Reform Your Body

Hate going to the gym?  Hate working out?  Hate not seeing results even when you do bite the bullet and exercise?  Stamina Products AeroPilates Reformers can change all that...and your body.

I've been a fan of yoga and Pilates FOREVER.  Especially Pilates done on a reformer machine.  Imagine getting long, lean muscles quickly and safely without having to balance on one leg and worry about your form.  On a Pilates reformer you simply lay down, keep your core tight and thanks to resistance bands and ropes on pulleys a few leg positions later you're on your way to that svelte body you've been dreaming of.  You really can increase your stamina, lose weight, and build muscle without beating up your joints.

The downside, these reformers are not cheap and you need to have at least a 9' by 5' area available.  Lucky for me I joined Groupon AND they had an amazing deal AND (if I remove our coffee table) I have exactly a 9' by 5' space.  Mine ended up being only $216 plus $25 for shipping and NO tax (a $483 savings)!  Of course, you can find your very own for around $500 and up.  OR...you can join Groupon and wait for them to have another great deal on reformers.  I've noticed that Groupons are repeated so it seems very likely.  I will definitely make an announcement if I see one...or any deal on them for that matter.

Any of you lucky enough to live in close proximity to me are welcome to try mine out but I'm warning you, YOU'LL BE HOOKED.

Tiny but Hardcore Treadmill Cheap-ish

In January, when I was in the throes of the cabin fever gift of SDD, I purchased a space saver treadmill after much research.  My criteria:  high impact quality construction, fold up but still long enough jog area, inexpensive, low maintenance, easy assembly, and an extensive number of programs, features all working together to spice up the treadmill experience and motivate.  As usual, Amazon had it!

I am musing about it now because I feel it has significantly improved my daily outlook and motivation.  Before daylight savings time this past Sunday the blackness of night in the morning was killing me.  I decided to get up at (ugh, I know) 5:30 each morning and jump on the treadmill for 30-45 minutes.  Whether I walked or jogged I still got an emotional boost out of it and it made the rest of my morning continue on just a bit better than it would have otherwise.  Now, with it being light out and hour earlier it's 10 times easier to get out of bed and jump on the treadmill which in turn gives me a boost to work a little harder which in turn makes me feel just a bit better throughout the day.

Gym memberships (which I had at the time of purchase) cost about $50 and up.  My particular treadmill cost $399 minus (and here's a big tip) $50 for signing up for the Amazon no interest for a year credit card (which I immediately paid off and cancelled).  Also, the Merit Fitness 725T Plus Treadmill ships for free!  The point is, if you cancel your gym membership (lets be honest, how many of us are really getting our money's worth out of memberships anyway) this treadmill in your very own home will have paid for it's self and more in 8 months or less.

Lastly, my house is only 915 square feet.  Now add furniture and lots of it, appliances, a large dog with cage (bed), three cats, a husband, and gazillions of guests popping in and out 24/7 and you'll see space is limited for additional items...such as this treadmill.  However, it works and it can work in your place too...no matter how small you think your home is.

You have no excuses.  Click below now and start your self improvement (mind, body, and soul) today.

  I own and love this model.  Goes up to 10 on speed and incline, tons of programs, pick your time, set programs of your own, safety stop, heart monitor, calorie and mile read out, 2 cup holders, book or (my favorite) phone holder...to watch tv shows :o), and much much more.  Worth every penny!




Considered this model because it's $50 cheaper...Go for the 725T, it's worth twice what the 715T is :o)

Don't Just Sit There...

Almost four years now at my current office job.  This is my first job EVER that has me sitting almost the whole day.  Sure I walk the length of a football field several times throughout the day, but it's not the same as dancing all night serving drinks or babysitting or running around a showroom or a retail store.  Not to mention I drive to work now instead of taking transportation and walking like in Chicago.  So you can imagine how excited I was when I opened up my Women's Health Magazine and saw Isokinetics, Inc. Standard Pedal Exerciser.  Seriously, for less than $20 you can pedal (complete with resistance) at your desk!  I'm so getting this!!!!!!!!!!!!

Lululemon Model...Yep, That's My Friend



David Coligado for Lululemon

 I don't have to tell you how great Lululemon is, AGAIN...but I will.  It's the hottest workout gear on the market right now and I don't foresee it losing it's "hotness" anytime soon.  If you don't believe me check it out in the stock market.  Nothing like numbers to help prove something.

One of the great things about the Lululemon company is they have "ambassadors".  Ambassadors are regular people like you and me who are yoga instructors, trainers, gym employees and owners, and now fans and avid athletes.  Ambassadors get free Lululemon clothing to wear while they do what they do.  Basically, they get paid for advertising with free clothing.  I now have two friends who are Lululemon ambassadors.  One of my best friends, Alissa Andres, who's an instructor at The Dailey Method in Naperville, IL http://www.thedaileymethod.com/naperville.html and Dave Coligado (who's practically my brother).  Dave is an avid marathon runner and a head to toe, inside out fan of Lululemon clothing.  He is currently plastered in print ads at the Rush St. Lululemon location (and maybe others in Chicago).  I am also hoping my cousin, Lindsay Stilphen, who's a personal trainer at 24 Hour Fitness in Sacramento, CA http://www.24hourfitness.com/ClubList/ca/sacramento becomes a Lululemon ambassador, too!

I love a company who appreciates their fans and knows a creative way to advertise.  Who wouldn't want free clothes they wear and buy anyway.  Lululemon, you're genius!  Alissa, you're amazing!  And Dave, well, you're one of a kind and an all around fantastic person!

I think everyone should have at least a little Lululemon.  Head on over to the Rust St. store and check out their poster ads of Dave while you're finding that new yoga tank you need or go online for the latest in Lululemon run shorts http://www.lululemon.com/.


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Get Out There & Run...In This!

Need motivation to get out there and enjoy the great outdoors with a little stroll?  Try this on, Lululemon's Run:  For Your Life pullover http://shop.lululemon.com/products/clothes-accessories/women-tops/Run-For-Your-Life-Pullover-87435?cc=9021&skuId=3421113&catId=women-tops & Run:  Speed Skirt http://shop.lululemon.com/products/clothes-accessories/women-shorts-skirts-and-dresses/Run-Speed-Skirt-32828?cc=0002&sli=1.

This crisp weather reminded me my SUPER FANTASTIC sister, Rachel, bought me this pullover when we were in Sydney, AUS this summer.  I was so excited it was winter there because it meant I could "buy now, wear now" knowing it was way to hot in the states to wear it anytime soon.  The fit is amazing and in addition to Lulu's signature thumb holes, it also has a ponytail hole at the peek of the hood.  How cool and thoughtful is that?!

 Now, let me just tell you about Lulu's run skirt (skort).  This skirt has the most useful hidden pockets, the "shorts" under the skirt does NOT ride up, and it gives you the cutest little flourish from behind.  The last time I wore it was the Soldier Field 10 Mile run, and yes I completed the run in the allotted amount of time, but best of all I had multiple runners/joggers/walkers compliment me on my outfit as they passed me.  I'm pretty sure runners don't do that so it must have really made an impact!

So, combine this fitted, ingenious pullover with Lulu's oh so flattering run skirt and you shouldn't need any more motivation to get out there and show yourself off...I mean run.  And to the runners I join in upcoming runs, stay tuned for my next fashion forward "running" outfit!