Nike Women Blog

Make Your Summer Satisfying

RachelHorning — Wed, 13 Jul 2011 21:20:01 GMT

Summertime, and the livin’ is easy. Outdoor picnics with hot dogs, burgers, lemonade and brownies. Vacation to the beach with boardwalk fries and funnel cakes. Hot afternoons only made bearable by ice cream. Sugary iced coffees. Late morning brunch with delicious pancakes. Fresh fruit pies. I could go on, but you get the point.

I always thought that it was nature's evil joke that the season in which we are expected to wear the least amount of clothing is also the one where fattening food is most plentiful. For example: we are expected to be in a bikini at the pool, when the only food available at the pool is fried or sugary. How cruel.

I love summer with all my heart, but I absolutely hate being in a bathing suit. A one piece squeezes up against all the areas I hate, while bikinis just put it all out there. Annoyingly enough, wearing a cover-up highlights to everyone else that you aren't comfortable enough to bare all...pun intended. Summer has always presented a strange conflict of excitement and dread for me.

I could finish the rest of this blog with healthy eating tips and ways to stay on top of that bikini figure. But that would be ridiculous, because most of us don't have the bikini figure that we want, myself definitely included. I could stress all summer about every bite I put into my mouth. I could count every calorie and I could wake up at 5 a.m. every day to run. But that isn't the point of healthy living.

Having a healthy lifestyle isn't just about diet and exercise. Don't get me wrong, I'm not going to pig out and sit on the couch all summer. I fully intend on being healthy. But sometimes, I forget that emotional and mental health is just as significant as the physical. If I force myself to eat things I don't want or if I deny myself every temptation, it will fuel a bad mental relationship with food. If I go into every workout with a sour attitude, I'm going to resent that hour-long yoga class instead of find rejuvenation in it.

Our attitudes shape our results. Coming to a place of satisfaction has been nearly impossible for me. I always am looking for better, for more. I look in the mirror and see what needs fixed, not what a good job I've done. If you are constantly telling yourself that you need to better, you foster a sense of discontentment in yourself. A whole life, a satisfied life, is one that celebrates itself...it isn't one that criticizes.

So instead of rolling my eyes, throwing my head back in disgust, or letting out a big sigh when I look at that itsy bitsy bikini, I will celebrate. Yes, you heard me. I will look in the mirror and check out all the things that I love. Even the pudgy tummy. I challenge your mental health this summer. I challenge your self-confidence. And I challenge your satisfaction.

Rachel V.

Free Yoga

GevrinaSeferaj — Wed, 25 May 2011 20:20:55 GMT

Yoga? Have you heard of it? Just playing… but really, the key words are “Power Yoga.” If you live in Los Angeles one of my favorite spots to workout is the Power Yoga studio in Santa Monica.

I know that sometimes it can be hard to leave our place of comfort such as our favorite Pilates studio or even our school gym, however, for all my LA locals; you will find so many benefits from the Power Yoga studio.

The Power Yoga studio thrives on its main goal of teaching students to develop their spirits and becoming one with it as oppose to feeding one’s ego, which according to the studio simply makes one vulnerable.

So how much does this studio cost? Can anyone afford it? The studio prides itself on not having monthly membership fee or set per class charges. Rather the studio survives on a donation based system that reflects the mantra that “wealth circulates” with collaboration and generosity of a community.

Personally, this studio is hot! It has so much more to offer than other studios in the sense that Power Yoga doesn’t feed its own ego by over charging. It’s a place to grow confidently and heal the imbalances of one’s body. Along with its challenging classes, windows are remained closed to create a sauna atmosphere in which one can really build up a sweat. The positions can get really advanced, but remember, it’s not a competition with your classmates, it’s what your body can do and being proud of it. When your body is ready, you will advance on maintaining certain positions a lot longer.

The growth of this studio has seen many positive responses, and so there are two studios in Santa Monica. One tip though as a Power Yoga veteran, get there early because it gets packed quickly. The good thing is if this does happen there are plenty of classes throughout the day for you do attend. As early as 5:30 am for my early birds and late as 10:30 pm to midnight for my night owls, this studio is ready for action.

For more information on the Power Yoga studios you can simply visit them on the web www.poweryoga.com. Cheers!

-Gevrina

Free Your Mind

LisaLane — Thu, 19 May 2011 21:15:41 GMT

Calm breaths, light dew on your skin, and a sound mind. Yes, even in this crazy world this is possible. There is a way to escape for an hour from the hectic day full of check lists and deadlines. This is through Yoga.

I never thought I would be the yoga type. I love exhilarating workouts where I leave dripping in sweat. However, after trying yoga, I quickly changed my mind. Everyone could use yoga in their lives, even if it is only for one day a week.

Yoga is a way to free your mind and not have to worry about anything but the breaths you are taking. It gives you peace, and leaves you feeling refreshed and calm. Usually my workouts are just as high-energy as my day is, so I do not necessary leave feeling anymore stress-free. But with yoga, I did.

There are many yoga benefits including improved flexibility, strength, and posture. With the different types of yoga , you can not only target specific parts of your body, but what type of mood you are in as well. So where some classes may focus on reflection, others will focus on teaching you how to move your body in new ways. But no matter what, they all include some form of a meditation technique, which everyone can benefit from.

I take a yoga class every Wednesday. It is right in the middle of the week, and usually right when I am about the buckle. So instead, I use Wednesday as a way to refocus and mellow down. In that yoga room, the world is once again simple. Once the hour is done, I am ready to open the doors back up to chatter, cars driving by, and constant ring of my cell phone. At least I know I had one hour all to myself!

-Lisa Lane

Harmony Between Mind, Body & Spirit in 2011

Christamarzan — Fri, 01 Apr 2011 18:25:47 GMT

For the last few days, I was thinking about my work out routine and how I eat. I go to the gym 3-5 times a week, run a few miles, lift a few weights, do a few crunches excluded, and try to eat as healthily as I can. Sounds pretty standard for someone who makes an effort to stay in shape.

However, the glue that really holds my workout routine and diet together is something I just stumbled upon less than two years ago, buy can’t imagine my life without now. That little thing is yoga.

I started practicing yoga after I graduated from college, when I was unemployed and bored with some high school friends. I’d also be lying if I didn’t say that I’ve been influenced by one of my college girlfriends, who has been practicing since we were 17 and is now a certified yoga instructor. Regardless, I have found a regular schedule for practicing yoga and incorporating it into my day to day activities, and I couldn’t be happier.

The obvious benefits of yoga: with regular practice, it can help increase flexibility, strengthen muscles, improve your balance, and tone your core. Since I started practicing yoga, I’ve noticed a connection and improvement in my other workouts as well. But I find yoga to be so important in my life now not just for the physical benefits, but more for the harmonizing of my mind, body and spirit.

Whenever I’m having a particularly stressful day at the office or a problem in my personal life, there’s nothing more I want to do than go to a yoga class.

Yoga helps me destress. It’s helps me let go of my day and focus on me (and that’s a good thing!). When I step onto my mat for an hour once a week, I am too focused on maintaining my positions and poses and too focused on actually breathing to think of anything else. When I step off the mat, I am a stronger person than before and I can take that strength wherever I go, whether it be to work, to my home, or just for myself.

Namaste, my friends. I wish you nothing but health, happiness and peace in 2011. Hopefully practicing yoga can help get you there.

-Christa Marzan
www.freshsqueezedfashion.com

Staying Motivated

RachelHorning — Mon, 14 Mar 2011 12:29:07 GMT

The alarm goes off. It’s loud. It interrupts a great dream. I roll over and the sun shines right in my eyes. Then I start to ask the series of questions I always ask when motivation is lacking: Do I really need to run today? What happens if I just take a day off? What’s wrong with just sleeping in?

Motivation is an elusive thing. It always seems to be running rampant at inappropriate times. At night when I can’t sleep and I need to burn some energy, it would be great to go for a run. Too bad running on the streets of Philadelphia at midnight isn’t very safe. Why is it that just six hours later, after sleeping, this motivation has left me and all I want to do is stay in bed?

This morning, I found the cure for a lazy attitude: Yoga. By definition, it’s a soothing exercise. When I woke up today, I had a great plan to go running. I laid out my sneaks next to my bed and slept in my favorite running shorts. I was amped. But sleep didn’t come easy and I woke up sore, just wanting to stretch. So I swapped out my shorts for my favorite pair of Nike yoga pants and stepped out onto my balcony. The air was crisp and the sun was rising over the skyline. It was beautiful.

I put on some soothing music and just let myself fall into the natural rhythm of my body. It was telling me what needed stretching and for how long. I focused my droopy eyes on specific muscles and slowly felt my body loosen. After 10 minutes, I noticed I was sweating more than I do when I run.

I began to mimic the yoga stretches I learned when I was in college and, after 45 minutes, realized I had gotten a better workout than I originally planned.

Lack of motivation doesn’t need to be debilitating. It can be channeled. Maybe you aren’t motivated because you aren’t doing the right thing. Fallen into a workout funk? Repeating the same workout over and over? Change it up! Don’t let a boring routine become an excuse. Try some of our two-minute workouts, buy yourself a new bra, read one of our articles about nutrition. Do something—anything—to mix it up. You’ll find yourself rejuvenated and, best of all, motivated.

-Rachel Horning

Stretch It Out

MaryCatherineHolcomb — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 23:45:18 GMT

I’m not used to being in a stretched position to where I can look between my legs and see another face peering at me. But if you have tried your hand – or twisted your body – at yoga, then you know what I am talking about. Slowly but surely, the California way of life, complete with yoga and everything you can think of organic, is taking over my life. But in a good way, of course. Patience, although said to be a virtue, is definitely not one of my stronger traits. In fact, not ever trying yoga until the recent class I took, was due to my strong dislike for ‘slow’ exercises that require patience and control – yoga being one of those. However, my body has been in pain and some heavy duty stretching was needed. Speaking of pain, my sister has been on my case to give it a try, so I figured if anything, I could just knock out two things at once. Lo and behold, I liked it. I have to admit, it did take a lot for me to ‘let go’ during the class. But in the end, my body certainly thanked me for it. Kind of hard to describe, but my body just felt good. Not like a “I worked out so hard and now I can’t walk” kind of good, but a “wow, my body feels completely and surprisingly stretched” kind of good. It can be hard for me to change up my routine – if you can’t already tell – but this time, I’m pretty glad I did it. Next challenge: holding a harder pose for longer than 15 seconds. Stay tuned.

-Mary Catherine Holcomb

Relax!

IsisRoberts — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 16:10:46 GMT

Sometimes I feel like I’m going through life in the fast lane. I go to school full time and work part time. I’m the sports producer at my university and I have the coolest job ever with Nike. I love everything I do, but sometimes I just need to slow down and get away. I decided to try this new fitness class called, “Stretch and Relax.” The class is designed for people like me who just need to relax!

The mood of the class was so peaceful. Our first exercise was simply to focus on our breath. We laid on our backs with our hands to the side and inhaled and exhaled. The goal is to get you’re your mind off of everything going on outside of the doors and just focus on your breath. The instructor also mixed in yoga poses such as the child’s pose (Balasana), the seated forward bend (Paschimottanasana), and the dog and cat stretch. I really liked the child pose because it helped relieve back pain. When you are face down lying on the mat, spread your knees. Bring your stomach to rest between your thighs and keep your forehead to the floor. Finally, stretch your arms out in front of you and breathe. I never realized how tense my body was. The stretches we did were really helpful. This is a great class to relax, stretch, alleviate stress and tension and also increase flexibility.

Everyone needs a little more stretching and relaxation in their life because there’s a lot of stress world around us. A lot of the stretches can also be done at home or when you are at work. Practice just focusing on your breath. Rotate your ankles, neck and shoulders. Trust me, this sounds simple, but it really helps you relax.

If you want to learn more about the different relaxing positions you can do, go to this website. Remember, when you start to stress out, just relax!

-Isis Roberts

Yoga for Injuries

RosaMillan — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 17:45:31 GMT

I went to a chiropractor on and off for the last couple of years since hurting my lower back in a high school basketball game. After a year, I still had some tightness and discomfort, which at times limited my physical activities. The doctor mentioned my body was lacking flexibility: the reason I got hurt in the first place, and reason why I couldn’t get 100 percent better. During this time, I also started doing yoga and quickly realized it was going to be the best thing I could do for my lower back. Why? I couldn’t do half of the postures, meaning I needed major help!!

When dealing with injuries, we learn as athletes that it takes time to heal and feel better. Yoga taught me this, as I slowly learned to do the basic postures like upward and downward dog every day until they became easier to do. I discovered areas of my body that were tighter than others, like the hamstrings, and gradually saw them become more accessible. I gained more flexibility, and added specific postures to target my lower back and hips. As time passed, doing yoga went from, “I can’t do that,” to “this feels amazing!” I was stretching muscles I had rarely felt before, and it felt like I was getting to know my body’s weaknesses and strengths. I was ready to take on anything.

Sometimes it’s hard to bounce back from getting hurt, but integrating yoga into your sports lifestyle can definitely help you feel better. Yoga moves you in ways you’re not used to, so it can be quite a different experience than most sports. As you continue practicing, however, your body adapts by strengthening and improving overall flexibility, therefore improving your game.

Yoga, which means to unite, was helping my body to do just that. It allowed my entire body to gain flexibility and work together to reestablish overall alignment. My back is much better today, and it’s all thanks to improving the overall condition of my body. Yoga helped me to overcome my sports injury, and I keep it in my life to prevent future ones. Before I workout, I do some basic yoga postures as well as my feel-good back stretches, and I’m ready to go without worrying about pulling something. So bring it on injuries, because yoga has got my back.

-Rosa Millan

Breathe

GevrinaSeferaj — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 16:35:46 GMT

Readings, papers, lectures, work, internships…the infamous to-do list can sometimes go on and on. So how can any of us actually squeeze in some workout time let alone some relaxation time to gather oneself?

This part can be tricky. Whether you are in high school, college, or simply in the work force, finding time to unwind gets harder and harder as you become bombarded with daily tasks; especially at the rate that society is moving. Obviously it’s impossible to place things on hold, but I’ve got a little suggestion of my own. I recently visited the Self- Realization Lake Shrine off of Sunset Blvd.

The Self-Realization Lake Shrine was dedicated to the public by Paramahansa Yogananda so that everyone could enjoy the serenity as well as the scenic beauty of this 10-acre site. This hidden oasis has attracted thousands of visitors each year not only because of its beautiful gardens and natural spring-fed lake, but it also is the home of swans, ducks, and exquisite flowers. Visitors also come to check out a small museum as well as a shrine that holds Gandhi’s ashes.

This is an amazing place where you can definitely unwind and de-stress. If you are one of those girls who needs to bring her homework or laptop everywhere to write those unforgiving college essays this is a perfect replacement for the library or even that coffee shop.

If you’re more interested in simply relaxing and mediating you can also do that. Bring a book, sit, relax and recline.

Now for my more proactive ladies who want to place their obligations on hold and work out, you can bring your yoga mat and do some exercises on your own. If a cardio workout fits your athletic profile, then take a couple laps around the lake.

I found that this was a perfect place for me to soak up some sun, read a book, and of course take a few laps around the lake. It’s a great destination that offers history, natural beauty, as well as a place to break a sweat.

-Gevrina Seferaj

Keeping It Hot

MelissaEnaje — Sat, 09 Jan 2010 18:05:50 GMT

Born and raised in the south, humidity and high temperatures were just another day in the neighborhood. So to emerge myself in a hot yoga class that made me feel like I was back in Texas, seemed elementary.

Boy was I wrong!

The new experience was challenging. The instructor began with an introductory piece saying “be the change you want to see in the world” by Mahatma Gandhi and set the tone for what challenges lied ahead. I let go of any preconceived notions and just listened.

For an hour and a half, with the extra help of my new yoga teacher, I engaged in a series of 26 poses with temperatures reaching about 105 degrees. Every new pose I discovered, from Tadasana to Savasana and Garudasana was repeated twice with greater flexibility due to the heat. I felt like Play-doh, becoming entangled in my own body.

We’re talking about backbends, forward bends and twists. Yet to anyone antsy about such an endeavor, I say fear not, because one’s true strength and durability comes from inside. That’s your mental telling your physical “hey, ease up out of yourself and just do it.” Each pose is accompanied with a Kapalabhati breath or the “blowing in firm” deep breath that soothes the process and helps you go with the flow.

Let’s talk about this heat wave. Not only was I sweating profusely without toughing up a 3-mile run, but it felt good to be releasing toxins and cleansing my body so to speak. No lie, I did have some moments of dizziness due to lack of keeping up my breathing with the heat and the intense postures. Nonetheless, the time spent with my new found workout routine was well worth the challenge. That’s because the benefits of hot yoga range from developing muscle, reducing stress, and stretching my underused muscles and ligaments.

My family tree has a long history of diabetes and this is one alternative way to reduce any symptoms by keeping my body healthy. Anyone can practice hot yoga, give it a try, and gain some mental clarity. With an experienced and helpful yoga instructor, breaking a sweat will be such an understatement.

-Missy Enaje

Yoga Everyday

RosaMillan — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 19:15:01 GMT

I started practicing yoga three years ago, and with time, have learned to love it. I’m not going to lie; it was hard at first to keep up with an entire class. Let’s just say downward dog did not feel like a resting posture at all! Despite initial frustrations, I didn’t give up on yoga and it has become one of the best things I’ve ever done for my body and mind.

I tried to do yoga at first through DVD’s, but it only confused me further. I was then brave enough to take a yoga class through my school, and to this day continue to practice on my own. Every morning I do sun salutations in order to not only get the meditative and calming benefits of yoga, but to prepare my body for the rest of the day. I’ve made up my own yoga sequence (series of movements) throughout the years, which include many stretches and postures that are coordinated with my respiration. Doing this every day has become habitual, and it’s my way of ensuring by body is ready to work it out throughout the day.

Getting started in yoga is easy. My advice is to look up a local yoga studio to get into the group environment and make sure you are learning how to do the postures correctly. Like all fitness activities, a group setting motivates you and keeps you on task. The instructor can help you in and out of postures, and makes sure you are doing them safely and in correct alignment. The best thing about yoga is that everyone can do as much or as little as their body permits. No one body is the same, so it’s okay to not do a certain posture if it causes discomfort. The great thing one of my yoga instructors says is that everyone gets the same benefit no matter what your skill level.

After continuous yoga practice, I’ve gained lots of endurance and flexibility. The meditative qualities have also allowed me to be more focused in everything I do, which is especially crucial when doing sports. The best thing is that you never stop getting to know your body, which constantly changes due to your fitness level, the sports you play or even injury. Overall, yoga has allowed me to become more aware of my body and its range of motion, which is why I practice every day.

-Rosa Millan

Nikewomen.com Featured Artist: Sugarland

SarinaMorales — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 07:00:58 GMT

In my time as the Nike Field Reporter, I’ve had some awesome opportunities to interview top athletes and musicians. In my most recent interview, however, I headed down to Atlanta to participate in a yoga session with a woman who impressively embodies both musical and athletic abilities. A lot of her fans have told me, “I love her, she has the voice of an angel.” Although I’m not sure how an angel actually sounds, I’m sure Jennifer Nettles, lead singer of one of the top country music groups, Sugarland, sure sounds like one. She can sing her heart out a concert and she can balance herself upside down in a yoga session. I can’t even sing in the shower.

I took a yoga gym class in high school and thought it was cool, but watching Jennifer use her muscles and still keep balance and transition into the different yoga positions really impressed me. She’s at a much higher level than I am, but I felt like I could at least keep up by peeking through my peripheral vision to see if I was doing each stretch properly. I kept telling myself, “Don’t worry Sarina, it’s not like you have a camera crew or anyone really watching.”

The interesting thing about yoga is it’s all about transitioning. Breathing in and out, stretching and focusing. Forget the fact that I’m interviewing and working out with one of the most famous country music singers, I’m just trying to keep myself together and not bust my butt on the floor. I have to admit, zoning out the rest of my issues and just focusing on how to transition from the floor to a sideways position was a lot easier than I had primarily envisioned.

Don’t be intimidated to try out yoga either; Jennifer started on basic DVDs. Although many of you aren’t traveling around the world, for anyone who has a hectic schedule like Jennifer Nettles and Sugarland, yoga may be the best thing to take up. “You can do it anywhere… well almost anywhere” Jennifer says. It’s something she tries to do everyday for about an hour to an hour and a half. You work up a sweat, but somehow feel calmer and more energized at the end of a session.

For a strong woman who really embraces her athletic abilities and her musical gift, it wouldn’t hurt if we were all a little bit more like Jennifer Nettles. Get into the holiday spirit with Sugarland’s latest Christmas album, Gold and Green and burn off the cream puffs and big dinners with a nice yoga session.

-Sarina

Workouts At The Bar

GevrinaSeferaj — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 15:45:20 GMT

I have danced for a total of 11 years and my favorite part of dancing is the ability to express your self through different movements while being engaged with the sound of music. After receiving a scholarship to be a coxswain for a Division I University, I traded my ballet slippers for a pair of running shoes and my dancing days were placed on hold. As a coxswain, cardio workouts became my new training regiment. I have not danced in a studio for over five years and miss everything from the warm-ups, to the stretches, to the choreography and even the cool downs.

This time I decided to go back to dance, and luckily, I stumbled upon something that I’m going to make my own. For all of my retired ballerinas or girls who would love to try a ballet class to stay in shape, but fear being embarrassed because of lack of experience, this new workout studio is just for you! This studio goes by the name of The Bar Method. While the name might sound intimidating, the workout is amazing! If you have never been to a ballet studio, that is not a problem, The Bar Method caters to all levels.

The Bar Method basically incorporates ballet and yoga techniques to elongate and stretch major muscle groups in the body. I went to my first class thinking it was going to be a breeze since I already had 11 years under my belt. Boy was I wrong, I got worked! I loved how simple and small exercises made me use muscles in my body that I didn’t even know existed. The best part: after you warm up in the center of the room, you go to the bar and start doing sets of releves (rising your heels off the ground and placing them back down), which gives your lower body an intense workout. You walk out of the studio feeling great, sweaty, and sore; all good feelings of a rewarding workout. And if you’re wondering whether or not you need ballet shoes, don’t worry all you need are socks, which the studio also provides.

-Gevrina Seferaj

Put The Sweat Back In Stretch

AshleyMacha — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 20:47:57 GMT

Because of the fact that I live in Arizona, most people tend to think I’m out of my mind when they hear that I’ve done Bikram Yoga. The 105-degree, 30-percent humidity, 90-minute yoga session is a combination of 26 postures and two breathing exercises. The body cleansing exercise works all muscles, ligaments, tendons, glands, joints and organs in our body to the max.

I’m not afraid to admit that it was pretty intense for a Bikram first-timer like myself. I mean, I might as well have gone outside for those conditions. Alright, alright…we might not have 30 percent humidity here in the desert, but we sure are known to get well over 100 degrees many days of the year.

That being said, why would myself and many others want to put themselves in these sweltering conditions? Bikram yoga made its way to the United States in the 1970s and started gaining more popularity within the last 10 years. The reason for participation varies from person to person, but Bikram typically attracts people looking for rehabilitation after an injury, professional athletes, including runners, triathletes, football players and basketball players and women who have been sexually abused and find the environment a safe haven for healing.

Watching the participants from the class before slither their way out the door, drenched in sweat and breathing deeply, I silently thanked my dryer for not having my yoga pants ready, forcing me to wear my spandex shorts and sports bra combo.

Having done yoga before, the flexibility and poses weren’t even a main fear of mine. The biggest fear I had – as do many – was if I’d make it through the 90-minute session without passing out (or puking for that matter). But, I’m not a quitter, even if my body, perspiration and all, might think differently.

Needless to say, I made it through the heat, humidity and sweat beading down my body. I even signed up for a two-week unlimited session and can definitely vouch for the instructor when she told us a list of possible side effects that may occur from Bikram yoga, including unbounded clarity, limitless intelligence, surges of energy, self confidence and happiness.: )

-Ashley Macha

IMC –A (Upper) Cut Above the Rest

AshleyCeaser — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 14:36:15 GMT

Imagine a place where you can feel its energy as soon as you walk in. It’s peaceful, but at the same time, the vibe can be raw, and uncensored. Close your eyes and try and think of somewhere you can getaway, forget all your worries, issues and/or current challenges for an hour and just come to sweat.

For me, this place is called Integrated Martial Arts Concepts (“IMC”). Located in Willow Glen, California, IMC is a studio where people of all ages (and fitness levels) can come to take a variety of group classes such as street self-defense, street kickboxing, yoga, Pilates, and special bootcamps. I’ve been taking the Pilates and kickboxing classes since last August, and it’s definitely unlike any other group class I’ve ever experienced. Not only do we perform all the movements barefoot, we use real boxing gloves. And the regular attendees in the class (like me) have become almost like one big family. We all have nicknames, and if I were to miss a class, they ask about you the next time you come in.

The biggest difference about IMC though is that it’s not about just getting in shape physically, but also mentally. IMC’s owner Arash Dibazar (pictured above) believes “You can change your body all you want, but if your mindset doesn’t adjust too, you will just fall back into your old ways. And that’s what’s wrong with gyms. They only work you out physically, and not mentally.” And I couldn’t agree with him more. Since coming to IMC and adding the group classes to my regular fitness routine, I feel I’m in the best shape of my life. But you don’t have to take my word for it. If you live in the Bay Area you should definitely come check out a couple classes; the results will speak for themselves.

-Ashley Ceaser