Fitness News

Looking for a running partner? Partnering with professional ultra-marathoner Dean Karnazes might get you to run harder, or at least a few more miles.

There’s now a company that is making this possible. Earlier this year the adventure/travel-bargain website zozi.com expanded it’s portfolio with help from some pros. This San Francisco-based co. recently launched the zozi Guru Experiences Program, where professional athletes and personalities conduct unique adventures for small groups.

Running not your thing? Maybe hitting the slopes with Johnny Moseley is more your style.

Look forward to exclusive experiences with zozi Gurus that will take you backcountry cat skiing through the Sierra Nevadas mountains with Jonny Moseley, going for the trail run of a lifetime with ultramarathoner Dean Karnazes, embarking on an overnight safari with wildlife expert Mireya Mayor, and more.

“Adventure isn’t limited to just ripping down moguls, riding big waves, or scaling the world’s highest summits,” Moseley said in a press release. “It’s an attitude everyone can have – a mindset that begins with that first step into something unknown.”

Too bad the giving season has come and gone. The packages can run from $1,000 – $10K+ depending on your guru. Regardless of the sticker price it is great to have a company helping people live out their dream. The experience might only last a few hours, but what you are walking away with is a life lesson and a new respect for your passion.

Singing lessons from Justin Timberlake? Yoga with Jennifer Anniston? Who would be your celeb dream guru?

No Excuses: You Are Your Own Obstacle

February 7, 2012

Fitness News

15 Comments

I’m exhausted. It’s too cold. It’s too dark. It’s rainy. I’m sleepy. I’m sick. I’m not in the mood.

We all have our excuses to validate missing a workout. When you do miss a session you might be surprised to discover that what trips you up is more mental strength than physical. Runner’s World “Get Over It – Too tired, stressed, or hungry to run? Here’s how to overcome these common obstacles.”

A few snippets from the article:
Adjust your running clock: during dark winter months, try getting dressed in a bright room instead of fumbling around for your clothes in the dark. “When light hits your eyes, it signals your pineal gland to stop producing melatonin, a hormone that makes you feel sleepy.”

Late-day roadblock: blood sugar dip combined with mental fatigue can leave you feeling anything but peppy. “Don’t confuse mental fatigue with physical fatigue…it’s your mind—not your body—that craves downtime. And running is the perfect antidote.”

Listen up evening runners: if you’ve recently switched to the morning because of other commitments, give the transition some time and know that you might not have your best runs at first. “Switching your workout routine may make you feel like you’re recovering from jet lag on a run. But your body will adapt to the new schedule.”

This article was written for me:) This week I’m going to stay focused on fighting the late-day roadblock. Build a bridge and get over it. You can read the full article from Runner’s World here.

How do you get over those late afternoon roadblocks?

Winter Workout: Ski Style with Lindsey Vonn

January 31, 2012

Fitness News, Trainer Tips

11 Comments

A runner I am. A skier, um not so much. Thankfully being in shape and athletic helped me to muster up the coordination and strength for skiing.

“Fit people are physically trained to have a good time. Body confidence let’s you take off your shirt, or whatever, without worrying about whether your body will look and perform its very best.” – Men’s Health editor-in-chief David Zinczenko

Whether you want to ski like Lindsey Vonn or just look like a semi-pro athlete, Fitness Magazine has Ms Lindsey’s ski workout to get those muscles ready for carving pow…or hitting pavement, trails, etc. Trust me, your bum and legs will thank you!

Hamstring Curl: No butts about this. Your abs are also indirectly targeted.

Single-Leg Ball Squat: You’re going to need a grab that stability ball and get ready to to get l-o-w.

Quadruped Pulse: Four times the ~~pain~~ awesomeness, plus you look like you’re attempting to swim.

Any ski enthusiasts out there? Or are you more of the sand and sun type?

Outside Magazine: The 10 Biggest Fitness Myths

January 17, 2012

Fitness News

14 Comments

Outside Magazine is testing fitness fanatics knowledge about the basic rules to working out.

“The 10 Biggest Fitness Myths” had me raising an eyebrow after just myth number 3.

Myth #1: Stretching prevents injuries and improves performance.
I’ve heard this before and I don’t do any major pre workout stretching. In experiments, static stretching temporarily decreased strength in the stretched muscle by as much as 30 percent, an effect that can last up to half an hour.

Myth #2: Running barefoot is better for the body.
I don’t hate barefoot runners, but I certainly am not a fan. Was that PC enough? You all have heard my rant before. Unless you were raised in the bush, you grew up wearing shoes, and as repeated biomechanical studies show, our bodies cling stubbornly to what they know

Myth #3: You need to focus on your core to become a better athlete.
I stopped in my tracks at this myth. I thought your core was the key? Core strength is important, but most people get what they need simply by practicing their sport. Common routines like squats, deadlifts, and kettlebell drills add plenty of core strength.

The article goes on to talk about ibuprofen, hydration, and other fun facts. It’s definitely worth a read.

Do you have a personal fitness myth that maybe you have debunked to share?

This Winter Season: Don’t Be S.A.D.

January 10, 2012

Fitness News

12 Comments

Does cloudy, cool weather make you sad? Or does it make you SAD? Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a serious condition that can cause depression and other issues if left untreated.

Most people experience SAD during the fall and winter months when days are shorter and there is less light. via WebMD

How can you beat these winter blues? Here are a few tips to brighten your day:
- Let there be light. Assuming you can’t afford light therapy, the next best thing is to get out as often as possible. Many of you are leaving when the sun comes up and coming home when it’s already down again. Try to find rooms with windows or take a quick trip around the block every couple of hours. Fresh air and sunlight will do wonders for your health and esteem.
- Move it. Regular exercise has been found to reduce symptoms of moderate, nonseasonal depression. Yes, another reason to move that body of yours.
- Taste the rainbow. Be sure you are eating foods high in vitamins B6, B12 and D. Boost that low level of serotonin. You can also find these vitamins in fish, meat, chicken, cheese, milk, eggs and fortified cereals.

How do you brighten your mood?

End of Year Countdown: 101 Greatest Training Tips of All Time

December 14, 2011

Fitness News, Trainer Tips

13 Comments

About this time each year you start to notice articles talking about various top moments of the year. Yes, People Magazine, I am talking about you. I was suckered into all sorts of hottest celeb break-ups, weddings, meltdowns, etc.

There are some other types of countdowns that I can get on board with, such as Men’s Health Magazine list of “101 Greatest Training Tips of All Time.“

I have quite the unhealthy obsession with Men’s Health mag and nodded and mmhmm’d through most of these tips. There is a something for everyone, but if I have to pick my top five:

1. Accept the challenge
“Everyone is an athlete. But some of us are training, and some of us are not.” —Dr. George Sheehan, runner/writer/philosopher
3. Be a minuteman
“The biggest mistake that new runners make is that they tend to think in mile increments—1 mile, 2 miles, 3 miles. Beginning runners need to think in minutes, not miles.” —Budd Coates, four-time U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials qualifier/coach
10. Make time for a quickie
“If 15 minutes is all the time I have, I still run. Fifteen minutes of running is better than not running at all.” —Dr. Duncan Macdonald, former U.S. record holder at 5000 (set when he was in medical school)
16. Listen up!
“You must listen to your body. Run through annoyance, but not through pain.” —Dr. George Sheehan
37. Go with mind over grind
“Any idiot can train himself into the ground; the trick is doing the training that makes you gradually stronger.” —Keith Brantly, U.S. Olympic marathoner
94. Take baby steps
“You can’t climb up to the second floor without a ladder. When you set your goal too high and don’t fulfill it, your enthusiasm turns to bitterness. Try for a goal that’s reasonable, and then gradually raise it.” —Emil Zatopek, four-time Olympic gold medalist from Czechoslavakia

OK, that’s six, but I couldn’t help myself.

Let me know if you have a fave on the list or what you might add as a tip!

Dear Holiday Cookies: Going for a quick walk, be right back!

December 8, 2011

Fitness News, Health Tips, Holidays, Seasonal

13 Comments

I have some news you can use this holiday. A recent University study showed that taking short walks, we are talking 15-minutes, can cut snacking on chocolate at work by half.

The study showed that, even in stressful situations, workers eat only half as much chocolate as they normally would after this short burst of physical activity.

I like to call this, applied science. Let’s “apply” this theory to holiday cookies and sweets. I will be baking up a storm this season and even if you are more on the receiving end of baking we can all do a little moving around before we indulge in seasonal treats. A brisk walk will release your bodies happy endorphins. Get in a simple stroll to perk you up and raise your holiday spirits.

I now have a game plan for holiday parties!

What’s your favorite holiday cookie? Any other tips to burn off those gingerbread men?

A Special Message from Fitness Pro Jack LaLanne

November 15, 2011

Fitness News

11 Comments

We’re going old school today. Some information is timeless. I came across some old clips from fitness, exercise and nutritional pro Jack LaLanne. When “the godfather of fitness” gives advice, you better listen. Jack lived to the ripe old age of 96, a living testament of what health and fitness can do for your body.

Instilling healthy habits is essential for a long and healthy life. Below, Jack Lalanne shares his 10 Point Plan for a Healthy Life:

For a healthy, happy and fulfilling life, Jack recommends:

Adequate exercise
Healthy nutrition
Positive thinking
Cultivate good habits
Groom yourself well
Smile
Have an erect posture
Help others
Find time to relax
Never lose faith

Simple. True.

I’m a big fan of smiling. “I just like to smile, smiling’s my favorite!” And I am still making googly eyes at his guns. Jack was jacked indeed.

Thoughts on Jack Lalanne’s advice? Have you seen any of his videos before?

Steaming Glad

November 10, 2011

Fitness News

7 Comments

One of the perks of joining our new gym – a steam room. I have done the relaxing sauna bit but the closest I ever got to a steam room was during my piping hot showers.

After a recent workout I was determined to see what this “steam” was all about. I kept having flashbacks to the Seinfeld steam room episode. “Hey, C’mon! Let’s go! I thought we were going to take a steam!”

I walked in to a wall of steam, no surprise there, but immediately I had to focus on my breathing. If you think the minutes pass slow on a treadmill, in the steam room 10 minutes seemed like forever. I eventually was able to relax and I definitely felt refreshed and relaxed after.

I’ve heard the rumors about steam rooms and weight loss, and the naysayers that think steam rooms don’t do squat. Whatever the debate, I use it to reward myself after a tough workout and flush out the pores. I would not stay longer than 5 – 10 minutes, you want to feel soothed and not dehydrated.

From SELF’s Assistant Beauty Editor Runa Bhattacharya. “Saunas use dry heat, which makes your pores release more sweat, while steam rooms have more moisture in the air, which can help plump up your skin. Steam rooms can also help acne-prone skin by balancing oil production.” You can read more from SELF, “The Steam Room at the Gym: Does It Actually Do Anything?“

Side note: I’ll share a full update on my 21 Day Challenge later with you all. In short, it’s going great and I’ve managed to decrease my pace a full minute, without really trying!

Have you ever tried a sauna or steam room? Does it bother you when people talk in them?

Beat the Daylight Savings Blues

November 9, 2011

Fitness News

11 Comments

It’s fall, which means the leaves are changing and the clocks too. Daylight savings time is officially upon us and for many, you are leaving for work in the dark and coming home in the same. This is a sure fire way to throw anyone into a funk.

I am a morning workout gal but that hasn’t stopped me from supporting the hus and his evening schedule. There is a 5 minuted period when you get home from a long day, tired from a commute, and want to immediately plop on the couch or have a glass of wine and unwind. It’s critical during this 5 minute window that you KEEP MOVING. Put on your gym clothes and get those buns in the car or out the door. The hus and I look at at other and say, “We’ll go for 20 minutes.” By the time you’re at the gym you find you’ll stay longer. I swear it makes us feel 100x better. More calm, patient and energetic.

Exercise is the best mood booster and blues buster. You don’t have to take my word for it.

According to the smart docs at WebMD routine exercise is proven to help:
Reduce stress
Ward off anxiety and feelings of depression
Boost self-esteem
Improve sleep

Have any smart tips to beat the daylight savings o’dark thirty blues?