Archive for September, 2014
Booty, Booty, Booty Rockin’ Everywhere
After a long day of sitting at my desk, eating office snacks and drinking no less than two Pumpkin Spice Lattes, the last thing I wanted to do was workout. Well, I wanted to work out to relieve my guilty conscious, but I didn’t want to feel like I was working out.
I decided to go try out the Booty Barre class at the vibrant and beautiful Arena District Athletic Club, which is in downtown Columbus, just a short walk away from the Arena Crossing Apartments. It’s a hot new trend right now in women’s fitness; the class pairs cardio and strength training using techniques from ballet, Pilates and Yoga. The Arena District Athletic Club offers the class free to members who only pay $65 a month, as opposed to the $100 it would cost for a specialized Barre fitness membership.
I went in with some reservations because my only experience with ballet dance was back when I was about five-years-old and involved me in a top hat doing the alligator dance with my arms. The class description said it was for all fitness levels so I thought I’d give it a whirl. It had to be more fun than running in place for 30 minutes.
So there I am standing in the gorgeous open room facing a wall of mirrors waiting for the class to start, feeling a tiny bit nervous. Other women entered and they all knew you had to go barefoot.
Then our fun and energetic instructor, Lana comes in and really kicks things off. I mean that in a very literal way. As we are literally kicking our butts, she has us listening to ‘90s hip hop and keeping up with the beat. See that picture of the girl who is cringing, that was me in class. When things got really tough I’d squint my eyes closed and kick my legs even harder.
Lana led us in some fun ballet positions where we did squats and arm exercises all while standing on our tip toes (this is called relevae). Then we did some moves where we had to pinch a ball in the crook of our knee and we held on to the bar with all our might as we continued to raise our legs with some dynamic and impressive movements. It was actually tons of fun and I didn’t even realize it was actually working out until my booty began to burn.
When I thought the class was winding down, we hung from the ballet barre and did some abs moves that really burned. Then we did some plank moves and core strength training. Sweat is pouring off me and I’m smiling through the burn.
Class ended with some Yoga poses to stretch out our lower backs and glutes. Just like that the hour class was over and I felt like I had really worked my booty off. And now a day later, I can still feel the effects of that workout as I walk to and from work in downtown Columbus. Try it for yourself by getting a free trial membership at the Arena District Athletic Club today.
The Lion King comes to Columbus October 14-November 9
With fall here and winter just around the corner, many activities are moving indoors. If you find yourself looking for a fun fall event you could check out a Broadway in Columbus show at the Ohio Theatre.
For any 7-year-old at heart, the Broadway adaptation of the 1994 Disney film is sure to make hearts melt. Experience the cherished childhood story on the grown-up stage as the cast creates a pusling spectacle of music, color, and movement. Witness the African plains brought to life as the incredible costumes depict exotic wildlife.
Even if you have never been to a musical in your life, you will love the unforgettable tunes by Elton John. It’s worth it so make sure you purchase tickets soon!
Check out the 2014 Columbus Oktoberfest!

Delight your tastebuds while you munch on tasty authentic food from some of Columbus’ favorites such as Schmidt’s and DK Diner. There will be a large variety of brats, schnitzel, sauerkraut, as well as lots of tangy German potato sides so be sure to come hungry. Share a piece of German heritage as you eat a slice of Bienenstich or Bee Sting Cake, a German dessert made of sweet dough, a buttercream custard-like filling and caramelized almonds baked on top.
Wash it all down with a Hefeweizen, a south German style of wheat beer, or another of your favorite brews. You can get your fill this year at the new addition of a Craft Beer Garten at Schmidt’s Prost Hall, which will feature your favorite Ohio Craft Breweries. Another addition this year is the Wine Garten in the Heidelberg Beer Hall (ironic).
After you have been well-fed and watered you can enjoy the many events that Oktoberfest has to offer including authentic German music and shows at the Glockenspiel Stage, the Pig and Dachshund Races, or shopping at the Art and Craft Marktplatz.
You can watch the 6th Annual Vier Meiler/Brat Trot, a four mile race that starts at 6:15 p.m. in conjunction with the tapping of the keg on Friday night. Runners are strongly encouraged to wear their best Lederhosen. Or if you are up for a little competition, you can participate in the Stone Toss on Saturday or Sunday at 3:30 p.m. Or test out your yodeling skills at the Bavarian Yodeling Contest at Schmidt Prost Hall at 3:30 p.m. on Sunday.
If you have little ones, you can take them to Kinderplatz which will offer free arts and crafts, inflatable bouncers, or watch some of the amazing puppeteers or jugglers show off their skills. Don’t miss out on the Children’s Parade at 4 p.m. on Sunday, where kids can show off their homemade crafts as they walk through Oktoberfest.
Hours
Sunday: 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Friday: 5:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Saturday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Website
Admission
FREE
Lorde Coming to the LC on September 23

In terms of sound, she has a wide-eyed, innocent coo similar to Colbie Caillat. But more often she rocks a low, throaty growl that is reminiscent of Amy Lee from Evanescence. The result is startlingly unique, and fans cannot get enough of it.
Her debut album PURE HEROINE dominates U.S. charts and it’s not surprising why. Her embodied voice speaks to issues rooted in more serious tones than many of her musical peers. Her quadruple platinum single “Royals,” creates an ambiguous line between rebelling against and indulging in the luxuries that power and money can bring. It still holds the record for “Longest #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 by a Female Artist in 2013.”
In January of this year, Lorde walked away with two Grammy Awards including “Song of the Year” and “Best Pop Solo Performance.” Lorde was also nominated for an impressive 12 Billboard Music Awards and took home awards for “Best New Artist” and “Best Rock Song” for her debut single “Royals.”
Her tour started with Lollapalooza in Chicago at the beginning of August and will be traveling all over the U.S. ending her tour in Texas at the Austin City Limits Festival in October.