Hey there lovely friends! How was your weekend? Usually I don’t like the weekends very much. But this weekend was pretty interesting and good! New experiences, new friends, sunny and warm, plus productive yet relaxing. This calls for a Power Monday post! What better way to start off the week with some motivation than a new workout and a giveaway?
I’m a Her Campus Blogger Network premier blogger (HCBN is a curated network of blogs written by women ages 13-30+ on fashion, beauty, cooking, fitness, design, lifestyle, and more.) and we created regional groups recently to get to know each other better. I’m part of the VA/MD/DC group and we put together our first meet-up last Saturday at Barre Tech in Arlington, VA! Barre Tech is “a line up of high-energy classes featuring the best of ballet barre-work, core work, and gentle yoga moves to tone and lengthen the body. Using small, controlled movement to sculpt the abs, arms, glutes, and thighs by targeting their stabilization muscles, which really tighten and tone.” We had a complimentary class taught by the lovely Marisa.
(Marisa and I)
For me, Barre classes are a tad reminiscent of my dance years, but I still find the workout kind of “boring.” It’s quick and repetitive, but you still have to really focus your mind on the movements to keep from getting lost. We started with a warm-up (think plank series, push-ups, arm exercises in plie with light weights), then moved to the barre for legs (I did feel it in my outer thighs and butt afterwards!), core at the barre, back on our mats for more core and back work, and then a quick stretch to cool down. It was a nice low-impact workout that really targets the inner muscles, but not really my cup of tea. A little to boring, and not challenging enough to keep me interested, but I felt the same way I did during my first barre experience. It is fun to do once in a while, so I’ll take it if the opportunity ever arises again!
(From left to right: (skipping the two girls on the end, Alicia, Corinne, Dezzie, Me, and Dahlia!)
The best part was meeting 4 new lovely ladies! Two are current GWU students (Corinne and Dezzie), one is graduate of Mount St. Mary’s in VA (Dahlia), and our leader Alicia! And we got Barre socks and swag bags with goodies from Lulu, Kind, and South Moon. Sweetgreen and South Block Juice Co. had snacks for us afterwards (all the salads weren’t safe for me though 🙁 sad). Totally a fun day all-around though! (And another successful Metro trip!)
And now for the giveaway! I reviewed TASC Performance athletic clothes a few months ago and really love the company. This time they sent me a colder weather workout outfit to try! You can see I am wearing the NOLA Leggings in the above Barre photos. They were so comfy, a second skin as the tag says. Full coverage and they stay perfectly in place. I loved them! They also sent me the Aspire LS, which I am wearing below. I think my favorite part about this shirt is the thumb-holes! How doesn’t love thumb-holes? I don;t own any long-sleeve workout gear so this was perfect. Made with the same comfy material, breathable, simple, and cute! Just what I like. Of course all of these clothes are made with TASC’s bamboo technology, so they are automatically awesome and above the average workout attire.
You could win this same outfit by entering my giveaway below! TASC is my favorite brand of athletic clothes, so I really hope you enter and win or buy something yourself and give it a try! You will not be disappointed by the quality, feel, or fit. You can also still use my discount code: SANDS, for a 25% off discount on any purchase from their store!
So it you want this snazzy outfit, enter with the rafflecopter widget below! Giveaway will be open until Friday and I will contact the winner directly by email!
So tell me:
+ What’s your go-to cold weather workout attire?
+ What’s the latest new fitness class you’ve tried out?
Happy Power Monday my friends! Have a great start to the week! (I’m talking about cold weather outfits here, but the weather says it will be 80° here in DC tomorrow? Crazy, but I’ll take it!)
**TASC Performance sent me the NOLA Leggings and Aspire LS to try out and are providing my readers with the same outfit as a giveaway. All opinions are my honest own and I 100% stand behind TASC!**
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Leslie
I love Barre! I started a few months ago & I love the way I feel afterwards, it’s amazing!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Good for you Leslie! Find what you love!
Christina @ Juggling Real Food and Real Life
You are such a stud Rebecca! LOL! That class does not sound the least bit boring to me. Sounds like quite a workout! I loved all of my years of dance training so this class sounds like just the right thing for me. Cold-weather workout clothes? Yep, still rocking my son’s high school football number on my sweatshirt. You are talking me into something a little more fashionable.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Haha, give it a try if it is in your area then!
Sometimes the warmest clothes are the least chic! No shame there 😉
Danielle
Thumb holes are the best! I am wearing a shirt with one as I type this! 🙂 Thanks for linking up with Merry Monday!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Yes to thumb holes!
Corinne
Thanks for the shout-out Rebecca! It was really great to meet you this weekend. I have three cheap pairs of leggings that I use to work out in the winter, but I don’t own any real athletic pants. I’d love to win my very first pair through this giveaway! 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
I loved meeting you too!
You will love these leggings then! So comfy 😉
Dana
I really like Zella’s live-in leggings and capris. My newest workout has been going to barre classes! I really like them so far.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
I’ll check out those leggings 😉
Well, I’m glad you like it, haha!
Michele @ paleorunningmomma
For running in the cold all winter I wear Lululemon swiftly tech shirts under a pullover or running jacket, brushed winter running tights, etc. Winter is my second favorite season for running (fall is the best) Long sleeve tech shirts are a must for layering in the winter.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
I guess that’s the perk of not being a runner 😉 I only have to dress for the gym until I warm up!
Carmy
Lol! My fav winter gear is actually anything with thumbholes!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Don’t you just want to meet the genius that came up with that grand idea 😉
Dahlia
I really like that top! It look super comfy plus I’m all about the thumb holes! It was great meeting you!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thumb holes make everything better 😉
I loved meeting you too!
Stephanie (@FitMomTraining)
Love that outfit!! So cute. I’ve never tried barre but it’s something I’m always keeping my eye out for locally. So far, nadda 🙁
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thanks 😉 Eh, you’re not missin out on too much, haha!
Toni
i have been loving my new Eddie Bauer shirt and it is great for the cold weather!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Sounds good! The cold weather is looming!
Heather
lulu tights and a long-sleeved tech tee for running – love the thumbholes!!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
You’ll love these leggings more 😉
Nicole @ Foodie Loves Fitness
I dig thumb holes in workout tops too! I have this Under Armour long sleeve hoodie that I’ve worn to death during cooler months – it’s so comfy!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Haha! I need more hoodies!
Stephanie
I am hoping to find a Barre class in my area to try. I would probably love it since I took ballet for seven years and then again in college and then even took a class after that on my own… Love the outfit! Very cute!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Yea, I was a competitive dancer and have 15 years under my belt, but barre is just reminiscent of it, but nowhere near it too 😉
Sandra Laflamme
In NH the weather can get crazy cold so I have to bundle up. I usually wear super warm leggings a long sleeve shirt with thumbholes, a fleecy type top, warm socks and my favorite Skida hat .
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
O man, I can only Imagine how brutal it can get! Props to you 😉
Keri
leggings and a compression long sleeve!
Ariel
Compression tights with a sweatwicking top covered with a loose tee!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Got the combo down to a science 😉
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Essentials!
Rachel
Very cool! I have always wanted to try a barre class. I woudl have to say that my favorite cold weather gear would be a nice long sleeve shirt with thumb holes. 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Gotta love the thumb holes 😉
Brie @ Lean, Clean, & Brie
I always wear compression leggings and a fleece top when the weather gets cold! Oh, and ear muffs and gloves too… it sure gets cold!!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Compression does wonders in the cold!
Jessica
My go to cold weather gear is a tech shirt & a hoodie with thumb holes. 🙂 I just tried Crossfit for the first time last week!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Crossfit is on my list to one day try for sure!
Diatta @ Femme Fitale Fit Club
Oh no the workout was boring? EEK I was gonna sign myself up for one in the next few weekends to finally try it out. But if I have to answer the question for the giveaway – I would say leggings and a nice warm and comfortable pull over are my go to items once it gets cooler.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
It was just TOO “low-impact” for me. Really a beginner’s workout, so knowing your fitness level, I might skip it and save the dough 😉
Leggings are a must! I like pullovers better than zip ups too!
Diatta @ Femme Fitale Fit Club
Ah ok……..thanks for the feedback.
Deborah @ Confessions of a Mother Runner
Cute clothes! How fun to be a campus ambassador 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
I’m not a campus ambassador I’m just an blog ambassador of HCBN 😛 Just like Fitfluential and SweatPink!
Kerri (@KerriOlkjer)
Madly love Tasc Performance! I always wear their capris in races and just got a hole in my favorite pair.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Ah! No good! I love my crops I have from them too! Seriously, so comfy!
Felecia
Being able to change up your workout every now and then is great. Since you’re not a fan of barre workout but will do it, What’s your normal or rather go-to workout routine?
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Lol, well as you can tell by my blog, I have a very advanced yoga practice and I adore weight training!
Amanda Cotcher
I live in Texas so I can normally get by with long sleeves, running skirt and compression socks. I need to do more barre classes….love the few that I’ve done.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Lucky warm weather girl 😉
Amy
I have to wear a good pair of tights and cheap gloves that I don’t mind wiping my nose on-Massachusetts get cold in the winter!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
That’s what thumb hole shirts are for 😉
Linda @ TheFitty
Is this only open to US?
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Nope!
Amy Lauren
I like to wear long sleeved shirts with the holes for the thumbs! I also have a few long sleeved race shirts I like.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
I need more long sleeve!
Michelle
I usually dress in a sweatsuit- very unattractive. Thick wool hat and layers so I can take them off once I get warm.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Layers are always good!
Michelle
I seriously need to do better. I have to duck around a corner if I see someone I think I know. Time to invest in some new duds. New workout clothes always make me feel great and I want to do more fitness wise.
Emma @em-poweredwellness
Sometimes I think barre classes are fun, sometimes yeah I get kinda bored too.
My cold weather workout attire usually involves pretty much just what you’re wearing: a long sleeved shirt and leggings!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Like-minded 😉
genevieve @ gratitude & greens
I still haven’t been to a barre class yet! Hm, my favourite workout clothes in the winter would definitely be knit headbands to keep my ears warm and some comfy lined leggings!
Erin
lulu leggings and long sleeves! cant forget the gloves and ear covering headband!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
My mom just got me an ear cover sweater headband! Yay!
Tara | Treble in the Kitchen
How fun that you girls got together for a Barre class 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Right! It was such a fun meetup!
Paige c
From being a collegiate athlete I have a ton of nike stuff because that is our sponsor, I also love the lulu leggings in the winter and I wear full on snow gloves usually because my hands get cold hah
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Gotta rock your sponsors! I need those glove mittens because normal gloves don’t keep your fingers warm! Gotta have the mitten cover too! 😉
Sarah
My go-to winter attire are leggings and a zip up!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Sounds good to me!
Candace
I used to do Bar Method! Makes your legs shake like crazy! I loved it. That top is so fantastic.
xoxo
Candace
http://www.FromCtoC.com
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Any bar class does work those little muscles!
Brittany @ Delights and Delectables
cute! I love leggings in the winter. I just got a hole in my favorite pair, so I need some!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
O no! But yea, leggings are the best! I love these because they are so night and tight, soft, and comfy!
Erin
Thanks for all of your insights, I really enjoy your blog!
I’ve heard of barre classes but haven’t tried them yet, going to add them to the list.
I also really appreciate your recipes, especially since you focus on single servings! (It’s just me so I’m always cooking for one!)
-Erin
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thanks Erin! Anytime you get a chance to try a new workout, always go for it!
I’m always cooking for one to, so single serve is my life 😉
Alexa Cohen
my lululemon pants!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Pants are a must!
Eva
A hat or toque or some sort is a must for me 🙂 My ears get cold haha
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
I need a ski mask, haha! My nose and ears always always cold too!
Lynda@fitnessmomwinecountry
Love Tasc brand! Pure Barre opened in our town last year and I spent 3 months doing the workout. It is a bit pricey, but wow what a workout, totally saw a difference in my body. Cold weather running, means hand warmers and something for my ears.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
That’s great you saw a difference! It is just not challenging enough for me!
Yes! Hand warmers are the best! I also love the ones for your toes too!
Sami
I wear running tights and definitely a scarf during the cold weather months!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
I’ve been known to wear scarves when lifting weights! It can be so cold in the gym! (Until you warm-up!)
Emily @My Healthyish Life
I’ve only done a barre class once and it wasn’t my favorite. But I’m glad I tried it! Proves there is a workout for everyone.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Yea! It was just to “easy.” I need my heavy lifting or flowing strong yoga!
Annmarie
I love Tasc clothing! The thumbholes are definitely key for me when wearing long sleeve running attire 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Yes! TASC is the bomb, so comfy!
Kelly- Simple Life Mom
Love the outfit. You look very cute.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Aw, thanks Kelly, haha!
Vicky
I am a fan of underarmour. My son wears it this time of year for street hockey..
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Underarmour does not keep me warm! I don’t know why, haha!
Vicky
My son is a sweater and right with my hot flashes once I sttartt working out layers are off..
I am dying to try the barre
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Haha! You should totally give it a go!
Kelly
We have a barre studio close by. I was never a dancer, so I’m a bit intimidated, but people that do it seem to love it. 🙂 Glad you had a fun day.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Don’t be intimidated! If you have a good instructor she will really help and explain it all before you begin! Mine was hands on and really explained what to do to make everything effective!