Product Review: No Sweat Laundry

This review is a long time coming.

I was lucky enough to win this package (2 To Go Packs, in Freesia) from the lovely Katy @ Fit in Heels an embarrassingly long time ago.

Here is are some of the benefits of using No Sweat Laundry (from the website):

• It's unique active ingredient, Bio Blast, eliminates bacteria and oil
• It is gentle on clothing and helps to remove under arm stains
• No Sweat does not break down the fabric and protects your clothes from pilling and fading
• It is just as effective in cold water

Overall, I was very impressed with these products.  The detergent made my gym clothes smell so fresh and clean, you would never know that I ever used them to workout. I have been experimenting with different products for year and nothing has worked this well for me.

The yoga mat spray also did a great job of freshening my mat.  I usually use tea tree oil and was excited to see if something else works just as well.  This spray does.

Pros:

• It works!  My clothes and yoga mat have never smelt so good.
• My skin is very sensitive and was not irritated by these products.  This is a huge thing for me.
• I could see an improvement with underarm stains (I imagine with regular use, it would improve even more).

Cons:

• Cost.  It is a little on the pricey side, but you only need to use it with your workout wear.  I still have a bottle and a half of mat spray left, so it lasts a long time.
• The ingredients were not listed (and I can't find them on the website), and I will like to see what is in it.

Buy or Bust:  I would definitely buy this product.

Thank you so much to Katy and No Sweat!

What do you use to wash your gym clothes?  How do you freshen your yoga mat.

Stay Healthy,
Tracy

Disclosure:  I received these products for free to review, but the opinions are my own.

Product Review: Under Armour Bra

I wear sports bras every day and when Under Armour contacted me to test drive their bra, I jumped at the chance to try something new.

It is very challenging to find a great fit, so the folks at Under Armour went right to the source and interviewed athletes to find out what they look for in a perfect sports bra.

The Under Armour bra features:

• Soft, removable cups for comfort.
• Mesh venting so you stay cool and dry.
• "Smart" UA fabric for moisture-wicking.
• Seam-free interior edges for anti-chafing.

It also comes is a variety of cup and closure sizes so you can find the one right for you.

So what did I think?

I loved:

• The material.  It was comfortable and definitely moisture-wicking.
• The thick straps. They provided lots of support and did not dig in.
• The seam-free interior.  The bra did not dig into my under arms like many of the bras I have tried.

I wished that:

• That the bra came in a higher band size.  Mine fit, but one size up would have been a bit better.
• The front of bra sat a little bit lower.

Overall, I really like the bra and would definitely recommend it.  Check out the Under Armour website for more information.


Do you have a favourite sports bra?

Stay Healthy,
Tracy

Disclosure:  I received these product for free to review, but the opinions are my own.

What Not to Wear (to the Gym)

Fitness and fashion.  They go together like peas and carrots.

Okay, maybe not, but I often get asked if it really matters what you wear when you are working out.

My answer is yes and no.  Let me explain.

When you are exercising, what matters most is how you feel.  Some people will feel their best in an old pair of track pants and a t-shirt, while others would rather sport the trendiest shorts and a high performance tank. 

However, you also can consider that there are technical fabrics and designs that lend themselves to different activities.  For example, if you sweat a lot during your workout, you may want to invest in gear with anti-odour properties.  If you are runner, you may find it is easier to move in a running skirt. etc.

I don't think you need to break the bank buying fitness clothing.  There are many fantastic brands in all price ranges that will get the job done.

For some people always being fashionable is very important.  For others, not so much.  It really comes down to personal choice and what works for your body and budget.

If you are still on the fence about what to wear, here are a few tips.

Source

Friday Favourites: Running Essentials

I went out for my first run this week in what seems like months.  It felt awesome.  I fall in and out of love with running and an extended break is just what I needed to get the passion back.

As I was putting on my many layers of clothes and getting ready to head out, I realized that there are a few other things that I need to have with me to make my run a great one.

So, today I share with some of my favourite outdoor running essentials.

Equipment Essentials for Home Exercise

I hope everyone had a fantastic weekend!

I was out and about yesterday and picked up this:

What I am Loving Right Now...Again

Before I jump into today's post, I want to share what arrived in the mail yesterday.

Garage Sailing for Fitness Finds

Out on my run the other day I noticed a sign at a church up the street for a yard sale and decided to stop by to see if I could find any fitness treasures.

The sale was pretty small and I picked up a few Christmas videos for my niece and nephew to watch with us this year.

On my way home, I saw that there was a sale at another church so I stopped in thinking it would be similar to the first one.

Wrong.

PIPES Challenge, Week 3 and What I am Loving Right Now

I saw a fantastic post from Kristina @ Spabettie about things that she is loving right now.  I liked the idea so much, I thought I would borrow it :)


Things I am Loving Right Now

Boca Athletics
I found this line on my shopping adventure last week and absolutely love it.  The fit is flattering, the material is comfortable and the price is right.  I will keep you posted to let you know if it stands the test of time.

Choosing the Best Cardio Equipment

Most of you know by now that cardio equipment and I are not very good friends.  Sure, we have to get along from time to time, but I much prefer to take my workouts outside in the form of walking, running and swimming.

That being said, I know many of you hit up the cardio a few times a week and I thought I would give you the lowdown on how to choose the best equipment.

So the burning question is:  Which one is the best choice?

Answer:  The one you are going to actually use.

I could go on about how treadmills are better as running, by nature, is a high-intensity activity and therefore, you will burn more calories, get a better workout etc.

The truth of the matter is that dreadmill will do you absolutely no service if you hate to run and use it to dry your laundry.

That is just money down the drain.

Workout Wear: 3 Essential Investments

I know, you are looking at the title of the post thinking, "but you said fitness is free!"

You are right, exercise is free, but there are some pieces that you may want to invest in to make your time in the gym (or at home) more efficient and comfortable.