Christine was my first running partner. After we had run three Central Park 20 milers, enjoyed a scenic jog over the George Washington Bridge and hill sprints along the Palisades, I realized that I didn’t even know her last name and she did not know mine. And yet, she disclosed that she was having an affair, her husband had unfortunately just lost his job and her son had a new girlfriend. She in turn knew that I was looking for a new job, was tired of dating idiots and needed new strappy stilettos for a wedding. Our respective last names, at the time, did not matter to each other. What mattered, in fact, was that the secrets we swapped and the laughs we shared during our tedious long runs were the fuel that helped us pass the time as logged our miles. We both knew to abide by the unwritten rule of “What happens in Central Park- stays in Central Park.” Call it “Runners Code”, call it “idle chit chat” or even “gossiping” – call it what you want. What I am sure of, however, is that the time you share with a workout-partner is extremely valuable, beneficial and sometimes quite intimate. I think many would agree that it is your running partner or work-out buddy who you will never blow-off at 6:30am for a 19 degree run in Central Park or elliptical ride at Reebok. It is your exercise partner who becomes your confidant and friend . They become your inspiration, your reason for exercising and meeting your goal – they become your friend with benefits.

When the Stairmaster first hit the gym scene many years ago I spent a lot of time on it. My friend Karen also liked the contraption and we would meet every morning before work and “ride” together. We would swap book suggestions and share shopping tips. The time passed quickly and an hour later we were done with our workout and ready to face the world. When I had to stop my time on the Stairmaster because my thighs looked like I was a professional weight-lifter, it had felt like I had lost a friend! Karen and I actually had to pick-up the phone and call each other for our weekly catch-up. We partnered up again when I started running on a treadmill and she decided to as well. Time passed quickly when we exercised together and we were always so grateful to share in each other’s exercise routines.

Exercise classes, boot-camps, spin-gyms, yoga classes and group fitness classes are more popular than ever. I have made amazing friends with the women in Ilaria’s classes – we’ve gone for drinks, celebrated each other’s birthdays, they know and love my daughters. They cheered me on when I was fat and pregnant and standing oh, so proudly in the front row of Definitions class. I have seen these women twice a week for almost 10 years. When I miss a class a text promptly arrives “are you ok? Hope to see you Sunday!” It is the camaraderie that keeps me going and of course, Ilaria’s vigorous workouts that make me return weekly with a smile. Mary, my new gym-friend, recently took up baking after she retired from Wall Street. Every Sunday she brings David and me her latest baked treat. Call it counterproductive, but we look forward to and certainly benefit from her latest lemon pound cake, chocolate chip brownies and apricot granola bars after weight training.

Then of course there are those nameless runners who I have seen in Central Park almost every morning for the last twenty plus years. My “Park Husband”, as I fondly dubbed him, is an older gentleman who always waves to me at the East 72nd entrance. I don’t know his name or actually anything about him but I do know to look for him for my morning hello. I feel badly when I see one of my nameless runners limping through a run and I smile when I see another nameless-friend jogging slowly because she is pregnant. These people, and many more, have become my monumental landmarks.

My morning runs in Central Park are filled with other landmark sightings like old friends, fashion world acquaintances, my amazing Iron Woman Obstetrician, sometimes Katie Couric, always Katie’s assistant whose name is also Meredith, occasionally Ralph Lauren, sometimes the token anorexic girl (there is always one in an exercise crowd!) and my runner-friend Lynn who is about to run her 20th marathon. We all wave (Just for the record, Ralph does not wave but Katie always does), smile and high-five as we whizz on by. I have groups of friends I run with weekly – my Horace Mann moms and my spry sprinters who I breathlessly chase around the park. We all share updates, weekend plans and discuss the heavy meaning of life. After we complete our 6 miles, we feel like new and have benefited from each other’s company. While pounding the pavement this morning the thought occurred to me that perhaps I spent too many years working with the pun-master, designer, Kenneth Cole because I can really call all of my female workout companions, whether they have a name or not, my “Sole Sisters”.

I  have been consistently running and weight training for over 20 plus years but I don’t teach classes, the only Black Belt I have is a Gucci, I have lifted a Forza sword once (and that was because it was in my way before Definitions class started), I eat sugar every day of my life and enjoy my morning espresso coffee with Coffee-Mate (vanilla flavored). I am convinced I keep Crumbs in business and I know very little about organic food.

I have been taking Ilaria’s Definitions class quite religiously for the past ten years through two pregnancies, tight hamstrings and insanely painful bouts of sciatica.  For about the last 5 years my Ilaria dedication, my husband David has also become a devotee and we enjoy our Wednesday “date nights” at Reebok from 7:45 – 8:45 for Definitions.

I can’t actually remember a time when I didn’t exercise. When I was about eleven years old my mother and I would move the coffee table in the living room and “exercise” along with Richard Simmons. He was my guru – I even bought the red and white striped nylon shorts just because he had them. At a young age I was “Sweatin to the Oldies” and this was truly my entry into the world of exercise. When my secret affair with Richard was over, I quickly moved onto “feeling the burn” with Jane Fonda. And yes, I had the maroon and black striped leotard and legwarmers to match. I tried everything and loved it all –high impact aerobic classes at Pollan/ Austin on the Eastside or Broadway Dance Studio and exercise classes at Body Design by Gilda Marx on West 71st street..Throughout college I taught aerobics in the rec-room of my dorm in my EG Smith socks and high-top (red) Reebok sneakers. I taught the class to lift their knees and reach for the sky while aerobicizing to songs from the movie, Top Gun and Prince’s “I Will Die 4 U” . I was, what I thought, in great shape even though the cement floor had given me shin-splints and pictures from college are quick reminders of how many chins I had back then.

During my senior year of college, I became fascinated with running. I had a friend who would run every day whether it was 105 or 5 degrees. I was captivated by the concept of walking out the door with a good pair of sneakers, a stable sports bra and a pair of shorts that didn’t chafe. The simplicity and freedom of running was intriguing to me. I noticed that my friend could run for miles and miles and would return from her run with a toothy smile on her face – as if she was high.  So, I too, went on a mission to discover what people describe as the “runner’s high”. It took about a year until I found my “high”. After college graduation I started logging the miles in Central Park – the first time I finished the 6 mile loop I confidently joined the “Runners High Club”(not to be confused with the “Mile High Club”). I caught the running bug and never turned back. I run with friends, my husband or alone. You will find me running the Central Park loop  in zero below with my face smothered in Aquaphor or in the Florida heat. For me, it is not about an expensive Lulu Lemon top or the latest Nike performance gear. Again, I have found another  “comfort zone” in some of my old, easy, ugly running shorts, no-name microfiber bras and Thorlo socks. One friend once said to me, “for someone who loves clothing the way you do, you look like a hot mess when you run…”  I took this as a compliment. When I run, it is just about function over fashion.

I have been running for 20 plus years and it is the one thing that keeps me sane and together. The one hour I spend running around Central Park is my time for myself – an hour dedicated to solving the world’s problems. After my run I always think I have it “all” figured out and wonder why Obama has not elected me to his Cabinet of decision-makers because I could really help him with a thing or two.
I know I have found my comfort zone in running and Ilaria’s Definitions classes. The mix of the cardio and strength training not only makes my muscles stronger but also sharpens my mind, keeps me focused and relaxed.  Running will always be my staple –and I add on other workouts for cross-training like  Core Fusion, a death defying Spin class with Rique at Soul Cycle, tap dancing at STEPS, a sweaty Bikram class (if it does not conflict with my $100 blow drys). Recently, I have been toying with the idea of taking a few swimming lessons and getting on a bike. Perhaps a triathlon is in my future… ?

What I think is interesting is that some people struggle with exercise until they find their “comfort zone”. You need to kiss a lot of frogs until you find your Prince – and I feel the same way about exercising. You need to try a lot of classes or different types of methods (running, spinning, hiking, weight training, boxing, Powerstrike, skiing etc..) before you find one that works for you. It is also all about the juggle – finding the time for yourself to go for a run, jump on the elliptical or take a class. Not every day will be pretty. Some workouts will be energizing and some will feel like a lazy lollygag. There are days when I feel like I am going to have a strong run and an old lady with saggy boobs and a limp whizzes by me. All I know is that by 9am I have gotten my kids dressed, fed, on the school bus and have run my happy- place- habitrail, which is Central Park.  I felt like I had arrived the day my husband bought me a shirt that says, “Run Like Mother.”  I wear it proudly.

How do I energize myself? In my previous posts I have talked about
avoiding under-training, as that tricks the body - and the mind -
into becoming complacent and not as efficient as it can be. We have also
addressed the advantages of pushing harder even under
pressure, the great lesson that what doesn't kill
you - well it makes you definitely stronger.

There are other techniques I use in order to maximize
my energy and one of the many great lesson that physical
training has taught me on how to become stronger, it is the
importance of proper recovery so I can consistently perform
at my highest level day in and day out.

While it may seem easier to learn and to apply a positive
balance between energy expenditure and energy recovery
on a physical level - training - the same principals
can be applied to everyday life.

Because of the demands of my job - demanding physical
training day in and day out without an off-season - or
more truthfully with only very few days off
throughout the entire year, I needed to figure out
IF and HOW I could  go all out everyday. People told me
I couldn't, and most people are surprised that I do.
And indeed I am going close to full-out most days of
the week. How? 

I have learned the importance of recovery, I have learned
what are the effective ways for me to recover and I treat
recovery like a treat training: seriously and with respect.
I don't have the luxury to screw up with my recovery.

And If I do, I am in big trouble with my regular class, with
my personal training and definitely with my everyday job.
If I did't learn to recover fast and effectively I would
have never been able to keep up the volume of stress
I put my body and my mind through every
single day.

There are 5 components to my recovery: Intensity Intervals - Cycling
- Sleep - Nutrition - Meditation.

I will write more about them in my next posts. In the meantime,
keep training, it's only going to
make you stronger.

Ilaria

When we reach a difficult point in our lives, regardless of nature, we tend to cut out what we consider “luxuries”, to allow ourselves more time to rest or tackle the tasks we deem more important. Unfortunately, more often than not, our training is one of the first things that we cut back on. Over the past 3 or 4 years, I’ve found that my workload has steadily increased, between taking on more classes per week, as well as working to grow my business. Although my productivity was excelling, my energy was suffering. I had to figure out a way to whether I needed to cut some things out of my life, or if there was a way to maintain my current schedule, and still have the energy to get everything done.

My eventual solution was a bit of strange one, at least it seemed to be at first. I took what would appear to be the opposite approach of what most rational people would consider trying. Instead of cutting back on my extracurricular activities and workouts, I would train harder and push my body even further, with more intense and demanding physical training. My logic being, if my level of fitness reached its maximum potential, that performance would carry over to all other aspects of my life. My passion and drive for training would fuel my desire to succeed elsewhere in life.

There was of course, some doubt in my mind before I began. How could I increase my physical training even more? What were my goals? My expectations? And finally, was dedicating even more time to my training the smartest decision, when initially I believed that my “intellectual” work was what needed the most attention?

But the more I thought about it, the clearer it became: intensifying my training would not only strengthen my body, but my mind as well, benefiting all aspects of my life. The energy boost I’d gain from the training would allow me to tackle everything else I had on my plate. The mental edge necessary to push my training to a higher level would inspire me to take on new projects, and run my business to the best of my ability. The excitement of being a healthier person, and (potentially) a far more energized and productive person pushed any of the doubt I previously had, out of my mind and I knew I was ready for this challenge.

Ignoring conventional wisdom alone was a liberating experience. I knew I was in uncharted territory; I was experimenting with my body’s capabilities, as I continue to do every day. I truly believed that my quest for a stronger physical body would lead to a stronger person- a more focused, motivated, and determined person, who would never settle, and would strive to improve constantly, not let stress burden or slow me down.

So far, this chance I took has been a wonderful success. Going into my fourth year of pushing my training to new levels, I can honestly say that there have only been improvements in my physical fitness, my work, and my overall approach to life. I’ve learned that we can never lose sight of the fact that the process of making our bodies stronger will help strengthen everything else in our lives, at any age, no matter who you are. The sweat we work up on a daily basis, especially when we don’t really feel like it, or when it’s particularly challenging, that’s when we grow both emotionally and mentally. It is never just about the physical, it’s always so much more. Remember that progress is made with effort. When we treat our bodies with respect, and constantly push past our comfort zones, we can achieve anything.

Ilaria

1. What Stresses You?

I break down the causes of my stress into three basic categories: the mental, physical, and emotional. All three are difficult enough to deal with on their own, but when combined, they can be quite overwhelming.

Let’s start with the physical, the most obvious of the categories. My job is fitness. Therefore, my office, if you will, is the gym. My business suit? Athletic wear and sneakers. On average, I spend 22 hours per week teaching. That, in addition to my own training, comes to about 30 hours per week of heavy, physical activity. Fitness and teaching are my passions, and I love them, but the wear and tear on my body, after many years of instructing and training, definitely takes its toll.

The mental stress is a little more complex, and comes from the business side of my world. In addition to creating new routines for all my classes every week, I’m also constantly working to build the brand of my company, Powerstrike. The growth and promotion of one’s own company can be very demanding , especially when you are your own boss. It makes it very easy to push yourself to work relentlessly, without taking necessary breaks. Once you start down the path to becoming an entrepreneur, your work ethic skyrockets, even at the expense of rest, downtime, and sometimes even a social life.

The emotional stress comes from “the show” aspect of teaching. Every day, every class, I am committed to teaching to the best of my abilities, going all out, and leaving nothing behind. All of my students deserve my individual attention, and I wish that every class I’d be to provide one-on-one guidance. I do the best I can to project across the entire studio, and instruct as personally as possible. I try to leave all my outside distractions at the door, and teach with energy, to motivate my students to be their very best. My students may have had a rough day, and they turn to me as their stress release. I can not afford to drag, or not be enthusiastic when I instruct, nor do I allow myself to be. I give my heart and my passion to my students, because I believe in our purpose and our goals.

Regardless of how drained I am at the end of my day, I know it’s always worth it to me. Your aspirations and success are most important to me. Without my students, there would be no Powerstrike. Stress, in any of its forms, is just another obstacle for a warrior to overcome, and every day that we rise above it, we become stronger still.

-Ilaria

When do you find yourself at your best? When do you find your performance suffering? In life, there are many factors that play into our energy levels for the day. Stress, diet, sleep patterns, and especially exercise can dictate the very basic way in which we function, and the fitness results we desire to achieve.

I find that “energy”, as a concept, is the means through which we draw the strength to push our bodies to their limits. Energy, however, I believe exists in several forms, and we must utilize all of its forms in order to achieve our maximum potential.

Every day, I ask myself before I begin a class, or my own workout, “What is my purpose? What is my motivation?” Maybe I have a new, challenging routine that I want to share with my students. Maybe I want to out-lift my previous personal best. Whatever your goals are, use your desire to energize your workouts. Your success, and the results you see will then serve as future motivation, and keep you going when other sources of energy are lacking.

What can be done to increase energy? Is there anything that may hurt my energy levels? Through many years of personal experience, I have found that physical activity is the key to peak energy levels. However, there are two factors that will ruin our progress and decrease our energy. OVERTRAINING and UNDERTRAINING. The goal is to find a balance between the two.

Interestingly enough, both overtraining and undertraining will diminish your energy levels, and hurt your results. Overtraining is fairly self explanatory, and you can imagine why it would decrease your energy. When you push your body to its absolute max on a regular basis, and don’t give it enough time to properly recover, fatigue will become a major factor, and your performance will suffer.

At the opposite end of the spectrum, not doing enough, or undertraining, will lead to similar fatigue. Skipping an opportunity to work up a sweat (even if it’s just a short workout) can do wonders for your energy. Most people don’t realize that the benefits of even a brief session extend beyond the physical results – you’re also energizing your mind and spirit as well! Making excuses, and skipping workouts are the definition of undertraining, and to me, means taking the easy road in life. The strongest, best equipped warriors know the importance of demanding workouts, and welcome the challenge working hard in order to achieve their desired results, even when their motivation may be low.

How do we help people find the motivation to avoid undertraining? Can something as simple as going to the gym, training, and working up a sweat with a group of peers really help people find more strength and energy in everyday life?
Quite simply, YES!!!

I truly believe everyday that I bring my students together to work out with me, I am helping them find an inner level of energy that they did not know they possessed. This new found energy can be and will be applied outside of the gym, in all areas of their lives, and when they see success elsewhere, they’ll bring that motivation and energy back into the gym – completing the cycle. Every step we take to condition ourselves against undertraining, the more energy we’ll naturally build, which in turn leads to stronger bodies, minds, and spirits.

-Ilaria

photography by: michael brian