Kirsten Catherwood | WhyDid.com

Why Did You Wear That: C’est La Vie (Active)

By Kirsten|July 27th, 2014|Personal Style, Why Did You Wear That?|

I can’t deny that I have a hard time stomaching dropping hundreds of dollars on pricey activewear, especially when it seems as of late, my entire clothing budget has gone basically to sports bras, compression pants, and sneakers. You should smell my hamper. However, fitness has become such a thing (um, been on Instagram lately?) that department stores such as Saks and online retailers like Net-A-Porter have dedicated entire categories to designer activewear. Long gone are the days of just tossing on your boyfriend’s boxers and a ratty t-shirt to rally at the gym. When I look around my Pilates class, it’s a full fledged fashion show with one toned body looked more chic than the next. Fitness is having a serious fashion moment.

There is little else that’s worse than catching a glimpse of yourself in the mirror behind you mid burpee to see that your pants are startlingly sheer (recall lululemon-gate?). There have been times when I could have told half the women in my classes what color their knickers were because they shone through during downward facing fanny. Really, the only thing I can think of that’s worse is finding out how many calories I’ve consumed in a day. Along with tracking my runs with Runkeeper, I downloaded a little iPhone app called My Fitness Pal. Spoiler alert, ladies: there are a lot of calories in wine.

So, perhaps there is something to spending a little extra when it comes to your workout wear. When Australian activewear brand, Vie Active, contacted me about testing out their wares, I jumped, literally, at the chance. In an industry without a ton of room for interpretation, Vie Active has kept things fun and functional combining bold prints with high tech fabrics that will ensure you look nothing remotely close to a gym rat.

pants and sports bra c/o Vie Active, shoes: Nike, hair: combination fishtail braid and milkmaid braids

xx,

WhyDid

Photos by Michael Stiegler

Weekend Playlist: Let’s Work It Out

By Kirsten|July 26th, 2014|Weekend Playlist|

Forget Kanye, this is Kiki’s workout plan.

In conjunction with twice weekly Pilates at Flex Studios and as many times as I can get there yoga at Strala, I run. I run as much as my little feet can handle. That’s why they look like a spend my free time dancing on hot coals. When I’m not running along the Westside Highway (due to inclement weather), I take it to the treadmill for interval training. This started as a trainer’s written instructions and as it got too easy, I modified it to work for me (so, feel free to do so for yourself).

5 minutes at 5.5
1 minute 7.5
1 minute 5.5
1 minute 8.0
1 minute 5.5
1 minute 8.5
1 minute 5.5
1 minute 8.0
1 minute 8.5
1 minute 5.5
1 minute 9.0
1 minute 5.5
1 minute 8.5
1 minute 5.5
1 minute 9.0
1 minute 5.5
1 minute 8.5
1 minute 5.5
1 minute 8.0
1 minute 5.5
1 minute 8.5
1 minute 5.5
1 minute 8.0
1 minute 5.5
1 minute 7.5
1 minute 5.5
5 minutes 4.0

I do all of this on a 1% incline and I get through it only with the thought of thinner thighs and a good playlist. I’ve created a few for you before (here, here, and here) and this is what I’m currently burning rubber to.

xx,

WhyDid

Friday Frocks: Don’t Play No Games

By Kirsten|July 25th, 2014|Friday Frocks|

You know what can ruin a perfectly good Eggs Benedict? Watching a girl wearing sweaty yoga pants join the table next to you post [insert latest/trendiest workout] class for mimosas and toast, gluten free, of course. I understand the stress of squeezing in a workout pre-weekend gluttony. Getting from point A to point B without upsetting all parties and attempting to look like you didn’t just emerge from Tulum’s sweat lodge. The struggle is real. Whether you’re looking to find love on the tennis court or love in the club, these sporty little dresses are perfect for slipping on post calorie torching.

1. L’Etoile Sport Medea Striped Ribbed Stretch Jersey Dress, 2. ADDISON Terry Drop Waist Tank Dress, 3. byCORPUS Stripe T-shirt Dress, 4. Orlebar Brown Sanremo Cotton Terry Dress, 5. Athleta Dip Dye Middy Maxi, 6. Clu Pleated Sweatshirt Dress, 7. Sparkle and Fade Side Slit Maxi Slip Dress, 8. Athleta Bob and Weave Active Dress, 9. SUNDRY Stripes Sweatshirt Dress, 10. Monreal London Stretch Jersey Mini Dress

xx,

WhyDid

Why Did You Wear That: If Shopping Is Your Cardio

By Kirsten|July 24th, 2014|Why Did You Wear That?|

You know what’s a great way to beat this miserable heat? Shopping. And wouldn’t you know, it’s that time of year again. Get deep discounts on new arrivals during Nordstrom’s Anniversary sale. We aren’t talking about picked over end of season goods either. Stock up early and shop everything from Joie suede booties to J Brand denim to Hanky Panky thongs until August 4th when regular prices return. So, if shopping is your cardio, consider me your personal trainer.

xx,

WhyDid

Beauty Buzz: Gym Class Heroes

By Kirsten|July 23rd, 2014|Beauty Buzz|

I think most women who actually take their physical fitness seriously can attest to the fact that one of our biggest eye rolling moments at the gym is upon spotting a perfectly made up, coiffed, push up sports bra clad babe texting in between turning pages of Cosmo on the elliptical. I also suggest that you always tie your body with a weight lifting belt when lifting weights to exercise properly without having strains. Speaking of which, I always cringe when women’s magazines suggest meeting men at the gym because I promise you the last thing I want is for a juiced up bro to approach me while running interval sprints on the treadmill. That’s a surefire way to get a dumbbell straight to the dome. Besides, I tend to be a bit of a sweaty mess and believe this is why women only gyms were invented. I would be become gym trainer if I go this much consistent for working on fitness. Well at that time I wouls start my own gym and chances high I will have to go for gym or fitness instructor liability insurance too. So how does one recover beautifully post workout?

Just like I mentioned about there not being some magic way to acquire abs of steel, there are, however, a few products that can certainly contribute to the cause:

I love dry brushing before the shower or you could use the Skinesis Bodylift from Sarah Chapman to help with pesky cellulite.
Tossing your hair up into a high ponytail or messy bun atop your head can actually cause quite a bit of damage as you move. Definitely opt for softer rubber bands sans metal closures to avoid breakage and if you can, wear a braid (French, fishtail, rope- take your pick).
After your sweat session, you may only have time to rinse and head back to the office or hopefully happy hour. No full swing shower, massage and chiropractor session (more about the services here). If you’re like me and a full on blow out isn’t even in the realm of possibility, then meet your new best friend, dry shampoo. The trick is finding one that won’t leave you looking like Martha Washington with a powdered wig.
You can also have prostate massage which is an exciting and highly pleasurable erotic experience that boasts a wide variety of benefits. For experience best massage you should try tantric massage.
If you like running outside when humidity is less than that of a tropical rainforest, then sunscreen is a must. For so long, I didn’t bother. Partially because I’d had a few sour experiences of blindness once sweat swept my SPF right into my eyes, but basically out of sheer laziness. Guess who doesn’t want knees that look like a vintage leather handbag?
The biggest favor you can do for your skin pre-workout is wiping your makeup off. Your skin needs to be able to breath in order for toxins (that bottle of Sauvignon Blanc you shared last night) to be released. Stash makeup wipes in your gym bag for a quick cleanse before you feel the burn.
I can’t lie. My feet are gnarly from miles logged on the treadmill and on the road. Be sure to take some time to soak those tired toes and give them a little TLC so you won’t be ashamed to bare them in open toe shoes or plop them up on the chaise lounge poolside.