Summer is in full swing and, after kicking it off with an amazing teacher conference last week, I'm looking forward to some overdue restoration and relaxation. At the top of my list - yoga! Admittedly, my yoga routine has been somewhat lacking. I'm more of a stop-drop-and-yoga kind of gal, sneaking in asanas (postures) and pranayama (breath work) throughout my day. However, my best yoga experiences are when I convince myself to get out of the house for a full yoga session or follow a video on the Gaiam Yoga Studio App. Thanks to Gaiam Canada, I have a little extra motivation to head out to my local yoga class and yoga like a boss while at home, too. Read on for some of my favourite yoga apparel and accessories, plus don't forget to use promo code DIANA18 to save an additional 20% at Gaiam.ca!

Finally, I want to share with you my new favourite chair - the Gaiam Balance Ball® Stool. It has a domed seat that causes micro-movements that help build core strength, posture and circulation, and is adjustable so you can find the ideal height that allows you to place your feet flat on the floor. It also has a 360 degree swivel base and easy-glide caster wheels that lock. The Balance Ball® Stool will require assembly but it is very straightforward. It includes an easy-inflation pump, as well as two plugs.

Disclosure: I am a Gaiam Canada Ambassador and have received special perks. Any opinions expressed in this post are my own.

Pssst! 

I have some exciting news to share. 

This month, I signed on as a Gaiam Canada Ambassador! If you have been following my blog for a while, you may recall that I have shared some of my favourite Gaiam products in the past, including their Metro Gym Bag and other yoga essentials, yoga apparel, and instructional DVDs featuring... yup, you guessed it - yoga! Truth be told, I have to credit internationally acclaimed yoga instructor Rodney Yee with inspiring me to continue learning yoga by way of Gaiam videos. Only back then, they were on VHS. (Those are analog video cassette tapes for you millennials.)

Thanks to Gaiam Canada, I am going to yoga like a boss this weekend at the The Yoga Show here in Toronto. They sent me a fun and fabulous outfit and I can't wait to show it off! Are you planning on attending? I cordially invite you to stop by the Gaiam Canada booth #810 to check out their latest products. Each purchase includes a FREE Dual Grip Headband (while supplies last). And don't forget to bring your old yoga mat. You will get a $10 coupon towards the purchase of a new Gaiam mat! You may also want to follow @GaiamCanada on Twitter. They've shared a link to register for a free floor pass to the Toronto Yoga Show:

Don't forget to grab your free pass to this week ends Toronto Yoga Show and come say hi to us at our booth.https://t.co/9tf3VpJ4dC#yoga #torontoyogashow #yogashow #yogatoronto #torontoyoga pic.twitter.com/rWE92aRnoN

— GaiamCanada (@GaiamCanada) April 12, 2018

Disclosure: I am a Gaiam Canada Ambassador and have received special perks. Any opinions expressed in this post are my own.

Should you be so brave as to take a peek at my sad little wardrobe, you would discover that I own quite a few black and grey pieces that, though practical, add very little pizzazz to my fitness outfits. So, when I headed out to my local Walmart Supercentre, I decided enough is enough. Time to find something bold and bright to help energize my workout. 

One of the first things that caught my eye was a bright pink Athletic Works Running Tank. I particularly like the drawstring hem that can be tightened, which proves useful whenever I do inversions. It is also designed with Athletic Works DRI-MORE technology which helps to wick away moisture.

I chose to pair this top with a basic black Athletic Works Cotton Blend Legging that has non-chafing, flatlock seams and is made of 90% cotton. It, too, offers DRI-MORE tech and is tagless, just like the tank top. It even has a convenient media pocket in the waistband for your cell phone. Plus, they are incredibly comfortable. So comfortable, in fact, I bought similar leggings in their capri style. And no, they're not black. They're grey.

In case you haven't noticed, I'm head over heels in love with my new Athletic Works outfit. Not only is it super comfy and stylish, it was extremely affordable at $14.97 each for both pieces. How's that for some #NewYearLook motivation! So if increasing your fitness is part of your New Year's resolution, make sure to check out Walmart for the Athletic Works collection!

Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Walmart Canada, as part of the Athletic Works New Year Look program. In exchange for this review, I have received special perks in the form of products and/or compensation. All opinions on this blog are my own.

Ever suffer from wardrobe envy when you come across a photo of a professional yoga teacher wearing a bohemian style yoga outfit? I do. All the time. Most often, I tend to brush off the idea that I could even wear something so stylish because it either won't feel comfortable or it just won't suit my body. It wasn't until I received an outfit from Gaiam Canada's new Infinitude Collection that I could actually entertain the idea of wearing a fashionable yoga outfit in a yoga studio and not have to worry about readjusting my clothes or wonder if I looked silly. Today I introduce you to my top three Gaiam Pro picks.

First up is Gaiam's Luxe Yoga Leggings. Featuring a boho inspired print with a Balinese twist seen here in Parrot Blue Infinity, these leggings are completely opaque and are made with a quick drying yoga compression fabric. They have a power mesh panelled waistband to help slim and support, with a higher rise at the back to keep you covered, and a hidden waistband pocket to store small essentials. 

Next, we have the Quinn Bra Top in matching Parrot Blue Infinity that is designed for low to medium impact and has a wide open back for an unrestricted range of motion. The feature that I love most about this top is the adjustable mesh back panel that is not only breathable but adds the perfect touch of fashion to function. As with the Luxe Yoga Leggings, this top has anti-chafe seams and 4-way stretch for added comfort. The stay-put support band feels slightly tighter than most of my sport bras but the more I wear it, the less I notice.

Finally, this Gaiam Pro yoga outfit would not be complete without a Clover Long-Sleeve Top. This shirt is super fun with a flattering drape and a stylish open crisscross back strap detail that pairs beautifully with the Quinn Bra Top. I love 3/4 sleeve length but this is not the only reason I chose this shirt. It also features a banded stay-put waistband that looks great. You can wear it in the studio or even when you're out and about.

Since Gaiam believes in yoga for every body, they have done extensive fit reviews and wear-testing with all types of yogis – beginner to advanced, all shapes and sizes. They choose fabrics specifically for their function and comfort, and infuse world culture, eclectic prints, patterns, colours, and fashion to reflect authentic yogi influences while incorporating contemporary fashion trends. It is clear that Gaiam is a leading lifestyle brand with a mission to make yoga, fitness, and well-being accessible to everyone. They are the makers of yoga mats and bags, yoga and fitness DVDs, as well as additional yoga products and gear focused on wellness.

To help you get your yoga on, Gaiam Canada is offering one yoga pant and their new travel matt to one lucky reader. Please complete the Rafflecopter form below to be eligible to win. This giveaway is open to residents of Canada only, excluding Quebec, who have reached the age of majority in their province. Prizing is subject to availability. 

Disclosure: I received product to help facilitate this review. Any opinions expressed in this post are my own.

When my daughter was little, we enrolled her in ballet class. But being as shy as she was, she didn't want to go. A few years later, we found a small dance company close to home and enrolled her in jazz class instead. Some days were harder than others because she didn't know anyone and it was becoming more and more challenging. She wanted to give up but, with a little perseverance and a lot of encouragement, she made it to the recital and performed so well, it brought a tear to my eye. Since then, she has enrolled in two other jazz classes as well as a hip hop class, and has transformed into an incredibly talented dancer with a personality to match. She can do the splits and swim-throughs like nobody's business and has grown tremendously in terms of physical strength but in character as well. When asked how she wanted to personalize her complimentary leggings by Twiga, it was no surprise she chose the word 'strength'.

Based in Toronto, Twiga is an athletic clothing company that designs apparel specifically for girls with personality and flair. With a variety of leggings to choose from, girls have the chance to express themselves and their own unique sense of style while they train, dance and live comfortably. For review, my daughter selected the Chloe Capri in stone grey, which gives you the option of personalizing the waistband and retail for $58. When they arrived, they looked rather small but she tried them on and they were a perfect fit. Like all of their capri leggings, they are meant to be worn fitted. My daughter loves how comfortable they feel since they are made with a quality fabric that is wicking, breathable and very soft. Me? I love that they are handmade in Canada! To see their full line of leggings, shorts, yoga pants and headbands for girls and women, visit twigaclothing.com.

Twiga makes it their mission to provide the perfect fit, feel and appearance for their community of unique, outgoing girls. Drawing on the designer’s past experience working for Lululemon, Twiga emerged from a gap in the market for stylish, quality athletic gear for young girls and women. However, these leggings take style and practicality to the next level: your name/nickname, team name, or even your favourite phrase can be printed on the waistband or hem to really make you stand out!

Disclosure: I received product to help facilitate this review. Any opinions expressed in this post are my own.