I’m always looking for a new, interesting way to work out and keep me coming back for more. That being said, I’m also pretty picky. I don’t want to invest in something if I’m not sure that I’ll like it, and in the summer, I need something to help keep me accountable.

There have been so many times that I’ve said, “Oh, I can skip going to the gym today – I’m going to go on a run! And then go swimming!” But what really happens is…. I go to the air-conditioned mall. And eat Panda Express.

So, when one of my girls suggested we take a Bikram yoga class together, I was super excited. Having each other to go with make things fun, and we’d have to pay for the classes, so we’d stay accountable. Sounds like exactly what I’m looking for. Or it did before I actually took a class. Now, I’m just torn.

Love it:

- Weight loss. After a class, you’ve already sweated off some inches. A lot of inches. If those few dehydration-induced losses aren’t enough, the body supposedly burns fat more effectively when it’s warm. The extreme heat increases your metabolic rate, helps to detoxify, and supposedly helps you to stretch more than you would be able to in a normal climate.

- Easy to learn. There are only 26 easy-to-learn asanas. In my class, each pose was done twice and held for 30 seconds each, which was especially nice for me, because I’d never done yoga before with the exception of “Yoga Booty Ballet.” It was easy to follow and I didn’t get lost, but I have a feeling that since it was so easy and monotonous, it could get boring after awhile. Read More »

I’m a runner and, as such, I like to have nice, practical (yet cute!), and comfortable clothes to strut my stuff in at the gym or on the track. The whole, baggy T-shirt and sweats just doesn’t cut it anymore; a lady likes to keep it together, even covered in sweat.

So, where do I go to get my favorite sneaks and workout clothes? Read below where this runner gets her kicks – and looks.

Marshalls. I swear by this place. They have everything from sneaks to sports bras to running pants and Under Armour for those chilly workout days. And it is all way cheaper than you would find at a regular store.

Dick’s. Get your mind out of the gutter, ladies. I am talking about Dick’s Sporting Goods store. A close second to Sports Authority (which, despite its top notch designs for workout attire, packs on a heavy price tag), you can find the best name brands for lower prices than other chain athletic stores.

Old Navy. Wife beater tanks in a billion colors, yoga pants and athletic shorts…all for under $15. You really can’t beat that.

Ebay. I know, sounds risky, but you can find Nike, Reebok, Adidas, New Balance and many more brands on this site. All you need to know is your size. Don’t know off the top of your hand? Run to a store, try on the gear, then come home and purchase what you want online for less than you’d pay anywhere else.

Ross Dress for Less. Similar to Daffy’s, Ross Dress for Less is a discount store that offers name brands at extremely (I’m talking $5 tops ladies) low prices. Google and find if there’s a store near you; they have stores in 27 states. Read More »