Fitness Bytes

Summer’s long gone and winter is definitely in the air. Just because it’s cold, rainy or overcast, don’t let that stop you from working out. So pull out your gear and if you can’t make it to the gym—not to worry! There’s a lot you can do at home with DVDS and video workouts. Check out a few “helps” to get you back on track eating—and drinking—healthfully.

Pump up your workouts with Reebok’s Pump Wrap Sheer, the latest innovation in PUMP technology. This inflatable shoe provides comfort, support and reduction in foot shock. The Wrap Sheer has an on/off switch to provide optional pump action. ($100 MSRP; RBK Concept Store 145 N. Robertson, West Hollywood; Finish Line, Beverly Center)

Update your workout wear with Couture Activewear workout clothing from fitness pro Janis Saffell (Brand New Butt and More; Quick Fix Total Cardio Kick). Bridging the gap between workouts and streetwear, the line features cargo pants, capris, shorts, camis, bra-tops and jackets are available in an array of fabrics that are work-out friendly. www.janissaffell.com

Now where to wear these cute duds? Try working out at home with Saffell’s latest workout videos—appropriately named Beverly Hills Yoga and Beverly Hills Pilates.

These are terrific workouts for the novice to more experienced yoga and pilates aficionados. Janis’ cueing is spot-on and her verbal descriptions help you to better understand and perform the moves. Make sure you check out all of Saffell’s videos – she’s known for kickboxing too! www.janissaffell.com www.collagevideo.com

Sweeping the US in a gentler fashion is Yamuna’s Body Rolling. Created by Yamuna Zake (NYC), you roll on small vinyl balls using your body weight to release muscle tension and realign the body. Yamuna created a unique foot workout using Foot Wakers (soft nubby half balls) and Foot Savers (smaller, harder half balls). Work feet from heel to toe to stimulate all the nerves in the feet. Use the Foot Wakers at work. Find Body Rolling classes at Santa Monica Yoga (1640 Ocean Park Boulevard; 310.396.4040) or with DVD workouts online. (www.yamunabodyrolling.com for classes near you or call 888.226.9616).

If working out requires three words: fun, fun, fun, then head over to Swerve for Yoga Booty Ballet, a workout that’s workout that’s “ yoga, booty sculpting and dance” and a whole lot more. Get your groove on as well as your body shaped and you become more graceful. Teigh McDonough and Gillian Marloth run Swerve and created Yoga Booty Ballet as their signature class which they co-teach. Can’t make it to the studio? Don’t fret. Gillian and Teigh will come to you courtesy of the Yoga Booty Ballet LIVE DVDs featuring four different workouts: Bodysculpting Bollywood Style; Cardio Cabaret; Hip Hop Abs and Go-Go (ordered separately) (DVD and VHS workouts available at yogabootyballet.com or beachbody.com; Swerve, 8250 W. Third St. #206, LA, 90048. 866.289.8939; www.swervestudio.com)

If gyms intimidate you or you want more attention, try a personal trainer. If you want a workout that integrates core and cardio all in one, then you want to talk to fitness pro/personal trainer, Missy Beaver about Kettle Bell workouts. Missy is one of a handful of US athletes certified in the use of Kettle Bell, a steel ball with a handle that varies in weight from 15-90 lbs. Using the Kettle Bell, you burn more calories and have a more integrated fitness of flexibility, strength and core stability all at the same time. Work with Missy and Kettle Bell and see the difference. (www.missfit-la.com).

“You are what you eat.” A phrase we are all familiar with but if we looked like what we ate, would we look like a giant cheese puff or a doughnut? Make cooking easier with ZoneChefs®, a handy Zone Diet-oriented delivery service that provides microwave-friendly 5 star meals and snacks in 31 day menu cycles. ZoneChefs® makes it easy to stick with your nutritional program and still feel like you aren’t being deprived! (www.ZoneChefs.com; 800-906-5927)

If you are what you eat, then are you what you drink too? Most definitely YES! Whether you are recovering from an excess of holiday cheer or football celebration (GO TROJANS!!), you will want to eliminate or abbreviate the body trauma of all the rich foods and alcoholic “cheer” that you drank! Get to the heart of the matter to get your body back to optimal condition with Function’s Urban Detox, a remarkable new MD developed beverage that alleviates hangovers, minimizes pollution’s impact on lungs and sinuses, protects the liver and aids the immune system. This all natural, preservative and caffeine free drink is made from orange, prickly pear, and lime fruit juices plus a proprietary, patent pending blend of the following: · Opuntia ficus indica (prickly pear extract) · N- acetyl cysteine (NAC) · Rapid NAC absorption vehicle (RNAV, patent pending) · Rapid Rehydratoin Formula (RRF) · Vitamin C · Vitamin B6 · Vitamin B12 · Folate · Riboflavin · Niacin · Calcium · Magnesium

What’s special about this drink? Created by Alex Hughes, M.D. and his team, Function treats the four components of a hangover. (want more info on this? see the website. www.functiondrinks.com) NAC protects the liver from free radical damage and –if used regularly— reduces the damage done to the liver by alcohol ingestion. It also helps thin out secretions in the lungs and sinuses and studies suggest that NAC protects against airborne particulate inhalation (cigarette smoke, smog) The stress B-complex vitamins and vitamin C boost your immune system to ward off colds made contagious by being in crowded spaces. Are you sold? (I am!) Check the FUNCTION website here www.functiondrinks.com/retailers.php for retailers near you or to order online.