Friday, October 14, 2016

RVA Fit Gal's Guide: The Hot Yoga Barre

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Hot yoga is one thing. Barre is another. Hot barre - a totally different ball game. I've been repeatedly pushed to test my preconceived notions of how a "workout" ought to look and feel - and I've loved every second of it. The Hot Yoga Barre is situated right above Duck Donuts (why...) in Willow Lawn next to the Red Nails 2. The studio is clean, cozy, and friendly - the instructors and staff all seem really sweet, there's a small locker room with two shower stalls, cute apparel you can purchase, and cubbies for all your stuff. The studio is probably medium-size, well-lit, and heated. It can get feel crowded in some classes, but I would think this would all just depend on what time you come to your mat and which class you are taking. BURN was the most crowded, whereas 7:30PM Yugala Yoga felt more spacious.

If you don't do yoga a ton or are worried about starting for the first time, just bite the bullet and go to a class. I'd suggest starting with Yin or Yugala - just let your instructor know that you are new, and do your best to follow along. The hot room can be overwhelming at first (but so amazing when you adjust) so take your practice at your own pace and listen to your body first and foremost. You'll sweat a TON - and feel detoxed both physically and emotionally afterwards.

Classes I tried: (full list HERE)

  • Hot Barre Blast - I mentioned that Alex's class at TURN was the most challenging barre class I'd taken - and then I realized she teaches at HYB too! Barre is tough because it works muscles with tiny, precise movements. Doing it in a heated room made me feel even more accomplished afterwards because I was sweating so much. This class was an insane workout - I felt amazing after, but it was definitely a challenge for me because I wasn't used to either Barre or exercising in a heated room. You will need to bring a yoga mat for this class, and grab small weights, a ball, and a band in the closet on the way into the studio.
  • BURN - BURN is more along the lines of a sculpt-type class - you are led through 45 seconds of a toning/cardio exercise, 20 seconds of rest, and repeat for 45 minutes. It's amazing how heavy those 2lb weights can feel by the end! This class was a little more familiar to me because of the combo of strengthening and cardio moves - just add in a heated room, and you're glowing in no time. It was upbeat, challenging, and fun - a little faster paced than Barre. The class was led by Bethany, who I think has an unlimited energy supply. You will also need to bring your own yoga mat for this class.
  • Yugala Yoga - I will preface this with the fact that I am no yogi. I do yoga occasionally when I am home because my mom does and I know it's a good thing for my mental and physical health - but after Monday night Yugala Yoga, I felt like I was practically having a religious experience, I loved the class so much. Yugala Yoga is 25 pairs of poses - and doing poses in pairs allowed me to focus on doing them correctly and more deeply than I am usually able to in a power flow class. I also saw a really wide variety of bodies and fitness levels in this class, which is always cool. The weekend one was crowded, but Monday night was relaxed and chill while still challenging me mentally and physically. Grab blocks in the closet before going into the studio. Bring your own yoga mat and perhaps a towel to go on top. It's also totally okay to just rock a sports bra and leggings in this class! PS: I took this with Michele all three times I've gone so far, and I love her!
  • Hot Power Flow - I went to my first Hot Power Flow class at HYB on Thursday to celebrate my new job offer (!!!) - at first I was going to treat myself to a happy hour, but then I realized that the best way to spoil my soul and my body would be by taking some time to sweat, reflect, and be grateful. ANYWAY this class, taught by Marge, was a somewhat fast-paced vinyasa flow, made me sweat like crazy, and pushed me to focus on my body and breathing more than most yoga classes have. Marge's energy is infectious, and I forgot to tell her my nickname is Marge, too :) If you are new to yoga, I would recommend trying Yugala first, but like I said earlier, yoga is something that you can always take at your own speed.

$$$$$$$

  • drop-in - $23
  • new student first month (spark) - $79 for unlimited classes (this is a really good deal!)
  • monthly after first month - $139 for unlimited classes with 3-month commitment
  • 25 class pass - $375, breaks down to $15/class
  • 15 class pass - $270, breaks down to $18/class
  • 5 class pass - $100, breaks down to $20/class
Full-time students, K-12 teachers, policemen, EMT's, firemen, and active duty military are all eligible for a 15% discount on packages purchased in the studio, other than the spark membership.

What to Wear:

Nothing wild and crazy, really - for the yoga classes, I would just do a pair of leggings and a tank or sports bra, and for Barre or BURN you could do leggings and a tank/workout top or shorts with a wider range of motion (NOT classic Norts/Nike Tempos). You might want to bring a small towel with you as well, and definitely don't forget to hydrate. Have a favorite brand of workout clothing we should know about? Comment below!


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Wednesday, October 12, 2016

How to Get Fall Trends for (way) Less

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Last week, I went to an event at Kendra Scott that benefited Caritas, a homeless advocacy nonprofit here in Richmond. The event was held by another Richmond-area blogger - Megan, of Sweet Sauce Blog, and I got to meet Amanda of Truly Yours, A as well - she works at KS Short Pump. I'm SO pumped to be doing some blog-related networking in my "new" home, and have had so much fun bouncing ideas back and forth with Megan.

This post was inspired by some of the thoughts she's shared with me lately - like the fact that you don't have to go out and buy all the cute (& expensive) fall clothes you might be seeing on everyone else's blog right now. No part of this outfit was over $100 (except the one Yurman bangle that belonged to my grandmother) - and a lot of it is last season, so I linked as many similar items as I could find, but you might be surprised about what's in your own closet!


Fun fact: Target gets new shipments every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday during the wee hours of the morning. They don't replenish clothing on the floor once it sells out, so if you see something you love, grab it!

The top I'm wearing in these photos is a total Free People dupe - it was $10 from the sale rack at Target, and I've been wearing it nonstop. In fact, you may see it again on the blog very soon ;) My hat is from Target as well - they have a ton of really cute fall hats at affordable price points, so if you're hesitant about headwear, don't fear the cost! I collected a few of my faves for y'all to check out at the end of this post.


My black booties are via Hautelook, which is honestly both the biggest temptation ever and also the source of half of my closet. If you haven't already, join - your purchases can earn points towards your Nordstrom rewards! The black faux suede bomber is from Ross (under $30) and I haven't been able to find it online, but you can shop a similar one here or below. Jeans are Gap (similar here), and my tassel necklace is from Traveling Chic Boutique.


You might be surprised at the outfits you can create without spending a single penny :)



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Wednesday, October 5, 2016

Adulting 101: Skincare

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I feel like taking care of your skin is (although it probably shouldn't be confined to this) a very "adult" thing. Even though I know it's a necessity to use facewash and take off makeup before bed and all that jazz, having a "skincare regimen" feels very grown up to me. I've recently started using a new product, and I want to share it with y'all right here.

I grew up swimming year-round, mostly indoors - and my skin would show it by being red, dry, and uncomfortable. Putting makeup on over the top of dry skin is not cute. Even though my year-round swimming days are behind me (I coach now), my skin has retained it's susceptibility to dryness, specifically in colder temperatures. As we approach cold, dry weather here in VA, I was pumped to find a skincare brand I actually like - DERMA-E, which you can find at most Targets and drugstores. I've been using their hydrating day and night creme for about a week, and my skin hasn't been dry at all.



I've mentioned before that it's hugely important to me that I use the most natural products possible, not only because it's gentler on my skin, but it's also gentler on the environment. The packaging on DERMA-E products emphasizes their commitment to the environment and to global sustainability - two things that are important to me when I'm purchasing a new product. As you can see on the blue box in the photo below, the company's motto is "ethical beauty". That message, plus the quality of the product, means I'm pretty sold on this brand of skincare. Check out their website or your local skincare retailer (seriously, from Target to Whole Foods, you'll find it) and let me know what you think!

















This product was provided to me by derma-e for my honest opinion and review - all opinions, as always, are my own.

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Friday, September 30, 2016

RVA Fit Gal's Guide: TurnRVA Cardio Jam Studio

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For those of us who typically frequent Cary Town or the Fan, Scott's Addition is an RVA neighborhood full of hidden gems. One of these hidden gems is called TurnRVA Cardio Jam Studio. Don't run away just yet (I know you thought about it when you saw "cardio") trust me!

I'm at the tail end of completing two weeks of classes at Turn. And every single class I've taken has literally made me smile from ear to ear - whether it was a ballet class (!!!!!), Urban Boot Camp, or a taste of DanceTrance - this place is fun as hell. The whole idea behind TURN is that we're more likely to not only work out, but LIKE our workouts if we are part of a community. Each class I went to was full of really cool gals - from VCU grad students to a professional at the Martin Agency, there was a variety of participants of all ages and walks of life that I got to connect with. Read on for what to expect in the classes, how much you'll have to shell out, and to pick up on my general vibe on the place.


Classes I tried: (full schedule HERE)


  • Urban Boot Camp - YES this class is awesome. Seo (the instructor) pushes you without being intimidating or overwhelming - the focus is on doing everything correctly...which makes you get a better workout in the long run. I learned a ton and had a lot of fun - definitely doing a drop-in later this month!
  • SURF FIT - I've always been told, whether or not it's true, that I'm clumsy and not the most athletic. So typically I don't do a whole lot of balance-related sports or workouts - but I def couldn't resist trying a class that is taught entirely on SURF SET boards - basically surfboards mounted on Bosu balls. It was hard af but super awesome because it engaged my muscles in a whole new way. Would totally go back.
  • Urban Ballet - This is another moment when I said screw it to my normal, "I just am super uncoordinated so I'll pass...", type attitude. Even though I know I wasn't the best dancer on the floor, taking the class (and bringing a supportive friend along) made me feel more graceful than I usually do. The class was basically a beginner ballet class with some barre-type moves incorporated, and challenged me mentally as well as physically.
  • DanceTrance - Sandi, the owner of Turn (meet her HERE), called DanceTrance their "bread and butter". Think dancing at a club with all the flashing lights and killer music but with a group of 15 other gals in workout clothes following a super badass instructor. And that's DanceTrance. Not Zumba.
  • Urban Sculpt - This was probably the most challenging class I took - think BodyPump but a hell of a lot more fun and with different exercises all the time. Super good workout and amazing way to start my Saturday before getting my iced latte at Lamplighter!
  • Barre - I would say this was one of the more challenging barre classes I've ever taken. Barre is more about finding muscles you never knew you had than about being pushed to your max, and trust me, you'll be feeling it the next day.


SURF SET boards at TURN

$$$$$$

Ah yes. We are recent graduates and unsure about monetary commitment. This is a concept I understand. So I'll break it down for you --
  • FIRST CLASS EVER - FREE
  • Drop in - $15 (approx. 3 vodka sodas with extra lime at District 5) (yes that's my drink of choice)
  • 3-Class Pass - $40 ($5 less than the tassel necklace I just bought at Traveling Chic, dang it)
  • 5-Class Pass - $60 (if you paid the drop-in fee once a week for 5 weeks, you would pay $75)
  • 10-Class Pass - $110 (so you could work out 10 times for the same price of this Rebecca Minkoff )
  • Monthly Rate - $95 (This is probably also my monthly expenditure at Target. So I could quit buying scented candles and cheap sweatpants each month and lose some weight instead!)
  • Also there is a Groupon! Check it out for some savings and maybe a more manageable time commitment :)

WHAT DO I WEAR?!

Literally this is the easiest question to answer. Normal workout stuff - I often reward myself with fun workout clothes when I've reached a weight loss or lifestyle goal (which I just did and I ordered new Zella leggings to celebrate!). Also, you don't have to pay Lulu prices to look cute when you workout - check out my alternative (AFFORDABLE) options below. Another option - remember when I styled a pair of Spunkwear leggings? I still love them - feel free to revisit my post here!

Since TURN has a really nice new floor, they do ask that you bring your workout shoes in a bag and change into them once you get to class - this keeps dirt and rocks off the floor and also allows you to hang out in your flip flops longer.


So that's it. I'm a fan, and I'm going to try to budget for a pass once I get this job thang figured out. Grab a friend, hit a class, and walk over to Lamplighter for coffee (or beer at one of the 398237 breweries in Scott's Addition instead) right after. Let me know what you think!

P.S. - follow me on Twitter and Instagram for BTS of the #rvafitgalsguide!



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Wednesday, September 28, 2016

#GirlBoss, Fitness Edition: From Drummer to Dancer

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If you've been around, you might have picked up on the idea that I like to do things in series - like the #GirlBoss series, or the Friday Five, or the brand new Fit Gal's Guide, for example. I'm working on some more #GirlBoss interview installments, but this time, I'm getting to know the ladies who own or work at the amazing fitness studios and gyms that I'll be frequenting over the next few months. I've already met some really cool gals, and I want you to meet them too - so let's get going and start off with Sandi, who owns TURN Cardio Jam Studio in Scott's Addition.

Like what you see? Click HERE for my full review of TURN!


photo by Karolina Bassi

Describe your fitness journey - where did you start, how did you get here?
I was always active as a kid. I danced, played soccer, twirled, and even roller skated. My big thing was marching band. I was a drummer. A lot of people don’t consider that a sport, but they’re mistaken -- It took a lot of strength, stamina and endurance - and in South Texas, the heat is torture. 
I got my degree in Communications, Radio/TV Broadcast and got a job in Corpus Christi. I joined the YMCA, and I started lifting weights and taking group classes to stay in shape for rec soccer. When I moved to Norfolk, I tore my ACL. That sent me back to the gym to rehab my knee, and I fell in love with Step Aerobics. It was setting me up for what would be my next love.
When I moved to Birmingham, the HR woman at work suggested I join her gym. She said, “There’s a dance fitness class there and I think it’s right up your alley.” She was right. It was Dance Trance and I was stalking the instructors and students from the lobby for a few days, watching from the windows before I jumped in. But once I did it, I was hooked. It’s the only fitness program I have consistently maintained. When I moved to Florida I licensed Dance Trance Sarasota - the first expansion of the fitness program. When I moved to Richmond I licensed my second location at Gold’s Gym and then Rigby’s Jig. 
It was never my intention to open a fitness studio, I just wanted to find a place where I could teach Dance Trance that had a great floor and sound system and it happened to be that the best situation was to just go it on my own. I decided on Scott’s Addition not just because it was a cool area that was up and coming, but because it was close to where I worked. I was blessed with great friends, clients and a supportive husband who put in a lot of hard work to help me get the doors open. I’m still in awe every time I walk in that we accomplished something so great in a short amount of time, with next to no money.

What has been your biggest health or fitness challenge, and how did you overcome it?
The most difficult fitness challenge was my ACL injury. I was 23 and naive - I thought I’d have surgery and be good as new again. I had no idea what your anterior cruciate ligament was and how essential it is to your everyday life. I’m constantly working on my muscles in the quad and hamstring to keep my knee stable. And I’ve now developed new issues with it and I’m sure at some point I’ll be back in to the operating room for some repairs. I have the best results with adding yoga and strength training into my workouts to keep it functioning as best as it can.

What does the name of your studio, “Turn”, mean to you?
When it came time to name the studio, people suggested I find a name that could represent other fitness programs along with Dance Trance. I knew I wanted a dance term in there, and when I started listing off terminology I landed on Turn. It’s a literal “turn" like in dance, but it’s also "turn it up" for music, or "turn up" for get crazy, or "turn your life around" or "take your turn". Now, I really feel like I’m at a turning point of my own, with leaving TV news. So it just means so many things to me.

What would you say about the old saying, “don’t quit your day job” in regards to your career path?
I’m nearly a month into my TV news retirement, running Turn full time, and I couldn’t be happier. I’m finally living in the moment and taking in the experience instead of rushing around. I love seeing my clients every day and seeing the happy faces of new visitors. Some have shared personal fitness stories and others are just really happy to be at Turn and part of the community. I love when people are genuinely excited about what they just experienced, and I love working hard for something that I’m so passionate about - but more importantly, I love that I get to see my children every morning and every day after school. I finally feel like I have the best of both worlds and I’m not burning the candle at both ends. 

 If you could give your 23-year old self a pep talk, what would you tell her now?
First, I’d tell that young woman to take care of her knees! LOL I’d also let her know that it’s okay to slow down and enjoy life more because her hard work will pay off. I’d also let her know that she was going to find a great guy, have great kids and touch the lives of many wonderful people and that they would do the same for her too. 

PS: Sandi said I was her hero last week because I tried so many classes at TURN (insert blushing emoji here) 
PPS: In all honesty, I didn't take any classes from Sandi - most of the classes I took were with Seo, who is equally awesome and upbeat and motivational!!

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Friday, September 23, 2016

Friday Five: Travel Bloggers You Need to Know

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It doesn't matter if I'm going on a quick weekender, cross-country road trip, or semester abroad - travel blogs have always been my go-to for advice and tips about the journey and my destination.

The worst part of a trip is when it ends - because when you're traveling, all you ever want is to keep going, keep planning, and keep moving. Or at least that's how I usually feel.

I recently came up with a list of weekend trips and excursions I want to take now that I'm in Richmond - in fact, my goal is to get out of RVA one weekend (at least) per month. I'll share my list with you in another post, and you can follow along on the blog and on my Instagram as I work through it.

Meanwhile, I created a #FridayFive list of travel blogs that either really inspire me or have really helped me - check them out for yourself, and enjoy the travel bug when it bites!!


  1. Brunette Jetset. Basically, this chick is a badass - she's been just about everywhere, we agree that Vienna is one of the most livable cities we've visited, and she takes most of her trips solo.
  2. Hepburn and Handbags. Ashley has a great list of weekend trips in her travel section (including Waco, TX, home to everyone's fave HGTV show) and also some really down-to-earth musings about study abroad. Read this article if you've ever been frustrated with a friend who came back from their year or semester in Europe.
  3. Positive Publicity Blog. Camille at Positive Publicity has a ton of quick tip-type articles about visiting various cities - specifically London neighborhoods. Check her out before your next visit across the pond!
  4. Girl x Departure. This one actually might be my fave of today's Friday Five. Laura lives in Berlin and has been across the globe and back - to big cities and small, tried all the foods you can try, curated amazing travel advice, and has the most GORGEOUS photos and website design. Go look - you'll be on an airline website less than 10 minutes later.
  5. Sea Salt Secrets. Go read Shane's About page and try to tell me you aren't inspired. End of story.

So... planning your next trip yet?? Fill me in on your favorite past journeys, upcoming plans, and biggest dreams here in the comments, or find me on Instagram!


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Monday, September 19, 2016

Introducing... The RVA Fit Gal's Guide

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College is really easy because everything is right there. Your gym, your food, your living situation, your friends, a pre-set dating pool ... I digress. But the basic concept is that in your college bubble, most things you need are served to you on a silver platter.

Postgrad is different.

Instead of the campus gym, where everyone is on the treadmill in their formal T-Shirts and the only meat heads are "retired" football players, we have gym options that might be cheap, but offer little structure or familiarity. Instead of walking across campus, we drive somewhere new and park and walk into a giant room full of faces we don't know. And for some people, this totally works.

But for other people, this just doesn't cut it.

I've noticed that I've been reluctant to join a gym here in Richmond, even though working out is the best way for me to manage anxiety, keep off excess weight (duh) and clear my mind when I'm stressed. I've noticed that a lot of other girls my age are kind of in the same boat.

So I figured it wouldn't hurt to find out a little more about the fitness scene here in RVA.

What's out there? Who's teaching it? What does it feel like? Where are the studios?


I'm planning on answering all of these questions and more with my latest series, the RVA Fit Gal's Guide. I'll go and do the dirty work - test out studios and gyms and classes - and report back to you on social media and right here at The PDX Belle. I'll also throw in a few #GirlBoss interviews, because it's badass that there are women out there who work out and inspire other people for a living, and we might as well pick up a few tips from them.

Are you a local fitness studio looking for exposure or new clients? Contact me - let's work together! 

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