
Feeling healthy and fit is very important to me. For years I exercised almost daily and always looked forward to it; it was a highlight in my day. Since having children, my exercise routine has taken a backseat to the play dates, housework, and generally constantly on the go lifestyle revolving around my children and family. By the time I get the kids in bed, I am too exhausted or have other things I need to get done and the exercise just doesn’t seem to happen. I really want to change that, make sure to carve out 30 minutes to an hour a day to focus on myself and my well being. I was so excited to receive a few amazing products from Gaiam, really helping me get my exercise routine back in place, and looking cute doing it!
Gaiam (pronounced “guy-um”), is a fusion of the words “Gaia” and “I am” Gaia, mother Earth, was honored on the Isle of Crete in ancient Greece 5,000 years ago by the Minoan civilization. This civilization valued education, art, science, recreation, and the environment and believed that the Earth was directly connected to its existence and daily life. The concept of Gaia stems from the ancient philosophy that the Earth is a living entity. At Gaiam, we believe that all of the Earth’s living matter, air, oceans and land form an interconnected system that can be seen as a single entity. The word Gaiam represents planetary awareness, preservation and support of the interconnectivity of all living things. By nurturing, protecting and respecting our planet, its natural resources and its inhabitants, we enrich our own lives and those of future generations.
At Gaiam we know that positive change comes from within. Our focus on personal development, health & wellness and global consciousness shows us this path to transformation. Here you’ll find inspirational media and solutions for healthy living, environmental wellness and renewal of spirit. Since 1988, our mission has been to reach those who share our values of commitment to the well-being of people and the planet.
I felt extremely lucky to receive exercise products from Gaiam. I was sent Trudie Styler’s Core Strength Pilates DVD, a new Sol Shakti RubberYoga Mat, and a pair of Organic Yoga Leggings. Everything I need to get my booty in gear and work that necessary exercise back into my daily routine. There were several things I was immediately impressed with in each of these products. The Yoga mat has a great length, is a beautiful shade of red, and has a perfect thickness for using on our wood floors. The Yoga Leggins, well, they are super soft, nice and long for this tall girl, and super stylish with a great fit. So darling, in fact, I’ve worn them out to the park or running errands with the kids a few times. I am loving each of these products for a variety of reasons, so I guess I’ll just break it down for you!
The Gaiam Sol Shakti Rubber Yoga Mat {4mm}: I have had several different yoga mats throughout the years and this one is by far my favorite! First off, this yoga mat has a great cushion to it, allowing me to do my yoga and pilates on a wood floor without any discomfort. It is constructed of 100% natural rubber with a specialized stabilizing core that prevents bunching and stretching. The Sol Shakti Rubber Yoga mat has proven through several yoga workouts that it has great slip resistance, even when I get hot and sweaty, I am able to hold poses and not slide all over the place. I am also tall, 5 foot 10ish, and the length is perfect for me! This mat is offered in a variety of colors and is worth every cent!
Working out at home is the only way I am going to be able to consistently exercise. Whether it’s working it into my day during rest times for the kids or before or after they go to bed, I can strive to make it happen several times a week. Trudie Styler’s Core Strength Pilates: Wow! This DVD is an incredible workout! It is quite a challenge and after my first run through, I was left feeling exhausted, but so proud that I had hung in there and made it through…even if I was shaking like jello! This DVD is a great fusion of everything I love from pilates and yoga. It has constant motion, and really focuses on working each specific muscle group; while the movements are still fluid and focus on breath and lengthening your body and muscles. My body gets a nice stretch with this workout, as well as a fabulous burn! This was a great workout to get me back in the groove. It is challenging and inspiring all the way through. Each time I complete a session with Trudie, I feel stronger, more focused and accomplished. Ava even enjoys working out along side me and has become my little cheerleader keeping me going until the end of each workout!
Organic Cotton Long Leggings: There is nothing better than feeling cute while you are working out. I am always a little more motivated to exercise if I have something stylish to wear…is that odd? The Organic Cotton Long Leggins definitely have a great fit and feel fantastic! They are super soft and stretchy; compatible with all types of exercise but fabulous for pilates and yoga! I love wearing them and they have become a staple of my exercise wardrobe. I can even see working them into my day to day wardrobe, possibly under a tunic with some boots this fall! I may be adding a second pair to my Christmas list this year, they are that wonderful.
Gaiam has everything and anything you need to get back in shape or get your exercise routine back on track! Offering high quality products, it is a fantastic option for all your exercise gear needs! Thank you so much Gaiam for getting me back to something I really do love, have missed for so many years, and bringing balance back to my life.
Today, Gaiam is generously giving away one amazing Yoga Mat!
Want to enter to win? Here’s how!
1) Visit Gaiam and take a look around. Come back and tell us another product you would love to add to your workout collection!
Once the mandatory entries are completed you can gain additional entries from the following:
2 entries-”Like” RMRV on facebook
2 entries-’Like’ Gaiam on Facebook.
2 entries each: Follow RMRV and Gaiam on Twitter!
1 entry per day-Tweet the following and leave us your tweet link:
#WIN a yoga mat from @Gaiam @agiveawaydaily
5 entries- Blog about this giveaway and leave us the link.
5 Entries-Subscribe to RMRV emails or RSS feed.
You have until September 14th @ 11:59 PM EDT to enter the giveaway. All giveaways are open to USA only.

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Amanda is a southern gal that loves coffee shop chit chat with dear friends, daydreaming, and an obsession with with polka dots, scarves, funky jewelry, children’s books, and anything vintage. She has two of the sweetest children that fill her heart and days with happiness.
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This site receives free products and other forms of compensation for posting. See the Real Moms Real Views disclosure & giveaway rules here.