Category Archives: Fitness

KT Tape: Support Your Workout

object001_1Do you have an injured area or a former injury that needs extra stability during your workout? I need support on my left knee and foot (have arthritis in both) and this really does the trick. It stabilizes and supports nicely for athletic tape. I like the natural fiber but there is also a synthetic fiber tape at a slightly higher price point. You can apply this tape and leave it for several days if you want. I like to remove it after exercise to keep the area clean. The synthetic tape left quite a bit of adhesive after I removed it and that is why I prefer the natural fiber.
The website claims the following:

KT TAPE is applied along muscles, ligaments, and tendons (soft tissue) to provide a lightweight, external support that helps you remain active while recovering from injuries. KT Tape creates neuromuscular feedback (called proprioception) that inhibits (relaxes) or facilitates stronger firing of muscles and tendons. This feedback creates support elements without the bulk and restriction commonly associated with wraps and heavy bracing. KT Tape gives you confidence to perform your best.
All I know is that my knee and foot hurt less and I move easier through yoga poses and Pilates workouts. Now for the fun part: The colors are so bright–pink, purple, neon green–I was able to find camo online at Amazon. So, you can use black or you can have a little fun while keeping your workout safe. For more information, see website link below.

http://www.kttape.com/store

Tees By Tina: Seamless = Effortless Style

object001_2Tees By Tina, I love you! Just found this line while on a little stay-cation with my husband. Many cute items in the gift store of the W Hotel on South Beach. WOW. Easy (and seamless) ballet style top with 3/4 sleeves in navy and a simple black tank were my takeaways..perfect. Then visited a friend’s Pilates studio for a trunk show and there’s Tina again in all her seamless glory! This time in fab, fab seamless capri workout tights with a surprise tie-dye burst–again comfort and style–gym and/or street wear. Too perfect. Finally I perused the site– a full line of seamless dresses, skirts, tops–adorable! Take a look for yourself.

http://www.teesbytina.com

Replenish Mind, Body & Soul at Canyon Ranch Tucson

photo 1If you have a decision to make or if you are at a crossroads in your life–this is your destination. If you want to have a healthy vacation with over 40 daily activities available, this is your destination. If you wish to be pampered and relax by the pool interspersed with spa treatments, this is your destination. Detecting a pattern?? You design the program at CR.
I tried a little of everything. There was a tough off-site hike that certainly challenged me (you choose the level). Guides were knowledgeable and all supplies were taken care of. There were plenty of seminars to choose from–communication and decision making to cooking demos–I chose the communication seminars and also chose a spectacular massage and sat by the pool for a few hours (I did not try the underwater treadmill). I also decided to physically delve into the opposite of my norm–no pilates or vinyasa yoga. I completed a circuit training that combined cardio and strength machines, restorative yoga and stretching. Works for me!! Sleeping was a pleasure as there was only the unique sounds of the surrounding desert to lull you to sleep–or the bone-weariness felt after a 2 1/2 hour hike.
The delicious and expertly prepared food added to the experience. Again, it is your choice. Decide to limit calories–they make it easy by disclosing it on the menu–or try a bit of everything. My favorites were clams in white wine and mashed cauliflower. For dessert there were perfectly portioned choices like soft serve ice cream, sorbets, cookies and gluten free cookies–my favorite? flourless chocolate cake. There is always a salad bar stocked with lots of fresh goodies and daily changes in offerings. The portions remind you of what healthy eating is all about.
And here’s the easy part–everything is included and there is no tipping allowed. Some of the activities have a charge and it is clearly noted on the schedule. You also have the option to utilize the world class medical minds at CR and you may peruse the catalog of services at program advising. In fact, once your reservation is made you are contacted to plan your schedule in advance–if you like.
I learned and re-established my healthy habits at CR. I challenged myself with different (for me) forms of movement. I learned helpful steps toward improved communication/decision making. I also noticed how pleasant and content the CR staff was–they seemed to be very well compensated and HAPPY. How nice! I also noticed there was no sales pitch or pushiness for visitors to ‘upgrade’ their experience. It really felt like I was in charge of my time–and I was. I would do it again in a heartbeat, and chances are it will have a completely different outcome depending on my wishes–My kind of vacation!!

http://www.canyonranch.com

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Zella & Stella

object001_5For a few years I’ve been obsessed with Adidas Stella McCartney workout wear. It’s pretty pricey, but you can find end-of-season sales on Zappos and the Adidas website. Stella styles are sexy, funky and versatile–and at full-price, some items qualify for PWR (per wear ratio) status.
A bit lower and price, but never lacking in style or substance is Zella, a line exclusive to Nordstrom. A helpful salesperson told me Zella is created for Nordstrom by a former Lululemon designer. That may be true–Zella appears to be the offspring of a Lulu and Stella encounter. The price is right and it holds up well.  Photo is one of my go-to jackets: moto style with snakelike fabric. A few clients and many strangers have done an unapologetic fabric check to be sure they’re not crazy–yes, it’s PETA approved snake print fabric.
Back to the jackets—I must have a double zipper–and Zella and Stella both meet my needs. For pants, I’m most comfortable in capri tights–colorful or not–love Onzie, and Lulu capri’s wear well. As far as Stella/Adidas and Zella are concerned, these colorful, stylish and comfortable looks can go from studio to errands to lunch–AND you can sweat in them looking oh so pretty!

http://www.adidas.com/us/adidas-by-stella-mccartney/_/N-1z13svo
http://shop.nordstrom.com

I am so in love with Onzie yoga pants!

 

photoThursday, March 6, 2014

Running out the door to teach, and it takes two seconds to look halfway decent because I’m wearing these babies! All of a sudden I can go from teaching to practicing to running errands…so many patterns–paisley, peacock, cosmic, animal print as seen here, or just plain black. The fabric is stretchy, flattering and breathable. Love them!!

Onzie.com