February Favorites
Feb 2010
Chobani Greek Yogurt
($12 for a 12-pack, Costco)
This smooth, creamy, fruit-on-the-bottom, Greek-style yogurt tastes too good to be fat-free—but it is! Each cup packs a whopping 14 grams of protein and only 140 calories. Other attributes: Gluten-free, Kosher, no preservatives, live and active cultures for digestive health. My new breakfast-on-the-go.
Skechers Shape-Ups
($110, www.skechers.com)
After some hinting, Brian bought me these shoes for Christmas. I’ve been wearing them while running errands and pushing Cami around the block in her stroller. They’re designed to tone and firm, promote weight loss, strengthen the lower back and reduce ankle strain. I definitely feel the burn in my calves and glutes, a feeling similar to walking in wet sand. Skechers now carries these in all kinds of styles, not just tennis shoes (I’ve seen calf-high boots and Mary Janes)—plus famous athletic-wear brands like Avia and Reebok have followed suit with their own fitness-walking shoes.
Hot Yoga
(classes range from $10 to $15 each)
Every winter I find myself returning to this great source of stress-relief. Warm, moist air makes muscles more flexible and forces your body to sweat out toxins—just be sure to drink plenty of water before, during and after a class. Most local studios offer an introductory trial week at a discounted rate (Body Balance in Williamsburg and Tidewater Hot Yoga in Yorktown both do), so check out our Health Directory in this issue for a hot yoga studio near you.
TRX Training System
(www.fitnessanywhere.com, starts at $189.95)
I’ve started using the TRX regularly in my twice-weekly strength and conditioning sessions, and I can already see and feel the results in my back, shoulders and arms. On page 30, personal trainer and all-around-athlete Bridgit Kin-Charlton shows you how to use the TRX system for a total-body workout unlike any other.