Every thing Russell Simmons touches turns to gold, and now the hip-hop mogul and avid yoga lover is launching a whole new business venture sure to be a hit. Simmons has announced he will be teaming up with Gaiia Enterprises Global Ltd. to develop Tantris, a lifestyle brand for men and women including yoga fashion and activewear, yoga equipment, prayer beads, and relaxation accessories.

Simmons fell in love with yoga and wants to share it with the world in the best way he knows how- with style.

“Yoga is meant to relieve the noise. After doing yoga, I feel alive and awakened. I want to give people that feeling or to teach people who want to learn more about yoga,” Simmons said.

You will only be able to find Simmons’ Tantris line in select department and specialty stores, but Simmons hopes to extend Tantris into its own stores, yoga studios and juice bars.

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Trying to find great workout clothes can be an impossible task. Sure, you could work out in an oversized t-shirt and baggy basketball shorts, but let’s face it – stylish exercise clothes can be practical and inspiring. The workout gear of the 70′s and 80′s has thankfully gone the way of the 8 track player and many companies use technology to create clothing that wicks, breathes and does everything except the super set, all while incorporating style and keeping you looking good! One such company is FILA.

Since it got its start in Italy in 1911, FILA has been well known for creating comfortable, functional exercise clothing that is both beautiful and high quality.

This fall, FILA announced two new product lines: Supplex and Body Toning System. Offered in bright jewel tones and modeled by real women in their advertisements, these workout clothes have quickly become my own personal favorites.

I was sent a pair of Supplex yoga pants, a BTS tank and capri pants for running. All three items fit well and made for comfortable exercise, with a bonus that they helped me look good while exercising. If I look good, I feel good. Silly and vain, but I’ll bet you nodded as you read it, didn’t you? But, you might ask – what’s so special about these new clothing lines?

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Hanging Christmas stockings never gets old. Even though you may be the one that packs them, it’s still an exciting and integral part of many families’ holiday traditions. Instead of packing them with candy, here is a list of pint sized products – every one of them completely tested! – that can help your family members get a leg up on a healthy, active lifestyle before the New Year’s Eve ball drops!

Handful Bras
– Originally created because company owner Jennifer Ferguson  couldn’t find a flattering sports bra, this pocket sized product is a dream come true for smaller breasted ladies. Holding you firm without flattening or causing the dreaded “Uni-boob” image, this is the one sports bra that does it all. I let my two older daughters try this bra, and it has already become a favorite. It doesn’t ride up, it flatters and holds everything into place. In other words, it does exactly what it’s *supposed* to do and none of what it isn’t.  Attractive enough to be worn alone, or flattering under a traditional work out top, this bra would make a wonderful addition to a Christmas stocking.

Myorope Balls – These “balls on a rope” appear innocent and safe, but one quick trial and you’ll know that these balls mean business! I’ve long been a fan of self-massage and trigger point pressure, even going so far as to carry a lacrosse ball in my boxing bag. It can be tricky to get the ball at just the right spot, which is where the unique design of the Myorope comes in. Offered in 2, 4 or 6, the design allows for one ball to be anchored and lets the rest get into every nook and crevice that needs help. If you’ve got a runner, CrossFit enthusiast or triathlete – or if you are a fan of foam rolling, these will be the hit of the day. (I’ve been badgered for my set every time I enter the gym!)

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Last night Victoria’s Secret taped its highly anticipated annual fashion show, presenting the latest, and most over-the-top, lingerie styles. The brand has an elite team of models, some of the most well-paid, not to mention beautiful, in the industry. This year’s star-studded event will air November 29, and make us immediately regret second helpings of Thanksgiving mashed potatoes.

For the women who model for Victoria’s Secret their bodies are their tools of the trade. They catch a lot of criticism, as much as they do praise, for their long, lean, well-toned bodies. It’s not a look, or a lifestyle, that’s realistic for most women, and with that being said, it shouldn’t be imitated either.

Adriana Lima, one of the Angels, shared how she prepares for one of the biggest fashion shows of the year. Much like bras sold at Victoria’s Secret, her regimen is not one-size-fits-all.
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Adidas recently introduced a new minimal shoe called the Adipure Trainer. At first glance it may appear that they are jumping on the minimalist performance shoe bandwagon (yes, such a thing exists) but after taking a closer look, the Adipure Trainer is marketing their shoe for a whole other, and possibly wiser purpose.

The Adipure Trainer is just that, a trainer. It is the first barefoot training shoe designed specifically for the gym. Adidas does not call this a performance shoe, they are promoting it as a way to build strength and harness the body’s natural bio-mechanics. These are the elements that the other minimalist shoes promote as well. However, our feet need time to build up strength before we take them out of a stable shoe and take off for a run. This is why many people are getting hurt in minimal shoes, they are performing in them without proper preparation and their unadapted feet and body are suffering.

The Adipure is designed to take those gradual steps in training the body. The Adipure Trainer activates and strengthens muscles, builds balance and promotes dexterity. The shoes have independent toe separations and a quarter-inch profile. They are designed so that the foot can be close to the ground for optimal speed, balance, and agility during a conditioning workout. The shoe is supposed to mimic the foot and create a natural feeling that will still protect the skin and provide traction.

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