Lithe Lifestyle

A few weeks ago I was invited to take a class at Lithe Method. I had never been, so I was super excited. And the good people at Cashman and Associates made my experience extra special. I was given a “handler.” Now most of you would not want a “handler” but as you know I’m a few steps away from being world famous (in my own head) so it was only appropriate! The lovely Kaitlyn McCrea joined me in my early morning session.

Lithe Method is a fun and highly effective fitness regime that burns fat and sculpts muscle in record time. Their challenging combination of Cardio-Cheer-Sculpting, Higher Power Band System, muscle-shaking barre work and deep stretches fill the gaps left behind by traditional yoga, strength training, Pilates and barre classes. The Lithe Method was created by owner and founder Lauren Boggi in 2005.

Kaitlyn and I took the Lithe 101. I have to admit I was scared. I did not know what to expect. It was awesome! The trainer was extremely thorough and explained every movement and technique precisely. Half way in I was hurting, in a good way. I have never done some of this moves in my life. As my friend Rachel Zoe would say, “I die.” The class was about an hour long and really worked up a sweat. I cannot wait to do it again. But I need build up my stamina. I was hurting, I need to work out more! I’ve been losing the pounds and I know this will be a good way to keep them off and reduce my waist size.

When the class was over, I couldn’t believe how many ladies take the Lithe Method. My friend Allison Lubert was one of them, she is pregnant and still going strong. She looks amazing! Love her. Once I was done with my hellos and kisses, Kaitlyn took me on a tour of the studio and gave me the 411 on the Lithe Studio + Street and Lithe Food.

Lauren Boggi teamed up with local designer Bela Shehu to develop her first 12-item line of comfortable and hip clothing that seamlessly transitions from Lithe Method workouts to everyday street wear. Lithe Studio + Street clothing is made of high-performance fabrics and thoughtfully designed with slenderizing cuts to ensure both comfort and style. All clothing is made locally, here in Philadelphia and is available at Lithe’s Rittenhouse and Old City studios. The Lithe Studio + Street line includes leggings with mesh details, slimming panels and “leather” finishes, tank tops, tunic dresses and ballet-inspired wrap tops currently available in sizes Small and Medium. Prices range from $40 – $125 per piece.

Then there is Lithe Foods! I was sent home with a bag full of goodies. Boggi is currently studying macrobiotics through the Institute for Integrative Nutrition, collaborated with a team of expert nutritionists and chefs to develop Lithe Foods – lean, local and seasonal snacks and meals that are prepared fresh, then packaged and available at Lithe’s Rittenhouse and Old City studios. Created for a healthy, active lifestyle, Lithe Foods are prepared with locally sourced, organic, vegetarian and vegan ingredients. Lithe Foods’ Chef Lauren Hooks is a vegan and macrobiotic chef with degrees in Dietetic Technology and Exercise Science. Hooks has applied her expertise to the creation of the Lithe Foods menu placing emphasis on nutrition and taste to give the body not just what it deserves, but the nutrition it needs. Lithe Foods prices start at $3.50 and go up.

I enjoyed the “Blissful Breakfast Quinoa” with quinoa, banana, flax seed, almond butter, agave, cranberries and cinnamon, “The Herbie” featuring seitan, zucchini, mushrooms, sundried tomatoes, onion, garlic, vegan pesto and olive oil wrapped in a wheat lavash tortilla. To drink I had the “Lithe Greenie” a beverage of kale, cucumber celery, lemon and apple. And the 18 calorie “Lithesicle” made of watermelon, basil and lemon. I can’t even! All the food was DELICIOUS, seriously.

I highly recommend the entire Lithe experience to all. From the class, clothing and food. You will keep coming back, looking and feeling like a million dollars!

For more information on Lithe Method, Lithe Studio + Street and Lithe Food go to lithemethod.com.

(Photos courtesy of Cashman and Associates. Special thanks to Kaitlyn McCrea for being a wonderful Lithe “handler” and workout buddy.)