The Workout Skirt

Tennis players know what's up - working out in a skirt is perfect!  They look adorable yet seriously sporty, they are really comfortable, wick moisture, and move with your every move.  If the shorts underneath offer support and compression then you have the perfect bottom for working out!

Some questions to consider when considering a skirt to workout in:

1.  How short of a skirt are you comfortable wearing?

This is important.  The shorts underneath will ideally be on the tighter side.  This helps you look slim and helps keep the skirt in place during your workout.  Since the shorts are tight they need to be long enough so they don't dig into your legs causing "sausage legs"!  The length of the skirt should be slightly longer than the shorts underneath

2.  Does low-rise work for you?

The rise of the shorts of the skirt will vary greatly among brands.  I often think the low-rise skirts are cute but then I do the jump test in the dressing room.  If they fall down or become very loose, they go back to the rack because I don't want a skirt that falls down when I'm running, Spinning, etc.  If you like low-rise, find the widest part of your hip and find a skirt that sits above that point.  This way it should fall passed your hips.   

3.  Do you favor a little swing in your skirt or are you a clean lines kind of girl?

This is a personal aesthetic choice and will probably be the initial factor in deciding which skirts make it to the dressing room with you.  Skirtsports.comhttp://skirtsports.com/ has many skirts to choose from.  ellasport's Workout Skirt is on the longer side and it sits approximately one inch below the natural waistline.  The skirt has a slight A-line shape and is slightly longer than the compression shorts that are (attached) underneath.  It's a great choice for running.

 

Does the fit of your athletic clothing affect your workout?

Yes it does!  In my last post I wrote about some of the details to think about when choosing tops to workout in.  Now for the bottom side of the issue!  The choices are varied for what to wear on the bottom, but each essentially fall into one of three categories: shorts, pants, or capris.  The two key factors for a perfect fitting bottom is the fabric and fit.  The fabric needs to be thick enough to cover any imperfections.  It also should be stretchy and offer some compression, which "smooths" you out - flattering your curves.  It's very much worth it to splurge on a great pair of workout pants.  The better the fabric, the better the fit.  Also, they should hold up for years!  Expect to spend at least $75 for a good pair of workout pants or capris. 

Capris and Pants
My favorite are capris that are very fitted, actually tight, or those with compression.  This fit is gaining in popularity and I am a huge fan!  Of course the amount of compression offered differs by manufacturer and also by item.  One of the pioneers in this field of compressive athletic apparel is CW-X. Their garments offer A LOT of compression.   In a nut shell, the compression slows the onset of fatigue in your muscles, helps your body absorb shock better, and also aids in quicker recovery when worn after exercise.  But the BEST part is that they make you look about 10 pounds thinner!  SO forget the baggy, cotton capris.  Get a pair of slimming capris or pants that actually make you look thinner, which will make you feel good about yourself, which will motivate you to workout!  These capris and pants are great for long distance running, when muscle fatigue is more on a concern.  Though I wear them for short- and long-distance runs.

For capris that offer some compression but are not as tight as the CW-X brand, my favorite are the New Power Capris by ellasport.  They "smooth you out" and flatter your curves because they fabric offers a moderate amount of compression.  The zip-pocket in the back is made of Coolmax mesh, which breathes really well.  The placement of this pocket is perfect because it literally cuts your butt in half.  Who doesn't want their butt to look smaller?! :) These capris are perfect for running, Spin class, abs class, strength training, whatever you love to do!

In the colder months, yoga pants by lululemon are my favorite to wear over my capris to and from the gym and are also great to wear when running errands.  I think they're too baggy at the bottom for yoga, but they have other pants that aren't as baggy and are great for yoga.

In my opinion, baggy pants are not the best option when it comes to looking and feeling good about yourself when you're working out.  After all, the thinnest part of most women is from their knees down.  Why cover it up!?  Perhaps they are more comfortable to some people, but I think if most women tried on a great pair of tighter fitting capris or pants they would look great, and feel great to boot!  The fabric is key, however.  So maybe you can find a pair of pants that are more fitted at the top and looser at the bottom that would be flattering.  lululemon is a good source for such pants.

Shorts

I personally do not like working out in shorts but many women can't imagine working out in anything else!  The Nike Tempo running shorts seem to be the most popular.  Don't worry if you hate shorts, there are plenty of other options out there!

Next post is about the Workout Skirt!

Does the fit of your athletic clothing affect your workout?

YES IT DOES!  When your athletic clothing/apparel fits you well, you feel good about yourself, and feeling good about yourself is an incredibly powerful motivator in helping you stick with your health and fitness goals.

As the new year begins, MANY people will flock to the gym in hopes of making this year the year they get healthier, get fit, or lose weight.  The sad truth is that about 50% of these people with drop their new workout dreams a goals within six months.  To be included in the half that STICKS with their fitness goals, go shopping!  You need to find an outfit that you love and that makes you feel good when you have it on.  Here are a couple items you need to find and things to think about when choosing your new apparel.

1. Sports Bra 
If you are running, Spinning, doing cardio circuits, etc. you will want to go with a very supportive sports bra.  If you choose a tank top with a bra attached you may still need to wear a sports bra underneath for adequate support.  My favorite sports bra is made by CW-X.  But you have to be comfortable with your sports bra being really tight to wear this!  If you prefer to breathe a little easier, Champion makes a good one.  Be sure to buy a sports bra that is made from a moisture-wicking fabric.  Typically, these include fabrics such as nylon, Lycra, Supplex, Coolmax, etc.

2. The Top

First choose between a tank top or a tee shirt made of a moisture-wicking fabric (same as above).  Now I'm not talking about a huge, baggy tee shirt! :) I want you to find a flattering tee shirt that has a feminine shape that flatters your curves, and not one that hides your body!
A tee shirt offers more coverage.  However, try on a few tank tops because you may find that they are more flattering.  The fitted tank tops with a bra attached are often more flattering than a tee shirt because they show your shoulders and collar bone.  Pay attention to the length of the top and also how tight it is.  If you'll be doing yoga or pilates, you will want the top to be more on the fitted side.  Typically a top with a bit more length is better for feeling confident.

My favorite tank top with a bra attached is the Chelsea Racerback by ellasport - it's why I started a new line!  It's fitted at the top and waist and then falls gently over your hip.  My favorite tank top without a bra attached is the Charlotte Running Tank by ellasport.  This tank offers a looser fit but it still has a flattering feminine shape.

Next post I'll talk about what to look for in choosing bottoms!

Be Bold Be Brave Be Seen in 2011!

It's that time of year again!  The combination of over eating since Thanksgiving and the resolutions made tonight - New Years Eve - the gym will surely be packed with people for the next month or so. Whether you are re-visiting the gym/working out after a major absence or are coming back with some serious motivation to get even fitter than you left 2010, I want you to Be Bold Be Brave and Be Seen!! :)

Be Bold

You've taken the first step - deciding that your health and fitness is an important priority for your well being.  Now be bold!  Have a plan for any and all possible reasons/excuses that could, and will, come up so that they do not derail you from your health and fitness plans.  We all have things to work around.  MAKE IT HAPPEN.  It's okay if you're plan for an hour run outside or Kettlebell class at the gym turned into a 20-minute, at-home workout with gallons of water for weights and lots of planks!  BE FLEXIBLE.  Over the Christmas holiday my sister and I were snowed in at my parents' house but we still managed to get in a couple of really good workouts!  We printed out a few from Women's Health Magazine and were sweating within minutes!

Be Brave

This is a great time to face your fears, tackle your biggest, loftiest goals and go for it!  You've got nothing to lose and everything to gain.

Be Seen

There's nothing like that feeling of euphoria after an intense sweat session!  I love that I-can-conquer-anything feeling after a super Spin class or a great run.  Just 20 minutes of light cardio will increase your endorphins, your circulation, and your mood!  Now get out there and Be Seen!

ellasport's newest collection was inspired by the idea, Be Bold Be Brave Be Seen.  Here's the video we made at the shoot that talks a little bit about it.


Be Bold Be Brave Be Seen from ellasport.com on Vimeo.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!! :)

The Perfect Tee Begins With The Perfect Fabric!

As I was folding my Charlotte Running Tanks and Park Tees this past weekend, I was admiring the amazing fabric!  It has a slight waffle texture to it, which makes it more fun aesthetically and it helps with the breathe-ability.  The fabric is one of the most important aspects of technical athletic apparel.  It takes me months to chose a fabric for a new item!
Here's a close-up of the Bright Blue Park Tee:

The fabric is 94% Nylon and 6% Lycra - VERY silky, soft against your skin so chaffing is not an option.  In this video Julie Bobek and I talk about the fabric and pieces of the Be Bold Be Brave Be Seen collection!  We also talk about the perfect tee - The Park Tee - and the details of the fit!


Product Description from ellasport.com on Vimeo.


A photo of the entire Park Tee:

Vital Juice's Vital Spy - Dec. 16th

I made Vital Juice's (New York City edition) Vital Spy on Thursday!!!  Vital Juice is a daily newsletter that is a great resource for staying current on all things related to health and fitness.  They have editions that are focused on cities like LA, San Francisco, and Chicago!
Check out Thursday's write-up, which includes my healthy weekend plans :).
http://bit.ly/eLXC2m

ellasport does yoga?

While I personally have only done yoga a handful of times, I truly believe in the benefits of a regular practice.  I felt them right away!  I say every week that I wish I did more yoga.  But the fact of the matter is, like you, life pulls me in a million directions and when I can squeeze time in for a workout, I choose to run, Spin, or circuit train like a mad woman!
Yoga offers many perks to the female athlete.  Here are a few of the big ones: flexibility for all your muscles - not just the ones you stretch to run; a sense of calm, which enables you to handle everyday stress better; and overall strength from your finger tips to your toes!
SO this past weekend we went down to Past Tense Yoga Studio in Washington, DC to introduce ourselves to their community!  Owner of the studio, Kelly DiNardo, was an amazing host!  Kelly is a yogi, a writer AND a runner, among other things, and she found herself looking fabulous in the New Power Capris!  These pants and the Chloe Long Sleeve Tee were big hits!

ellasport Chloe Long Sleeve and New Power Capris

My friend Aashumi, is the owner of Mirasa Design - eco-friendly, handmade kids toys that are ADORABLE!  She was at the studio this past weekend, like she is everyday :).  Aashumi is a true yogi and loves ellasport!  Here she is educating a customer on a Mirasa animal.  My favorite is the zebra!

Mirasa Design at Past Tense Yoga Studio

Thanks for a great event Kelly!  We can't wait until next year!