The summer of strong: June 10, 2025
My new favorite workouts, the gear that keeps me going, and a few sale alerts you won't want to miss...
SALE ALERTS!
ILIA Friends & Family
You probably have a few ILIA faves, been wanting to try something new, or have a tween/teenage daughter. Enjoy 20% sitewide, 25% off orders $125+ and a free bronzer or highlighter with orders $175+ through June 13.
Dedcool bundle discounts
If you have not experienced Dedcool’s Milk (or Xtra Milk) or one of their detergents, now’s your chance. With the Drench Ur Life Duo you get detergent and a full-sized scent of your choice. Mix and match or go all in. Want to get to know the scents better? Available in 3 versions, the Multi Size Fragrance Set lets you experiment with full, travel and sample sizes while saving $10.
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My current go-to workouts
Before the pandemic, I went to a Pilates class every damn day (very happily). Determined not to become a COVID couch/desk potato during lockdown, I invested in The Mirror (which is now called Lululemon Studio and offers Peloton classes—it’s a mash-up) and kept on moving. Then I added Pvolve into my repertoire about a year and a half ago (AMAZING!) and got a lot more into yoga.
Last month I decided to venture out of my familiar home fitness “studio” and try hot yoga. First off, I can’t believe I didn’t try this sooner. Of course there’s the actual in-person interaction element, which I didn’t realize I missed so much. Then there’s the sweating. It took me a few classes to acclimate to the 98-or-so degrees, and now all I can say is WOW. Beyond the perspiration that proves my body is working super-hard, I walk out of class with incredible mental clarity—and my skin looks unbelievable as an added bonus. During my one month of unlimited classes I went about 12 times, and I’m totally going back. (A lot.)
While I was getting my sweat on at hot yoga, I also started a free virtual trial for The Class with Taryn Toomey. This one is a little more out there but hear me out. It’s a music-driven mix of dance, cardio, toning, breathwork and mindfulness, and for the record, you’re encouraged to jump around (likely) looking like a lunatic while breathing and sighing audibly (noisily!) so you might not want to do this in the family room when anyone is home. At the same time, the moves become meditative, and I’ve found myself crying in a cathartic, cleansing way at the end of class several times. (Read the reviews, I’m not the only one.) You’ve probably never tried a class like this, which is exactly why you should. When my trial ended, I signed up for a 3-month unlimited virtual membership and I can’t wait to try all the different types of classes offered.
My go-to fitness must-haves
BodyHealth PerfectAmino Electrolytes: In addition to my BIG water bottle (see below), I bring a second, regular size one with this powder to hot yoga and leave it in the car to drink afterwards. Electrolytes are a no-brainer, but this mix is not your kids’ Gatorade. It’s sugar free and also contains a blend of amino acids (the building blocks of protein). This matters to me because I won’t take creatine because it makes me retain water, and maybe/hopefully this will help support my lean muscle mass in a similar fashion.
Sakara Life Metabolism Super Powder: This is a staple in my supplement cabinet, and it always will be. Here’s what I toss in my blender along with it:
1 cup almond milk (unsweetened vanilla)
½ banana
A dollop of almond butter
A drizzle of maple syrup
Fresh mint
AG1 Greens Powder: Sometimes I’ll throw in this powder for an extra dose of plant-based nutrients.
The Stakt Mat: Since I don’t have a Pilates reformer (yet), I’ve been using a super-thick mat as a cushion between my back and the hardwood floor. However, this isn’t ideal for yoga because it makes balance a lot more difficult. I picked up the Stakt mat since it’s easy to fold up and bring with me to hot yoga, and easy to stow neatly at home. There’s a bunch of colors to choose from, including a collab with LoveShackFancy, and your purchase grants you access to a library of on-demand mat classes so you never have an excuse for not squeezing in a workout.
Stakt Hand Weights: With this set, you get 2-, 4- and 6-pound hand weights simply by screwing (and unscrewing) the components. And in case you didn’t realize, you can match your weights to your mat if you’d like.
The Stakt Shaker: I do not own this specialty bottle, but I am intrigued. More than a mere insulated option for your cold and hot beverages, this shaker has a stealth storage compartment for any powders, supplements or pills you may want while you’re on the go.
MOBOT Big Bertha Foam Roller Water Bottle: This water bottle was gifted to me a while back, and I never used it until I started hot yoga and needed to bring A LOT of water (i.e. 40 ounces) with me. At first I thought the foam roller aspect was a bit much, but I can admit I’ve used it to soothe sore hammies. However, to me the best part is the name, and I’d love to meet the person who decided on Big Bertha.
Pvolve Signature Bundle: This set gives you the essential Pvolve equipment you need to get started. If you decide to grow your collection from there, DO NOT buy the their slant board—get this one on Amazon instead. Same goes for ankle bands and such… You either have these already, or can scoop up much cheaper ones.
How are you getting your sweat on this summer?
I may use affiliate links that allow me to earn a small commission on items purchased through my Substack. I work my hardest to only link products that I have tried or otherwise would purchase myself!