FitSugar

Get Your Butt in Gear: Joe's Pila-T-Shop

FitSugar — Thu, 01 Mar 2007 11:00:03 -0800

If you've been reading FitSugar, you know that I am mildly obsessed with finding functional (and cute) gear. I am not always loving the straight tank and crop pants look [boring] so when I find something fun, I like to let you guys know about it.

Joe's Pila-T-Shop makes these great shirts (tanks, tees, long sleeved, etc.) that really make a statement. No seriously, they make statements like, "Flow Like Joe" or "got powerhouse?" or "Welcome to Joe's Torture Chamber". For those of you wondering who this crazy Joe is, the shirts are referring to Joe aka Joseph Pilates, the father of Pilates (not cuppa', schmoe or husband of Mary as you may have been thinking). Anyone who has done Pilates can tell you that at times the reformer may truly seem like a torture chamber. Prices range from $25-$35, depending on which style you get and they're all quite soft, making them great to wear while doing Pilates and beyond. Buy directly from Joe's Pila-T-Shop online. To see the cute styles, read more

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Reality Check: Ashlee Isn't a No Carbs Kind of Girl

FitSugar — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 12:00:02 -0800

Even though she lives the So Cal lifestyle, Ashlee Simpson-Wentz told Women's Health that she doesn't starve herself for a Hollywood figure; she simply loves food, and one of her favorite feasts features Mexican fare. Once a week Ashlee and her hubby, Fall Out Boy bassist Pete Wentz, invite family and friends over for taco night. Ashlee told the mag that she's not afraid of cheese, eats cheeseburgers with ranch dressing, and indulges in French fries. But don't spread the rumor that she's eating for two, because she's not, and Ashlee shares that she's even slimmer than ever.

She boasts about devouring whatever she wants, doesn't deprive herself of the foods she craves, and still has such a great figure. To find out what she asys is her secret, read more.

Ashlee's secret weapon is Bronx Pilates! Her 1-year-old son is in her arms all day, and carrying around that extra weight has helped to really tone her arms.

Before she gave birth, Ashlee had gained 50 pounds, and her breasts were up to a size E when she was nursing. So once baby Bronx was two weeks old, she was ready to start losing the extra pounds. A home-delivery meal plan didn't work since she's a big eater. She says, "If I want a grilled cheese sandwich, I'll eat a grilled cheese sandwich." So she turned to exercise, and with the help of a personal trainer, the new mama set up a home gym and started circuit training. Four weeks later, Ashlee had lost half her baby weight. Her diligent workouts have definitely paid off. Of course, this young actress also has her youth and genes to thank. Though she looks amazing now, Ashlee dispels the notion that her bod was a result of Hollywood stress. She says, "I wasn't in a rush to get back to this body for anyone else. It was more like, 'I wanna look good [for me]? I wanna feel good.'"

Ashlee is feeling great and very appreciative of her family and all life has blessed her with. On top of a great career and a healthy son, her hubby is a great source of comfort and support. "Pete isn't worried about stretch marks, " she says, "He always makes me feel sexy."

The way she explains it, she doesn't really do anything currently to maintain her figure. Do you believe it?

Website Sources for Your Powerhouse

FitSugar — Sat, 30 Dec 2006 13:12:11 -0800

Looking for a little direction on the web when you're surfing about Pilates. Well, do I have a site for you. Go to Love to Know's Pilates section. It'll give you the top 10 sites to peruse for information on one of my favorite ways to exercise. There are sites that detail the history of the Pilates Method and sites to help you find an instructor in your area.

They also list the top 10 sites for buying all things Pilates. I have to say Balanced Body is my favorite.

Go Apparel: Tell it How it is Sista

FitSugar — Fri, 09 Feb 2007 03:30:00 -0800

I am always complaining about the lack of great fitness clothing. Usually there is nothing overly cute about it.

Recently, I came across a great company called Go Apparel that makes these really catchy tees ($25) with some very appropriate sayings: "I did the 100 today. Did you?" and "Table Top Sucks," For anyone who has ever done Pilates, they can tell you that doing the 100s is an accomplishment worth bragging about, and that table top really does suck.

I'm loving these shirts not only because of the great things they say, but also because they are super cute (the image above does not do them justice), so incredibly soft and extra long (you know I love that). You could wear the tee just to lounge around or you could wear one while actually doing Pilates.

The story of how these tees came to be is a great one: Two actors fall in love on set. She convinces him to try Pilates and he is shocked at how hard it is. She makes him a shirt. He wears it during his next class and the crowd goes wild for the shirt and they starting making and selling them in a business. You may think the G.O. in G.O. Apparel has something to do with fitness but in reality, it stands for the couple's cats: Gemma and Oreo. Buy a shirt (or two) directly from GoApparel.net.

Get Your Butt in Gear: Stonewear Designs

FitSugar — Fri, 20 Jul 2007 09:30:00 -0700

When I workout, I'm looking for clothes that are comfortable, well-made, reasonably priced, and flattering. I want clothes that can withstand more than a few washes, and support my active lifestyle (and my curves).

I found a new company that fits the bill - Stonewear Designs. Their tank tops are really unique, like nothing I've ever seen. I love all the criss-crossy straps, and the styles with the higher necks (you don't want your ladies popping out while working out). These tops are perfect for walking, hiking, biking, rock climbing, strength training, Yoga, and Pilates. Many of the styles have support bras attached, so you could even do some jogging.

Another great thing about Stonewear Designs is their goal: to make clothing that helps women feel good about their bodies. I love that, and I love these tops.

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American Apparel Sport Tops

FitSugar — Thu, 15 Feb 2007 09:33:00 -0800

I am always searching for great tops to exercise in. It's tough to find ones that are cute, comfy, and functional for the right price.

I discovered that American Apparel makes this really sweet v-neck tank with shelf-bra. It's made of 95% combed cotton and 5% spandex. It's soft, yet fits snugly to move when you do.

I love that it comes in so many bright colors, not just black, red, and blue like so many other sport tops. And for the cheap price of only $19, you really can't go wrong.

This top is definitely for the type of exercise that doesn't require too much jumping or bouncing, if you know what I mean. It doesn't offer enough support for a run, but would be perfect for a brisk walk or a Pilates or Yoga class.

Fit's Tips: The only thing about American Apparel - their sizes run really small. I'd shoot for one size larger than you normally wear. Here's a picture of me wearing it in raspberry (size Medium).

Get Your Butt in Gear: Fit Couture

FitSugar — Fri, 16 Feb 2007 11:00:00 -0800

I am always on the look out for cool and comfortable gear to wear when I am working out. I just found Fit Couture and their clothes seems to fit the bill.

This Houston based, woman owned company has a pretty simple mission:

Provide the most exciting styles for women's fitness apparel available anywhere.
Offer the widest selection of color choices on the market.
Use only the best specialty fabrics and emphasize high quality construction.

The clothes are basic black with splashes of color. I love the colored waist bands, which are great if your black top and black pants are somehow different shades of black (which happens when you mix and match your "labels").

It is easy to imagine wearing their American made clothes to Pilates or yoga and then to the grocery store. Plus there are consumer reviews to help you figure out what piece is right for you and your workout. Fit Couture provides some helpful descriptive phrases: "bra friendly", "loose fitting (but not at all baggy)", and "fitted, but not skin tight."

To see more of Fit Couture's clothes, just read more

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Class Act: Cardio Tai Boxing

FitSugar — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 09:00:13 -0800

I'm big on fitness classes, but tend to stick with Pilates, yoga, or something slower-paced - usually afraid that I won't be able to keep up with a class that requires any dance technique. My exercise solution came in the form of Crunch's Cardio Tai Box class - a class that gets you moving without a required-knowledge of dance choreography. All you need to know? How to punch and kick. Really.

In fact, once you master the basic kicks and three different kinds of punches, you'll easily catch on when the combinations are introduced - so don't psych yourself out if you can't keep up right away. The key throughout the workout is to focus on each individual action, fully extend your arms and legs for punches and kicks, and be conscious of your core - if you're flexing your abs throughout you'll notice improved balance and form that'll make leg extension easier for round-house and side-kicks.

To learn more about the class and see video, just read more.

Ultimately, you'll find that the high intensity that the class requires goes hand in hand with the kinds of moves you're doing - and throwing a few punches is sure to relieve stress or any aggression after a long day at work; it's hands-down my top choice for a workout to shake things up and re-energize mid-week. If you lag behind during round one, just go back and do it again, or pull aside your instructor after class to go over technique, this way, you'll be up to speed and blasting calories by round two in the cardio ring.

Let Lauren Conrad Dress You

FitSugar — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 09:00:05 -0700

Even though we're missing her on The Hills, Lauren Conrad is keeping busy. Last week the reality star launched her LC Lauren Conrad for Kohl's line in LA. The affordable "California-inspired" line is filled with cute separates like jeans and knit tops but there are also a few pieces that would look great in a yoga and Pilates studio too. These pieces are on sale now and we're loving how affordable the prices are - nothing shown here is over $25!

I am thinking the tank and leggings would look lovely on a Pilates Reformer layered with either shirt for walking to and from class. What about you?

Check Your Breath

FitSugar — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 14:40:16 -0700

Breathing is fundamental to every form of exercise I can think of; the first concept I teach new Pilates clients is how to breathe. I might know this intellectually, but Hannah my swim coach at Equinox decided my freestyle breathing needed an overhaul.

To prove her point, she even took a video of my form. Since my swim lesson last week, I have been paying extra attention to my breathing in all forms of exercise, from yoga to running, as well as when I am in the pool and I urge you to check your own breath. Are you unconsciously holding it at any point when you're working out? Are you raising your shoulders to inhale? When you inhale are you only filling the top portion of your lungs? This is a great little tool and if you're feeling bored with your workout, it gives you something productive to work with rather than watching the clock.