILL inhaling carbs like I am running 50 miles a week. But since my mileage has gone significantly low for this point in time I am not burning my oh-so-large appetite as I once was . I needed this I have been feeling sluggish, bloated and my sleep routine is all sorts of wack.
I needed to give my digestive system a break from working so hard on processing my large meals.
So I drank Alive Juices which are Ayurveda based juices for a day, a Friday to get my weekend on the right track. I got my juices at my doorstep and wah-lah a toolkit full of detoxification supporting tools.

Are you sneezing everywhere , having sugar cravings , can't get enough sleep. You might need a this lifestyle tool its a reset button.

Allergies - when you do a detox your allergies get better.

Difficulty Sleeping- more than likely means your liver is under stress. The liver is the main organ in the body for detoxifying chemicals , prescriptions medicine and alcohol.

Sugar cravings - a detox is not just about eliminating toxins , it also is about eliminating unhealthy behaviors. And because cleanses reduce your sugar and salt cravings, energy levels often skyrocket after a cleanse

Rashes- Skin is a reflection about whats happening inside, if you see rashes or itchy hives , your skins is telling you your body is inflamed. The nutrients from fresh juices are great for your skin, nails and hair

PMS symptoms- decrease your bloated and cranky bod.

While doing a juice cleanse , eat clean for the days before and after , try and build a routine .
Balance your body and boost your wellness. Your body is a self-healing machine feed your body and soul.

After my day top reboot I was back on track with all my goals, it's a lifestyle guys . Keep your goals high , stay healthy , fuel up !

PS: Make sure to follow Monica on ista for some major fitness inspo! @MovaLavinia

Disclosure:SCDC was not financially compensated for this post. We received a sample for review purposes. The opinions are completely our own based on our experience.

GET FIT: ClassPass DC Launch

Live the sweaty life !  I spent a night on the rooftop with a group of girlfriends , a mat , H20 , dumbbells and a DC view that was a marvel of a background. Thanks to ClassPass for Launching in DC and setting the tone with a great evening !

Location: SCULPT DC in Penn Quarter
Class: Sculpt 360
a fast paced , full body workout that combines the best of cardio , strength training and yoga. Hand weights help target all the major muscle groups . The Exercises including squats, lunges , jumping jacks biceps curls in between your downward dog yoga , warrior & crescent poses. The class was a blast full of high fives, sweaty hugs and a namaste. My core thanks you Sculpt DC .
Gear: NIKE

ClassPass is like a gym membership for those who love boutique fitness studios. You pay a monthly fee of $99 and have access to a variety of specialized fitness classes. Im gonna say ClassPass is a major player in the fitness scene when it come to booking. So many options on one list, not only will this completely switch up the way you workout but think about you making moves in the fitness community and showing support to all the great boutiques. You're getting more social and diversifying your workouts. I always love the feeling of entering a boutique I have yet to try , it gives me this rush and excitement and aways motivates me to crush my workout.

Having the option to all these great classes on ClassPass is not only great for you socially , visually  , but most definitely physically . Your body craves on new movement ,  changing up a workout not only helps change the body but it keeps it guessing and working harder for a burn. Always push past your comfort zone . Take that Barre class that you know will burn your inner thighs but will be so rewarding once its done.



Go out there try out new boutiques , meet new people and enjoy a good sweat session. Live the sweaty life .

SCDC Get Fit : Grip the Mat presents BENDY BRUNCH at the historic Wonder Bread factory

I've been neglecting my yoga practice recently so when I had the opportunity to attend GRIP THE MAT Bendy Brunch at the historic Wonder Bread Factory as part of No Kings Collective 5 year anniversary project 100% BREAD I was ecstatic. The universe as always makes things happen for me when I most dearly need it. I took this opportunity to set an intention for myself and reflect.

Grip the Mat is a yoga social events company encouraging a well-balanced, light-hearted , healthy community. 100% Bread is a group exhibition pop up art project celebrating the idea of "making it" in art. #hustlebaby . It's only right that the Grip the Mat Duo be part of this project as they combine yoga , art , music , food & drink in a visually stimulating environment. Explore your doshas before sipping mimosas!
I attended the event with my lovely friend Tammy we were greeted with an array of Kind Snack bars which is #kindawesome . The music set the tone within the whole factory , I was feeling a sense of bliss. It was a Sunday the sun is shining and I was about to have a mind & body experience in a room filled with art.


The place suddenly fills up with yogis of all different levels our host for the day Ashley & Christy give us a intro to the class technique VINYASA, where you link your breath to the movement. Get ready to sweat, it didn't take long to feel the heat. Both instructors have their own voice, a calm & nurturing demeaner as well as being detailed and thorough when explaining the movements. The duo walked around the class to  assisting the yogis posture/forms. As a seasoned yogi this is always welcomed.
The purpose of this experience was to balance your doshas, promote your well being while squeezing out those stale toxins in your ligaments , increase your flexibility and relax. I've been literally running around the city 5-6 days a week pounding my feet on the pavement my legs have been so sore and TIGHT I needed this, the benefits are immense.  I'm telling you after the 50 minutes of yoga you'll feel like zen ninja  ready to conquer the week.
Once we finalized our session it was brunch time !  I'm talking a whole hearty tastefully light meal, mimosas & refreshing Honest Tea Lemonade. As all the yogis share the space and enjoy each others company I took time to smile and remember that today I started day expressing gratitude to my body by staying healthy and surrounding myself with positive beings. Namaste to all you Health Warriors!

Photos by Tammy of A Loyal Love
If you missed this event no worries GRIP THE MAT is hosting a Vinyasa to Vino event October 9th & October 23rd. The Vinyasa to Vino will be held at the Hierarchy, an art gallery in Adams Morgan . Yogis will be surrounded by the artwork from James Kerns exhibition Whiskey, Delta , Charlie. You can find out more Here.

SCDC Fit: My First Class at SoulCyle D.C!

Soul Cyle is finally in D.C and we couldn't be more excited! The studio is super cute and also full of amazing sporty gear! I took my first class last week and it was def hard but the instructor's energy and awesome music selection kept me pumped through out the entire 45 minutes of cyling!


Soul Cycle D.C is located at 2301 M Street NW. I highly recommend you giving them a try! and no need to purchase new cycling shoes either, they provide that for you! How convenient is that? They also just launched their 80's inspired cycling collection, check it out!

SCDC Get Fit : Pole Pressure

Another adventure with Carlis my feline partner, this time we set our paws on Pole Pressure on 14^th st. to learn the art of a striptease.

If you’re looking for a fun way to get active while focusing on improving your coordination, balance, flexibility and strength, then pole fitness is a must-do and bring some girlfriends with you. The small-class is a great environment for a newbie to learn the fundamentals of pole fitness. The instructor amplified her attention to us with personalized instruction. The slow-pace allowed time to focus on the proper mechanics and breaking down each move, yet there were also options to make each move harder or easier depending on your ability level.

Our instructor walks in the room toward the stereo, blasts her playlist greets the class and begins our session. She’s wearing a teal tank, geometric neon hot booty shorts and black lace-up thigh high platformed heels. YES! shes killing it , in those heels .

First advice, wear booty shorts, my capris made some moves a bit more tricky due to me slippin. Less IS best.
Second get comfortable with yourself and the mirror , it's gonna get a bit erotic. 

As a newbie to pole fitness, I attended Pole Dance 1 with Choreography. Following a dynamic warm-up, we first learned walking around the pole in a sultry manner which is critical to building a routine. Touch the pole, grip the pole , walk around the pole. The pole is your dance partner and you two will get very close. I must say the first couple of minutes I was a bit modest with my movement after a few minutes I was focused and got to moving and grooving with the pole , my comfort level made a difference. 

From there, we worked on some fun choreography, with moves like hip circles and shoulder rolls , tush smacking  before progressing on to sexy spins.  We learned two spins and spent a considerable amount of time working on safety-oriented skills, such as establishing proper grip and learning correct positioning of the shoulders to protect the delicate muscles of the joint. We were also shown the best way to land each spin to ensure the safety of the knees and ankles. It took a few tries but by the end (I think) I had it down. Finally , the moment of truth , we will do all the choreographic moves in one single swoop. The instructor blast song " lollipop" from Lil Wayne the rock version and it's go time . I walk towards to pole , do the moves and when its over I wanted to do it all over again. This environment is great for a group of girlfriends who want to get fit in a fun way Carlis and I laughed so hard our abs got a work out . I truly enjoyed every moment of the class. 

Ladies , stay motivated , challenge yourself to try different workouts , you never know if you might like it until you try. Keep the body  guessing , keep sweating , keep active and stay committed to your goals . 

A woman should take this class for the enjoyment of her own body. There are mirrored walls so you will see your body movement, your hair flip, your back arch , your hips thrust, your toes point , appreciate YOU. 

SCDC Get Fit: Off Road Indoor Cycling

The mood was set , Carlis & I trekked through the pre-snowstorm last Wednesday night to attend the indoor cycle core class held by the talented instructor Tali. Outside everyone driving home getting ready to be snowed & hibernate meanwhile we enter Off Road studio where you can feel the adrenaline from the boxing class taking place on the first floor. We head upstairs a little more hype to start to the sweat and settle in warming up the body. The studio and bikes are fresh! 

Aesthetics - wood floors , exposed brick wall  &  large windows overlooking U st which at the time was slowly being covered in light fluffy snow.

  

Indoor cycling is one of my favorite cross-training exercises to do. Cycling help strengthen the quads and glutes. Seriously, what other workout can you close your eye in and just ride , feel the music in your bloodstream and ride. 

Tali has a specialty of crafting theme rides, consider her your instructor and the DJ!  This particular class was call “Stupid Cupid “with a heart pumping playlist that will make you want to stay off of your saddle. This ride was intense! We kicked it off with a fast, steep, hill. Then we held a steady working pace on flat. 

We gradually increased resistance, it got muddy. Picture yourself pedaling through mud, the push and pull you have to do to get out of it. Don’t think you have it in you, no worries Tali will help ramp you up. After a bit of easy pedaling, we attacked with a drifting game. So I start off peddling with ALL I got, I’m giving it 100% plus so that in the end, Carlis my partner swoops through and would be carried along by the currents of air. Let your imagination flow on that idea. We recover on a slow hill and 50 minutes were over just like that. I was left with a glow and legs like jello. Hell Yeah!

After the ride the class heads downstairs for the cool-down core work.  I must say it definitely felt good taking the core cycling class right before the snowstorm. It kept me on track with my training not to mention I felt pretty bad-ass.

Thanks Tali for the ride !

Off Road offers boxing,boot camp, yoga & TRX classes too. I will be back for that kick-ass boxing class I peeped while in session although it was pretty intimidating in a good way. It’s on my “ must conquer” list. 

PS:  You can follow Monica in all her fitness adventures via insta @monalavinia  

SCDC Get Fit: Nike Training Club

Last Saturday I was invited to attend a special NIKE training club ( NTC) week in DC. The goal was to tackle your resolutions with a room full of female athletes and ignite a year of fitness. 
The training is high-intensity interval training style ( HIIT ) , a session often consist of a warm-up period , followed by 8 high-intensity repetitions , then 5 medium- intensity repetitions and a cool-down. Most of the moves relate to core movements , lunges , squats , planks , BURPEES! 

Sounds doable right ! it's even more motivating to do these workouts in a room full of live energy and I mean HYPE LIVE ENERGY with a DJ to match. Even though you're in a room filled with adrenaline keep in mind you're competing for a better you and stronger version of yourself. You'll feel the burn the next day , alright I meant the next couple of days. This is a non-stop workout session but no worries new-comers the trainers got your back ,they are intensely motivating and believe in you and all your efforts. 

The preeminent trainers hosting the live event were Ingrid Nelson  & Chris Perrin   they will make you feel the burn  by pushing you to your limits and seeing that you can surpass those boundaries and even surprise yourself. They also help you perfect your form and posture while doing the workouts, 
Nike Training Club is a global fitness community of girls driven by self-expression in movement and training. It embodies Nike’s commitment to inspire and enable female athletes through its products, services and experiences.

Nike Goergetown Host NTC class every Monday at 8:00 pm , just walk in and sign up. Can't make it to class , download The N+TC App , it is the digital heartbeat of the club, uniting its members no matter where they train. The full-body training app caters to every level of fitness. Athletes can choose four-week programs or one-off workouts in order to chase their goals of getting lean, toned or strong.

Nike supplied every sweating lady neon NTC water bottle and a NTC Nike pro dri-fit tank. 

 Ab-workouts are killer , but you thank the trainers the next day when your core burns and that's the sign of your body changing . 

Don't have the right gear ? Feel-free to shop before or after the work-out . Nike offers sports-bra sizing and pant hemming services. You will also be allowed to test drive the newest training shoes during the high energy training.
Having the right gear to run, train and live in is important , it changes your mood towards the action. You want to be seen when you have a sick stylish outfit , the same goes for when you train & run.

Thank you Nike Georgetown for another great work-out . NTC Georgetown is my favorite class in the District. I still remember hearing about it through twitter and being nervous walking in the store signing up and taking a seat waiting for the class to start . I psyched myself out , when the class started I felt winded within 5 minutes but knew there was no turning back , so I kept pushing. Lastly our moves were partnered and my teammate was phenomenal , she had this raw energy that bounced on me and kept me going , she didn't let me stop and we killed it on the ab workouts. I left the class rejuvenated and high off endorphin's. The next day I couldn't move but my abs looked firmed & taut , my legs were sore,then came Thursday and I was counting down the days for the next NTC Monday. Needless to say that was about a year ago and I cant think of a better class to get a kick-ass workout than NTC Georgetown. 

AFTER PARTY : So  the cardio wasn't over ... we all walked to L2 Lounge where Nike hosted a cardio dance party  filled with all sorts of small bites , good music , good crowd and signature cocktails , like SWOOSH & VOLT ! It was totally a guilt-free event . 
All Photos By: Morgan Fykes
So ladies ! Don't lose the oomph called EFFORT , keep going remember why you started . Push boundaries , challenge your mind & body . That's when transformation happens .  

PS: You can follow Monica in all her GET FIT adventures on Instagram @monalavinia & Twitter! 

BluePrint 3-Day Cleanse Review

Several of you have asked for my feedback on the 3-day BluePrint Cleanse I just finished yesterday, so here it is...

Carlis and I have been talking about doing it for a little while now so when I saw it on Gilt DC on sale, I decided to give it a try. I wasn't really sure what to expect, but have heard great things about it, so I was excited. The ordering process was easy, I went with the 3-day cleanse since a week seemed a little too extreme for my first time. The shipment came on time and in a cooler with ice packs so the juices were cold and ready to drink. What I loved the most about the whole experience is how easy it was. The numbered system keeps you on schedule and gives you structure which I really liked. You don't have to cook, you don't have to worry about what to eat, you simply drink the juice anytime you feel hungry and move on with your life. I actually found that I had a lot more free time because I wasn't cooking or having much of a social life. Yes, that was one of the down sides. Thoughts of happy hour, dinners, and my favorite meal of the day (breakfast) were haunting me the whole time. Also cravings. I had the most cravings on the first day (the hardest of the three days). All of a sudden thoughts of random junk foods like McD's chicken nuggets were popping up in my head for no reason. Things I would never want to eat on the regular all of a sudden were incredibly appealing. It's also hard to be on social media or watch TV. I knew all my friends on instagram were foodies but man was it hard to look at those three days. Like everywhere I turned there was someone posting something delicious online, so I tried to minimize my social media time which in a way was a little bit of cleanse as well. Oh and TV commercials... those are bad too because most of them are junk junk and more junk. I have been craving the mash potatoes and meatloaf Stoeffers ever since I watched a show on Wednesday and that commercial came on hahah.

But aside from those two challenges, the actual cleanse was super easy. I didn't feel hungry at all. And the juices are actually pretty delicious. I could see a few of them not being as popular as others (the green veggies #1 and the beet/carrot #5) but I love all fruit and veggies so I liked them all. Of course, the pineapple #2 and the cashew milk #6 were my favs. The cashew milk is like a dessert you have as a reward at the end of the day and it truly is heaven in your mouth. I'm actually seriously considering ordering that one just to have in the fridge for when I want something sweet. I'm not a huge sweets person, but this drink has just the right amount of sweet and nutritious all wrapped up in one! As far as how I feel??? I haven't felt this good in years...and that is the honest truth. I feel lighter (weight wise and just overall), more energized, clear, focused, and healthy. At first I thought it might be my mind playing tricks on me, but then quickly realized that I really do feel amazing! So, I highly recommend the cleanse. Yes it's a little pricey, but if you think about it, we spend so much money on food and alcohol all the time anyway so why not do something good for your body and challenge yourself a little? I must admit, it was really great to give my body a break from solid foods, alcohol, and toxins for three days. My next challenge will be a week and I can't wait!

A few of my personal tips:

- Do the cleanse during the week (Mon-Wed is a good example) and give your body a few days to recover before heading into weekend activities
- I also found it easier to do it now that is really hot. You don't get as hungry in hot weather (at least I don't)
- Do not make any social plans -- you will have to cancel them or suffer through it drinking your juice while others are sipping on Pinot Grigio
- Have a support system. Having my friends encourage me and check up on me was wonderful. A special thanks to Sara of High Fashion 4 Less ;)
- Have clear goals going into it. If you're only doing it for weight loss, this is probably not the way to go. But if you want to truly get rid of toxins and feel better in general, it's amazing. But the weight loss is a nice "side effect" :)
- Read the emails Blue Print sends and pay attention to the instructions. Prepping for the cleanse and coming off of it the right way is just as important as going through the process
- Enjoy it!

If you have any other questions, feel free to leave a comment and I'll get back to you!
Katya