Raquel talks to us about how 2019 is the year of self-care and we couldn’t agree more! Find out how Raquel plans to re-focus in 2019 and what her biggest accomplishment was in 2018!

What’s your advice for people looking to jumpstart their fitness/health routine in the new year?

If you are looking to jumpstart your fitness/health routine, grab a calendar and plan your workouts each week. Include one rest day and choose workouts that are motivating, fun, and empowering.

What is your New Year’s Resolution?

My new year’s resolution for 2019 is to add self-care into my daily routine. I am an Athlete and Fitness Instructor, but last year I was always sick, injured, or tired. My plan to combat that is to take an extra hour out of my day to either stretch, meditate, relax, nap, soak in a hot bath, or enjoy a bowl homemade soup over a Netflix show.

How do you plan on sticking to your resolutions?

Each week, I schedule my workouts, classes, and personal training clients on my iPhone calendar. Recently, I started scheduling my down time. It helps me stick to my resolution and gives me something to look forward to.

What was your biggest accomplishment in 2018?

Finishing my first screenplay was my biggest accomplishment for 2018. It taught me the discipline to plan and execute my ideas when it strikes, instead of waiting for the “perfect moment”.

Follow Raquel on instagram @raquel.harris

We caught up with Fitness blogger Emily Dempsey to get the details on her trampoLEAN class. Follow Emily’s fitness journey on instagram @detox2retox.

1) What was your favorite part of class?

From the moment class started, I was already addicted! While the studio may not be NYC’s swankiest, the class is no joke.

2) What piece of advice would you give someone that has never taken a trampoLEAN class?

Except a full body workout that incorporates a ton of cardio and strategic sculpting. Added bonus? TrampoLEAN does wonders when it comes to lymphatic drainage meaning your body is getting a natural detox! Can’t wait to go back for my next class!

Expect a full body workout that incorporates a ton of cardio and strategic sculpting. Added bonus? TrampoLEAN does wonders when it comes to lymphatic drainage meaning your body is getting a natural detox! Can’t wait to go back for my next class!

3) How did this workout compare to other cardio/HIIT classes in NYC?

I LOVED the class! It was so much fun! Great cardio workout and one of the best sweats I’ve had in a while!

Need help jump starting your new year’s resolutions? Louis sets smart goals for himself that are specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and time bound. Catch Louis in the studio this week!

What’s your advice for people looking to jumpstart their fitness/health routine in the new year?

Set some smart goals for yourself. A smart goal is specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and time bound. An example would be, “I want to reduce my body fat composition 3% in the next 3 weeks”. The plan to do that might be to increase your exercise regime to 3 days of aerobic activity with two days of strength training and reduce your daily caloric intake 300 calories per day. Start a food journal so you can figure out what your daily caloric intake is like, then make the necessary changes in order to keep nutrients high and caloric intake at the level needed to reach your goal. Make it more fun by adding a challenge, include social support and have a reward in place to celebrate your success.

How did you stay healthy during the Holidays?

I stayed healthy throughout the holidays by setting weekly realistic goals for myself. Such as taking the stairs instead of the elevator 3 times a day. Limiting sweets to once per day. I ate more vegetables throughout the day. Realistic goal setting helps me set a plan and be accountable. Knowing I have a reward in place for myself at the end keeps me on track.

Thoughts on treating yourself?

I think it’s important to treat yourself. Do your homework if possible and look into how many saturated fats are hiding in food choices that you may be treating yourself to. A quick google check will give you insight on this. It’s recommended to limit saturated fat intake to no more than 7% of calories per day. With all the treats available it’s easy to surpass this limit.

What is your favorite part of the new year/holiday season?

I enjoy remembering all of the special memories of the holidays and passing them on to the little ones in my family. I also enjoy helping people explore the possibilities of the new year and helping them set new goals. I’m fan of holiday music, a warm fire and all of the magic that holidays bring.

Follow Louis on instagram at @bodyarchitect

Looking to jumpstart your fitness routine this year? Find out how Samantha motivates herself to stick to her workout program and how she plans to stay consistent in 2019!

How were you able to stay healthy during the holidays?

What is your advice on treating yourself over the holidays?

MYSTRYDE instructor, Erin Cairney, takes her love for running wherever she goes, especially in the studio. We caught up with Erin to find out how she designs the perfect class and stays injury free so she can keep training for her countless half and full marathons.

How do you create a class that caters to both beginners and experts?

For me, the most important thing is that everyone feels comfortable when they walk into the tread room. It’s intimidating enough to try out a new studio (especially a running one) so I like the vibe to feel relaxed and fun! As soon as class starts I remind people that it’s “their time,” focus on what they can do and try not to think about what the person next to them is doing. Luckily at MYSTRYDE we have created a system that allows beginners and advanced people to do the exact same workout at their own pace. Whether you’re a first time runner or a multi-marathoner, you get the same strong feeling when you finish class because of our interval based workouts that take you through a balanced course that leaves you feeling challenged and accomplished!

What would be your best advice to those of us who have never tried a treadmill based class?

Show up with an open mind! So many times when I talk about MYSTRYDE to new people they are so intimidated when I use the word “treadmills.” I don’t blame them, it can be scary if you’ve had a bad experience. The way our classes are structured you don’t even need to be a runner to start out. All you have to do is try it, and not be afraid if you need to modify, walk a little more or stop when you need to. Our balanced workouts leave plenty of time for recoveries. Remember, we want you to love class and we want you to come back! So just show up with a positive attitude and I’ll guarantee you’ll be calling yourself a runner in no time!

Do you have any exercises you like to do to switch up your fitness routine?

I LOVE switching up my workouts and I have a few things I like to do! I’m almost always training for something whether it be a half or full marathon so it’s important I keep myself motivated as I head into each week. I’m a huge fan of quick HIIT workouts or tabata style classes that allow me to push myself through short bursts of time, but also fit in my strength training. Since I’m usually pressed for time I like the workout to be shorter, but I need to feel that deep burn to know that I’m really toning and strengthening those muscles that help me log strong/solid miles on the road. I also teach spin at Recycle Studio and that has been a great alternative to pounding the pavement. It has certainly helped keep me injury free. Always switch it up!

What’s your best fitness tip?

Listen to your body! If something feels off, STOP and assess. There’s always a way to modify things so you can stay healthy and strong. There’s nothing worse than having to bring your active lifestyle to a halt because you didn’t give your body enough time to recover or rest. Just be aware and smart about it- you’ll be happy you did!