Workouts For Your Mindset

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Everybody has a different approach to doing things, and that includes fitness.  While some of us are more comfortable with a well-structured routine, others would prefer a more free-form approach, and others like to mix it up even more.  All of these approaches can be successful, yet you need to adopt an effective routine to get the best results.  I recently came across an article that analyzes the different mindsets for exercise, their pros and cons and what you can do to make the best out of them.

Fixed planning mindset

People with this sort of mindset tend to be happier knowing what they’re supposed to do every day, and make plans to stick to this schedule.  When we automate our approach to life, we use fewer cognitive resources, which allows you to keep on track in the face of adversity.  Yet if you can’t reach your goals, with this mindset you’ll be particularly upset if you can’t meet your goals.

Without flexibility, your plans might fracture, so if that happens make sure you have alternate plans.  For example, if you miss your morning workout, give yourself permission to do something different instead of feeling frustrated.  Embrace a change of plans as a good way to mix things up and give yourself a break.  If you prefer to be “perfect”, then have compassion with yourself when things go awry, which can help you stay motivated to continue.

Flexible planning mindset

Studies show that people who can be flexible with their behavioral plans and goals tend to be better at managing themselves over time.  It’s also linked to being happier and healthier, and is thought to reflect a more committed and values-based approach to goals.  Yet if you take flexibility too far, plans can easily fall apart before you even make them.  And needing to plan a completely different workout at a different time every day uses a ton of cognitive resources, which can become overwhelming and freeze you in indecision.

Try to make one firm physical activity plan for the week.  Whatever you plan, commit to it as a chance to learn and evaluate how it goes, and use the new data for future workout routines.

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Inside the Metrograph, New York’s Newest Theater

While New York has been a center of arthouse theaters from the very beginning, in recent years executing the concept of a well-programed venue with work from around the world has become challenging.  With both independent venues and multiplexes tackling home viewing opportunities, movie theaters need to work harder than ever before.  Last month, the single-screen institution the Ziegfeld Theater closed, making it clear how tough it is for small theaters in New York to stay open.  

Earlier this week, the Metrograph, a boutique two-screen theater that features a restaurant, bookstore and lounge, opened.  Apart from being a great theater, the project is designed to be a great place to hang out, write by day, do rough-cut screenings and let both filmmakers and filmgoers brush elbows on a regular basis.  The initial programming is the dream come true of any film buff, with an eclectic array of films that are guaranteed to make everybody excited.  Under the guidance of filmmaker and fashion designer Alexander Olch, programmers Jake Perlin and Aliza Ma are getting ready to introduce an ambitious new presence in New York’s film scene.

This Wednesday, the stylish LES theater had its grand opening.  While theaters have been closing left and right, Olch has insisted that this theater is a good business idea, especially when done at a specific scale.  While bigger chains favor blockbuster releases, a growing number of people have become disillusioned with a lack of originality and quality in these blockbusters, and have begun turning to more independent films.  Yet fans of these movies tend to prefer watching their movies at home on Netflix, although Olch isn’t worried about getting film buffs off the couch, comparing the phenomenon to Seamless’ effect on restaurants.  

The programming booklet for the first two months is an astounding 64 pages long, featuring both newer films and repertoire fare, as well as completely unknown films and specials series that feature films with an important impact.  This Wednesday’s premiere was attended by such names as Noah Baumbach, John Waters, Willem Dafoe, Greta Gerwig, Judah Friedlander, Dustin Hoffman and Jim Jarmusch.  

It’s exciting to think about what this theater will mean for film in New York City, and will do a great job at revitalizing the smaller art-house theater scene in the face of such corporate giants as AMC.  If you’d like to learn more, you can click here! 

New York’s Most Fashionable Neighborhoods

It’s hard to deny that New York City is one of the world’s premier fashion capitals.  You can find plenty of style in every one of the five boroughs, yet some neighborhoods are more fashion-inclined than others.  I recently came across an article about the New York City neighborhoods that are known for their amazing style choices, listed below:

Meatpacking: Many top designers have set up shop here, and many of the biggest shows and parties of Fashion Week are still held here.  Such names as Diane von Furstenberg, Ted Baker and Christian Louboutin can be found here, and the Whitney Museum of American Art recently opened nearby to add to the area’s artsy feel.

Park Slope: With its reputation as a hipster mecca, there’s plenty of people watching to do here.  Near Prospect Park and known for its family-friendly atmosphere, it’s also home to several niche boutiques, including Alice Cheng’s local store, a popular destination for fashionable Brooklynites.  

Fifth Avenue: The fashion scene here is so ingrained and well-known that you can actually take a shopping tour with a certified fashion guide!  Yet you can do just fine without one, as most stores are easy to navigate.  Although it’s technically not a neighborhood, Fifth Avenue is synonymous with New York fashion, thanks to names such as Valentino, Ralph Lauren, Harry Winston and Tiffany & Co.

Bushwick: This hipster neighborhood, filled with warehouses decked with graffiti, was named one of the world’s coolest street style neighborhoods by the fashion mag in 2014, and its trendiness has only increased since.  Its diverse population has a plentiful combination of thrift stores and vintage boutiques that allow residents the chance to keep updating their wardrobe.

SoHo: Thanks to its wide array of styles, the area south of Houston Street has been dubbed the “Fashion District”.  There’s something for everybody here, and the brand here is so recognizable that there was once an entire magazine devoted to detailing the street style.