Stats: 88% Polyester and 12% Lycra®/molded cups for support/Sizes S-XL

Colors: Light green, dark pink, blue grey, pink with black,

Cost: $25.00-$45.00

Review:

This is labeled as a shirt, but can be worn as a sports bra.  It is absolutely adorable which is why I ordered two before I had a chance to really try it out.   It runs a bit small, so order up when purchasing online. 

It wears pretty well - it’s considered a “trim fit” which is a fancy way of saying that it’s supposed to be fitted or tight in order to give support.  The only thing I don’t like, and it’s a big thing for me, is that the material gathers around my stomach after a hard workout.  It runs fairly long and I can pull it down to the top of my hips, but by the end, it’s all around my middle.  Now I believe I have the right size because it fits well in every other respect so I am assuming it is the design or the material.  Either way, it makes it a bit uncomfortable.  Not uncomfortable enough for me to stop wearing it because, like I said, it is pretty dang cute!

Pros:

• Cute and trendy
• Moisture wicking fabric
• Key pocket in the back

Cons:

• Rides up after a hard workout

Website: Click here to purchase

Rating:  3.5 Stars

Stats:  88% Polyester-12% Spandex/24 in. inseam/1.5 in. waistband

Colors:  Loam, Santorini, Black

Cost:  $29.83-$40.00

Review:

I bought these pants because I loved the cut of them.  The fabric is a bit heavier than most so that it will wear well after several washes and the material isn’t thin and see-through.  The problem is, the polyester/spandex blend isn’t the most flattering material.  Every little bump and wrinkle shows through and the pants are made to be worn fitted, not loose, so that may be a problem for some. 

Other than that, the shape is flattering and comfortable.  They run on the long side (24 in. inseam) which on me (5′9″) it hits between the ankle and the calf.

Pros:

• Flattering Fit
• Very comfortable
• Moisture-wicking material

Cons

• Material doesn’t leave much to the imagination in terms of “imperfections”

Website:  www.rei.com

Rating: 3 Stars

Stats: Calories 120/Fat 7g/Sodium 490mg/Carb 1g/Fiber 0g/Sugars 1g/Protein 13g/Serving Size 2 patties

Cost:  $3.69

Review:

For someone who doesn’t eat red meat, I sure like my turkey sausage!  These come fully cooked and are an average size.  You can microwave them but it’s better to cook them on the stove.  They taste great, are low fat (for sausage) and smell delicious!  I highly recommend!

Pros:

• Pre-cooked so easy to prepare
• Tasty, Tasty
• Zero trans fat

Cons:

• Would like them to be a little lower fat, but don’t know if that’s possible

Website:  www.jimmydean.com

Rating: 5 Stars

Stats:  1 and 2 year memberships/Mth-Mth memberships

Cost:  $49.99-$99.99/month

Review:

You have to know up front that I am not really a big gym person.  I go through my phases where I join a gym, attend for a while, and then it loses its appeal.  Not that I don’t want to go, I just let excuses get in the way.  At the top of the list is this one: “I’m not as fit as everyone else so I don’t want to go.”  It may sound silly, especially to men, but the last thing someone should have to worry about while working out is intimidation and low-self esteem. 

That is why I joined this gym.  It has “normal” people.  Don’t get me wrong, there are beautiful and fit people too, but there are also moms and dads.  I don’t feel like I stand out or that people are looking at me for not being dressed in the latest workout attire.  Instead, I wear my husband’s undershirt, a pair of workout pants, and I’m good!

The gym offers specials just like other gyms.  I took advantage of their “tax-time” special.  The monthly cost (for one year) is $49.00 and includes five other locations for that price.  I paid $10.00 extra to get the new location up the street added.  (There are month-to-month memberships that cost more.)  The first month and a half was free AND the membership fee was only $50.00.  Now here’s the kicker: my membership fee is refunded if I workout on average 3x’s a week for the first eight weeks.  What a great idea!  A gym that is actually trying to help you get in the habit of working out.  Nothing will motivate like the promise of money!!

The hours are good too: 5-11:00 and 7-8:00 on weekends.  The location is great, centrally located and there are several in the area.  All-in-all, I am very pleased with the gym and look forward to months of convincing myself to go!

Pros:

• Cost - low for the area
• Hours are good
• Staff is friendly
• Patrons are “normal”
• There’s not usually a wait for equipment

Cons:

• The Arlington, VA location is a little bit older, but the equipment is new

Website:  www.sportandhealth.com

Rating: 4.5 Stars

Stats: 162 minutes/DVD/Copyright 2004

Cost:  $9.99 DVD

Review:

Hmmm… how do I describe this video?  I’m torn, quite honestly.  The layout is good as is the cinematography.  The music, it’s okay but it’s also yoga so it isn’t going to be anything other than soothing.  

The video is divided into three parts: 1 Energize (for beginners), 2 Tone (intermediate level) and 3 Sweat (advanced level).  Part of my problem is that I never made it past the beginner’s segment.  The moves were difficult but that is not the instructors fault of course. I was a bit distracted by his hair and outfit - he looked like an extremely fit and intense Kenny G.  

Some people may really like his style.  I personally wasn’t too motivated by the workout, but I can see how others might enjoy it.

Pros:

• The instructor knows his stuff
• The setting is relaxing and cool
• There are different segments to correspond with your level

Website:  www.poweryoga.com 

Rating:  3.5 Stars