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Free Yoga Classes Tomorrow at Lucy in Preston Center

In honor of September being National Yoga Month, the Lucy store in Preston Center is hosting “Fitness Friday” with free yoga classes tomorrow. The first, an introduction to yoga flow will be taught by Kathy Glenn from 2-2:40 pm. Amber Kocien will teach yoga for stress relief from 3:30-4:10 pm and from 4:50-5:30 pm they’ll have a yoga for runners class. And while you’re there, check out the Hatha Power Pant. Five percent of all sales from them will be donated to Off the Mat, Into the World.

Free Yoga at the W Every Sunday Night

W Dallas – Victory is kicking off its newest yoga series on Sunday, September 13. The FREE series, a collaboration between the W and Power Yoga Dallas, takes place every Sunday night from 6 pm to 7 pm on the Wet Deck (pictured left, um, yeah!). The class will be taught by Jennie Bartholomew, founder of Power Yoga, who will instruct for all levels of yoga. Upcoming dates for this Sunset Power Yoga class include September 13, 20, and 27, and October 4, 11, 18, and 25. Mark your calendars and set your TiVo to record your favorite Sunday night shows while you’re at yoga. This will be worth it. All they ask is that you RSVP to RSVP.01521@whotels.com.

D’s September Issue Is Bursting at the Seams With Dallas Fashion and Beauty News

My spa travel story in the September issue of D is not the only beauty-related item in that magazine. The issue is actually chock-full of girlie goodness. Lucky for you, I put together a rundown of all the fashion and beauty fabulousness. Happy clicking!

1. Stephanie Quadri has the scoop on must-have fall fashion.

2. Sarah Eveans, Allison Hatfield, Tim Rogers, and I bring you the 11 Dallas Style Setters You Need To Know.

3. Laura Kostelny wants you to look beautiful at any age.

4. The D Beauty staff rounded up the latest and greatest Dallas beauty news.

5. Raya Ramsey knows purple is fall’s signature color, and she’s found the products to prove it.

(Photo by Maxine Helfman)

SPF Style: Protect Skin With Cover Clothing

Although many of us are opting to stay out of the sun with these 100+-degree days, we can’t avoid it all together. Protect your skin from harmful rays with Cover Clothing, a stylish line of sun-conscious separates designed by two local moms, Lisa Moore and Robyn Stevens. The figure-flattering wrinkle-free “swim-jersey” (nylon/spandex blend) garments supply SPF 50 protection (weaved into the fabric) and are breathable, submergible, moisture-wicking, and machine washable. Perfect for throwing on at the pool, park, or while playing sports. The versatile “circle” ($40) and “cardigan” ($135) are our favorites from the latest collection (available in black, white,  merlot, and peach). Cover has partnered with the American Cancer Society to feature educational hang tags with skin protection tips. We love that someone has put this much thought into looking good while doing good. $40-$160 is a small price to pay to help prevent skin cancer. Find the line locally at The Shak or online at coverclothing.com.

Another Quirky Dallas Workout: Hilton Anatole’s Aqua Zumba Water Aerobics Class

If you’re going to be sweating, I can’t imagine it feeling better than if you are in a swimming pool. The Verandah Club at the Hilton Anatole has created a water aerobics class that features fun moves to Latin tunes and supposedly can help you burn up to 500 calories per class. This doesn’t sound like some old lady lift-weights-to-disco-fever-songs-in-the-shallow-end course. A membership to the Verandah Club’s fitness center is $118 per month, which includes fitness classes, but you can purchase a $16 day pass to check out the class, too. Hilton Anatole. 2201 Stemmons Freeway. 214-761-7855 or www.verandahclub.com.

Champion4Fitness Opens at Shops at Starwood in Frisco

Nope, this isn’t just another gym, people. The official word:

The facility  includes a sports apparel retail boutique with lines such as Sergio Tacchini, Tail, andFila, to name a few; a proprietary LifeStyle Performance Center providing extensive scientific and fitness testing; fitness and nutrition counseling; a selection of supplements from Vemma, Verve, and Advocare; private one-on-one personal training in four different studio settings; and sports massage.

Champion4Fitness offers clients an innovative scientific approach which integrates fitness and nutrition with science and technology at a personalized level like no other wellness resource in the market.  Each client receives a framework of support from industry leaders utilizing a fully integrated testing, training, and nutrition system.

Among the Champion4Fitness leaders are chief medical director Jeffrey C. Caruth, M.D., chief of staff in the Ob-Gyn department at the Medical Center of Plano and founder of Plano Aesthetics. You might also recall the article about the Dr. Ted diet in D Beauty. That was Dr. Caruth, too.

Exhale Spa Presents Kids and Teens Fitness Classes

Yesterday I saw a nine-year-old boy ride his bicycle two houses down. He was on a cell phone telling his friend he wanted to play Playstation. What happened to the days of walking to friends’ houses before heading to the neighborhood pool after a little soccer in the cul-de-sac? I’ll tell you what happened. Cell phones happened. (No need to walk to a friend’s house. Just call ‘em.) Videogames happened. (What’s a swimming pool?) Well, Exhale will get the kids and teens back in shape again. And it can all take place while you’re in YOUR workout. Perfect. Children’s yoga classes use “animated poses, stretching, and interactive games,” and teen classes focus on “improving concentration, stimulating the imagination, and promotion strength, flexibility, and basic body awareness.” The Mind Body Summer Series for Kids is for ages 5-9 on Wednesdays, 2 pm to 3 pm. The teens series is for ages 10-16 on Tuesdays, 2 pm to 3 pm. (Yoga for you takes place at the same time both days.) Classes run through the month of July. Exhale Spa Dallas. 5300 Mockingbird Lane. 214-370-5800 or www.exhalespa.com/locations/dallas.

New Shops at Watters Creek

The resort-style outdoor shopping center in Allen is growing, with the addition of ten new tenants including Dallas-based Flirt Boutique (the original location is in Uptown), Houston-based Charming Charlie, and children’s salon/spa/party place  Sweet & Sassy. Coming soon: Filthy Rich (June) – specializing in replicas of jewelry worn by the stars, Apricot Lane (September) – moderate to high-end apparel and accessories, and the infamous Luke’s Locker (September) – specialty running, walking, & fitness shop. If you live in town you probably won’t be making a dash for the suburbs to see these shops since most of them have other locations nearby, but why not make the trip simply for a change of scenery and full day of shopping, eating, and relaxing.

(*photo  above by Gregg Ellman)

Find Harmony at Karmany

In the current issue of D Beauty we wrote about the new pay-what-you-can yoga studio, Karmany. In light of the current economic situation I really appreciate these folks for being willing to help us de-stress even if we’ve been laid off, given a pay cut, forced to work an extra job, etc. These are the times when we need yoga the most – to help us focus on all the good things in our lives instead of  the bad. And to treat our mind and body the best we can. So let’s give them some love. If you’ve been thinking about getting into yoga, or if like me, you got out of your normal routine (over six months ago!), Karmany is providing the opportunity to get back on track with several different classes offered all week long. Their Level I class on Wednesdays at 5:45pm is fantastic. Instructor deAnna, takes time during the class to make adjustments when our poses are off and to help us twist and bend further than we ever thought possible – all without making us curse her out in our heads! The studio is bright and airy thanks to a big picture window, and very peaceful. See you at class!

What To Do Today: Fitness Fridays at Lucy

You’re probably working today. I know. So are we. But I highly recommend taking a long lunch and going to Fitness Fridays at Lucy. Why? So many good reasons, really. Certified yoga therapist Melisa Ambers–who was featured in the spring issue of D Beauty–is teaching free yoga classes. 2008 D Beauty Award winner Hail Merry’s Susan O’Brien is bringing her totally awesome raw snacks. Plus: complimentary chair massages from Red Door Spa and coupons for free stuff from Aveda NorthPark. We’re so in.

photograph by Nancy Newberry

Getting Jessica Biel’s Bod

This is neither local nor timely (unless you remember bikini season impends), but because this grabbed my interest, and I like to think of myself as the average ShopTalk reader, I thought you might be interested too. Also because Jessica Biel’s body has always been somewhat of an anomaly to me—how can something be soft and feminine, yet muscular and strong? Here, Jessica’s trainer, Jason Walsh, gives us the scoop on Biel’s workout. Here’s the original story in People. My conclusion: Hanging leg raises seem hard. Getting Jessica Biel’s bod is not likely. (Pictured left: Lola, my sweet boxer—the only other “person” I know who’s soft, feminine, muscular, and strong.)

Sweet Deal: Join Planet Fitness for Just $1

But hurry because the offer expires soon. April 1-7, you can join Planet Fitness for only $1. (Regular initiation fee is $59-$99.) And here’s some better news: the monthly membership fees start at just $10, and there are no contracts. If you upgrade to $19.99 a month, you get access to all 266 locations across the country, plus unlimited tanning and unlimited guest privileges. Talk about affordable fitness! Planet Fitness has two locations in Dallas-Fort Worth–one block north of the Galleria at 5301 Alpha Rd. and 6101 Windhaven Pkwy. in Plano. You’re officially out of excuses. Start exercising!

Shapewear For Men

Not to be mistaken for Spanx. It’s actually a men’s Core Precision undershirt from Equmen that was recently launched (in the UK at Selfridges) and has been receiving a lot of attention now that it is available online in the US. So what exactly is it? As the press release states, “Equmen’s cutting-edge range of tanks, tees and long-sleeves incorporates the style elements of the classic undershirt with the physiological science of advanced sportswear to comfortably deliver structure, support and slimming benefits. This is the ultimate undergarment for the modern man”. Early sales are indicating popularity in Texas. When I received the press release I immediately requested a sample for one of the guys to road test. I chose Tim. His review is below. Keep in mind, Tim only wore it around the office for a short time and while Tim does keep up his appearance, I wouldn’t call him a metrosexual by any means.

Stephanie wanted me to try this Equmen shirt. I do what Stephanie tells me to. Into the men’s bathroom I went, trading my comfy white short-sleeve Hanes undershirt for this tight, black, long-sleeved number. When I took it out of the box, it didn’t look big enough to fit my 10-year-old son. It’s like one of those Speedo suits you saw in the Olympics: you need a squire to help you get into it.

I’ve been wearing the thing for an hour or so, and I must now remove it. It performs as promised: it makes me stand up straighter and improves my posture (mostly because if I slouch I can’t breathe). Surprisingly, it’s not hot. Even in the office, with a dress shirt worn over it, the Equmen feel good temperature-wise. But the squeezing is too much. My hands are turning red because my tiny heart can’t pump the blood out of them. And I feel — uneasy. On edge. Like I’m wearing a boa constrictor, and if I exhale at any point, he’s tighten up on me, slowly but surely crushing me to death. In short, I feel uncomfortable.

Raya Ramsey, from our wonderful web staff, made a great observation: guys are used to feeling comfortable. Women are used to be squeezed. Girdles, pantyhouse, pointy-toed shoes — not to mention thongs! You ladies have it tough. But we men get it easy. So this Equmen thing is probably just fine for a woman. But this man? He’s going back to Hanes.

I bet he’d do better with the V-neck or tank version. If you’re an adventurous male, get one for yourself here for $89-$110. Jump for more on the undershirt, including tips on how to get it on and off. (more…)

Get Fit For Free

Is your workout routine getting, well, routine? I’m in kind of a rut right now–I’d much rather do almost anything than go for a run. Unfortunately, I’m a disaster at the gym, so spending money on that is unappealing. If you’re in the same boat, why not head over to Castle Hills Village Shops on Saturdays (through May) for fitness classes ranging from Pilates to kickboxing? This week, it’s resistance training at 9:30 a.m. Best part about all this: it’s F-R-E-E! Go here to see a class/activity schedule or call 972-889-7500 for more information.

Booty Camp Way Better Than Boot Camp

Today I got an e-mail from Vickie Griffith, creator of Female Factor—the sexy class you loyal D Beauty readers first learned about in the winter issue. She brought me some horrifying news: bikini season is just around the corner. Sigh. But we’ve caught it early, and the course of treatment is readily available. Every Saturday. In Vickie’s class, which she has renamed Booty Camp. Due to a hand injury, classes have been suspended, but they’ll be starting up again March 7, and you can sign up by e-mailing Vickie at v.j.griffith@att.net. As we all know, half of looking good in your bikini is about feeling good in it, and Vickie’s class is as much about the fitness as it is about empowering the women who take it. Girl Power!

Good Tips From Skincare Expert Renee Rouleau

Yes, we write about Renee Rouleau a lot. But we can’t help it, because she’s one of the top skincare experts in town–and she’s always sending us good scoop. In today’s newsletter, she shares tips for how to care for your skin while exercising. I mean, haven’t you always wondered why those girls at the gym work out in full makeup? I’ve always thought that was a breakout waiting to happen. (Renee does too.) While you’re on her web site, check out other useful information about how to care for your skin. Personally, I took to heart Renee’s “prescription” for my skin, and I’ve never been happier with my complexion.

Fun and Fitness at The Tides Zihuatanejo

The lovely and talented Rhonda Reinhart wrote about The Tides Zihuatanejo late last year. But there’s an exciting development: thanks to a new partnership with Escape to Shape, the “traveling fitness spa” that offers luxury cultural and fitness vacations, the coastal Mexican resort is offering 11 yoga and wellness retreats in 2009. The cost is $3,000 per person, based on double occupancy, but this is what you get: (more…)

Shape Up With Flip-Flops

So I got a nice e-mail from Trammell Wilson, the president of Shape Up Shoes. Apparently someone from this office had contacted his company about photos. I could never find out who it was, but he sent the photos to me, and I thought I’d share them with all of you fitness- and fashion-minded girls out there. We’ve written about MBT (available at Whole Earth Provisions on Mockingbird Lane), which a lot of women swear by because the curved bottoms help engage and improve your legs and bum. I have a pair, and I did notice a difference while I walked, although unfortunately they gave me blisters on the back of my heels. (However, maybe I need to revisit them, because I see on the web site that the shoes are easier on your knee and hip joints, and my knees kill me sometimes. But I digress.) These Shape Up Shoes might be the ticket for me, because there’s nothing on your heel to cause blisters, and they operate on similar principles to the MBT. Unfortunately you can’t buy them here, but you can get them on the web site. If you’ve tried these, I want to know what they’re all about.

Greenz Will Be the In-House Cafe at Equinox

We’ve come to love Greenz for its fresh salad combinations, so we’re happy to hear that Greenz, food for fitness, will be the cafe concept inside the much-ballyhooed Equinox Fitness. (The Oak Lawn location is scheduled to open February 3.) Expect many of the same menu items as the original Greenz, plus fresh squeezed juices, smoothies, a coffee bar, and some healthy breakfast items. This works out great for us, because our office is within walking distance of Equinox. Finally–a place for us to get a salad or sammich without getting in the car or spending a wad. Nice!

Octagon Gym Grand Opening

Last week we told you about Vert.’s grand opening. And this week we have even more gym news for you exercising readers. Octagon, a full-service fitness center with a martial arts focus, has actually been in business for a few months now, but the official grand opening is this weekend. The gym offers a wide range of martial arts training, self-defense classes, and personalized fitness programs. If you want to check it out, stop by 4152 Cole Ave. on Saturday, January 17, from 10 am to 5 pm and take a look around. There will be demonstrations, refreshments, tours, and a chance to meet a UFC world champion. His name is Rodrigo “Minotauro” Nogueira, if you’re into that kind of thing. Jump to see the full schedule of events.

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Vert. Fitness & Wellness Center Opening Event

Is one of your new year’s resolutions to get fit? Well, there’s a new gym in town that wants to help you do just that. Vert. Fitness & Wellness Center, which just moved in on Henderson Avenue, is throwing a little shindig on Saturday, January 10, to give you a glimpse of their new digs. You can also enter to win a bike from West Village Bicycles, enjoy food and drinks from Cafe San Miguel and Zen Shot & Beer, and take advantage of complimentary valet parking. Another bonus: Vert. will donate 100 percent of proceeds from January membership fees to Friends of the Katy Trail. The event is 5-8 pm at 1909 N. Henderson Ave. RSVP to trevor@vertfit.com. For more info call 310-985-0756.

No More Grumpy Workouts

Remember the dead-iPod dilemma I had a few months ago? Well, problem solved. Santa brought me a brand-new purple nano that I love even more than my old pink mini. Fave song on the new workout mix: “Universal Mind Control” by Common. But with all my new memory, I have room for many more new tunes. So let’s hear it, ShopTalkers. What’s on your workout mix?

Yoga For Dancers

On Saturday, January 17, New York City dancing queen Hilary Cartwright will offer a one-day-only Yoga for Dancers class at Meadows Hall at Sammons Center for the Arts. Cartwright, a former soloist with the Royal Ballet, developed Yoga for Dancers 20 years ago and has been teaching it ever since. In this form of yoga, positions are repeated in a fluid, continuous movement, rather than being held, and the class will address elements of technique that apply directly to ballet placement and control. The fee is $30, and reservations can be made by calling Patti Granoff at Spiral Fitness (214-922-0475). Cartwright is also a master trainer in Gyrotonics—a fitness system we wrote about last year in D Beauty—and she’ll be on hand Sunday, January 18, at Spiral Fitness for a limited number of private sessions.

Dallas Named 39th Healthiest City For Women

That’s what a new survey from Women’s Health says, anyway. (Thanks, FitSugar, for the heads-up.) For men, Big D ranks 47th. Go here to see how the magazine determined the rankings and to see how other cities fared.

Well, Color Me Skinny

The past few weeks, we’ve done a lot of talking about the holidays—the parties, the sales, the gifts, the parties. But what we haven’t talked about is January 1—that lovely time of year when reality sets in and you realize what all those parties have done to your waistline. Well, if you plan to make weight loss one of your new year’s resolutions, you’ve come to the right place. With a new motivational tool called WeightView, you can upload an image of your current fat self, and within 48 hours, the Photoshop pros at WeightView will send you a picture of a newer, slimmer you (see left). The idea is that if you can picture the results you’re trying to achieve, you will be infinitely more motivated. The best part is that it’s free. I’m doing it right now! On second thought, I’d better wait till all those Christmas parties are over. Sigh.