Cassey Ho's Blog, page 14
February 24, 2024
Revamping my first ever romper to create the Supershort™ Runsie
Hey guys!
Over two years ago I designed my first romper! It was cute but…people weren’t really into it. SO I went back to the drawing board and fixed some key issues to design an improved romper that I hope you love!
The Supershort
RunsieThe strapsView this post on Instagram
A post shared by Cassey Ho (@blogilates)
Romper 1.0 had non-adjustable straps, which I see now as a REAL problem. So the straps are now adjustable! Easy fix.
The inner pantyI completely swapped out the built-in panty for built-in shorts, which is wayyy more comfortable. Oh, and the inner pockets are anti-cameltoe (duh).
PocketsThose inner shorts I added? They have POCKETS!
The overall shapeThe 1.0 shorts were poofing and overall, the whole romper just wasn’t snatching the way I wanted it to. I borrowed the pattern from my viral Supershort, so the bottoms are super stretchy and the hem is angled inward to give you more booty shaping.
To create the snatch effect, I added 2 mesh side panels to draw the eye more toward the center.
Ready to see?!
Before you ask…The most common question when I post about a one-piece outfit. Here’s how you pee.
You take the shoulders off, slide em down, you go, you wipe, and you flush. Don’t forget to wash your hands. With soap preferably.
I’m 5’5” wearing the POPFLEX Supershort Runsie in sz XS! It comes in XXS to 3X and fits very true to size! Hope you like this one better than romper 1.0!
February 21, 2024
What I’ve been reading lately!
Hey guys!
I’ve been on a bit of a reading streak lately! Well, if you consider audiobooks as reading like I do.
I thought I’d share a few books I finished this month and some thoughts I have on each one, in case you’re looking for something to add to your TBR!
1. One in a Millennial by Kate Kennedy
ONE IN A MILLENNIAL - KATE KENNEDY
Kate is the host of the podcast, Be There in Five! Her book was so nostalgic and made me smile. I found it super relatable because we grew up in the exact same era, are both hyper-aware of high school social hierarchies, both love Homegoods, and both love Taylor Swift – it was such a fun read.
2. The Messy Truth by Alli Webb
This is the true story behind the Drybar empire. I loved how real Alli was about her weaknesses! It made me feel a little better about not knowing what to do sometimes…because it seems like everyone is just trying to figure out life (and business) as well. This was a quick read – I wanted even more detail!
3. Glossy by Melisa Meltzer
This is the inside story of Emily Weiss’s Glossier and it was JUICY. It had a gossipy journalistic style tone to it, which I loved! But I have mixed feelings on this because it’s missing Emily’s perspective (as this was a book written about her) so I was left feeling like I wanted to hear more from the entrepreneur perspective.
What should I read next?Leave me some book recs in the comments!
Can’t stop dancing in the Juliet Wrap Skort 🩰
Hey guys!
A skort for all the girlies who didn’t grow up to become ballerinas but still wanna feel like one. (Ahem, me).
My obsession with ballerinas begins with their ability to look so graceful and effortless while executing some of the most difficult (nearly gravity-defying) movements the human body can perform. The STRENGTH that comes with this craft is not often talked about, but seriously, the muscle control one has to have to be a ballerina is otherworldly.
MAJOR RESPECT.
I wanted to design something that embodied the essence of a ballerina…cuz whether or not you’re on stage, don’t you wanna feel like the nexus of strength and grace in your everyday life? I do!!
This is the
Juliet Wrap Skort View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Cassey Ho (@blogilates)
What we love about her
Layers of stretchy, flowy fabric Built-in anti-cameltoe shorts Pockets A huge bow that is also adjustable
I am 5’5” wearing small! It comes in XXS to 3X and is very true to size! I love her so much and I hope you do too!
It’s up on now the POPFLEX site in 5 colors. Which color is your fave?
February 20, 2024
Living our ballerina dreams in the Juliet Wrap Skort
Hey guys!
The vision behind the Juliet Wrap Skort was a ballet skort for the girlies who didn’t grow up to be ballerinas… but still want to feel that one. I know I’m not the only one!
I kind of have an obsession with ballet. It’s just so incredible to watch how STRONG ballerinas are, while also moving with such grace. I wanted this skort to move effortlessly so you can feel like a ballerina when you wear it. I designed the Juliet with layers of stretchy fabric, built-in anti-cameltoe shorts with pockets, and a big bow that is also adjustable!
The way this skort wraps, ties, and flows is perfection. LET ME SHOW YOU.
Let’s try on the Juliet Wrap Skort!Our Try-On Crew, a group of women sizes XXS to 3X, is putting this beauty to the test! As usual, everyone looks STUNNING!
See for yourself!
The reviews are in!View this post on Instagram
A post shared by POPFLEX (@popflex_active)
Every single Try-On Crew member looks exactly how I dreamed when I designed this skort, but how do they FEEL about it? Here are their honest reviews. Watching this crew try on new designs and reading their feedback has become one of my favorite things about the design process. 
Kate, Try-On Crew
Measurements:
Size: S
Height: 5′ 10″
Bust: 34.5″
Waist: 30″
Hips: 38.5″
Kate’s review! “Definitely bringing the coquette and ballet vibes. Also love the fact that you can tie it in different ways.”
Yesss we love a bow and adjustability! Also, you are SERVING in this.
Ariel, Try-On Crew
Measurements:
Size: L
Height: 5′ 8″
Waist: 33.5″
Hips: 42.5″
Bust: 41″
From Ariel! “I love this skort! It’s so pretty and whimsical. It brings out my inner ballerina that I used to be when I was younger. I feel graceful when I move, and it makes me want to stand tall and erect. The material is light and makes for the perfect twirl factor. And of course there are pockets!!”
Yesss this was exactly the dream! To bring out our inner ballerina . Love this on you!
Alexis, Try-On Crew
Measurements:
Size: XL
Height: 5′ 3″
Bust: 41″
Waist: 38.5″
Hips: 45″
Alexis says, “This ballet skort has so much movement and makes me feel like a fairy! You can tie it in any way you want, whether that’s in a simple knot or a cute bow. I will definitely wear this when taking my dance classes as it’s perfect for that!”
Ahh I can’t wait for you to wear this to dance classes!! YESSS fairy vibes!
Wanna see more try-ons??
Your feedback means so much to me! Let me know what questions you have in the comments!
February 19, 2024
Time to give running shorts a makeover
Hey guys!
Running short…but make it a fairytale 
.
Running shorts are generally SO BORING and do nothing for my body. They often give my hips an unappealing rectangular bag shape and just eew. They need a major makeover.
Because I am forever a romantic girlie who loves ruffles and bows, anytime I can add them to my activewear designs, I will – and well, running shorts, IT IS TIME.
Meet the POPFLEX
On the Run Ruffle Shorts View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Cassey Ho (@blogilates)
Besides ruffles, I added a few essential features:
Built-in anti-cameltoe shorts Pockets A secret zippered booty pocket
And I honestly feel like a princess running through an enchanted forest when I wear them! I love the way the fabric drapes on my hips and thighs. I’m 5’5” wearing size small.
Let me know if you have any questions!! I hope you love!
February 13, 2024
Guess how many pockets this backpack has!
Hey guys!
Okay take your guess now! How many pockets?
Athena Backpack And it’s 100% the perfect travel backpack. As I wrote this, I was at the airport with it sitting right next to me! I love how spacious this bag is and my shoulders can confirm that the straps are comfy, even while rushing through an airport.
POCKET COUNTView this post on Instagram
A post shared by Cassey Ho (@blogilates)
Ready to start counting?
Outside:2 Magnetic front pockets
2 Mesh outer water bottle pockets
Lined, water-resistant shoe compartment
Inside:Laptop holder
Zipper pocket
3 Pen pockets
6 more inner pockets to hold your phone, snacks, sunglasses, keys, etc.
Total: 16 POCKETS
It’s super spacious and has so many pockets you can’t not be organized! Oh and those of you with bigger laptops, this one easily fits a 16”! There’s also a yoga mat holder on the bottom (it can hold a Cloud Hoodie too!).
Also, thank you to YOU GUYS for suggesting a trolley pass for your luggage handle. Total game changer!
And then the flight crew was yelling at me to get on the plane because I got distracted writing this hahaha. As always, LMK what you think! What goes into the ULTIMATE travel backpack?!
February 2, 2024
How I designed my strechy, sculpty Supersculpt™ Seamless Leggings
Hey guys!
It’s crazy but I’ve been working on our Seamless Collection for 3.5 years!! This whole arena was new to me and I didn’t want to just replicate what was already out there, so I took the time to give you something unique. I made slight improvements to what I saw on the market that I knew would make a huge difference in the feel and fit.
Supersculpt Seamless Legging
I loooooove how the fabric is just compressive enough on my thighs to give it a sculpting effect. The booty gives my 
some shape! And the specific way we treated the yarns magically created this denim-like
texture which is SO COOL.
Oh! And I wove extra cotton yarn into the gusset to absorb more moisture so that you can go commando (confidently)!
SHOP SUPERSCULPT SEAMLESS LEGGINGS
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Cassey Ho (@blogilates)
I’m 5’5” wearing “Smallflex!” Overall these leggings are super stretchy so I can fit “Extrasmallflex” too! Oh and vertically stretchy too so it really does fit women 4’11” to 6’!!
Make sure you READ the size chart! It’s very important. Depending on the fit you want, you can stick with your normal size or go down one size.
Ok hope you !
January 31, 2024
6 Nutrition Tips for Your Slow Girl Era
Remember when we used to hit the ground running into the new year, obsessing over every morsel we put into our bodies and pushing ourselves in the gym daily? A successful “New Year, new me” was usually measured by how ready our bikini bodies were by Spring Break.
Now, we’re in our slow girl era. We replaced “no pain, no gain” with a “do what feels good” attitude to embark on a journey to long-term, sustainable wellness. There’s a place for pushing ourselves, but we’re paying closer attention to our bodies to give them the balance they need.
We can adopt the same attitude for nutrition. It all comes down to nourishment over restriction, and joy over guilt. After years of constantly being told we need to micromanage what we eat, pivoting into a lifestyle with more food freedom feels…wrong. But freedom is the key to sustainable change, and small changes can have a big impact.
6 nutrition moves for your slow girl eraThese changes are low effort, but highly rewarding.
1. Get more fiberICYMI, fiber is the star of 2024. Why? Because only 5 percent of Americans eat the recommended amount. FIVE PERCENT. As major health issues like colon cancer rise among young adults, there’s a good chance that our lack of fiber plays a role.
First, take a hard look at how much fiber you’re actually getting in a day. The USDA recommends getting 14 grams per 1000 calories, or around 25 grams per day for the average healthy female and 38 grams for males. Most of us are only getting 10-15 grams per day, thanks to processed foods that often strip fiber and the lack of fruits or veggies in our diet.
But it’s okay. We can fix it! Here are some of my favorite high-fiber foods that are easy to mindlessly add to meals and snacks:
Berries – A cup of raspberries packs around 8 gramsAvocado – Around 5 grams per 1/2 cupBeans – 5 grams per servingNuts – Around 3 grams per ounceOats – A 1/2-cup serving of dry, quick-cook oats gives you 4 grams of fiber. Add some berries, nuts, and seeds to that and you’re starting your day strong on the fiber front
Oh, and definitely try this PB&J Smoothie, with 9 grams of fiber!
2. Add some colorA little color might be the simplest way to boost nutrition on your plate. And I have some low-effort additions to keep on hand because we’re not trying to add more stress (or mess).
Frozen veggies – The easiest route here is to buy the ones in a steamable bag, like green beans or carrots. These heat up in minutes, require little to no prep but also leave plenty of room for creativity.
Fresh herbs or microgreens – You can elevate almost any food with fresh herbs. Microgreens easily add vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
Citrus – Use lemon, lime, and orange juice for flavor. This might not physically add color to your meal, but it will certainly brighten up the taste and add a little vitamin C.
Avocado – We love it for its fiber, healthy fats, and flavor.
Edamame – Easy to steam from frozen and packed with protein, fiber, and color.
Butternut squash puree – Cook and puree, then freeze in ice cube trays. Later, you can add these little nutrition-packed cubes to soups or sauces.
3. Try something newWith Google, Pinterest, IG, and TikTok at our fingertips, we have an endless source of new recipes and cooking tips. It’s time to actually try one of the recipes you have saved or screenshotted! Or, just buy that new high-protein snack from Trader Joe’s you saw. Maybe you’ll try a new restaurant or two in your area.
Just try something new. Keep it light and fun.
4. Up your snack gameSnack time is the best time, and also an important time to add value to what you’re eating. Pay attention to your midmorning or 2pm snack – How you feel before, during, and after. You should feel satisfied and have a slight boost of energy after! If not, it’s time to up your snack game.
First, let go of the idea that snacks must be less than X amount of calories to count as a snack. Your overall daily intake is what counts in the long run (if calorie balance is even a concern for you right now), and we all know what happens when you choose a snack based on the lowest amount of calories… You end up going back for another snack later.
So make it count! Protein and fat are key to a snack that does what snacks are supposed to do! Bonus points if they have fiber. Some of my favs include:
Toast with banana and peanut butterApple with cheeseVeggies and crackers with hummusProtein popcornGreek yogurt parfaitDIY trail mix with nuts, dried fruit, and chocolate
5. Try (gentle) meal prepMeal prep feels hardcore, but even the smallest steps make a difference. It doesn’t have to be about preparing food so you’ll stick to a meal plan. For me, meal prep has turned into a time-saving hack and a way to avoid skipping meals or resorting to foods that don’t even satisfy me amid my chaotic day.
Wash and prep veggies, cook and shred chicken (or whatever protein source you love), portion out yogurt for breakfast parfaits or oatmeal to speed up your morning routine, experiment with chia pudding and overnight oats, or try hardboiled eggs in the air fryer.
Even simpler – Stock your freezer with frozen veggies, keep canned beans in your pantry, and lean on “convenient” foods like bagged salad mixes, chicken nuggets, lentil pasta, and fortified sides like Goodles mac n’ cheese.
Make meal prep less about creating more work for yourself, and more about cutting corners! Future you will thank you.
6. Find joy!We’ve spent enough time punishing ourselves for eating the “wrong” foods. Hopefully, taking a slower approach and building food freedom will help to discover more joy in eating. Honor your cravings, eat the foods you enjoy, and expand your horizons.
January 29, 2024
A Tiny, Adorable Version of Our Favorite Tote
Hey guys!
Tote bag, but make it teeny tiny itsy bitsy bc I LOVE super small things! (But also, it is true that I LOVE REALLY REALLY BIG things. Basically, I like things that aren’t the size they should be if that makes any sense.)
Introducing the POPFLEX Baby Sloane Tote!View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Cassey Ho (@blogilates)
It’s a shrunken version of the Sloane Tote (the ultimate work and airport tote) that has sold out multiple times. I made this baby version because I needed a purse. I don’t really like purses bc they are fussy to me, but I felt like if I could make one that would work with casual outfits and be versatile enough to be dressed up, then I’d have a winner.
Fully lined Zipper closure 11(!!!) pockets Removable crossbody strap
This little baby won my heart and I use her alllll the time now! Hope you love her too!
The Blogilates February 2024 Workout Calendar!!
Hey guys!
Was it just me or did January feel like it was 8 years long?! Maybe it was the post-holiday slowdown (even though I never really slowed down) or the mountain of problems I’m constantly fielding. They’re still coming, but a new month somehow gives me a small second wind and a reminder that the work is all worth it, and I’ll be fine!
Goodbyeee January, and hello February! Let’s start the month with a fresh, new workout calendar!
Here's your February Workout Calendar!!!
How to follow the February 2024 Workout Calendar
Check the Blogilates YouTube playlists to find all of the videos you need for this month’s calendar!!
OR you can get everything you need (and more motivational tools!) on the BODY By Blogilates app! If you don’t have the app yet, it will make following along with this month’s workouts easier! You can access not only the calendar but all of the videos in one place. Find challenges and free programs like the Glow Up Sessions and the 200 Ab Challenge there too!
Now that you know where to find your workouts, here’s what you can expect each day of the February Workout Calendar. You ready?!!!
SUNDAY: Recovery
MONDAY: Total Body
TUESDAY: Abs
WEDNESDAY: Booty
THURSDAY: Total Body
FRIDAY: Arms
SATURDAY: Legs & Thighs
Do each video once (unless otherwise stated) and check off as you go! Most days will be 45 min max of exercise.
If you get the BODY By Blogilates app, your workout calendar and workouts will all be in one place! And it’s so fun and motivating to get that “Workout Complete” checkmark 
Speaking of the app!
The Blogilates community is the BEST. So, I wanted to create a space where we could all feel a little more connected to each other! The social feature (in the most updated version of the app) is a place where you can share photos and/or text thoughts and comment on each other’s post. Think the good ol’ days of Instagram!
ANNNND 
Last year, we launched P
PCYCLE, a place where you can list and shop for gently used POPFLEX and Blogilates items! You can read more about it here!
If you're just getting started...
Or want to ease into working out, my Beginner’s Calendar is a great place to start! It’s a free 4-week program to get you stronger so that you can join in on the monthlies when you are ready.
Want MORE?! Take on a challenge
Take on the No Abs Left Behind Challenge or work on a lil self-care with the Love Yourself Challenge.
You can find more challenges here!
Time to check in!
LET’S GOOO 2024! Let me know you’re IN in the comments .
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