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Getting Younger Women Involved: How to Walk for Breast Cancer Research

May 10, 2013 at 9:24 am
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Don pink and help fight breast cancer. (Photo courtesy of Susan G. Komen 3-Day)

Written by Carrie Stevens, editorial intern

Sadly, chances are most of us know someone who’s been affected by breast cancer. Many of us know about the Susan G. Komen 3-Day walk program to help raise funds in the fight against the deadly disease. But a new campaign has come to town for the younger women looking to get involved—Young Women Walking (YW2)—and we’re ready to don our hottest pink hues in support.

Designed for women between the ages of 16 and 23, YW2 lets participants experience one day of the Komen 3-Day walk. While the 3-Day walk has women cover 60 miles in three days and raise $2,300, the YW2 contingent will clock 20 miles and raise $750.  Sounds like a great way to dip your toes into the water, right?

Here’s what we really love:  While spending the day alongside their elders, the YW2 girls learn breast cancer facts and discuss action steps necessary to reduce their own risk.  Forget the clichés: knowledge is power.

Oh, and don’t forget about the after party!  After completing a day on their feet, walkers celebrate with a pink (of course!) party and enjoy well-earned foot massages, inspirational speakers and a dance party.

Interested? Visit their website for more information, or to find an event near you.

Now you tell us: What’s the farthest you’ve walked in one day?

Plug Into an Audiobook to Revamp Your Workouts

May 9, 2013 at 11:55 am
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Take a book on the run – multitasking at its finest! (Photo courtesy of Macmillan Audio)

Written by Carrie Stevens, editorial intern

Looking to re-energize your sweat sessions this spring? Instead of automatically blasting our favorite tunes, we’re listening to—wait for it—audiobooks. Macmillan Audio launched its “Listen While You Work Out” campaign, aimed to help people get in shape while listening to audiobooks. We plugged into Barbara Taylor Bradford’s Secrets From The Past, and were pretty impressed with how engaged in the story we became while still busting out a quality workout.

Here’s the rundown: lead character Serena Stone is a 30-year-old American photojournalist who’s covered wars in the Middle East. After her famous photojournalist father dies unexpectedly, Stone starts working on his biography. At the same time, a former flame returns after serving on the front lines overseas as a photojournalist, and he suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). While helping with his recovery, Stone stumbles upon a secret that sparks a series of events that can change everything she thought she knew about her own family.

Thanks to great narration, compelling characters and intriguing plot lines, Secrets From The Past made our workouts pass in a flash. Try it for yourself—you may sweat a bit longer just to find out what happens! In fact, one of our Fit Bloggers We Love, Meghann Anderson of Meals and Miles, is a big fan of playing books on the run. “You can only listen to the same song over and over again before you start to hate your iPod,” she says. “Lately I’ve been seriously obsessed with audiobooks; I just finished Stephanie Meyers’ The Host. It’s easy to get lost in a good story and the miles fly by.”

For a wide variety of audiobooks, check out the Macmillan Audio website, or Audible.com. There are more than 100,000 downloadable books to choose from, and Audible allows you to switch between listening and reading without losing your spot. Decide you don’t like your first pick? No sweat—swap it for another at no extra cost. Happy reading!

Now you tell us: If you could have any book on audio, what would it be?

How Boxer Mikaela Mayer Knocks Out Cravings And Her Sexy Abs Secret!

May 8, 2013 at 12:32 pm
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Read on for her secret to knockout abs! (Photo courtesy of Frances Iacuzzi Photography)

 

Written by Carrie Stevens, editorial intern

Care to step into the ring with 22-year-old amateur boxer Mikaela Mayer? Chances are this former model will knock you out—figuratively and literally. In 2012, she secured the title of U.S. National Champion and brought home bronze and gold medals from the World Championships and Continental Games, respectively. The Los Angeles native was an alternate in the London Games (the first year women could compete), and has her sights set on gold in Rio. We talked training and being bikini-body ready for summer (have you seen her abs?), plus her genius secret for keeping that sweet tooth in check.

How did you discover boxing?
I signed up for Muay Thai at a gym near my house, and was practicing to keep myself busy. A few months in, I suffered a slight back injury that prevented me from kicking, so my trainer made me take boxing fights to develop my hands. Once I tried it, fell in love and never went back! I remember telling myself only two or three months in that I was going to be the best female fighter in the world.

Clearly that’s working out! How often do you train?

When I’m in camp for a tournament, it’s six days a week, two to three times a day for six weeks. It’s nothing but eat, sleep, train, repeat! The workouts will vary week to week, but it’s a mix of interval running, swimming, strength training, boxing and sparring three to four times a week.

Well, that must keep you bikini-body ready year-round, right?

Even when I don’t have major competitions coming up, working out is still a part of my everyday routine. Partly because I enjoy getting stronger and more skillful and partly because getting back in shape after you have let yourself go is too hard! So I always try to maintain. Staying in tip-top shape requires working out consistently. You can’t make excuses for skipping the gym. It needs to be a priority.

Read more

Roxy Pros Reveal How You, Too, Can Rock The Waves and Teeny Bikinis

May 7, 2013 at 9:17 am
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When asked her favorite surfing destination, Monyca gushed about Mexico’s fun waves but as far as culture goes, she said, “I think Bali is really rad.” (Photo courtesy of ROXY)

“Follow your heart and dare!” The DVF Loves Roxy Spring 2013 line’s motto perfectly describes the collaboration’s bold prints and playful silhouettes. In celebration of this laid-back but confident surfer sprit, Roxy pros Kelia Moniz and Monyca Byrne-Wickey flaunted the new bikinis for the camera after lending a hand in the design process. We sat down with the two gals to hear about their recent epic ride. Read on to learn about Kelia and Monyca’s swimsuit requirements, bikini-friendly diet and why fitness is not just a passion, but their lifestyle. 

How did you two get into surfing?

KM: My dad was a professional surfer, so it was in the family. We were raised going to the beach—pretty much on the beach. My mom homeschooled us so surfing was a big part of my life. Every day after school (and during school!) we’d go to the beach and surf. And I have four brothers—it was something we did for fun. Being in Hawaii, there’s not much to do so the beach is pretty much our playground.
MBW: I grew up in a really small town—like literally two general stores, one gas station. There’s not a ton of stuff to do and so the beach is kind of like our playground. That’s where everybody goes after school to have fun. My family didn’t really surf. My sister surfed a bit, but I mostly learned from my two best friends growing up…they’re all boys and boys usually pick up surfing a lot easier than girls do so I always was trying to be as good as them and keep up. They’d really push me.

What do you look for when searching for the perfect suit?

MBW: Comfort is very important, especially in the water because you need something that’s tight to stay on, but at the same time you don’t want it digging into your neck or imprinting on your sides. You want it to stay on so a cross-back top is always really good. Something that’s not adjustable here [points to rib cage] so you’re not flying open. As far as bottoms go, I prefer regular—no ties or anything like that—because a lot of times you’re standing up on your board and you could get them caught on your hand…I want something that’s functional, comfortable and also looks cute on the beach. So if you’re going to the beach, the waves aren’t looking good and you decide you’re not going out, you’re still going to be really cute. And just as cute as all the other girls who aren’t surfing. I also prefer a smaller bottom just because I think it’s more flattering and you don’t get as crazy tan lines.

Do you draw your color/pattern inspiration from Hawaii or other places you visit during competition?

MBW: Sort of. I feel like there are some places we go that there’s definitely more of a style that we don’t see at home in Hawaii. In Australia, all the girls wear structured tops, like mostly bra tops and florescent colors. I do like a bra top, but I feel like for surfing, if you’re going to be out there for hours it can get really uncomfortable. It’s super cute; I still love it. I prefer pastels, florals and solids mostly. All the girls we travel with and all the girls on our team completely enjoy a different thing and the great thing is we’re all with Roxy and they have such a wide array of all that—there’s a print for everybody, there’s a style for everybody and there’s a color for everybody.
KM: [Monyca] loves, just like she said, a cross-back and I love triangle adjustable tops. I love tie sides.
MBW: And we’re super different surfers. I ride a short board and she rides a long board so she could even get away with wearing a bandeau because it’s not as rough.
KM: I’m above the water most of the time and I’m not duck diving where my top’s going to come off so I wear bandeaus all the time, especially to stay away from tan lines. Read more

Heart Health Tips to Live By

May 6, 2013 at 11:11 am
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people jogging with dog

Your pooch’s heart health will be better, too! Photo by Christa Renee

A few months ago, we were reminded during “heart month” about how heart disease kills way too many women. As the seasons change and some of us feel reinvigorated to revamp their diets and routine, we want to urge you to remember these super-simple steps to reduce your chances of heart disease. By employing these easy strategies, you’re helping to make sure you don’t wind up a statistic.

1. Engage in at least 30 minutes of structured physical activity, 5 days/week.  This isn’t for weight loss but basic heart health.  Whatever exercise you like — walking, cycling, weight lifting, swimming — works, though variety is ideal.  No matter how busy you are, everyone has the time, so try to make it!

2. Stand up.  Sitting is the new smoking.  Where can you find time in your day to stand and move , beyond structured physical activity?  Maybe rather than watching TV, you go for a family walk before or after dinner.  Start a walking group at work or investigate stand-up desks if you work at home.  If you have dogs, take them for a walk instead just letting them out back.  There are a lot of opportunities to move — you just need to be creative, take control and make a conscious effort to make you a priority.

3. Eat more omega-3 fats.  Omega-3 fats are amazing for us. The best way to get them in the diet is from foods like wild seafood (salmon, tuna, sardines, anchovies), among others.  Read more

Getting Hitched Near NYC? Join the Fit to Be Bride Bootcamp!

April 29, 2013 at 3:29 pm
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Molly Winter Stewart knows how to get you in tip-top wedding dress shape! (Photo courtesy Molly Winter Fitness)

As someone who is feverishly planning her own nuptials, I came to a realization I’m sure many brides arrived at much quicker than I did: Weddings are expensive! To then even think about shelling out beaucoup bucks on a pricey boot camp tailored toward brides made me want to curl up in a ball (or elope, though I’m not sure Mom would be too pleased about that).

Luckily, The White Gown, a bridal boutique in Dumbo, Brooklyn understands that brides want to look great despite their budget and are setting up a series of public workout sessions this summer in NYC at Pier 46 in Greenwich Village. Workouts will be led my Molly Winter Stewart of Molly Winter Fitness, and will be designed to hit the spots most visible on your wedding day based on your dress shape–mermaid, halter, strapless and backless. The best part? You can cross “find fitness plan” off your very long wedding to-do list without spending a single penny.

Fit to Be Bride Bootcamp starts Saturday, May 18 at 9:30 a.m., at Pier 46 in Manhattan. Sign up by emailing info@thewhitegown.com.

More from FITNESS: Vow to Stress Less: Wedding Day Tips from Brides

 

Meet the Trainer: Megan May

April 29, 2013 at 11:59 am
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What’s on Megan’s fitness bucket list? Competing on a team at the CrossFit Regionals. (Photo courtesy of Ted Williams)

The second we entered Reebok CrossFit’s 5th Avenue box with trainer Megan May a few months back, we knew we were in for a sweaty, no-joke treat. Thanks to Megan’s can-do attitude and flawless technique demos (she made everything look so easy!), we pushed ourselves beyond our limits—box jumps, ring apparatuses and all. Megan thrives as a WOD motivator with an infectious fitness passion, alongside a background in gymnastics and professional bodybuilding. In our March Express, the 2009 World Natural Bodybuilding Federation’s “Ms. Fit Body” designed a routine full of dumbbell swings, Turkish get-ups and power deck squats to test even the biggest CrossFit critic. We approved! Read on to learn more about Megan, “bulkiness” misconceptions and why she believes strength is sexy.

Most of us are NYC transplants, how did you make your way to the Big Apple?
I was coaching for Mike and Nate, who own Reebok CrossFit 5th Ave, at their two locations in Miami, Reebok CrossFit Miami Beach and IMT CrossFit. When plans for the gym in NYC started to form, they asked if I would relocate. My first answer was “absolutely not.” My husband and I had just recently moved to South Beach from Atlanta and purchased a condo on the bay. I had no intention of leaving paradise. When I decided to ask them more about the relocation, they told me about the big plans for the flagship CrossFit box, and they were teaming up with Reebok to open on 5th Ave in New York. This was an unbelievable opportunity that I didn’t want to miss. Besides, I told myself that if I hated it, I could always move back.

How did get involved with CrossFit?
I first heard about CrossFit about four years ago from one of my best friends that had just left the Air Force and was training to become an Air Marshall. He told me about these crazy workouts called CrossFit they were using for training. I was a personal trainer and a figure competitor at the time, so I was always looking for new ways to spice up workouts. There was no CrossFit close, so I went to the CrossFit.com main page and pulled exercises and WODs to use in my training and bootcamps. It went right along with the type of training I was already doing and putting my clients through. It wasn’t until I moved to Miami to become the head trainer at the Gold’s Gym in South Beach, that CrossFit popped back into my life. Six months after moving there, what is currently Reebok CrossFit Miami Beach, opened across the street from my where we lived. My husband and I joined and were instantly hooked! Within six months I had earned my CrossFit Level 1 coaching certificate and was working out and training solely as a CrossFit coach and athlete.

What else do you do for working out besides CF?
I just started doing yoga, as a way to supplement my CrossFit training. It helps a lot with mobility, which is often overlooked. CrossFit hits every muscle group and energy system so I look just as good as I did when I was a figure competitions. 

We all know why CF is great—but what’s your most persuasive reason for getting newbies involved?
It is so much FUN! I think CrossFit is one of the most fun ways to workout. When you participate in the group workout, you never have to work out by yourself. This helps push you and keeps you motivated to get through incredibly challenging exercises that might seem otherwise impossible. The community that has built up around CrossFit is truly amazing. Read more

We Run DC

April 26, 2013 at 9:32 am
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photo courtesy of Nike

I’ve become a half marathon veteran sorts. Not that I’ve run hundreds of races or anything, but I can’t seem to shake the inevitable runner’s high, and  I’ve found myself adding more and more races to my 2013 roster (I even put in an application to run the NYC Marathon in November!). I guess you can say I’m somewhat of a 13.1 junkie. At least after running two halves in two weeks,  I’d like to think so…

One of the races that I’ll be ticking off my list for sure: the Nike Women’s Half Marathon in DC, which is happening for the first time EVER  this weekend! You might be familiar with the race that happens out in San Fran every fall, but luckily for us East Coasters who haven’t had the chance to run out west, Nike is bringing the fun and excitement a little bit closer to home.

For the women participating in the race, a full weekend of events are scheduled at the Expotique at Nike Georgetown, including the release of the most awesome shoes I’ve ever seen, and a concert with platinum selling singer-songwriter, Ellie Goulding, who will also be running the race. She’s been training religiously like the rest of us, and says, “Running has become a huge part of what motivates me and I’m excited to join so many other women in this inaugural race. I’ve been working hard to balance my training while being on tour this spring, and I’m running the Nike Women Half Marathon in Washington, D.C. with the goal of achieving my personal best time.” Maybe superstars are more like us than we think…personal bests? Let’s do it Ellie!

If you live in the DC area, be sure to swing by the Expotique this weekend, and come support all of the runners at Sunday morning’s race (here’s a course map…I’ll be looking for you!). I’m super stoked to be racing alongside 15,000 women who have a passion for running, just like me, and I feel honored to be a part of such an awesome inaugural event. Watch out DC! I’m coming for ya, and I’m ready to pound some serious pavement!

Olympic Skier Picabo Street’s New Goals for Sportsmanship and Sochi

April 24, 2013 at 9:28 am
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Check out that bling! (Photo courtesy of Jon Williams)

A lot has changed for skier Picabo Street since she took the Olympics by storm in the 1998 Super G. The gold medalist—who just last week was announced to be an analyst for Fox Sports’ Sochi 2014 Winter Games coverage—has transitioned to fit, working mommyhood by taking up a new taekwondo passion with her 9-year-old son and avoiding her kids’ leftovers at all costs. Read on to find out what she loves the most about her kick-ass routine, what she’s working on now and more.

  1. What was your favorite Olympic moment?
    Surprisingly enough, my silver medal win in Lillehammer, because it was when I realized that I could do it and that I was Olympic caliber and that the gold was within my reach.
  1. Where do you keep you medals?
    I rotate them around from safe place to safe place with lots of sharing in the meantime.
  1. How did you overcome the pressures of being such a young U.S. ski team member and then later on from your sponsors?
    I always expected more from myself than anyone else did, so my pressure was greater, therefore easier to deal with. I looked at my coaches as partners and teammates and had more of a collaborative relationship with them, therefore, they were all a part of my victories, too.
  1. Was there one challenging moment in your past that really helped you to build a thick skin and to become the resilient spirit you are today?
    Resiliency comes out of struggle usually and for me, mine was self-inflicted—showing up to U.S. Ski Team camp in 1990 out of shape and with a bad attitude. I realized then it would be up to me to get in shape, change my attitude and make my dreams come true. It was the door on the path to that dream closing in my face that forced me to be resilient.
  1. Any fitness-related goals you have your eye on now? What mantra helps you push through your workout?
    Be a black belt in taekwondo. What I love about taekwondo is that I miss the workout, because I am too busy trying to kick and punch correctly! What gets me to the gym: “Failing to prepare is preparing to fail.” Once I’m at the gym: “Focus on what I have control over, anything else is just stress.”

Picabo has teamed up with Team USA sponsor Liberty Mutual Insurance to announce the search for 2013’s “Top 10 Responsible Sports Moments,” simple acts of sportsmanship and selflessness that occur on youth sports fields. “It’s a great cause and one near and dear to my heart as a mother of four boys who love to play sports,” she said. To submit a moment, go to ResponsibleSports.com or tweet a nomination using #RSMoments.

More from FITNESS:

After The Boston Marathon Bombing: How You Can Help

April 22, 2013 at 4:28 pm
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One week ago, tragedy struck at the Boston Marathon finish line when two bombs exploded and changed the lives of thousands. Through the fear and grief though, is strength in numbers. The fitness community is a tough one, and people are coming out of the woodwork from every part of the world to lend a helping hand. Here, a few of our favorite initiatives:

100 percent of the proceeds from the Boston Strong necklace by Erica Sara Designs will go to The One Fund. (Photo courtesy of Erica Sara Designs)

Boston Strong Necklace, Erica Sara Designs

Featured in our March running guide, Erica Sara Designs delivers high-quality, personalized jewelry for every occasion, but the designer (ahem: Erica) behind the business loves to help those in need whenever she finds a few spare minutes. A runner herself, there’s no way she could sit back and watch the tragedy unfold without figuring out a way to help.

Enter the Boston Strong necklace. For the month of April, 100 percent of the proceeds made from the purchase of this necklace will go directly to The One Fund. Same goes for the Every Mile Counts necklace. Furthermore, The One Fund is now a part of ESD’s awareness program for April, so if you purchase a piece from the Awareness Collection, simply choose The One Fund as your choice of charity, and 20 percent of the net proceeds will be donated at the end of the month. Now’s the time to get that commemorative bling you’ve always wanted.

#BostonStrong<city>

A global event started by the blogger behind Pavement Runner, runners from around the world will unite with those in their city tonight to dedicate miles. More than 2,500 participants in 80 cities are already joining the movement, and you should too. The plan is simple: run 1 mile, 5 miles or 26.2 miles – however many you want – “to demonstrate love of the sport and most importantly love for the fallen and the wounded.”

Here in NYC? Meet captain Abby Bales from Run Stronger Every Day in Central Park at Tavern on the Green at 6:30p.m. There will be a walking and running group, and participants are asked to wear a race shirt, bib, or blue and yellow (Boston’s colors). There will also be T-shirts sold for $20, and all proceeds go to The One Fund.

To find out where your city will meet, click here.

Wrap it on your wrist and get moving. (Photo courtesy of Run Now)

Tribute Wristlets, Run Now

Awareness bracelets still catch eyes, and this one sporting Boston’s colors is sure to be an attention-grabber. All proceeds benefit The One Fund, and at $1.99 per wristlet, Run Now hopes to raise $1 million by National Running Day on June 5. Companies like Brooks, Map My Fitness and Run Rock ‘n’ Roll are all a part of the effort. After you buy a bracelet, tweet why running is so important to you using the hashtag #runnow.

Want more reason to keep running? Run Now is also pledging free race entries to 4,500 Boston Marathon participants who were diverted prior to reaching the finish line. Read more

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