Yes, the title of this post is a line from that LMFAO song that weasels its way into my subconscious and settles in for the long haul. But, more importantly, it’s now been reclaimed as the segue into a MAH-JOR-LY exciting announcement: the bomb.com giveaway of the world’s most perfect gym bag from Kooba. You heard right: one lucky reader will be winning this awesome tote from the super generous design geniuses over at Kooba! All you have to do is like them on Facebook {they are trying to hit the big 6000 number for “likes”!} and leave a comment on this post telling me how you keep in shape! A winner will be announced this upcoming Monday, 2/13!
This bag is reason enough to get my tuchus to the gym. As I mentioned here, I’ve been on the Tracy Anderson pain train for the past few weeks. Her mat routine is killa, and all you need is a chair, 3 lb weights, and a yoga mat. I dress in super bright workout gear as a way to sort of peacock my way into thinking it’s a fun way to spend an hour. Well, that’s not an entirely fair representation — I actually like working out (endorphins!) and I never feel better than just after a solid exercise sesh. But sometimes, as I’m doing the millionth leg kick, I feel unpleasantly testy. So I compensate with smile-inducing brights, like these sports bras ($14, Old Navy)
Now, as I believe I’ve made overly abundantly clear in past posts, I cannot live without my Nike spandex ($48, Zappos).
I own two pairs and they both have lasted for.ev.er, with multiple wears per week. That, and they breathe — and move — and don’t cut off circulation. This past point is particularly important because, in a random moment of 90s nostalgia, I snapped up a pair of Adidas running capris {remember when everyone and their Mom owned a pair of swishy-swashy pants with the three stripes down the sides?! We all had them in the 90s…}. Now, I will say that these Adidas pants come in great colors, and I also felt slightly retro-cool running around Glover Park with them on, but they were so constricting I could hardly breathe. So. Nike it is, for this little lady. And Nike it is on my feet, as well — I rock out their Free Runs ($100, Zappos), which are the lightest shoe known to man. Great for running, and I always get compliments on them. And the colors make my heart sing.
I also use a brightly colored yoga mat ($33, Amazon) and hand-weights (Tracy claims that you should never use more than 3 lb weights when using her workout or you “just create more space for loose skin” — $12 for set, Amazon) —
Water must always be at the ready — and these Bobble water filters are incroyable ($9.99, Target):
When I’m not in my tried-and-true Nike spandex, I’m in candy-colored shorts. How slick are these Old Navy pairs ($15, Old Navy)?! Best colors ever! I’d wear it with this funky giraffe-front tank ($26, Nike):
Other work-out musts? An easy-on, loose-fit sweatshirt. I wear one from my alma mater, UVA, but this boxy, 80s style variation caught my eye ($22, Target):
I also need peds ($10, Jack Wills). I buy mine in bulk {literally — packs of 20} at Costco in the brightest colors I can find, because I literally run them to threads and/or lose half of them somewhere between the dirty hamper and my clean laundry basket. I swear that I have no pair that actually matches, so I’m constantly in mis-matched peds. No idea how this happens. Mystery of life.
I also need waterproof mascara ($24.50, Sephora), Tarte cheek stain ($30, Sephora), and snag-free hair elastics ($3.50, Sephora):
Post work-out, I like to lounge in loose-fit sweats (on sale for $47, J. Crew) and a tissue-thin tee (I love the cheeky Rebel Yell line! — $63, Revolve):
If I’ve just completed my work at the gym, I’ll layer on a thin, breathable windbreaker (this is kids size, but what cool shades! — KWay, $45, J. Crew):
I top it all off with a loose, gauzy scarf (still digging Virginia Johnson’s styles! — on sale for $97, Virginia Johnson):
So — who’s ready to work out?!
Kooba is such a fun and trendy brand, I’m a huge fan, thanks for posting the gym bag in your post! As for working out, getting to the gym and into a kickboxing or Pilates class is a must! If I am feeling extra cool that day, I will pop in a 20 minute Workout DVD and throw a mat down in the middle of my living room. Thanks for the chance!!
Thanks for the awesome giveaway! I keep in shape by working out to DVDs. Some of my favorites are Jillian Michael’s 30-Day Shred, the 10-Minute Solutions series, and the Prevention Fitness Program series. I also like playing Just Dance on the Wii with my children. It is actually a great work out!
Yoga twice a week combined with a lot of walking and eating well (with a few treats here and there!)
Everyone’s response makes me feel so lazy, but my favorite workout is walking my dog!
What an amazing giveaway!!! Love all the products you listed here but I especially LOVE the Kooba bag. Kooba bags are the BEST!!! I work out regularly & in fact, I was a certified personal trainer for a number of years! Even so, I find it hard to motivate myself sometimes so I have little “tricks”….I try to shake up my routine & try new things and I know how important it is to feel good when you work out. A new bag, a new outfit, sneakers ..in fact ANYTHING new can give me a new zeal again! Who ever wins this will be lucky indeed…I’d be ecstatic to be able to replace my old nylon standard gym bag with this cool Kooba bag!!!! I’m crossing my fingers & toes!!! ;~)
Thanks to you all for the amazing entries! A winner will be selected on Monday!!! Happy weekend 🙂
I loathe working out, but it’s a must have in order to look good and feel good. Running is not my thing, so I “power walk” around my neighborhood. My must have is a my iPod, otherwise I get bored and my walk doesn’t last too long!
Great picks! I love accessorizing for the gym- so eighties but so necessary to keep it interesting! Lately, I’ve been trying out hip hop dance classes- sometimes I just want to laugh when I see myself in the mirror, trying to look “tough” while wearing hot pink and a high pony tail but then again it makes dreary days like today that much brighter!
So I bought the mat DVD…been doing it for a few days and feel like I am already noticing a little difference!!! Have you tried her Cardio DVD? Doing this every other day and doing fast walking on the treadmill with hand weights…trying to PUMP IT UP and lose some major lbs for my wedding in 2 months…although really need this working out to be a forever thing!! Love your fitness ideas and tips, keep them coming!
Love the bag! I liked on facebook. I stay in shape by doing body pump (completely addicted) and I’m currently training for a 10k!
I am lucky to live in San Diego where the weather is beautiful almost every single day! So I try to get outside as much as possible! I try to start my day with a 30 minute walk with my 3 loves…my black lab Gracie, my blonde lab Sophie Bella and my chocolate lab Roxy! They love their morning workouts! I then try to squeeze in a yoga class after work to keep me grounded and calm. My husband and I have been trying to get pregnant for the past year and I have found that yoga is the only thing that is getting me thru this rough spot! My Lululemon has free yoga classes on the weekends so I try to go to those! We also have a ton of donation based yoga classes, so not only am I getting a great workout I am giving my money to a great cause! Btw…you should definitely check out Lulu! Amazing stuff and they are a great company!
I’m 9 months pregnant but cant wait to work out again! That amazing bag would motivate me to get my rear in gear!M
A yoga girl myself – I love all your picks! My favorite exercise accessory is the bkr water bottle…take a look at it. I am obsessed with this glass bottle and it’s snazzy silicone sleeve.
Hope it is my lucky day, because i heart that kooba bag!!!
I looove that bag but hate working out with a passion!! I like to pretend that my daily trek up and down my apartment on the third floor and the stairs I have to walk up and down to get to class count as exercise. When I’m feeling motivated (which only happens about once a year!!) I usually pop a Dancing With the Stars or Biggest Loser Workout DVD in the dvd player. I prefer to sweat in the comfort of my own home without subjecting myself to ridicule at my apartment’s workout room. However, this post has made me want to run to buy some new workout clothes and get my fitness on!!
I am training for a marathon right now, so currently I am only running. I also love yoga and spin classes and in the past I have gotten into lifting. But, running is my thing… hopefully I’ll make it across that finish line in May.
Body Pump has become a staple in my workout routine. I love this class – it helps me to get good resistance training in (which I usually hate) – and I actually have fun while doing it! I also love to run on the beach, and try to do that as many times a week as my schedule allows. Living in San Diego makes it pretty darn easy to be active outdoors all year round, so I also walk a lot, ride my beach cruiser, and hike. My car pretty much sits in its parking spot all weekend!
Using the elliptical is my way of exercising-l listen to music and read at the same time. I love Kooba bags!
I run four times a week (training for my 5th half-marathon) and cross-train at the gym the rest of the week (Spin, boxing, lifting).
I like running with my Great Dane (or rather, letting her run me – the best free trainer I ever hired!). I also have a secret, humiliating love of lifting weights the old-school way: just me, a bar, and a couple of free weights. There usually aren’t many girls on that side of the gym, but the guys are usually more than happy to lend a hand 😉
Love love your blog! I try to mix things up as well, but my favorite workouts are barre classes (try fuel pilates on 0 St, it’s great!), and body jam classes at the gym. So fun! I actually was in Target last night and bought one of their bright sports bras on your recommendation, because I need some motivation. Thanks!
i like kickboxing and zumba classes, and walking
I keep in shape by walking a mile each way to and from my office.
I like working out but don’t do it as often as I should. To stay motivated, I have a weekly session with a trainer & try to fit shorter workouts into my day. I love free runs & Kooba, too!!!!!!
I love your blog and your writing and choices! I stay in shape in winter now with yoga and Pilates – it’s gentler on my body and still gives me a killer workout.
I love kooba and aqua zumba at the gym 🙂
ummmm, well, I’m not the biggest “fitness guru” out there…I rarely exercise and if and when I do, it consists of me walking the dog! Sorry! I hope my entry is still valid even if I eat cupcakes for breakfast! LoL! Never owned a Kooba so this would be dreamy for sure! Thanx for the chance doll…from one magpie to another! xo
Haha, love the honesty! And…no judgment on the cupcake breakfast. You are of course still entered! Thanks, girl!
To be honest, I haven’t been working out much lately or for the past few months. I had a bad case of bronchitis that started in November and it’s just dragging out this recovery process. My favorite type of staying in shape are Zumba classes and my dance/Zumba games for the Kinnect that I can do at home! They are fun and are set up to be fitness programs.
Oh no! Hope you feel better soon, Katie! There are a lot of Zumba lovers replying…I need to jump on that bandwagon. Thanks for entering!
I think the key to staying in shape and staying energized and interested in working out is variety. I often tend to get bored with the same routine at the gym and for that reason I tend to stay away from it. I am a very busy and hardworking student in a competitive business program {my Kooba accompanies me to class everyday :)} so in place of a rigorous gym workout, I do a quick and effective “home fitness” workout everyday between classes and homework. As one who tends to get bored easily, I prefer to stay in shape with fun outdoor activities like stand up paddle boarding (my favorite), hiking, swimming, and yoga!
Love it — I’m definitely in the same boat. I have a strong case of fitness ADD…Thanks, Kacie!
Pilates is my fave, but my studio got too expensive…have joined a gym now, and do a combo of classes, elliptical, and weights. Would love to have a new gym bag!…usually just use an old overnight duffle 🙁
Aw, sounds like you are overdue for an upgrade 🙂
Nice shout-out on the Kooba page girl! I really love keeping up with your blog, and I was excited about the topic today. I actually left yoga class this morning with at least 5 things in my arms thinking about how I need a new gym bag! I try to get to Bikram yoga at least 3 times a week and I always feel great after. I’m signed up for a 10k at the end of March so I’ll also be trying to get in running (jogging) shape for that, we’ll see how it goes!
Thanks, Jenn! You’re so sweet. Woah, 10K. That’s terrifying/I want to do one as well. Good luck training!
I am really really bad about going to the gym. I try to go to Pilates classes and use weights/ go on the elliptical. It usually takes a lot of motivation to get me moving, so I sometime use new workout gear to force myself to go to the gym. I realize I have to use my new shoes or break in my new yoga mat. Or shed some pounds to fit into a dress I bought on sale. I think this amazing bag would make me want to show off and finally go to those spin classes I’ve been too chicken to try out.
I’m in the same boat! Bright colors get me out of bed and into the gym. Thanks, Katie!
I keep in shape by running after my 17 month old and working out with my Kinect
Good plan! Glad you entered, Denise! 🙂
I keep in shape by walking my (very hyper) dog at LEAST 2x a day! It’s a very effective way to stay in shape! 🙂 ( & I do Like Kooba on facebook!)
Woah, perfect way to spend time with your pup AND burn cals. Love it. Thanks, Julie!
I keep in shape by walking on daily basis. I do excercise at home also (elliptical trainer). But since I dont have any car. fast walking and hiking on weekends are my main work outs. thanks
Thanks for entering, Lubka!
I walk every day.
Love it — that’s commitment!
Fun giveaway! I stay in shape by getting my workout first thing in the morning. If i don’t, i have time to talk myself out of it. I’ve been working out regularly for years by doing this 🙂
Smart lady. I’m the same way — get it outta they way early and then gloat about it the rest of the day.
Wow – love all the products you mentioned on here and love the bag and the water bottles! I love this blog and this post is keeping me motivated!
I am addicted to working out and am new to CrossFit and circuit training! If you have not tried CrossFit, I highly recommend it. It becomes part of my daily routine now and could do it everyday! The soreness after is amazing and you know you get a good workout. First thing I do when I am done too, is get into my lounge wear and chill.
Thanks, lady! You are too sweet! Ooh, I need to try this CrossFit biznass. I’m getting so many good ideas today!
Cool giveaway! I’ve been doing Bikram yoga 5 times a week–craycray. It is amazing for the joints & I feel like I’ve found the fountain of youth! Sweat it out, as The-Dream would say. 🙂
Hahaha — that is craycrazy! Thanks for the support, Megski 🙂 Miss you and Tom so much!
I work two jobs and travel 21 weeks a year. Staying in shape is a challenge. I find myself grabbing the hotel treadmill, or walking the hills around my house to get my cardio, and doing a 20 minute band workout to get some target toning in. In all honesty, my credit card gets more of a workout than my rear lately. And yes, it’s from buying Kooba bags.
HAHA — love the honesty! Thanks Melissa!
Love the Kooba! It would also just a great carry-all for not just the gym,but everywhere! I don’t go to the gym that often, mostly I just stay in shape by climbing the 4 flights of stairs to my apartment (3 floors up and no elevator…w/an armload of groceries sometimes), walking to the train station and just walking around downtown or the mall.
I know, I’d wear this tote everywhere! Dying over it. Thanks, Heather!
I’m taking a Fitness Boot Camp twice a week, walking five days a week, and in the spring I’ll start Zumba again six days a week!!!!
Yowza, you are a bad ass! I need to get on this dance class trend…too bad I’m wretchedly ill-coordinated…Thanks for sharing, Amy!
On this dreary day, this post was just what I needed to get motivated for gym! I love to run but get bored if I don’t have a goal to work toward. My mom and I trained for a 5k together in the fall, and I’m now training for an 8k next month. Hoping to work up to a half-marathon in the near future!
8K! Damn! That’s no joke, little one! I’m inspired!
I like to channel my inner-ballerina at barre class and have also tried to channel my inner- Rachel Barry (not such a stretch) at Glee Dance class (yep, it’s as cheezy as it sounds). But to be honest, on most days I indulge in a little L & O on TBS while on the elliptical at my work gym- but perhaps with this chic little tote I’d be more likely to venture out to fun exercise classes.
There is a barre studio just beneath my office in Georgetown, and I’m very intrigued…might just have to give it a try some time! Thanks, Courtney! Hope all is well, little bride-to-be!
That bag is TO DIE FOR! Would definitly motivate me to get to the gym every day! I generally go to the gym 3-4 times a week and do the elliptical and free weights. But my two favorite workout sessions are definitly spinning and hot yoga. And I could absolutly fit a change of clothes in the Kooba gym bag for when I come out of those classes drenched in sweat!
Ooh, I’ve always wanted to try hot yoga. Nice recommendation. Thanks for entering, Sam!
I’m lucky enough to live in Charlottesville and have a good amount of free time to take advantage of the great hikes in the area [I’m a law student at your alma mater!] . I usually do some combination of swimming, yoga, Pilates and the Stairmaster at the AFC, but every once in a while, I’ll head over to Humpback Rock in the morning, scurry up to the top as fast as I can, eat whatever I packed for lunch, and be back in time for class in the afternoon. Nothing better than that!
!!!! Hello, fellow cavalier! I miss the ol AFC — and the entire Cville region is perfect for exploring. Thanks for entering! Wahoowa!
I keep in shape by running with a very rambunctious Labrador Retriever – he keeps me going!
I need a dog. Stat. Thanks for entering!
Great post! I am completely and utterly obsessed with this blog! It gives me something to look forward to reading while at work ;). My workout regime consists of lifting shopping bags and running in heels to ensure I get to work in time…
Just kidding…but in all seriousness, I’ve been really getting into spin classes lately and strength training. Nothing feels better than breaking a sweat- especially in some cute workout clothes from lululemon! 😉 And that gorgeous Kooba bag would be a perfect gym bag! *fingers crossed*
Thanks again for the GREAT blog!
Aww, thanks, darlin! You are so sweet. Spinning is my little sister’s jam — I definitely need to get on that. What’s your favorite piece from Lululemon? I’ve heard good things but never checked it out!
My best workouts generally happen when my mind is fooled into believing that I’m not working out. Perfect example is while on vacation. I always chose places where I can go hiking, swimming anything I can do to be active without thinking that I’m getting a good workout! Sadly I can’t always be on vacation so I try a different class at the gym each week to mix things up. Love the post!
I like that idea — tricking yourself into exercise. Haha. I’m also a big fan of switching things up with different types of gym classes…it’s the best way to keep from getting bored.
I love working out – I do zumba 5 times a week and strength training (weights lifting) 3 times a week. When the weather is nice, I love swimming. Nothing improves my mood so quickly as a good workout 🙂
I liked Kooba on FB as Lena Maxwell!
Get it, girl! Zumba queen! Thanks for reading, Lena 🙂
I try to go to the gym during my lunch hour, it seems to be the only way I can squeeze it in! I love all the Workout clothes you have on here. Have you ever tried Bia Brazil workout pants? They are the bomb for sure. Instant Butt lift!
Oooh no, but I am now convinced that I need them!!! Thanks for entering!