Look Great, Feel Good for the Holidays in GothamGear Fitness and Yoga Apparel

We know you're busy--always running from one appointment or event to another, trying to fit 20,000 things into the day before the kids get home from school. Which means you probably find yourself shlepping workout clothes around town until you eventually hit the gym...and taking time to change back to your civilian attire once you finish your workout. Lucky for you, there's Mortal by GothamGear, designed to meet the needs of, well, mere mortals.

This urban-chic, eco-friendly fitness and yoga line for women was designed by Jenny Goodman, a Manhattanite with an active lifestyle and little closet space. Jenny found it difficult to find flattering fitness apparel that moved easily from the gym or yoga studio to the sidewalk cafe or book store. With input from apparel experts, friends, fitness trainers and other athletes, she decided to create her own line, Mortal by GothamGear.

So is GothamGear really so special that it will make you put your Lululemons on a back shelf? Above all, GothamGear is performance wear - every piece is made from technical fabric with moisture wicking, breathability, durability, four-way stretch and comfort features including flat seams, non-elastic shelf bras and waistbands and double-layer gussets (what is a gusset? - check out the website). Jenny believes that it's okay to look great when you are working out - each piece is crafted with urban-chic styling with colors that are meant to mix and match and blend into the urban landscape (no need to look like you are training for the Olympics). The fabric is made from recycled nylon with Lycra so the entire line is eco-friendly. And if that isn't enough, it's all made in the US (look out for new styles coming this spring made right here, in Manhattan). But enough about the nitty gritty.

Do they look and feel great? The Fold-over Waist Yoga Pant does. You can fold the waistband to the height which is most flattering for your body type. This boot-cut pant features a hidden back hip pocket for your keys, cell phone or ID. The Trouser Pant (shown here in Indigo) features functional front zip welt pockets, faux back welt pockets and a slightly flared leg. On top: the Twist-Front Cami, Jenny's best-selling top, (shown here in Washed Blue)--boasts a sweetheart neckline and gathered bust. The shelf bra and adjustable bra-friendly straps make it a perfect fit for any workout routine.

The Squareneck Flutter Sleeve has a feminine flair, thanks to an empire seam and a loose, flirty fit on the bodice. It's so comfy and feminine you'll forget it's workout wear and slip it on for lunch with the girls. Jenny's best-selling pant, the Five Pocket Pant, looks and fits like your favorite boot-cut jean with faux front pockets and faux fly and functional back patch pockets. But my absolute favorite is the uber-comfy Cap Sleeve Scoopneck with shirred sleeves. Sure, it's moisture wicking and has four-way stretch but, have I mentioned how comfortable it is?! I put it on and couldn't wait to get to the gym... If that's not miracle workout wear, I don't know what is!

Just in time for the holidays...go to www.shopgothamgear.com to make your purchase and enter coupon code KIDANDCABOODLE (all caps) at checkout to receive 20% off your order of $100 or more (valid today through 12/25/10).

expert advice: five moves for a beach-ready body

It's April 1st--summer is only weeks away! Before you panic because you're not ready to shed your winter layers, try these five moves for a beach-ready body--from Celebrity Fitness Trainer Ashley Conrad. Designed to elicit serious results in a short period of time, Ashley’s signature “Clutch” system boasts celebrity clients like Kate Hudson, Rashida Jones, Taye Diggs, Goldie Hawn, Oliver Hudson and Mackenzie Phillips. I think you'll be a fan too.

5 Best Moves/Tips To Get Your Body Beach Ready

BURPEE
Equipment: Bodyweight

1) Start in the push-up position.
2) Bring legs underneath you just wider than shoulders.
3) From this position, explode up and jump up off the ground.
4) Land and immediately place your hands just outside your feet, then go back to the start push-up position.
5) Repeat for 15 repetitions

SHADOW BOXING
Equipment: 3 lb dumb bells

1) Shadow box for 30 seconds

JUMPING LUNGES
Equipment: Bodyweight
This exercise is a very effective way to firm, shape, tone, build and increase muscular endurance for the legs. To perform this exercise correctly:

1) Stand in a lunge position, right foot forward.
2) Make sure to keep your hands behind your head.
3) Jump up and switch foot position in mid-air, landing in a lunge position, with
your left foot forward, keeping your hands behind your head.
4) Repeat eight times for each leg.

PLANK
Equipment: Mat

1) Lie on a mat on your stomach with your palms face down and at your shoulders.
2) Your legs and feet should be together with your toes down.
3) Now, lift your body up, as if you were going to do a push up, and keep your arms straight, as well as your entire body.
4) While breathing consistently, hold, and repeat as recommended.
5) Make sure to not let your stomach or hips drop, but keep your entire body in alignment.
6) Hold for 15 seconds.

OLD SCHOOL PUSH UPS
Equipment: Bodyweight

1) Place hands on ground 12 inches outside of shoulders and then bring your body to the plank position.
2) Bring body down until your upper and forearm reach an angle of 90 degrees then push back up to the start position.
3) Your body should remain completely straight throughout the movement.
4) Do as many of these that you can, then drop to your knees and do as many as you can in this position.

Get more smooth moves on Ashley's website, http://www.clutchbodyshop.com.