fitness

HOW TO FIND THE PERFECT SPORTS BRA

05.02.2017

Alright ladies, we’re getting semi personal today and talking sports bras. I’ve recently been running a bit more then usual and have had some really great experiences and some not so great experiences lately with sports bras. The not so great, is that when I get home from a long run I have experienced a think red cut/chafing right under my boob where the band cinches. (Super painful!) I’ve experienced this 3 times now with different sports bras and have been eager to find the right fit. I also find it important to protect from sagging and make sure they are secured nicely and ready to take on any activity. 🙂

OUTFIT DETAILS: Sports Bra // Leggings // Denim Jacket // Sneakers

Torrey Fox Photography

After the good and bad experiences I’ve had with sports bras lately I went to the Nike store on Union Street (San Francisco) to get a bra fitting after having done extensive research since then to find the right bra for me. I should have researched this years ago, but better late then never! Wanted to share my learnings with you all in hopes that this can help find the perfect sports bra for you!

So the basics… To start, if a sports bra is too tight, it can result in chafing and prevent proper breathing. A sports bra that is too loose won’t provide the right amount of support. Unsupported, the average A cup moves about an inch and half and D bounces 2-3 inches with exercise. A sports bra can cut that movement in half (key to reduce sagging!!) Also, a proper-fitting sports bra helps to keep the Cooper’s ligament (connective tissue that supports the breasts) strong. Because women start to wear bras at such a young age, the ligament loses its strength and doesn’t have the ability to support the breasts as much as nature intended.

I asked the associate what the number 1 mistake people are making when choosing a sports bra. Her answer: wearing a smaller cup and larger band then you need. 80% of women wear the wrong size bra! This doesn’t surprise me, because I am a culprit of this as well.

SPORTS BRAS ABOVE (FROM LEFT TO RIGHT): Nike Dri Fit Jersey // Carbon 38 High Neck Speed Elastic // Nike Pro Classic Medium Support

Here are a few things to take into consideration when choosing a sports bra:

Choose between a compression or encapsulation style sports bra

Compression bras minimize movement by pressing flat against your chest. Shelf bra styles (no cups just material) work for smaller cup sizes (A and B) or for lower impact workouts. Encapsulation style sports bras have individual cups (usually better for larger-breasted women).

Its important to note that your boobs should be fully covered and should not be pouring out of the top. The fabric should also be smooth with no wrinkles.

Choose between racerback or wide straps

Racerback bras cinch in the back so the straps anchor the bra closer to the body, providing more support. Wide straps (or shoulder straps) help distribute weight better than T-backs (key for bigger cups) and are more likely to be adjustable and padded.

Regardless of what type of straps, they shouldn’t be too tight or dig into your shoulders. If the straps are providing a majority of the support, the sports bra isn’t the right fit.

Choose between a pullover bra or back clasp

Pullover bras (or tank styles) typically cover the back more than clasps, but those with all over stretch lack adjustability, and support to anchor large chests. Clasps let you tighten the band, from which 70 percent of the bra’s support comes. This is especially important for larger breasts, which place more demand on the band.

Band: As the foundation of the bra, the band should fit flat against your ribcage and fit more snugly than a lingerie bra. I like to take a deep breath which helps me gauge if the bra fits comfortably. Look for a wide band with strong elastic to provide necessary support. If it rides up in the back, the band is either too loose or the straps need to be adjusted. The number one thing I look for right now considering my chaffing problem is a wide band.

Other things I look for while bra shopping:

I always look for moisture-wicking material such as polyester that dries quickly. I love Nike dry fit everything as well!
For cycling, yoga or any low impact activity I prefer to wear pullover soft wicking bras
For running I prefer both compression and encapsulation. I definitely like to make sure I’m getting the support I need, and make sure the band is not too tight
Usually after a year (depending on how many times I wear) I like to throw away and repurchase sports bras. The fabric wears out over time and with washes, so I typically throw away once the elastic or overall fit becomes loose.

After searching high and low for the perfect sports bra for every occasion I feel like I have finally found whats best for me. While on the hunt, I usually like to start with Nike due to great quality and variety of options. My favorite high/medium support bra is the Classic Pro which I wear running. I just picked up this Dri Fit Jersey Stretch bra a few weeks ago and think this is my favorite bra of all time (I know this is a big statement!) It is just SO comfortable, the fabric is so soft and the band is pretty wide which I always look for. I also love the Classic Pro Indy Bra for low impact as well. Then of course for style (talking pilates or yoga) I love this, this and this cute one. Here are some additional favorites:

A perfect-fitting sports bra makes all the difference. Comfort is key during my workouts and I will always go comfort over style. I hope this mini guide helps you girls find the perfect fit! xo

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SHINY LEGGINGS // MY FAVORITE ACTIVEWEAR TREND FOR SPRING

04.12.2017

Happy Wednesday loves! Hope your week is going well. Today I’m sharing a look that I’ve been absolutely loving lately and have been seeing everywhere. I feel like shiny leggings used to be for the super stylish fitness instructors who were only confident enough to rock them. Or something you would wear on a night out (to resemble leather leggings). Butttttt, lately I have started seeing them pop up everywhere and become an activewear staple next to our basic black workout leggings.

Shiny leggings can be intimidating at first and you may think that if you dont have the perfect legs you cant pull them off. However I have found shiny leggings to be super flattering on most body shapes and the fabric is probably the most comfortable I own!

OUTFIT DETAILS: Cropped Sweatshirt // Shiny Leggings // Shoes

Torrey Fox Photography

Today I’ve paired my favorite shiny leggings with a cute crop sweatshirt from Puma. These leggings have a high waist and look so cute with a loose crop top. They are so comfortable, I have been wearing them nonstop! I also think they really add a bit of style to any outfit, regardless of what top you’re wearing. I like to avoid wearing the same fabric on the top as the bottom, so I’ve mixed it up with cotton on top. I also prefer to wear more of a loose top if my leggings are tight and body hugging or visa versa.

And more of my favorite shiny leggings are below! I am obsessing over this burgundy pair and may also need to snag these black cropped leggings.

Have a great rest of your week and thanks for stopping by! xo

POPSUGAR SQUAT CHALLENGE

04.06.2017

I love a good challenge, so when I saw this squat challenge from Popsugar I thought I’d give it a try! I also really enjoy breaking up my normal routine with something new. You guys have heard me say this a million times, but it’s superrrrr important to keep your body guessing so it doesn’t get used to the same movement. This challenge doesn’t take any time at all but brought a lot of focus on the booty which I’m constantly trying to grow and strengthen. For more of a challenge do this routine daily with weights. I’ve been doing this with 10 pound weights in each hand.

Try it and let me know what you think!

FIT FASHION: NOT-SO-BASIC BASICS

03.07.2017

Hope you all are having a great week! I am currently sitting on a flight right now on my way to Canada for a work trip. Its been a whirlwind the last few weeks, we also visited Las Vegas over the weekend for a fun getaway with friends. Needless today I am TIRED! Anyways, today I wanted to share a fit fashion (and airport) look which I am LOVING lately. If you follow me on insta, you know I’m a sucker for basics. I tend to gravitate towards black leggings and black and white tees/tanks. I am always on the hunt for ways to spice up a simple look and these leggings and tee are exactly what I was looking for.

(Photography by Lauren Mizrahi)

I la la love the back on this tee! Its so fun and adds a little flair to a basic white top. I ordered a size small for those of you who asked on my insta.

I’ve been on the hunt for tops other then racerback tanks and have found so many cute options! Here are a few that are on my list. I just picked up this long sleeve and this super cute cropped hoodie.

And there are so many not-so-basic sports bras that I’ve had my eye on lately. Activewear brands and really stepping it up!

These Alo Yoga moto leggings are definitely a favorite of mine! I wear them often and they are also very versatile. I love throwing on a leather jacket and it instantly transforms into a cute errands or brunch outfit. These leggings give any look a little bit of edge. And if you are in the market for something a little different…

ZELLA TOP / ALO YOGA LEGGINGS / ZELLA SPORTS BRA / ADIDAS SNEAKERS (SOLD OUT) SIMILAR HERE & HERE

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Pilates ProWorks Review: San Francisco Marina Location

02.12.2017

It has been a lonnnggg time since I last did reformer pilates! As you all know I love my current rotation: weight training, running, yoga. BUT I do love to mix it up a bit and always like to add pilates in the mix when I am in a rut and need something a little different. As I’ve said before, we always want to keep our body guessing and make sure we dont get used to a certain routine.

A few weekends ago Pilates ProWorks (the San Francisco Marina location on Union Street) invited me to experience a class. The studio offers reformer pilates, mat boxing and TRX classes but I decided to go with the reformer. Right around the corner from my house, I signed up for a Saturday morning class with Clarissa. From the moment I walked in, the staff was super friendly which is something that I notice and take note of right away. The class before me was just finishing up so after a few minutes it was time to take to the reformer. The class was super intimate which I loved. It was only a class of 10 or so which was great and didn’t feel too crowded like your average studio. The studio was extremely clean, equipment was super well maintained, staff was friendly and the teacher was excellent- thank you Clarissa!

I have done pilates quite a few times, but it’s been awhile. I wasn’t exactly comfortable on the reformer at first, but after Clarissa set me up and showed me how to adjust the resistance I was good to go. The class was challenging and targeted muscles that I have not used (or noticed I used) in a long time! The moves are repetitive but that is certainly the exhausting part. If I am sore the next day, I can tell that was a great workout. And I WAS sore! We focused mostly on legs, so I am wondering if different body parts are focused on each class. Let me know in the comments if you are familiar!

I will say, I do prefer more high intensity workouts and am looking forward to trying the mat box or TRX class next. I was a bit disappointed that I didn’t break a sweat and for me that’s key to feeling like I had a great session. Also, classes fill up FAST! I had a hard time booking actually and I would definitely feel disappointed if I had to schedule like that often.

(2 images above via Pilates ProWorks)

Tips for your first class:

Bring grippy socks with you to class as they are required. You can also purchase them at the studio for $15
There are not showers at the Marina location and not a lot of space to hang out so its best to plan to go home and shower after class
Introduce yourself to the instructor and let him/her know you are new. The will keep an eye on you during class and make sure you are doing moves correctly in order to avoid injury. They will also show you how to work the reformer and adjust resistance
Bring a water bottle and prepare to be sore the next day!

The facts:

Pilates ProWorks was founded in San Francisco in 2010 by a husband and wife duo and since have launched 15 studios in the US and South America.

Pilates Pro classes deliver a powerful 40- or 55-minute workout in a small group setting, in which each person works on their own FitFormer™ Pilates machine. This class combines resistance, lengthening, strength training, and cardio to aid in weight loss, define muscle, improve strength, endurance and flexibility, and boost energy.

matBox is a full-body workout that brings together Kickboxing, Pilates and Yoga into one powerful 55-minute session. The class starts with a round of high-intensity kickboxing with a punching bag. Then, the gloves come off and you hit the mat for a round of Pilates to strengthen your core. The final round incorporates Yoga to leave you aligned, balanced and fully invigorated. The result is a balanced mix of high-energy and focused intensity that tones, aligns and blasts calories. (Cant wait to try this class next!)

San Francisco locations:

2238 Union St, San Francisco, CA 94123 (Marina)
563 Commercial St, San Francisco, CA 94111 (Fidi)

If you want to check out a class they have a few deals running!

Purchase a whole year of unlimited classes in 2017 for $2,017. This works out to $168 per month.
For new clients, enroll in a FIT 10 autopay membership and get your whole first month for $20.17. This works out to $12.34 per class.

Regular prices:

New clients: $20 for your first class or $135 1 month unlimited
1 class is normally $30
They also offer 5, 10 or 20 packs (click here for full price list)

Have you taken a class at Pilates ProWorks before? If so, did you enjoy?

Thanks for reading! xo

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