REAL Women Move

~ REAL WOMEN MOVE ~

 

 

                                             

 

It became apparent to me, early on in life, that I was a MOVER.  I rarely sat still.  My parents could see that I didn't fit the mold of "traditional" team/ball sports that were offered for the girls at my school.  I swam, rode my bike, rode horses, went to dance class, but rarely did I fit in with the girl jocks.  I liked, and associated with people of different social groups, but never really fit into one, in particular.  I'm still that way.  Only now, I'm very comfortable with it.  Some people never get comfortable with not fitting in.  In fact, I would say most people don't.  Even upon reaching adulthood.

To this day, molds don't fit me, nor I them.  I'm almost 39, not married, & childless.  Many other women, actually, don't really know what to do with that.  You'd think it'd come from the men, but no.  Often, I make other women uncomfortable.  They can't put me in a box, & therefore squirm just a bit.  This is not new to me.  But, I'm good with it.  Women have asked me "Ohhh...you must not have kids, because you're infertile, or there's something 'wrong' with you?"  Not it.  But, to tell them, you're currently "childless by choice," there's a lot of squirming that goes on.  The "Fit Mom" group doesn't quite know where I fit in.  I'm fit too, and they like that, but my lifestyle is less restricted than theirs.  That's both a pro and a con, but because I don't fit the age norm, for what my life "should" look like, I make many women uncomfortable.  Half the time they're not even clear what about me makes them uncomfortable, but I can see it in their eyes.  Women are threatened by one another.  It doesn't have to be that way, but to say that doesn't exist, would be false.  I mirror emotions in them that are uncertain, and they're not sure what to do with that.  I know.  It happens often.  And it's OKAY.

I'm typically the one who, out of a group of women, will be doing the "odd" sports.  I climb as high as I can, until people below me disappear.  With the wind in my face, and the sun inching towards me, I feel free when I climb.  I can climb away from all issues on the ground.  I climb towards my true self.


              Ice Climbing, Ouray, CO.

                                                

I beat dudes up.  Well, sort of.  Sometimes I'm able to pull it off.  Sometimes I'm not.  But, Jiu-Jitsu has become an intrinsic "thread" that connects me to the core of myself.  Try explaining to other women that you roll with large men (especially, other women's husbands).  Most of the time, I'm the only girl in the morning classes.  Other women tend not to know how to react to that, either.  Just one more way that I make them squirm.

(Pictured Right)
Jiu-Jitsu at "Clark's Univ. Of Martial Arts," Bend, OR.


I like to lift heavy weights.  I've been doing "CrossFit" for 8.5 yrs.  I've been coaching it for 3 yrs.  I've been a certified fitness trainer since 2005.   Happily bench-pressing, with a bunch of dudes, often raises an eyebrow with other women.

"CrossFit" comp., Salem, OR., 2013

I don't have a stroller.  I'm not married.  I typically do male dominated sports (although campaigns like this are helping to change that), and I love it.  I will never fit in.  I will always dance to the beat of my own drum.  I will always be a MOVER.  In my OWN way...and that's what #REALWomenMove means to me.  That's what this campaign is for.  To help raise awareness that you will find your own unique movement(s) to express different facets of your nature.  That's powerful in it's own right.  I am a candle for other women.  That is what I do.  I live in a strength of my own, which gives other women and girls who observe what I do, silent permission to do the same.  I'm authentic.  I'm confident.  I love to grow internally by activating my body to dig deeper.  I've always known, since I was little, that my role was to live authentically, a life full of adventure, full of laughter, and to inspire other women and girls to do the same. 

Be a part of the movement.  Join the campaign.  Hashtag your social media pictures, over the next month with #REALWomenMove   Let's demonstrate that ANY way you choose to break a sweat, is not only valid....but valuable.  And that being authentically YOU is the best gift you can give to the world.

 

 

FOLLOW ME ON:

Instagram: @alminebarton
Twitter: @AlmineBarton1
Facebook:  www.facebook.com/alminewellness






"Almine's Top 10 Workout Clothing Must-Haves."

"Everyday Is A Fashion Show, & The World Is The Runway."
~ Coco Chanel ~

 

 

 

 

Let's face it.  Every girl knows it.  When you get a new article of clothing, it puts an extra "pep in your step."  Whether it be a new pair of heels, a new accessory or a new sports bra.  Having clothes that are both fashionable & functional are important to me.  They have to be able to weather lots of trails, hard workouts...essentially blood, sweat and tears.  However, I am still a girl.  And that means I don't care to look like a boy.  I like to play hard, but still enjoy pretty patterns, lines, cuts and colors.

 

 

I've been a certified fitness trainer and licensed acupuncturist since 2005.  This means, I've heard the same fitness/health questions over and over.  Mostly from women.  And the same question comes up often.  "Almine, what do you wear when you do (insert the sport/activity)?"

 

 

After "test-driving" many workout clothes and gear for various sports, I've listed some Top 10 favorites here for you.  Rest assured, I've tested these pieces in a variety of conditions and weather, so if I recommend them, I promise, I've put them to the test.

 

 

 

1) "SkirtSports" Redemption Capri:  I buy 2 of these at a time, because of how fast I "burn" through these (holes, you name it).  I wear them climbing, for "CrossFit," trail-running, yoga, etc.  They wick sweat away from the body wonderfully, and I love the way they fit.

 

 

 

Climbing In "Redemption Capris"

 

Putting Them To The Test In "CrossFit"

 

 

 

 





2) "Tough Chik" Visor:  Let's face it.  I'm a girl who likes to play outside.  With that comes the responsibility of taking care of my skin.  I've gotten more aware of this as I approach 29 (just kidding!)  :-)   But, yes, keeping the sun out of my face is becoming more important to me, so a good visor, that wicks sweat off my forehead is crucial.  One that has a cute slogan on it I like even better.

 

 

 



 

Out Snow-shoe running up by Mt. Bachelor

 

 

 

3) "HOKA" Running Shoes:   I was first turned onto "HOKAS" by my friend, ultra-runner, Catra Corbett.  Catra is the only woman in the world to have run over 100 one hundred mile+ races.  Yes, do the math:  that's over 100 x 100 miles (& she still keeps going without sore feet!).  That's good enough for a meager trail-runner like myself, who just enjoys getting her pup out for a nice 5-8 mile run a few days a week.  I do own 3 different pairs of "HOKAS" for 3 different types of terrain.  I wear the "Bondi B's" for road-running, the "Mafates" for trail-running, and the "EVO Stinsons" for "hybrid" terrain (maybe some road, some trail, some scramble).  I love them, and won't run any kind of distance in any other shoe at this point. 

 

 

 

 

Running Through OR. Coast Old-Growth Forest In My "Mafates"

 

 

Additional "Mafate" Gear-Review Written By Me For "The GearCaster"

 

 

http://www.thegearcaster.com/the_gearcaster/2011/03/hoka-mafate-trail-shoes-review.html

 

 

 

4.) "SKHOOP" Down Skirt:  Yes, I do end up "skirting" everything I can.  Reminder:  I like to wear lipstick, I like perfume, I like skirts...and I like to sweat.  All those things make fashion and fitness fun for me.  I was first introduced to "SKHOOP" down skirts, when I was ice climbing in Ouray, CO., several years ago.  Like any winter sport, you're not cold when you're moving, but just standing there, belaying...yeah, you get really cold.  Especially, if you've just come down from a climb, and you're drenched in sweat.  Having something to keep your core warm, while you're belaying your climbing partner, is wonderful.  Then, when you're ready to climb, you're still nice and warmed up.  It feels like a down blanket wrapped around your middle-section.

 

 

 

 

Me & my ice climbing gal-pals, hamming it up in Ouray this year in our "SKHOOP" skirts

 

 

 

5.)  "SkirtSports" Cruiser Bike Girl Skirt:  Once again, "SkirtSports" comes through for me.  I really do like, pretty much everything they make.  I love road and mtn. biking in their chamois-padded bike skirts.  Each of the built-in bike shorts (underneath the skirt) have elastic grips, so they don't hike up while you ride.  In addition, pockets on each leg fit gels, spares or iPod.  I've finished a mtn. bike ride with a nice dinner with friends, not worrying about having to change clothes.  The skirt is cute enough to wear on/off the bike.

 

 

 

 

 

Getting Dirty...In My "Cruiser Girl" Cycling Skirt

 

 

 

 

6.)  "Affinity" One-Shoulder Sports Bra:  I really love this sports bra.  I get bored of the same old pattern of sports bras out there.  I like the cut on this one, with the pretty lines, and yes...(drum roll)...it IS functional, ladies.  It has great support.  I've put it to the test in "CrossFit" with box-jumps and "double-unders."  It passed.  :-)

 

 

 

 

 

Rocking my 2nd workout of the day in the "Affinity" sports bra.  It gets my 2 thumbs up!

 

 

 

7.)  "Brooks" FLOW Shoes:  These are my "go-to" shoes for "CrossFit."  They're not completely "minimalist," so I still feel safe doing run-sprints on the pavement, box-jumps, etc. in them (read: they have arch support), but they're not too large a sole to get in the way of lifting.  That makes them pretty versatile for the majority of "CrossFit" WODs (workout of the day).  I'm on my 2nd pair now, and plan to get a 3rd pair soon.

 

 

















 

Rockin' My "Brooks" FLOW kicks, post "CrossFit"

 

 

 

 

 

8.)  "FLUX" Beanie:  I love beanies.  They're versatile, and keep my ears warm, while I'm doing any activity.  I like to support local artists, and our "FLUX" team signature beanies are made in Hood River, OR. by a kick-ass lady!  :-)

 

 

 

 

"FLUX" logo on the beanie, with a variety of colors to choose from

 

You can order at:   http://fluxwater.com/products/headwear/

 

 

 

 

9.)  "SkirtSports" Gym Girl Ultra Running Skirt:  The best running skirt I've run in, hands down.  Love the light-weight material, which wicks wonderfully.  This skirt is versatile and stylish.  Another athletic skirt I've come right off the trails, and to another engagement wearing, without concern of needing to change in between.  Want to switch from running in shorts to trying a running skirt?  This is the one.

 

 



 

"Gym Girl" Running Skirt Hitting My Favorite Trail

 

 

 

 

 

10.) "SkirtSports" Versa Jacket:   I've gone through 3 of these.  Yes, you read that right.  I've put the "Versa Jacket" to the test in torrential downpours, extreme wind conditions, snow, sleet...you name it.  I love this jacket.  Its wind-proof, water-proof, has breathable panels around the armpits (i.e. zero "B.O. Factor"),   Its reflective material is great for night running, has double-layered wrist warmers, and a large back pocket, where you can put snacks, keys, etc.

 

 

 

The "Versa Jacket" comes in both pink & silver  :-)

 

 

 

 

“Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.”

― Howard Thurman