What It Was Like Working Out Live With The Tone It Up Founders
Darby and I have been working out with the Tone It Up girls since 2014, and let's just say — during that time, we've been through a lot. I joke that my two favorite acronyms — TIU (Tone It Up) and SATC ("Sex and the City", of course) — got me through that time post-college when you're applying for jobs, questioning your degree/life, in general and waiting for the student loan debt payments to start up.
So now, five years later — with both Darby and me living in NYC — it was very special to get to work out with them in person! We've come a long way since 2014 in so many ways, but working out as a source of stress-relief and a good place to turn when you just don't know what else to do has remained constant.
The TIU founders, Katrina Scott and Karena Dawn, hosted the class at the PopSugar Playground event, which also featured talks by inspiring celebrities such as Chrissy Teigen, free snacks and more!
Chirssy Teigen and Jen Atkin
We kicked the event off with the workout lead by K+K, and the workout didn't disappoint. They were very fun in-person and so full of energy. The playlist definitely helped keep the intensity and tempo high, as Darby and I love a good workout sesh to "old school Missy Elliott"-inspired playlists any day!
We were proud we really were able to keep up with the girls. There were definitely tough moments but when the class was coming to an end, we found ourselves wanting to do even more TIU moves. We also enjoyed how the class ended with a yoga portion. We really felt like we were able to take all of it in—while setting even more intentions for the future! It made us think about how lucky we are to be in the same city at a work-out class together!
After the workout, we spent the afternoon going around from booth to booth and sampling free food, having coffee and chatting it up until it was time for Chrissy Teigen's talk. One thing we can recommend for the summer months — the Wildberry Lemonade from Wendy's. It's seriously to die for.
Since we attended the class we were able to snag the Tone It Up booty bands for free! But if you weren't able to attend their live class, don't worry you can buy TIU merch and equipment from Target.
1. Peachy Booty Band
Tone It Up Peachy Booty Band, $5.94, Target
There are a few booty bands to choose from on Target's website. This one in particular has medium resistance. These are so easy to transport and great for on-the-go workouts. Perfect for all of those upcoming tropical vacays! ;)
Since we are on the topic of all of the Tone It Up supplies you can buy; we also highly recommend their protein products. In preparation for the class we bought their: protein bars, protein powder, and protein bites.
The protein bars and bites are delicious and the a great pick-me up! They come in yummy flavors and can be a good snack or post workout treat. We personally love the Birthday Cake protein bars and Blueberry Cheesecake bites.
2. Birthday Cake Protein Bars
Tone It Up Protein Bars, $7.99, Target
3. Blueberry Cheesecake Bites
Blueberry Cheesecake Bites, $7.99, Tone It Up
This is a picture we snapped on the way home. Tired but happy/grateful we were commuting home together on the subway with yoga mats in hand.
--Labels and Lacquer girls
Images: L & L Originals (4); Courtesy brands (3)