Fall In Folks with me and Jillian Michaels

Say it ain't so........
I can't believe Summer is just a few days away from being over....  Sad Face!

But with that said, its time for me to start my Fall class line up and start to get myself and all of you ready for the Holidays!  Yup that's right Halloween for all my candy eaters is around the corner followed by Thanksgiving (my favorite) and Xmas!

I am super excited to announce I will be apart of the exclusive launch of:

Jillian Michaels BodyShred at Crunch

What is BodyShred you ask?

A 30 min intense yet VERY doable Resistance, Cardio and Ab workout.  The class is formatted to follow Jillian's 3-2-1 philosophy.

What does that mean?

• 3 Minutes of Resistance work- Three exercises broken down for 30 sec each
• 2 Minutes of Cardio work - Two exercise also performed for 30 sec each
• 1 Minute of Active Recovery - The Abs Section. One exercise for 30 sec each

If you are intrigued - JOIN ME!
If you want results - JOIN ME!
If you believe in Jillian Michaels - JOIN ME!
If you are looking for a a good After Burn - JOIN ME!
If you are looking for an effective workout in a short time - JOIN ME!

Below you can find my complete list of classes including when and where I will be teaching BodyShred!

Please join me and if you are not a Crunch member but want to experience a GREAT workout with me let me know, I LOVE having guests!

Monday 

At Park Slope:

1215pm Circuit City - only for two more weeks! 

At Ft Greene:

615pm Bosu Bootcamp = 45 mins

715pm Yoga = 1 hour

Tuesday

At John St:

12pm Jillian Michael's BodyShred = 30 min

1230pm Ab Attack = 30 min

1pm Zumba = 30 min

At Union Sq:

530pm Jillian Michael's BodyShred = 30 min

645pm Eneryg Ride = 45 min

Wednesday

At Ft Greene:

12pm Hot Yoga = 60 min

At 59th St:

545pm Resistance Rebounding = 30 min

630pm Hot Yoga = 90 min

Thursday

At Park Slope:

1045am Vinyasa Yoga = 75 min

At Union Sq:

115pm Buff Yoga = 60 min

Friday

At Union Sq:

1030am Diesel = 30 min

11am Ab Attack = 30 min

At W 54th St:

1230pm Circuit City = 45 min

See you Soon and Stay Tuned for:

• Super  Tasty Recipes
• Exercise Tips
• Fun things to do and stay fit. 

Remember to Live, Love, Laugh and Have Fun Doing it!

Taj 

photo: courtesy of me :) 

Come have FUN with me!

I am very excited to invite everyone to the SELF Workout in the Park event this Saturday, May 12^th at Rumsey Playfield in Central Park! 

SELF Workout in the Park features a full-day, hands-on, all-in-one roster of workouts, workshops, giveaways and more. There’s something for everybody — and every body — go full on, or just have fun — with so much to choose from, you can customize your experience to suit your needs. Come, recharge, rejuvenate and enjoy dynamic fitness classes hosted by who else – CRUNCH, on-site sampling and services courtesy of top beauty, fitness and food brands; expert-led nutrition, style and beauty workshops; and cool ways to win prizes and score free swag.

Yours Truly will be teaching the ROCK Bottom class and Yoga Body Sculpt.  Each class is only 20 minutes and there are two workout areas for you to enjoy yourself.  Bring your mom, sisters, friends, co-workers and experience an event like no other.  I truly look forward to doing this every year.  Hope to see you there! 

On the Main Stage:

11:10am Sexy Stretch  w/Zuta

11:35am Rock Bottom  w/Taj

12pm Ab Attack   w/Michelle

12:25pm Masala Bhangra   w/Sarina

12:50pm Sucker Punch  w/Christy

1:15pm Fly Girls   w/Kristin and Rachel

1:40pm Beach Body  w/Brooke

2:05pm Tabura   w/Reign 

2:30pm La Blast   w/Louis Van Amstel (yes from DWTS)

In the Quite Zone:

11:15am Sunrise Salutations  w/Lisa 

11:40am 10-Spot Pilates  w/Christy

12:05pm  Yoga Body Sculpt   w/Taj

12:30pm Pilates Band Camp  w/ Michelle

12:55pm  BodyArt   w/Brooke

1:20pm  Fat Burning Pilates  w/Zuta

1:45pm  Hippie Yoga  w/ Yvette

2:10pm  POUND Rockout Workout  w/ Kirsten and Christina (the creators of POUND)

EVENT INFO

http://www.selfworkoutinthepark.com/

Time: 11 AM - 3:00 PM Rain or Shine!

Location: Rumsey Playfield, Central Park (entrance at 72^nd Street & 5^th Avenue)

Note: Bags larger than a backpack and or pets will not be permitted into the event

Side note:  Doors usually open about 20 minutes before the classes start BUT there is usually a line of eager people there bright and early waiting to get in.   

Trust me its an experience to remember! 

Taj 

photo:  www.selfworkoutinthepark.com  

THANK YOU!

Hey Everyone, WOW what a month!  I am super excited to say both events that me and my team of fellow Crunchers hosted on Sunday Feb 19th and Feb 26th SOLD OUT! We have not only raised awareness but raised money and I have kept my promise of adding an additional $1 for every reader and friend you made some donation to the cause.

 THANK YOU!  

Thanks for buying apparel, donating at the gym, attending our events and more.....  Lets do it again next year!

Stay tuned for more great info from me!  I have several topics we need to address.

Taj

photo:  www.loveyourmuscles.com

Valentines Day!

Wishing everyone a day of self love and appreciation!  Let today be a time to reflect on YOU, literally the most important person in your life.  Remember you matter so do something nice for yourself!

Today can be the start to many days of self love.... You shouldn't have to wait for 1 day a year to feel special.  Make Valentine's day EVERYDAY!

For those joining me today at Crunch, not only will you get a AWESOME workout, but I have a special treat for you too.

Have a great day!

See you soon.

Taj 

Love Your Muscles!

Hello Folks and Happy February! I am sure each of you reading this blog has seen some commercial or  noticed the seasonal section at your local store promoting the either dreaded or looked forward too holiday Valentine's Day!

Well I challenge you to take a new approach to LOVE this month.  Starting with Love Your Muscles!  Its a charity event put together to support ALS - Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.  ALS is a disease of the nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord that control voluntary muscle movement.  It comes in many forms such as: 

• Muscular Dystrophy 
• Lou Gehrig's Disease  

CRUNCH has been a HUGE supporter of the Charity Augies Quest which was started by Augie himself, the Founder of most of the gym equipment who use:  LifeCycle.   Unfortunately this fitness guru has ALS  and we are doing our part for the entire month to raise money for a good cause! 

How can you help?  EASY - Log onto Love Your Muscles and learn more about ways YOU can help us to make a difference.   

• Make a simple dollar donation
• Buy specially packaged Personal Training Sessions 
• Attend one of our 1-3 hour workshops

Speaking of workshops: looking for a totally awesome way to spend a couple hours this Sunday gearing up for LOVE?  Check out the Relax and Breathe Workshop dedicated to yoga and a bit of mediation.  Trust me I am sure we all need a little more breathing and relaxing in our lives.  Or maybe you want to escape all the lovey dovey folks.  I'd join you if I wasn't going to be in FL running a Half Marathon on the same day. 

SOOOO.... Please go in my place, Sunday Feb 12th 1-3pm at the Ft Greene Crunch! Bring a Friend or your LOVED one and tell them I sent you!  :)  Can't make it this Sunday we have TONS of other workshops across the country, yes from LA to Miami.   Log on and join a workshop near you.  

For every one of my followers that makes a donation or attends a workshop I will add an additional dollar to my own donation. But you have to email me so I can keep track.  If I had Donald's money I'd go bigger, but I have 180+ followers.  :) 

Keep in touch!  And see you soon. 

Taj

photo:  http://www.flickr.com/photos/cobalt220/4343621338/sizes/s/in/photostream/  

Day 31 of New Year New You

CONGRATULATIONS!  You made it to day 31!

This may be the last day of the month but this is not going to be our last time together.  This is not the end of a New Year New You as I said yesterday this has just been the beginning.  I will certainly be sharing lots of stories, recipes, interesting facts and more as the days progress.  You have inspired me to continue to write consistently so please keep coming back!

So here we go Day 31:

Fitness: 

Let your inner child out!  Do some activity that makes you feel like a kid inside.  Its time to show off that fun side you keep hidden behind the desk.  Take a dance class, go skating, jump on the trampoline in Rebounding at Crunch. 

Just have fun!  My favorite inner child thing is dancing to my favorite playlist or song.  And I am not afraid to do it in public.  :O) 

Food:

Try Again!  Didn't get an opportunity to cook one of this months recipes, like me.  The hubby cooked tonight so hopefully I will do the Spinach Pasta tonight.  :) 

Here is another opportunity for you to go back over one of those recipes and give it a try.  Oh and THANKS! I finally received a recipe email.  Whew Who!!!  Remember I'd love to hear from you and it doesn't have to be anything hard or gourmet.  Each of us has our own little flair or twist on something.  Just share something you like.

Self Growth:

Let your success inspire you!  Hopefully you are on your way to making exercise, eating and doing things for self improvement a regular part of your routine.  I am sure you are looking and feeling better.  Take time today to reflect on your successes:

• The recipes you tried
• Taking time Off
• Accepting Change in your fitness routine
• Sharing with others
• You take the stairs more

Remember this: "Allowing yourself to take on this challenge for the past 31 days will benefit you in more ways then one."  Yesterday your Self Growth was to Set New Goals, If you didn't do it, do it NOW!  

Until Tomorrow, 

Taj 

photo:  http://www.flickr.com/photos/caliorg/6141737562/sizes/s/in/photostream/

Day 24 of New Year New You

Well Folks we have 7 more days left is the month.  This has been a great experience so far and I must say I am enjoying this winter weather versus last years.

So here we do Day 24:

Fitness:
Try something new today!  Yes we did that three weeks ago but I bet there are a lot of things left for you to try.  Crunch members check out the Rock Star new class POUND.  It's being offered tonight 7p15pm at Crunch Ft Greene.  Try a new teacher, always taking the same yoga instructor because you love her/him.  Why not change it up and get some yogi love from another trained person.

Always running on the treadmill, well hop on an Eliptical tonight and take some stress off your knees.  They will probably thank you at the end of the night.  I think you see where this is going.  Step away from your comfort zone and get moving.  There is SOO much to experience why not TODAY.

Food: 
Share!  Today is a good day for you to share one of your favorite recipes!  I'd love to know what makes you happy in the kitchen as well as in your belly.  So here's what you do.  Send me and email Taj Harris Lee and send the same email to one friend.  Request that your friend sends you one back too.  Now you are giving and receiving.  And if you send me one... that guarantees you TWO new recipes.

Its time to share - and remember this is all in fun - no competition.  It can be a simple easy to make, favorite.

Self Growth:
Is there something you've been longing to do? Like take a dance or language lesson. What about one of those DIY classes at Lowes or Home Depot.

Go online today and look for it.  Sign up for a class, you can probably get started as soon as tomorrow. No pressure - really, but finding out the info is the first step to getting over that hill and making it happen. There is no better time then the present and feel free to share with me if you like.


Until Tomorrow,

Taj

photo:  

Day 15 of New Year New You

WOW we have reached the halfway point!  Really 15 days have gone by that fast!  I almost feel like I could do a New Year New You Challenge for the year.  Well here we go!

My Day 14:  I worked all day from 8 AM to 6 PM teaching a yoga training.  So thankful for my group of attendees they really make time go by fast.  My breakfast was simple: Pumpernickel Bagel and Chiobani Yogurt.  Did you make the French Toast? I did get to clean out one cabinet today and had my TREAT from yesterday for dinner tonight:  Peach Cobbler with Ice Cream.  It was well worth it.

Ready, Set, Go - Day 15:

Fitness:
Today's forecast is 28 degrees.  Have I ever said how much I don't like winter?  Well today I'm giving you two options:

1.  Enjoy your home with an indoor workout.  You could do the Plyometrics from Day 6 and the Abdominal workout on Day 2 and/or the BLT workout on Day 11

For my football fans, feel free to get it done before the game!  And someone please text me with updates on the score, I will be working form 8 to 5.

2.  Don't mind going out - Try Bikram Yoga.  It might be cold outside but its Hot in there.  Member of Crunch? Give Hot Yoga a try today.  PLEASE take a change of clothes with you and make sure to dry off before going back out.

Food:
Given the weather, today is a Great day to make a SOUP!  I love soup when its cold outside.

Never made soup before?  Not sure what to use?  Looking for some healthy options?
Cooking Light offers 101 healthy soup recipes for you to choose from.  There's bound to be one you'd enjoy.

Are you a visual person?  Try checking out one of the Food Channels like Food Network for ideas.

Let me know what you picked!


Self Growth:
Its time to reflect and track your success!  There is nothing more motivating then seeing your accomplishments.  We are 15 day's into a 31 day challenge, take a quick peek at your progress.  Check off each day that you've worked out or followed my Food and/or Self Growth tips.

Notice the habits you have created without trying so hard.  Don't look at the days you missed and say "I knew I couldn't do this or how can I catch up now?" Embrace the days you did something! Smile and say to yourself: "Wow that's more time than I usually dedicate to myself and I'm looking forward to what the next 15 days has to offer."

This challenge is all about taking steps to make change and doing that one day at a time.  Each day presents an opportunity for a new you in mind, body and soul.  You've already proven anything is possible by reading this right now!


Until Tomorrow,

Taj


photo: http://www.flickr.com/photos/pedromourapinheiro/2307665224/sizes/s/in/photostream/

Day 11 of New Year New You

Welcome to Hump Day Wednesday!  I swear I was just typing out Monday's blog like five minutes ago.   Well here we go with another day of fun together.

My Day 10:  Today was a great day! I taught some of my favorite people at Crunch John St and Union Sq.  Taught my 1st ZUMBA class, it was AWESOME.  Can't wait to get back next week.  If you are available join me next Tuesday at 90 John St - 1245 PM.  Not a Crunch member? Be my GUEST - just let me know you want to come.  Got in my BLT workout for sure and enjoyed my Self Growth moment.  :) It really feels good writing for all of you everyday!

Now its time for Day 11:

Fitness:
Well we've had an Abdominal day and yesterday was BLT.  I think its time for a little upper body workout. Show me your GUNS!

Do this workout to help sculpt and tone your biceps tomorrow.

• Alternating Hammer Curls with 10-15 LB dumbbells perform to failure  Rest 1 min - Repeat 2x
• Body Bar or Barbell Biceps Curls.  Using the heaviest body bar in the gym or at least a 20 LB Barbell perform Biceps Curls to failure.  Rest 1 min - Repeat 2x
• Concentrated Biceps Curls.  Using 10-15 LB dumbbells perform to failure.  Rest 1 min - Repeat 2x

Food:

Make today a Protein and Veggie day!  You heard right, do your best to have a no Carb day.  It might seem hard but you can do it.  Here are some examples for you to try: 

• Egg White Omelette - add onions, spinach, mushrooms whatever you like
• Burgers - Grilled Chicken no buns  
• How about this Mexican Collard Green Wrap
• Salad always works
• Steam some Veggies for Dinner
• Try the Peanut Butter Protein Shake from yesterday

Be sure to come back and let me know how your day went. 

Self Growth:

We have been giving to ourselves for the past 10 days, its time for some Heartfelt Acts.   Here are 4 ways to strengthen your connection with others.  

GIVE- Donating money to a charity is just one way to give but why not donate your time where possible.  How about volunteering to pick up a friends kid from school.  Or offer to babysit so they can go out or to the gym.  Think about donating your expertise or services to a cause.  How about volunteering with an organization such as NY Cares. 

LISTEN- Take time to really listen to another person be it a friend, a co-worker or stranger.  Everyone loves to be heard and you never know what you might learn by listening.   

INCLUDE- Think of ways to make someone else feel included or welcome today.  Is there a new employee at your job?  I am sure you remember your first day.  Ask him or her to grab a coffee with you.  Say hello to an unfamiliar face in your yoga or spin class etc. 

FEED- Invite a friend to dinner.  What about helping out at a local food bank or shelter.  It's flu season, I know I would love to receive a pot of soup from a friend if I was sick. 

Until tomorrow!

Taj

photo: http://www.flickr.com/photos/qthomasbower/3470650293/sizes/s/in/photostream/

Day 4 of New Year New You

Happy Wednesday and welcome to Day 4 of the New Year New You Challenge.

My Day 3:
Did my abdominal workout before bed.  Had lunch by the pool... it was the longest time out ever! Listened to some new music and the sounds of the sea.

I hope you are enjoying the tips and starting to feel better about how you approach change this year.

So let's get started:

Fitness:
If you are a member of a gym take a NEW class.  It's time to step outside the box and shake it up a bit.  Don't be intimidated just show up and enjoy.  If you are a hardcore yogi - try a weight bearing class or dance.  If you are a spinner - try yoga or get groovy with ZUMBA!

If you don't have a gym membership, pull out the bike, take the dog for a long walk, or look into a gym near you and see what the day rate is.  Hey you might even join after a good experience.  Of course I have to plug my favorite gym CRUNCH they have lots of amazing classes to experience.

Food:
Replace something in your meal today, for example:

• Agave instead Sugar
• Tea instead of Coffee
• Brown Rice instead of White
• Veggie Burger instead of Beef
• Fruit instead of the cookie
• Two servings of Veggies in place of Carbs

Self Growth: 

Guarantee yourself support to keep you fired up:

• Enlist a Friend and make frequent calls to each other - CALL don't TEXT 
• Spread the word about the Challenge - there is power in numbers
• Log onto the Face Book Group and leave comments, read what other people are saying. 
• Leave a comment here and feel free to check back 
• Email me, I don't mind 
• Sign up for some daily inspiration on sites such as My Daily Insights or Inspirational Quotes 

Until Tomorrow

Taj

photo: http://www.flickr.com/photos/42931449@N07/5187987248/sizes/s/in/photostream/