February 9th Laila Ali scored a sports bra knockout at our Culver City store. Ali, the new spokeswoman for Marika sports bras met and mingled with many fans eager to learn more about the new line of sports bras and gain fitness insight.
Guests also enjoyed an evening of special discounts, heart-healthy refreshments and bra fittings by our very own “bra whisperer”, Linda Lewis. Congratulations to Erica Watson, winner of the $500 Lane Bryant Gift Card giveaway.
We caught up with Ali to pose some questions asked by our Facebook and Twitter fans:
Q. Meghan T. asks – As the first spokeswoman for Marika, what is the main message you’d like women learn about their health and fitness?
A. Most women lead very demanding lives. Many of us are wives, mothers and work too. We always put everyone else before ourselves. I want women to make sure they take care of themselves first. Make being healthy and fit a priority because if you don’t, the stress of everyday life will take over and start having negative effects such as poor health, weight gain, etc. As women, we should aim to live a healthy, balanced life for our families and ourselves. This is why I’m excited to be a spokesperson for Marika… their activewear fits the needs of today’s woman.
Q. Holly J. asks – What is the most important piece of advice give to women who are interested in improving their health?
A. Anyone woman who is interested in improving her health and fitness regime should first make a commitment to a new lifestyle. Being fit does not happen overnight and it takes dedication and consistency. First, visit your doctor/nutritionist and get an assessment of your current health and fitness level. Next, map out a plan that will get you to your ideal version of yourself. Plan to make sacrifices and work hard! It will be worth it!
Q. Sabrina S. asks – Which type of exercise is safe for someone who has a severe back problem?
A. I think the best thing for you to do is speak to your doctor or physical therapist to find out what which form of exercise will be best for you. By asking questions and doing a little research, you will find the perfect exercise for yourself.
Q. Angela MT. asks – Which bra is the best for working out?
A. All the Marika and Marika Miracles sport bras at Lane Bryant are great options. I love the Racerback Bra by Marika Miracles, and have heard great things about the front-closure bra.
Q. Alexis K. asks – What advice do you have for a 38-yr-old female boxer who is likely never to get inside the ring aside from sparring with the guys at her gym? Any suggestions for training/diet/how to learn more?
A. I’m glad you’re enjoying boxing as a workout. If you want to learn more, you can work with an experienced trainer who will answer your questions and teach you what you want to know.
Regarding diet, you should eat clean. That means eating well-balanced meals, which include fresh veggies, whole grains, beans, legumes, lean meats and fresh fruit. Avoid fatty or processed foods that are full of sugar, salt, preservatives and chemicals. Also, drink lots of water and invest in whole food multivitamins.
Q. Angel H. asks – Which bra makes you feel the most beautiful?
A. I love the high impact sport bras from Marika, especially the microfiber sports bra by Marika Miracles which features micro-mesh back for better air flow, adjustable side hooks for a really great fit and padded straps for extra support and comfort. The racerback styling with keyhole and hook and eye closure is nice too.
Q. Kiah B. asks – How do you define your curves?
A. I don’t really try to define my body. There are things about myself I don’t like and many things that I love. I focus on being the best that I can be by taking good care of my body, mind and spirit. We have to love ourselves! Anything we don’t love, we should do the work it takes to make it better!
Q. Rosa C. asks – What is your ideal bra?
A. I always look for bras that can keep up with all my daily activities. I need to feel supported and confident that they can keep up with my high intensity workouts. And, of course I look for bras that have great style too! This is why the Marika sport bras work for me… they successfully combine just the right amount of style and fit!
Q. C. McDuffie asks – Is a sports bra the best option to work out in all the time? Sometimes I feel the need for additional support.
A. Yes you should work out in a sports bra. The right ones will give you the additional support you need. Look for sport bras that offer padded straps and removable pads for optional coverage and enhancement. You don’t have to settle for the kinds of features you need in a sport bra. Trust me; try the Marika and Marika Miracles sport bras, they have thought of everything for extra support during workouts! Remember, you can always wear two sports bras if necessary!
Don’t forget to visit Laila Ali at lailaalicom and www.facebook.com/lalaali