A Not-Very-Scary Giveaway
I suppose this post really should have more of a Halloween theme. True, I threw the words "trick or treat" in the title, 'cause we're giving something away like you do when trick-or-treaters come to the door. But that's kind of a lame comparison, isn't it? If you were to dress up in a costume tonight and go door-to-door shouting "trick-or-treat," what are the chances someone would hand you a $100 gift certificate for Plus Sized workout wear?
Not bloody likely.
But true Halloween-themed giveaways are hard to come by, unless they're candy. And as you may have discovered, if someone offers me candy, I tend to Eat It Myself.
Maybe next year we'll try harder to stick with the holiday theme.
Okay, maybe not.
So workout clothes should too, right?
I'm a fairly averaged sized person, and I've noticed that the majority of workout clothes on display at a typical sporting goods store are Too Damn Small for me. I couldn't imagine what it would be like for Plus Sized women shopping for athletic clothes.
So I went to the awesome Big Fat Deal to find out. And sure enough, they led me to an interesting post by Harmony at Pair Up, Pare Down, describing a trip to REI.
Harmony wrote:
"I don’t feel actively discriminated against, but I do feel out of place, and really visible. The truth is that there is not a single item of clothing in that store that would fit me. And, while it is also true that I am not the world’s most outdoorsy person, I still think it’s weird that even if I wanted to, I couldn’t buy a pair of running shorts or a sports bra at one of the world’s best outdoors/sports stores. It’s like fat people don’t even exist in the outdoors world. Admittedly, I am a short fat woman. But I wear the same sizes that a very tall broadly built woman might wear, and I guess those women don’t want to work out either? Or if they do, they apparently do not want state of the art wicking material to wear while they do it."
Now I love REI, because I like to prowl around all the sporty and outdoorsy stuff, but I'd never seen it from the eyes of a bigger customer. And I also couldn't help but notice that the last time we gave away athletic wear here at Cranky Fitness, it seemed quite a few of you were looking for stylish and functional workout clothes in larger sizes, and were having trouble finding some.
But guess what? It turns out there's a company called Junonia that has a nice selection of workout and active wear for women sized 14 and up. And they've very kindly offered to donate a $100 gift certificate to the winner of our random giveaway.
And Good news: You Do Not Need to Be a U.S. Resident to win!!!
Just leave a comment on this post with the word "active" in it by Tuesday night, November 4th. (Also, remember to VOTE too!). Crabby or Merry will announce the winner sometime Wednesday the 5th; and the winner should be sure to email us by Friday the 7th with their name, email address and mailing address to claim the prize. (Email: crabby mcslacker @ gmail dot com)
They will of course keep your information private.
(Plus, if you sign up, not only might you receive a nice discount, you'll help give the impression that Cranky Fitness is the kind of blog that can actually motivate people to do things! We'd love for giveaway donors and sponsors to think we're Influential and not just Cranky.)
I keep meaning to mention these three very entertaining fitness blogs, but haven't found a good occasion to work them into a particular post. So rather than risk forgetting while waiting for the perfect opportunity, I'll just say "the heck with it" and put the links out there even though the have absolutely nothing to do with Plus Size clothes or Halloween.
So if you haven't discovered Fit Bottomed Girls, or Gazelles on Crack, or Grounded Fitness yet, you should definitely check 'em out!
And have a great Halloween!
Maybe next year we'll try harder to stick with the holiday theme.
Okay, maybe not.
Women Come in All Sizes
So workout clothes should too, right?
I'm a fairly averaged sized person, and I've noticed that the majority of workout clothes on display at a typical sporting goods store are Too Damn Small for me. I couldn't imagine what it would be like for Plus Sized women shopping for athletic clothes.
So I went to the awesome Big Fat Deal to find out. And sure enough, they led me to an interesting post by Harmony at Pair Up, Pare Down, describing a trip to REI.
Harmony wrote:
"I don’t feel actively discriminated against, but I do feel out of place, and really visible. The truth is that there is not a single item of clothing in that store that would fit me. And, while it is also true that I am not the world’s most outdoorsy person, I still think it’s weird that even if I wanted to, I couldn’t buy a pair of running shorts or a sports bra at one of the world’s best outdoors/sports stores. It’s like fat people don’t even exist in the outdoors world. Admittedly, I am a short fat woman. But I wear the same sizes that a very tall broadly built woman might wear, and I guess those women don’t want to work out either? Or if they do, they apparently do not want state of the art wicking material to wear while they do it."
Now I love REI, because I like to prowl around all the sporty and outdoorsy stuff, but I'd never seen it from the eyes of a bigger customer. And I also couldn't help but notice that the last time we gave away athletic wear here at Cranky Fitness, it seemed quite a few of you were looking for stylish and functional workout clothes in larger sizes, and were having trouble finding some.
Junonia To The Rescue!
But guess what? It turns out there's a company called Junonia that has a nice selection of workout and active wear for women sized 14 and up. And they've very kindly offered to donate a $100 gift certificate to the winner of our random giveaway.
And Good news: You Do Not Need to Be a U.S. Resident to win!!!
Just leave a comment on this post with the word "active" in it by Tuesday night, November 4th. (Also, remember to VOTE too!). Crabby or Merry will announce the winner sometime Wednesday the 5th; and the winner should be sure to email us by Friday the 7th with their name, email address and mailing address to claim the prize. (Email: crabby mcslacker @ gmail dot com)
Want Discounts?
It's not required for entry, but if you're interested in getting discounts and updates on Junonia active, swim and casual wear, you can sign up at the Junonia sign up list.They will of course keep your information private.
(Plus, if you sign up, not only might you receive a nice discount, you'll help give the impression that Cranky Fitness is the kind of blog that can actually motivate people to do things! We'd love for giveaway donors and sponsors to think we're Influential and not just Cranky.)
More Treats!
I keep meaning to mention these three very entertaining fitness blogs, but haven't found a good occasion to work them into a particular post. So rather than risk forgetting while waiting for the perfect opportunity, I'll just say "the heck with it" and put the links out there even though the have absolutely nothing to do with Plus Size clothes or Halloween.
So if you haven't discovered Fit Bottomed Girls, or Gazelles on Crack, or Grounded Fitness yet, you should definitely check 'em out!
And have a great Halloween!
LOVE JUNONIA.
ReplyDeletewhen I had my training studio, back in the days before the internet, my clients adored both their clothing and their SERVICE.
great giveaway crabby!!
My comment appears to have been eaten. If this ends up being a dupe I apologize!
ReplyDeleteIs this giveaway for the guys too? If not, I'll still be happy to win and get my wife active in some new workout clothes!
Hey John, good point!
ReplyDeleteI think they just have women's clothes, but you can certainly enter for your wife.
And uh oh, I hope blogger isn't eating comments again. Glad this one got through.
Oh yay thank you, thank you, thank you. I was so disappointed that the last giveaway for sportswear excluded us fat girls.
ReplyDeleteWe like to look cute while being active too. :-)
Great giveaway!
I've been trying very hard to be more active.
ReplyDeleteWicking Workout Wear for Wider Women?????? Woo hoo!!!! :)
ReplyDeleteI'd love me some active wear that's stylish rather than what I stumble on at the discount racks. Whooo hooo Plus sized!
ReplyDeleteI'd love me some active wear. I'm trying to be active and it's good to wear clothes when I do it, being outdoors 'n' all.
ReplyDeleteIt's hard work being active especially heading in to winter and dark, cold nights. Well fitting sportswear is always a big help! I've just won some sportswear on this very blog though so I probably shouldn't even be entering... very greedy of me :)
ReplyDeleteAwww, thanks. Definitely a treat for us today! :)
ReplyDeleteI am still in plus sizes so this contest rocks ;) for me right now!!!
ReplyDeleteActive bactive bo bective banna fanna fo factive me my momactive! ACTIVE!
ReplyDeleteJust_Kelly
choosinglosing.blogspot.com
With the holiday season coming up..it is time I get a jump start and get active! :)
ReplyDelete~ Thanks for a great giveaway!
Shari
I need to start back running.I had a baby three months ago.I really need some exercise clothes!I actually need every day wear too.
ReplyDeletewhat a great giveaway! ive been scouring the internet looking for plus sized workout gear, as I feel like a jackass for having to giveaway smalls all the time.
ReplyDeleteKelly Turner
www.groundedfitness.com
Happy Halloween, Crabby and Merry!
ReplyDeleteBEEP-BEEP!!
I'd love a gift certificate towards getting myself some clothes that would make it easier to be more active.
ReplyDeleteActive activities are activating my metabolism! Ha! Cool huh! I just came up with that... off the top of my head! Ha!
ReplyDeleteWait...why is no one else impressed??
what a great little halloween treat! gotta run off all the mini-snickers pounds (oh you know you do it too!) - one for them, two for me.
ReplyDeleteanyway, now that the weather's cooler, i need WARM activewear. priddy please land on me oh wise random number generator of doom.
I love that you're giving away ACTIVE :) wear for bigger girls too! Way too often they make it either 1. not in our sizes or 2. as the fugliest stuff on earth. Hello!!!!!!!!!!!! (yes, as in the most obnoxious valley girl out there) We need the active wear as much (if not more) than the skinny people!
ReplyDeleteHave a fabulous Halloween!!
Junonia looks like a great place! Thanks for introducing to us. Have a great weekend Crabby!
ReplyDeleteI'm not actively looking for plus sized workout wear, but I'd love to encourage my mother to be a little more active.
ReplyDelete...and I would like to say you gals are AWESOME for having this giveaway :)
This is too awesome...my best friend would be given this should I win!!! this is just perfect as her and I have begun a workout regime (gotta get ready for next summer NOW)...
ReplyDelete-Barb
It would be GREAT to have something new to wear when I'm ACTIVE-ly trying to be more fit!
ReplyDeleteSSSSTTTTEEEELL - I mean, AAAAACCCTTIIIVE!
ReplyDelete"Cranky, yet influential" would be a good motto.
ReplyDeleteMary Anne in Kentucky
woohoo! two posts in a week.. I guess I'm not really a lurker anymore, but an active commenter? :)
ReplyDeleteI've got a rowing machine in the basement just WAITING for my dr to let me work out next week. oh wait.. I got that before i got prego...
BRAND NEW, pretty fat girl workout clothes would be a great motivator, along with my baby girl :)
Oh god, YES PLEASE! I'm a short fat woman too and I have the same problems mentioned in this post! It's hard to be active when you're tripping over your workout pants because they're intended for a much taller person.
ReplyDeleteI'm not putting my name in for the drawing, but I think it's awesome! Because I know that it can be hard to find clothes for people who are larger than average - at the fitness conferences I go to, I'm at the max size of the pants they sell, and I wear an 8/10. That's just not right!
ReplyDeleteI have been more active in the past 3 months than I have been in the last 10 years and Junonia was a major reason I was able to do that! I've lost 36 lbs so far with a combination of of Weight Watchers and 5 days/week at the gym. Junonia was one of the few sites I could find workout clothes and swimsuits that fit me (37yo) and didn't make me look like a frumpy old woman! I've been eyeing a few new things from Junonia and would use that $100 gift certificate very wisely!
ReplyDeleteI was so hoping I'd be the eight one to comment.. so I would be Active Eighted.
ReplyDeleteHAPPY HALLOWEEN!
ReplyDeleteNothings more motivational then new duds!
ReplyDeleteGreat giveaway! One of my workout buddies and I want to start a clothing line called "chicks with hips".. :-)
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with the whole lack of fitness wear for larger women, and outdoor gear for women with large chests. Trying to stay active is hard enough, and good workout gear helps!
ReplyDeleteI'm a very active and fairly fit size 14. I'm tall and broad so I have to wear plus-sized clothing, though I'm not overweight. I wish clothing companies would keep people like me in mind. I like to show off my body at the gym a little bit, but misses sized work out gear is super tiny!
ReplyDeleteAaaaawwwsome! I may be just below the size range for this give-away, but my bestest friend in the whole world is not, and she totally needs some great ACTIVE workout digs for Christmas! So sign me up!
ReplyDeleteoooh!!!
ReplyDeleteIt looks like I could be warm & active!
Awesome! I really need some better-fitting active wear - I usually go to the men's department for shirts, but have to make do with bottoms that are either on the small side, or inappropriate for what I'm using them for.
ReplyDeleteThanks Crabby & Junonia!
Great idea for a giveaway, Ms Crabby :)
ReplyDeleteJunonia and Team Estrogen are the two plus-size clothing sites that I most often hear recommended for women who want to work out.
John from f to f had a good question. What kind of selection is out there for plus-sized men?
I'm not nearly active enough, but winning some Junonia workout and active wear would be a HUGE motivation :) *Thanks* for the giveaway!
ReplyDeleteols[dot]moonmaiden[at]gmail[dot]com
thanks for the link love! Now I'll have to go post something interesting today. :)
ReplyDeleteI'm not trying to be difficult (and I'm certainly not trying to criticize your giveaways - a few years ago I would've LOVED this store & this opportunity), but where oh where is the store that sells quality affordable sports bras in my size? Junonia has the cup size right, but not the band size. Most other places get the band size, but not the cup size.
And again, why are they all black, white or beige? WHY????????
Ahem....apparently time for another cup of coffee. :)
What I can't figure out is why two identical-size bras from the same store will have radically different fit on the body. Are those little size tags suggestions only? Maybe they should say "your mileage may vary, indeed you'll have a hard time putting this stupid bra on and an almost impossible time getting out of it unless you're a really gifted contortionist?" :)
ReplyDeleteI'm am trying to be more ACTIVE and getting some ACTIVE workout wear that would actually fit would be awesome! It would make having an ACTIVE lifestyle more appealing!
ReplyDeleteHow's that?
Wow, this is really a good way to make people like me who wants to start to be ACTIVE again to go and try it knowing we can wear clothes that actually fit, not something that makes every "surplus" of our body to show, LOL...
ReplyDeleteThank you, Crabby, and thank you for doing this giveaway to all your readers, including those of us who aren't in the US. Even if I don't win, it's highly appreciated.
And, one question, is there any Junonia store in Mexico City? It would be nice to go and buy some more stuff... :)
I am a big girl but still "ACTIVE". I have arthritis also; but I do water arthritis classes. I use Junionia swimwear and I love it. In fact, I love all their clothes.
ReplyDeleteGreat post !!
Kim
Hey, I'm active! I'd LOVE to win this :) Thanks.
ReplyDeleteIf I don't win those HUGE clothes, I will never move again.
ReplyDeleteYay! Activewear that would actually FIT! Who knew? Please enter me to win, because I'm learning to be more consistently active, and have discovered that old t-shirts? Are not happy-making when I'm exercising.
ReplyDeleteAnd Cranky, can I just say - FABULOUS giveaway! Thanks for remembering us fat girls, too! :D
I love Junonia active wear! Glad to see it's getting some attention! :)
ReplyDeleteJunonia rocks!
ReplyDeleteI love their swimsuits, but I wouldn't mind a chance to try some regular workout wear, now that I'm being more ACTIVE outside the pool!
Thanks for a great giveaway... I get disappointed at sporting stores as well, there is just nothing that fits me! We larger sized people like to be fit too, even if we don't always look it!
I would love some active wear that hasn't already been pre-shrunk even though it says XXL. I think they do it on purpose to make you feel bad.
ReplyDeleteThe very first time I got ACTIVE as a morbidly obese gal in 2003 (got a personal trainer for a few months), I had to go online to find Big Gal workout wear. I happened upon JUNONIA, and I bought a ton of their stuff--the All-Sport line (now defunct) was my fave. Then the Quik-Wik. I've ordered tons of stuff from them. I do find they run large (so new to Junonia, ladies, keep that in mind.)
ReplyDeleteI still have some of my older (larger than I need now) shirts that I keep to sleep in when it gets chilly.
I'd love to get the gift cert, cause I could use some new compression workout pants. :D
BTW, both Danskin and Old Navy have plus-size workout wear. REI ticked me off by not having stuff. I'm boycotting them (even when I lose weight.)
The Princess
I have encouraged my daugher to get active and she is really getting into it now. Some great fitting fitness clothing would be a great reward and a boost to keep up it up.
ReplyDeleteOoh I could do with some new clothes for the gym - active are us!
ReplyDeleteSweet! You mean I could win active wear that doesn't consist of my husbands tshirts??? Good deal! :)
ReplyDeleteI have several of their items and see that they have triathlon clothes, now, too!
ReplyDeleteMy halloween strategy: be on plane until tomorrow morning. ;-)
I love Junonia.
ReplyDeleteI am always surprised that more manufacturers don't want to sell me expensive, specialized clothing for fitness and other purposes.
But I am happy to frequent those (like Junonia) that DO!
I've never heard of the company before. So I guess that means it's one more place for me to check out and spend some $$ at :-)
ReplyDeleteGreat giveaway, I've love some new clothes to get me and my active butt to the gym ;-)
I do notice that the cute workout clothes always seemt o stop at that size L at most places, so instead of looking appropriate, I look like a schlup (lord knows if i spelled THAT right)..... in my sweats that are enormous and a tshirt that's a mess.
g andIf I don't get more ACTIVE, my heart doctor is going to disown me.
ReplyDeleteI did weight lifting and aerobics for nine months before I got ill, and I loved it. So, tell me why it is sooooo hard to get back into it. I know I have to start with two pound weights and five minutes on the treadmill, but I really want to, I do.
I am a big gal, and really need to get more active. But as you stated, there really is a shortage of workout wear and other types of clothing for larger women. I am going to want something comfy, not spandex lol, but something I can exercise in and feel good about myself while doing so. thanks for the opportunity to win something that I can use!
ReplyDeletemicaela6955 at msn dot com
Yay! I love that they are making cute clothes for larger women! I'm a size 14 myself and it can be hard to find flattering active wear.
ReplyDeleteA chance to be active while wearing cute, free clothes? Count me in!
ReplyDeleteCount me in too! I've been wanting to get more active but there are no clothes for my size here and shipping active wear from abroad is somethign I can't afford right now!
ReplyDeleteI lost a size by becoming more active. Now I need some great new workout clothes.
ReplyDeleteThanks.
I had one pair of workout pants that fit great until *someone* (not me) in my house put them in the dryer and shrunk them. Maybe if I got a new pair I'd feel motivated to get active again! :)
ReplyDeleteMe, pick me! Nothing like new clothes to motivate!
ReplyDeleteComing out of lurking to mention that I love this giveaway! I have only recently (the last couple of months) become more ACTIVE and some of my clothes are wearing out (I only have a couple things to wear to work out in) and with everything going on, money is tight...so some new ACTIVE-wear would be welcome! :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a coincidence! I'm actively seeking active wear!
ReplyDeleteJunonia is saved in my "wish" folder for when I finally have a little bit of $$ to spend on myself because they have plus size workout clothes with wicking...do you have any idea how hard it is to find workout clothes in plus size with wicking?
Signed,
Scale Junkie's boobies who are desperately needing active workout bras with wicking
Some new active wear clothes would be inspiring!!!! Great give-away!!!
ReplyDeleteGetting kick ass and well-fitting work out gear would get me more active. Which I need to be since I am currently living in a library with my butt glued to a chair. So sad.
ReplyDeleteIn the past few months I have been getting more active than I have been in my adult life, but I do not have plus size clothes for my new active lifestyle. Thanks for this great giveaway.
ReplyDeleteActive or not, it would be nice to have something to wear that isn't XXL and jersey! LOVE this post!
ReplyDeleteI have had a hard time re-energizing myself after an injury. New workout clothes would help motivate me to be active again. The potential of being on TV in December has also been a motivator - especially if I could be modeling new active-wear by junonia
ReplyDeleteThanks for the non-USA resident prize! I won't enter this contest, but thrilled nonetheless to see that I *could* have!
ReplyDeleteTerrific find and terrific giveaway--I love active wear!
ReplyDeleteI am always a little disappointed to see that most active wear giveaways wouldn't fit me. That's why I love Cranky Fitness!
ReplyDeleteGreat giveway!
ReplyDeleteI'm active every single day of the week, 'cept I take off Sunday to give my muscles and joints a much deservede (and needed) rest.
I find that if I get dressed in active wear first thing in the morning, I am more likely to be active early in the day, which usually means I am more active throughout the day. So more active wear please! thanks for the give-away and the links!
ReplyDeleteoy...that model is plus-sized??
ReplyDeleteWorkout clothes that actually fit would really help me to be ACTIVE!
ReplyDeleteFree active wear?? I'm THERE! I'm wearing pajama bottoms and schnasty old ill fitting tanks at home because I have nothing to wear outside of my spare room (now my workout room!). Besides, my "girls" need some active wear lift if ya' know what I mean. ;0)
ReplyDeleteHi Crabby,
ReplyDeleteI went to the Junonia site the other day and forgot to come back! It is an amazing site. They have great stuff.
I'd like to enter if I am not too late.
Terrie
Love the idea of plus size active wear! I have a hard time finding stuff and I'm just over 200 pounds!!
ReplyDeleteI'd love to get "active" with some plus sized fitness outfit.
ReplyDeleteI live a small community and plus size clothes are non-exsistant. I don't know how that can be with with 1/2 of the people out there being over weight. I need options.
I am plus sized according to the fashion industry, but who likes those jerks anyway? I have trouble finding things long enough for my legs so I'm guessing this place would have extra long pants for freaks like me! I wanna win Crabs. Pick me! Pick me! (I know it's random but I like to beg anyway!)
ReplyDeleteActive, active, active, lol! I'll have my fingers crossed, because I could really use this!
ReplyDeleteThis is one of my biggest pet peeve. You have to be fit enough to wear cute exercise clothes but you can't wear those clothes unless you exercise your butt off first. I'm doing the Breast Cancer 3-day walk and I have approximately 100 extra pounds to carry on this wonderful journey. I've been training for this walk in Phoenix. Due to the lovely summer weather, some plus size wicking fabric would have been great. I really just want to add my voice to the others here to say that there really is a market for plus-size fitness wear. Not all heavyweights are content to stay that way. And for those that are, why can't they go camping or hiking or whatever in some sort of attractive clothing that fits! Thanks for posting this place and allowing me to vent for a minute!
ReplyDeleteOh, and I forgot to say, ACTIVE!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing how to get Cute ACTIVE clothes. ;>
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteLove your blog...it's ACTIVE!
ReplyDeleteOooooh, plus sized workout wear is totally what I need. Lane Bryant's is just too expensive now that I'm not employed. And since I'm on an eternal quest to start being more/stay active, properly clothing is important. :)
ReplyDeleteI am working on getting "active"
ReplyDelete! Does vacuuming count? :)
I just started jogging and it feels good to be ACTIVE!
ReplyDeleteWith three kids, a full time job and working opposite schedules from my DH, what I really NEED is more ENERGY to be more ACTIVE!
ReplyDeleteOh, and from reading the other comments it is so good to know that my comments are not the only ones that have dissapeared into the vast WWW.
What a fabulous idea!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for all the inspiration and fun outlook on excercise and fitness.
This is a terrific giveaway!
ReplyDeleteI've been trying to get more active lately, I walked a 5K for charity a few weeks ago, and I'm really trying to keep that momentum going...
Oh, I can't believe I forgot (in my previous comment) to say "active."
ReplyDeleteI hope everyone gets active and votes. And I hope I win some active wear from Junonia! :-)
I recently gained about 40 lbs after ending a 21 year relationship. I am trying to take up an active lifestyle again.
ReplyDeleteFunny how workout clothes are made for people who need them the least! LOL. I'd love to win.
ReplyDeleteBoy, I could really use this, trying to be more ACTIVE! I have some of their clothes and they're good quality. Thank you very much!
ReplyDeletehrbeck_98 (at) yahoo (dot) com
I hear you Marybeth. I have 20 month old twins and a 15 year old stepson who always has some activity after school and during the summer. I can't force myself to get up at 5am before everyone else, and by 10pm my body and brain are done for the day when it comes to most things involving physical activity.
ReplyDeleteBut somehow I have to find a way to squeeze in at least 30 minutes a few times a week.
I get up at 6am weekdays to walk for an hour with friends. But I am so tired of wearing old and unflattering track pants and cast-off hoodies from one of my boys. I'd love the chance to wear something pretty when I'm getting active!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the opportunity.
Would love to win some some workout Wear to be more "active" in =D
ReplyDelete