Fairmont is Expanding Its Bicycle Program

Good news: Fairmont Hotels are now offering free use of BMW Cruise bicycles in their hotels in the U.S., in addition to Canada. Locks and helmets are also available. We suggest touring wine country from the Sonoma Mission Inn and Spa, seeing Chicago from the back of a bicycle as Hope recently did or cycling around Washington D.C.'s historic C and O Canal.

Bicycle Rental: Bixi Bicycles

When we were recently in Montreal, we spotted hundreds of the very same bicycles chained up around town. Is Montreal home to a communist bicycle regime? Turns out they are all Bixi bicycles, small cruising bicycles available to rent in 30 minute increments. Montrealers use them to get from point A to point B as the beauty of the Bixi bicycle is that you don't have to return it to the same place you rented it; the stations are strategically located around town. You use a credit card to rent one--though regular-renter cards are available.

As Hope pointed out on her trip to Chicago, seeing town from the seat of a bicycle gives you a refreshing perspective. Though you certainly can't go too fast on these cruisers that are built for safety, not speed, you can cover far more ground than you would on foot.

The Bixi bicycles are now stateside and available in Minneapolis as part of Nice Ride Minnesota.

Beach Body Workout

This past Saturday, we had the pleasure--or was it torture--of joining Francesca Merccariello of Pure NYC for an outdoor Beach Body Workout. While we've worked out with Francesca for years, it has been, um, awhile, since we have had time to fit exercise in our schedule.

Francesca put us through a regimen that involved lots of squats, lunges,

pushups

and some torture with a giant rubber band.

What we have always loved about Francesca's workout program is that you can do it anywhere--at home, on the beach or in your hotel room. And you don't even need sneakers!

Francesca imparted a word of cautionary advice about some of our favorite workout clothes. Apparently the new tech fibers that wick away sweat also trap odors, so it's important to use a serious detergent like Tide Plus Febreze Sport. Francesca swears she can smell the freshness on her clients at the gym!

JSG has a relationship with Tide.

The Best Workout for Killer Arms

Just yesterday morning, we were chatting with our friend Robyn about the best way to get toned arms: We both agree, nothing gives you arms to rival Michelle Obama’s like yoga. There’s something about all those chatarungas (a modified push up) and upward and downward facing dogs that builds biceps and triceps like no other exercise we’ve tried—including lifting weights (we’re talking 5-8 pounders). And you know you need those killer arms for upcoming spring break sundresses and halter tops!

If you’re new to yoga and live in NYC, a great way to lose your yoga-virginity is to head to the YogaWorks Soho this Saturday for “Get Your Dance On”. The night features DJ Dhundee at the "shoe and spectator free" dancing area. If you’re more into chilling out, lounge on a pillow and enjoy cello and dijeridoos players or sweat it out in the sauna.  HobNob wine, Divine Chocolate and Katalyst Kombucha will be served. (Just don’t drink and sauna!) Included in the $20 ticket price (for newcomers) is a free week of yoga at the studio. Already a YogaWorks members? Entry to GYDO is just $10. All proceeds go to Housing Works.



Don’t live in NYC? Try one of the YogaWorks DVDs at home.