What's in your gym bag?

I'm not sure what's in your gym bag....but my gym bag has a bottle of water and....a cat?

Maybe he wants to try the elliptical at the gym?

(He jumped in the bag. He loves to see if he will fit in small spaces.)

Yoga Cat helps with Crow pose

I am not a yogi. I have done exactly one yoga class in my life and it was one the trampoline. I keep wondering if yoga is something I should take up.

The problem is I'm pretty ADD (not diagnosed, but super short attention span). So maybe it's worth researching the different types of yoga. I like athletic feats. I like learning poses. I did try acro yoga (doesn't count) for a few classes.

The one takeaway from that first workout was the L handstand, which I really like. It's super challenging too.

I was wasting time on the inter webs last night and saw an article about how to do a handstand. Yes! This is where I am. A year later and still working on my handstand.

One of the steps was a yoga pose called crow. It requires strength and balance—the same fundamentals you need for a handstand. I decided I immediately had to try it. The steps were really helpful. It took me a few tries to hold it more than a millisecond. (The toes together trick really helped!)  I did fall on my face once (and did not break my glasses). I put my iPhone on selfie mode, because it helps to see my form, to see where I'm struggling or if I'm getting it.

And the cat decided to plop himself down about two feet behind me. So I had to not fall on him.

I guess he wanted his picture taken.


And here's how to do crow pose, if you're interested: http://www.popsugar.com/fitness/Yoga-Pose-Week-Crow-1556159

• Begin in a Wide Squat. Place your palms firmly on the ground in front of you.

• Now straighten your legs slightly and place your knees as high up onto your triceps as possible, toward your armpits.

• Shift your weight forward into your hands and see if you can lean the weight of your knees into the backs of your arms. Then try lifting one foot off the ground and then the other. If you can bring your toes together, you'll feel more compact and it'll be easier to balance. Squeeze your knees together slightly and pull your belly button in towards your spine to give you a sense of lightness.

• Stay here for five breaths or you can work on straightening your arms.

Workout in awesome shoes

Ozzy guarding my favorite shoes.

If you're going to workout, you should do it in shoes you love. Get a pair in crazy colors—something that makes you happy to work out in.

These Asics might be my favorite pair ever (though a pair of Addidas from high school cross country might be my first love.) I saw a girl at the gym wear a pink pair and wanted them instantly. I found the purple version of these shoes at a nearby sporting goods store and didn't like the price ($$$$$). So I tracked the price on Amazon before I finally got them at a lower price. And I'm so glad I did.

These shoes make me smile. I get compliments every time I wear them. And despite being purple, I swear they go with everything! I'd get a few more pair if I could.

I got these shoes after spraining my ankle. I couldn't jump and if I had to do circuit training (instead of jumping), I wanted cute shoes. I hadn't bought a new pair of running shoes since 2010 since I never really ran or worked out. While I don't really run anymore, I like the way running shoes feel on my feet. They're light and snug. And I don't do enough jumping in circuit training to warrant cross trainers (which I really don't find as cute.)

My husband then decided he needed new running shoes too, so it was contagious apparently. (Ozzy would also like a new pair of shoes.) 

So, get shoes in your favorite color. Something that fits your foot. If you're a runner, go get a fancy stride analysis done. 

I know that some brands work better for my foot than others. In high school, I swore by Nike's. Now, their styling seems boxy and the colors aren't too my taste. New Balance was all the rage when I was in college, but their shoes are too wide for my feet. I've bought several pairs over the years and never loved any of them. They go unworn and I give them to my sisters or the donation bin years later. I'm digging the current Asics styles. I love all the bright colors. 

If you can, try on the shoes in the store. I'd warn that mall stores tend to have lesser quality, cheaper made shoes (I.e. J.C.Penney where I worked for years) as these stores have almost last pick in athletic styles. Go to a big super store or a little mom and pop shop. 

The best prices, however, are going to be online.

I adore the search feature at 6pm.com. You can search for yellow cross trainers in a size 8. You can view all Women's Brooks shoes. It's just wonderful.   

Happy shopping! 

(Note to nerdy girls. NEVER EVER EVER workout in Converse. Just don't do it.)