Stocking Ideas

So, we are in AZ for the next few weeks.  We celebrated our family's Christmas with the Doc a week early since he's staying home and working around the clock.  We had a wonderful day last week opening gifts and emptying our stockings together.

After 15 Christmases together, the Doc has perfected the art of filling my stocking:

4 protein bars in flavors I've never tried

1 Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred DVD

1 Women's Health magazine

1 Oxygen magazine

1 set of SkipBo cards (I love this game!)

2 sets of pens

a few pieces of Christmas candy

Perfecto!  

Honestly, after racing around for days getting Christmas ready for 3 kids, it just feel nice to have someone think about me.

That's what the Doc does best.

Fit Momma Gift List:

Heart Rate Monitor

Adjustable Dumbbells

Gym Membership

Shoes

Workout Clothes

"Born to Run" by Christopher McDougall

Resistance Bands

Workout DVD's

Related Posts:

Party, Party, Party!

On the Clock

Neighbor Holiday Gifts

Attack of the Goodie Plates

Stocking Stuffers for Fit Mommas

More Fit Momma Question Posts

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Fit Kid Gift List: Jump Ropes and Rhymes

I realize I just wrote about jump ropes yesterday for you, however I didn't want to leave the kids out.  Jump ropes for kids are fantastic.  I'm not kidding.

Old school jump ropes -- love them.

When I taught kindergarten, it was a goal of mine to get more kids jump roping.  We'd bring out the ropes and turn and turn and turn for these little guys.

They are cheap.

They get the kids moving.

What more can we ask for?

Some things I look for in a jump rope for the kiddos are weight and length.  I like the segmented old school jump ropes.  The are the perfect weight for the kids to turn and they have the swivel handles so the rope doesn't get twisted.  

As far as length, it really does depend how big they are.  I just bought my boys some 7 and 8-foot ropes for their stockings.  If they are too long, they just wrap them around their hands.  My daughter is really getting into Double Dutch, so I got her two 16-foot ropes.  

Home Depot special

My very thoughtful mother gave my daughter this 16-foot nylon jump rope last year.  We have used it and used it and used it.  She just went to Home Depot, chose a heavier nylon rope, then burned the edges.  Brilliant.

Wanna see something even more brilliant?  She also gave her this:

A notebook full of Jump Rope Rhymes

This homemade notebook of Jump Rope Rhymes has kept my little gal and her brothers busy many a day after school.  After all that jumping and rhyming, Tressa has even come up with her own rhymes and written them down in the back of the notebook.

Again, 

it is cheap.  

It gets my kids moving.  

What more could I want?

Fit Kid Gift List:

Go! Go! Girl Sports Doll

Zip Lines

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Fit Momma Gift List: Workout DVD's

This holiday season, the best gifts for  Fit Mommas are options.  Occasionally, OK all the time, our very well intentioned workout plans don't go according to plan.  Since I'm the mother of three loose cannons (a.k.a. my kids), I need back up plans A through Z.

When it comes to options, quality workout DVD's are a mother's best friend.

My favorites right now are some of Beachbody's hot sellers:

P90X

P90X+

Insanity 

Since I'm such a huge gym aficionado, I really don't collect a ton of home workout DVD's.  I only have them there if I am desperate and need them in a pinch.  However, some of you workout exclusively at home and have developed quite an impressive library of your favorites.  From what I hear on the street, some other great workout DVD's are:

Cathe Friedrich -- she has a lot of good stuff

Jilian Michaels - 30 Day Shred

ChaLean by Beachbody

Turbo Jam by Beachbody

These DVD's are just the tip of the iceberg, friends.  There is an entire wonderful world out there of workout DVD's.  The trick is getting ones that actually make you work, sweat, burn some calories, and raise your heart rate.

OK, Fit Mommas, what are your favorite workout DVD's?  I know many of you use these daily -- share with us WHAT WORKS!  

Fit Momma Gift List:

Heart Rate Monitor

Adjustable Dumbbells

Gym Membership

Shoes

Workout Clothes

"Born to Run" by Christopher McDougall

Resistance Bands

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Fit Momma Wish List: Jump Rope

Well, the days of shopping are numbered and I'm sure you are crossing items off your gift list left and right.  If your family is like mine, without a little "direction" I end up getting whatever Walgreens has displayed next to the register.  You deserve better than that!  So do I, that's why I always try to leave some heavy hints as far as what to I'd like to see under the tree.

Here's an idea for a Fit Momma: a jump rope.  Yep, I'm serious.  A jump rope.

I love jump ropes!

Since you are thinking it, I'll just go ahead and say it: some of of us pee our pants when we jump.  Whew.  It's out in the open now.  Hello, it's no wonder...  We've had babies and often slight, or not so slight, leaking problems emerge as a result.

If your issues are pretty constant and quite a problem, then just move on from this post.  A jump rope is not for you.  Stick with the non-jumping workouts (swimming, cycling, elliptical, stair master, weight lifting, etc.).

However, if you don't have big issues with wet pants (nothing that wearing black pants can't hide) then pay attention!

Jump ropes are the perfect way to add in some HIIT work to your cardio workouts at home or at the gym.  If you are plugging away on the elliptical (or any other cardio machine), step off, jump rope for a minute or two or five, then go back to the machine.  Just alternate like this for 30-45 minutes and you've got yourself a fantastico cardio workout that just blasted through some awesome calories thanks to that jump rope.

Jump ropes are also a great addition to a weight lifting workout.  I love to throw a little bit of crazy into each set of exercises, and sometimes I break out with the jump rope for a few minutes in between sets.  Again, it gets the heart rate up, sweat is a flying, and I've blasted through some additional calories.

I, personally, like the 9-foot, cheap jump ropes with a rubber or plastic "rope" (like the one pictured here).  No bells and whistles, just light and no nonsense.  If it is too long, I just wind it around my hands.  Also, the rope needs to be able to rotate within the handles so the rope doesn't get all twisted.  THAT is annoying.  This one looks pretty standard.

The kids bought me a weighted jump rope that has weights in the handles and a fancy schmancy leather "rope".  I never use it.  Just keeping the jump rope going around and around is a challenge enough in itself.  Because of this I never want additional weight involved since it just makes me mess up all the time.  Then I start growling and cursing at myself under my breath and want to throw the weighted jump rope in the garbage.  To avoid that ridiculous situation, I use an unweighted jump rope.

As a women, I think the gift of "options" is what we all need this holiday season.  A jump rope offers a great, affordable option to change things up a little at home or at the gym.

Happy jumping!

Fit Momma Gift List:

Heart Rate Monitor

Adjustable Dumbbells

Gym Membership

Shoes

Workout Clothes

"Born to Run" by Christopher McDougall

Resistance Bands

Jump Rope

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Fit Momma Gift List: Resistance Bands

So, you want to start doing some weight training, and for a myriad of reasons you've ruled out joining a gym.  You know you need to do something at home, but buying a set of these just isn't going to fit in the budget.

Are you stuck with bicep curling cans of corn and bench pressing your children?

Those are options, however, there is another one we haven't covered yet:

Resistance bands.  

Or exercise tubes.  

Or Xertubes.  

Whatever.  

You know what I'm talking about, right?

This little gal is completely underrated in my opinion.  It is very affordable and has the potential to give you the muscle building that you need.

The first step in using resistance bands is choosing the right one.

You will find all kinds of resistance bands at discount stores and sporting goods stores.  Just walk on by and don't waste your money.  Spend the $12.00 on the only one worth having:  SPRI Xertubes.

SPRI is my favorite brand hands down.  I've been using SPRI's since the first day I walked into a gym.  They are gym-brand quality, very durable, it takes a lot to stretch it out, and will last for years.

The different colors represent the different levels of resistances:

Green is light.
Red is medium.
Blue is heavy.
Purple is very heavy.

I only have the red or medium Xertube.  It has been ideal for me and the clients I have used it with.  If I were buying one for the Doc, I definitely would want to buy a blue or purple for him.

Be sure your SPRI Xertube has a door attachment.  This allows you to put this tab in your SHUT door and do all sorts of additional exercises:  rows, chest flies, chest press, tricep extentions, ab crunches, the list could go on forever.

How to use an Xertube is an entirely different post(s).  It is thankfully easy, but does take a little know how if you've never used one before.  I will be sure to cover that in the future.  It's going on the list right now.

You usually can't find SPRI Xertubes in the stores we typically shop in since it is a progressional grade exercise band.  You can find it, however, here.  Easy peasy.

So, put it on your Fit Momma Gift list this holiday season and feign surprise when you open it (I've gotten really good at that).

** Full disclosure:  SPRI did not ask or compensate me for this post.  It just is seriously the best exercise band out there and I promised I'd only tell you WHAT WORKS.  


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How to Find an Awesome Personal Trainer

Man, oh man!

Don't forget about the Pottery Barn $100 Giveaway that ends tonight!

And be sure to enter the $50 to Belleza Mia Jewelry (2 winners!) that will end tomorrow night.

When it comes to personal trainers, I am picky. We all should be. I mean, hello, it is our money and our time. I have had the very good fortune to work with some amazing personal trainers throughout the years, some long term and some short term.

I’ve only worked with one doosy. When I told him I was newly pregnant he frowned and informed me that I was “ruining a masterpiece”. Not the best thing to say to a pregnant girl. Needless to say, that was the last time I worked with him.

A few things to look for in a personal trainer:

Certified
First and foremost, your trainer MUST be certified. Don’t even consider paying someone a dime if they haven’t invested their money and time to becoming legit. There are several respectable personal training certifications they can use:

NASM (the best in my opinion)
ACE
ISSA
AFPA
and there are many more.

Experience
Do not pick the trainer who just graduated high school and is just doing this job to get through college. You need someone who has “been there, done that” for a bit longer.

They Understand Women
DO NOT go to the muscle head with the bulging veins and muscles, who wears only ripped t-shirts and who is going to have you lift 60 lb dumbbells over your head. You need someone who is safely going to push and challenge you, but not injure you.

More Than a Rep Counter
You already know how to count to 15, thank you very much. You need someone who is really going to think through your workouts and be much, much more than someone who just counts your reps. They need to be prepared, keep you on a sound lifting schedule, and throw new stuff at you all the time. If they never use new equipment but are stuck in the 1980’s, move on. You need lots of variety and change.

Professional
Your trainer needs to be on time. Your trainer needs to have their cell phone out of sight. Your trainer needs to be writing down, or allowing you to write down, your workout. They need to be focused on you and your form and not getting caught up in the gym meat market social scene. They need to not be flexing their own muscles in the mirror (I’ve seen this happen). They need to be respectful of you and others and just plain nice.

OK, now that you know what to look for, how do you find them?  Here are some tried and true tactics to finding an awesome personal trainer:

Spy
Turn on your 007 and spy on trainers as they are working out other clients. This is their best advertisement. If they are writing down what their client is doing, if they are correcting form, not chatting too much, and totally focused on the client, take note.  That just might be the one.

Referrals
Listen to your girlfriends. They often will work with a trainer who is rocking their world. Ask if you can do a group training session with them or just come and watch. Or, if your friend trustworthy and at a similar fitness level, just take her word for it.

Ask for a Free Session
Some trainers do this and others are so busy they just can’t. Tell them you are interested in hiring a trainer and ask if they would offer you free a trial session. You may get lucky or you may not. If not, a safe bet is to hire them for one session before you commiting yourself to a long term package deal.

Walking Advertisement
Your dentist should have the most stunning set of choppers out there, right? It’s the same for trainers: if they are serious about other’s fitness habits, they will be even more vigilant about their own. We trainers are our own best or worst advertisement. If you see a trainer who is at the desk in between clients, drinking a 64 oz of Coke and downing Krispy Kremes -- that is your cue to walk the other way. Some trainers may disagree with me, but personally, I am much more interested in listening to my trainer if they are in fantastic shape themselves and if I actually see them working out. I don't expect perfection, just someone who not only talks the talk, but walks the walk.

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Fit Momma Question: Neighbor Holiday Gifts?

I was asked this question recently from Fit Momma Annett:

I LOVE to bake and often times I give baked goods to our neighbors for Christmas gifts… Do you have some healthy food ideas that we can give our neighbors besides cookies, that will still be yummy?

Neighbor gifts are one of my favorite holiday traditions.  It really helps me connect once again with those around me who I've only been hastily waving to for too long.

I definitely have been slave to the kitchen many a holiday season making my three different types of cookies, hand dipped chocolates, and cinnamon rolls.

However, I could do without the time I delivered a plate of goodies to a neighbor I didn't know well back in my Tucson days.  I had a baby in one arm, a plate of goodies in the other, and an eager smile pasted on my face.  After I rang the doorbell, I heard an enormous dog hit the door over and over.  Along with his kung fu with the door, his bark was deep and loud.  I knew there was one VERY large dog behind that rattling door.  I was just about to cut and run when the door opened wide.  There was my neighbor who was awkwardly trying to talk on the phone, talk to me, save us from Killer (the name I fondly gave the dog), dripping water from her newly washed hair -- and she was wearing a towel.  That's it.   Needless to say, I threw the plate of cookies at her, yelled "Happy Holidays" over the crazed barking of Killer and let her strategically fix the placement of her very small bath towel without an audience.  As I quickly let the gate slam behind me, just glad both my daughter and I both had our faces still on, she yelled a thank you and explained she had answered the door because she was expecting her boyfriend.  Nice.  I looked back and Killer was eating the cookies off the floor.

Over the past years, there has been a shift in the types of food I give out.  I figure everyone is overloaded with refined sugar and white flour, so I might as well be the one to give them some other options.  Yes, I know I am often viewed as the Scrooge when it comes to holiday food (it comes with the territory), but really I do appreciate yummy food that is healthy to boot.

Food Ideas:

Homemade Salsa

Homemade Hummus and Whole Wheat Pita Bread

Oranges

Fruit Basket

Whole Wheat Bread

Whole Wheat Rolls

Homemade Granola

Dry Soup Mix with directions on how to whip it into a soup

Nuts

Cinnamon Almonds

Favorite Rub

Favorite Seasoning Mix and ideas on how to use it

Homemade Pesto

Homemade Sweet Breads

Homemade Cookies

Veggies and Dip

Bag of Salad and Favorite Dressing (I will kiss your face if you drop this off at my door)

Homemade Muffins for Christmas morning

Dry or Wet Muffin Mix with directions on how to bake them

And while we're at it, why do we have to stick with food?  There are millions of other ideas out there that your family can share with another that will be just as meaningful:

Non-Food Ideas:

Poinsettias

Caroling

CD of Christmas Music

Candle

Calendar

Stationary

New Game - homemade or bought

Favorite Recipe

Potpourri

Kitchen Utensils - whisk, measuring cups or spoons, pitcher, etc.

Balloon(s) -- my kids love this one!

Ornament

Something crafty made by you (totally NOT an option for me)

Wrapping Paper and Bows

Oh my.  I haven't even scratched the surface.

What about you, Fit Mommas?  What are some holiday gifts you like to give that are on the healthier side?  Comment below and tell us WHAT WORKS!

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Fit Momma Gift List: Personal Training Sessions

Well, this is an anniversary of sorts for me.  Nope, its not for the Doc and I (that's in a few weeks), but December 1st marks the day I walked into this place twelve years ago:

As you know, I was REALLY READY for change.  I had had enough of the increasing clothes sizes, finishing off half gallons of ice cream single handedly, and feeling terrible physically and emotionally pretty much 24/7.    With the help of a personal trainer who was serious about change and results, that's exactly what I got:  change and results.

Last week when I was home for Thanksgiving, I treated myself to another trip back to The Fit Stop.  There are now new owners and new trainers, but the great workouts are still there.

Since I've become a personal trainer, I haven't paid to have someone train me in years.  When I was doing fifteen of these...

Diamond Push Ups
I hadn't none these in ages.

...I was reminded how beneficial it is have someone there to throw new stuff at me and push me beyond what I thought were my limits.

A few more reasons to add a personal trainer to your gift list this holiday season:

Accountability
There is someone waiting just for you at the gym 2 or 3 times a week.  If decide to sleep through it and don't show up, it will be noticed and you just lost some cold hard cash.   Ouch.

Just Follow Orders
Sometimes it may be overwhelming when you walk into a gym with all those options:  Barbells!  Dumbbells!  BOSU balls!  Machines!.  It is nice to have someone else figure out what your workout is going to be.  Let someone else do the thinking for once!

Good Form
If you've never been in a gym setting before, it is a VERY good idea to have some professional help to be sure you are hitting all the muscle groups appropriately.  A good trainer will also spend a good amount of time teaching you the proper form when weight lifting (or you can watch a few of my Basics videos and learn that way too!).

Challenge and Change
A good personal trainer will safely bring you to the next level.  They are very in tune to you, your needs, your goals, and abilities.  Yes, they may expect a lot, but why did you go there to begin with?  You want change.  So, change it will be.

Someone Blame
We personal trainers are immune to complaining, whining, excuses, and occasional profanity.  In fact, we love it.  You are welcome to dish it out as much as you want.  When you are sore the next day or two or three, feel free to curse our name.  That's what we're here for.

Short Term or Long Term Relationships
Depending on where you are in your fitness journey, you may want to set up an ongoing, long term deal with your personal trainer.  Buying a package deal is typically cheaper as well.  If you can't afford that but still want some new ideas and material, just ask if you can buy a few sessions.  You'll have some new moves in your collection and it will serve you well for the next few months and even years.


Results
I'm just gonna say it:  If you obediently and consistently do what your personal trainer says -- you will get results.  Period.

So, since I can only tell and show you on this what you should or could be doing in the gym, but can't actually see you do it, you may consider dropping a few obvious hints to the hubby that a package of personal training sessions is what you'd like this holiday season.

If you live in the Mesa, AZ area and are looking for a trainer, check out The Fit Stop.  They still great stuff going on there.  Tell Rob the Trainer Momma sent you :)

Coming soon:  How to Choose an AWESOME Personal Trainer

Fit Momma Gift List:

Heart Rate Monitor

Adjustable Dumbbells

Gym Membership

Shoes

Workout Clothes

"Born to Run" by Christopher McDougall

BTW -- Happy Hanukkah to my many Jewish friends! :)


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Fit Kids Gift List: Go! Go! Sports Girl

You can probably guess that when it comes to Christmas gifts for my kids, I tend to lean in the "active gift" direction (remember this gift?).  I am always looking for things that fall in step with my personal, rigid gifting philosophies.

My nine-year-old daughter loves to play with dolls.  Still.  However, she was born to a mother who recoils and makes gagging noises every time she sees a Barbi -- so her sad collection has been limited to gifts from grandmas who feel sorry for her or dolls she has purchased herself.  I'm a tyrant, I know.

This company, however, has come out with the perfect doll for my little gal AND me -- and that is saying a lot.  Go! Go! Sports Dolls are totally adorable plush, 14-inch dolls that are all play a sport.  Each doll has her own sport, little props that correspond with her sport, her own name, and own little personality.

Oh my gosh -- when Suzi the Swimmer arrived in the mail Tressa DIED.  My girl is in love.  Suzi the Swimmer goes wherever Tressa goes:  to basketball, to bed, in the car, to Arizona and back.  I have, however, had to fish it out of her backpack more than once.

I cannot get over the goggles.

These dolls have been winning toy awards left and right and for good reason.  They are well made, adorable, and simply send the message to young girls that they can be active and dream big.

It's about time.

Yep, Go! Go! Sports Girls  falls right in line with this mom's stingy gifting philosophies.

You can find the Go! Go! Girl Sports Dolls online here at this link:
Go! Go! Sports Girls 

And take a moment to check out their cute video:
Go! Go! Girl Sports Doll Video

FTC Disclosure:  My daughter did receive a free doll from the Dream Big Toy Company.  This post was written by my own choice and my opinions are 100% my own. The dolls are brilliant and long over due.

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Fit Momma Wish List: "Born To Run" by Christopher McDougall

Holidays are coming!  Here's another addition to the ever-growing "Fit Momma Wish List":

In the long (OK, not so long) history of Trainer Momma I have recommended a grand total of one -- count it -- one book.

There are many reasons for that, but most of all, if I'm going to recommend something for you to read in your little window of spare time, I've got to believe in the book and its message 100%.

I've have officially found another book that has inspired me like no other book has in quite some time and it definitely has earned a place on the Holiday Fit Momma Wish List.

The book is called "Born To Run:  A Hidden Tribe, Superathletes, and Greatest Race the World Has Never Seen" by Christopher McDougall.

Wow.  Where do I begin?

It is the true story written by a journalist who set off to figure out why his foot hurt when he ran.  His quest landed him in the Copper Canyons of Northern Mexico running with the Tarahumara Indians along with the top ultramarathoners in the world.

The author is an excellent writer (that is a must for me) and pulls together an incredible cast of real-life, colorful athletes whose talents are mind boggling.  I was in awe of Scott Jurek, cracked up at Barefoot Ted, admired Caballo Blanco for his authenticity, couldn't get over how Jenn and Billy could pull their runs out of a hat, and was intrigued to learn more about the quiet Tarahumara Indians and their ancient cultures.

Mr. McDougall  pulls in tons of history of the sport of ultramarathoning and gives us mile by mile accounts of some of the craziest, most intense races of all time.  He digs into the ancient past of certain tribes and convincingly explains the theory that we are all truly "Running People".

There has been boat loads of research done for this book and the author has an easy, entertaining way of explaining it all to all of us non-scientists out there (my hand is raised).

He does jump right into the middle of the barefoot running debate and it is quite obvious where he stands on the matter (he's tossed his Nikes, let's put it that way).  He puts some interesting ideas out there why our feet hurt, our knees hurt, our hips hurt when we run.  It's not because we aren't meant to run, only that we are running the wrong way.  He argues that we are all born to run if we just get back to our roots and run like we used to.

More than anything, this book dishes out so much inspiration that it makes you want to just close it up, step outside your front door, and just run.  And run. And run.

I will admit, I have done just that for the past few weeks since I finished the book.

I still can't say I'm even remotely interested in running an ultramarathon, or a marathon, or a half-marathon -- but during the short distances that I do run a few times week I find myself much more relaxed and settled into the rhythm of running.  I am actually enjoying running for the first time.  Ever.  That's a far cry from my jogs -- or more accurately termed "hobbles" -- that I used to take.

I must mention, since this is a G-rated blog, there is occasional "rough" language in the book.  Despite that, I still highly recommend it to anyone.  Runners or non-runners alike.

And who knows -- even though I am HUGE fan of my Newtons, after reading this book, I'm just that much closer to getting me a pair of these babies:

How about you, Fit Mommas?  Have you read "Born to Run"?  What did you think?  

** Full disclosure:  I was in no way paid or compensated to read or review this book.  The Doc shoved it under my nose and insisted I read it.  I'm very glad I did.

You can find "Born to Run" in my Trainer Momma store.  It is listed in  the "Favorites" tab under the Trainer Momma header or you can link to it here.

Fit Momma Wish List:

Heart Rate Monitor

Adjustable Dumbbells

Gym Membership

Shoes

Workout Clothes

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Fit Momma Wish List: Workout Clothes

It's shopping season!  And a great time to pick up where we left off last year with the Fit Momma Wish List.

I must say, since I have really no other hobbies or interests, I am pretty darn easy to shop for.  My husband gets big time brownie points when he gives me a gift or two fitness related.  A sure win is always some new workout clothes.

Before we go any farther, let me state my personal workout rules:  

1.  Never take a shower before a workout.

2.  Never ever put makeup on before a workout.

3.  Never do my hair before a workout.

4.  Never wear, ever large earrings when I workout.

4.  If going to the gym, I will do all a favor and brush my teeth.

When I head into a workout, I am a all business kind of gal.  I'm not very social (hhmm, so maybe I can skip the teeth brushing?).  It's just me, my music, and my workout.  

It is not a fashion show.  

However, that said I love a new workout top or rockin' new shorts to workout in.  Here are a few reasons why:

Function
Good workout attire also functions really well.  Mostly, it gets the heck out of the way so you can think about all those mountain climbers you need to do without your shirt going up and over your head. You are able to jog without holding up your oversized sweats so they don’t fall down to your ankles. You are able to bike without your pants getting stuck in the chain. Functional clothes during a workout are essential so you can think about what you are doing, not what you are wearing.

It Lasts
Good workout clothes (I didn't say expensive) can have a very long life. My favorite workout shorts are going on 4 years old. These babies get sweat in, rolled up in a ball and sit the dirty clothes for a few days, then washed and dried just to do it all again. They take a beating.

I prefer my gear to be some sort of polyester/spandex blend.  It typically wicks away the sweat, holds its shape well, and keeps its colors vibrant for years. I avoid cotton since it tends to fade, stretch, and shows sweat rings where I really don't want to see sweat rings.

Affordable
You can find great stuff and not even have to dip into your 401K.  My favorite places to get new workout gear are discount stores like Marshalls (they rock in the athletic gear department here in TX), TJ Maxx, sales at larger sporting goods stores, sales at Athleta.com, Title Nine and Target.   Some of my favorite items I paid under $10.00 for at Marshalls and love every bit as much as the stuff I picked up at Athleta.

Options
The shimmery tights, striped leotards with puffy sleeves, and leg warmer days are behind us, thank goodness.

You want options? We have options! Pants, capris, long shorts, short shorts, skorts.

Onto the shirts: long sleeve, short sleeve, cap sleeve, tank tops.

Loose fitting, tight fitting -- whatever suits your fancy.

And sizes? Don’t worry, cheerleader sized moms are not the only ones that can rock the workout clothes. Check out Landsend and Old Navy.  They have workout clothes in all sizes, some specializing in Plus Sizes and others in the the very petite sizes.

Cuteness
OK, I realize this is a workout and not a fashion show. However, I will stand by my Trainer Momma theory that has been personally tested for years:

When wearing feminine, well-made, good looking workout clothes women workout harder. I swear we burn more calories.

Take the following scenario which I’m sure some of you have experienced:

I show up at the gym in my husbands old, oversized, yellowing t-shirt that doubles as painting attire. I threw on some fading shorts that I also was able to wear when I was 8 months pregnant. The whole time my mental dialogue sounds something like:

“Ugh. Look at me. I’m huge.”

I go throughout the whole workout picking myself apart. I am embarrassed when I catch a glimpse of the plate-sized sweat rings beneath my arms and notice people are steering clear of me, the walking sweat ball, in the hallway.

Now turn it around.

If I’m wearing a shirt or tank top that fits me well in a great color and shorts that are flattering, it’s a completely different story. You should hear what is going on in my head: “Check me out. Am I cute or what? In fact, since I’m so cute, I’m going to do 10 more mountain climbers today than last week” And then proceed to work even harder.

It’s true, I swear.

So, don't forget to put workout clothes on your Fit Momma Wish List this year.

How about you, Fit Mommas.  Are workout clothes on your Wish List this holiday season?  What else are you wishing for?

Other items on the Fit Momma Wish List:
Heart Rate Monitor
Adjustable Dumbbells
Gym Membership
Shoes

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Zip Line Bliss

Today school is out for the kids and guess where I found them before breakfast, in their P.J.'s, and in 45 degree weather:

From Collages

The zip line.

Santa scored big time this year when he pulled this one out of the sack. I can't get over how much they love it.

I must admit, my kids are daredevils due to some well placed encouragement from their parents. It's in my roots. My parents threw us in the ocean to swim, had us climbing trees, repelling, canoeing, ropes courses, mountain biking, water skiing all at young ages. High adventure family. It is a wonder that I ever ended up so overweight when left to my own devices. Ah, well, what's past is past.

Cut to now, and the Doc and are I all about what can get the kids outside and moving (luckily we live in Texas where we can pull that off more months than not).

The zip line ran Santa around $100, was the only thing Santa brought the kids besides their stockings, and has been a HUGE hit. Friends and neighbors are coming over to try it and there are smiles all around.

Yes, we've had just a few scrapes. The zip line runs through the middle of two trees. Santa thought it was a brilliant idea. They've only slammed into the trees a few times, but are fast learners.

They've gotten very creative lately--sometimes I just can't look outside. They remind me of some good memories a few summers ago:

From Costa Rica 2008

Man, it feels good to feel good.

Gym Shopping

I posted previously my case for getting a gym membership (click here) -- and maybe you've decided to bite the bullet and finally do it.

From Personal Training pics

I've been gym shopping many times throughout the last 14 years. Here are the top things I look for:

Location, location, location. This is Numero Uno. In order for me to join a gym, it seriously must be within 5 minutes of my house. I have tried, honestly tried, to go to bigger, better gyms that were further away from mi casa – however, I have always ended up switching to a gym closer to my house, albeit smaller and not so snazzy. Who cares. I AM THERE. In the end, that is what matters.

Child care. A must for this momma. I couldn’t use the gym without it. I use the gym because of it. Child care should have decent hours, enough availability, and reasonably nice workers. Frankly, I am not as picky as other mothers. I know that I am not paying for workers with PhD’s in child development or the Super Nanny. I just want to make sure my children don’t die and preferably have all their teeth in tact by the time I make it back... And, they should be patient enough with the kids so you can leave a crying baby and they are willing to hold the little guy to sooth him.

Tons of TV time during the gym is not favored by me, and I have often gone to the director to request that this not be the mode of operands day in and day out. I understand when they are packed, have a baby in each arm that the square babysitter comes in handy. However, when there are a decent amount of kids, let them play.

Also, I feel that child care at a gym should be part of your membership. If you have to pay by the hour, I guarantee that you will shave off workout times here and there in order to save a buck. Just buy the membership that includes child care, you’ll use it.

Price. Compare, compare, compare. Everyone is offering a deal right now. Wheel and deal here, ladies. Do you want month to month payments? How much is the start up fee? Is there a contract? How do you get out of your contract? I made the mistake of signing up with a big box gym when I was at the wee age of 20 – and ended up signing my life away and not knowing it. Hopefully, you are much more savvy in the ways of the financial world than I was and know what questions to ask.

From Personal Training pics

Classes. If you are a big class fan, be sure they offer the classes you can’t live without and at times you can make it. Don’t be afraid to talk to the fitness director to make your wishes known in this area.

Equipment. A gym should have decent equipment that is orderly, easy to find, and cleaned regularly. If it is rusty, thrown in corners with the cob webs, it’s time to look elsewhere. Also, the cardio equipment should offer you a good variety and be maintained regularly. If you see this: OUT OF ORDER – on most of the cardio equipment, move on. Nobody is taking care of business.

Feel. This is where you just have to acknowledge how it feels in your bones. I, personally, love a small, intimate gym and always have. I like getting to know people, where I walk in the gym and I am greeted like Norm from “Cheers” (Maaaaannnnddddiiii!). This is a biggie for me.

Freebies. Request some guest passes and gym hop for a while until you find a gym and suits you. When I moved to San Antonio, I did this number for about 2 months – just going from gym to gym, using their child cares to the max, and never felt an ounce of guilt about it. Yes, I still have salespeople sending me postcards occasionally telling me that they miss me (yeah, I believe you), but it was worth it so I could find the right match for me.