Here’s a few things that caught my eye this week! Some I own and lots I’m lusting over.  I have also linked my favourite American Eagle leggings, the ones that are very similar to the Lululemon Aligns.  I own these and LOVE them.  I don’t workout in the coloured ones as they show sweat, but I do wear the black ones to to the gym and they’re great! I wear a size small- short… if you’re looking for a more affordable alternative to the Align leggings, I highly suggest these.

If you’re reading this and you’re a regular at the gym, be patient and be kind to those entering or reentering the fitness world. Make people feel comfortable, offer help if they need it, and smile… we often forget what a simple smile means to someone.  I understand January can be annoying for people who hit the gym regularly.  It’s hard to get into classes, the machines and parking lots are full,  BUT everyone has a right to be there. So, instead of making fun of people for using the New Year as a time to set new goals and wishing for people to fall off the band wagon let’s encourage, support and support them!

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5 Reasons I love Orange Theory

1.) The schedule.  There are classes ALL DAY long.  They start at 5:00am and I believe the last class is at 8:15pm.  Obviously, this changes from location to location, but this is key.  My schedule can be full at times so having a bunch of options makes it easy to get there and hard to make excuses to not.

2.) Every class is different. Like I mentioned before, I have done over 50 classes and I have never been to two the same.  Yes, they have the same formula HIT (High Intensity Training) but they are all so different.  Some endurance, others strength, sometimes you’re rowing a bunch, and others hardly any.  The fact that I am not 100% sure of what I am getting myself into makes it exciting.

3.) The community.  I am not joking when I say that most of the people that I have met at OT have been going since it opened.   If that doesn’t say something I don’t know what does.  With that being said, even though I was new I instantly felt welcome.

4.) The results.  I can without a doubt say that I have noticed the biggest change in my body since going to OT.  My abs are more defined, my arms are more toned, and honestly I just feel amazing.  I had heard nothing but amazing things about HIIT style of training but had never really done it.  I now get it.  It works.

5.) It has turned me into a morning worker-outer.  I have ALWAYS wanted to be that annoying person that gets up early and gets their workout out of the way in the morning but I never was… until OT!  I’m not sure if it’s the time (I go to the 6am classes), the fact that I absolutely adore Karlie, or the group of people that go at 6 but I am addicted.  It feels so great to get my sweat on first thing in the morning and then having my evenings free!

6.) Your OT membership works all across Canada… how amazing is that?! For example, the last time I flew to Australia I left from Edmonton.  I wanted to get an early morning sweat session in before sitting on a plane for 17 hours so I jumped on the Mindbody app, found the closest OT, booked a class, crushed it… and didn’t have to pay! It was so handy!

7.) It’s like having a personal trainer… but not.  The coaches are there to motivate you, offer modifications, explain the exercise in detail, or show you how to use the machines all while being in a fun group atmosphere!

8.) They always have fun challenges and events to keep you motivated. Whether it’s the dri tri, the transformation challenge, a theme workout, or even a 90 minute class, they’re always adding an element of fun or competition!

9.) I am a way better runner.   I have always wanted to be a runner for the simple fact that all you need is runners and some good music but I have always struggled.  I ran the Lululemen Seawheeze a few years ago but even then I just wasn’t that great, I finished (GO ME) but it wasn’t a great time.  Since Orange Theory I go out at least once a week and run 5Km no problem! No stopping and my time has improved immensely!

… whoops, I know I said 5 but actually there’s 8! If you can’t tell, I really do love it! If you’re wanting to try it they always offer a free trial class.  I highly suggest doing this- it’s a great way to ensure you’re happy with it before signing up. But if you do want to sign up, September is a GREAT time to do it because they have an awesome back to school deal.  If you mention that I sent you, you’ll get a one month unlimited pass for $99 which is an AMAZING DEAL!

Shop my look below:

Tank
Sports Bra
Leggings
Sneakers

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And with the spring excitement comes running.  I will admit I am a seasonal runner.  I am not big into running in the winter- you’re going to think I’m crazy but it actually hurts my gums.  I can’t explain it but it started when I played hockey, (yes I played, pause for laughter), the combination of the heavy breathing and the cold air made my gums ache.  Anyways the exact same sensation happens when I run in the winter- weird, I know.  When I say I am a seasonal runner I actually mean I am a new seasonal runner.  I just started running last spring and I can tell you I have learnt a lot since.  Like anything, having the correct gear is probably one of the most important parts of running.  Shoes- FUNCTION over fashion I’m telling you… I learned this the hard way.  Having runners that don’t provide the right support can set you back causing injuries.

Speaking of support, the Lululemon Enlite bra! HOLY GUACAMOLE!!! This bra is intense in all the right ways.  The bra was designed by women for women #babessupportingbabes. Who knows what we need in a bra more than someone who experiences the difficulties of running with breasts.  I know what you’re thinking, Holl, you’re flat as a board.  What problems could you possibly run into with a sports bra?! Well you’re right- to be honest I don’t suffer from a lot of the issues thousands of women with larger chests do, and that is exactly why I have enlisted my beautiful friend Michelle to help me with this post.  Michelle is one of those women who is blessed with an itty bitty waist and perfect curves! Michelle and I went into the Lululemon here in downtown YQR to get fitted by one of the Enlite bra specialists and then we hit the ground running, literally.  Here are her thoughts on the new Enlite bra after testing it by going for a run.

Holly: Michelle, can you tell us about the struggles you’ve experienced with past sports bras.
Michelle: Some problems I would experience before were the bands at the bottom would stretch out which would lead to zero support especially for activities like running.  It would actually hurt me to run.

Holly: So, has the enlite bra solved these problems for you?
Michelle: Yes, this bra has completely solved those problems.  The multiple straps at the back evenly distributes the weight and the ultra soft band at the bottom gives me the exact support I need.  The individually encapsulated cups also move with my body instead of flattening my chest into pancakes. The women who designed this bra seriously nailed it.  I was super self conscious before which is the last thing I need to be worrying about when I’m running.  Oh, it also passes the bounce test… YES!

Holly: Best part of the bra?
Michelle: I can run without pain!! 

Holly: With anything that is good there always seems to be a bit of a downfall.  Does this bra have any? Michelle: Getting it on is quite the task. But once you get the hang of it, it’s not too bad.  The positives definitely outweigh the negatives that’s for sure. 

Holly: This bra is on the expensive side.  Worth the $98 price tag?
Michelle: Yes, Yes, YES!!  My mom was immediately convinced when I told her about it.  I’m positive people who struggle with the same issues I did would have no problem dropping $100 on it. 

Holly: There is actually a Sweat Test Promise where Lululemon encourages women to sweat, run, jump, lift, spin, dance, go for coffee, or even wear it to work.  If it doesn’t perform for you, they’ll take it back!
Michelle: Um well that’s awesome. 

There you have it ladies!  Babes Supporting Babes for the win AGAIN!!

Have any questions or want to get fitted for your own Enlite bra? Head to your local lululemon- they’d love to help you!

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