FitBit vs. FuelBand

I've been on a health challenge with the friends, and I've been using my phone to track my progress! I love Map My Run for monitoring my morning jogs, and even use it's nutrition features to log what I've eaten (OK - I only do that some days... if ever). But I do like that the app has a feature that allows me to see how many calories are in certain items, and it's really nice to finally delete all the other nonsense apps that do pretty much the same thing! Now, it's all in one: from calories consumed to workouts completed and weight tracked, I'm seriously into Map My Run. The best part, you ask? I get weekly congratulatory emails telling me how great I am and that I've been killing my workouts. Seems silly, but hey! At least someone's noticing.

Anyways, as much as I love the app and having everything easily accessible via smartphone, I decided it's time to look into the concept of the fitness arm band. Many friends of mine are either sporting the Fit Bit or the Nike Fuel Band, and they swear by it. Personally, I think the things are hideous and can't quite get over the thought of wearing such a fashion faux-pas all day, everyday. But if the health benefits are truly there, and they help me to stay on track, could it be worth it? Let me know what you think based on the research below!

Fit Bit

Cost: $99.95

Pros: Colors, Tracks Sleep, Acts as an Alarm

Cons: Doesn't have screen, Doesn't act as a watch

In my opinion, this is for sure the cuter of the two. The light up "tracker" is actually removable, and you can switch it out for the colorful accessory bands pictured! The band tracks steps, distance, and calories burned. Your daily progress automatically interfaces with the Fitbit Website or App, where you can also log food consumed and see how this correlates with daily activity and ultimately impacts your long term goals. The band also measures how long and how well you sleep, and even has a silent alarm to get you going again in the AM! (Haven't you always wondered how many REM cycles you go through, or how restful your sleep really was?) Fitbit also sponsors a sharing platform where you can compare progress to that of your friends and family. Another cool plus: Fit Bit has partnered up with these apps, allowing you to export your Fit Bit data their way if you're already a long time user (and lover) of one of these other programs!

Nike Fuel Band

Cost: $149

Pros: Has screen, acts as a watch, interfaces with advanced Nike technology

Cons: Doesn't track sleep

Definitely the uglier, more expensive cousin, if you ask me. But the Nike Fuel Band has awesome reviews, and everyone really seems to love it. In addition to tracking calories burned and steps taken, the thing acts as a watch and actually has a screen that shows your results throughout the day! (The Fit Bit doesn't have a screen and requires you to look at the App or Website to see your progess) The Fuel Band also has the App and Website interface, and also allows you to join the social realm and compare progress with friends and family. The advanced Nike + FuelBand Mobile App works in conjunction with the band to yield optimum results. Downside: as far as I can tell, this one doesn't track sleep or act as an alarm.

Conclusion?

I'm still torn. Not sure if these puppies are worth the money or the ugly arm candy. For now, my phone works just fine, though the thought is on my mind and with the holidays approaching, I might have to make a decision and add one of these bands to my wish list! 

Can't Stop! Won't Stop!

CAN'T STOP WON'T STOP! I wish this was my motto about working out ; instead, it's my motto about online hunting for yoga clothes. I know I've posted on this topic infinite times before, but I think it's hugely important to feel cute and confident while working out. (And it's hugely important to get yourself off the couch and start working out in the first place!) There's nothing better as motivation than the image of yourself as a lean mean yogi machine, wearing the cutest lines currently available. Today's showcase: Ellie! (http://www.ellie.com/). I love the Ellie Shop and the "Fit Fashion" motto that defines their goods! An extra plus? Ellie recently intoduced the "Coral Crush" line, which provides a ton of awesome coral colored sports bras, workout tops, and more! Coral is great for summer -- it makes you look tan, and it's simply gorg! And let's be serious, ladies, an investment in cute yoga clothes goes far beyond the studio! It's agreed: there's nothing wrong with wearing these babies all around town, to class, to the market, or to wine wednesday with the girls! Happy shopping!

The Beauty Department

TheBeautyDepartment.com is one of my long time favorite websites. It has been my resource for new make-up trends and hair how-tos for as long as I can remember. One of their recent posts discusses the importance of healthy eating for beautiful skin, hair, and nails. I am ever the proponent of "you are what you eat," and truly believe that what you put inside your body hugely impacts exterior results. That's why I'm obsessed with the recent "Beauty-Bites" post by TBD! It even explains how each ingredient inside their very yummy salad is benefitting your body. The article is an absolute MUST READ, and you can find it here: http://thebeautydepartment.com/2013/07/beauty-bites/

Yogi Fashion

Women's Health recently published an article showcasing

some of the hot new up-and-coming yoga clothing brands that

are adorable and affordable. The spread was SO GOOD that

not only did I make a few guilty purchases, but I feel the need to share

the love!! Below, behold the yoga brands of the future!

The tops at Nux USA are trendy, affordable, and won't get in the way 

during your work out:

From ALO, I'm completely obsessed with the Core Pant!

(So cute - and it comes in so many colors!!)

At Lucy, most of the yoga pants are reversible!

(That's like getting 2 pairs of pants for the price of 1!! SCORE)

 Finally, there's SOLOW, which I love for their unique colors and cuts that you can't find anywhere else!

 For the original article, check out http://blog.womenshealthmag.com!

Sexy Fit

Looking great while working out is underrated.

If you're doing it right, by the end of your workout, there should be sweat dripping from places you didn't even think you had pores!

That's why wearing cute athletic gear helps push you the extra mile. If you're like me, it's embarrassing to be seen post- or mid-workout without looking like you're seriously struggling! But that means you're doing it right. Gotta push it to see results! And dressing right not only motivates you to work hard to look good, but it distracts from the fact that you're beast-mode working out when you run into friends at the gym or the studio or your fave running path!

I recently discovered the Victoria's Secret VSX Sport line, and I'm obsessed.

The best part is, the stuff fits all body types! Whether you're busty or curvy or stick skinny, the sizing is made to accommodate pretty much anyone.

Here are some of my favorite recent purchases!

(If this adorable stuff doesn't motivate you to work out and get beach ready, I don't know what will!)