A bikini? Me? Really? Age 38, 2 small children, most definitely NOT on a diet? I, Lani Inlander, just figured out that I fit into a bikini I bought in France when I was 25. Does it look the same as it did then? Do I have washboard abs? Of course not. But after using this body to grow 2 beautiful, perfect boys, I don’t really give a you-know-what about what anyone thinks of my belly when I’m chasing after my kids at the pool.
Who remembers my blog post last November about my inclination, and then demur, around starting an exercise program? Well, some things have changed around here since then, namely a fabulous exercise studio opening up about 100 feet from my front door. I now wear my super cute, comfy, functional Lucy leggings at [solidcore], the hardest exercise routine I (or you) will ever do.
The first promotional video I saw was so intimidating I was wondering if it was just reverse psychology for the type of competitive athlete which might take the class. As of last night, I’ve taken 53 classes. Whoo-hoo!
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A competitive athlete I am not, which is why it cracks me up when I realize that I am exercising next to 3 women training for a triathalon. This is the beauty of [solidcore]. A triathlete and a mom who hasn’t exercised for 2 1/2 years can both see major results. Why didn’t I exercise for 2 1/2 years? No time, of course. I’m too distracted and unmotivated to exercise at home, and I can’t squeeze in the time around work and kids to drive to yoga class (my true love) or to a gym and back. But I can walk across the street, take a 50 minute class, and walk back, in about an hour. I can’t do this 4-5 times a week of course, which is the time commitment most exercise programs need. But I can do it 2-3 times a week. I personally have never encountered an exercise program that could turn my health around in 2-3 hours a week.
How bad was it before I started? I was so out of shape that I was literally hurting myself carrying around and running after my two boys. I ended up in physical therapy with debilitating back, neck and shoulder pain that my regular chiropractic adjustments couldn’t touch. Developing stronger abdominal muscles was no longer optional. Physical therapy worked so totally and completely, and took so much of my time and money, I realized that prioritizing a regular exercise plan was my only alternative and solution to constant doctor’s visits and chronic discomfort.
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One of my biggest complaints about getting older is that one has to exercise soooo much more to see any difference in muscle tone. The solidcore website states that this is the most efficient and intense workout you will ever do. That is putting it mildly! No matter how in or out of shape you are, this workout will kick your butt, and that’s the point. Only by working your muscles to failure can you achieve real results in a short amount of time. How long is that? No joke, I woke up exactly 6 weeks later and looked into the mirror at a completely changed body. This is a very short amount of time when you are almost 40! (Blog about needing to change your style when turning 40 coming soon!)
Have you ever heard the story of Karl Lagerfeld going on his famous Diet Coke and not much else diet in order to fit into Dior Homme suits? My goal was to wear shorts and above the knee dresses in the heat of summer without feeling super self conscious. Mission accomplished! Are you ready to try it? [solidcore] has studios in D.C, Virginia and Minneapolis. For those of you in the New York area, I’m told that SLT also uses the megaformer machine.
P.S. The reason there is no picture of me doing [solidcore] is because I look like a wet skunk with in 5 minutes and you don’t need to see that side of me here!
Lani Inlander is a personal stylist, working with clients who want to feel their best and look put-together every day. You can find her in the Washington, D.C., Maryland, Virginia and New York areas.
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