FitSugar

Danskin Yoga Gear Goes Organic

FitSugar — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 13:00:00 -0800

You try to eat organic, but do you dress organic? Organic cotton is becoming increasingly popular among eco-minded types, since it's grown without the
large amounts of pesticides that bathe conventional cotton - about 1/3 of a pound of chemicals per one cotton t-shirt! Organic cotton is better for the environment and our health.

So since I've been happy with the Danskin clothes I've been testing out lately, I was delighted to see that the gear brand is getting into organic cotton. Perfect for yoga and Pilates, all of the Danskin Prima Organics are constructed from organic cotton with nontoxic dyes. For details on the line, read more.

The cotton-jersey fabric on these pieces looks like that of a high-quality t-shirt, so at first I was afraid it might ride up or chafe. But it actually feels much lighter on the skin; it breathes well and wears nicely. The only complaint I have is that it feels like it might lose its shape over time, but it's tough to tell after just one wear and one washing. Here's a look at the line.

Double V-Neck Jersey Tank Top ($52) This casual tank provides plenty of coverage and has a built-in bra that stays put perfectly.
Y-Back Jersey Tank Top ($48) Soft and stretchy, this basic form-fitting top is nice and long for ample coverage.
Long-Sleeve Hooded Top ($52) Like the tank top, this hoodie has a nice long silhouette, and it's cozy without being bulky.
Interlock Bootleg Pant ($56) These stretchy slim pants are great for stretching and even cold-weather jogs.
Interlock Crop Pant ($50) The cropped, wide-band pants were incredibly flattering and fell nicely on my legs.

Review: Danskin X-Training Jacket

FitSugar — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 12:45:13 -0700

The weather is starting cool, considerably in some parts, and that means wearing more layers - sometimes even indoors. I don't like feeling cold, but so many sweaters, jackets, and hoodies are just too bulky, so I have been looking for something form-fitting, cozy, and thin. I put on my new Danskin X-Training Jacket ($76) a couple of days ago and have yet to take it off.

It meets all my requirements and then some. It's perfect for typing in my shady house and walking the dog. The fabric is super soft: The jacket feels good on, and my husband loves hugging me when I am wearing it. Since I am wearing it all the time, that is a good thing.

For more details on the jacket, just read more.

The jacket is form-fitting without being tight, and it has a dual zipper so you can unzip at both ends. The side pockets are zippered, too, which makes this a great outer layer if you are on the go. I also love the back stash pocket, which fastens with Velcro, it's very helpful for carrying bags when hiking to clean up anything my dog Bonnie might leave on the trail. I also like the iPod port that goes from the front left pocket inside the jacket and out the collar - this feature would be handy for a run. Although there is a bit of reflective detailing on the jacket, it's not enough make you super visible if you are running at night. But I appreciate that the jacket is long and covers most of my bum. I am definitely wearing this under my ski jacket on cold mountain days once ski season starts.

Since I am trying not to buy black clothing - I have so much of it already - I got the jacket in purple, aka "prism." It also comes in pink (snapdragon), black, and pale green (arctic). You can order directly from Danskin.

If $75 seems like a lot for a jacket, I rationalized my purchase this way: Since I can wear it inside, I won't have to turn on the heat for a while, and when I do, I won't have to crank it because I will be so cozy in my Danskin jacket. Check out the other colors and the collar iPod port below.

View 3 Photos ›

Turn Signal Bicycling Jacket: Cool or Not?

FitSugar — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 13:30:00 -0700

This Turn Signal Biking Jacket, designed by Leah Buechley, uses wrist-mounted switches to activate LED arrows on the back. It's easier than using old-fashioned hand-turn signals, and the lights provide an added element of safety.

Though it's not for sale - I think it's just a prototype - this could be a smart purchase for cyclists. What do you think?

Source

Get Your Butt in Gear: SpreadShirt

FitSugar — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 12:30:00 -0700

If you're training for a marathon for charity then you're probably looking to get more donations, so one way to be creative and up those charity dollars is with SpreadShirt.com - and design your own gear shop online. Not only can you give away personalized T-shirts to your donators (say you charge $25 for the shirt, which means $10 to create it and the remaining $15 can go to help support your charity), but you can also create your own shirt to make a statement on the race day, or whenever you wear it. I mean, how cool would it be to have your kids wearing a "Team [insert your name here]" shirt as you cross the finish line?

Let's be honest, I've been wearing my custom FitSugar shirt (pictured) all the time, because I think it's cute and it performs well on my runs - and no, I'm not training for a race. It's not very expensive, this design I created on the wicking performance tee was only $31.40, but there are a lot of shirts (and other accessories such as hoodies and bags) to chose from, so it's fun and easy to do. Get started here.

You saw mine, now tell me yours. What would your personalized fitness shirt say?

Do You Wear Undies When You Work Out?

FitSugar — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 10:15:00 -0800

When it comes to working out, some of us dress up and some of us dress down, but the remaining question would be what do you wear to the gym underneath your favorite workout wear? The great underwear and workout debate has filled many a locker room with chatter, with both the pro and con factions claiming comfort is the reason they go commando or wear undies. I am sure that this debate informed the advent of those high-tech wicking panties designed to keep your nether regions cool and dry while rocking your heart rate into your target zone.

So I was wondering . . .

Source

Get Your Butt in Gear: Warm Baselayers From Patagonia

FitSugar — Thu, 07 Feb 2008 02:30:00 -0800

Are you into active Winter sports? Then you've got to wear a baselayer shirt and pants that are made to both insulate your body heat and wick sweat away from your skin. Ones made out of Capilene are great because they're reasonably priced and very comfortable. Since they're made with polyester, they don't really let your skin breathe. If you're prone to body breakouts, be sure to change out of these as soon as you're done playing in the snow.

Ones made from 100% merino wool are pricier, but in my opinion they are well worth the extra dough. They're made out of a natural fabric that has exceptional wicking abilities. Since merino wool is a natural fiber, it lets your skin breathe and won't stink when you sweat. The one thing that does stink about this material is that if your skin is sensitive, it may feel a little itchy, but washing it a few times should help fix that problem.

It comes down to personal preference and these are some of my favorites made by Patagonia.

Patagonia Women's Capilene 3 Crew ($44)	Patagonia Women's Capilene 3 Bottoms ($44)
Patagonia Women's Capilene 4 Zip-Neck ($85)	Patagonia Women's Wool Crew ($82)	Patagonia Women's Wool Bottoms ($82)

Spring Exercise Tip: Take a Shower

FitSugar — Fri, 20 Apr 2007 17:15:00 -0700

I know it hasn't quite felt like Spring yet, with the East Coast getting that Nor'Easter last week, but I think it's safe to say that She has arrived!

With this exciting warmer weather and sunshiny skies, everyone is getting the itch to get outside and enjoy it. There were hardly any people in my yoga class, and there were no lines for the machines at the gym - everyone's exercising in this amazing weather.

Since the temperature is warmer, you're going to be sweating more. Sweat can cause major problems in the skin department, because bacteria can get into your pores and cause pimples, even if you were never prone to body acne before.

Wearing clothes made out of fabrics that wick away moisture can help, but the best thing you can do is:

Get out of those sweaty wet clothes as soon as you're done working out (we all know that sitting in wet undies is a great way to get a yeast infection). Make sure to wash your workout clothes before you wear them again.
Change into a whole new dry outfit, or better yet, take a shower to wash off all that sweat and bacteria.
If you're prone to breaking out after working out, get yourself some acne-fighting body wash. After the shower, use a lotion that contains salicylic acid on areas where you tend to break out - this can help prevent pimples from starting in the first place.

Source

Get Your Butt in Gear: SkirtSport

FitSugar — Wed, 07 Feb 2007 10:15:00 -0800

I think of myself as a jock just because I played sports in high school. But really, I am just a grown up girl with two very girly daughters. I've been celebrating my more feminine side and have wholeheartedly embraced pink (thanks to my pink loving daughters), and now I want to run fast in a skirt!!!

Thanks to SkirtSports I can. They are pioneering a new trend in women's fitness apparel - yep, the sport skirt - everything old is new again. Their skirts are great for running, biking, gym time, tennis, golf walking, and just hanging out looking cool in a brightly colored mini. You can look like an athlete and a woman at the same time. After all it is National Girls & Women In Sports Day, and these skirts incorporate both the feminine and the sporty. This is what professional triathlete Nicole DeBoom was thinking when she decided to create this line of sports clothes for women.

If you are thinking of converting to the skirt, send in an old pair of running shorts and receive a 45% discount. Which could be your gateway skirt, which run (haha!!!) around $70.

Interested in trying one on before you buy? SkirtSports has a great retail locator on their website.

Acacia: Supports the Happy Healthy You

FitSugar — Wed, 31 Jan 2007 15:15:00 -0800

While searching for fitness DVDs online, I found Acacia - it's a wonderful source for beautiful and natural products that relax and rejuvenate.

They have distinctive creations for the body, spirit, and home - for inspiration, well-being, and for a more healthy and balanced life.

You can find unique clothing, footwear, beauty supplies, jewelry, and books. But really - they have an exceptional DVD collection that's pretty reasonably priced.

I found some great videos on Pilates, Yoga, Dance, and Prenatal fitness. Each video is around $20, which seems fairly reasonable, considering I usually see them for a lot more.

Fit's Tips: Want to give the gift of health and wellness? You can buy Acacia gift certificates online, so your friend can choose from a whole array of spiritual items that support a healthy and peaceful lifestyle. This might even make great Valentine's Day gift for your loved ones.

Gift Ideas For Yogis

FitSugar — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 08:00:59 -0800

Yoga love has blossomed everywhere it seems, and just about everyone I know has either tried it, or practices regularly. I'm sure you know a friend or family member who has yoga coursing through her veins, so this holiday season, give her a gift to support her obsession.