Stuff I Like: More Fitness Stuff.

Back in the spring I wrote a post about fitness stuff I liked- apps, equipment, etc., and today I'm going to mention some clothes I like for workouts (or for life because, let's face it, the lines between fitness wear and real clothes has gotten quite blurry over here.) Here we go:

First up - this tank, y'all:

Lululemon has definitely gone disappointing in the past few years but I bought two of these Brunswick Muscle Tanks last year (worn here: one black, one striped) and they are still going strong. I wear them as everyday tanks but also they're great for workouts. I love the little gather detail at the shoulder and they are just really well-designed. Also, the logo is tonal so you can be stealthy with your LL.

Now, if you're an outdoor activity person, this jersey is a good investment:

It's the Yeti Hayden jersey and I love it. It comes in three colors and is perfect for those days when I don't want to wear a full bike kit. If I'm just going for a quick mountain bike ride and want to be comfortable I throw this on with baggy shorts. It does run a bit small, so I sized up and was happy with the fit. It's got one back pocket that exactly fits my phone and could be a really good shirt for hiking or running too - it's got some great features (hidden sunglasses wipe, actively cooling material) and doesn't look like a cycling shirt. Also, if you put it in your shopping cart Backcountry will give you an automatic 15% off.

And, hey, these are running shorts:

Do you know how hard it is to find running shorts with a longer inseam? (And to be clear, I am not a runner but I do like to have fitness shorts for walking, etc.) These Stoic shorts are great because they have a 5" inseam and a built-in liner. They also have one zip pocket up front but are otherwise pretty simple. I got my usual size and was happy but I'd say they run a tiny bit big. Did I mention they are on sale? Like, really on sale.

Finally, if you're still scrambling to find some weights:

These Ignite dumbbells at Target are surprisingly good quality. They're exactly like the ones my gym has and I have been haunting the depleted fitness aisle at my store, trying to find what I need. So far I've scored  a set of 8lb and 10lb but I want more! They sell out fast so keep your eyes on the website and in store.

Stuff I Like: Quarantine Fitness.

Hi y'all! If you follow me on my personal Instagram account you know I've been working out in the worst gym ever:

(yes, that's the same wall I use for my outfit pics!) 

Welcome to my spare bedroom. It's everything you don't want in a gym - tiny, not much equipment, full of judgmental cats. Since January I've been working (online) with a coach to get back all the muscle I lost last year when I hurt my shoulder. I was just staring to make real progress with my lifting at the gym when the Coronavirus hit and now I'm working out with not much equipment in a very small space. I know I'm not alone in this so I thought I'd share some of what's been working for me.

Equipment:

This is my yoga mat (which I talked about here) and it's still really good! It gets a lot of use and is starting to show some wear, but it's still going strong and I would buy another one. I use it for yoga, obviously, but also use it to protect the floor when I do kettlebell workouts.

When the gym closed I panicked and started pricing weights. They are...SO expensive. I settled on an adjustable kettlebell which was not inexpensive, but gave me a weight range between 5 and 40lbs. Not ideal, but DEFINITELY better than nothing. I was worried about the quality and even more worried when it showed up damaged. (The plastic piece that stabilizes the plates was cracked in several places.) I got a refund and was told to keep it so I've been using it anyway and I'm so happy to have it. It's good for deadlifts, squats and rows, not great for swings or anything too vigorous. I don't know that I can really recommend it but it's sold out anyway, so I guess it doesn't matter. If you're going to invest in weights, I'd just get regular kettlebells or dumbbells.

I also bought a set of inexpensive mini-bands which are fine for arms but I wish I had a bigger range - they're kinda wimpy for lower body. This brand - Arena Strength keeps popping up online and looks like a solid product for legs. Let me know if you've tried them!

So, to recap: My space is limited and my equipment kinda sucks but the workouts I'm doing are good and I can do quite a lot with what I have, plus bodyweight exercises. Which brings me to...

Workouts: 

Now, obviously I have someone writing workouts for me, which helps a lot. If you don't know what to do and can't spend the money for a coach, there are tons of free and low-cost options out there. I can't tell you what the right workout is for you, but here are a few I know about:

For a crossfit/bootcamp type workout, the WOD Women account on FB is posting a no-equipment workout every day. (You can also get a weekly plan at their Barbell Beauties site.)

If you do interval type workouts, I highly recommend the SIT app. It's free and super simple - just an interval timer that keeps track and beeps to let you know when to move and when to rest so you don't have to keep stopping  and resetting your phone's stopwatch.

I also really like @achievefitnessboston because they know their stuff and are excellent at breaking down exercises. They've been posting some fun at-home moves you can do with little or no equipment on their IG, so definitely check them out. They're also doing virtual classes for $9 each which I haven't tried yet but I suspect it's probably worth it, based on the kind of content they post on IG. (Plus, they just seem like nice people.)

Also, I was able to sign up for the Peloton app for a free three-month trial. Aside from cycling workouts they also have fitness classes, yoga, and outdoor walk/run classes led by instructors. I've done a few of the fun/power walk options which is nice when you need to get outside and want to do more than take a stroll. I also tried a few of the Peloton yoga classes but didn't care for them because they're what I call, "fitness yoga." Meaning, poses without the intent. The whole point of yoga is that its moving meditation so when you take that out it just feels like you're doing weird things with your body. It wasn't for me.

If you don't have a local yoga instructor doing streamed classes (my first choice) I really like Yoga With Adriene on YouTube. She has an enormous catalog of free yoga classes for all levels and her dog is really cute. What more could you ask for? Other than in-person classes where they clean the floor because you keep forgetting? Ugh.

I'd love to hear what you guys are doing - apps you love? Equipment to recommend?

BUY THIS (Because I Already Mostly Did): Athleta on Sale.

If you exercise regularly you probably already have a favorite brand of athletic wear, but if you haven't tried Athleta now is a good time to start. They are giving an extra 20% off sale items which is about as good as sales get over there. I know some disagree with me but I find that I get better workouts if I'm wearing well-designed, well-fitting apparel that I don't have to readjust or tug on. Athleta isn't perfect but I have bought quite a few items that have become solid favorites.

I went to the Athleta store on Saturday with a birthday gift card burning a hole in my pocket, so here are my sale picks as well as some things I bought:

Okay, listen. I know I have a hoodie problem but this one is different! The Victory Hoodie has this amazing built-in PrimaLoft collar thingy and a very cute straight up-and-down shape. Plus, thumb holes, zippered pockets and, y'all, it's really warm. I bought it in black but posted the grey so you could better see the details. 

I was looking for a new pair of travel pants since my thrifted joggers are looking a little sad après muddy bike race season. I tried on EVERY DAMN PAIR they sold and finally the patient young sales assistant brought me the Cargo Chelsea pant. I was all set to hate them but then I tried them on and damn. Y'all, they are GOOD and featherweight and surprisingly flattering. I bought them in black (surprise) but the olive-y color is on sale if you're tempted. 

I saw this amazing olive Downkind Jacket on the sale rack but didn't try it on. It gets rave reviews online and now I’m kind of mad that I didn’t at least try it out. (Reminder to self: You already HAVE AN OLIVE GREEN DOWN JACKET. STOP IT.)

When I was trying on All The Pants I tried the Restore Jogger on and they are just lovely and super soft. They are also basically pajamas so not really outdoor wear for me. Like, maybe for restorative yoga but otherwise they are rull nice at-home lounge pants. 

This Hyper Focused Print Bra reminds me of my long-time favorite from Lululemon but for a lot less money. It's on sale in a couple of interesting floral prints! I think the fun straps keep it from being too no-nonsense. 

I have this Essence Semi Fit Tank in charcoal grey and it's perfect - not too baggy or too fitted and comes up pretty high in the front. (I hate feeling like my boobs are out for all to see when I bend over at the gym.)

The Chaturanga Capri is an old favorite of mine and is especially good for yoga because it doesn't have any zippy pockets to dig into your back when you're prone. The plain black is on sale which is unusual! 

I don't usually look at the shoes on the Athleta site but these 247 Knit by New Balance slip-on sneaker/knit bootie things look intriguing and quite high-fashion. Also, comfy af, I would imagine. 

Quick and Dirty Review: GapFit Leggings

(I'm cross posting this on my fitness stuff blog, so apologies to those who read both!)

I used to be a Lululemon girl, not because I spent my days faffing about in yoga pants but because that stuff used to last FOREVER and the fit was great. Those days are long gone and now every time I am considering dropping a chunk of money on Wunder Unders I just read the bad reviews and crab scramble out of there. They still have interesting patterns and cute colors but I've been leaning towards Altheta and Lucy more and more. AND, you guys, Gapfit has been killing it lately. I bought these recently:

GapFit gFast Jacquard Legging

They are SO GOOD. These are cold weather tights that are brushed on the inside so they're warm and thick. they're so cute that even the guys at my CrossFit gym love them and say they'd wear them if they made them for dudes. Heh.

But they don't just look cool, they perform well. They don't slide down and are completely opaque. They definitely FIT (meaning, if you're between sizes, go up a size) and they are a bit long on me, so really good for the taller ladies. 

I also tried a few other pairs from GapFit.  This pair of Brushstroke leggings looks cool but I wasn't crazy about the skinny waistband (I like a thick wide waistband) and in a size small they definitely went a bit sheer on me. I think they'd have been better if I'd sized up. I did size up with the fun Twist Print legging and they're a bit too big. They're more of a runner's legging with a wide waistband and inner drawstring so I think I can make them work. I love the red racing stripe! 

So, sizing is a bit hit-or-miss but overall the quality of GapFit is really good and with the 40% off (code GREAT) and 2.0% cash back with eBates they're an amazing bargain.