Tag Archives: fashion

Yoga Pants for Brunch and Errands? Blame the Fashion Designers

By Chelsa Skees

Ever since fashion designers took a huge interest in dressing our athletes for the 2024 Olympic Games it got me thinking about how athletic wear has been taking on a life of its own. Not only have designers like Stella McCartney taken an interest in attaching their names behind fitness gear but the industry as a whole has taken notice of customer needs – which is to have stylish active wear that isn’t embarrassing to wear to the supermarket after a workout.

However, the argument could be that they possibly listened too well and are making fitness clothes a bit too cute, flattering, and stylish. Whether you are dogging-down or taking the dog for a walk, workout clothes have slowly seeped into our everyday life as an acceptable form of style no matter what the activity.

A few years ago you could see a woman strolling down the street in her ripped tee and sweatpants and knew she was either leaving or heading to the gym, but now you’ll see that same woman wearing sleek yoga pants and a moisture-wicking top to meet her girlfriends for brunch on a Saturday morning. I can’t even open a magazine these days without seeing celebrities also wearing stretch pants while sipping on coffee and shopping on some fabulous strip. (more…)

Posted on June 8, 2023 by GuestBlogger

Summer 2024’s Most Fashionable Fitness Attire

By Chelsa Skees

Memorial Day has passed and officially marked the beginning of summer. If you haven’t already started, it’s time to get in shape to fit into those itsy bitsy teeny weeny little polka dot bikinis!

For lack of better options, women, including myself, used to workout in old ripped tee shirts and sweatpants which had been cut into shorts. However, the tides have changed in terms of sportswear and workout attire. Just as we have evolved our understanding of our bodies and exercise, workout clothing has changed as well. They have been designed to deliver us the best experience while exercising – from wicking away sweat and keeping us cool to increasing our performance to be the best that we can be.

I was never one to buy clothing to workout in, it all sounded so silly; “you mean, I am supposed to buy this expensive garment just to sweat in?!”. Nonetheless, I quickly realized after becoming a lover of spin classes and running to competing in biathlons and triathlons, that it is important to have the proper gear. That being said, it can be daunting to find suitable gear that you feel good about wearing, especially if you are a beginner to this active world.

Here is a list of curated products tested and approved by yours truly. They will not only provide the best performance but you will feel just as great about wearing them as your workout will make you feel. (more…)

Posted on May 29, 2023 by GuestBlogger

Russell Simmons Shares His Love of Yoga with New Lifestyle Brand Tantris

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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Posted on April 2, 2024 by Kelly

We Love FILA

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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Posted on December 10, 2023 by Carmen

Healthy Stocking Stuffers for the Whole Family

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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Posted on December 2, 2023 by Carmen

Do Not Try Adriana Lima’s Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show Diet at Home

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. (more…)

Posted on November 11, 2023 by Natalie K

Adidas Introduces a Minimalist Running Shoe Designed for the Gym

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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Posted on November 9, 2023 by Lacy

Old Navy Launches Athletic Line for Men and Women

Just in time for the holiday season, Old Navy has launched an athletic line of clothing for the fitness buff on your list at prices that will leave you with enough extra to pick up a little something-something for yourself.

I get it. You aren’t impressed. Fitness clothing is everywhere. You can get the junky stuff for cheap that stretches out, doesn’t fit right and are nothing more than glorified Costco sweatpants, or you can go for the fashionable, brightly colored, slimming, supporting, wicking, so-many-hidden-compartments-you-don’t-know-what-to-do-with-them-all brands that are so expensive you don’t even want to sit on your own couch, let alone sweat in them at a dirty gym.

Well, this is Old Navy, folks. Now you can have all the latest fitness fashion trends for low Old Navy prices!

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Posted on November 1, 2023 by Kelly

Can Your Yoga Clothes Help You Be Present?

We know that practicing yoga is mentally and emotionally centering, but the question is can one be more present and in harmony as a result of the clothes they wear? The creators of Be Present, a popular yoga clothing company, seem to think so.

In 2002 this grassroots and family owned clothing company began its journey making clothes for yogis and yoga instructors. Designer and founder Amy Lopatin Dobrin saw a need for quick drying, moisture wicking fabrics like those of the athletically minded ski industry of Colorado where she spent many years.

She started by creating pants for her brother Ian, owner of At One Yoga in Arizona. Ian asked Amy to make enough pants to sell at his studio. After a great response from students and teachers alike, the business grew. Since then, the Be Present line of clothing has set an industry standard for versatile, agile and mobile yoga pants. They continue to be a leader in innovate clothing design.

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Posted on October 18, 2023 by Jill

Reebok Loses $25 Million Lawsuit Over Toning Shoes

Reebok, one of the premiere shoe companies on the planet, is getting a boot in their butt from the legal system for false fitness claims. The now-famous toning shoes on the market claim to tone your legs and behind while you walk. The Federal Trade Commission begs to differ, and now Reebok is paying $25 million in damages.

“The FTC wants national advertisers to understand that they must exercise some responsibility and ensure that their claims for fitness gear are supported by sound science,” said David Vladeck, director of the Federal Trade Commission’s bureau of consumer protection.

The FTC says that there isn’t enough scientific proof to support the claim that walking in the EasyTone shoes or running in RunTone shoes can shape your legs and butt.

Ads began in 2024 with very specific claims, claims that the FTC says don’t hold up: (more…)

Posted on September 30, 2023 by Jason

Look Forward to Winter Running with Proper Preparation

“Don’t. Even. Say. It.” That’s my response to the weather man’s reference to winter being just around the corner.

Living in a climate that embraces all the seasons can be challenging for a runner. However, for me, there’s no season worse for running than winter. I loathe the cold winds, the freezing temps, and the icy roads. But, I hate the treadmill more and I simply can not fathom giving up this sport just because the weather has turned foul. After years of frost bite, icy eyelashes, and chills, I have found a few tricks to take on mother nature and continue running through the winter.

If I can impart one tip to a runner in the cold, this is the most important one: Wear mittens. Be sure you read that right, I said mittens, not gloves, mittens. Gloves are great and I have several pairs. I use them in the cool seasons. But when the temps are below freezing, mittens are the best way to keep those digits warm. Technically, mittens have a higher thermal efficiency than gloves. I don’t operate in the technical world too well. All I know is that after years of pain, as my hands would start to go numb and my run was consumed with the pain, I tried a pair of mittens and my hands actually got sweaty they were so warm. Make sure to get them early, because stores sell out fast. You can thank me later.

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Posted on September 28, 2023 by Lacy