Yesterday morning I got up bright and early to head all the way Uptown to Harlem to workout with the legendary Billy Blanks. This was a free event that I signed up for that was being hosted by Celebrity Sweat in conjunction with the Super Bowl Weekend.
I really didn’t know what to expect! I actually kinda like it that way ;). I put on my new Fabletics outfit (more on that later) to see how it would hold up against the Tae Bo master himself.
The ride from inner Brooklyn all the way Uptown is long, but on a Sunday? I might as well have walked! It’s a good thing Billy (yes, we are totally on a first name basis now) made the travel worth it.
When I exited the station I asked someone where City College was because I had never been. They pointed to very top of a hill. There was an entire park and about 15 flights of stairs between me and Billy. By the time I reached the top I was exhausted! I consider my fitness threshold to be pretty high but man, that was tough! I can already tell that I will be back in the spring to get some work in. Besides, it is one of the most beautiful breathtaking parks I’ve seen in New York City.
There were lots of folks there when I arrived. We got a quick stretch warm up then we heard a motivational message from Evander Holyfield. I totally wasn’t expecting him but it was a very pleasant surprise.
After that Billy Blanks came out to begin the workout. It wasn’t very long or very hard but it was intense! There was tons of the classic moves like jabs, kicks, hooks etc. But what I really liked was the actual instruction, he didn’t stay in front of the class and give a show, instead he was on the floor with us individually showing us how to engage our core and get the most out of each move.
When it was all said and done I burned 400 calories which is nice because I never workout on Sundays and I am sticking to my goal of switching up my routine every week.
The best part though? Billy asked the entire class to sit Indian style around him as he dropped some knowledge. He told us to be strong in our will and in our mind and the rest will come naturally. He encouraged us to use the power that we have inside ourselves. He was extremely genuine and real. I taped a portion of his the with us and you can listen if you have a moment.
httpv://youtu.be/_gPnlcEo_Gw
I have all the respect in the world for this Fitness guru now, and I am now a believer. *runs to download Billy Blanks Workouts*
Fabletics Review
I purchased Fabletics with my own coins. Since the first workout outfit is only $25 (my normal range for outfits) I decided to take the plunge and fork over my cash. Kate Hudson designed the line, and I Love her so it didn’t take much. 🙂
I love the outfit. It stayed up pretty well against Billy! I never had to pull my pants up (a constant problem for girls with big booties like myself) or adjust my shirt. Both pieces stayed put.
I really loved the pockets in the top which I would imagine could be good for runners. The colors are great and the airy mesh in the back is fantastic for when your body starts to heat up.
If this sounds appealing to you, you can sign up here for your $25 first outfit, free shipping, no commitment. Just note that this is a subscription service so after the initial month, you will be charged $49.95 per outfit, but you totally have the option to skip a month. Each outfit can be two to three pieces all with free shipping.
If you sign up with my link, You get me a free outfit. Did I mention it’s my birthday week? *cough, cough* 🙂
Have you ever done a Billy Blanks workout? How often do you purchase workout clothes?
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Nellie
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That is so cool that you got to do a workout with Billy Blanks! Very cute outfit too! I will have to go check it out. Since it’s my birthday week too it would be a great gift to myself and you!! 🙂
Kristina Walters recently posted…It’s Official, I’m Registered!
Happy Birthday Kris!! My fellow aquarian!!
Twitter: RealInto
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I have not done any Billy Banks workouts but it sounds like you got your booty kicked. And a super nice guy too. Okay, and I’d be peeing my pants with excitement if I got to see Evander Holyfield.
I’m going to check out the fitness line. I have it booked marked so I remember to go back to it on pay day. 🙂
P.S. What HR monitor are you using?
Carla recently posted…5 by the 5th February Recap #5bythe5th #14in2014
using the polar ft60, I kinda broke my other one…oops!
Twitter: janinehuldie
says:
I love that outfit and may have to take a look into this now. Looked like a great day and glad you got to do this. And Happy Birthday to you, Nellie!!! 🙂 🙂
Janine recently posted…Easy Valentine’s Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies
Thanks Janine!
OMGOSH I LOVE LOVE LOVE BILLY FROM THE WAY BACK.
love.
Carla recently posted…How could I love you better?
Me too Miz!
Love the shirt you picked out from Fabeletics! The back is super cute.
And glad you enjoyed the workout. I was knee deep in cooking and cleaning for the superbowl… smh. Next time I don’t think I want to host the party.
Kimberly (Manifest Yourself) recently posted…Journey to Wellness
Thanks! hosting is tough….always! I prefer to be the attendee 🙂
Sounds like so much fun! I love Billy Blanks! And love your outfit, too! :)-Ashley
thedoseofreality recently posted…Would You Rather: Have A Fully Carpeted Kitchen Or Master Bathroom?
Thanks Ashley!
Twitter: TamaraCamPhoto
says:
I don’t have much of an answer concerning Billy Blanks workouts or workout clothes (painfully embarrassing that I only have one pair of workout pants) but I loved reading this. Very inspiring. I’m listening to the video right now!
I always love photos of NYC in the winter. It looks so different from here, but still so familiar since I’m from the tri-state area. I burned SO many calories on my Disney trip. Who loses weight on vacation?? People who take two kids to Disney World. 12 hours of walking, only high protein snacks..sigh.
And a few treats.
Tamara recently posted…On Planes & Monorail Trains.
I love that, that is my kind of trip!
Twitter: KalleyC
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I love Billy Blanks! When his VHS of his workouts came out, I snagged them all! I love his workouts and they are intense! But afterwards, I love feeling stronger!
Yes exactly, his workouts have a very inspiring quality about them for sure!
You and Joi talking about Fabletics today…I need to check them out. I hardly ever buy myself new workout gear. I have a few favorites and I wear those over and over again!!
Michelle recently posted…Tangy Sesame Chicken Wings
I do too, I have new and old favorites but this was a nice addition 🙂
Twitter: vitatrain4life
says:
So much excitement here today! Billy Blanks was THE man when I started teaching cardio kickboxing. I used to do his tapes with a good friend of mine back in the day. He looks great and I’m happy to read that he’s also a great guy.
And Fabletics? I had never heard of them and now you and Joi are talking about them on the same day! How did I miss this boat? I will absolutely be checking them out!!!
Allie recently posted…The Rundown: Weekend Rest
I know, I love it when us bloggers get on the same wavelength. Try them out! Its awesome.
I didn’t know it is your bday week! I am a fellow Aquarian! 🙂 Happy birthday lady! That outfit looks faaaabulous on you! Really really awesome!
That workout with Billy Blanks looks like so much fun! His DVD was one I used all the time in college. I remember what a great workout it was!
FitBritt recently posted…Sydney!
#teamaquarius! His DVDs are awesome!
Wow this is awesome, I try and switch up my workout routine too and nice workout clothes.
me too Chantel!
Twitter: yumyucky
says:
…just one more reason New Yorkers have all the fun.
And love that top!
Yum Yucky recently posted…Greedy Recipe! Homemade Vitamin Water
thanks Josie!
I have to say I’m a little jealous!!! I still do TaeBo workouts and love Billy Blanks – I would love to meet him and do a workout with him.
And, you are the second person who I’ve read that has given a great review to Faletics in just a few days – I might have to check it out!!!
Kim recently posted…How Can I Make this Imperfect World a Little Better?
he is such a great guy in person Kim! I was shocked kinda.
Looks like you had a great workout! I still remember when Billy Blanks busted out onto the scene when I was in college. It’s good to know he’s still going strong! You look great in that outfit, too! $50/month is a bit steep for our budget, but it’s fun to live vicariously!
Leslie recently posted…{Listicles} Things That Didn’t Used to Be Guilty Pleasures
Remember when tae bo was all the rage? I remember putting in on of his videotapes and being completely exhausted afterwards! Lol! He is one of the the originators
Squee! I LOVE Billy Blanks and I always loved this motivational talks more than anything. I am so happy you got to take a class with him and that is was such a nice experience!
ilene recently posted…Signs
Squee! I LOVE Billy Blanks and I always loved this motivational talks more than anything. I am so happy you got to take a class with him and that is was such a nice experience!
ilene recently posted…Signs
He is super zen! He has got a great approach. I need to see if he has written any books!
This is so cool. I love Tae Bo, can’t believe Billy Banks is still out there and kicking like that. Good for him. His son does the abs video and looks amazing too.
By the way, you look amazing Nellie, all your hard work is definitely paying off. I am sure you’ll have some abs under there to show us soon 🙂
pegster recently posted…We have a full term baby
lol girl i sure hope so!!
Twitter: BernettaStyle
says:
I think that is too cool, to be able to work out with a legend like that!! I used to do his videos too! I also recieved an email from Fabletics to get some free pants, but I had to pay for shipping. I didn’t get them, but now I am rethinking it…. hmmmmmmm as I go search for that email!
Bernetta recently posted…Motherhood Monday : Cows Milk versus Almond Milk
lol the quality is really good! let me know how you like it!
Twitter: EmbraceStruggl1
says:
So you and Joi and Kimbely are roping me in to this Fabletics thingy… I love that there are pockets in the top. Often in the gym I need somewhere to put my car key. That would be ideal, especially when the pants have no pockets. Oh, and happy birthday in advance!
Alison recently posted…For the love of the English language
thanks so much!!that top would be perfect for sure!
I read this from my phone last night. I LOVE Billy Blanks! When I was in pharmacy school getting my DVD action on daily, he was my go to guy. Now, I have to disagree with you on one thing. I used to get so annoyed with all that walking around and chatting he was doing “showing you how to improve the move”. Yeah, Yeah I get it, lol! I think I was just mad bc it seemed like he was dodging the actual workout! Anyway, like I always say, you get the most amazing opportunities. It must be so distracting living there. I would want to do it ALL!
Ha, you are right about our kindred blogging sister action 🙂 ! Your outfit is cute and I’m glad it passed the squat test for you too 😉 Happy early birthday my friend!
Joi recently posted…Fabletics: Adding Personal Style to Your Activewear
lol girl I didn’t think about it like that, maybe he was trying to dodge the workout!!
Twitter: stephrufa
says:
Happy Birthday Nellie! I used to be such a Tae-Bo devotee – I had about a million of Billy’s videos. Very cool that you got to do that class. And the outfit is adorable. When I’m ready to buy some new workout clothes, I’ll come check this out.
Stephanie recently posted…Wordless Wednesday
awesome Stephanie! He really was the king of Tae bo! still is 🙂
it was pretty cool! Billy has been around forever but somehow he still moves like a 20 year old!
I sooo want those pants. They were my inspiration for wanting to change my couch potato ways. But alas, they seem to be an older style. Can’t find on fabletics. Sigh. Eats another sugary snack.