Lululemon-y Beach Bums Unlock (Sweaty) Secret To Guilt-Free Bellini Brunch At W Hotel

NORTHWEST -- Best known for its unparalleled views of the D.C. skyline, as well as its menu of equally amazing cocktails, the rooftop of the ultra-chic W Hotel Washington D.C. has resulted in many an early morning cardio workout as the city's young and beautiful attempt to burn-off the indulgences of the past night.

For this summer at least, health conscious hipsters have the opportunity to combine a few of their favorite pastimes -- namely, dancing, eating, and drinking -- in a guilt-free mid-morning outing where the calories that they consume are effortlessly cancelled out by the calories that they expend.

Dubbed the "Beach Bums & Bellinis" workout series, these gastronomic and aerobic adventures are the product of a partnership between the W Hotel and lululemon athletica (Full disclosure: I own several of their workout shirts; Equally full disclosure: I still cannot say 'lululemon' without laughing, though).

Here's how it works: Every other Sunday this summer (the series began on June 27), roughly 50 or so Washingtonians are invited to attend a fun-filled total body fitness class in the air-conditioned portion of the hotel's rooftop deck. A palette-teasing bottomless Bellini brunch follows each workout at the W's much talked-about POV lounge overlooking the White House and Washington Monument.

The class that I observed on Sunday was modeled after a "pop star workout" designed to get the Britneys, Beyonces, and Madonnas of the world in shape. Equal parts dance, yoga, and fun, the hour-ish session was led by fitness guru Heather Cohen, an instructor at Vida Fitness and STROGA.

Seeing as how Heather was named the "Hottest Fitness Celebrity of 2010" by EDGE Magazine and helped train Miss District of Columbia 2009 Jen Corey for the Miss America Pageant, I think it's safe to say that the crowd was in good hands... Jen was even in attendance herself that morning (we last ran into her when she helped Co Co. Sala take the top prize at this year's Sweet Charity event)!

A handful of impeccably dressed brand ambassadors from lululemon (LOL) was also in attendance on Sunday to assist Heather (who herself is also a lululemon ambassador) in demonstrating various dance moves and yoga poses.

After walking the crowd through a set of individual dance moves without music, Heather would then add in music in order to create a coordinated dance routine:



Over the course of the hour, attendees were taught parts of both Beyonce's "Single Ladies" and Britney's "3" dance choreography. And, while it's true that Sunday's guest list was overwhelming female, there was a handful of brave (and smart) guys in the crowd.

And when the music had finally stopped, everyone was invited to indulge in a bottomless Sunday brunch presented on the gorgeous POV roof terrace. Always the good host, the W Hotel was quick to provide guests with towels with which they could wipe away any errant beads of sweat.

While the truly famished chose to head directly to the tempting buffet area, most instead decided to start their afternoon by first sipping a refreshing Bellini cocktail in the shade, while admiring the hotel's gorgeous views of the city.

Of course, the big question is: Did everyone have a good time? The sound of dozens of champagne glasses clinking in unison more than answered that question. Beach bums never had it so good...

The Complete 2010 Beach Bums & Bellinis Schedule

JUN 27: Hip Hop Yoga
JUL 11: Pop Star Workout
JUL 25: Definition Pilates
AUG 08: Vinyasa Flow
AUG 22: Coyote Ugly
SEP 12: Boot Camp Basics

To reserve a spot, please call (202) 661-2455 or sign-up at your local lululemon athletica location.