yoga.

A few weeks back I posted asking for your yoga advice. Acacia lifestyle came through with a perfectly balanced selection of yoga gear and videos. I've recently started the Shiva Rea Flow Yoga for Beginners and I love it! The scenery is beautiful, it explains terms and poses, as well as giving options if the pose is too difficult. 

I've been off bed rest for a couple weeks now, and getting myself back into an upright mode was difficult to say the least. Since starting the beginning yoga, I have noticed a remarkable difference in my productivity and my energy level. I am completely in love and understand fully why so many people love yoga.

So, if you're in the market to learn yoga, this is an excellent way to start!

yoga help.

I've always loved the idea of yoga. I've been to a few classes that made me feel like I could conquer the world and I'd like to have that feeling every day. So I'm on a quest to find the ultimate in "at-home yoga". That's where I need your help, your advice and recommendations are greatly appreciated. We're talking the best gear, clothing, videos, tutorials, books, you name it, I want to know it. 

Thank You!!

morning wake-up.

My age is officially catching up to me and there are far to many mornings when it takes everything in me to roll out of bed. While browsing the Martha Stewart Whole Living section I ran across these great morning wake-up yoga moves. On the mornings I am struggling to get out of bed this is now one of the first things I do, my energy increases and the whole day seems to go a bit smoother.

photo via marthastewart

like a bike

My husband actually told me about this product. He lived in Germany for a few years before we got married and the Like A Bike is made by Germans. Of course, I felt like I need to share.

It's called a Like A Bike. It has no pedals, comes in wood or a light aluminum and is made for kids to explore on. As they get used to the saddle, they will naturally attempt walking on it. Then as they gain confidence they begin running with it, eventually lifting up their feet and "riding" like a bike.

That is when you buy them a real bike. Genius, right? They have the confidence and mind of riding a bike before taking their feet off the ground. I {and my husband} are sold.

The website says to start as early as two years old...

{get in shape} cycle

Third in our get in shape series: cycle.

I'm talking cycle in your home. Dim the lights. Put in your earphones and you become your own instructor. Think spin class.

I am not going to go into the details of getting into a road bike vs. mountain bike vs. cyclecross vs. tri bike. The list goes on. There are as many kinds of bikes as there are shades of pink. So get your bike of choice {besides a cruiser} and you're ready. Almost.

You need one of these.

It's my favorite workouts these days. We keep our trainer and my bike in the garage. During Avery's nap or after she goes down at night...I ride. I feel energized afterwards. I create my own workout, including hills and speed. I love it.

{If you have extra padding in your budget, try Pod Fitness. With a monthly subscription you get your own personal trainer via your iPod. See how it works here.}

{get in shape} run

Second in our get in shape series: Running

Please, don't let the R word chase you away. Substitute power walk or jog if you must. We're talking about slimming our waist, toning our arms and watching the scale numbers drop. Running does it better than any other sport I know.

One thing I love most about running is the lack of equipment needed to do it. Get yourself a pair of shorts (dry-fit preferably), a coolmax sport top and some quality running shoes and you are set. I've pictured my favorite running outfits below {and I have a lot}.

A. Tops. I'm a fan of the sport tops (tops with a built in bra). I am rather small chested, so they work for me. If you are over a C/D cup, I would suggest purchasing a sports bra you can trust such as this and a dry-fit tank such as this to give you maximum support.

B. Shorts. I love Nike running shorts. I just do. They work for me. Find my two choices here and here.

C. Skirt. Yes! A skirt you can run in. For the fashionista of the workout world, this skirt is absolutley awesome. Designed by a pro (woman) triathlete (Nicole DeBoom), Skirt Sports did something right when the introduced the Marathon Girl . But, oh, the Gym Girl is flattering too.

D. Socks. Invest in socks that will not chafe your toes during a training run (or race!). I love Asics socks. And I think the low socks {ie: below the ankle bone} flatter the entire ankle-calf area better.

E. Shoes. I always buy my shoes at a local, small running shop. They employ knowledgeable ex-collegiate (or professional) runners that will not only watch you run, but fit you for the right shoe. And most of the time, if you are unhappy with your purchase, they will offer an exchange. If you live in San Diego, visit this shop.

F. Bracelet. Yes, it's rubber, but it is a bracelet and the profits go to cancer research. Buy one for yourself and give the other nine (they come in a pack of ten) to your friends. And if you are looking for more accessories, grab a headband (that wicks sweat away).

Now that your dressed for success, where do you begin? Well, first choose a date for a race {yes, a race!}. A race is the perfect motivator to begin training and keep it up.

A {small} Q&A to get you feeling prepared:

• What if I've never run before?
  No worries! Just get yourself some running clothes and start today. Run for twenty minutes and gradually work up to your goal (possibly 45 minutes?) If you are a power-walker, try running for a couple minutes at a time throughout your walk. You'll see improvements, I guarantee.
• What if I want to do a longer race?
  Perfect! Kudos to you. A 5K is great for beginniners and elite. Beginners get the racey feel while elite can push for their PR.
• What should I eat during training and on race day?
  Depends on the race distance. If it is a 5K you should be ok with eating a bagel, banana and energy bar the morning of the race. If it is a marathon, please (please!) only eat what you have trained with during long runs (based on firsthand experience, you don't want to do otherwise.)
• How do I train?
  This one, I've already done the work for you. Below is a 5K training plan based on a 4th of July race. Visit this site to find an Independence Day race near you. You've got 6 weeks!

Good luck! And email me how you feel at the finish line (I'd love to feature your results)!

get in shape {yoga}

June is around the corner. That means we're halfway through the year and it's time to review our 2007 resolutions. If get in shape is on your list, I'm here to help. This entire week I will be posting on exercise.

Looking for ways to tone your arms, buns and thighs? Or are you searching for the perfect yoga dvd? How about finding a race around you? And what about clothing + gear? Stay tuned. These are real tips; tips you can use from your own home sans gym pass.

First up: Yoga.

The number one question I get is Can you give me a recommendation for a yoga dvd. I recommend practicing at least three times a week. My top choices are below:

a. Rodney Yee - He has a wide collection of yoga practices {from beginning to athletic to power yoga}. I recommend his Power Yoga dvd. A full body workout that will leave you feeling sculpted. From beginning to advanced, he offers a good series.

b. Beryl Bender Birch - I received one of my yoga certifications through her. It is called Power Yoga for Runners, but obviously not exclusive for runners. She moves quickly through the poses providing an Ashtanga yoga feel. If you are looking for a workout-esque yoga, this is the one for you.

c. Shiva Rea - I'll be honest here. I didn't like Shiva Rea at first, but have grown to really like the Shiva Rea Yoga Shakti dvd. She provides four different flows that can be put together to provide a good workout.

d. David Swenson - For the advanced Ashtanga-yogi, The Practice is a good one. Period. Sun salutations virtually the entire time {repeating sequences}.

e. Baron Baptiste - I have not tried his dvd's, but had to include him because I've heard a lot of reviews. You can check out {and decide for yourself} what you think here.

Now onto the goods. What about gear? Dressing the part not only equips you for action, but gives you the confidence to train and the guilt not to stop. I suggest purchasing two to three bottoms {shorts/capris/pants} that you can mix and match with various tops. My top choices are below:

a. Power Studio Pant - My favorite yoga pant. I'm 5'7 and love a long pant. Available in lengths {which I love} this pant is form fitting with a slight flair at the ankle.

b. Chakra Pant - If you are shorter than 5'6 I'd dress you in this. It is snug. With flair {see a pattern?} If you are looking for a relaxed pant, I suggest this one or this one.

c. Paige Capri - prAna, yet again. My favorite yoga brand. This capri is savvy enough to practice in and run errands around afterwards.

d. Rio Short - Snug and Relaxed. How can it be? Somehow it does both.

e. Tops, I leave to you. It is difficult for me to suggest tops without a discussion. Varying bust size, shoulder width, length of torso, etc. What are you looking for? Email me if you need help. Sites I would recommend checking out for yoga clothing: prAna, Athleta, Title Nine, Lululemon, Lucy, Patagonia.

f. ECO Sticky Mat - You can't do yoga without a mat! Made using ECO friendly material, PVC free. This mat is great! Just remember to wash it before you use it or else it can be slippery {think shipping/handling oils}.

Extras - Hoodies are great to wear to and from class, especially to have "in case" your body cools during relaxation pose. Headbands are always nice to catch sweat and to look pretty. Yoga mat holders are great as well so you can just sling it over your shoulder.

Breathe. Did I wear you out? The thing about yoga is this: Your mind + body need to be in it. Think about your muscles lengthening, deepen your pose with each breath, fasten your gaze during balancing poses. It is one of the best cross-training activities. And I promise you'll reap the benefits.

Enjoy!

Simply Yoga

I love the way I feel after yoga - mentally and physically. I've been eyeing a couple yoga dvds at Costco since before Christmas and finally bought this one.

It's a dvd and 26 flashcards with various poses. I need someone telling me what to do and making up the routine for me, so the dvd will initially be my guide rather than the flashcards.

Just bought it Friday. I'm excited.

What yoga or other exercise dvds do you use? What would you recommend? Missy, tell us the best yoga dvd!

I also bought a Kathy Kaehler Total Fitness dvd in the $1 section at Target in January (except it was $2.50). Only done it once.

DVDs are a new thing for me since my good intentions of making it to the gym are just not happening.

Seriously. I can't wait to try the Yoga dvd. I am craving that mental and physical state.

Don't Put it Past Me

It's been windy and cold here. I feel like I can relate with you two when you say that you are experiencing winter in London and Park City. It takes creativity on our part being mom's to babies under a year old.

A couple days ago I put Avery on my shoulders (she loves being up there for some reason) and started doing lunges around the family room. I had music going on the laptop so it was a modern dance of sorts I told myself. Combine that with the post below and you'll feel a little "tighter" in the morning.

Quick Ab Workout

I set Avery down this morning on a blanket and put her toy bin in front of her. She likes to pick through each and every toy, one by one. I was brushing my teeth, making the bed, cleaning up breakfast. Once I finished and sat down with her, I wanted to play. Quick idea. Set her on my stomach with a toy that makes her think ie: something she has never seen before and can inspect...today it was a bell (one that was too big for her to stuff into her mouth and choke). And I started doing some sit ups. With her on my tummy. She smiled each time my head came up to her eye level and she was also inspecting her bell. Once I did 100, we stopped and sang some songs. And then it was time for her morning nap.