I get made fun of a lot by my friends (and my boyfriend!), because I don’t drink much, prefer going to bed early, and rarely if ever sleep any later than 9am. I keep thinking about something Russell Simmons told Ellen Degeneres which was basically that he rather do yoga in the morning than get drunk at night (I’d add to that, that I rather also eat chocolate than drink the calorie-equivalent in alcohol!). Anyway, it’s that thinking that drives me to take Stephanie Levinson’s 9am weekend classes at the UES Sports Club LA almost every weekend.

Stephanie has a crazy obsessed cult-following of gym fanatics at all fitness levels. Her class is super-hardcore and many newbies are whipped out after 10minutes, but she’s so friendly and approachable, that she doesn’t intimate people new to working out from taking her class – and that’s lucky for them because Stephanie will help you burn calories and tone your body like few other trainers. The extent of the love people have for Stephanie is most evident when she’s off for a week – people will literally walk out of the fitness studio or bitch at her replacement for not being as good…oh New Yorkers and their aggression!

If you’re looking to get in shape but aren’t ready to make it public in a gym, love Stephanie but aren’t in the NYC-area, or going on a vacation, Stephanie has come-out with an awesome line of workout DVDs. All of the DVD proceeds go to Fun Fit Foundations. While equipment – like a steper – is used in some of the DVDs most can be modified and done solely with your own body weight. Plus in time for vacation season, she’s got ones tailored to helping you get ready for ski trips (“The Ultimate Fat Burning Ski and Sport Workout”), and bikini-weather (“Flab-U-Less” and “Top-Shape, Top-Speed”). I’m hoping I will have time to pop one of these in when I’m in India!

Each DVD is $20 and you can contact Stephanie at stephlevinson@funfitfoundations.com for more information!