Yogitoes

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Morning!  I woke up early so I could make it to an AM Mixed Power yoga class.  It was a new teacher for me, and I loved the music she played – lots of Snow Patrol!

 

Last week, I invested in a Yogitoes towel.  For a long, long time, I thought Yogitoes were a complete rip-off – they are about $50+ – but I finally broke down and bought one because I noticed that nearly everyone in the studio used one.

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Since the classes are pretty much all ‘hot’ yoga classes, I’m dripping with the sweat the entire time, and it’s really slippery!  I was used a regular towel, but I started to notice that I could NOT get the stank out of the towels even after washing them a few times.

 

Love, love, love Yogitoes!  The rubber beads on the bottom of the towel stick to the mat and prevent slipping; it’s machine washable; and it hasn’t gotten stinky yet (though four classes and three washes).  The towel has a solid orange dot at the top of the mat, and it serves as an excellent focal point during balance poses.

 

Pre-yoga, I had a simple cereal bowl:

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In the mix:

 

  • Greek yogurt
  • Chia seeds
  • Raw oatmeal
  • Banana
  • Sesame cashews

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Off to be productive!

 

Was one piece of workout equipment or gear that you originally deemed “a waste of money” but now cannot live without?  I kind of feel that way about my GPS watch… It was worth every pricey penny!

{ 92 comments }

 

  • Ameena September 9, 2010, 10:15 am

    I never understood why people bought swim goggles until I finally splurged and spent $15 on a pair…now I cannot live without them.

    Yes, I realize I need to work on my cheapness. 🙂

  • Christine September 9, 2010, 10:15 am

    Hmm, I always thought they were a waste of money too. Thanks for the review.

  • Kristy September 9, 2010, 10:16 am

    LOL. I tried a new yoga class last week that did not involve A/C and everyone had those mat cover/towels and was spraying them with water. I felt like a total newbie. Now I know the drill 🙂

  • Freya (Brit Chick Runs) September 9, 2010, 10:17 am

    My garmin! I always thought they were a waste and I could do without….but I really REALLY can’t!

  • Beth @ Beth's Journey to Thin September 9, 2010, 10:17 am

    I lucked out because my sister doesn’t like Bikram anymore and had 2 of those towels so gave them to me for free!!

    I invested in a Garmin and was really skeptical at first in spending so much money, but I LOVE it and don’t know how I’d track my distance/pace without it!

  • Freya (Brit Chick Runs) September 9, 2010, 10:19 am

    Oh, and running shoes that fit – I thought it didn’t matter, so my previous 2 pairs were internet bought. The first pair made me get a foot injury due to misplaced support,so I bought neutral ones a while back. I went for my 1st run in my 3rd pair today (that I bought yesterday) and for the first time in about 6months, I had no bone pains in my leg!! All cos I got proper shoes, with gait analysis and everything 😀

    I’m not sure if any of that makes sense…in summary, :P, getting gait analysis and therefore shoes that fit is something I’ve only just realised is verrrry important!

  • Katie September 9, 2010, 10:19 am

    Same with me for the Garmin. Worth every cent! I also think that shoes are a smart thing to invest in and keep updated. They can make all the difference in the world.

  • Christine @ Grub, Sweat and Cheers September 9, 2010, 10:19 am

    Good runners and my Polar HRM. I bought cheaper versions at first and paid the price.

    Also, Body Glide! I kept asking myself if I really needed it and put up with inner arm chafing for months. It doesn’t always do the job 100% but it certainly helps!

    • Caitlin September 9, 2010, 12:17 pm

      Vaseline is a good and cheap alternative!

  • Nikki T September 9, 2010, 10:21 am

    I also feel that way about my Garmin…but yesterday…*tear*…Bella, my (beautiful, lovable, cute, etc…) chocolate lab, ate it…
    :'(

  • Cyndi @ Weightless Life September 9, 2010, 10:23 am

    I feel that way about my armband for my phone. I tried running and carrying it, but it’s so much more comfortable to have it on my arm, especially since I use it as my ipod, and gps.

  • Alyssa September 9, 2010, 10:23 am

    My Garmin and my Camelbak! Don’t know how I ever lived without them!

  • Morgan @ Healthy Happy Place September 9, 2010, 10:23 am

    I used to exercise in plain cotton t-shirts because I thought dri-fit or other moisture wicking materials were a waste ($30+ for one shirt?!) but now I’m a total convert, and can’t exercise anything else!

    • Samantha Angela @ Bikini Birthday September 9, 2010, 10:25 am

      Oh man, cotton is the worst for exercising. It just holds the moisture in, sticks to you, and makes you too cold or too hot or too uncomfortable.

  • Heather September 9, 2010, 10:24 am

    I was going to say the same thing, my garmin watch. I can’t run without it!

  • Samantha Angela @ Bikini Birthday September 9, 2010, 10:24 am

    Give us an update in a few months to see if they’re still stinky!

  • Kelly September 9, 2010, 10:25 am

    That’s how I feel about my Garmin, and swim cap and ear plugs. Can’t live without em now.

  • Whitney @ Whitinspired September 9, 2010, 10:26 am

    An expensive pair of running shoes. I thought people were crazy for spending over $50 for running shoes. I bought the $49.99 Dick’s Sporting Goods specials before starting the C25K program. Halfway through, my heels and knees were killing me and I knew it was because of my shoes. I broke down and went to get fitted and now run virtually pain free. Except for the whe feeling like I’m going to puke thing that happens quite frequently.

  • Kierstan @ Lige {and running} in Iowa September 9, 2010, 10:26 am

    I will have to echo all the previous commenters who mentioned theri Garmin. LOVE MINE. Seriously makes it a lot of fun to run.

  • Emmanuelle September 9, 2010, 10:26 am

    I also got one of these towels last year, from another brand from the UK but it’s the same thing really, with rubber dots on one side and soft towel on the other side (coming down to the floor on your belly = gracefully – or not – digging your face in the towel).
    I pat myself on the back for this purchase when I attended a workshop weekend with Baron Baptiste earlier this year 🙂

    • Caitlin September 9, 2010, 10:27 am

      YOU DID YOGA WITH BARON????????????

      • Emmanuelle September 9, 2010, 10:34 am

        Yes I did! He did a workshop in London and I was really curious (and a bit skeptical ya know), so I splurged and signed up, and travelled there. One of the most amazing weekends of my life! I wrote a bit about it here :http://deshautsetdesbananes.blogspot.com/2010/05/no-words.html, but it was really right after the whole thing and I was still in shock 😀
        If you want to know more, let me know!

        • Kathryn September 9, 2010, 4:02 pm

          He’s amazing, took his class at the Wanderlust Festival in Tahoe about a month and a 1/2 ago. Crazy great access to Shiva, Baron, Rusty Wells and other greats!

  • Christie {Honoring Health} September 9, 2010, 10:27 am

    I actually prefer the gaiam “travel mat” which is completely rubber on one side and towel material on the other. It didn’t slip through 8 hours of power yoga with baron baptiste himself and bonus, it is only $25 on amazon. And I couldn’t live without it, my practice is so much more calm if I am not slipping and sliding. The other great thing about it is that when you travel it folds up tiny and because of the thin layer of rubber on the bottom, no need to take a real mat.

  • Christie {Honoring Health} September 9, 2010, 10:28 am

    Oh, and if you add a splash of white vinegar to the wash, the funk will come out. I do that with the husbands running clothes.

    • Orla September 9, 2010, 11:34 am

      I am going to try that later! thanks for the tip!Do you put in straight into the drum or into the detergent drawer? I have a front loader machine!

      • Christie {Honoring Health} September 9, 2010, 12:12 pm

        yes, I just pour it right in, maybe a 1/4 cup? I never really measure it so that is a guess. I pour it in while the water is filling. I also use Charlie’s Soap which I highly recommend as well.

  • Beth @ DiningAndDishing September 9, 2010, 10:29 am

    I always thought $100 lulu lemons were a waste but once I realized how comfy/stylish/flattering they are I decided I couldn’t live without them! I have now owned 5 pairs :).

  • Anne September 9, 2010, 10:33 am

    You recommended the moving comfort bra, and it’s been a great investment! I love feeling so supported, yet not “uni-boob” while I’m running.

  • kimberley September 9, 2010, 10:34 am

    White vinegar or tea tree oil are both great for getting the funk out of yoga/gym stuff.

    I was the same way about the Yogitoes at first, but now I have 5 and looooove them (did I really just admit I spent $250+ on towels??).

    • Caitlin September 9, 2010, 10:35 am

      hahaha! oh man.

  • Diana at Diana Tries a Tri September 9, 2010, 10:35 am

    A fuel belt for running. I always thought they were a little un needed, but then I got one, they are a life saver on long runs!

  • Laura @ Backstage Pass to Health & Happiness September 9, 2010, 10:37 am

    My Camelbak was a worthy splurge! I can carry up to 100oz of water, great for long hikes / trail rides.

  • Angharad September 9, 2010, 10:38 am

    I want one of those! My towels are smelling SO stanky from the recent hot yoga fest I’ve been having. $50 though…argh, I dunno!

  • Chelsea at Striking Balance September 9, 2010, 10:39 am

    I also have a yogitoes mat. I got it for Christmas one year, but to be honest I’ve never even been to a hot yoga class, or hardly any yoga classes for that matter. But it does work great in the comfort of my own home 🙂

  • Kristy @ Kristyruns.com September 9, 2010, 10:40 am

    I love my nike plus watch. Distance, pace, time, etc for a really great price!

  • Alison (Fueling for Fitness) September 9, 2010, 10:40 am

    Definitely my fuel belt. I thought those things looked so gimicky and I resisted buying one for over a year… but eventually I gave in and it has become an absolutely necessity for long runs!

  • whitney September 9, 2010, 10:41 am

    again another awesome breakfast. May be a dumb question but do you cook the chai seeds or eat them raw?

    • Stephanie September 9, 2010, 11:50 am

      I eat them raw. On yogurt or mixed into oatmeal. You can also bake with them. 🙂

    • Caitlin September 9, 2010, 12:18 pm

      raw!

  • Tracey @ I'm Not Superhuman September 9, 2010, 10:42 am

    I pretty much think every workout product is a rip-off until I try them. My favorite are resistance bands. At first I figured they were a scam–bands can’t build muscles!–but I was so wrong. Plus, they’re great for travel.

  • Maria @ Oh Healthy Day September 9, 2010, 10:42 am

    We should all remember that despite the price of some of the things we buy for working out/eating right, we are investing in our health, which is priceless 🙂

    Okay, that’s what I say to myself every time I buy a new pair of Lulu crops and feel guilty. My biggest investment was my Garmin Forerunner 305, same as you as well as my closet of workout clothes. Having good workout clothes motivates me.

  • Lindsey @ Gingerbread Bagels September 9, 2010, 10:42 am

    I seriously need to try those sesame cashews! They’ve been calling my name at Trader Joes….”Lindsey eat me”…

    Your breakfast looks great!

  • Lisa C September 9, 2010, 10:43 am

    I just got one, as well. I have to say, it adds a lot of ‘comfort’ to the experience. I don’t do hot yoga but it helps alleviate the stickiness of my ‘recycled mat’ (made with all recycled products).

  • Annie@stronghealthyfit September 9, 2010, 10:45 am

    I keep it pretty simple- no Garmin, no iPod. Although I do WANT a Garmin 😉

  • Chelsea @ Strawberry Sweat September 9, 2010, 10:46 am

    Either my Garmin or my Yogitoes. I always thought simpler was better, but now I can’t imagine not having either!!

  • Anna @ Newlywed, Newly Veg September 9, 2010, 10:48 am

    I like just saying Yogitoes 🙂

    I feel that way about my Garmin– so expensive, but SO worth it. Now I can’t imagine running (or walking!) without it.

  • Michelle @ Give Me the Almond Butter September 9, 2010, 10:53 am

    It took me forever to buy an iPod armband. I just did the cheap college thing and held my iPod as I ran. The armband is so much nicer and I don’t have to worry about my hand sweating.

  • Courtney @ Bread & Bokeh September 9, 2010, 11:01 am

    An expensive but supportive sports bra!!! Man, that thing makes the world of difference!!! I used to wear 3 bras and never thought I could be a runner until I finally splurged on a good one!

  • Jillian@ ReshapeYourLife September 9, 2010, 11:12 am

    Real and cute workout clothes. Seems simple but they make a huge difference. Since they are cute I like to wear them, and when I wear them I workout… So I get an extra boost of confidence because I feel confident. 🙂

  • hiplip September 9, 2010, 11:13 am

    I’ve been thinking about a yogitoes towel for a while now – I think I’m going to do it now… I didn’t even know the point of it until this post but I see them every time in the studio and now it all makes sense!

  • diana @ i can eat, can't i September 9, 2010, 11:15 am

    wow, i can get that for my mum’s birfday! you just saved me a headache!!

    • Caitlin September 9, 2010, 12:19 pm

      yay! it would be a very nice present i think.

      • diana @ i can eat, can't i September 9, 2010, 12:27 pm

        yeah, i hope she likes it too. i’m debating between earth, diety, and sutra collections. my mum is a yoga instructor. she’s way flexible than i am, haha!

  • Miranda @ MirandasJeans September 9, 2010, 11:18 am

    I totally plan on asking for one of those towels, and maybe even a new yoga mat for Christmas.

  • The Hot and Fit September 9, 2010, 11:28 am

    Polar and my iPhone 😀

  • Kacy September 9, 2010, 11:31 am

    I’m glad to hear they’re worth the money, I’ve been curious!

  • Holly @ couchpotatoathlete September 9, 2010, 11:31 am

    I feel that way about new workout clothes, even if they are cheap. I’ll think I just wasted $50 on new shorts/sports bra/tank but then I realize how much more comfortable exercising can be if your clothes fit and don’t chafe.

    I also thought my fuel belt was a waste of money, not I love that thing!

  • Camille September 9, 2010, 11:34 am

    Good running shoes!
    I am okay with forking out big bucks for ones that will help prevent injury and are right for my feetsies!

  • Gavi @ GaviGetsGoing! September 9, 2010, 11:37 am

    Definitely my Garmin Forerunner. I just couldn’t imagine what all the fuss was about the watch! Now I love it and feel like it was a great way to spend my money.

  • Orla September 9, 2010, 11:39 am

    Defo technical fabric clothing and a really good sports bra.
    I can’t yet justify a garmin for myself but my birthday comes up in a couple weeks and I have asked that my family and partner chip in and get me one together – I don’t do christmas so birthdays are my big thing so I don’t feel greedy asking for one!

  • Lauren at KeepItSweet September 9, 2010, 11:46 am

    When i signed up for a trainer i was hesitent because it was so expensive, but it was so worth it!

  • Angela @ Eat Spin Run Repeat September 9, 2010, 11:48 am

    When I started using Asics running shoes about 4 years ago, I thought they were too expensive. Now, I won’t run in anything else!

  • Jean@RoastedRootsandPumpkinSpice September 9, 2010, 11:50 am

    Yogitoes is such a fun word!

    I’m gonna say my iPod is something I can’t live without. I NEED my music during my workouts.

  • Stefanie September 9, 2010, 11:51 am

    I too was skeptical about Yogitoes. But I bought one (20% first purchase at hot yoga studio) and now I can’t live without it! I can’t believe the sweat the drips off my elbox during eagle pose!

    And also my new hot yoga gear from Athleta ($$$) and Skatki “bike” shorts. They were $40,and I am usually so unflattering in tight shorts, but oh my god, they don’t ride up, they are wicking, and I am so much cooler in shorts.

  • Heather (Heather's Dish) September 9, 2010, 11:58 am

    i would definitely say shoes…for some reason i find it really hard to spend extra $$$ on better shoes, but it’s so worth it. why wouldn’t i want to take care of the things that help hold me up?!

  • Dynamics September 9, 2010, 12:00 pm

    Definitely my shoes. Fit by a pro at a running store. I thought the price would be ridiculous and put off going for years. Once I finally ended up going, I realized that I will always go to the pros and pay that extra few bucks.

  • Mary September 9, 2010, 12:06 pm

    I really like that mat, I do a lot of hot yoga but I have yet to spend $50 on a mat… call me frugal fannie I guess 😉 What kind of a garmin do you have? I am thinking about getting one. do you like it?

    • Caitlin September 9, 2010, 12:21 pm

      Garmin 305 is epic.

  • Christine September 9, 2010, 12:09 pm

    Love your blog! The other day you mentioned that you were looking at fashion blogs, which ones do you like?

    • Caitlin September 9, 2010, 12:19 pm

      I like:

      kendi everyday
      what i wore

      🙂

      Thanks!

  • ashleigh September 9, 2010, 12:27 pm

    I never thought it was a waste of $ but my HRM is something I can’t workout w/out! I want a garmin because I have a hard time mapping my runs on my iphone and websites, but I am not sure if I am willing to make the investment right now! Maybe Christmas?

  • Ashley September 9, 2010, 12:42 pm

    gotta have good shoes for sure! That is super important. Not just running but cross training AND walking! Sometimes when we aren’t in “exercise mode” by are being physically active we forget to wear the right stuff. For me I walk a lot on campus or for work, so I know now to come prepared!

  • chelsey September 9, 2010, 12:42 pm

    I cannot workout without my HRM!!! I didn’t think it was a waste of money, just expensive. I need a Garmin!!!

  • Katherine @ Left Coast Contessa September 9, 2010, 12:57 pm

    Expensive shoes for sure. Its better not to cut corners when it comes to your feet. Also, I just got running gear from the Nike Store with “dri fit”, cotton that doesn’t get all icky when you run. Worth every penny.

  • Amber K September 9, 2010, 1:02 pm

    It’s funny because as I read the comments I keep thinking “yeah, I am not shelling out money for that!” I think I’d have to be earning quite a bit more money to invest in some of these things!

  • Gina September 9, 2010, 1:11 pm

    LOVE my yogi toes and expensive manduka mat! After using a few cheap mats and really getting into yoga, I made the switch and it was worth every penny! One of my yoga teachers mentioned that the yogi toes towels hold stench after awhile, but I have yet to experience that anfter about a year of using one a few times per week…

  • KMattrn September 9, 2010, 3:03 pm

    Did I hear you get those sesame cashews at Trader joe’s? I was going to ask if you made them…

    I recently bought Yoga Paws and I love them! I do a lot of yoga at home and don’t bother with my mat (too much movement/buckling on a carpet), but I would slide around as the sweat came. Now I just put my paws on and: no more slipsies!

    • Caitlin September 9, 2010, 3:33 pm

      Yup! they are store-made 🙂

  • Liza @ Health Nutting September 9, 2010, 3:09 pm

    I’ve wanted one of the those but hadn’t decided if it’s worth the moola! Glad to hear a good review of it! Maybe I’ll invest too! 🙂

  • shorty September 9, 2010, 3:29 pm

    You can also hang them to dry outside and it takes the smell right out!! Even in the winter you can do a air-out then throw it in the dryer. We also use vinegar with our stinky wash. I have three boys who play hockey so we have a lot of stink around here!lol

  • Kathryn September 9, 2010, 4:03 pm

    If your yogi toes does get stanky put a bit of tea tree oil in the hot water wash with it. WOrks like a charm we do it regularly. I also like Manudkas mat towel. A little less expensive but equally effective.

    • Kathryn September 9, 2010, 4:04 pm

      Oh, and I spend good money on my yoga clothes too – started off with Old Navy and Target but nothing compares to Lululemon or Beyond Yoga – cotton is NO good in a hot yoga class.

  • Ellen@FirednFabulous September 9, 2010, 4:12 pm

    Oh wow, I’ve never heard of Yogitoes! I love yoga, but I’m too scared to do any kind of “hot” classes, so I don’t know if I’ll ever need this. We’ll see…maybe one day! And I really don’t spend ANY money on workout gear…I can’t afford it. Luckily, I have friends in high places who hook me up. Just got a new pair of New Balance sneaks, woot!

  • Amanda (tomboythatwearsmakeup September 9, 2010, 4:13 pm

    My waterproof running jacket was $400, but here in Vancouver it rains a lot, so my jacket is a life saver. I love love love it!

  • Charlie September 9, 2010, 7:35 pm

    I bought an iPod shuffle and it was one of the best things I ever bought to work out. It is much more convenient than taking a (big) iPod touch! Since I use it only to work out, I can put the mix of music that I want and I’m ready to go!

  • Chelsea @ One Healthy Munchkin September 9, 2010, 7:52 pm

    I used to think workout tops were just for the purpose of fashion, but then I bought a few and now I can’t go back to wearing t-shirts. They’re so breathable and keep me much cooler!

  • maria @ Chasing the Now September 9, 2010, 9:00 pm

    I really want some kind of yoga towel for Christmas. I find myself slipping and sliding all over the place, which makes it really tough to concentrate on actually doing yoga.

  • Britney September 9, 2010, 9:03 pm

    I’ve only gone to one hot yoga class so far but I just used a regular towel and it was soaked! I don’t think I’ll be buying yogitoes anytime soon but I’m glad that I now know their purpose.

  • Jaime Runs September 9, 2010, 10:11 pm

    My Garmin was for sure the best $ I spent on equipment, next to good running shoes. Those are a must-have!

  • Sana September 10, 2010, 1:24 am

    oh my garmin!!! no regretss

  • Cynthia (It All Changes) September 10, 2010, 1:33 am

    Proper running shoes. I started in my regular gym cross trainers. Now I can’t imagine not getting fitted even though it is an investment we save for. Helps with everything.

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