crunch

Have you noticed lately that stores are open one week and closed the following week? Often with nothing left to show but newspaper covered windows. You aren't going crazy! Yes the economy is in the trenches but luckily stores have used this misfortune in a positive way. In a traditional business plan, staying in business for just a few weeks would conclude as a flop. However, many brands are choosing this outcome on purpose. Pop-up stores have become a growing trend in and around New York City. Pop-up stores or stations, showcase merchandise for a limited amount of time to create buzz. Considering the bone-chilling cost of retail space and the state of the economy, this is the perfect solution to desperate landlords and brands. Pop-up stores provide brands with an alternative way to connect with customers without the burden of monthly rent.

Gap has recognized this trend and isn't missing the boat. Now through February 7th, customer's can keep their New Year's resolution at the pop-up store next to the Fifth Avenue flagship store. The pop-up store houses Gap's newest line of activewear. In addition, the space offers sessions, demonstrations, and tips from Crunch personal trainers and instructors. Shoppers can receive free Crunch guest passes or exclusive membership offers with a purchase.

Check out the latest shopping & activewear trends at the Gap Flagship store before next week's newspaper takes over the store front. 

Source: ny.racked.com

Sample size four. Three words that haunt me in my sleep. I find myself quietly begrudging those woman who easily slip into the unmarked samples (Ahem, Lindsay!) as the rest of us scramble to grab the elusive size sixes and eights at sample sales.

Thus, the Lux Team decided that it was high time to stop the shenanigans (and by shenanigans I mean eating Chipotle) and get fit. We first looked into private pilates classes at the office, but the cost was ultimately unrealistic (in the perpetual shoes vs. fitness debate, shoes usually win). Our crafty Dania and Lindsay then finagled themselves a deal at Crunch on Union Square where they hot pilates, yoga and spin together. The buddy system works!

Stacie is now a faithful follower of the core fusion class at Exhale—which she raves about. I’ve gotten the scoop from a few hard-body sources that core fusion is the quickest way to get results—just look at Kelly Ripa’s arms gratis Physique 57. I’ve heard amazing things about Physique and apparently the classes are impossible to get in to so there must be something there.

And then there’s me. I’m kind of like the Daniel Boone of fitness. I’ve belonged to three gyms since I moved to New York three years ago—Equinox, Club H and even the dungeon-like gym in my building—but I can’t seem to glom on to this whole exercising indoors thing. So about three to four times a week, I rise at 6 a.m. to run on the path at Hudson River Park or I hop on the path to ride my bike to and from work. It’s glorious! I recently joined the Friends of the Hudson River Park because I am completely enamored with what they’ve done with the strip from Harlem all the way down to Battery Park. I highly recommend checking it out.
 

Source: thatsfit.com, downtownny.com, exhalespa.com