As I often like to establish, I’m a spandex fanatic – leggings, short shorts, running capris…you name.  If it stretches and involves a gratuitous amount of sheen, count. me. in.  That’s why, you can imagine how excited I am about my new sample pair of Heidi Hat hot shorts and bandeau top made of luxurious swimsuit fabric.

Let’s talk about the shorts first…think: low, short, light, fitted – smooth waistband to squash out any ‘muffin top’ and a diamond shape gusset to prevent ‘camel toe’ (yes, men…these are the things we women must consider).  The cut of the shorts make my butt look insanely toned with a subtle plump curve – niiiiice!

Next: the bandeau top. INCREDIBLE. By far one of the best technical pieces of clothing I have ever tried.  A simple strapless top with a subtle twist makes this bandeau supportive without being restrictive.  The swimsuit fabric keeps everything in place, letting the top stick perfectly to my skin the more I sweat…and as we all know, that’s quite a lot.

During Bikram Yoga classes, which are practiced in a room that is 105 degrees with 40% humidity, I remain nimble and free of the pulls and weight of regular athletic wear.  I even wear the bandeau top for my outdoor runs to keep everything in place without earning a victory sports bra tan.

Aside from looking like runway workout gear – all of Heidi Hat’s products, which range from hot shorts and skirts to ski hats, are made in the good ‘ol USA – fabric is sourced from NYC and LA and hand-sewn by seamstresses in Colorado – how very quaint.  Check out the online selection of bold prints – my fav, are the paisleys and the faux pucci.

Bottom’s up!

Why is it that when you go to cancel your gym membership you feel like you’re part of a messy breakup?! There is the usual back and forth of trying to get you to stay…will reduce the rate…next month free…bonus training sessions blah blah blah.  Then once they realize that your mind is set, out comes the hardball – suddenly there are cancellation fees…have to go to another location to sign the papers…need to wait for a manager.  I finally bit the bullet yesterday and called it off with the old ball n’ chain and instead, ran to the arms of a hot younger thing named YogaWorks.

YogaWorks recently opened a beautiful new SoHo studio and lured me into a contract with some of their year end promotions (this would be the honeymoon phase of the relationship cycle…). Purchase 10 months and get 3 months free or for those commitment phobics out there, $30 for two weeks of unlimited yoga.  The loft style (isn’t everything these days?)  space includes three large studios plus a private practice room.  With everything made of eco-friendly materials (bamboo, low-VOC finishes), common areas include free computers and internet (this doesn’t seem very yogi of them…), tea stations, saunas and cushioned waiting areas to occupy your time before class.  I took an Anusara class with Julie Dohrman and it was phenomenal.

I think this may be ‘the one.’

What to get the person that has everything (i.e. my mom)…?

Last year I locked up ’favorite child of the year’ spot (as if my brothers even thought they had a chance) when I gave my mom a personal one on one yoga session.  This was an ideal present because it introduced her to a new way of  stretching, lengthening and strengthening her body in a private and informal setting.  Now that yoga is the hot thing for both men and women, private instructors are easier to find than a Starbucks (although no free public bathrooms).  When it comes to my downward facing dogs, there isn’t anyone I would trust more than Jennifer Steele, fellow friend and yogi.  Jen worked with my mom to ensure that she got the five-star treatment for mind, body and soul.  Talk about the gift that keeps on giving…

Jennifer Steele

Jen Steele began teaching yoga at the University of Wisconsin Whitewater where she gained the respect and became friends with many of her students.  Upon graduating college Jen moved to New York to pursue her creative endeavors.  Jen quickly found herself at home working part-time for Yoga Works New York.

Jen’s training foundation stems from her time in Wisconsin as well as her practice and study with handfuls of different teachers including Jenny Aurthur and Lisa Matkin.  Each class she teaches includes fluid motion with strong and technical instruction.  In January, Jen will begin her next teacher training thru Yoga Works, the 300 hour teacher training, a six month commitment.

Despite the earthy, we’re for the people kind of mentality of the general yoga community…they have certainly made it EXPENSIVE to practice – especially in Manhattan.  On average a single class is $22-30 which doesn’t even cover the cost of mat rental.  A monthly pass to a yoga studio runs about $100-140 depending on the package, plus at least a two month commitment.  Just like everyone else, I gravitate towards all things expensive and exclusive – but sometimes you have to find other (cheaper) alternatives to save a few dollars.

If you can get past the absurd one piece fiery red body suit (imagine a Christmas Onesy on an adult…except in lycra form) Total Yoga Flow Series is actually a great DVD set to use for at home practice.  Available on Amazon ($9.99 each), Total Yoga ranges in intensity and experience level.  I like to repeat the same DVD several times so that I become familiar with the program and can avoid having to lift my head up to see what the instructor is doing (which is also dangerous for your neck).

Definitely attend live yoga classes to get the most of your practice and to have actual one on one help from the instructor.  However, try a DVD once a while to avoid having to sell your left kidney for a few downward dogs.

105 degrees. 40% humidity. 26 postures. 90 minutes.  one ridiculously tough workout.

I find that people have either a LOVE or HATE reaction towards Bikram Yoga.  Personally, I can’t imagine life without yoga…and yoga without Bikram.  New York offers several studios but my favorite is Bikram Yoga NYC (locations UES, UWS, Midtown and Flatiron).  Aside from having great instructors, the studios are extremely clean and well maintained (VERY important when you’re pouring sweat in a cramped room with sometimes as many as 50 other students).  For the LOVERS of Bikram, Bikram Yoga NYC encourages students to participate in the ’30 Day Challenge’ which requires 30 consecutive days of practice.

Followers of this practice of yoga believe that the heat and humidity act to detox the body, thin the blood to clear the circulatory system and increase heart rate.  The 26 postures force your body to simultaneous stretch, balance and create pressure…and then quickly release to allow the blood rush through veins and arteries.  If this all sounds a little too bloody for you, don’t worry, these are the positive effects that you don’t even realize during the 90 minutes – you’re mostly focused on how to not slip off your mat or how phenominal you need to make your abs  in time to come to the next Bikram class sans shirt like the real yogis (I’m still working on this one).