FitSugar

Get Your Butt in Gear: Tops by lululemon

FitSugar — Fri, 11 May 2007 02:00:00 -0700

I am always on the lookout for cute and practical workout wear. One of my faves is lululemon. Right now I am really into all of their tops.

The tops are very colorful and flattering. Plus, they're great for yoga, Pilates, dance, going to the gym, biking - whatever you do to move your body. They are great for almost every activity under the sun.

You don't have to worry about your skin getting irritated of chafed, since these tops have flat seams. Plus they're made from comfortable material that wicks away moisture so you stay dry.

They have so many variations: some have shelf bras, some have removable cups, and some straps are adjustable. Basically with this many different kinds you are bound to find a top that offers the look, coverage and support you need.

If you want to see more styles, then read more

View 14 Photos ›

To find a lululemon store in your area, just go to the lululemon store locator. Most tank tops are priced in the $40 range.

A New Way to Burn Calories: Speedminton

FitSugar — Wed, 11 Apr 2007 07:30:00 -0700

Looking for a new way to burn calories and tone those arms all while having fun? Who isn't, right?

Try Speedminton, a cross between tennis, badminton, racquetball and squash, but requires no walls, no net and no court. It's a great way to just to have fun at the beach, park, in your backyard or driveway with friends and family. Or you can get more competitive... which you know I love. According to SpeedmintonUSA, you'll burn about 400 calories an hour. In addition to burning major calories, playing a few matches will help to sculpt arms and back, as well as tone legs.

The best part? It's totally affordable! The Speedminton Bag Set ($29.99) includes: 2 Speedracquets, 3 different aerodynamic Speeders, 8 Easy Court cones so you can set up anywhere, 4 Speedlights for up to 3 hours of night play and 1 Speedbag for carrying with you every where you go. Buy it from SportsAuthority.com.

DVD Review: Tank Top Arms, Bikini Belly, Boy Shorts Bottom

FitSugar — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 04:00:00 -0800

In preparation for summer (yay!) I figured I'd check out a new DVD that was sent to me called, Tank Top Arms, Bikini Belly, Boy Shorts Bottom with Minna Lessig ($12.99). You start with a very aerobics oriented warm-up, that I've got to say, was pretty vigorous. It was nice to get right into it, though I couldn't help but think what the actual workout was going to be like if this was just the warm up.

I'm pretty picky when it comes to workout DVDs so to find out what I thought read more.

After the warm up you move into the tank top arm circuit, which includes exercises for the arms and upper body. This is followed by the bikini belly portion (core/abs), boy shorts bottom circuit (legs/booty), full body toning circuit (the toughest and my favorite portion), and cool down - each are broken into about 15 minute segments. You're going to need light and heavier dumbbells, or soup cans/water bottles if you don't have a set at home. With the exception of a few of them (I had to laugh at the shoulder shimmy, since I felt like I was shaking my boobs for the TV), most of the exercises presented are good standard exercises that you can incorporate into your gym routine - most are those that I already do on a regular basis.

I'm not sure how I feel about the instructor saying things like, "Come on, give it to me," as a form of encouragement, but the workout is really good if you can get past it. I suggest you break it up by doing one section on its own day along with some form of cardio. Also, be sure to start with a light weight and move to heavier weights as you get stronger. I highly suggest this DVD to someone looking to get in a good resistance workout without all the frills - I'll definitely be doing it again, and again.

Skull Tank Top: Cool or Not?

FitSugar — Fri, 31 Aug 2007 10:00:00 -0700

YAS (Yoga and Spinning) just sent me this Skull Tank Top to use for Yoga and Pilates. It's got a V-back, with adjustable straps, and the scoop neck covers you up. Personally, I hate it when my boobs pop out while trying to do Down Dog.

I have to say that the wicking fabric is super soft, and there is a generous-sized shelf-bra inside that offers support without too much constriction.

It's honestly one of the most comfortable tanks I've ever worn, and it's not too expensive either, for yoga gear at least. Buy it online at go2yas.com for $41.50.

I'm just not too sure about the morbid skull design. What do you think?

Long Tank Tops - Don't Look at My Belly

FitSugar — Sat, 03 Mar 2007 03:00:00 -0800

It's one of my pet peeves to be working out and have to fuss with my outfit. When I'm going for a run, I don't want to have to worry about my shirt riding up. If I'm doing camel pose in a yoga class, I don't need to show the world my belly button - if I did, I'd just wear a sports bra.

Check out this tank top by Nike. It has a shelf bra built in to support your bosoms. It also has shaped cups for even more support and less nipple showing (I hate that).

It has got a v-neck so it looks a bit more flattering. The wide racerback straps provide comfortable coverage and free movement - you won't have to worry about your skinny spaghetti strap sliding off.

The best part? The length of the top is longer, so your belly will be covered any way you move. It comes in black, white, razzle pink (shown), and aurora blue for $38.

Weigh In: Flirtatious Guy at the Gym

FitSugar — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 03:00:02 -0800

This FitSugar reader needs some advice about an overly friendly guy at her gym.

Dear Fit,
I joined a gym last Winter because my New Year's resolution was to lose 40 pounds. I'm halfway to my goal, and am really proud of myself. I definitely notice a big change when I try on clothes or look in the mirror, and it seems there's a guy at my gym who has noticed too. I've been heading to the gym after work three times a week for the past 10 months, and recently this guy I've seen ever since I joined has been approaching me. He compliments me, saying things like, "looking good today," or "your arms look really ripped in that tank top." Don't get me wrong - the attention is actually really nice since I never had anything like that when I was heavier, but it's a little creepy. I'm not attracted to this guy at all, and it kind of pisses me off that as soon as I lose weight, I'm worth the friendly smiles and sweet words. Really, I'm at the gym for one purpose only, so how can I get this guy off my back without seeming like a total bitch?
-Annoyed Annie

If you have any experience with this or any suggestions, please share them below.

Get Your Butt in Gear: Brooks Powerpro Mesh Tank

FitSugar — Thu, 21 Jun 2007 09:30:00 -0700

We all know that Brooks makes great running shoes, but did you know they make great gear as well. The Powerpro Mesh Tank ($44) seems as engineered as their sneakers and I appreciate the attention to detail. Constructed from their Powerpro mesh, this top is designed for ventilation, breathability and moisture management - that's just a fancy way to say wicking. The fabric is even textured to aid evaporation. A lot of technology is at work to keep you dry.

Not only is this tank designed to move the sweat away from your body, it is also constructed with an internal bra ideal for supporting A-C cup athletes. It offers shape as well as support since its encapsulation design eliminates the "uni-boob" phenomenon. The inner liner also moves moisture away from the skin for dry comfort during and after your workout. The entire shirt is sewn with rolled over edges to prevent chafing. Like I said, a lot of attention to detail

Buy it directly from Brooks in either black or canyon - that's orange in catalog speak.

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).

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?