Power Rowing with Athleta

I love working out.... scratch that.... "I enjoy feeling healthy," aka I tolerate it because it's good for you. But really, missing my diet of depression and having no desire for food. Should I not admit that? I've definitely seen a change in my body, from not eating to eating (and not making the healthiest of decisions, I have an extreme sweet tooth). Well, getting back on track to being healthy I have my amazing roommate Rachel helping me along the way.

Rachel (making her debut below) genuinely loves working out, especially running. I however, only run if there's a sale at Nordstrom or if I'm about to pee myself. So working out together is a bit of a challenge, and I'm one of those types that hates working out alone. Our happy medium is trying out new intense cardio classes. Rachel got me to join Classpass, which I'm still feeling out, and pressures me to do crazy 6am classes. So in true friendly and "healthy" retaliation, I got her to check out my friend Bryan's new studio in Brookline, Power Rowing (which is also available on Classpass). Rachel had no idea I use to row, and it was the first time I smoked her in a class. 

I use to do crew in college, and it was honestly a love hate relationship. Loved being out on the water, hated waking up early, loved the workout, hate the calluses. Going to the Head of the Charles made me miss it a lot, and I was so excited when Bryan invited me and a few friends over to check out his space. He did not hold out! This class was intense: a mixture of erg machines and floor ab work (my body is still sore). 

Because I'm not an avid gym goer, and being active is new in my lifestyle, I actually knew nothing about "workout wear." Turns out my yoga pants are not great for all activities (despite how great my butt looks in them). I got to check out Gap Athleta's new line, and learned about their "Sculptek Technology." When you're doing high impact moving/ stretching / "quick movements" like running, rowing, zumba, etc you want pants that can move with you that our durable yet breathable. Both Rachel and I are wearing Athleta's new sculptek leggings that feature breathable mesh panels, which was definitely needed for rowing. I noticed a difference right away how these pants hugged my body tightly, and the thickness of the material. Now, not saying you can't wear these for yoga, but I don't think I'm going to try and pass my yoga pants for intense cardio classes anymore. Also my pants had POCKETS!!!

Rowing is one of those sports that trick your body. You're getting a whole body workout, but you're sitting for the majority of it. What I loved most about these pants is when I got up, I had major "swass" (please google it) and I of course was very self conscious about standing, but the second I did and looked down, I could see the sweat dissipate. 

A workout with friends is even better when you have some bubbly to cool down. Hey, I'm still easing in to working out, I need an incentive... and my friends don't mind. Skinny Prosecco is now my "healthy" choice, only 7g of sugar a liter! It made this class all the more special when you can treat you and your friends after, without feeling guilty and ruining your workout. Once we all were refreshed, most of us got to check out the new Honeygrow that made way in Boston! A healthy stop and go dining, where everything is made in house, and tons of options for vegetarian and gluten free meals; now in Fenway and Seaport areas. Just healthy stops all around!

Thank you Gap Athleta, Skinny Prosecco, and Honeygrow for sponsoring this event, and thank you Bryan Fuller for getting 8 women sweaty, not an easy task for 1 man to do alone. We all loved your studio, and we can't wait to take another class!

Photos by Chris Dileo  // Get our Athleta Looks below - p.s. we had to size down in the shirts.