Summer is one of my favorite time of year and around this neck of the woods, there are a few signs that Summer is on its way.

But over at prAna Summer has arrived!

I’ve already confessed my love for prAna’s Spring Collection. I love that PrAna does such an awesome job at laid back cuteness without sacrificing style and comfort.

I always know I can count on functionality, quality, sustainability, attention to detail and last but DEFINITELY not least, style from prAna. (‘Cause to me working out isn’t about looking good as an end result, it’s about feeling and looking great in your body throughout your fitness journey.)

This one is for YOU!  PrAna and GGS have teamed up to give one lucky GGS reader some samples from their Summer Collection!  Here is what is up for grabs:

White Tess Shorts – size 4

Grey with orange trim Crissy Knickers -Size S

 Orange and pink Scralett Top – size s

Love that last top. Orange and pink look so cute together!

How to enter:

Go to prAna site and tell us what item would be on your Summer Wish List: name and color (it can be anything and they have lots of super cute clothes)

Really wanna win this cute little number?

• Tweet it out daily (if you want) using @girlgetstrong for extra entries (you can use the tweet button below)
• Like Facebook prAna
• Like Girlgestrong on Facebook (use Facebook button below)
• If you own a blog, mention it on a post
• Mention the giveaway on your Facebook page
• Make sure to tell us in the comments on what you did for the extra entries for them to count

Good Luck! Contest ends May 18, 2012. US and Canadian Residents only. Winner will be notified by email.

I’ve always found the easiest way to stay motivated to push through your workout is to get your motivation WHILE you work out.  Sometimes I have a hard time going that extra distance or even going a little faster to get that real burn that I need.  Keep in mind, I am not a runner.  I have ran a couple of 10 miles races and even trained for a half marathon.  I just found that running is not for me but I do love working out at the gym, walking up the steepest hills, hiking, strengthening training, skiing, you name it, basically any activity but running, I love to do.  So why might you ask am I reviewing the latest gadget on the market for running?  Well, the other GGS gals are recovering from running injuries so I had to step up to the plate to do this review.  And besides, this little unit has some features for people just like me.  Let me introduce to the PEAR Sport, Training Intelligence.

This tiny little gadget is like having a personal trainer right by your side to train the distance you need at the speed you want to go at.  Included in the kit:

• Ultra small, lightweight PEAR Sport system
• Secure fit Sport Earphones
• cord to sync up your computer up with your PEAR
• Wireless PEAR Heart Rate Monitor
• Wireless PEAR Foot Pod
• Cute case to carry all of this gear

An iPod shuffle fits securely on the PEAR so you can have music for your workout.  I personally don’t have a shuffle and have every ‘i’ device out there except a shuffle but I was able to use my iPod Nano without any problems. 

PEAR constantly monitors you via the wireless heart rate monitor and foot pod, measuring your body’s response to a workout and telling you exactly what you need to know. Using interactive audio coaching, PEAR tells you when you’re off goal and motivates you to stay on track according to your custom tailored plan. 

They have many plans to choose from including training for Boston Marathon, Run a 10 mile faster, treadmill workouts,  learn how to run 1/2 marthon and so forth. For myself being a non-runner, I started to do the program, learn to run, free form workout (where there is no coaching but you can tell how hard you worked once you sync up with the computer) and the treadmill workout.

PEAR is a SMART biofeedback training system that uses a wireless heart rate monitor and foot pod to measure your body’s response to a workout and delivers real-time coaching to keep you on track towards meeting your goal.

Turn on your PEAR, fire up your music and let Training Intelligence™ do the rest.

To help the PEAR understand your fitness level, it asks that you do a fit test before you start.  You can re-do this test any time you like as your endurance and speed start to improve.  After completing the test, I started with the learn to run program.  I found this program really motivating for me as a non-runner, as each session was approx 30 minutes long and the PEAR told you exactly how you were doing, how much longer you had, your heart rate, when to run and power walk.  This program started off really slow, power walking 3 minutes and running for 30 seconds. The PEAR also encourages you as you do the program with wellness tips, mindful moments, all with a ‘air high five’.

For an athlete that spent most of her time in the water- running has always been scary and I had no idea where to start or what I should be doing. With the PEAR I am finally confident. I have a plan, I am getting tips and I am being coached, I cant ask for anything more.”

Jamie Vessey
NCAA Division 1 Athlete

The PEAR also has a ‘free style’ coaching system which I also really enjoyed.  I just strapped everything on and went out and did my steep hill climbing.  I could tell how I was doing instantly by pressing a button on the side of my special ear buds.  This would report, time, heart rate, distance and calories.  LOVED that! 

My only compliant that I have is that the calories the PEAR said I burnt was WAY off.  I would even go to say it was off by even double.  Everything else the PEAR reported was dead on including the zones that I was working at.  I would 100% recommend!

And guess what?  PEAR Sports and GGS Media have paired up to give one lucky GGS reader a PEAR Sports to have and to hold through all of your training.

Really wanna win? For one extra entries do any or all of the following:

• Tweet it out using @GirlGetStrong for extra entries (you can use the tweet button below)
• Like PEAR Sport on Facebook
• Like GirlGetStrong on Facebook(right hand side)
• Post the giveaway on your Facebook Page (you can use the share button below)
• Make sure to tell us in the comment section on what you did for the extra entries for them to count

Contest ends May 7, 2012(midnight PST). Winner will be notified by email. US and Canadian residents only. Good Luck!

I have to workout to music.  I have actually gone into the gym and realized I didn’t have my iPod with me and turned right around again.  It’s the same with running.  I NEED my tunes!  Music makes me run faster and harder and go stronger. 

But, I am getting really sick of my playlists and that is where you come in.  GGS wants to put you to work and tell us your top workout songs to win…wait for it…….yes – an iPod Nano.

Once the contest is over, we are going to put together the top 100 workout songs of all time.  How cool is that?

HOW TO ENTER:
This contest is exclusively for GGS Club members. Not a member yet? No worries, it only takes a minute. Membership is filled with perks (like these groovy giveaways) and we never share your personal information with anyone. Sign up here:

 In the comment, please tell us your top 5 (or more) songs to workout to.

Really wanna win?

• Tweet it out using #girlgetstrong for extra entries (you can use the tweet button below)
• Like us on Facebook Fan of Girlgestrong (right hand side)
• Post the giveaway on your Facebook Page (you can use the share button below)
• Make sure to tell us in the comments on what you did for the extra entries for them to count

Contest ends on Feb 15, 2012. Good Luck!

Who does not need new workout clothes to rock that body into 2012?  GGS has teamed up with a new yoga company that has just launch named, KiraGrace.   Their clothes are super cute and unique.  You won’t be in your yoga class with the same top as someone else with this line. 

KiraGrace is on a mission to provide inspirational products to women moving through life’s journeys and transitions. Items that lift your spirit at the touch, feel or at a glance. The KiraGrace Goddess Yoga Collection features technical yoga gear designed to celebrate women’s beauty, strength and grace.

To help celebrate this exciting launch, KiraGrace is giving away a whole yoga outfit to one GGS SuperStar!

Yup! A whole super cute outfit! First the top:

The Goddess Yoga Halter is designed to flatter your natural curves with ultimate comfort

• Modest neckline, keeps you covered in practice and inversions
• Criss-cross back straps for full range of movement
• Moderate support with a built-in shelf bra
• Moisture wicking fabric with 4-way stretch
• Made in U.S.A.

Fabric and Care:

• Supplex Nylon/Lycra
• Machine wash cold, with like colors
• Tumble dry low, or hang dry for best results
• Do not use bleach or softeners

And the bottoms:

The Goddess Yoga Capri Legging is our favorite premium, technical yoga Capri

• Low-rise waistband with body contouring details for a flat, smooth fit
• Fitted through the thigh and leg
• Comfortable compression throughout
• Anti-chafe flat-lock seaming
• Moisture wicking fabric with 4-way stretch
• Made in U.S.A.

Fabric and Care:

• Nylon/Spandex
• Machine wash cold, with like colors
• Tumble dry low, or hang dry for best results
• Do not use bleach or softeners

I love that top.  I love how long it is and the color.

Really wanna win this cute outfit? For one extra entries do any or all of the following:

• Tweet it out using @GirlGetStrong for extra entries (you can use the tweet button below)
• Like KiraGrace on Facebook
• Like GirlGetStrong on Facebook(right hand side)
• Post the giveaway on your Facebook Page (you can use the share button below)
• Make sure to tell us in the comment section on what you did for the extra entries for them to count

Contest ends January 16,2011(midnight PST). Winner will be notified by email. US and Canadian residents only. Good Luck!

We always love to stumble upon companies making super cute and functional workout wear. So we were thrilled when MPG Mondetta Performace Gear contacted the GGS Crew for a review + GIVEAWAY!

It took me a long time to decide what exactly I wanted to review from their site as everything is just so darn cute. I finally settled with the Trek Jacket  and the Myriad Tank.

Trek Jacket  

 

Cozy microfleece jacket with a flattering fit, off-center front zipper design and reflective safety details.

• Fabric: 90% polyester, 10% spandex Windtex performance fleece, 320 gsm
• Trim: 88% polyester, 12% spandex jersey, 295 gsm
• Two-way stretch, moisture wicking, quick dry
• Breathable mesh insert details
• Multiple front pockets
• Fitted silhouette, longer back for best coverage
• High visibility reflective taping on sleeves and back hips

RECOMMENDED FOR: Layering, outdoor workouts, night running, warm ups

I love the Indigo color of this jacket.  The detail is great, with many pockets for all of your belongings and has the finger holes to keep your hands warm.  It is super cozy for winter running and has the breathable material so you don’t overheat.  The zipper is really unique as it is slightly off to the side, which is a nice touch.  Super slimming silhouette design and a little longer than the usual hoodie, which I am a huge fan of.  I also love this hoodie for having no hood, who uses those anyway?  Five out of five for the Trek!

Myriad Tank

 

Look fabulous during your yoga class in this ‘Baby Zebra’ overlay tank.

• Fabric: 84% Tactel nylon, 16% spandex, 155gsm
• Lightweight, cooling, moisture wicking, four way stretch, quick drying
• Overlay fabric – Zebra Jacquard Pique: 94% polyester 6% spandex 180 gsm
• Front overlay breathable pique fabric
• Bubble design effect on bottom hem
• Ergonomic back panel in solid jersey
• High visibility logo

RECOMMENDED FOR: Layering, light workouts, yoga, leisure, casual dress

This top is not like any other workout top that I have.  Its hard to tell by the picture but the front actually has two layers, which is great for sweating.  The elastic at the bottom is really great to keep the top in place.  The only flaw about this tank is the loose scoop neckline.  When bending over, your whole sports bra shows.

Now on to the GIVEAWAY!

MPG Mondetta Gear  is giving away one very lucky GGS reader any lifestyle tops OR bottoms (excluding outerwear) from their site!

Yippeeeee……we love giving away stuff especially workout gear!

Do one or all of the following:

• Tweet it out using #GirlGetStrong for extra entries (you can use the tweet button below)
• Like GirlGetStrong on Facebook(right hand side)
• Like MPG on Facebook
• Post the giveaway on your Facebook Page (you can use the share button below)
• Make sure to tell us in the comment section on what you did for the  entries for them to count

Didn’t win or just have to have Mondetta’s super cute gear? Well, you are in luck! We are happy to say GGS readers will receive a discount code to receive 25% off a one-time purchase that expires 3.15.11. Use code: stronggirlslovempg

Contest ends Jan.  19, 2012. Winner will be notified by email. US and Canadian residents only.

Reviews on GirlGetStrong.com reflect the personal opinion of the writer, whether it is good, bad or ugly. No compensation (except the product that was reviewed) was accepted by me or GGS Media Corporation for this review.

Mondetta is having a great sale-be sure to check it out!