exercise

What’s Your Go-To Workout Hairstyle?

June 27, 2011 at 11:05 am
By April Franzino

Many of us struggle with how to wear our hair while we exercise. We polled FITNESS staffers for their strategies:

• “I usually wear a Lululemon headband—bangs flapping in my face are distracting—and a simple ponytail. On hot days when I run outside, though, a braid is a must because ponytails get sweaty and gross.”—Bethany Gumper, senior editor
  
• “I wrap a French braid into a bun, so it’s off my face and out of the way. My trainer calls me sporty spice!”—Heidi Smith, art department intern
  
• “My hair is super-thick, so I wrap a headband around the base of my ponytail so that it stays put no matter what, and I can actually focus on my workout, rather than how my hair looks.”—Marianne Magno, assistant web editor
• “I tie my hair into a tight bun. Because I have curly hair, this technique helps to give my hair volume post-run. I keep it up while showering, then let it down and air-dry. My hair’s left looking really full and lush.”—Argy Koutsothanasis, fashion director
  
• “I twist a loose top-knot high on my head to prevent dreaded ponytail creases, keep my waves intact and the sweat off my neck.”—Eleanor Langston, beauty director
  
• “I wear my hair in a low ponytail with a side part. It keeps the hair out of my face but still looks cute.”—Marla Horenbein, fashion assistant
• “Ponytail always. I can’t stand having hair in my face when I sweat. My dance teacher trained me as a kid: No hair in the face, ever!”—Betty Wong, editor-in-chief
  
• “Pulled back into a low, kind of loose bun. It’s neat, off my neck, and still looks good.”—Cheri Crump, sittings editor
  
• “In a ponytail with a headband—it’s a must to keep shorter layers out of my eyes. I swear by rubber Scunci hairties for my ponytails: They’re so durable!”—Karla Walsh, editorial assistant

How do you wear your hair when you work out?

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Do You Wear Makeup at the Gym?

June 20, 2011 at 7:52 am
By April Franzino

Many a dermatologist have professed that it’s best not to wear makeup at the gym because it can clog your pores, cause bacteria buildup on your skin, and various other ugly side-effects. Yet many of us do it anyway—including our own staffers. We asked the ladies of FITNESS whether they wear makeup at the gym, and here’s what they said:

• “No makeup, what’s the point? I’m there to work out, not to win a beauty pageant!”—Julia Savacool, articles director
• “Only mascara—I wear glasses, but it’s usually too sweaty to do so during a workout, so I swap in contacts and need the mascara so I don’t look sleepy. Anything else would make me feel like I was creating zits.”—Sarah D’Angelo, assistant editor
• “No, except maybe lip gloss. If I have mascara on, it usually ends up running down my face. It doesn’t feel good to have makeup on when I’m working out.”—Kathy Green, managing editor
• “I don’t do full-on eye makeup, but I definitely have to have mascara on. Gyms are lined with mirrors and I don’t want to cringe a little every time I see myself. If anything, I wear a little makeup so that I stay focused on my workout!”—Christie Griffin, digital director
• “No way! I think it would make me feel claustrophobic. I actually prefer to go au naturel as much as possible all the time, so when I’m sweating it’s a must. I can’t imagine that dripping through Spin class with mascara running down my face would look so hot, either.”—Karla Walsh, editorial assistant
• “I never go anywhere without putting on a smidge of bronzer. I’ve found that the best one that doesn’t sweat off is Bare Escentuals BareMinerals All-Over Face Color in Warmth.”—Kelly Garner, beauty intern
  
• “I wear mascara. Otherwise it looks like I have no eyelashes!”—Pam O’Brien, executive editor
• “I wear no makeup to the gym. It winds up coming off when I sweat anyway, and I’m there for myself—to get fit—not to impress anyone.”—Alexa Cortese, web intern

What about you—do you wear makeup during a workout?

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Christina Hendricks Chats with FITNESS

June 8, 2011 at 9:33 am
By April Franzino

Yesterday we had the pleasure of sitting down with Mad Men star Christina Hendricks in her Manhattan hotel suite to discuss everything from lipstick to that gorgeous pale skin (she’s absolutely stunning and so sweet in person!) to her workout regimen. Hendricks is supporting the Latisse Wishes Challenge, which allows consumers to donate a minimum of $20 to the Make-A-Wish Foundation, which LATISSE then matches, working toward a goal of donating $500,000. Take a peek at our conversation:

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Favorite Find Friday: Degree Women Clinical Protection in Sexy Intrigue

June 3, 2011 at 12:55 pm
By April Franzino

Deodorant isn’t usually a subject on which we wax rhapsodic, but we can’t help but sing the praises of Degree Clinical Protection Fine Fragrance Collection Antiperspirant/Deodorant in Sexy Intrigue. The formula not only keeps us dry through the toughest workouts and stifling New York City subway commutes, but also has the most sophisticated scent we’ve ever encountered in a deodorant: A subdued blend of jasmine and vanilla developed by Ann Glottlieb, creator of iconic fragrances like Dior J’Adore and CK One.  What deodorant—and scent—do you like best?

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Fit Body, Fit Skin

April 19, 2011 at 1:19 pm
By April Franzino

Sure, working out keeps your body in shape and healthy—but it also does wonders for your skin. Jeannette Graf, M.D., a dermatologist in Great Neck, New York discusses the beauty benefits of exercise in this segment. Glow on!

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Fresh Hair: Bun + Headband

April 7, 2011 at 10:15 am
By April Franzino

Sixty-five percent of women want their hair to look good when they go to the gym, according to Pantene. In our April Fresh Hair feature, we highlighted three flattering, speedy hairstyles that keep strands in place while you sweat. Next up: A bun plus headband combo, perfect for medium-length hair:

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Fresh Hair: An Easy Twist

April 5, 2011 at 11:21 am
By April Franzino

Sixty-five percent of women want their hair to look good when they go to the gym, according to Pantene. In our April Fresh Hair feature, we highlighted three flattering, workout-friendly hairstyles that keep strands in place while you sweat. Learn how to execute each style yourself with our series of behind-the-scenes videos on the set of the story’s photo shoot. First up: An easy twist. Stay tuned for the next installments in the coming days!

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Recover from a Half-Marathon

April 4, 2011 at 1:40 pm
By Eleanor Langston

Yesterday was FITNESS magazine’s annual half-marathon, so I know that the 8,000 women who participated are probably pretty sore today. I had a BLAST running the race. It was so uplifting, motivating and encouraging to see all of these women cheering for each other and genuinely wanting each other to succeed. Here are some stretching exercises to aid your recovery from Mathilde Thomas, founder of Caudalie and the Caudalie Vinotherapie Spa at The Plaza:

Hamstrings:

• Standing, holding the left ankle with the left hand, pull backwards to feel the stretch, switch foot.
• Lying on your back, bring one knee to your chest.  Hold for 30 seconds.  Do the same with the opposite leg.  Then bring both knees to your chest and hold for 30 seconds.
• Lying on your back with one leg on the floor; the other leg is bent, place a rope (or towel) on the ball of the foot, hold the rope and straighten to stretch.

Calves:

• Facing the wall at arms distance, place one foot close to the wall and bend that knee and arms to stretch opposite calve. Switch legs.
• Place ball of foot on the edge of stairs, lower one heel, then switch.
• Sit with both legs straight. Loop a rope around the ball of one foot and pull each end of the rope. Flex your feet.

Lower Back:

• Bend as if you are going to touch your toes and hang. At each exhale lower your hands.  Slowly roll back up one vertebra at a time.

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Celebs’ Oscar Shape-Up

March 2, 2011 at 11:59 am
By April Franzino

Beauty Director Eleanor Langston appeared on CBS’s The Insider on Friday to talk about how celebs shape up for the Oscars. Here, a quick clip of her segment:

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You’re Invited: Work Out With FITNESS!

January 24, 2011 at 7:13 am
By April Franzino

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