Pam's Picks

Injinji’s New Therapeutic Toesock

Injinji introduces its new Therapeutic Toesock. This sock features soft and seamless individual toe sleeves that prevent moisture buildup caused by skin-on-skin friction. The Therapeutic Toesock keeps feet cool, dry, and protected from common foot ailments, such as blisters, athlete’s foot, corns, and hot spots. CoolMax fresh FX fiber with silver technology provides freshness by wicking moisture, inhibiting bacteria growth, and combating foot odor. The Toesock can be beneficial to those who suffer from hyperhidrosis (sweaty feet) or foot sensitivity or fungus.

While snowshoeing a 5k race these socks made my feet warm and comfy. When I finished I changed my shoes but continued to wear the socks throughout the day. I wanted to sleep in them but decided to wash them and wear them on my next walk. Available in black and white and in mini-crew styles and retails for $16. For more information visit www.injinjirx.com.

Lucy Offers the Perfect Core Collection

When you look good you feel good! The Perfect Core pant and raceback does just that. I tried them on and immediately felt fit. I have never been a fan of low rider pants, (well maybe in the sixties) and these pants have a high waist line. The Perfect Core pant features strategically placed mesh insets on the abdominal and lower back reminding you to keep your core engaged and your body in alignment. An added benefit is the way it smooths and shapes problem areas.

The Perfect Core Racerback has a power mesh panel that supports the abdominals. The Racerback also has a power mesh shelf bra with molded cups, which is great for those high intensity workouts. You do not need to wear a bra under the Racerback even if you have large breasts.

When I first tried these on I was amazed. They actually hugged and shaped my body. I wore these to my weight training class and the first comment out of my trainer was, “I see you are still losing weight.” I felt great, and my workout was even better. For more information visit www.lucy.com.

Three Products From Mountain Hardwear

Women’s Annamite Jacket: This Windstopper jacket is the perfect walking jacket for those cold rainy mornings. It has a durable water resistant finish to keep the moisture from soaking in but is breathable and lightweight. It is contoured to fit a woman’s body. The sleeves have hook and loop cuffs with thumb holes for a glove-like fit. I brought my jacket to the Big Sur marathon for the early morning start. It was perfect.

Yuma Pants: These too are lightweight and quick drying with a durable water repellent finish. The fabric is treated to offer protection from the sun with an Ultraviolet Protection factor of 50+. Since I have added hiking to my workouts these are the perfect pants to go hiking on the trail and to just wear around town after the hike.

Passage Point LS Shirt: This shirt is so very versatile. Take it to the trail or that long walk along the river. This lightweight shirt offers sophisticated detailing, like seams placed to avoid pressure under a daypack or your camelback, and a small sleeve pocket for lip stuff (or other essentials). Wicking, fast drying fabric, with Chitosan for odor control. I thought I would get too warm walking in the long sleeve T, but again it was perfect for the cool weather at the coast when walking on the beach. For more information visit www.mountainhardwear.com.

Urban Pilates is a fully equipped Pilates studio and training center in Northeast Portland. Urban offers authentic Pilates, using apparatus built from the original design specifications and mechanics of Joseph Pilates’ own equipment. Certified authentic Pilates instructors at Urban have undergone extensive training, testing, and instruction to prepare themselves to guide clients through classic Pilates workouts. Urban Pilates is dedicated to the authentic Pilates method and with that training approach brings full-body conditioning.

Urban has daily offerings of private, semi-private, and mat classes. Private and semi-private sessions are composed of a combination of apparatus and mat work with mat classes taking place in their fitness suite.

Urban Pilates Fitness Suite has the look and feel of a city loft. This pristine, inviting space features floor-to-ceiling windows, and shock-absorbing floors that allow plenty of room to stretch, jump, and lunge.

Urban’s instructors have been trained to develop a system of exercises tailored specifically for each client based on age, fitness goals, and the presence of any prior injuries or limitations. A commitment of at least two sessions a week will lead to the best results.

Urban Pilates is owned April Tillman. After a car accident that left her with an injured back, April discovered Pilates and found that this practice not only enhanced her recovery, but also completed her lifestyle. She is passionate about Pilates, and her new studio located at 1737 NE Alberta Street, 503-505-9203. For more information visit www.urban-pilates.com.