Feeling inspired to amp up your athletics after the 2010 Olympics? Or, wishing to shed a few pounds before springtime commences and you can no longer hide under layers? Come box away your pant sizes and unearth your competitive streak at Mendez Boxing!

Today’s scoop gets you three group training boxing sessions, regularly valued at $75 for just $35! Considered one of the premier boxing clubs on the East Coast, Mendez Boxing trains professionals and amateurs with outstanding trainers of 30 years of fight experience under their belts. With highly acclaimed trainers and coaches such as international boxer Francisco Mendez and former infantry Staff Sergeant Gregorio Vincenty, it has a star-studded line-up to help you get in shape and learn defense skills. As training gear like jump ropes, wraps and gloves are provided, you will only have to bring your sneakers and fighter spirit!

In the heart of midtown (25 West 26th St. – 26th and Broadway), Mendez Boxing is not only restricted to professional and amateur fighters who wish to augment their boxing skills and endurance, but more so welcomes un-experienced individuals like children or young adults, and “white collar” boxers searching for an alternative to the mundane gym workout. And for the pink collars, ladies, don’t be dissuaded from stepping into the ring, Mendez Boxing wants to accelerate your fitness routine and there is no experience necessary! Whilst you may not be the next MiIlion Dollar Baby, at least you’ll walk out with a million dollar body!

The merits of boxing are clear: not only is it a rigorous cardio workout, but it is also an education on defensive tactics. Whilst popularly conceptualized as solely a combative sport, this is actually a misconception; fitness gurus advocate boxing as a superb physical activity due to the holistic and comprehensive nature of the exercise. Boxing training intends to ameliorate your speed, resistance, strength, flexibility, and reflex tendencies. Moreover, repetitive motion of the arms through sparring jabs, power punches, and defenses, helps you gain strength and power. And most importantly, the results are very evident because these specific movements engender balance and coordination to maintain a good form. For example, these arm extensions can burn up to 1000 calories in just one session! Ultimately, boxing not only grants you outer strength and agility but also greater inner strength, confidence, and self-esteem. So come to Mendez Boxing and become a leaner and meaner fighting machine!

Buzz Around Town

“Best place in NYC for a workout: No matter if you are a beginner or a professional. You get treated like a professional even if you are a girl! – bwebb09, Citysearch

“So after looking at a few pictures of myself in years past, I decided it was time to umm…shed a ‘few’ pounds. I tried Bally and NYSC but for some reason I couldn’t find the motivation to keep going. Then my bro told me I should try boxing (looks easy right….just close your eyes and swing). After my visit on Saturday, I’m hooked. (Actually supposed to be there now, but I had to write this review first). When I first walked in I wasn’t intimidated at all although I have some experience, and my trainer Max pushed me harder than ever. So if you’re looking to get in shape or want to learn a few things for self defense check out Mendez. P.S. 
Bring a towel and good sneakers. You’ll be working hard in them.”- Leonard M., Yelp

“Best Boxing Club in NYC!!! Awesome!! I would recommend it to anyone! If you want to get into the best shape of your life and have a blast doing it, Mendez is the best place in the city to learn the sweet science. This gym is clean and well run. The trainers are very experienced and amongst the best in the region. There is no hard selling or initiation fees. I have lost the weight, quit smoking and gained physical and mental strength in my 15 months at this establishment.” – NYBoxer, Citysearch

Sick of the snow and slush and in need of a zing? Zap yourself back to life with zesty Mexican cuisine at Ofrenda! Experience authentic Mexican food that will have your taste-buds salsa dancing! This resto’s name “ofrenda,” means “offering” in Spanish and originates from the Day of the Dead celebration, a ritual whereby families build ornate tables with lavish feasts and candles to honor the deceased. As the “ofrenda” comprises the favorite foods of passed souls, it therefore has important bearing as the title of this restaurant— indicative that it serves only the very best! A new locale, the proprietor and chef here bring to the table years of experience as the original owners of the charming Cafe Condesa, just across the street.

Today’s scoop gets you $20 credit towards food or beverages sold for $10— that’s 50% off! Situated in the West Village, Ofrenda brings you authentic and fantastic Mexico City cuisine around the clock, with delicious options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner! For those early birds, try the “Huevos Divorciados” (sunny side-up eggs over corn tortilla with green tomatillo and roasted tomato salsa) or the “Chorizo con Huevos” (spicy Spanish sausage, scrambled eggs, tomatoes, and guajillo pepper); and for those New Yorkers that prefer to dine after a siesta, try the “Albóndigas de Camarón con Chile Chilpotle” (shrimp balls, battered cauliflower and garlic mashed potatoes with chilpotle sauce) and the “Costillas de Borrego Rostizadas con Chile Poblano” (roasted rack of lamb, garlic mashed potatoes and shiitake mushrooms). And don’t miss the generous sides of Mexican faves like fried plantain, juicy zucchini, or chayote stuffed with pepper jack or the explosive cocktails! And while we love the subdued elegance of Ofrenda’s interior- everyone at Scoop St. is looking forward to warmer weather when we can sip away on margaritas at Ofrenda’s outside terrace. This place is great inside and out – impress your friends at brunch or dinner with this West Village hot spot.

Ofrenda prides itself in its adherence to old fashioned Mexican basics, but it also delights the palette and surpasses expectations with innovative delicacies like the “Almejas en Salsa Verde con chile Serrano” (manila clams, chorizon, canellini beans and tomatillo salsa) and “Chimichangas de Pie de Cerdo con Chile Ancho” (pig feet, shiitake mushrooms, guacamole, and chile ancho sauce). This author loves the array of healthy “offerings” here – try the “atun adobado a la parilla con chile pulia” (marinated, grilled tuna, cilantro rice, and sauteed spinach with a tomatillo-avocado sauce). With its infinite options of savory samplers, Ofrenda is perfect for a family outing, table for two, or a gaggle of friends and co-workers! So come taste the Mexican sunshine with the wide array of entrees and appi’s and don’t forget to warm up from the inside-out with some specialty mescal-and-tequila spiked drinks!

Buzz Around Town

“First off…I am one of the pickiest eaters ever, so when my friend called and said he was opening a restaurant I was like, you know I am crunchy granola…he said try the chicken with some sort of chocolate sauce…I was like oh no…I TRIED IT…OMG I just inhaled it (and I later found out it was mole sauce)…Of course the appetizer I had that lead to that chicken dish was pure heaven…Baked goat cheese with swirling olive sauce that you scoop up with these vegetable chips that tastes like pork rinds…what a treat for someone who hasn’t had red meat for years…mmmmm”- Lanier Long, Urbanspoon

“My boyfriend and I live nearby and decided to try Ofrenda late on a Saturday morning. We had a great meal and friendly service. Also the presentation of the food was very nice. It was not busy while we were there and as we walked out I noticed that some other places in the area had talking heads in their windows. Go to Ofrenda! You will enjoy it! We plan to go back to enjoy a drink at the bar sometime soon.”- Katie K., Yelp

“I went in for lunch and was very pleased that they had vegetarian options on the menu. I tried the Mesclun Salad with Queso Fresco which was very tasty, and the Grilled Portobello Cemita which was equally flavorful. (I googled the place later on and found out that the chef, Luis Arce Mota, is an alumnus of the kitchens of Bouley and Union Square Café, as well as the former chef-owner of Cafe Condesa.) I struck up a conversation with two people there who turned out to be the owners and they couldn’t have been friendlier. Also, there was some great photography on the walls. All in all, this spot has the potential to become a favorite in the West Village. I definitely need to come back to try dinner very soon!”- Robin L., menupages.com

Searching for a fitness bootcamp that leaves you euphoric and invigorated rather than sweaty and frustrated? Yoga may just be the answer.

Get ready for Yoga High studio’s extensive workout that teaches you terrific twists like warrior poses and the backwards bridge to shed those extra pounds you’ve packed on this winter and bring you and your body out of hibernation before springtime! Yoga High follows the Hatha Vinyasa style of yoga, which is the “flowing” and elastic style, and includes music from diverse genres in order to synchronize your heartbeat with the sound and amplify your sensorial experience. Professionals advocate yoga because the act of meditation appears to slow age-related mental decline whilst enabling the individual to achieve a state of mental clarity and equilibrium; the fluidity of the movements truly helps you get your mind in touch with your body. Health and well-being studies positively correlate yoga with higher self-esteem and energy levels in addition to a heightened sense of balance and a stronger core. This is because it stretches not only your muscles but also the soft tissues of your body, including ligaments, tendons, and the fascia sheath that surrounds your muscles. Furthermore, physicians claim that the complex physical postures and breathing techniques can offset sub-optimal health problems such as asthma, depression, anxiety and chronic lower back pain in addition to augmenting flexibility and strengthening muscles.

Today’s scoop gets you a $185 monthly unlimited card good towards product and activity fees for $59. Situated in the Lower East Side, Yoga High’s high ceilings, blue center walls, spacious hardwood floors and numerous plants provide an organic, natural feel to this tranquil oasis in the city that never sleeps. Furthermore, Yoga High’s plethora of specialty workshops will stretch you beyond mental and physical horizons by folding your limbs in ways you never imagined! For example, ”Inversion” will grant you the expertise and confidence in handstands and headstands to strengthen your upper body. Here, you’ll also turn your comfort zone upside down whilst experiencing an innovative set of yoga exercises. Additionally, “Intention” will utilize a special sequence of asanas after the body has reached its climax of heat, which brings the mind into a new state of energy and cognition.

At Yoga High, you can select yoga positions to fit your mood and fitness level, or as owners Mel Russo and Liz Buehler Walker say, “Yoga to fit your lifestyle” —choose relaxing and meditative or revitalizing and energizing! Perfect for weekly work-outs with the girls or for a solo exploration, this studio will not disappoint! Yoga High lessons are extremely personalized and instructors will spend up to two hours helping you mentally and physically prepare for complex inversions. These classes range from beginner to advanced and caters to New Yorkers of all ages, including flowing workshop that begin very gently and then build momentum. Most importantly, regardless of your level of yoga capability, you will feel the benefits of such exercise quickly. Stretching your muscles in this manner releases the lactic acid that builds up with muscle use and causes stiffness and fatigue, and consequently increases lubrication in the joints, augmenting fluidity and flexibility. So come learn the yoga lingo and limber moves at Yoga High and feel happier and healthier! Namasta!

Buzz Around Town

“What an amazing place…Yoga High is where I found my NYC Community. The teachers are incredible and encourage students to find authenticity in their practice. I’ve ‘done’ yoga at many studios, but I only found my ‘practice’ when I started going to Yoga High. Owners Mel and Liz are open and down to earth, giving with their time and knowledge of Yoga. Beyond the incredible people they attract, the studio is a beautiful place to practice, always clean, and always full of great energy!”- Sarah H., Yelp

“Yoga High is great. Beautiful space is and the atmosphere makes you feel like you are in a different place. I have nothing but positive things to say about it. I’ve been going there since it opened and I have to say it’s the best yoga studio I have been to in NYC and it has a nice, neigborhood vibe. The owners and teachers are all very friendly and generous about answering questions and giving advice even after the classes end. I am a level one student and the one thing Yoga High offers which is worth taking is 3 hour Beginner Workshops they have once a month. As a beginner it gave me a good introduction to Yoga so I felt more comfortable in the regular classes.”- RC, Yelp

“I stumbled upon Yoga High while walking down Clinton Street a few months ago. It’s great. The classes and the workshops are really good. Yoga High has a beautiful space with large windows that allow natural light to come in. Very relaxing atmosphere. Another thing I love about Yoga High is that it’s sooo clean - really important to me for a Yoga studio.”- cringenyc, New York Magazine