“Heartless Monitor” - Lite Lesson Week Two by Devon Sasser

Devon will be documenting her experience as she goes through our body transformation package! Stay tuned for her results and story! Go Devon!!! This is her second "Lite Lesson"

I have a love/hate relationship with my heart rate monitor. I love it because it helps me maximize my workout, but hate it, because it has been a rocky start tracking my results.

My Guru (aka David Kimmerle) wanted me to wear the monitor to see how many calories I burned. Being technologically challenged, it took a good week before I realized I was pushing the wrong buttons which deleted my entire workout results. The second week I got the buttons right, but my results seemed weird. For instance, an entire 45-50 minute spin class only averaged around 300 calories burned. That outcome could not be correct; Bambi promised me I would burn between 500-700 calories!
Next, I was suppose to monitor my results for a whole day’s worth of activity, so I positioned that uncomfortable chest strap under my bra and wore it for the entire day. My chest strap must have moved sometime that evening, because I noticed that the display read zero after 15 hrs, and I only burned 1827 calories. I was getting pretty frustrated at this point and dubbed the gadget a Heartless Monitor for all the grief it was causing me.
Take two resulted in 2338 calories over 16 ½ hrs including a 45 minute spin class. I thought “that looks better” and promptly told David my results. He informed me that he wanted my results for a 24 hr period. Okay, Okay, on my third attempt, the monitor produced 3448 calories burned within 23 hrs 30 minutes (30 mins off for a shower), which included two back to back workouts of pilates and spin.
“Gotcha” I shouted, this should be good, so I decided to take the next day off from exercise to compare calories burned with exercise and without exercise.
Results: 3045 calories burned; what? You mean to tell me that doing almost 2 hrs of spin and pilates classes only resulted in a difference of 400 calories burned? I cried to Bambi, and she assured me that those numbers couldn’t be correct. She fiddled with the adjustments, and even mentioned that I might want to look into investing in a new one.
Since then I have been doing a lot of research about heart rate monitors and training zones to determine how to achieve my goals.
I always heard that you burned a higher proportion of calories from fat during low-intensity exercise at longer periods of time. This concept never made sense to me. Shouldn’t calories burned at any intensity level still be calories burned? I finally found an article that agreed with me. According to this article the reality is that you do burn a higher proportion of calories from fat during low-intensity exercise...but, you burn more total calories during high-intensity exercise. So I was half right, regardless, I am concerned with total calories burned when it comes to my weight loss, not the percentage of fat or carbs used. Great, now, I just need to find a heart rate monitor that accurately tracks calories burned, so I am on a quest for an upgrade.
While researching, I have seen a lot of brands and models. It looks like Polar, Garmin, and Timex are among the most popular, but don’t count out other brands if they have the features on your “wish list”. All models come in what I call a Honda “Civic Model” and an “Accord Model” (one that is more basic, and one with a little more). Also, there are a lot more models in between and ones designed for particular sports training such as cycling, ironman training, and running. In addition, there are wireless devices where you don’t need a chest strap, not to mention, with the new smartphone craze, there are numerous apps that integrate the monitor with your phone.
I didn’t really want a wireless model; because everything I read said that a chest strap and wrist monitor are more accurate. But for all you tekkies, the apps are cool and help track all your information, results, and compare workouts with graphs, etc. right on your phone. The non-app devices also have the capability to do those things, but you have to upload the information into tracking software usually supplied from the company and track results online (i.e. polarpersonaltrainer.com).
So, have I found the perfect fit for myself and my training needs? The jury is still out but I do know I want the following in a device:
Nothing too top of the line, as I am not a professional athlete and some of the features would be underutilized.
It must show my heart rate ranges in zones 1-5 (1 being the easiest and 5 being maximum), since Cyclelates is trying to incorporate “Zone Training” into more of their rides.
The option to upload my information and track results. Hey, I am not a tekkie, but I am a math geek (accountant by day), so I like all the charts and graphs.
The option to be used as a stopwatch and possibly GPS enabled, which would be useful if I trained again for another race event.
And last but not least, it must be appealing and sporty looking. I am still a female after all.
I will definitely let you know when I pick the winner. And despite all the headaches in the beginning, it is a handy tool to have in order to take your workouts to the next level, so think about investing. Come on, this is Hollywood, CA; anyone who is anyone has one.

Devon Sasser resides in North Hollywood with her mother and fur roommates. She considers herself a recovering pessimist, and her favorite pastimes include cynicism, smart arse remarks, and telling funny stories.

Have you Taken the JP Challenge? Enter Today!

Joseph Pilates, the celebrated fitness pioneer, made some pretty intense claims about his stretching-and-resistance-based exercise system. Sure, you’ve seen the gorgeous dividends of Pilates in the bodies of stars like Madonna and Jenifer Aniston, but did you know that its founder made specific, quantifiable assertions about results?
Indeed, 66 years ago, Joseph Pilates made a potent promise about his utterly unique workout: “In 10 sessions, you will feel the difference. In 20, you will see the difference. And in 30, you'll be on your way to having a whole new body.”
Cyclelates by HBHM Studios, a boutique exercise studio is putting Pilates’s “whole new body” claim to the test with a scientifically verified 30-session challenge.
Hollywood’s Cyclelates, as the name implies, specializes in a killer hybrid group class of Reformer-based Pilates (30 minutes) and Cycling (20 minutes). Clients are in and out in about 55 minutes—a huge boon to time-pressed Angelinos. Most impressively, owner Bambi Martin has already begun noticing amazing results among her members.
“The first change I noticed was in the shoulders, abs, and general posture of all my clients. I realized I have to document these changes since so many clients are seeing such strong results,” says Martin.
Since Cyclelates is scrupulously devoted to teaching Joseph Pilates’s original principals, his quote came to mind, and Martin launched the “JP Joseph Pilates Challenge.” Martin decided to use the exercise master’s own words to inspire her clients. Thus, she created the challenge: Clients who produced the best results in 30 classes will win a free month’s membership.
The Challenge: Put Joseph Pilatesʼs quote to the test, and discover whether a “whole new body” is yours after 30 classes. Students are encouraged to attend 30 Pilates Reformer or Cyclelates sessions as quickly as possible, for faster results clients are encouraged to complete the challenge in two months.
The Prize: One month unlimited classes at Cyclelates by HBHM Studios and, naturally, a hot new body!
The Rules: Members who wish to participate must submit a “before” picture and allow a Cyclelates by HBHM Studios representative take measurements of their arms, waistline, hips, and thighs before their first class. Contestants must check in via Facebook and log each class they complete. On the 15th of every month, the studio will select a winner via an online voting tool. At the end of each competitor’s 30 classes, each participant’s class visits—as well as diet and other tips—will be on display for all members.
Monthly Winner: Each month’s champion will be selected based on a combination of their measurement results and online votes by other members. The monthly winner will be featured in our newsletter and will receive one month of unlimited classes.
Joseph Pilates was right about a lot of things, Cyclelates by HBHM Studios will find out if his most inspiring message was true; check out our results at www.myspinlates.com!

Introducing Educated Bites - Our Nutritional Coaching Program

So you asked and we listened! We have provided a great workout, can give you a sexy glow, and now we can tell you what to eat:) Yes we are offering the total body transformation package at Cyclelates. Ask any fitness guru and they will tell you working out is only half of the equation. Knowing what and how to eat is critical in helping you reach the next level of perfection you want in that sexy body. To help you embark on this journey we didn't take a nutrition class and develop diet plans that you will never follow. We decided to go one step farther and partner with someone who is the king of body transformation!

Meet David Kimmerle, our celeb nutrition guru has landed 40 covers and counting since his own transformation! His passion for body transformation started when he transformed his body from flab to his first cover in 10 months. His genius nutrition and fitness tips will help anyone get their sexy back! For David's success story visit: www.davidkimmerle.com

To book a nutrition consult or shopping trip with David email: info@myspinlates.com


Custom Weight Loss Plan and Nutrition Cheat Sheet - $100.00 per hr (1 hr min)
David will design a weight loss plan designed for your specific body needs and goals. Whether it's shredding for a vacation, special event or losing the extra baby weight he will create an equation for success based on your body type and needs.

Shopping Date with David at Sunset/Vine Trader Joes - $100.00
You have the weight loss plan but you still have no idea what to buy when you go to the store? This shopping date with David will help you create a custom shopping list that you can duplicate every time you visit the local supermarket. LOVE this and have done this with David!!! It takes all the guess work out of your shopping experience:) xo, B

**Need to shred for a competition? David also provides custom pre-contest nutrition coaching and training - to inquire email: info@myspinlates.com

Model Body Workout with David Kimmerle

If you want to talk body transformation take a guy who had no clue what to eat, how to workout, and zero motivation and turn him into a top fitness model in 10 months! Meet David Kimmerle, our resident nutrition and lifestyle coach. We only want to deliver the best which is why we are offering you the opportunity to train and learn from one of the top fitness models in the world. He has graced 36 covers so far and has four covers out this month! David has helped all body types reach amazing results and now he's bringing his skill to Cyclelates offering a model body preview Thursday night at 8pm!

THE WORKOUT: This weider/pilates inspired system designed by celeb fitness model David Kimmerle will get you runway or fitness cover ready! He will teach you his top tips and tricks which he has tagged as the "Kimmerle Equation" which equals all the tools you need to transform every muscle group in your body. Check it out this Thursday!

Mommy and Me comes to Spinlates!! Workout with your Baby!!

The workshop is finally here so tell all your mommy friends:) Lose that baby weight and bond with your new bundle of joy! What better why to get back in shape, socialize with moms, and tone up the body while stimulating your baby. Spinlates introduces the "Mommy and Me" workshop. We will run the workshop on Thursdays at 1pm (Starting October 20, 2011). Based on demand we will add other workshop times soon. To sign up for the class, click book classes, enter your mindbody user name and password (create one if you don't have it), click workshops, and book the workshop session you would like to attend. As we start the program we are currently limiting attendance to non-walking babies. Prices and packages are listed below. Can't wait to workout with you and your new bundle of joy!

Class Description:

Designed to help mommy connect with baby and reconnect with her body. Tone up, have fun, and bond with your baby. Our instructor has worked with several pre/post-natal clients. Her techniques help new mothers enjoy the spiritual and physical benefits of yoga and pilates.

One Session: $35.00
Five Sessions: $150.00 ($30 per class)
Ten Sessions: $250.00 ($25 per class)

Down Another 5lbs and Counting!!! Go Laura!

I am thrilled to report that, since my last entry two weeks ago, I have lost another five pounds—that’s 15 total, people. Holla!

Along the way I have picked up a few tips from the trainers at Spinlates that have helped me on my way to ever-increasing fitness, and I wanted to share a few with you.

First off, per the gorgeous and charming Adrian Ramirez, the perfect pre-workout snack is a handful of plain, unsalted almonds (conveniently available across the street at Trader Joe’s). Eating properly, pre-workout, is essential; you might not have the energy to give it your all without a little food in your belly.

Adrian also told me that you should consume 20 grams of protein after every workout—optimally, within 30 minutes of the conclusion of your class—to ensure that your body builds muscle instead of burning it for fuel. “The ideal protein is lean, grilled chicken breast—you are not going to get fat eating chicken breast!” says Adrian. (A wide variety of pre-cooked chicken breasts are also available at TJ’s.)

Another important component of workout prep is water. A good rule of thumb, for Spinning, especially, is to consume one ounce per minute on the bike. I bring a liter to every class and drink more when I get home—proper hydration is key to keeping your body working properly, your skin looking fresh and dewy—it also keeps you from overeating.

A tip for those who find plain water dull and uninspiring: Get a Soda Stream and make your own seltzer water (you can also add calorie-free fruit essences like lemon, lime and raspberry made by the company, or just squeeze a bit of juice in yourself). Available at Bed, Bath and Beyond (right next door to the Spinlates studio), the Soda Stream uses CO2 cartridges to carbonate your filtered tap water, and the resulting beverage is super-refreshing. It is also crazy-fun to make!

Laura Has Lost 10lbs and Continues to Shape Up:) Follow her journey

It’s really crazy what you can achieve in less than one month of regular attendance at the Spinlates studio. (Fittingly enough, their catchphrase—printed on the back of all the trainers’ T-shirts—is “A Little Bit of Crazy Is Always Fun! A motto inspired by the endlessly positive, embracing-the-edge owner, Bambi Martin.

I have been indulging in the smorgasbord of awesome classes at Spinlates (the eponymous mix of Pilates and Spinning), group Reformer Pilates classes, and power yoga over the past three weeks; I have taken ten classes total. I have also been watching my diet, keeping it high in protein and low in carbs and simple sugars.

Ready for the exciting part? I went to the doctor today, and on the medical scale, I had lost ten pounds since my last visit just two months ago! I am only five-foot-five, so this is a pretty huge percentage for me.

Clothes that hadn’t fit me in over 18 months (when my aforementioned breakup and ice-cream wallowing hit) now zip up easily. My posture is much more erect and elegant. I can feel muscles—like my obliques—that have not been in evidence in a good ten years.

Ten seems like the magic number here, right? My experience totally echoes the Joseph Pilates’s famous quote (and the basis for Spinlates’s JP 30 Session Challenge): “In ten sessions, you will feel the difference, in twenty you will see the difference, and in thirty you'll have a whole new body.”

I am here to shout from the (Hollywood) hilltops that I can most definitely feel a difference—I can also see it, as can my friends and the lovely, encouraging trainers at Spinlates.

Even more wonderful, I feel a happiness, confidence and a lightness of spirit that I haven’t had in a long, long time. (Another exciting tidbit: I have been getting hoards of dates with some very charming suitors.) I attribute all of this good stuff to Spinlates.

Don’t get me wrong, it hasn’t been a breeze: I have sweated and struggled and, yes, ached a bit (in a good way) on this journey.

After each class, I feel I have left all I have on that Reformer and/or bike. It hasn’t been easy. The cool thing is, however, all I need do is walk into the studio and—boom!—the work begins. The classes are so incredible and well-taught (and the tunes are so hot) that you have nary a moment to think or look at the clock…and, 55 minutes later, you have worked out every inch of your body.

And I am here to tell you that these classes give you dividends unrivaled by any workout I have ever known. I can’t wait for class 20…and 30…and on into a lifetime of fitness ignited on the corner of Sunset and Vine!

Laura Vogel is a writer and editor who has written for Real Simple, Martha Stewart, In Style, The Washington Post and The New York Post. She just took her tenth class at Spinlates on July 26, and will be sharing her progress and other fitness tips in this blog every other week.

Chic New Hollywood Workout Studio Puts Joseph Pilates’s Claims to the Test Hollywood, California

Joseph Pilates, the celebrated fitness pioneer, made some pretty intense claims about his stretching-and-resistance-based exercise system. Sure, you’ve seen the gorgeous dividends of Pilates in the bodies of stars like Madonna and Jenifer Aniston, but did you know that its founder made specific, quantifiable assertions about results?
Indeed, 66 years ago, Joseph Pilates made a potent promise about his utterly unique workout: “In 10 sessions, you will feel the difference. In 20, you will see the difference. And in 30, you'll be on your way to having a whole new body.”
Spinlates by HBHM Studios, a brand-new boutique exercise studio is putting Pilates’s “whole new body” claim to the test with a scientifically verified 30-session challenge.
Hollywood’s Spinlates, as the name implies, specializes in a killer hybrid group class of Reformer-based Pilates (30 minutes) and Spinning (20 minutes). Clients are in and out in about 55 minutes—a huge boon to time-pressed Angelinos. Most impressively, owner Bambi Martin has already begun noticing amazing results among her members.
“The first change I noticed was in the shoulders, abs, and general posture of all my clients. I realized I have to document these changes since so many clients are seeing such strong results,” says Martin.
Since Spinlates is scrupulously devoted to teaching Joseph Pilates’s original principals, his quote came to mind, and Martin launched the “JP Joseph Pilates Challenge.” Martin decided to use the exercise master’s own words to inspire her clients. Thus, she created the challenge: Clients who produced the best results in 30 classes will win a free month’s membership.
The Challenge: Put Joseph Pilatesʼs quote to the test, and discover whether a “whole new body” is yours after 30 classes. Students are encouraged to attend 30 Pilates Reformer or Spinlates sessions as quickly as possible, for faster results clients are encouraged to complete the challenge in two months.
The Prize: One month unlimited classes at Spinlates by HBHM Studios and, naturally, a hot new body!
The Rules: Members who wish to participate must submit a “before” picture and allow a Spinlates by HBHM Studios representative take measurements of their arms, waistline, hips, and thighs before their first class. Contestants must check in via Facebook and log each class they complete. On the 15th of every month, the studio will select a winner via an online voting tool. At the end of each competitor’s 30 classes, each participant’s class visits—as well as diet and other tips—will be on display for all members.
Monthly Winner: Each month’s champion will be selected based on a combination of their measurement results and online votes by other members. The monthly winner will be featured in our newsletter and will receive one month of unlimited classes.
Joseph Pilates was right about a lot of things—Spinlates by HBHM Studios will find out if his most inspiring message was true; stay tuned for our results!

How Spinlates Changed My Life?

Not so very long ago, my life looked very, very different.

I was skinny, fit and felt pretty.

I thought the trajectory of my life was set. I was married to a wonderful man, I worked at the very top of my field in Manhattan, I had a beautiful home and lots of amazing friends.

Sometimes, life throws you a curveball, and the one I got was a doozie. It cost me nearly everything—the love of my husband, my house, many of my friends. The very short story of the ugly mess: I fell “in love” with another man, and he turned out to be a terrible person.

Fast forward to 18 months ago: Me, in a studio in Brooklyn, terribly alone. I didn’t drink or do drugs, so food was my pain-numbing agent of choice. I gained roughly 40 pounds.

It’s hard to look at pictures of that time because I don’t see myself in there at all. It’s like my eyes have gone dead, surrounded by masses of flesh.

As I began to slowly crawl my way out of a sugar-induced stupor, fitness-minded friends would try to help inspire me to exercise and eat more healthily. To be honest, though, I just didn’t care enough to try—I still looked as miserable outside as I felt inside.

Six months ago, in a bid to inject joy into my life again, I moved to L.A., and I adore it here. I love hiking in the canyons with my dog, I love all the fresh produce at the farmer’s market. I had begun to ever-so-slightly care about my body and my spirit again.

A couple of weeks ago—it was like a shot from God himself—I was presented with the opportunity to work with Spinlates. I took a killer Spinlates (Spinning-and-Pilates hybrid) class and then met with the studio’s effervescent owner Bambi Martin, and was immediately sold.

At the Spinlates studio, my heart was touched (by the kindness of the owner and the amazing instructors). I achieved difficult physical feats that I’d thought impossible. Most importantly, Spinlates got me back in touch with that girl who loved to exercise—because it felt great for her mind, body and spirit.

Bambi and her team are helping me to banish that heartbroken girl—the one who sat watching bad TV and eating ice cream right out of the container.

The moment I walk into the Spinlates studio, I feel that they can see the two Lauras: The out-of-shape, overweight one, and the beautiful, fit, joyous one. And I know that they want the right me to win.

Laura Vogel is a writer and editor who has written for Real Simple, Martha Stewart, In Style, The Washington Post and The New York Post. She just took her third class at Spinlates in July 11, and will be sharing her progress and other fitness tips in this blog every other week.

Are you Skinny Fat?

Being thin doesn't make you healthy. New research in the journal of Obesity found that women who were a normal weight but had more than 30% body fat had symptoms associated with metabolic syndrome, a group of risk factors that raises the chances of developing heart disease. To determine your body fat, use a scale with BIA, which measures it for you. If you do not have this type of scale we have one at Spinlates that can measure it for you! If your body fat is high, strength-train twice a week to boost your lean muscle mass. In other words spinlates or pilates!

Join the 30 session challenge at the studio and we will track all of the above with your measurements so you can document your success! See you in the studio! xoxo, Spinlates

Spinlates by HBHM Studios Press Release

Spin and Pilates Reformer Fitness Programs
Combine With Yoga at Spinlates in Hollywood

Programs Complement Each Other to Create Great Fitness Results

HOLLYWOOD – June 6, 2011 – Three of the most popular fitness programs in the world have finally joined together in one unique studio in Hollywood – Spinlates by HBHM Studios.

“We are excited to bring together spin, Pilates Reformer and yoga fitness programs all in one place,” said Bambi Martin with Spinlates by HBHM Studios. “Our new studio provides an exciting new exercise program that combines the best elements of all three programs.”

Our Spinlates program pairs 20 minutes of Spin Remix to burn calories along with 35 minutes of Pilates Reformer to strengthen and stretch muscles.

“The result is this incredible skinny and tone look that most people are seeking from a fitness routine,” said Martin. “The end result from following this type of routine is absolutely amazing. Joseph Pilates once said ‘In 10 sessions, you will feel the difference. In 20, you will see the difference. And in 30, you'll be on your way to having a whole new body.’ That’s our true mission for our members.”

For a limited time, Spinlates is offering new members their first session free and a first month special of only $149. Members can also save $100 by bringing in a new member.

Spinlates also offers prenatal classes; yogalates; airbrush tan services and even personal training programs.

“Whatever your fitness or beauty goal, we can make you look better and feel better at Spinlates,” Martin added.

Spinlates is available seven days a week at the Spinlatest by HBHM Studios located at 1555 North Vine Street, Suite 110 in the Sunset and Vine Shopping Center. For more information on their program, please visit www.myspinlates.com or call 213-373-1758.

Media Contact:

Bambi Martin
Phone: 213-373-1758