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Lisa's Likes: Summer Meeting Style

When I’m not working at The Studio (MDR), you will probably find me attending a meeting about the studio somewhere nearby, like Zinque on Abbot Kinney.  And when meetings stack up, I rely on some of my personal, favorite things to get me through the day (and sometimes on through the night!). First thing’s first – the outfit.  Joie is one of my "go-to" brands when I’m not in my Lulu’s or Beyond Yoga wear.  This dress is just as comfortable as a pair of work out pants & a tank, but it looks way better for a stroll down Washington as I head to dinner at Casa Ado on the beach.  I pair it with flat gladiator sandals for day and chic wedges in the evening.

Like many of you, I am addicted to my iPad.  I use it for so many things…to approve expansion & design plans for the studio, to listen to audio books on everything from Feng Shui to Shades of Grey (my students are obsessed with it!!!), to watch our “coming soon” MDR workouts on YouTube, and to check emails and class sign-ups.  It goes with me everywhere and I store it in an adorable Rebecca Minkoff case (my fave).

Accessories make my look complete.  My necklace is a gift from me to myself for my 40th birthday.  A girl should never have to wait for diamonds and I didn't intend to!

Fendi is making a big comeback on the fashion scene. I love pairing designer bags with my workout clothes. It makes me feel chic even after I break a MDR-induced sweat.  Also, I support local businesses (since I own one), so I love buying my eyewear at my friend Susie's store - Eyes on Main. Not only does her eyewear scream style, but it supports the local economy and helps my baby blues see!

Lisa's Likes For Warmer Weather--Part II

Last week, I filled you in on the warmer weather must-haves that protect my skin. This week, my Lisa's Likes post is all about staying in style.

First things first.

(1) My favorite bronzer: I cannot live without Tarte's mineral powder bronzer. Besides it's whisper light texture and mineral based ingredients, it comes in a cool faux-croc case which I love pulling out of my purse.

(2) Marc Jacob sunglasses - These Petite Vintage-Inspired sunglasses by Marc Jacobs bring out my inner Jackie-O and help me avoid crows feet at the same time. There is nothing chic about sun damage; I am sure Jackie would concur.

Next up is what we help you look and feel your best in at The Studio (MDR): your bathing suit.

(3) Bikini: This citrus L-space bikini reminds me of my rock-star infused past but the citrus color gives it a current twist. You will be seeing me in this suit for summer.

(4) Sun hat: San Diego Hat Company's reversible Missoni inspired sunset brings a little bit of fashion down to the beach. I love that it's reversible too. It goes with everything.

(5) Beach Accessories: I keep my Roxy roll-up towel in my Roxy tote when I head to the beach.  This bag has a cooler on the bottom so it's as functional as it is stylish!  I like to bring healthy snacks to the beach, and this Roxy cooler bag has room for my water, celery, carrot sticks and lunch.  Fabulous!

What do you think? Have you tried any of these yourself? I love hearing from you. Let me know what your warm weather must haves are! You can tell me through this blog or better yet, come in and tell me after you've taken a class at The Studio (MDR).

Lisa's Likes For Warmer Weather

With spring break and summer just around the corner, I thought you could use some help getting beach ready so this edition of Lisa's Likes will be a "two-parter." There are just so many warm weather products out there that I love.

First up, my must haves to protect my skin:

(1) La Roche Posay Anthelios Sunscreen:  I run around like a mad woman in the morning, so a fast absorbing sunscreen is key to my schedule. I love La Roche Posay Anthelios, not only because it's fast absorbing, but also because it has a matte finish which doesn't make me look shiny. It's also water resistant so I can even wear it during a workout. It's fragrance-free, too, which is great for sensitive skin like mine.

(2) Supergoop! SPF 30 sunscreen Swipes for your beach bag: I am a big fan of sunscreen but it can get really messy to apply in the car. I love Supergoop tan towels because they involve no mess and allow me to keep one hand on the wheel.

(3) Nia 24: Perhaps there is such a thing as youth in a bottle!  Nia 24's concentrated, lightweight formula fades my brown spots and has significantly improved my skin's brightness, clarity and tone.

Lisa's Likes For Body

(4) Staying hydrated: I cannot live without fresh coconut water from whole foods. The water replenishes the electrolytes I lose during my work outs and drinking right out of the coconuts makes me feel like I am on vacation.

(5) Rodial Brazilian Tan Light: Infused with avocado, coconut & caramel, the Rodial Brazilian Tan Light is a light weight gel like tanning formula with a long lasting glow.

So there you have it, my Lisa's Likes for this week. Check back next week for more of my warm weather faves!

Real People, Real Results: True Stories Of 230lb Weight Loss From The Workout Trenches Of LA

Real people. REAL results. Over 230 lbs lost amongst 6 people  in one year alone (we're still counting and there's more than that)! This is what The Studio (MDR) is all about. Forget fad diets, deprivation and denial and say hello to a healthy lifestyle where people experience a total transformation with a little help from their friends.

Transformation is a powerful word.  For some, it can mean a loss of weight, a change in attitude, the commitment to living a healthy lifestyle, and so much more.  Personal transformation means something different for each person. That's what makes our little fitness enclave so special. Forget a cookie cutter approach, experience individual results!

After opening our doors just one short year ago, the physical transformations amongst our community of MDR loyalists have been astounding and so much so that every 4 weeks, we are honored to feature one of our fabulous clients as a Transformer of The Month.

As of February, six transformers had been featured in our newsletter. Each individual has overcome personal struggle and adversity to achieve life-changing transformation!

Was it easy for our "warriors"?  Absolutely not.

Possible?  Definitely.

Each of these lovely ladies exemplify proof that with commitment and hard work, change is not only possible but inevitable.

For Heather Keopunna, mother of two, transformation has meant losing over 50 pounds and reversing her pre-diabetes diagnosis.

Busy TV production executive, Christine Sanchez, is now in full remission from Lupus and is 35 pounds lighter thanks to her clean, detoxifying vegan diet and consistent weekly MDR workouts.

Lindsay Hallam dropped 50 pounds and 10% body fat in a little over six months, and she believes so strongly in the benefits and effectiveness of this method that she is now training to be an instructor at The Studio (MDR).

After trying everything from gyms and personal trainers to ab rollers and the Santa Monica Stairs, Donna Ohana found success, dropping 25 pounds, when she began taking classes atThe Studio (MDR).

Sone Vaynerman is over 25 pounds lighter after cutting out alcohol, sugar and gluten. She found her support system in the people who were breaking a sweat right next to her at The Studio (MDR) each week, proclaiming:

"It's a community full of wonderful people who are in a perpetual state of supporting one another."

Susan Benjaminsen's journey at The Studio (MDR) advanced from weight loss and physical fitness to creating new pathways of mind-body awareness and connection. She learned it's one thing to make a physical transformation and yet another to "own" it psychologically.  This year, Susan turned 50 -- and dropped from 169 pounds and a size 14 to 137 pounds and a size 4.

So wherever you are in your journey of transformation for 2012, let these encouraging stories of success inspire you to reach your goals.  Better yet, implement a workout at The Studio (MDR) three to four times per week, check out the healthy recipes featured on our blog and make a commitment to your health.  Look It + Feel It + Live It. Because you deserve it!

A Day In The Life Of Lisa Hirsch - The Entertainment Exec Turned Fitness Entrepreneur

(1) 6:00 am. Sometimes I am lucky enough to jump into a class. I have to admit, I pray for no shows 3 times a week so I can practice what I preach and keep in shape!  We don't pay for advertising...we are THE advertising!

(2) After a crazy morning of packed classes, returning emails and phone calls, etc. I run back home to walk the pups! It is only 10:30am...the day is off to a great start.

(3) 11:00 am. I rush back to the studio for a television taping.

(4) 1:30 pm. This "girl on the go" has a late lunch meeting at Zinque on Abbot Kinney...Tuna TarTare...YUM!

(5) 3:00 pm. Time to take quick inventory before classes start up again. Our tanks and towels have been flying out the door!

(6) 7:15pm. The day is far from done. Now it's time for a catch up session with one of my good friends (and she is a client of The Studio as well!) at Oscars in Venice. It's a busy life but someone has to look it+feel it+live it.

Superfood Saturday From The Studio (MDR): This Week, It's All About Chia Seeds

It’s time for Superfood Saturday at The Studio MDR and this week it’s all about the Chia seed!  Yes, this----> chia seed.  While most of us know the word "chi" from the famous ch-ch-ch-chia jingle, chia seeds are becoming a widely popular superfood that you can add to almost anything you eat or drink!

Superfood Saturday Facts About Chia Seeds:

  • Chia seeds have more Omega-3 fatty acids than any other plant food, including flax seeds, and they are about 20% protein.
  • When soaked in liquid, Chia seeds form a thick gel. When consumed, researchers believe they slow down the rate at which digestive enzymes turn carbs into sugar, making it especially beneficial for diabetics and others with blood sugar issues.
  • Chia is hydrophilic and will absorb more than 12 times its weight in water. This makes it helpful in maintaining body hydration, something that is especially beneficial for athletes who need to remain hydrated.

Chia seeds are so high in antioxidants that they do not spoil easily and can be stored for long periods. PLUS, they have also been known to improve the following:

  • Anti-aging
  • Weight loss
  • Gastro-intestinal health
  • Bone health
  • Prenatal health
  • Heart health
  • Stabilized blood sugar
  • Prostate health
  • Menopausal symptoms

Not many side effects have been reported as a result of ingesting Chia seeds but if you have high blood pressure or allergies, you should consult with your doctor before consuming them.

You can order Chia seeds online or pick them up at your local health foods store like Sprouts or from our neighbors at Whole Foods Venice.  If you are not sure what to add Chia to in your diet here are some tips and recipes! And if you've tried chia seeds, we want to hear from you. Tell us how they have helped you look it+feel it+live it in the comments section below.