Leaves are falling, apples are ripe for the picking, and October is here! Groove through your weekend with these fresh new beats.
Tag Archives: Handle Bar
HB Summer Festival on Tour with TWO Bar Fights: #HBonTour
Ride Details:
FENWAY Chainsmokers and Misterwives BAR FIGHT: 7/23/2015 at 7:00PM with ALLIE + EVE
SOUTHIE Passion Pit and Broods BAR FIGHT: 7/23/2015 at 5:45PM with LENA + SARAH C
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
Chainsmokers and Misterwives Bar Fight
We will be bringing the EDM style of The Chainsmokers (@thechainsmokers) to the Indie vibe of the MisterWives (@misterwives) together in this Bar Fight. You can not miss this! See below for both The Chainsmokers and MisterWives more popular hits to prepare for the Bar Fight. Allie and Eve are excited to show you how awesome these two bands are.The Chainsmokers are playing s couple HUGE Festivals this summer: Lollapalooza (8/2) and The Billboard Hot 100 Musical Festival (8/22-8/23) in Jones Beach NY. The MisterWives have a big Festival schedule coming up, they are playing Boston Calling (9/25-9/27), The Grassroots Music Festival (7/31-8/2) and Outside Lands (8/7-8/9).
Artists similar to Chainsmokers: Steve Aoki, Calvin Harris, Alesso, Galantis, Zedd, Tiesto, Avicii,
Artists similar to MisterWives: X Ambassadors, Zella Day, Halsey, Betty Who, Ryn Weaver
Reserve your saddle today! Click here
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
Passion Pit and Broods Bar Fight
This Bar Fight is RIGHT before the Passion Pit (@passionpit) and Broods sold out show at the Lawn on D! Pre-game this awesome show with Lena and Sarah C, we are so pumped for this Bar Fight and Show! We hope to see you at both! You can also catch the Broods (@broodsmusic) at the Outside Lands Festival in San Francisco (8/7-8/9) and Passion Pit will be playing some lower key venues the rest of the summer. We hope to see you at our pregame Bar Fight and at the Lawn on D July 23rd!
Artists similar to Passion Pit: Matt and Kim, MGMT, Foster The People, Vampire Weekend, Ra Ra Riot
Artists similar to Broods: Lorde, Banks, Betty Who, MS MR, Zella Day, Halsey, CHVRCHES, Milky Ekko
Reserve your saddle today! Click here
_________________________________________________________________________________________
Have suggestions on where to take the #HBonTour? Tweet us @the_handle_bar and we’d love to hear where you would like to go on tour next!
by amy frankenthaler
Who raised the bar in May? Nancy Drinan!
As an active member of our #HBFam, Nancy inspires so many riders with your kindness, passion for riding and her smile. She truly epitomizes the Handle Bar spirit, community and is a staple in the Southie studio. Everyday (yes everyday!), Nancy comes in with such a brilliant smile and great attitude, you just know she Nancy is truly happy to be in the studio. We are just so happy to award you Rider of the Month! Congrats Nancy!
Nancy in her element at the Handle Bar in South Boston.
1. Everyone has their own unique fitness journey. What has your journey been like with spinning?
I began spinning about 15 years ago when it was still are relatively new fitness activity. Actually, I was not much attracted to it, but I was “forced” into the studio because we had a lost a few our aerobics teachers at the same facility and I was tired of dealing with cancellations. The first time I sat in the saddle, I knew it was for me. I never looked back and have been spinning nearly every day since then.
2. Tell us an unknown fact about yourself.
Though I have lived in South Boston for more years than some of our Handlebar riders have been alive (22 years), I was actually born and raised on the South Shore. I’ve been in Southie for so long though, I am almost considered a “native.” Believe me, this is high praise!
3. What did you do for fitness prior to joining the studio? Besides cycling, what other activities do you do to keep fit?
Prior to joining the studio, I was spinning at my local community center. Now I tell my friends, “I am going down to the Handlebar to do the real spin class!” 🙂 Actually, I am a bit of a fitness “nut.” I am blessed to enjoy just about everything. I still do a lot of cross-training at my local community center (Curley Recreation Center on Day Blvd.). I do step aerobics, kick-boxing, and interval training with weights. I love it all!
4. What other communities are you a part of in Boston? Social groups, volunteering, athletics, hobbies?
I am so busy with my job as a medical editor/science writer for Children’s Hospital that I don’t volunteer as much as I should. I am not much of a “joiner,” but I am very involved in my parish, Gate of Heaven in Southie, and I am a daily communicant at St. Anthony’s Shrine at Downtown Crossing. You know, I make a mad dash for the train after the 6 AM spin class just so I can must make the 7 AM mass! I tell everyone one that spin and daily mass are my “bookends” for a balanced, joyful life. Take care of body, mind and soul!
5. What goals has The Handle Bar helped you achieve?
Well, the instruction is at such a high level–far greater than what I was accustomed to–that I have become stronger, fitter, and more familiar with the top tunes! I am a bit of a dunce when it comes to “pop culture” so you young people educate me daily. Thank you!
6. What’s your favorite way to end a long week?
The 5:45 PM spin class with Sarah C. at the Handlebar, of course, followed by my fish dinner and a glass of Chardonnay.
7. What words do you live by?
“Do unto others as you would have them do unto you (Matthew 7:12)”
Nancy has even made an appearance on our HBSnapchat @handlebarsnap; She is the best!
#HBSummerShare 2015: Commit to a Summer Worth Sharing
by amy frankenthaler
Have you signed up for #HBSummershare yet? If Not Now? When? #HBSummerShare starts June 1st, you have only a couple more days to take advantage of this fantastic deal: $400 for 10 weeks of UNLIMITED riding. How will you #raisethebar this summer?
We were able to reach out to four of our awesome HBriders that both won #HBSummerShare last summer Alisun Kovach, Dayna Isley, Becky Anzalone and Nicole Castillo. Thanks again ladies for sharing your experiences with us, we love our #HBFam! We had them reflect on their experience last summer with HBSummerShare:
1)What inspired you to sign up for #HBSummerShare last summer?
Becky Anzalone: I signed up #HBSummerShare last summer as a way to hold me accountable for my workout routine. I find it hard in the summer months to keep up with a consistent routine with the lure of outdoor patio drinking. I already found myself spinning a few nights a week so it made sense (as well as the cost-savings of being able to have an unlimited pass to spin classes).
Nicole Castillo:I was training for a half-marathon, and I wanted to step up my game. Spinning made a huge difference, because I am able to achieve a much harder cardio doing it than running. Also, the competition was just so fun! And pretty much I’ll do anything for free swag. 🙂
Alisun Kovach: I never participated in any kind of challenge before, I thought the #HBSummerShare sounded really fun, and seemed like a great way to prioritize working out during the summer. Plus the potential to win a free month of unlimited riding and a free shirt had me sold!
Dayna Isley: I ran my first half marathon in May last year. Running, as it turns out, is not my favorite. I needed a change, and #HBSummerShare seemed like a good challenge.
2)Describe your experience. What was the best part about #HBSummerShare last year?
Becky Anzalone:I am so glad I participated last year! One of my good friends also did it with me, so we could both motivate each other and use it as an excuse to see each other more often. I also loved having the board up on display – talk about accountability! It was also a great way to see how you were stacking up versus other riders. The competitive element was really motivating! I also really enjoyed the social media aspect and tagging my instagram pics and tweets with the #HBsummershare. It’s a great way to stay connected with other HB riders/instructors.
Nicole Castillo: It was incredible! A friend (Valerie Abeille) and I did it — she was at Fenway and I was at Southie and we could watch each others’ progress on the leaderboard. It was hard at times to stick with it because I would “fall behind” when I went on vacation. But, knowing I had a goal to reach, got me to hit spin at times when I normally would just skip it… like before I got on the airplane for a summer vacation, or early in the morning after a late night out.
Alisun Kovach: Participating in the #HBSummerShare was awesome. Since I was at the studio so much, I got to meet a lot of new people and was able to get to know the girls who work there too (love them all!). I also loved that you got points not only for going to classes, but also for posting on instagram (truth be told, I didn’t have an insta account until the challenge started, and now I can’t get enough of it). It was fun walking around and finding random things that would remind you of the HB, and therefore remind you to get your butt to class, and like I said, prioritize working out, even when all you really wanted to do was lay at the beach all day.
Dayna Isley: I had been spinning some at the Handle Bar in Southie since it opened, but #HBSummerShare really kicked things up. I learned that I could spin a lot–even in the morning!–and really love it. By the end of summer, I could even make it through both sets of arms in Elise’s hour of power Saturday classes. I felt stronger and had fun in the process.
3) Are you signed up for #HBSummerShare this summer? If so, what are you looking forward to most?
Becky Anzalone: I signed up for my second #HBsummershare for this summer and I can’t wait until it starts. I am excited to have an unlimited pass to ride all summer long and stay motivated by all the amazing riders at the Handle Bar (I have a couple friends who I plan on riding with this summer as well!). I’ve tried other spin studios over the years across the city, but the sense of community at Handle Bar, is part of what keeps me coming back. #HBSummerShare is a prime example of why I love spinning at the Handle Bar.
Nicole Castillo: I’m not… because I have the VIP membership… or I totally would! I am still going to hashtag and post. The Handlebar ladies of twitter are already in full force. I’m excited to join them. I’m at @niccastillo1017 I’m all about the social media engagement. Last year, I did a top 10 things I learned from #HBSummerShare. Let’s see what I come up with this year. 🙂
Alisun Kovach: I haven’t decided if I’m singing up yet, but I would really like to win a beach towel, so I probably will!
Dayna Isley: I signed up for #HBSummerShare again because it was so motivating and fun last year. Because I like spin, I know I’ll stick with it; and if I ever feel like slacking, the challenge will keep me motivated. It’s also a great deal when you break it down. Bring on June 1!
An Instagram posted by Becky last summer for #HBSummerShare. A great example of the hashtag social media challenge in action.
If you still aren’t convinced, we’ve put together a list of the top reasons to participate in #HBSummerShare.
Top Five Reasons to Join #HBSummerShare 2015:
- Stay in Shape and Motivated all Summer long with a Steal of a Deal Each studio will track those participating in the riding competition. It’s officially bikini season, we have to keep that beach body we worked so hard to get! Can’t give up now, keep that beach body all summer long with #HBSummerShare. Ten weeks of unlimited riding for just $400 lets you stay in shape and save for those amazing summer adventures.
- #HBFam + #HBCommunity Support (Forever and Always <3) Join the #HBFam this summer not only in the saddle, but whereever your summer adventures take you! Simply, by tagging #HBSummerShare in a Facebook post, Instagram or tweet, your #HBFam will be right there with you. We, also, encourage you to make some new #HBSummerShare 2015 friends and meet up both on AND off the saddle. This is strongly encouraged in any and all challenges this summer..after all…“You CAN Spin With Us” 🙂
- Adjusted Summer Schedule- Just for YOU We know you’re busy, its summer, its warm…you want to be on the beach. We have tailored our weekend schedules to accommodate just that. Please take a look at your home studio’s schedules because weekend times have been added and changed for the summer effective this weekend. All the more reason to squeeze in a ride or two with your unlimited #HBSummerShare package.
- Prizes (Who doesn’t like prizes?) We like prizes! If you participate in the riding competition and ride 45 times in 10 weeks…that’s just 4-5 times per week…you win a beautiful #HBSummerShare 2015 beach towel. Think of all those at the beach or pool envious of that gorgeous towel you EARNED. The top four rides will win FURTHER unlimited riding packages. If you participate in the hashtag/social media competition, you have a chance to win a prize EVERY week of the competition. Each week, our favorite hashtagged post will be announced and the winner will receive a gift from 1 of our favorite local spots. The sponsor and prize will be announced at the start of each week, and to get you started – here’s what we have for our first 4 weeks of the competition:
Week 1 Prize: Handle Bar embroidered Backpack or duffle (of your choice)
Week 2 Prize: A tasty gift from a tasty place! $50 to Tasty Burger
Week 3 Prize: Feeling feisty? Post to win $50 to Loco Taqueria and Oyster Bar in Southie!
Week 4 Prize: A Perky Gift from our new Fenway neighbor! Pavement Coffee $50 gift card
More prizes to be released next week!
- Competition Challenge your friends, family, neighbors, mailman, new and old HB friends and more importantly YOURSELF to ride more, ride stronger, ride proud. Share the link to this blog with anyone you want to see sitting on that saddle next to you. This is your summer, your time to shine, to kick ass, so take charge! The summer of you is waiting…so grab a #HBSummershare package and watch yourself transform in just 10 weeks. The challenge starts June 1st, so act fast.
Click here to purchase your #HBSummerShare 2015 purchase.
Once the #HBSummerShare kicks off on June 1st, we’ll be following your progress riding AND sharing your Instagrams/tweets to keep you motivated and on track all summer long. Be sure to tag #HBSummerShare in your posts!
Tweet at us when and why you chose to sign up for #HBSummerShare to @The_Handle_Bar for twitter AND instagram! Doing the #HBSummerShare for the second year in a row? We want to hear from you too, share your experiences just like Alisun, Dayna, Becky and Nicole. We may just share some on and before the #HBSummerShare kickoff June 1st.
As always, see you in the saddle!
The new LEADERBOOK for #HBSummerShare 2015! Keep track of your progress and competition!
2015 Kickass Summer Concerts
By amy frankenthaler
Planning trips this summer? Concerts? Us too! Well you are in luck, we did some research (Thank you Ticketmaster!) find some of the most exciting concerts/festivals in and around Boston this summer. Feel free to click on the name of any concert you are interested in and you will be directed to the ticket page!
5.3 Tori Y Moi at Paradise Rock Club
5.8 Of Monsters and Men at Orpheum Theatre
5.21 Nico and Vinz at Paradise Rock Club
5.22-5.24 Boston Calling at Boston City Hall Plaza
-Featuring headliners: Beck, Pixies, My Morning Jacket
6.9 Lana Del Ray – Endless Summer Tour at Xfinity Centre
6.10 Florence + the Machine at Blue Hills Pavilion
6.17 Edward Sharpe + Magnetic Zeros at The Lawn on D
6.20 Tori Kelly at Paradise Rock Club
6.23 Flume at House of Blues (Hey Spin music!!!)
7.1 Imagine Dragons at TD Garden
7.24-7.26 Newport Folk Festival in Fort Adams State Park, Newport Rhode Island
-Featuring Headliners like The Decemberists, Lord Huron, Brandi Carlisle (one of our favs!)
7.28 Ryn Weaver at The Sinclair
8.6 James Taylor at Fenway Park
8.7-8.9 Zac Brown Band at Fenway Park
-Who doesn’t love a little country in the summer?
8.28-8.29 Kenny Chesney, Jason Aldean and more at Gillette Stadium
9.12 One Direction at Gillette Stadium
…Oops, how’d this one get in here? 🙂
Feel free to check out our Handle Bar Spotify (Playlist May ’15, see below!) to listen to any of the artists (many of whom are played during your rides!). You will mostly likely catch one or maybe all HB instructors and staff at any of these concerts. Great music makes a ride, we love finding new music to help you find where the rhythm meets the road. So let this inspire you to get out there, get a ticket, find #HBinRealLife and enjoy! Hope to see you out there!
Vacation like a pro—5 tips to stick with your healthy lifestyle on vacation
By Falon Sweeney
As we reach the final stretch of summer, many of us are either returning from or just setting out on a well-deserved vacation before the brisk autumn air sets in. Vacations are arguably the hardest times to stay on track with a healthy lifestyle, for good reason. Family, friends, food, and drink—all day, every day. We all face the pressure to give in and temporarily “give up”on our healthy habits, either from family members or ourselves. Because, come on, we’re on vacation. But with a few minor tweaks to your mindset, you can indulge guilt-free and ensure you stay on track with your healthy lifestyle upon your return from paradise.
source: http://www.hikebikekayak.com
If your hotel or rental has a kitchen, stock up on healthy staples and snacks to munch on. This way, you’re not eating out every single night. Not only will this keep your nutrition in check, but it will save you some serious dough—something the entire family is sure to agree on.
Feeling anxious about how you’re going to get those workouts in without disrupting family time? Relax. You are on vacation, aren’t you? Instead of trying to squeeze fitness in whenever you have a moment away from the fam, plan active days with the whole group. That way, everyone’s getting some exercise—not just you. Try going for a hike, throwing a Frisbee around on the beach, or even swimming in your hotel’s pool. If your family is down to try out a few fitness classes, the OmFinder app uses your location to find yoga, Pilates, and cycling classes nearby. Many places have great deals for newcomers, so do your research!
Be the bartender. Before you jet away, spend a few minutes on Pinterest and come up with a few guilt-free cocktail recipes. If you check out our “Retox” board, you’ll find some of our favorite drinks that are sure to please.
Indulge responsibly. We’ve said it once before and we’ll say it again. Where’s the fun if you don’t indulge every once in a while? Before you sail away, think about what you might want to indulge in and try to plan for it—but don’t overdo it with the planning. Just be mindful.
Lastly, keep it real. If you screw up and have dessert every single night, whatever. It’s in the past and I’m sure you enjoyed every bite. Just being mindful about your decisions makes all the difference—that way you’re more apt to make healthy decisions and enjoy the less-than-healthy ones.
See you back in the saddle!
RAISING THE BAR 