There are all kinds of sports drinks out there claiming to improve your overall wellness. Vitamin this and Life that- all these various drinks target those hoping to enhance their well being in just a few sips. While it's great and all, there's just one little problem- many of these drinks are loaded with sugars and empty calories and worse off, have never been scientifically proven to work... until now.

Active lifestyle drinkers, allow me to introduce to you, Neuro. Neuro drinks now give an active lifestyle drink option that has set the bar for your health and wellness needs. Feeling tired? Don't worry, there's a drink for that. Need a boost of happiness? Don't worry, there's a drink for that. Need a little recovery from a workout? There's a drink for that one too! Don't feel like throwing another plastic bottle and cap away? Oh, no biggie... the entire packaging is made from recycled material and can be recycled as well! Not to mention, it's sleek and sexy look make it that much more appealing.

Here's a little info about each drink:

NeuroGasm- designed to promote better sexual health. Two powerful amino acids, L-Arginine and L-Citrulline play a role in the production of a compound called nitric oxide. Nitric Oxide helps regulate blood flow through arteries that supply nutrients to muscles, brain, lungs and other organs.

NeuroSonic was formulated to help meet the demands of today's high stress living, where it's vital for the brain to function at top form. The unique combination of plant extracts, amino acids and unique dietary ingredients provide fuel for the brain to remain focused and alert over long periods of time.

NeuroSleep is a delicious drink with a unique formula designed to promote restful sleep and improve overall sleep quality. Clinically proven to be effective, the combination of melatonin and magnesium found in NeuroSleep work together to aid in healthy sleep quality.

NeuroTrim- designed to promote weight loss. The key ingredient, LuraLean, is a konjac fiber that temporarily swells to more than 200 times its actual size upon consumption, sending signals to the brain that it is satisfied.

NeuroBliss- designed to promote happiness and eliminate stress without affecting your energy levels. L-Theanine, an amino acid found in green tea which has been clinically proven to help reduce stress, works by altering brain waves, shifting them from the beta spectrum to the alpha spectrum -- where a person is focused and alert, but calm.

NeuroSport- designed to replenish the body during and after exercise with the unparalleled combination of 12 minerals and 5 electrolytes. Quickly restoring these minerals helps improve endurance and increase fitness levels.

Looking for Neuro? You can find it online and also at the following retailers: QFC, Haggen, Top Foods and Red Apple.

http://www.drinkneuro.com/

Drink on!

That's the Pure Barre way!

As you walk into the Pure Barre Studio in West Seattle to find that all you'll be using for the day is a resistance band, a couple small weights, a small ball, a thick yoga mat and a wall with a bar, you may think, "This seems simple enough." If so, you're partially right- that really is all you need. But, don't let the simple amount of equipment fool you into thinking you've got yourself an easy workout coming your way. No way, my fellow fitness enthusiast- this workout, designed with isometric movements is made to shape, lengthen and strengthen your body within about 10 sessions and will leave you sweatin' and, well, burnin'!

What exactly does a Pure Barre workout entail? Truth is, many of the movements and exercises you'll find yourself doing all seem simple enough- pliet squats, bicep curls, tricep extensions, crunches, that is until with one tiny movement, one tiny tuck and one tiny pulse repeated over and over come into play- that's when you suddenly have yourself a whole different ballgame in the sport of workout.

Pure Barre is designed to focus on small (and when I say small, I mean movements and contractions so tiny, you literally can't see them happening, but DANG can you feel them!) after each round of isometric exercises, a break is taken to stretch, creating the long, lean effect in the muscle. In just one hour of barely moving, stretching and secretly in your head cursing due to muscle burn and fatigue you'll find yourself saying, "Who knew so much could be accomplished by what seems like so little"? It really is the optical illusion workout!

If you're looking to bulk up, then Pure Barre is not for you. However, if you're looking to tone up, lengthen and still strengthen, then I suggest you head on over to Pure Barre located in West Seattle and give it a try! And, this just in for all you Eastsiders- Pure Barre is making it's way to the Bravern this Fall/Winter!

Sweat on!

If you haven't heard already, this Thursday, September 2nd is Fit in the City Night at Safeco Field!

We've invited a few of Seattle's greatest in the world of fitness to come on out to Safeco Field and share with you why they think fitness is so important and how they can help YOU either bring it into your life for the first time, bring it back after some time away, or enhance your fitness routine beyond where it may already be.

If nothing else, you get a free t-shirt out of the deal!

Take a look at some of the highlights from our fitness peeps joining us:

5focus Fitness Studio:

Fortitude, food, fitness, flow and follow through- those are the 5 mail focuses on 5focus Fitness Studio (hence the name). Whether it's through their nutritional consultants, physical therapy, kinesis fitness, specialty massage, childrens yoga, Chi running workshops and more, 5focus hits it all the wellness spots.

Pure Barre :

Ever wondered how dancers get those long, lean and toned bodies? Pure Barre is a little taste of dancer body heaven minus the dancing. Utilizing isometric movements, and never using more than your own body, a ballet bar, a padded mat, a small ball, a couple small weights and a resistance band, the Pure Barre technique will have you not only focused for the 60 minutes you're in toning away, but leave thinking to yourself, "I felt like I was barely moving some of my body parts, yet I can already feel the burn!"

Sassy Fit:

Personal training, boot camps, and support all mixed together with a group of gals who make it fun! You don't have to trot down to Hollywood to get a body like Jessica Alba when you have a studio like Sassy Fit in your neighborhood. Forget the gym routine, Sassy Fit will bring the burn to you!

Denali Fitness:

Located in two great locations, Interbay and Madison Park, Denali Fitness isn't just your average run-of-the-mill gym. While they do have up-to-date, clean equipment for those who like to hit the cardio machines and pump the weights for strength training, Denali sets themselves apart from your average gym with their innovative and fitness forward group classes such as Kinesis, spin classes, kick boxing, Zumba, yoga and more.

Seattle Strength and Performance:

Their motto is to help people move better in order to live better all while creating better results. Seattle Strength and Performance is geared towards community and connecting with the individual, not just being another number in a gym. Whether you're looking to add years to your life, increase your vertical jump or lose those pesky pounds, SSP has designed their training to be unique to the individual at hand starting form the first step in personal assessment down to the final result.

If you haven't purchased your tickets already, be sure to do it today! www.mariners.com/fit

See you at the Ballpark!

As I wound down the evening last night, I found myself alerted to something that shocked me- no it wasn't the story itself or the news within it that shocked me, it was the fact that everything involving the story was being discussed as if no one had ever heard about this, "discovery" before.

One of my best friends (who happens to be a Registered Dietician) and I were sitting down, waiting to watch the news clip on the drink that's supposed to help promote weight loss. As we sat through the commercials she said to me, "I swear if they say it's water I'm going to flip my lid!" Now, you might be wondering, "Well, why would that upset you, Dietician Girl? Water is a good thing!" Yes, my dear reader, you're right, it's not just a good thing, it's GREAT thing! So, as the Swiffer Sweeper ad came to an end, the lovely, well-known local health reporter filled us in that a study was recently done at Virginia Tech which did in fact report that WATER, can promote weight loss- and that's when my Dietician Friend went on a rampage....

"I feel like I just watched a news clip from the 80's" she ranted as I sarcastically said, "Wow, tell us something we don't know, nice reporter lady." My friend then made a statement that brought up a whole different point, "It's sad to think how much money they probably spent on that study to tell us something we've all known for years."

Do you guys see where I'm going with this?

This report and study basically said (you can read it for yourself here) that there were two groups on the same diet, but one group drank more water just before eating than another and in turn the group that drank more water lost more weight. Reason being? Water makes you feel fuller, potentially helps decrease the amount of sugary, carbonated beverages you drink, and drum roll... ZIPPO calories, even in 1 million servings (insert Austin Powers voice).

Okay, okay great, but come on people, we've known water has been a key ingredient in the recipe for weight loss for years. This is something that's been taught in dietetics and nutrition for ages and really, how many health and fitness magazines do you have to read each month before you realize it's a HUGE factor?

It just makes me sad that in 2010, it's suddenly a "big news story". Now, don't get me wrong. I'm all for studies that promote weight loss in a society that desperately needs to get their health in check, and I realize that maybe I'm biased because I immerse myself in health and fitness nearly everyday, so I suppose I do need to take a step back and realize that perhaps not everyone is as savvy to the knowledge as I am. BUT, if there's one thing to note- this whole theory of water being good for weight loss is kind of like saying, "When it rains, plants and vegetation will flourish." Duh.

Now, if water is just a little too boring for you, here's a link from the American Dietetic Society that tells you what foods you can consume to help add in a little more water to your diet.

Pardon me, I have a bottle of water to chug.

Sweat on!

Fitness has been around since the beginning of man. While fitness to the average caveman may not have come in the same bicep curling, side lunging, cardio kicking forms it does now, even the present day Geico spokesmen lived a lifestyle that was condusive to their needs- even if it was more for the sake of living and less for the sake of overall wellness. Which leads me to wonder at what point did our fitness lifestyles take a turn for the worse?

I assume most people who read my blog (all 5 of you), enjoy fitness on some level and more than likely participate in it. As I'm writing this and wondering who you are that's reading it, I can't help but wonder where you're at on the road to fitness. Are you like me, someone who's had a passion for it since your teens? Are you just now getting into it? Is it something that's come and gone, in and out of your life like a roller coaster relationship that's begging for consistency? Have you always stuck with the same routine or the same kind of fitness because it was either comfortable or the only thing you've enjoyed? Or are you someone who is always looking for the next best thing and the latest thing to hit the market?

Regardless of which category you find yourself nodding in agreement towards, the fads are the area I'd like to focus on. Fads in general always intrigue me. I always wonder who the infamous person is or if it ever is just one person that starts it all. I know there are books on these things that could likely answer my thoughts, but I enjoy the thought process none-the-less. Fitness fads however, are the ones that get me.

If you think about all the fitness "fads" out there- the ones that have come and gone and in some cases seem like they've gone but have really just taken on a new form or title, you'll likey find that many of them have quite a bit in common.

In the 80's and early 90's it was all about aerobics and everybody out there was doing the, "Jane Fonda", but that token Jane Fonda move hasn't fallen by the waist side, in fact I still bring out the Jane Fonda from time to time!

I'm not sure yoga will ever be a, "fad" at this point, but it definitely wasn't the power house it has been in the last 10-15 years and it too has taken on a world of it's own with everything from studios to park yoga, to office yoga to hot yoga to power vinyasa to baby yoga, this zenful fitness joy is no longer just the Eastern way of bending, stretching and meditating.

We can all recall the days of Richard Simmons or the Abs, Butts and Legs that could all be toned and firmed in less than 10 minutes. No one will ever forget Billy Blanks and Tae Bo. Curves will probably always be for women, Jenny Craig will always have her jingle and points will forever be associated with Weight Watchers.

Today we have weights that shake, resistance walls that tone and sculpt, vibrating machines that work like magic and classes that combine dance moves and workout moves into one. Which ones will stick around forever and which ones will be a thing of the 2010's? We shall see...

Here's the thing about fads: If it really does work effectively and consistently then it'll likely always be reinventing itself- otherwise it'll be just what is it- a fad.

Sweat on!

Many of you may only know me as Ashley, blogger for Fit in the City, but there's another little element to me that some may not be aware of- I LOVE BASEBALL. In fact, I love baseball so much so that I left a career as a teacher to head into a career in sports radio sales, working with the Mariners Radio broadcast here at 710 ESPN Seattle.

When the Mariners contacted me recently and said, "Hey, let's do a fitness night at Safeco." I said, "YES!" So, low and behold we came up with, "Fit in the City Night".

Mark your calendars for September 2 as the Seattle Mariners take on the Cleveland Indians for a night of fitness and baseball. We'll have various health and fitness vendors from around the Northwest located in the upper level concourse showcasing their products and businesses to help keep YOU in the loop on health and fitness in our beautiful part of the country.

Could it get any better? Yes! The Mariners are offering a special discounted price for those who'd like to attend Fit in the City Night- just $11 (does not include taxes and fees) and you're in the door. It doesn't stop there people, with your ticket you also get a sweet Mariners, Fit in the City Night t-shirt too!

To purchase your tickets go to www.mariners.com/fit

I hope to see you there!

Play ball!

Those who know me best know surfing is a talent I admire and a hobby I've always wanted to take part in. There's something so mesmerizing and jaw dropping about watching a surfer shred through barrels and be thrashed around by pounding waves, only to get right back up and try again.

I once tried my hand at surfing (without someone there to show me what to do, mind you) and quickly learned how important it is when taking on the ocean to have a professional showing you the way.

With the ocean just to the west of us, surfing is one of those things that should it intrigue you, you should definitely give a try. In two weeks, the ladies of Sassy Fit Seattle have teamed up with professional surfing instructors who will teach you all the tricks of the surfing trade and in between the ladies of Sassy Fit will be holding yoga and boot camps.

Check out their website for more information on costs and all the other amenities included and remember throw up that shaka and ride the wave!

Surfs Up!

If you missed my post about yoga at the work place, then you're in luck! This past month, Phyzz Yoga came back to the Bonneville Media Company offices here on Eastlake and instructed us through ways to keep limber and streched throughout our workday without having to leave our chairs!

If you're like many of us who are confined to the contraints of a desk chair, eyes glued to a computer screen and find yourself hunched over or slouched down and feeling a bit out of comfort sorts by the end of the day- then Karen of Phyzz Yoga has just what you need!

Check out what some of my fellow coworkers had to say about their experience with Phyzz Yoga at the office:

"It was great. I've been using the neck stretches every time I feel tense." -Keith, Accounting

"Loved it… and I'm still feeling limber from it…" -Brad B, KIRO/KTTH Sales

"The instructor was super nice and easy going. She focused on relaxing and breathing, which really is what yoga is all about. It was fun way to connect with your co workers, learn some easy stretches, relax, and really limber up!" -Kaitlin, Digital Sales

"It felt good to clear my mind and stretch. I felt relaxed and refreshed for the rest of the day." -Marta, Sales

Stretch on!

For many of you reading this, the woman who's fitness regimen you're about to get the inside scoop on was once upon a time, Miss Molly Malaney of ABC's, The Bachelor. But, since her days of, 'Will you accept this rose' this and, 'Most dramatic episodes in Bachelor history' that, she's transitioned from a life less ordinary to a life a bit more ordinary, this time as Mrs. Molly Mesnick- wife of former Bachelor and Kirkland native, Jason Mesnick. Although Jason is a long time Washington resident, Molly hailing from Grand Rapids, Michigan is not and just like any newcomer to a new city, Molly was in search of the best place to keep her fitness goals in check and also a place to get wedding ready! The rest of this feature is all about how one of our most recent residents to the Northwest keeps her booty in check. After meeting Molly recently, she challenged me to a workout at her training facility, Elite Fitness of Bellevue, assuring me it would be the best workout of my life. My response? "Best workout of my life? Count me in!" So, Bachelor and Bachelorette fans and readers of Fit in the City, along with Elite Fitness of Bellevue, I bring to you the Molly Mesnick workout aka "The Best Workout of My Life".

When I first walked into Elite Fitness some of my first thoughts were, "Oh look they have a Power Plate (see this article if you missed that feature)". "Oh look they have the TRX trainer (see this article if you missed that feature). "Oh, this is cool, it's a very similar setup to the last personal training studio I was at and loved." "Oh, hmm… why is that guy running around with a hockey stick?" And last but not least, "These people sure have a lot of energy!" When Molly arrived, the first thing I asked her was, "Do they make you do a lot of running? Because I'm not a runner." Her reply, "Oh no, not at all" (she was serious). We immediately stepped on board the treadmill for a warm up. How do I warm up? With a light walk. How did Molly's trainer, Alex Wasserman have us warm up? Jogging on an incline. It was at that point I knew I was in for it.

We began our workout focusing on balance, stamina, legs and arms. Molly on the bosu ball with a weight working her arms and core, me on the ground lunging back and forth, pulsing away 3 pulses then 6, back and forth, legs shaking, butt burning and then we switched- twice. Did we get a break? Oh no, ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls- there were no breaks aside from a gulp of water here and there in this 60 minute sweat session. As soon as we completed that, outside we went.
We jogged backwards, shuffled sideways, criss-crossed up and down stairs and repeated it all four times- yes, four grueling times! Back inside we went, back on top of bosu balls only this time we were facing one another throwing balls at each other while attempting to balance on a ball- one person threw to the chest, the other bounced. Have I mentioned yet that coordination is not my forte? Three shakey passes in and Alex then informed us that we had to do 20 of these in a row and if we missed, we had to run around the block and start back at 1. My thought, "Oh hell no!" (Apologies if the hell reference offended anyone, but that's really the thought that went through my mind, along with other words that are not online appropriate). 17 passes without a miss in, I began to get the nervous feeling, wondering just how much Molly would despise me if at this point I messed up my throw and wondering if I'm nice enough to forgive her if she missed hers. Luckily, we made all 20 passes without a problem and our friendship lives on!

As the workout went on there were the usual and necessary weight components which were naturally exhausting, but we were powering through, so much so that even Alex made a comment about it. At that point I got mentally cocky and thought, "Well of course we are!" Then he took us back outside, into the parking garage and made us do pyramid sprints, which I really think was him reading my mind and shutting my mental cockiness down like a girl refusing to give the cocky guy at the bar her number. It was at this point that I began to taste the Muscle Milk I had consumed 30 minutes prior to all of this, too much info for you? Sorry, you deserve to know the truth about, "The best workout of my life."

I've learned from experience that cross training studios save the hardest yet best stuff for last, so I assumed it was coming and boy did it come! Alex had us get back on the treadmill, jacked the incline up and threw the speed on 6 MPH. In fact he even said, "Not to worry, it's only 6 MPH." Newsflash, Alex, I find 4 MPH a bit daunting let alone 6 (Yeah, yeah I know what you guys are thinking, "Man she's a whimp!" When it comes to running, I sure am!). While one of us ran/jogged on the treadmill the other one had to go inbetween two treadmills and hop up and down starting from 10 and working down with each set. After 10, we switched, while the other ran/jogged, we did this until we only had one left. This my friends and readers was NOT easy. In fact, I'm sure if you asked Molly what she thought about this portion of the workout, she may have a few nasty words for you too (although, as much as I know she was feeling as tortured as I was, I never did hear her go sailor on the workout).

Once we completed this, we had to use what little energy we had left for a few minutes of core. I don't know about you, but after jogging half the workout, balancing half the workout, lifting weights half the workout and doing it all with intervals, my core was the last thing I cared about, but we did it. One thing I loved about working with Alex on our core was that he took the time to have us make the smallest adjustments and explained the purpose thoroughly. If there's one thing that is essential in all exercises, it's definitely your posture, even if you're simply lying on the ground in a bridge pose.

At this point, my legs were shaking, my lungs were exhausted, my core was throbbing and my sweat glands were glistening and low and behold 60 minutes were complete. When Molly asked me how I liked it, my response was, "Despite all the running, that was literally one of the best workouts of my life!"

A big thanks to Molly Mesnick for bringing me by Elite Fitness of Bellevue and a huge thanks to Alex Wasserman for the great workout. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to try to attempt to stand.

Sweat on!