JCPenney's New Year, New You Fitness Event With Karina Smirnoff From Dancing With The Stars

Karina Smirnoff from Dancing with the Stars hosted JCPenney’s New Year, New You Fitness Event in JCPenney’s SoHo showroom. Guests were treated to Karina's fitness dance classes that both burned calories and taught killer moves. I was so excited to begin my first official workout regime of 2014 with the DWTS legend! 

Karina and I were both dressed in JCPenney’s exclusive new Xersion and CityStreetActivewear lines.  

“These clothes are comfortable, super cute and sexy, and fit the body in all the right places,” said Karina. “It’s great that JCPenney has such a wide selection for every fitness level. I want a set in every color!”

Fellow DWTS Dancer Henry Byalikov also brought his expertise to the floor teaching salsa and high-octane routines to the excited participants. 

After meeting Karina I walked into the dance room through a white door with a bright colored Dance! sign on top. #NewYou was also written on the bottom. You can keep track of JCPenney's 'New You' campaign by following this hashtag on social media. 

While waiting for the dance class to start I perused JCPenney's new activewear collection which was filled with a plethora of bright colors and patterns. I've never diligently kept up a strong fitness regime but for 2014 it's definitely one of my goals. Of course, I'll be wearing JCPenney's stylish new activewear collection while working out!

Celebrity nutritionist and chef Melissa Petitto was also onsite creating delicious and healthy juices and smoothies with JCPenney’s national brand juicers. “Juicing has grown in popularity and I wanted to share some of my tips and favorite recipes today, mentioned Melissa. 

“JCPenney has trusted brands from Jack LaLanne’s Power Juicer to the Magic Bullet Blender. These juicers and blenders fit the family’s healthy lifestyle and budget," continued Melissa. 

Karina even got in on the fun and collaborated with Melissa to create one of the signature drinks, Karina’s Double D, a refreshing mixture of carrots, ginger, fennel, apple, carrots, and mint. Ms. Smirnoff noted, “Listen to your body. When you put good nutrients in you’ll feel amazing overall.”

My team shot the above clip of Karina's dance class that evening. You can spot me way in the back trying to keep up... Dancing is definitely not one of my strong suits! ;) 

After the workout I had a chance to chat a little more with Karina. We spoke in our native Russian as we're both originally from the country of Ukraine. Karina moved to the US in 1992 and I came to the States in 1994. Now, we're both living our own version of the 'American Dream.' :)

Speaking of dreams, it was such a dream come true to not only meet Karina but also have a chance to workout with her. If you told me a few years ago that I would have an opportunity to do this I probably wouldn't have believed you. It was definitely an epic way to start 2014!