If you ever read this blog, you know I love to workout, love my Pilates for Runners class (taught by Maureen at Flow Pilates in Chicago) and love to try new things – especially for FREE! So when Todd from Flow Pilates asked me if I wanted to try out some new capri pants by OKU Oxygen DNA that he is now carrying and distributing, I said YES (and snatched them up!)
OKU Oxygen was founded in early 2011 by two ex-international athletes with a passion for sport, health and fitness. They combined their years of experience in fashion design with a lifetime of sporting activity, and links to Yoga & Pilates, to launch a new fitness apparel business.
The word OKU comes from the teachings of Miyamoto Musashi, an early 17th century Samurai, acknowledged to be one of the greatest sword masters. In his manual Gorin No Sho (Book of Five Elements), he described OKU as meaning “innermost: the state of ultimate accomplishment” and “the forward movement of extending oneself mentally as well as physically”. And OXYGEN? They remind us, “where would we be without it?” Yoga, pilates, and any physical activity has the breath as its foundation – the control and technique of breathing is the single most important skill to life.
I was given the BOOT CUT ¾ LENGTH SPORTS PANTS ($70) to try. They are really well made and flattering. I wear a 6 in Lululemon bottoms and the small in the OKU Oxygen fit me perfectly. I am kind of short, so they are a bit more than 3/4 on me but I like the length – it looks intentional not just too short!
What do you think?
Todd asked me to try these for running and to see what I thought. I ran, did pilates and yoga in them – yup, I am an overachiever. The material is nice and heavy and had a similar feel to lululemon or zella capris. I felt held together and not jiggly while moving (a pro in my book!) I would say for me, these are good for running for temps 50 degrees or less. Otherwise, they would be a bit heavy/warm (but I run hot!) They have a drawstring which looks cute, but caused my shirt to bunch out. I will probably remove it for the long term, because the elastic is strong and it is not necessary. They husband likes it. It is a nice embellishment, but I am all about function over form any day!
The verdict – I like the way I look and feel in these capris and will definitely have them in my pilates and yoga rotation (and wear for running on chilly days). These are not inexpensive, but they wash and wear well and I assume will last a long time! The material does not pull in the wash and they do not shrink.
I’ll select the winner randomly with Rafflecopter and announce it on Sunday, March 31 Wednesday, April 3rd!
Bonus for all readers: OKU Oxygen is offering you a discount of 10% off any purchases with the code OKU10. Also, purchases over $100 will get free shipping. (Please note: the US site is www.okuoxygendna.com.)
Bonus for Chicago readers: You can check out your first non-equipment class (like my fave Pilates for Runners) at Flow Pilates for only $10! And, while you are there, you can purchase these jackets or capris and save on shipping (and get the 10% off with the discount code above, too!) A WIN-WIN!
Please note: the OKU Oxygen pants were provided to me by OKU Oxygen, but all opinions are mine. I was not paid to write this post.