Sneaker Review: Asics GEL-Fit Sana

Today we’re talking about these fun new kicks:

Through my relationship with Fitfluential, I was recently sent a pair of the new Asics GEL-Fit Sana sneakers. These are a women’s training shoe, and I was more than happy to welcome them into my ever-growing collection.

The first thing I noticed when I took these shoes out of the box was how lightweight they were. Designed with a smooth inner lining and lightweight, low-profile midsole, the GEL-Fit Sana proves a barefoot-like sensation. They actually only weigh 5.6 ounces!

Because of the stretchable mesh upper and MONO-SOCK® upper construction, the sneaks seriously fit my feet like a glove. I think the sock-like fit is because the GEL-Fit Sana has an elastic internal sleeve instead of a traditional tongue like most sneakers do. Since these are not designed to be a running shoe, I tested them out during my lifts and cross training at the gym over the past few weeks.

I really like how lightweight and flexible they’ve been during my workouts, but they are definitely more suitable for cross training than they are for weight lifting. Also, one thing Tim and I were laughing about is that you could totally see my awkward toe spacers through the mesh. Minor detail, but since I love awkward things, I just had to point it out. One last thing to mention about these sneakers are that they are versatile enough to wear around before or after your workouts. I don’t tend to pair many of my workout sneaks with jeans, but these are lightweight and comfy enough that I think I could wear them walking around town or doing errands. A shoe that I can wear with leggings or my everyday pants sounds good to me!

If you are interested in trying out the GEL-Fit Sana, they are available online for $80 and come in six different colors. I like my pink and purple ones, but I think the teal and navy and white combo is calling my name next. Also, for what it’s worth, these sneakers shipped immediately and I had no issues with the Asics online ordering process.

Let me know if you decide to try these out!

–Let’s chat–
Do you own a pair of Asics sneakers? What color sneakers do you tend to gravitate toward? Is having a versatile sneaker that you can wear for both your workouts and errands important to you?

This post is sponsored by Fitfluential on behalf of Asics.

2014 Holiday Gift Guide: Themed Gifts for Fitness Fanatics

Um, how is Christmas only a week away? December is seriously flying by. Luckily, most of my Christmas shopping is done, and I’m really looking forward to this weekend and the beginning of next week to do some fun holiday related activities instead of rushing around with last-minute errands. I know many of you probably still have shopping left though, so I put together a holiday gift guide today to help you! There are SO many posts like these floating around the blog world, and I always love reading about what other bloggers are recommending. I did try to differentiate mine a bit though. Since I love themes more than anything, that’s what you’re getting!

Here are some themed gift ideas for any fitness fanatics in your life! Each category has at least seven suggestions to choose from. Happy last minute shopping, friends!

For the yogis:

• Gift card to a local yoga studio
• Yoga mat. I just love my Gaiam one so much.
• Yoga accessories such as a mat bag, no slip yoga towel, block, or strap.
• No slip yoga toe socks
• Manduka renew mat cleaner
• Just for fun: Yummy yogi cookie cutters
• A namaste necklace

For the weight lifters:

• Lifting gloves. I have these Harbinger ones, and I bought them at Olympia Sports.
• Protein powder for post lift recovery. I recommend Vega or Whey Isolate.
• New Balance Fresh Foam 822 trainers
• A kettlebell. I’ve had my eye on one of these bad boys for a long time.
• The Modern Woman’s Guide to Strength Training <—do it.
• A fun shirt with a strength mantra on it. I love my Lift Like a Girl shirt, and Inner Strength Apparel has a ton of cute ones! I love the one that says “I’d rather be lifting.” I also NEED this tank top. Need.
• Pull up bar. We got the Iron Gym for our apartment, and it’s awesome.

For the runners:

• Race entry fee. Sign up for a race together!
• Running jacket. For the early morning or late night runners, check out the NB Glow Beacon style. It’s reflective so you can run safely in the dark!
• A new pair of running sneakers. I highly recommend the New Balance Fresh Foam 980. It’s my favorite running shoe, and you can read my review of it here. New Balance also has a limited edition glow version of this sneaker that has the same glow technology as the jacket.
• Outdoor ear band. I love the Eddie Bauer stretch ear band.
• Subscription to Runner’s World magazine
• A running armband for your media player. This post outlines some good recommendations.
• Just because these are adorable: Set of 2 running glasses

For the fitness instructors:

• iTunes gift card
• A cute notebook or journal (for writing down class plans 5 minutes before class!)
• Fun printed leggings. I am obsessed with every single pair of leggings that Athleta has, and I don’t think there’s such thing as owning too many pairs, amiright?
• A workout headband. I don’t discriminate when it comes to headbands (as long as they stay put), but these Sparkly Soul ones are always just so darn fun.
• For your early morning instructors, a gift card to their favorite coffee shop. *hint hint*
• Extra batteries in case the gym mic is dead!
• Reebok Cardio Ultra studio sneakers. Check out my review of these here.

For the gym rats #1: Locker room/gym bag essentials

• Travel size toiletries like shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and deodorant
• Dry shampoo: I like Klorane’s dry shampoo with oat milk
• Shower flip-flops
• Socks and/or sports bra – there is nothing worse than forgetting these before your workout! For sports bras, I really like Target C9 and Old Navy Active brands.
• Hair elastics
• Action wipes
• You could even stash all the gifts in a shower caddy or a new Athleta gym bag.

For the gym rats #2: Rest and recovery day essentials

• Foam roller. I have both the GoFit Pro foam roller and the SMRT Core Grid. I also swear by The Stick hybrid, which isn’t a traditional foam roller, but works wonders on my muscles.
• Gift certificate to get a sports massage
• Epsoak epsom salts and lavender chamomile bubble bath
• This bamboo and chrome bathtub caddy. It has a built-in wine holder!
• Cozy socks
• Variety pack of tea. Check out some of the cool collections from David’s Tea for ideas!
• A calming candle

For the fit family:

• A kid’s shirt from the Words to Sweat By Use Your Words collection
• Passes to an indoor trampoline park such as Sky Zone
• A Redmon kids treadmill
• Family fitness books. My friend recommends My Daddy is a Pretzel!
• Jogging stroller
• A community supported agriculture program membership. Local friends, I cannot rave enough about Heaven’s Harvest Farm!
• Active video games

For anyone who wants to be fit at work:

• Healthy snacks to stash in your desk drawer: Aside from hand fruit, some of my favorite snacks include Larabars, Wonderful pistachios, Cedar’s products, Biena roasted chickpea snacks, Justin’s nut butters, and Health Warrior chia bars
• A stability ball for an alternative chair
• Standing desk. I have this one!
• A flavor infuser water bottle for staying hydrated during the day
• Stress ball
• A Fitbit or other activity tracker to help you move more throughout the day. You can read my review of the Fitbit Charge here!
• Exercise A Day 2015 desk calendar

–Let’s chat–
Do you have any fitness fanatics in your life? Do you give them healthy living related presents during the holidays? Do you have any items you’d add to any of these themes or themes I didn’t think of? What’s on your wish list this year?

Disclaimer: This is not a sponsored post. I was not paid to write about any of these products, nor are any of the links within this holiday gift guide affiliate links. I just wanted to share some of my favorite things, brands, and creative ideas with you. Some images were taken from the brand websites. All opinions are my own.

Tips For Staying Active Through the Changing Seasons

Disclaimer: This post was sponsored by Target® C9 through their partnership with POPSUGAR Select. While I was compensated to write a post about Target® C9, all opinions are my own.

As the seasons shift from apples and pumpkins to gingerbread and candy canes, you might find that your motivation to work out goes right out the window. It’s definitely that time of year when weekends are full of holiday feasting and festivities, and weekdays are spent shopping, baking, and trying to survive the holiday hustle. When it comes to our health, it’s really easy to fall into the “I’m just going to wait until the New Year” trap. I mentioned this in my November newsletter a couple of weeks ago, but why wait until January to get back on track?

In the spirit of my F&F Holiday Hustle challenge that starts today, I’m teaming up with Target® C9 to help you beat the winter blues and end your year on a more positive note. If you haven’t signed up for the challenge yet, please do! Instead of just going through the motions of the holidays, we are going to try to thrive during them instead. To start, here are my tips for staying active through the changing seasons, especially as the weather gets colder and the days get shorter.

Move during the day
For those of you who sit at a desk all day long, set a timer to get up and remind yourself to take walking breaks. Take a lap around the building or walk up and down the stairs. Something I’ve recently started doing is going from my desk on the 6th floor to the restroom on the first floor so that I have to walk all the way back up the stairs a few extra times during the day. Every step counts!

Take a class
The winter is a great time of year to take advantage of the classes offered at local gyms or fitness studios. I’m much more inclined to want to be participating in an indoor class when it’s sub-freezing outside than when it’s a beautiful summer or fall day. Whatever class you choose, pick something that seems interesting to you and up your alley so that you will be more likely to stick with it! Some of my winter favorites include indoor cycling, heated yoga, and kickboxing.

Go out and play
Despite the cold, there are actually a lot of outdoor winter activities to choose from too! I’m personally not a downhill skier, but I really want to try cross-country skiing or snowshoeing this year. Ice skating is another way you can keep moving in the winter. Maybe these aren’t as traditional as other forms of fitness are, but you’re moving during them, aren’t you? Any of these activities also make for fun and active dates or catch time with a friend instead of revolving social obligations around food.

Embrace at home workouts
If you aren’t feeling that slippery commute to the gym, do at home workouts! There are countless ways to exercise at home, whether it be with a quick bodyweight workout or with minimal equipment. Check out my fitness page for some of the routines that I keep handy for when I’m in a pinch!

Sporting one of my Target® C9 tanks!

Try something new
One of my favorite weeks at the gym every year is the week between Christmas and New Year’s. There is literally NOBODY there! Last year, I used this time to conquer my fear of the weight room. I felt much more comfortable trying out new machines and trying heavier weights for the first time when there was barely anyone else in there. By the time the week after New Year’s rolled around and all the January Joiners were crowding the weight room, I felt more confident with my routine. Consider trying something that scares you before the resolution making crowds scare you away instead.

I hope these tips help you as we kick off the first of the month today!

–Let’s chat–
How do you try and stay active as the seasons change? What are your go to winter workout tips? Do you own any apparel from the Target® C9 brand?

Besides the tank above, I also own a few zipups and sports bras!