the 4th

I dunno about you but I am EXHAUSTED post 4th of July— and trust me I haven’t been partying, I’ve been a working gal the past two days.

Let’s back track a bit to other fun things that happened this week….

I took my first class at Mark Fisher Fitness!!!!

 

Yes, that’s a disco ball in a fitness studio.

All MFF newbies are highly encouraged to take “Ninja Essentials” before moving on to more advanced classes. Truthfully, I was less than thrilled to take a basics class, when I sign up for a class I usually want to be challenged and get my sweat on and often times beginner classes are a bit too watered down for this group fitness junkie. I am happy to see that “Ninja Essentials” was not overly watered down- it still provided a legit workout.

As I signed into class I skimmed the list of participants for any familiar names. You see, MFF is well loved in the Broadway community, and broadway stars are hardcore celebrities to me because I’m a musical theater nut. Much to my happiness I spotted a very familiar name, a broadway actress I grew up singing along to in the car. So yes, I was a bit starstruck and nervous to be sweating next to Miss Broadway.

After warming up we introduced ourselves. Yes. In a fitness class we actually were encouraged to make new friends. Not only were we to say our name, we were also asked to state the part of our body that we try to avoid giving love to. Y’know, that part that when you look in the mirror your eyes immediately zero in on and you say “ughhhhhhhh why!” So we were basically pointing out that thing we are super self conscious about BUT rephrasing it with love. Example: I looooove my luscious thighs that touch when I walk.

It was oddly inspiring to hear everyone in the room show some love for the part of their body they usually hate. Most inspiring though was hearing the super star broadway diva talk about her body. I grew up listening to this girl in the car. I tried to mimic her vibrato, her gusto and so badly wanted to sing like her and there she was, proving that even broadway superstars have body issues. It sounds really silly because yes, most humans are self conscious about their flaws, but sometimes you are hit in the head with a reminder of that very obvious fact.

The actual class was great- a few mini circuits that used kettlebells, resistance tubes and body weight for a total body workout. It wasn’t the hardest class I have ever taken, nor did I ever have a feeling of “oh my god I can’t do this anymore” but it wasn’t easy peasy. What makes MFF unique besides it’s “back to basics” approach to training is the community and sense of humor. This place is not for the prude and faint of heart– as we performed kettlebell swings we were encouraged to stick out our booty in “porn star”…… and that was one of the more PG statements made by my eccentric instructor Stacey. I really loved the sense of community at MFF– you could tell the regulars LOVED this studio and considered it their happy place.  All in all loved my first class and can’t wait to head back there this weekend.

 

Another highlight of this week was finding a new quick and easy dish to bring for lunch at work

 

I’ll post the recipe later this week 🙂

And back to the 4th! Since it was my first time spending the 4th of July in Manhattan my parents agreed that it was important for me to see the epic Macy’s fireworks. After an unpatriotic dinner of Chinese food the three of us trekked over to the west side in search of a good view and some cooler breezes

 

We ended up walking all the way from 10th Street and 6th Ave to 28th Street and 10th Ave in the humidity. Even though it took forever to get there  in the crowded streets and we were sweating like crazy thanks to the heat, I am happy to say our view of the fireworks rocked.

I’ve often joke with my parents that I haven’t done a lot of the essential NYC touristy things- I’ve never been in the empire state building or been to Ellis Island to see the statue of liberty, but now I can cross seeing the Macy’s 4th of July fireworks off my NYC bucket list!

After spending the night standing in the heat I absolutely needed something cool and refreshing back at home

 

Mott’s freezer bars. It sounds weird but was super sweet and refreshing after a hot hot day. I’m happy to have a box of these bad boys in my freezer because I think they are going to be absolutely necessary this summer especially after a sweaty night time workout.

Successful first Independence Day in NYC!

 

do you have a bucket list for your city?

how did you spend your 4th of July?

how would you feel announcing your least favorite body part to a whole fitness class?