gettin' my groupon

I'm probably seriously late in the game here, but I just discovered the coolness that is Groupon. For those who don't know, Groupon is a website that works on the concept of "collective buying power." They find a company that'll let customers try something at a much lower price than usual if enough people want to buy it. Yesterday, for instance, one of the Groupon deals was for pole dancing lessons at New York Pole Dancing. Now, normally, an intro class here costs $25. But with the Groupon offer, I was able to get two classes for just $24! Thanks to my friend Janine for clueing me in on this deal because I have been dying to take this class forever but just found it way too expensive. There are so many different deals you can get on Groupon, from discounted Fresh Direct deliveries to affordable massages. But I am absolutely thrilled with my lessons! First step to becoming this woman: 

Ok, I suppose it will take me pleeeeeeenty of steps to become a champion pole dancer like Laurence Hilsum, but a girl's gotta start somewhere right?

shoppaholic yogi

The problem with getting into a new hobby is that it necessitates spending on a new wardrobe for said hobby. I'm really starting to get into Bikram yoga and who woulda thunk that this practice that requires a mat and some itty bitty clothes to sweat in would get me shopping so much?

Well, first of all, I had to buy my own mat because I really don't want to use a communal one for all eternity. And having already experienced the annoyance of lugging around a mat in the city, I realized that I needed a proper bag for it. I found this great bag which comes with a mat on Amazon for just $39.95 plus shipping. Haven't gotten it yet but am super stoked for it!

I also ordered a number of sports bras and a pair of shorts because I think two of them date back to my college years. Gross, I know. But no need to tell you all about the sports bras. Suffice it to say that Amazon has great deals too.

Now on to the things-I-covet-but-don't-necessarily-need-BUT-can-justify-buying-because-of- yoga.

I'm a designer-collaboration lover so I am dying over these ankle brace sandals by Alexander McQueen. Fortunately for my bank account, I don't really know where I can buy them so I'll just want them from afar. But wouldn't it be great to slip into these after a yoga class in the summer?

And did you know that Adidas has an Outlet section on its website? I feel like a wee bit of a tard not knowing that. Here I found this very cool Stella McCartney for Adidas jacket. It's still pretty pricey at $225, discounted from $300, so I am just loving it from afar. I have a great Stella for Adidas hoodie/shrug that I bought eons ago and still use. That will have to do until I find out that I DO have a trustfund (Likelihood: zero).

So I guess I'm doing an okay job. I've bought the necessities and talked myself out of the little yoga luxuries. Just don't anybody try to get me into another potentially chic sport, like tennis. Please. Don't do it.

Sweat It Out

Last Saturday, I got my ass handed to me on an excruciatingly hot platter when I took a class at Bikram Yoga NYC. I broke up with my gym, Sportsclub LA, because the $165 monthly fee was just too steep for me (What was I thinking signing up for that?!). So since November, my exercise regimen has consisted of daily walks to the bus stop, between office buildings, and to the nearest Cosi. Obviously, this was not a very effective weight control method, especially since as this blog constantly shows, I am prone to midnight yakitori snacking and constant cocktail-imbibing.

I started feeling really sluggish and unhealthy so I looked into some new exercise options. My friend Cris turned me on to Bikram Yoga NYC, which has 4 locations in the city and most important of all, a one-week unlimited offer for new students for just $23! I think it's totally brilliant of them to offer that because if I had only done one class, there's no way I'd come back because the first class KILLED me. But since I have a one-week deal, I'm giving myself a week to keep trying and maybe, just maybe, I won't be such a wimp come next Saturday.

The class itself was quite good. I really like how Bikram Yoga NYC does special classes on the weekends specifically for beginners because the instructor slows down and takes the time to explain the poses. Our instructor, Jennifer, was full of California sunshine and perkiness. To be honest, at the beginning of the class I thought, "Why in the hell must she be so perky?" (Yes, this city's evilness has gotten into my system) But in the last half hour, when I was on the verge of crying for my mommy, I was grateful for the lively voice that prodded us to stay the course.

The Upper East Side location was clean, with a small but adequate locker room and shower area. The one-week beginner's offer comes with free mat rental for the entire week. Towels can be rented for $1 each. The website says bring your own lock, but this location actually has lockers with keys so it's not necessary. I'm not sure about the other 3 locations, though.

To register for the one-week unlimited week of classes for beginners, call the location you would like to go to. See their contact info here.

UPDATE: I had a great class today!!! I did every pose, never wimped out, never freaked out. So so so happy. The 7PM class was so full we were practically shoulder-to-shoulder, but it was worth it. The teacher, Patrick, was great. So funny and very good energy. It helped I think that this time I had no inflated expectations of myself. Last time I thought I'd rock it but I crashed and burned. This time I thought I would die, but I did every pose and never felt like fainting. So yay! I also drank tons of water all day long, so I felt pretty good. Makes me really inspired to go back!