FitSugar

Green Your Fitness: 5 Eco-Friendly Companies Doing It the Right Way

Michele Foley — Mon, 25 Apr 2011 14:07:54 PDT

We're all for companies adding eco-friendly gear to their lines, but what makes us really happy is when a business really commits itself to the environment. Because, let's face it, caring about the planet involves much more than offering one organic shirt in your line. From where they source their materials to the kind of energy their buildings run on, here are five companies that we already love for their awesome athletic gear, but who impress us even more for the eco-friendly ways they run their business.

Transition Into Spring With Athletic Hoodies and Jackets

Susi May — Thu, 10 Mar 2011 03:45:19 PST

March truly does comes in like a lion and for those blustery days you need to cover up. Spring workout fashion is all about creating versatile layers with a hoodie or jacket. Here are a few pieces to keep you cozy to and from your workouts.

In clockwise order starting at the top left: Alo Origami Jacket ($85); Athleta Tech Stretch Hoodie ($118); Puma Lightweight Cover Up ($35); Lolё Truly zip hoodie ($90); Prana Mandie Hoodie ($70); Hornytoad Delectable Hoodie ($68).

Fit For April: Must Haves

FitSugar — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 07:00:06 PDT

I love the arrival of Spring, so April is one of my favorite times of year. It makes total sense that Earth Day falls during April, too. We all get to head outdoors for our workouts and celebrate everything that the planet has to offer. Our April picks are all about being fit, but in the most responsible way. You'll find gear that is made in sustainable ways using responsible materials, and it's my hope that you'll even be inspired to plant a tree or two!

Sale Alert: 25% Off prAna.com!

FitSugar — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 13:30:00 PST

Just in time for the holidays, prAna (in conjunction with yogatoday.com) is offering 25 percent off all online purchases through Dec. 12. All you have to do is enter the promotion code "YOGATODAY" at checkout. I am loving this Crush Sport Top ($48, before discount) - perfect for yoga and all my other fitness endeavors. Visit prAna.com now to start shopping.

Happy shopping and happy holidays!

Get Your Butt in Gear: Summer prAna Bottoms

FitSugar — Tue, 07 Aug 2007 02:00:00 PDT

Summer workouts deserve cool and comfortable clothes, made from flexible and quick-drying materials. Summer workout gear needs to be sturdy too since you know you are going to be washing those workout clothes a lot.

That's why I love prAna separates. The styles are cute and flattering, but they can also withstand many washings. I thought you might be interested in some bottoms to go with all the prAna tops I told you about recently. Here are my faves.

prAna: Rio Short	prAna: Sugar Mini Skirt
prAna: Elisa Organic Short	prAna: Gaucho Capri
prAna: Paige Short	prAna: Paige Capri

Get Your Butt in Gear: prAna Tops

FitSugar — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 02:30:00 PDT

I'm always on the lookout for feminine yet supportive tops for my workouts. I don't mind spending a good chunk of change for a yoga top if it will continue to hold its shape and style after many washings. You know you are going to be washing your workout tops frequently, right?

That's why I love prAna tops. For less than $50, they are all made from amazing fabric that wicks away moisture and never pills or stretches out. Plus they have some adorable styles. Check them out:

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Favorite Excuse for Not Working Out: I Am Not Comfortable In My Outfit

FitSugar — Wed, 09 May 2007 15:45:00 PDT

We've all had those days when we hate everything we try on. Some how it makes us feel even worse when we go to put on our workout clothes. So many of the clothes advertised are way too tight, which can make us feel self-conscious about our bodies.

Since a lot of people are working out in the first place to lose weight and tone up, it doesn't make sense to ditch going to the gym because you don't think you look good enough to go - that's just silly.

Be proud of yourself for having the motivation to workout, and try to envision the body you hope to have - and know in your heart that if you stick to your exercise plan, you'll get there. In the mean time - just because other ladies are wearing sports bras and tiny spandex shorts, doesn't mean you have to. Here are some ideas:

For a bigger chest: Wear a minimizing sports bra like this one from Enell, or if you feel comfortable wearing one of those tank tops with the shelf bra built-in, wear a sports bra underneath it. It'll make your chest look smaller.

Want to hear more ideas? Then

For bigger legs: Who says you have to wear tight pants that look like they were painted on? Get yourself some baggier pants made out of thin material. I like these found by JKe895 - They're not too tight, and not so loose that they look like you're wearing a tablecloth. Plus, the white stripes down the sides give the illusion that your legs are longer than they really are.

For a bigger booty: You could definitely wear loose-fitting pants, but you might also think about trying a running skirt or skort. The one shown is made by prAna and called the Sugar Mini Skirt (love the name). I also like this one found by Brown_Sugar.

For a bigger belly: Ditch the teeny tight-fitting tanks, and opt for a looser fitting t-shirt over a sports bra. Or you could wear a warm-up jacket, like this one found by SU3.

Just so you know - you're not alone. Most people wish they could change something about themselves (that's part of the reason we workout in the first place). Fit's Tips: If working out in public makes you feel too self-conscious, build your own home gym. Get yourself some kind of exercise machine to use at home (like a treadmill or stationary bike). Buying fitness DVDs is also a great option. You could also exercise with your friends - they'll offer the motivation and emotional support everyone needs.

Get Your Butt in Gear: prAna Sugar Mini Skirt

FitSugar — Fri, 16 Mar 2007 12:17:27 PDT

When I go for a run or hike, nothing bothers me more than my shorts riding up into my lady business. I'm constantly having to pull fabric out of places it shouldn't be in the first place, and it's more than annoying - it's quite uncomfortable too.

Check out the Sugar Mini Skirt from prAna. Could the name be any more perfect? I want to get one for all the Sugar gals.

It's got an elastic waistband and built in spandex shorts, so they'll stay put when you run. Plus, I know I don't feel comfortable running out in public in shorty shorts or tight spandex, so the skirt part will cover your booty, but will be short enough (they've got a 3 inch inseam) so you can run freely.

They are made out of New Viana® performance fabric like many of their other prAna products. This material is awesome because you can wash it over and over again, and it looks just like the day you bought it every time. So your black skirt will stay black, and it won't pill or change shape.

The Sugar Mini Skirt fits at the hips then flares out at the bottom. It's 12 1/2 inches long and comes in black, banana, and seafoam. If you want a running skirt in other colors, then check out the SkirtSport.

Fit's Tips: You can order one from prAna directly for $45, or you can check out the fitness and gear stores around you. Many of them carry prAna products.

Liz Claiborne Owns prAna

FitSugar — Thu, 11 Jan 2007 11:30:00 PST

The popular maker of yoga and climbing clothing, prAna, is actually owned by Liz Claiborne. Who would've thought?

The company is extremely environmentally conscious - working to lighten its impact on soils, water supplies, and other natural resources.

They are a member of the Organic Trade Association, and are increasing their use of organic cotton, other natural fibers and recycled materials.

Recognized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy, prAna is committed to using Green Power - renewable energy resources from water, wind, and the sun.

It's great that even though prAna was bought by a big name, it still continues to create quality clothing, accessories, products, supplies, giving it that small business kind of feel. Thumbs up to prAna. Check out some of their stuff.

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6 Things I Wish I Knew Before Buying My First Yoga Mat

Jenny Sugar — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 14:57:25 PDT

When I started practicing yoga over 10 years ago, I couldn't wait to own my first yoga mat. I impulsively bought a pretty purple one, based on color alone. Not the best move, as it began disintegrating after a few weeks. What a waste of $35. Like any fitness gear, it pays to do a little research and to know some tips from well-seasoned yogis. Here are things I wish I knew before buying my first yoga mat.

Not All Mats Are Created Equal
Just as there are many types of yoga, there are even more varieties of yoga mats. Some are lightweight for traveling, some are eco-friendly, and some are designed for classes where you don't sweat much. Choose a mat based on the type of yoga you're doing and the amount you perspire. Avoid mats made for other types of exercise like physical therapy or Pilates, as they can be too squishy or slippery.

If You Want It to Last, Spend the Dough
There are plenty of mats that costs $20 or less, but you get what you pay for in the yoga mat world. Typically found at huge stores like Target or Walmart, less-expensive mats not only wear down after a few months, but they're typically made with chemically-smelling plastics like PVC, which aren't good for the Earth or your body. Pricier mats like the Manduka Black Mat cost ~~a small fortune~~ over $90, but you're paying for a durable mat made to last a lifetime (or two). In the long run, you actually save money.

Keep reading for more tips on buying your first yoga mat.