I’ve said again and again that workout clothes make me want to get active, and I’m really not exaggerating. Case in point: I went to Danskin today to check out what they have to offer, and saw lots of new styles. I instantly got excited, zipped around the site thinking how awesome I would look at the gym, and ran down the boardwalk later on. If you ever need inspiration, I swear you need to shop for something, be it bouncy new sneaks, a tech-y rain slicker for running, or a pair of Danskin yoga pants. If you’re an enthusiastic workout gal or a gadget-driven guy, something simple might jump-start your day.

Here are some practical reasons to shop for new workout gear:

1. Sweat wicking fabric is king. Honestly, if you’re a “dripper” at the gym, this will save you trouble of mopping up sweat and the semi-embarrassment of looking like you’re melting (me!).

2. Little additions can protect you. Running shoes with awesome shocks and arch support can save you a serious foot problem down the line.

3. You don’t need to worry. If you’re a girl, you’re going to be happy when you don’t need to layer lots of supportive gear.

4. Odor-killing. If you don’t want to smell funky after your workout, then stock up on new odor-supressing fabrics.

Check ‘em out here! They even have extended sizes.

Photo (c) Danskin

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Workout Gear Focus: Danskin Gets Me Into Gear

I had a change to compare two bras in underwire and non-wire styles to see how each one did in my rigorous bounce test (very well) and my style-conscious overview. Read on, my friends!

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Lilyette Sports Bra Review: “Level II”

I’m a little bit in love with the new gladiator Fit Flops, and even though I did read that they were super popular in the UK, i”m not sure how this new style is going to go down here. According to the “Gym Built In” principles, these shoes magically tone your legs and make it easier for you to stay in shape. In addition, after checking out some personal reviews, they also seem to relieve some back pressure.

However, I was checking out a post at FabSugar where an important point was brought up– will these shoes flatter larger legs? Since I wasn’t exactly endowed with the skinniest of calves, now I’m feeling like this purchase won’t be the smartest. Should I just bite the bullet and go for it anyway? They are available over a Net-a-Porter for around $150, and there’s a waiting list for August.

Tell Us What You Think!

Photo (c) The Fit Flop

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New Fitflops!

I have to agree with one of SheFinds.com’s choices for the best sports bra out there: the Natori is supreme. And I thought that Champion was good! This one is particularly special because it combines the usual lift-and-separate technique along with supreme support that’s perfect for low/medium impact exercises like walking and cyling. Since this bra goes up to 40DDD, it’s particularly useful for the heavy-chested women who do not think a uni-chested look is cute. (Who does? I think some of us have learned to live with it.)

The Natori has essential underwire, which isn’t the easiest to find on a sports bra, non-stretch straps (which means that the elastic won’t shred and break over time), three-hook closures, and reinforced cup support on the sides. That last bit is by far my favorite, because I have this weird problem with side burstage. All in all, I give this one an A+!

Best Summer Sports Bra, here we come.

Photo (c) Natori

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And I Concur: Best Sports Bra for Women

My obsession with the fabric Climalite continues. . . I adore it and it wicks sweat just amazingly. But there’s more: these new Adidas trousers are perfectly shapely and suited perfectly for activities like yoga and pilates. If you’re doing anything low-impact or involving stretches, these are the exercise pants for you. Some more hot features:

Rollover waistband with a drawstring

Bronze details at hip and at drawstring

Poly/elastane blend

Do you like any “miracle fabrics”? What are they?

Check them out.

Photo (c) Adidas

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My Favorite Workout Fabric: Climalite

Once upon a time, I was free. I could roam wherever I wanted to go whenever I wanted to do it. I could run to the hills and back. I could run to the corner store.

But now things are different. I have been saddled blessed with a child.

As I mentioned, all those days ago, I had narrowed down my options to a Bob Ironman or a Mountain Buggy Terrain. Once I had limited my options, I then checked my bank account. A quick trip to Craigslist later and I found the perfect stroller.

A cheap one.

We scored a used InStep 10K Ultimate.

It was missing a rather vital joint on one side that caused the whole thing to lean like a drunken sorority girl, but the hubby fixed that with a trip to the hardware store and the purchase of some parts for a whole 16 cents.

We broke down all of the cloth parts and threw them in the wash, and voila! Instant fitness.

The fixed wheel is a bit of a pain for regular walking, but the performance isn’t bad considering the price tag.

Now, once again, I am free to roam.

Until it’s time for a diaper change, anyway.

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Free Bird!

Here are my two current “must buys”:

I am positively in love with this pair of Anti Cellulite Shorts. I know that they are ultra-gimmicky, but I don’t even care. I want to try them out anyway. These shorts, made by BodiPerfect, boast an interesting inner layer that just might massage your cellulite areas to help release trouble pockets. At under $40, I’m all over these compression shorts!

(Cellulite Smoother Bike Shorts, $48.00)

The cellulite shorts that I found at Alight.com are a little more straightforward, and I’ve tried pairs just like this before. They provide an easy compressed effect that can flatten lumpier areas with deep pockets of cellulite. They’re a shrink-wrap design that also managed to lift your rump. Kind of incredible, no? They’ll definitely buy us some time when we’re looking for ways to camouflage those thighs!

Photo (c) BodiPerfect, Alight.com

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Cellulite Busting Shorts

The first part of the diet and journal organizer deals with educating ourselves about our body, health, nutrition and exercise. Yah know, basic stuff.

The organizer includes a mini-pocket organizer which you could carry with you anywhere. So if you’re going to restaurants, or on vacation, you could still keep track of what you eat and drink.

I’m guessing as soon as you get in the car you’ll start writing down your food and beverage intake. Writing down what you eat daily is a imperative in losing weight. This is how you’ll know what is working and what isn’t. 

The journal organizer also provides a 6-month progress chart. Kinda like the chart when you were born and your parents had to take you to the Doctor and they mark your weight ( and height) every month. Except this time, you want your starting weight to go down, not go up . And then, here’s my favorite, “I Did It” Stickers. You could use the sticker to mark your accomplishments. A huge part of the book is the daily journal where you could write down what you eat and drink and how much exercise you do on a daily basis. In the upper right side corner of each day is a star where you could stick your “I Did It” stickers. Sound so fun isn’t it?

In the back of the journal/organizer is an organizer packets where you could store  menus, recipes, articles, shopping lists, meal plans, tips and advice, nutritional facts and miscellany stuff. If you love organizing, you’d think this side of the journal is Orgasmic…LOL. If you’re an organizer who’s trying to lose weight, then this diet journal and organizer is definitely for you. Keep track of everything in one neat nifty organizer. with star stickers no less. I like it so much I’m almost hesitant to mark it with my penmanship, hehe. But I know I must and I will. I can’t wait to start. I might have to increase my little exercise just so I could use my organizer.

Lose Weight Now : Diet Journal & Organizer by Alex A. Lluch  is from WS Publishing Group. You can get your own copy at Amazon.com for $15.56.

*Images © Dexie J. Wharton / Burning The Scale.

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Diet Journal & Organizer

Oh yes, I’m shopping for more workout clothes. It’s not as so much an obsession as a way of building confidence (at least that’s what I tell myself), and wearing great pieces just makes me want to get to the gym and show stuff off. If you’re looking for some slightly eclectic pieces, here are my top sources for amazing workout wear:

1. Cool Hemp/Cotton Sweats: These embroidered trousers are a dream. I’m usually not the white-liking type, but I’m willing to give these a try on account that I’ve been staring at them all week long!

2. Organic Cotton Palazzo Pants: Oooh, I love a good pair of wide-legged pants for relaxing and stretching.

3. Doce Vida Buzios Ballet Top: What an awesome top that combines bright colors and black! I’d layer it underneath my super support bras with wide straps that almost look like another top altogether.

4. Golda’s Sophisticated Top: I love Brazilian workout gear, and these tops actually bring something new to the workout world. Say “bye” to your tees and pick up these gorgeous selections with asymmetrical lines.

5. Nike’s Loose-Fit Women’s Workout Shorts: These amazing shorts are a nice compromise when you are hunting for something that’s a little softer and forgiving, but still hard-wearing for intense sessions.

Photo (c) Doce Vida

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Cool Summer Workout Duds

I’ve managed to find some impressively jazzy pieces that can dress up your workout look fast. Most of them are tops, so you can wear your “no-fail” sports bra underneath, and I did find one amazing bra in a great green if you are looking for your next comfy top.

(Champion Plus Bra in Fresh Lime, $18.99; Quik-Energy High Performance Zip Singlet, $69.95; Always for Me Sport Top in Black and White Stripe, $36.00; Champion Purple and White Singlet, 2 for $32.00)

Any one that you’d like? I especially love the black and white one from Always for Me (middle).

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Cool Sports Bra in Extended Sizes