Channeling Kelly Ripa with Physique 57

Back in May I shared the workout DVDs using the Lotte Burke method of Pilate's. Then in June, I purchased the 3-DVD set from Physique 57™ NYC. This is the studio where Kelly Rippa works out! Erin Fetherston gives a short commentary about the program on the DVD as well.

This workout is the ADVANCED version of the Lotte Burke DVD series.

Well, I recently received an email from Physique 57 announcing its official launch of the DVDs, so I had to share (wanted them to be in stock for certain before I shared, so you can purchase them!)

Visit physique57.com/shop to view excerpts from each DVD, and place your order today! Physique 57 DVDs are also available to purchase at all three New York studio locations. Physique 57 master instructors Tanya Becker and Shelly Knight lead the workout.

Let me know what you think if you get them!

This work out almost made me cry is brutal, and I workout all the time. It is so intense that I look as though I jumped in the shower afterwards. Interestingly enough, however, you are energized!

Martha Stewart's Schedule

I have to say, I love Martha Stewart...I think I want to be Martha. It's the whole organization thing that appeals to me. If I could only be that uber-organized and have my home running smoothly the way she does; set an incredible table with all the supplies in perfect condition and on hand; oh! I would be in heaven. A perfectionist by nature, but lacking because life has caused me to be just too busy, I dream of the day I can write a home-keeping, stylistic book wherein my office is in order, my rabbits groomed perfectly (they are angoras, this takes hours) and my closet completely in order (and the pantry alphabetized, etc, etc). I'll just keep working on that. This is Martha’s routine, it intrigues me.


Martha's daily regimen revealed
By Martha Stewart Martha Stewart Living Magazine


Several times a day I'm asked to describe the daily routine that permits me to do all I do -- maintaining a very busy schedule while still feeling good.I have worked out a 10-step program for myself that's very effective in maintaining my status quo of clear skin, clear eyes, a high energy level and illness-free living. I thought I would, once and for all, attempt to write it all down and share it with you here.



1. SKIN CARE: Skin care is vital, and my routine includes a thorough cleansing every morning and night. Toners, enriching day and night creams, and serums -- I love Mario Badescu and Yon-Ka products -- keep my skin elastic and supple and glowing. Sunblocks, balms and skin healers are also necessary as preventive treatments. Ok, I have a ton of skincare, if I would just use it...

2. GYM: My home gym is furnished with aerobic machines, weights and Cybex machines, and has a lovely view of the farm, a television so I can watch the news while running on the treadmill, and yoga equipment. The importance of aerobic exercise cannot be overemphasized. Aerobics keep weight down and stamina up. Well, I set up a home gym, and I have DVDs - pilates, yoga, ballet. Had gym wired for television - just need a damned tv...

3. MORNING JUICE Every morning I drink about 8 ounces of what I call "green juice." I use a juicer to make a blend of spinach, celery, cucumber, carrot and some fruit -- pear, apple, pomegranate, plum, peach, a bit of orange peel and a small piece of ginger. The more of these ingredients that come from my organic garden, the better. I actually feel a jolt of energy when I imbibe these drinks. Ok, I know juice is good for you. I have two juicers; I juice carrots for Wooley, but I would rather eat the fruit and have a lunchtime salad.

4. CALENDAR An organized calendar with every meeting, trip and appointment carefully listed and timed enables me to accomplish a lot each day. I do not have meetings just for the sake of meetings -- there is always a subject to discuss, information to gather and people to meet. Each appointment is listed with phone numbers of all the principals. Addresses include cross streets so no time is wasted in finding a location. I have too many post-its. I hate having a home calendar, an office calendar, a business calendar - I'm thinking about getting a Blackberry, but what will become of the post-its?

5. WALKING My favorite outdoor activity has always been hiking or walking. Good footwear, good socks and a jacket with pockets (for water and a cell phone) are crucial items of clothing. I will try on lots of sneakers before I find a comfortable pair. Walking and running are my passions; however, I only bring water, no cell phone, too much to carry. If anything happens on the trail, well, I better be able to outrun those bobcats that I'm seeing warning signs about...I've just thrown a pair of running shoes in the Goodwill box - putting them to rest after about 14 months...no wonder my knees hurt...Martha would never do that.

6. EXERCISE Weights are all-important for bone health and body toning, and yoga is essential for calming the mind and strengthening the body's core. I love weights for arms and shoulders, and my Pilates ring for strengthening thighs, arms and chest. A yoga block, a ring and a yoga strap come with me wherever I go, so I can at least get a bit of a workout when I'm on the road. Ahem, think I have this one down! I have all sorts of Pilates and yoga equiptment, and great DVDs. YAY!

7. WATER I have three offices in addition to my home office. Alongside every one of my computers I keep a pitcher of mineral water infused with lemon, lime, orange, or cucumber and mint. I find that I drink more if the pitcher is there as a reminder. When I read this I bought a cute pitcher for my office and bring mints from my veggie garden (chocolate mint is my favorite) and other fruits for my Smart Water.

8. HAIR CARE Because I have my hair styled so often, I wash it almost every day. I use a variety of shampoos and conditioners, notably ones by Frederic Fekkai and L'Oreal, to keep my hair from becoming dry or brittle. Sometimes I visit Parvin Klein, my colorist at the John Barrett Salon, for a glossing, which seems to infuse my hair with a new vitality. Hair...I working on that one. I like the Kerastase Products. And I want to try Shu Urmura.

9. DAILY MAINTENANCE Skin care is not the only daily routine one must adhere to. An electric toothbrush is essential for gum care and shiny white teeth, along with a good dental-care program (twice a year cleanings and checkups). Mouthwash and salt-water gargles are also helpful in keeping colds and sore throats from developing. Feet, hands, arms and legs should also be cared for. I love the Susan Ciminelli Marine Lotion for my body and several Dr. Hauschka tonics for my face, neck and chest. Do the check ups; my feet are abused, as are the hamstrings....

10. RELAXATION I do try to find some time, perhaps not every day but as often as possible, to curl up with a new book -- often downloaded onto my Kindle -- or to watch a movie from Netflix. A great cup of tea or even a homemade cappuccino (one shot of espresso only) is an added perk and pleasure. I'm not sure I understand what she is trying to say here....I aspire to this.

Last but not least, I cannot emphasize enough the importance of children, spouses, significant others and pets in our daily lives. They are the real reason we do what we do outside the home, in our work and in our play. I try to speak with my daughter, Alexis, every day. My dogs and cats and horses and other animals are a constant source of joy and pleasure. And a few minutes of every day are spent on the phone catching up with close friends.

Disclaimer:

Questions should be addressed to Ask Martha, care of Letters Department, Martha Stewart Living, 11 W. 42nd St., New York, NY 10036. E-mail to mslletters@marthastewart.com.© 2009 Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia Inc.

Lumigan - Eyelash Growth

Its been about 7 months now that I have been using Lumigan, for eyelash growth. Well, not exactly intended for this purpose, buy my dermy had to actually cut her eyelashes because they grew so long! In my case, I purchased it to try to restore very overplucked eyebrows....(enough said!) but I am enjoying the benefits of the long eyelashes!

Since I've been using all the products from Rodan+Fields, I've been really giving my skin a critique to determine that they are in fact working on my skin (I've never had such hydrated skin, and I'm known for buying some very pricey high-end products. I always say that I could have 2 or 3 rentals with all my product money over the years!), I'm really frustrated that my eyebrows are taking their time to grow. GRRRRRR! I'm going to have them shaped next weekend; at least they no longer resemble "commas".

Pilates

The Lotte Berk Method. I love the combination yoga/pilates/ballet this workout offers. Amazon.com is selling the DVDs. I first heard about this workout discussed by by Kelly Ripa of Live! Regis and Kelly, and in Fitness, Shape and several other magazines. About 1 1/2 years ago I purchase the DVDs for my collection at home. And it is part of the workout plan offered by NYC's Physique 57 (a great gym I receive email about new events from. I was able to visit their facility on my trip to NYC last May. I've noticed this style popping up in other areas of the country as well.

I've decided to try to train my body to 'crave' these workouts in the morning. I have set my alarm for 4:50am and the plan is to have a 1/2 workout to one of the 4 DVDs each morning (they are 1/2 hour each). When I really need to stretch I use a 10 -minute Pilates-only DVD and cut the time a bit short on the Lotte Burk. It's Wednesday, but so far so good! I hope I can stick to this crazy plan! I feel streched all day! And that's great with the long commute. Of course, this now leaves evenings open for running....