Athletic-Minded Traveler

On my international trip two weeks ago, I flew on Lufthansa from Chicago to Dusseldorf and United from Frankfurt to Washington D.C.--each way in coach as our business travel budget does not support first or business class premiums.

The Lufthansa flight was far superior:

1) More Leg Room - every inch counts when on an airplane for 8+ hours (especially if you are 6ft. tall or more).

I take two showers every day. After my sweaty yoga class, I do a quick soap and rinse -- just to get the Bikram stink off. At the end of the day, before dinner, I shower again and shampoo, shave etc. I shave my legs daily. I think most women do. It's a pain. I prefer to do it at home because I have a nice spot to prop my foot. Good ergonomics are key to a good shave.

For the most part I have relied on disposable razors. Every now and then when I've been presented with a more expensive alternative via a freebie (at a race or in the mail), I haven't been impressed.

We're all a bit more conscious of our spending habits lately, especially when it comes to "non-essential" items in the budget like dining out, shopping and vacations. But what about the things that add personal value to our lives (and health!), even though they may not be necessary for our immediate survival?

Take yoga, for instance. As a yoga teacher I believe that maintaining my personal practice is crucial to my effectiveness as an instructor.

With the recent time change, my 630am bike rides have become somewhat colder. Keeping my upper body warm is easy--layers, arm warmers, etc.--but until recently I struggled to keep my legs warm, especially during the first 30 minutes of the ride. The crisp morning air would pierce into my knees and create stiffness and an annoying (not severe) amount of knee pain.

I tried wearing leg warmers, which are helpful for those bitter cold winter days, but I find them restrictive and too warm after 30 minutes in the saddle when the temps are above 45F.

I was recently preparing for a Bikram Yoga class and as I pulled my favorite yoga top over my head, I was disgusted by the olfactory offense emanating from my most beloved article of workout gear.