Pleated Variety

Category: Fitness

  • Workout Wear

    Workout Wear

    I don’t think I can say that I love working out, but I do love the way it makes me feel. I strongly believe that working out is not only good for your physical well-being but also for your emotional well-being. I believe no one has ever regretted a workout. There’s nothing like those endorphins to start off the day! However, I have to admit that sometimes the hardest part can be just getting started. That’s why I like to plan ahead. I pick out a cute, comfortable, and functional outfit the night before, set the coffee timer, and get a good night’s sleep so I can crush my morning workout. Take a look at a week’s worth of workout wear and get some insight into how I like to approach my workouts.

    Monday

    Never miss a Monday! Well I try not to. I don’t have a strict routine, but I am consistent, which I find works best for me. So on Monday’s after the weekend off, I like to see what I am feeling. Be it a run, cardio bootcamp or strength training. A heart pounding workout to get the week going strong. And this little romper is up for anything. Literally!

    Tuesday

    Tuesday….not the easiest day of the week. So I committed to meeting a friend for a killer workout at Orange Theory. Knowing my friend will be there is all the motivation I need! A cute pair of leggings, crazy cushy sneakers and a no fuss tech tee keep me looking and feeling good so I can focus on the workout.

    Wednesday

    The mid-week home stretch. By Wednesday, I have likely done some sort of cardio and strength so I try to dedicate a day to stretch and tone. I have the Mirror and it offers so many amazing classes. From Barre, Pilates, Yoga and beyond. All I have to do is get dressed and pick the class. Once done, a nice long walk with the dog is my favorite way to finish my workout. Gotta get my steps in!

    Thursday

    Feels like a good day to get outside and go for a run on the trail. As the humidity creeps up I like to wear lightweight and breathable gear. An all white look has me feeling fresh and ready for my run!

    Friday

    Friday’s workout is all I need to get me ready the weekend. I like the idea of finishing out the week with a bang! Think tabata, the Peloton bike, or lifting weights. Anything to get my heart rate pumping! A cute set takes the guess work out on what to wear and it keeps me motivated to crush my workout and enjoy the weekend ahead!

    Saturday

    Ok , I know I said I take the weekend off from working out but does driving 4 boys around all day from field to field count as a workout? I say it does! This cute and colorful romper allows for all day comfort and keeps me cool in the heat. Bonus: My boys can spot me on the sidelines.

  • Hokas, a love story

    Hokas, a love story

    To be completely transparent, I resisted the Hoka craze for a longtime. They seemed like a whole LOT of sneaker and I wasn’t sure I could commit. Then it got to the point that everywhere I went I was seeing Hokas. It was as if they were taunting me…. “You know you are intrigued, lady. Come on over and check us out.” And I’m not going to fully admit that this next part of the story sealed the deal, but it didn’t hurt either. A few weeks ago I was at work and taking our puppy out for a walk. A group of college students live next to my office and they were coming down the walkway from their house toward the sidewalk in front me. They stopped to gush over the dog and as I looked down to make sure he wasn’t nipping their ankles what did I see?

    Hokas, Hokas, Hokas, Hokas.

    All of them.

    I almost tripped over the leash. They sauntered off to their car, because that’s what Hokas will do for you and I stood their putting the pieces together. I know 75 year old men who wear Hokas. I know 44 year old women who wear Hokas. And now I know not one, but four 20 year old college girls who wear them too.

    You win. Take my money.

    I went on Zappos and debated what color for way too long before going with something bright and fresh for spring. I had no clue if I would run in them, walk in them, strength train in them or just run errands in them. I didn’t know what I didn’t know. In true Zappos, form they arrived in a minute. I let them sit there in a the box for a few days which I later learned was a few days I will never get back. When I finally decided to slip them on, it was for my afternoon walk to the bus stop. I am trying not to be dramatic, but I’m pretty sure I floated there. The best way I can describe how Hokas feel is like it’s walking on cushy semi-circles. The “cush” factor is next level. If you put on your old sneakers and then put on your Hokas, your old ones will likely feel like bricks. And I LOVE my old sneakers, but I’m telling you, these Hoka-lovers knew the secret way before I did.

    And now I have officially become my mother. When I pass someone wearing Hoka’s I feel like we are friends. I stop and talk to them about their shoes, “OMG so good, right? How long have you had them?” Or if I’m in a rush, it’s like I still need to acknowledge that we are in the same “club” and give them a little nod and point to the shoe…. like the good old fashioned Jeep Wave but for sneakers.

    Ok so what else do you need to know? I think they run true to size and they have different styles for different needs. I have the Mach 4 which is apparently their tempo run sneaker. While I only have experience with this style, I will say it is VERY light. I assumed they would be heavy because they have substantial construction, but was pleasantly surprised that they are very airy. All of their shoes have a substantial base for a crazy smooth ride.

    After some quick research I found that the style with the most cushion is the Bondi 7, the most versatile sneaker is the Clifton 8 and their most stabalizing sneaker is the Arahi 5.

    The hardest part is choosing a color. I’m already contemplating my next pair. I might go bright and punchy (love the white/blazing orange combo). I want my Hokas to be seen in all of their cloud-like glory.

  • How I Stay Dry During My Favorite Sweaty Workouts

    How I Stay Dry During My Favorite Sweaty Workouts

    And, no, I am not talking about my underarms…. isn’t the point of working out to sweat it all out. To me there is no better feeling than sweating during a workout. When sweat pours off my face and down my arms, I feel like I’ve really accomplished something in life. That and the fact that its physical evidence of all the crap leaving my body – stress, anxiety, 5th grade math word problems, whiny little voices of kids who don’t want to finish their breakfast and can’t find their socks, deadlines, expectations, un-finished to-do lists…. all puddled up into little water droplets on the floor and out of my body. So yes, I make it a point to sweat on the daily. Pretty sure I am happier for it.

    The downside to sweat is the inevitable fact that it gets on your clothes and we all know that wet clothes = embarrassing marks/uncomfortable icky feeling. lululemon challenged me to sweat in their new Everlux fabric – their fastest drying fabric ever. When work and exercise collide, consider that one less thing to put on my to-do list. My favorite sweaty workout combo is running followed by yoga. To me, this workout is the perfect balance of cardio and strength and zen. The sweat is just added bonus.

    During my three-mile run, I build the heat. While it’s still not super warm in PA this time of year, I am definitely perspiring at the end of my workout.

    The sweat really comes when I go inside for yoga when airflow is low and humidity tends to be high. So yes, getting sweaty is a given, but the Everlux fabric in the leggings in Everlux fabric are both super breathable and manage the heat for you so you can stay focused and comfortable in your workout.

    I personally don’t mind being sweaty during my workouts, but I do mind feeling wet and cold afterwards. My favorite part of experiencing this fabric was that it dries so fast that you can literally go from studio to shopping (that is the saying, right?) without being drenched.

  • Yoga Tips for Beginners

    Yoga Tips for Beginners

    With our first ever yoga challenge under way, I thought I would give some quick yoga tips for beginners. Side note, I am not a yoga instructor and don’t claim to be! I’m actually not super experienced in the practice either, but I truly love how I feel physically and mentally when I do yoga. I decided to share this passion with all of you by teaming up with Bulldog Yoga to challenge myself and my readers to do more yoga. I’m pretty sure that if everyone did yoga, the world would be a happier place, but I digress.

    Yoga is truly a practice for all abilities and many of the poses can be modified. If you are a beginner, I thought it might be helpful to point out a few basics tips. I called upon my youngest sister, who is a certified yoga instructor to help me out. She pointed out a few mistakes that she commonly sees with beginners and experts alike.

    High Fives

    When in any plank or downward dog position be sure to spread your fingers and put your palms flat on the floor. Imagine giving the floor a high five!

    Check Yourself

    There is a reason yoga studios have a giant mirror in the classroom. It is to ensure your shoulders, knees and feet are aligned. Don’t be afraid to check yourself out. You you don’t have a mirror in the room where you practice yoga, just do a few alignment checks mentioned below….

    When in “Warrior II”:

    Drop your shoulders down your back by pulling them away from your ears.

    Make sure your front knee is bending at a 90 degree angle and your knee is pointing directly over your big toe. Pretend your body is wedged between two parallel pains of glass.

    Perfect your Posture

    One of my New Year’s resolutions is to slouch less and the perfect place to practice is during yoga! Chins up, shoulders down, chest high. Push those shoulders down your back and open your heart. Can you guess which version is correct?!

    Light as a Feather

    We all remember the game light as a feather, stiff as a board. The latter part comes in hand when lowering your body to the ground. Use your ab muscles to pull your belly in and protect your lower back. In laymen’s terms, tuck that bootie.

    Next week… tips for headstands 🙃.

  • The Sweat Life with lululemon

    The Sweat Life with lululemon

    Currently we are in the middle of a heat wave. It doesn’t take much to achieve “sweat life” status. But there is something different about walking to the mailbox and sweating, and actually going for a run and sweating. I remember years ago when lululemon first launched, their bags said “sweat everyday”. I really believe that is one of the keys to living your healthiest life and it has stuck with me ever since. Confession, I don’t sweat everyday, but I’m working on it. The bags also said something about flossing. Also working on that.

    With all of my kids home in the summer it is hard to find the time to work out (and floss)…. story of my life, even when it’s not summer. I’ve set a goal to run and/or do yoga at least three times per week, and just “be active” on the days when I don’t get an official workout in.

    The heat is a major deterrent for going for a run, but the excuse to wear cute work out gear has the potential to cancel that out. If you’ve been reading my blog for a while, you know that I swear by lululemon running shorts. I just tried out their Tracker V 4 inch short and in true form, feels like wearing nothing, which may sound a bit awkward, but let me remind you about the heat wave we are currently experiencing.

    I also posted this hat on my Facebook feed the other day and so many of you wrote it in that it is your absolute favorite hat. The pony tail opening is extra large so you can wear your hair high or low, and it’s super breathable. It’s also floral, so hard to resist. Comes in solids too!

    Throw on a muscle crop tank (yes, I like that it hits right at my waist band for extra ventilation) and their famous Ignite bra, and 3 miles all of a sudden doesn’t feel so daunting.

    And for the record, I’ve never finished a run and regretted it. Post-run feeling summed up below….

  • Current Vuori Wardrobe + Father’s Day Gift Ideas

    Current Vuori Wardrobe + Father’s Day Gift Ideas

    I have very few routines in my life. No two days ever really look the same. Sometimes I brush my teeth first, sometimes I wash my face first. Sometimes I chug green juice, sometimes I just go straight for the coffee. There is no rhyme or reason to why I choose what to do, it’s just tapping into that intuition of what I think my body needs (or doesn’t). The only constants in my morning are: kissing my boys, putting on my workout clothes, and moving my body. I think if you ask my neighbor she would say that 99% of the time I show up to the bus stop in my Vuori. I get the kids off to school, take the dog for a walk, then go on my morning run. As we enter the warmer months, I’m still layering, but integrating more summer-appropriate pieces into my fitness wardrobe. Here are just a few pieces that make up my current Vuori favorites (plus some great ideas for Father’s Day at the end of this post!)

    Halo Essential Hoodie

    When they take the coveted DreamKnit™ fabric that we know and love from their joggers and turn it into a hoodie, you know I’m sold. The Halo Essential Hoodie is the perfect summer-weight layer. It cuts the morning/evening chill without adding bulk. In terms of length, it is slightly cropped – skims the top of your hips which makes it perfect for running in it as well as just wearing it in daily life.

    Cardiff Shorts

    I was drawn to these shorts for the look, and sold on all of the techy features. First, cute right?! Second, they are made from a combo of recycled materials and moisture-wicking, odor blasting elements. The scalloped leg opening gives a retro vibe which is a detail I always appreciate in running shorts. And before you ask, yes, there are pockets.

    Halo Essential Tank

    Minimalistic, but also exactly what I am looking for in a workout tank. The Halo Essential Tank is made from the DreamKnit™ fabric which means it feels good on your skin – no chafing! It’s moisture wicking and made for movement. It is slightly cropped so it pairs perfectly with the Cardiff shorts and any of their leggings without baring skin.

    And don’t forget the guys… (Father’s Day gifting!):

    Vuori clothing is always at the top of my list when it comes to buying gifts for the men in my life. Here are a few pieces I’ve bought for my husband/son/dad/father-in-law – that all went over very well!

  • Yoga on the Beach with lululemon

    Yoga on the Beach with lululemon

    I recently read an article that working women are working longer hours, sleeping less, and spending less time relaxing. Sounds like something is backwards. I thought we were in an era of #treatyourself?! I guess that wearing eye gels while making dinner doesn’t really count as self-care. Sometimes it feels like there are not enough hours in day, but I can’t stress the importance of the benefits of a few minutes of relaxation. Whether its a morning meditation (a.k.a. hitting the snooze button), walking the dog around the block or in this case a quick yoga session, a few minutes of quiet time can help to reset, refresh and rejuvenate.

    The thing about yoga is that you can literally do it anywhere (it just happens to be extra amazing on the beach). Stretching your limbs, waking up your core, and bringing mindfulness to your body has so many benefits.

    My typical yoga uniform changes a bit in the summer months because while building internal heat plus HEAT in general, wearing long leggings can be too much. lululemon lovers, meet the Align Short – it’s the mini version (4 inches to be exact) of your favorite legging – same great fabric and high waist goodness, but perfect for extra hot summer studios or yoga in the real summer heat. The Free to be Serene High Neck Sports Bra is the perfect combo of fashion meets function. Not only do I wear this to yoga, but under all of those tricky racer back tanks – the straps are just too cool to be hidden! And pre and post workout, just throw on the All Yours Boyfriend Tee – I am obsessed. Once you feel the material you, too, will want one in every color.

  • The Power of She with Athleta

    The Power of She with Athleta

    As working woman and mom, I am constantly being torn in three different directions – quite literally. The women in “my village” have been the greatest support in these childrearing years with everything from carpooling to venting to those 7:45am reminder texts that it’s spirit day and the kids need to wear gray, white or maroon dependent on grade level (bonus points if it has the school logo). These years are hands on and I am constantly amazed, if I step back and think about it, by all of the things we manage on a daily basis. The “Power of She” is nothing short of remarkable.

    Weekends with four kids are pretty insane, but also the time of the week that I try to squeeze in a workout or two….and errands. My weekend wardrobe needs to take my from a run, to the soccer field, to the grocery store to the baseball field, rinse and repeat. It’s no wonder my friends and my mom (mother of five!) swear by Athleta. Their clothes are designed with top quality materials and tested on the world’s best athletes – crazy busy moms included. Whether you are working out, lounging, traveling, or just running around town trying to get all of the things done in never enough time (hand raised) they have something for you. Here are two looks featuring some new arrivals that are as versatile and functional as they are stylish.

    Look 1 // The Set + Tie Back Tank + Sweatshirt


    Matching sets are having a major moment and there was no denying this navy striped duo. After your sweat session throw on a tie back tank (a reader favorite style) or a cozy sweatshirt for freezer aisle survival. Take note of the crossover hemline – it’s all in the details that set these pieces apart.

    Look 2 // Joggers + Tie Back Tank

    The Aspire Pants are the pants you will want to live it. The fabric is super lightweight and insanely soft. It almost feels like you’re not wearing pants – ok maybe that sounds weird, but you need to try them to know what I’m talking about (just look at the ratings!). Not only are these great for those early morning sports games, but also amazing for travel or just running around town. The ruching detail gives them that perfect touch of femininity and flair.

  • Road Test: Why I Love the adidas Ultraboost 19 Running Sneaker

    Road Test: Why I Love the adidas Ultraboost 19 Running Sneaker

    Want me to name the reason I went for a run this morning? I kid you not, I walked upstairs this morning to find a roll of toilet paper streaming from the toilet paper holder through the center hallway into my son’s room and wrapped around the top and bottom bunk… and you want to know the kicker? NO ONE knew who did it. Well, kids, MUST have been our 13 year old dog. Some days there aren’t enough miles in my run to fully clear my head from the shenanigans that happen when living with 5 boys.

    As a runner I tend to put a lot of wear and tear on my sneakers, which means I usually go through running shoes pretty quickly. When I got the opportunity to partner with adidas for their new Ultraboost 19 running sneakers it’s safe to say I was really excited. Before writing this and taking any photos I took them for a test run (literally) to make sure they lived up to the hype, and let me just tell you…oh yes they did.

    I love that the Ultraboost 19 running shoes are lightweight but still have tons of cushion, support, and bounce (hello, “torsion spring”) for those long (and much-needed) runs. And for my fellow wide-footed friends out there, these fit like a glove and have just enough room in the toe box. The fabric is a 360 primeknit material which feels like second skin and hugs your feet during your runs. And with all of this cool technology, they couldn’t possibly be cute, could they? Think again….

    Wearing…

    Fellow runners and/or lovers of cool sneaks… these come in a cool NINE colors.

  • No Gym Required Work Out

    No Gym Required Work Out

    One of the most frequently asked questions I get in my inbox relates to how I stay in shape. I have always been an athlete and working out has always been a huge part of my life…. that is until motherhood. With four kids under nine, I have accepted the fact that now is not the time (for me) to be running marathons. Scratch that. If I mimic the steps of my 2 year old for 3 hours, it’s likely close. But in all seriousness, I struggle with finding the time to work out and getting into a routine. If I get 2-3 workouts in per week I call it a good week!

    But, you’re still skinny? How do you take off the baby weight? Diet plays a huge role in how I keep my body trim. I always say that I eat whatever I want, I just don’t eat a lot of it. Bacon egg and cheese from the Starbucks drive thru? I wouldn’t think twice, but I eat slowly and split it with my son and then continue to graze all day. My staple snacks are Lara Bars and cheese sticks, and most of our dinners are lean protein with some sort of vegetable. But every Friday we eat pizza, and another night is pasta. I truly believe that everything in moderation is the best way to live so you never feel deprived. And yes I am drinking a glass of wine at 10pm at night as I write this. Maybe if I went to bed earlier I could get up earlier and have time to workout more often but I digress….

    When my baby turned two a few months ago I decided that my husband and I needed to celebrate surviving the infant years (4x) with a trainer. We have never belonged to a gym so I chalked that up to money saved to be invested in a little kickstart. We were both having trouble getting back into a groove with consistent exercise, but if someone knocks on your door at 6:45am, you had better be up and ready! This has truly been the “kick in the butt” we both needed to jumpstart a more active lifestyle. They say it takes three weeks to create a habit and it’s so true – working out can be so addicting!

    I wanted to share a few things that our trainer, Adam, has taught me that anyone can do at home with literally zero equipment. Obviously when he comes there are bands and weights involved (if you follow on Instagram I post snippets of our workouts in my stories), but here I am sharing a workout I can do completely on my own.

    Below are a series of exercises that you can do anywhere in your home or in an outdoor space. I go through the entire circuit, take a 2 minute walking water break, then repeat 2 more times.

    Get Loose

    Start by running in place for 60 seconds….

    Butt Booster

    Walking lunges (up and down the beach) – 60 seconds

    Full Body Burpee

    The easiest way to test your fitness level… just do a few of these. 60 seconds of these is torture, but #yougotthis….

    Lines in the Sand

    Unleash your inner child with a little hopscotch session. Actually it’s more like a football drill. Do mini baby steps inside each square, then exit to the outside of the grid, and repeat on the other side by passing through another square. Confused? Just MOVE! And yes, for 60 seconds!

    The Perfect Push Up

    Work on the upper body with some simple push ups – do as many as you can in 60 seconds.

    Flip it and Reverse it

    Get rid of your flunken with this move – 60 seconds

    Core Strength

    Feel the burn with a few minutes in plank position – jk “only” 60 seconds!

    Celebrate

    Workout over… time to hydrate. Well, for 2 minutes until you repeat this entire circuit 2 more times!