Sweaty Betty: BarreASANA

I have previously talked about Sweaty Betty's Get Fit 4 Free campaigns, and I find myself posting about them again, because I really do think they are fantastic. This month's campaign is BarreASANA, a blend of barrecore workout and vinyasa-style yoga flow. Lead by ambassador Emily, with Maria and Chiara demonstrating modifications, the online class is easy to follow, whatever your experience level or ability. I'm fairly new to barre-workouts, having tried just a few online classes since my days of ballet-conditioning at gymnastics. However, I was pleased to find that, whilst challenged, my strength training and yoga practice meant that I was able to follow Chiara's more challenging modifications throughout.

BarreASANA is described as a fusion fitness, and I love the way that the stretching yoga flow sequence and warriors works with the isometric barre moves. The two exercises both strengthen using body weight, and facilitate flexibility so fit together very well. Although the class flowed together very well, I found that having it organised into sections helpful, particularly as it minimised me having to adjust my laptop as I moved from standing to floor work. There was some nice hip and shoulder opening sections, as well as ab work so I felt like my whole body benefitted from the session.

I was surprised to find myself working up a sweat, as well as feeling the fabled "barre burn!" Unlike when I do my weight-based workouts, I didn't feel like my muscles were getting shortened after, which was great. Don't get me wrong though; I love weight work too! I do feel inspired to try more barre-style workouts though, to target smaller muscle groups that I haven't necessarily worked before.  Emily, Chiara and Maria also shared their top picks for a Sweaty Betty Barre workout:

I think I will be repeating this workout as an alternative to some of my usual yoga practice over the next month -perfect for a short break from revision in the exam period! If you live near London, Sweaty Betty are running these Barre classes in Selfridges at 6:30-7:30 pm on Mondays until June 1st, so book yourself a place! Not in London? No problem -the BarreASANA class can be found online here.

Have you tried Barre before, or been to any Sweaty Betty events? Comment below, and tell me about your experiences!

Coral and Orange Yoga Wishlists

I'm normally drawn to towards blues and greens when it comes to clothing and fitness clothing but recently I have been looking at  orange and coral pieces, in no thanks to Sweaty Betty's spring and summer collections! I thought I would do a themed yoga wish list today.

1.  Skyline Long Leggings, £49.00 Onzie at Active in Style. Onzie is a fun Australian yoga and fitness brand. These leggings are less bright than some of the designs that Onzie is known for, but the bold print would look so good with the bra's featured, or a bright vest.
2. Neon Azalea Goddess Leggings, £79.95, Alo Yoga at Hip and Healthy. I think the Alo Yoga Goddess leggings have become a yogi must have. I hope to see more of their styles and designs coming over from the US! 
3. Infinity bra, £38.00, Sweaty Betty. A mixed-workout bra, with gorgeous detailing and colours.
4. Melbourne Sports Bra, £41.00, Lorna Jane at Active in Style. This bra is advertised as high impact, so looks like a great multitasker to take you from gym to yoga mat.
5. Domino Park outfit, from £22.00 (first buy), Fabletics. You get your first Fabletics outfit for £22, so this is a great way to expand your fitness wardrobe. 
6. Wild Tank, £58.00, Lululemon. This bra and vest in one is so pretty, and comes in a variety of colour combinations. Love!
7. Virasana yoga bra, £41.00, Sweaty Betty. Simple and pretty, this is a yoga staple piece.

Have you been shopping lately, and what colours have you been looking at?

Shopping: Yoga Bags

When you start using a range of yoga equipment or have to get to class straight from work, you may find that a new investment is needed to streamline your routine. Be it a simple bag or strap to carry your mat when walking across town, or a large holdall to fit in work kit, a change of clothes and a few blocks, getting the right yoga bag will make your life much easier. Next year I will be walking or cycling to class, possibly with a few extra bits of kits thrown in, so a new bag is definitely on my list to purchase over summer. With the long, thin rolled up mats taking up an awkward amount of space, conventional sports bags don't really cut it, and it can be hard to find a yoga bag that you actually like and need. To help you out, I've listed six bags below:

1. Sweaty Betty mat strap £12.00 | This strap is the simplest of ways to carry your mat around. Suitable for a variety of mat thicknesses thanks to it's velcro fastening.

2. Yoga Emporium mat bag £24.50 | Made with organic cotton, this bag is environmentally sound as well practical. Fits mats up to 66cm wide.

3. Verada Etsy shop mat bag £19.00 | This pretty bag is handmade in Thailand, with a drawstring closing to fit a range of mats.

4. GymTote Sophia Tote £120.00 | Although this highly functional bag doesn't come with the cheapest price tag but works hard for your money. The main compartment has an A4 pocket for your work documents, hidden compartment for trainers and water bottles AND with a mat holder underneath.

5. Lululemon Cruiser backback £108.00 | This seriously technical bag works well for commuters and is a less feminine option, giving male yogi's a much-needed rucksack. It comes with a myriad of compartments, including a brushed pocket for sunglasses. Your yoga mat is safely attached outside the bag using a strap and hammock design.

6. Free People Yoga tote £51.00 | For the busy yoga student or teacher, this jute bag will carry pretty much everything. Exterior pockets let you keep essentials to hand whilst keeping your mat securely strapped in.

Alternatively, why not grab some sturdy fabric and make your own? I love this tutorial by Sincerely Kinsley. You need an old rug or sturdy fabric, an old belt and some leather or similar for the base. Have you ever got a bit DIY with your yoga kit? Tweet me a photo!

I'd love to see how you get to yoga classes and what your bag must-have's are, so comment below.

Sweaty Betty SS15 Collection

The January sales are finally being cleared up, which can only mean that it is time for the spring collections to be launched. I was very excited to receive an email from Sweaty Betty with a preview of the new collection earlier this week. Heralded by the arrival of new catalogues landing on doormats this weekend, the full collection is now online and in store. And I am drooling.

In contrast to last season's edgy, urban prints, Sweaty Betty has turned to softer patterns and colour palette this season. Transformation has been the key word in inspiring the collection, with butterfly patterns featuring in many of the pieces. Side panel details and soft mesh fabrics build on the theme to create a soft, yet powerful look. Some transformations can be seen on the website itself, with the popular Inspiration section becoming more detailed and interactive for shoppers.

Sweaty Betty has teamed up with the English National Ballet for it's Dance Statement collection. Layering pieces and crops have been added for adaptable workout clothing, with slogan tops and jumpers adding a relaxed slant.

The Yoga Statement is my personal favourite collection of the season, with aubergine colours and beautifully detailed tops. Many of the Sweaty Betty leggings, such as the Urdhva Yoga Leggings (which are also reversible!) are 100% opaque and undergo rigorous testing in order to ensure this. So no oops moments this spring!

The best-selling Zero Gravity running tights have also been updated with an eye-catching new pattern and is now available in three leg lengths -a relief for petite runners like me and longer legged girls alike. The Heart Rate Merino Run top from the Run Pro collection takes the changeable British weather into consideration and is also reflective to keep you safe on dull mornings and dark evenings.

There looks like there is going to be lots in the collection to treat yourself to, or to start adding to wish lists. You can see the full collection here.

Review: Sweaty Betty #3 Workout

Last month I went to Oxford to visit Stuart for the weekend (I blogged about it here). While there, I got very spoilt, and, alongside a wonderful weekend away in even better company, I found myself coming out of Sweaty Betty with a well-stocked shopping bag. I unintentionally picked an outfit straight out of this season's Sweaty Betty catalogue, which I'll be reviewing today.

Elevate Workout Tee

With it's relaxed fit, this top is comfortable, yet still really flattering. Like all Sweaty Betty workout gear, this top is highly breathable, which is an absolute must. The t-shirt falls on the body easily, so you won't have material bunching as you try to lean over to pick up your weights, or as you stretch out at the end of a workout. I love the colour; there's enough detail to make it pretty without being overwhelming. I prefer the cooler tones here than lots of bright pinks personally. This is my current favourite workout top, beating my Sweat Betty Athlete Vest. As always, I'm really impressed with the quality.

Source: Sweaty Betty

Pump It Capris

I am so happy to finally have a pair of workout capris that are flattering, comfortable and keep your modesty covered. These leggings are snug and supportive without compromising on flexibility of movement. There's also lots of little extra details that make these capri's worth the money. The waistband is suitably high, with a drawstring for fit adjustment. To keep your workout hygienic, the gusset is antibacterial, so no smelly kit! The small back zip is so useful, yet you can barely feel it. In true Sweaty Betty style, the backs of the capri's are scalloped and finish at a flattering length, to make you feel your best while workout out. They're quite thick, so I'm not sure if you might overheat in them over summer, but as the moment, the thickness is working really well for me as it gives the additional support and comfort to the bottoms.

Can you believe it wasn't even four when these photos were taken? It's getting so dark! Big thanks to my photographer of the day, Abbie.

Both items in this outfit have been tested by myself whilst on a rowing machine, lifting weights, squatting and running outside in 5'C weather. This is a really good all-rounder outfit for workouts and sports alike.

Sweaty Betty: the 30 Day Sweat Challenge

If you know me, you'll know that I love a good fitness challenge. And, with the start of a new month, comes the start of another challenge from Sweaty Betty. The 30 Day Sweat Challenge, run in association with Hiitgirl, aims to push your limits in fast-paced sessions. Since September marks the end of summer, this new challenge is perfect for fitting in with getting back to work and school routines, as none of the activities last longer than thirty minutes. Three times a week, the challenge asks you to join in with a half hour HIIT session with Hiitgirl. If you're lucky enough to have a local Sweaty Betty, you can join in to an in-store class. If not, head over here to follow the online workout.

As well as getting you covered in sweat, Sweaty Betty have filled the schedule with mindfulness, nutrition and extra challenges, to keep you completely healthy and motivated all month. With SB Ambassadors and campaign partners such as the Detox Kitchen and Neom Organics, the whole months looks set to be a fun challenge!

So what is HIIT? HIIT stands for high intensity interval training. It involves alternating high and medium intensity circuits to push your body and raise your heart rate to the max, in a fat-burning, muscle sculpting session. Hiitgirl is an initiative founded by Susan Dyson aimed at working every part of the modern woman's body, to create a strong physique in a workout that fits in with our busy days.

I'll be getting involved this month, so I challenge you to come and play, and take up the challenge with me. And remember... it's cool to sweat.