LOS Flower Power

Some women would rather go to the dentist than shop for a sports bra.  They rack it right up there with bathing suit shopping on the list of dreaded activities.  While I’ve heard that 70-80% of women wear the wrong size sports bra (I was one of them for awhile) I’m here to tell you that if done right, you can find a sports bra that suits you, your curves, and your activity level.

It is not rocket science, but it does require a tiny bit of math to figure out your proper cup size and band width.  Once I walked into Victoria’s Secret to find a bra and to my amazement the gal working on the floor looked me up and down and pronounced my size without a measuring tape in sight.  How she did this I have no idea, because it was not the number I had been familiar with.  However, she was right.  Almost every bra she gave me fit, to my total amazement.  I am going to chalk that up to years of experience and just be grateful that I strolled in on her shift.  But you too can find out your correct bra size with a soft measuring tape and a pencil and paper.

1. First, with good posture, and a typical everyday bra on (not a padded one or a sports bra) measure the fullest part of the bust.  Round up to the nearest inch. Let’s say you got a 37.5”, we are going to round that up to 38”and write that number down.

 

1. Next find your band size, this is the measurement at the base of the bra around your ribcage. Take this number and add 3 inches to it. If you end up with an odd number bump it up one to the next even number.  For example if you got a 30” measurement, add 3”, which gets you to 33” plus 1” to get it to an even number.  Your band size would be 34”, jot this number down.

 

1. Now to calculate the cup size. Subtract your band measurement from your bust measurement and with that difference use this chart to find your cup size.  So, if you were a 34” band size you will subtract 38-34=4” difference, which make you a D cup.

Difference	Cup Size
1”	A
2”	B
3”	C
4”	D
5”	E
6”	F
7”	G

 

Please note that every manufacturer varies a bit in size, it is always a good idea to double check that manufacturers (especially Enell) size chart to be sure you are ordering correctly. Whatever your size, we’ve got a sports bra that will fit!

 

 

So, my sister turned me on to these things, and I cannot get enough of them, I LOVE them!  They are addictively fun! I find myself looking forward to working out, which to be honest is quite an oddity for me.  The more research I did, the more I found how good rebounding is for the body, the more I wanted to spread the word.  I have not been blessed with good joints, if I were to jog before (which was rarely) my knees and ankle would ache for sometimes days before I could feel normal again.  When I do the very same jog in the Kangoo Jumps® I have no pain in my joints whatsoever.  Initially I bought two pairs, one for me and one for whoever wanted to go “Kangoo-ing” with me.  I became very popular!  Everywhere I went people stared in amazement, gawked at my almost avatar height, and were just generally curious.  Everytime I offered up my spare pair and people gave them a go they wanted a pair. So, give the people what they want… they are now available at Ladies Only Sports  http://www.ladiesonlysports.com/gear/kangoo-jumps.html

Recently featured on ABC's Nighline!

Earthtec’s line of green outerwear is now available at Ladies Only Sports. This dynamic, eco-friendly line combines style and conscience to create beautiful, durable, and sustainable clothes. Go green and fashionable, the ultimate in form and function!

Environmentally-friendly outerwear

Every product from Earthtec is made from either recycled or renewable fabrics. They use eco-friendly textiles such as organic cotton and wool, textiles made from post-consumer recycled plastics like those that come from water bottles and recycled polyester, and hybrid fabrics that combine both organic and recycled fabrics to create warm, soft, and durable fabrics.

Earthtec’s textiles are designed with moisture control, wind and water resistance, comfort, and functionality features. Each Earthtec recycled PET garment keeps approximately 12 water bottles out of a landfill.

Ladies Only Sports can certainly get behind that. No more plastic bottles!

Environmentally-friendly manufacturing and business practices

Earthtec also employs streamlined models in their manufacturing process to cut down on their carbon footprint. Localized production keeps shipping and transport to a minimum, which helps to keep their costs down too. Ever-evolving, Earthtec stays on top of the latest technologies to continue to reduce their impact on the environment.

The garments in this high-quality line are not only eco-friendly, but beautifully designed and well-made. Details like recycled PET fleece lining for added warmth, flatlock stitching, and internal pockets make this product not only green and functional, but also top of the line in fashionable design. Soft fabrics, flattering cuts, and a variety of colors make this the ideal line for women who want to retain comfort and femininity while sporting versatile, functional sportswear.

A company with values

As a family-owned business, we at Ladies Only Sports believe in Earthtec’s eco-friendly and sustainably produced products. We like their values, and think that you will, too. Knowledgeable and experienced, their team has found the perfect way to blend sustainability, technical gear, comfort, and fashion. We think they’re putting out some of the best products in the market, and are proud to bring them to you.

A full line of sports apparel

We choose to carry several pieces of Earthtec apparel in our store. Browse now to find the right style, fabric, and color for you.

This summer, enjoy your lazy summer days, but don't forget to take care of yourself.

Exercise three times a week. Summer is the perfect time to get outside and enjoy the fresh air.  Go for a hike or take the hound out for a walk.  See your kids out enjoying the beautiful weather, join them! Try to get in atleast thirty minutes to an hour of exercise three times a week.

Eat healthier snacks. Summer means an awesome variety of fruits and vegtables, nosh on them instead of something salty. If you need something with a little crunch try the yummy crackers made from nuts now, dip them in a little hummus, yum!  And who is not thankful that frozen yogurt is back and all the rage!  And this is not the frozen yogurt of the 80's, this is new and improved and delish! And, even better, it's much lower in calories than ice cream, and in my opinion even tastier.

Drink more water. The amount of water you should drink each day depends on your weight, activity level, and the climate where you live. But since most of us don’t drink the water we should drink, it’s safe to say that drinking more water daily will improve your health. Once you are hydrated you will notice that your skin looks better, you have more energy, and that you can manage your weight easier, too.  I keep it in the fridge already chilled with a bit of fruit in it (a little trick I stole from a shi-shi spa I was at) to a bit of flavor.

Cut back on caffeine. Caffeine will interfere with your sleep patterns and energy levels. Too much caffeine can also contribute to high blood pressure and other serious health problems. The Mayo Clinic says you shouldn’t drink more than 200-300 mg of caffeine a day—that’s two-four cups of coffee a day.

Walk more. It’s basic, but walking can improve your cardio-respiratory fitness and physical functioning. According to MedicineNet.com, walking has shown to not only have a positive effect on your fitness, but on your brain as well. Walking is a great way to wind down or think things over. At the very minimum, try to walk briskly for either 10 minutes each day or 30 minutes three days a week.

 

 

Your core muscles include your abdomen, pelvis, lower back, and hips. Anybody that knows me personally knows that, frankly, my posture sucks!  It very well could be genetic (thanks Dad), but it is most likely my utter lack of core strength.  Let's face it childbirth does wonders to those abdominals, and I am living proof.  So my mission is to sit up tall, stand up straight, and stengthen that core, baby! There are a number of ways to strengthen your core. Pilates, yoga, strength training, even a round of sit-ups and push-ups every morning will help you reach your goal. Everybody can benefit from a stronger core.  Here's some of the benefits:

Better Posture

When all of your core muscles have the strength to work optimally and have practice working in conjunction together most all physical activity will be easier, including holding yourself upright. Those with a strong core tend to sit and stand taller.  Another added benefit would be people won't mistaken you for pregnant when you absolutely are not!

Prevent Injury

When you’re core muscles are weak, you are open to muscle, nerve, and joint injury. Strengthen your core to prevent injury and to reduce common lower back aches and pains.  Let's just cross our fingers that I do not sustain an injury in this quest for posture perfection.

Sit Comfortably

A strong core may mean your abs, pelvis, hips, and lower back are in shape, but there is a ripple effect on the rest of your body. Your spine will be better supported by your strong core, which means your upper back and neck will have less tension and pain. Similarly, your sitting bones are more likely to be aligned properly with a strong core, which means sitting in a car, in a movie theater seat, on a bleacher, or at home on your couch will be more comfortable.  Essentially, you've gotta stop slouching!

Toned Midsection

While doing sit ups every day won’t guarantee a six pack in six months, it can help get you there. Core muscle training in combination with regular cardio activity and a diet low in sugar (I'm sooo sorry, but that is the truth) will help you tone down that midsection.

Better Balance

A strong core leads to good balance and stability, two traits all athletes need to swing, throw, shoot, kick, run, swim, or bike well.

An Easier Pregnancy

Nothing makes pregnancy easy, but if you have a strong core before pregnancy and continue to exercise your core during pregnancy (with your doctor’s guidance), expecting moms can hope to ease pain and difficulty during labor and delivery (the epidural worked quite well for me too). A strong core will help to prevent over separation of the abdominal muscles (diastasis) during pregnancy as well, this I would have liked to have known before mine were all shot to hell.

Exercise in Front of the TV

This is weak, I know, but if I can trick myself into doing my core exercises while my favorite program is on, then I'm going for it.  I've found particular success in watching NBC's Biggest Loser while working out.  Most core exercises don’t require equipment, just a little elbow room, shove the coffee table out of the way and get going. For me, it's a bit of a win-win in my super busy life.

If you've got some tips you'd like to share, add a comment below, we'd love to hear about your favorite core exercise tips...

 

Just like your body changes shape over the course of nine months, it can take nine months or longer to get back to your pre-pregnancy shape. Remember, getting fit after having a baby is not only a matter of losing weight, but also a matter of toning muscles.

A proper exercise routine will allow you to do both. The first step? Make time for exercise.

One quick note before we get into the post-baby exercise routine. Even though you may be eager to start getting fit immediately, wait until your doctor says it’s okay. Usually your doctor will give the green light at your six-week check-up.

Remember to wear a good bra, breast are bigger (and heavier) than usual right now, especially if nursing, and you want to have good support so that you do not damage your breast tissue.  We have a great assortment of sports bras that will give you the support that you need.

Aerobic exercises

Aerobic exercise increases your heart rate and helps you to shed the pounds. While swimming, cycling, and dancing are great aerobic exercises, these can be difficult to work in around taking care of a new baby. Look for a gym that offers onsite childcare.

If that doesn’t work for you, then try jogging. A 30-minute walk/run can be an activity that both you and baby enjoy with a jogging stroller.

If the weather is too cold or it’s raining, you can still get out of the house for a brisk walk. Most local malls offer walking hours before the stores open, and many gyms have indoor walking/jogging tracks.

Everyone (whether you’ve recently had a baby or not) should exercise for 30 minutes on most days. So grab a friend to come along with you. Not every day should be high-impact aerobics, but you should get your heart rate up and your blood pumping.

Toning exercises

Since pregnancy weight tends to land on your stomach and hips, you may want to start with simple exercises that specifically work these areas.

Crunches – Lie on the floor on your back, with knees bent, and look forward. Curl only your shoulders and head up off the floor, pulling in abdominal muscles, and exhaling out as you come up. Then lower yourself back down to floor, breathing in. Repeat five times, increasing the number as you get stronger.

Crunches with twist – Lie on the floor on your back, with knees bent, exhaling as you come up, lift head and shoulders up, stretch your right hand across to your left knee, and then switch to your left side. Repeat five times on each side, increasing the number as you get stronger.

Leg lifts – Stand up straight with a chair in front of you. Bend your knees slightly and extend one leg out behind you. Lift and lower your leg keeping your stomach tucked in. Then switch to other side. Repeat five times with each leg, increasing the number as you get stronger.

While longer workouts may help you see results quicker, it’s better to start slowly and increase the time you exercise gradually. Consistently making time for exercise will get you results and back to your pre-pregnancy shape!

 

A marathon is about 52,400 foot strokes, which is about 26.2 miles. If that number doesn’t scare you, then it’s time to get serious about marathon training. Here’s what you need to know.

Build up the mileage you run

It is advisable to put in at least 20 miles per week for several months before you officially start marathon training. Your body needs time to adapt to the demands you’ll put on it. During this time, you should run at least 10 miles a week on pavement, as that is what you’ll most likely be running on during a marathon.

Getting started

1. Even if you've already been running, let your doctor know your plans.

2. Finding the right running shoes is one of the most important first steps in marathon training. Buying running shoes that suit your running style, foot type, and experience will help you run comfortably and stay injury-free.

3. Finding the right sports bra will prevent back and shoulder pain as well as chafing and other skin irritations.

4. Make sure you practice running in different types of weather and terrain. Be ready for anything!

Basic marathon training

As mentioned, you should be running 15-20 miles per week at this point. Basic marathon training schedules advise that you alternate rest days with days of moderate-paced running, slow distance runs, and cross-training activities.

Make sure that you allow time for warming up and cooling down. Both warm up and cool down should include stretching.

Nutrition and hydration

When you begin a run, you should feel neither starved nor stuffed. It is best to eat a light snack or meal about 1.5-2 hours before you start running. Choose something high in carbohydrates to keep you sustained.

Add your personality

Personality on the course is all the rage these days... Once you've done all the training and hard work your ready to have some fun on the big day.  Get outfitted in style at Ladies Only Sports.  We've got all you'll need to look like a smokin' hot babe out there on the course... the best sports bras around, Sweaty Bands to keep your hair out of the way, running socks, shorts, bright colored tops, we've even got the Yurbud headphones that will not come out while your running.  You go girl!

 

The Shock Absorber sports bra was voted  "Best Sports Bra of 2010" by Womens' Fitness Magazine!  This bra is a scientifically-designed sports bra, is now available for purchase online at Ladies Only Sports. It will keep your girls locked and loaded for the duration of your workout!

This bra is made for both comfort and functionality. We all exercise differently and every activity puts different strains on the body. For example, yoga requires different physical movements and strains on your body than does jogging or racket ball. Proper support from a sports bra for every level of activity is necessary as it can maintain the structure of the tissues in your breasts from stretching beyond repair.

The Shock Absorber Sports Bra is unlike others in that it was created to fit any woman of any size and support her in any level of activity. It’s designed with padded straps, high performance fabrics, and wireless cups. Its high-performance fabrics function to keep you cool when your body temperature is rising during a workout. There are three factors taken into consideration for each bra’s form—cup size, back size, and activity level.

The creators of this sports bra aim to achieve ultimate support for each woman in their individual sport or activity. With this goal in mind, they have studied the movements of the breasts and worked with lingerie experts to adjust the support of the Shock Absorber Sports Bra accordingly.

The results of the scientific studies showed that wearing the bra reduced bounce up to 74%, which is almost twice that of a normal bra. The Shock Absorber Sports Bra is great for ladies of many shapes and sizes.

Use coupon code WAHOO to save $6.90 on this bra!

 

 

 

Started in 1982, Susan G. Komen for the Cure® is a grassroots network of breast cancer survivors and activists. The organization’s vision is of a world without breast cancer, and their mission is to save lives, empower people, ensure quality care for all, and energize science to find the cures. This mission is carried out through many events and fundraisers, the single largest being the annual Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure 5k’s and fitness walks.

Races occur all across the country year-round, though most are scheduled during the nice-weather months of May through October. To find the race nearest you, use the search tool on Susan G. Komen for the Cure’s® website. The races raise funds and awareness for the breast cancer movement. These events also serve the purpose of celebrating breast cancer survivorship and honoring those who have lost their battle with the disease.

The first race in 1983 was held in Dallas, TX, with approximately 800 participants. There are now more than 140 races worldwide annually, and an estimated 1.6 million people are actively involved with the events. St. Louis, Missouri, is home to the largest Komen Race for the Cure to date, attracting over 71,000 participants. 2011 will see the first race held in Israel, as the organization continues to expand its global reach.

The races are designed to include people of all ages, fitness, and ability levels, and all Komen Race for the Cure courses in the U.S. are certified by USA Track & Field.

75% of the net income from each race stays in the host community, in order to fund and support local programs that offer breast health education, breast cancer screening, and treatment. The other 25% goes to national breast cancer research. Having invested nearly $1.5 billion since its inception, the Susan G. Komen for the Cure is well known as one of the best non-profit organizations in the country, and is the single largest source of nonprofit funds dedicated to fighting breast cancer in the world.

Check out our "Power of Pink" products both the Enell and Handful bras are available in pink!

After months and months of hard work from our web designer, programmer and ourselves, the new site is finally up and running!  One of the most exciting parts of the new website is the addition of our Flower Power blog; I’m really looking forward to hearing all the inspiring stories from all our LOS chicks! That said; let the “flower power” begin… I am a firm believer that everything is more fun when you have a cute outfit on.  Now, you probably expect me to say that I love to work out and that it is my life’s desire to inspire others to work out and be the healthiest they can be right along beside of me, but that would be a lie.  The truth of the matter is, I only workout because I know I have to in order to be able to live a longer, healthier life, and it is much easier if I look cute and feel good in my workout clothes.  Now, I’m not saying that I won’t change my mind; I still hold out hope that I will one day experience an addiction to exercise or the runners high we all hear so much about. Continue Reading