Over the weekend, hundreds of fitness fanatics descended on the East End for the first annual Southampton Sweat, a fitness, fashion and music festival, hosted by supermodel and super-athlete Hilary Rhoda and her fiancé Sean Avery. The concept—co-created by Juice Press, Bandier fitness fashion boutique and Republic Records—is entirely new, and we’re totally obsessed with it. Imagine this: With one free ticket, you gain access to four hours of 30-minute alfresco classes in a public park, each led by a boutique fitness brand to the thumping tunes of live DJs. When not sparring with Gotham Gym trainers or running laps with Tonehouse, you enjoy free juice and raw snacks provided by Juice Press or a massage by Namaste New York. Plus, you get a goodie bag filled with new music, workout-class cards and other loot. Score.
Between workouts, we squeezed in a chat with Ms. Rhoda, whose love of both fitness and the Hamptons made her a perfect hostess for the inaugural Southampton Sweat.
How did you get involved with this event, and what makes it special for you? Sean and I are both extremely active people and when we heard about Southampton Sweat, we got so excited. The idea of bringing together the best fitness boutiques, listening to great music, wearing the hottest gear from Bandier and being with other people who share that passion for taking care of their bodies…all right down the street from our house in Southampton? Sign us up!
What are your favorite ways to stay fit? I do Tracy Anderson Method every single day. I also love SoulCycle.
Any fitness trends you’re dying to try? I have found a couple of things that work for me, and I’m a creature of habit, so I really stick to that. But what I am excited about with Southampton Sweat is that I was able to try lots of new workouts, and maybe add one of those to my regimen!
You’re both extremely active and athletic—how do you inspire one another, and what’s it like to work out as a couple? We have been working out together since the beginning of our relationship. Sean took me to a spin class and it never stopped! I guess you know you’ve really let your inhibitions go with a new love interest when you let them see you nearly throw up and pass out on a spin bike!
What are you favorite things to do and places to go in the Hamptons? Parrish Art Museum for some culture; getting ice cream at Carvel in Southampton after dinner and walking up and down Main Street because it’s all lit up and beautiful, especially on these late summer nights; plus chicken teriyaki salad from Sushi Zuki and Round Swamp Farm for their macaroni salad, and fresh fruits and veggies.
What’s your secret to getting motivated on days when you just do not want to work out? Treat [your workout] the same way as going to work, or a scheduled doctor’s appointment. None of us are just not going to show up to those things! It’s something that I know I MUST do and it’s non-negotiable. I’ve never finished a workout and said, “Oh, I wish I hadn’t done that.” Just think about how you’ll feel afterwards, and show up for yourself.
Last, what can we expect from you two this fall? Any fun projects or appearances? Planning our wedding for this fall has been a pretty fun project! Sean is busy designing homes out here, and I will be gearing up for Fashion Week.
Rhoda goofs off between punches with Gotham Gym trainer Mike Castle. @hilaryhrhoda
The crowd gets low during Flybarre’s 30-minute sculpting class. @selfmagazine
