Kirsten Smith | WhyDid.com

The List Volume XCI

By Kirsten|February 9th, 2014|The List|

Keeping in theme and wrapping up this week’s fitness focused posts, let’s cap things off with The List. This particular list is solely dedicated to the most obnoxious gym behaviors that are sure to raise your blood pressure and give that punching bag something to cry about. I’m sure there are some professional gym-goers who are much bigger sticklers when it comes to gym etiquette, but let’s just stick with the basics, okay?

Any sort of noises. Grunting, panting, singing along to Bruno Mars- not acceptable.
If there are 15 empty machines, why did you insist on hopping on the one directly next to me?
Though I’ve been guilty, as Stiegler always tells me, girls should not wear grey pants to the gym. Seeing a sweat stained crotch is so not sexy.
Texting at the gym is one thing, but talking on the phone while you get in your “cardio” is just absolutely absurd. There’s a “decline” button for a reason. If your cat isn’t giving birth and calling to tell you as much, there’s no need to be on the phone.
If you’re paying $35+ a class, don’t slack off. You paid a pretty penny to participate, so do your best even when it’s excruciatingly painful. As Jenn once said during an especially tricky oblique exercise, “If it’s too tough, well tough. Do it.”
Push up bras under sportsbras. Not only is that counterintuitive, but seriously?
Do not talk to me while I’m working out. See these headphones? They’re the universal “bug off” symbol.
It’s a treadmill, not a runway. While it’s okay, and frankly encouraged, to wear something nicer than your ex’s holey sweats, a full face of makeup and Pantene perfect hair is taking things too far and pretty much pissing the rest of us off.
So, you’re walking on a treadmill reading an US Weekly in a completely packed gym? Ok. Next time, stay home and just swing your legs on the couch.
Did you seriously forget your deodorant?

xx,

WhyDid

Weekend Playlist: Let It Burn

By Kirsten|February 9th, 2014|Weekend Playlist|

You know the hardest part about going to the gym? Going to the gym. It’s amazing all the tiny tasks that I’ve neglected doing up until it’s time to make my way to the treadmill. Oh that stack of magazines I’ve yet to read? They must be sorted through before I could possibly go to the gym. All that paper has gotta be a fire hazard. I probably should clean out the fridge too.

However, once I’m actually at the gym or have just completed a thorough sweat session, I’m more than happy I went. Even happier when my pants aren’t sausage wrappers. It’s like my dad says, “What do exercise and hitting yourself in the head with a hammer have in common? They both feel good when you stop.” One great way to get you through the burn is a playlist that tricks you into believing you’re bumping elbows with Beyoncé, not the meathead bro-ing out with barbells. I’ve shared my running playlist before and Jenn was kind enough to bestow us with a few of her favorites, but much like your workout routine- it’s always good to switch things up. Here’s what I’m currently feeling the burn and burning the calories to:

Sweat looks good on you.

xx,

WhyDid

Why Did You Wear That: Sorry, Karl.

By Kirsten|February 5th, 2014|Why Did You Wear That?|

If you’ve tired of cashmere turtlenecks and grandpa cardigans, there’s some new knitwear in town. Well, not really “new” because I’ve suggested it once before this past fall, but it’s the sweatshirt. The last time we visited sweatshirts, I feared for poor Karl’s health, but hopefully he’s recovered from his panic attack by now… because it would appear that sweatshirts have not only grown in popularity, but have been adopted by just about every designer on the market. An article of clothing once relegated to the gym, males, and lazy Sundays at home, the new sweatshirt is far beyond a marled grey crewneck. Whether in printed neoprene or with heavy embellishments of sequins and chiffon, this season’s sweatshirts might even sway Mr. Lagerfeld.

1. Givenchy Patchwork Print Sweatshirt, 2. Erdem Petal Embroidered Sweatshirt, 3. Acne Beta Geometric Printed Scuba Jersey Sweatshirt, 4. Clover Canyon Gatsby Sequined Printed Sweatshirt, 5. Alexander Wang Parental Advisory Sweatshirt, 6. Cédric Charlier Printed Sweatshirt, 7. McQ Embroidered Ribless Sweatshirt, 8. Carven Aplliquéd Cotton Jersey Sweatshirt, 9. Milly Printed Panel Sweatshirt, 10.Lulu & Co Never Again Sequined Cotton Sweatshirt

Just remember not to pair one with its counterpart, the sweatpant, because that means you’ve given up- and you’re not a quitter.

xx,

WhyDid

Why Did You Wear That: Boot, Scoot, Blizzard

By Kirsten|February 4th, 2014|Why Did You Wear That?|

In case you missed it or your Instagram/Facebook feed was not spammed with Winter Wonderlandlike snapshots, it snowed in New York City yesterday. And if you missed out on posting your very own frosty photo, don’t you worry- because as my chatty cab driver informed me this morning, we should be getting bombarded with another six inches this weekend. That means one of two things: start stockpiling comfort food and libations or find footwear capable of navigating slush filled streets. But, please don’t make them standard issue UGGs. If you’re thinking it may be silly to invest in a pair of boots this late in the winter, let’s not forget that April showers bring May flowers and once it’s stopped being below freezing, we are sure to be showered for a couple more months before we fall back in love with the city during spring.

1. Hunter Sandhurst Savoy Rainboots, 2. Sloosh Italy Original Rainboots, 3. Isabel Marant Nowles Shearling LinedWedge Boots, 4. Gucci Rubber Horsebit Rain Boots, 5. LAUREN by Ralph Lauren Rossalyn Boots, 6. UGG Lacie Rain Boots, 7. Hunter x Rag & Bone Knee High Rain Boots, 8. Bottega Veneta Intrecciato Rubber Rain Boots, 9. Chooka Seville Wedge Rainboot, 10. Burberry Holloway Studded Rubber Rain Boots

xx,

WhyDid

Why Did You Wear That: All Set To Sweat

By Kirsten|February 4th, 2014|Why Did You Wear That?|

On winter days when you wake up to the sound of salt trucks clanging down the street, it’s pretty easy to lose any and all motivation to get thyself to a gym, even if it is in your building- like one floor down. It all starts innocently enough, skipping a day here and there and then before you know it, you’re making death threats to your laundry service for “shrinking” every single pair of your designer denim jeans. Your scale also seems to be going haywire because your floor is clearly uneven. Write yourself a Post-It to call the super. You did not gain ten pounds of winter weight existing on Seamless orders alone. And then you catch a glimpse of yourself in the mirror on the way out of the bathroom post shower…

Normally, I’d be pretty pissed at Punxsutawney Phil for sentencing us with another six weeks of winter, but let’s look at the upside. Now, you have six more weeks to shed those polar vortex pounds. I suggest posting a picture of a Victoria’s Secret Angel to your refrigerator, following a fitness inspiration account on Instagram, and cease and desist wearing pants with elastic waistbands… unless you’re heading to the gym/Pilates/cycling/yoga. Other than an awesome playlist, having cute and flattering workout gear is a great way to make sweating seem a bit less sticky… and stinky.