SELF Magazine’s Workout in the Park
Hi there! I had a pretty busy weekend! In addition to attending the awesome, A Healthy U Conference, I also wen to SELF Magazine’s Workout in the Park. I’ve been to this event in the past and it’s always been a lot of fun and a great way to kick off the Summer of Fitness. This year was no exception!
The event is held every year in Rumsey Playfield in Central Park. There is a huge stage setup with fitness classes going on all day and tons of sponsors attend to help keep us hydrated, satiated and relaxed.
I arrived just in time for a yearly favorite, Masala Bhangra. This workout, created by Sarina Jain, is a dance workout based on traditional Bollywood dance moves spiced up for a modern day twist. It is a great way to get sweaty and get the heart rate going. It’s always a lot of fun and tons of people participate. The best part is in the middle of these fun dance workout you call out “balle balle” which is a popular Punjabi phrase used in Bollywood songs to convey happiness. If this workout doesn’t put a smile on your face, nothing will!
The workouts were all provided by Crunch gym, an event sponsor. Besides Masala Bhangra, there was also a Bikini Bootcamp workout that was excellent and really targeted the booty and abs! There was also a House Grooves workout that paired dance moves to house music. It was so different from most workouts I’ve tried and I have to say, it was a lot of fun. I actually want to workout like this more often: 25 minutes of each class and then on to the next one!
Off the main stage, there was also the Reebok FitZone, which offered CrossFit WOD classes. I stayed away from this though because CrossFit kinda scares me. Plus the women there were super buff and I wouldn’t want to meet them on a bright, sunny day in the park in a dark alley.
Another favorite of mine is the Quiet Zone, another smaller workout area away from the main stage where mind/body classes are offered. These classes are limited in number and you have to sign up for them first thing in the morning. Since I got there late this year, I wasn’t able to sign up for any classes. I was so bummed since I was interested in a lot of the classes being offered AND Athleta was sponsoring the classes by giving away a free yoga mat. Darn!
The sponsors at this event are always great. Garnier gave out samples and offered mini facials. Popchips gave away free packets of chips. And there was even a frozen fruit pop stand– so yum! I don’t have a photo of that because, well, I ate it. 🙂
I also tried out these raw macaroons from Emmy. I had never tried them before and I so impressed by the ingredients: organic coconut, raw agave, organic raw cacao powder, almond flour, organic extra virgin coconut oil, vanilla flavor and himalayan salt. Real ingredients people! Plus they are addictively delicious! I might have to buy some.
Every year there is a celebrity headliner and this year it was Bob Harper! I love Bob! If I were on the biggest loser I would definitely want to be on his team! Plus, he is so motivational.
Unfortunately this year I missed the Pound workout. I was so bummed! I did it last year and it was such a blast! Maybe next year!
(From last year’s event!)
Readers, do you workout in a park? What would you rather try: Masala Bhangra, CrossFit or a mind/body class like Brazilian Burn & Firm Pilates? Have you tried Emmy macaroons before? Bob or Jillian?