exercise

The Best Running Leashes Fit for Fido

October 8, 2012 at 10:14 am
By Colleen Moody

In the October issue of FITNESS (on newsstands now!), we pooch-tested a slew of running leashes to help you find one that will keep you and your pup happy on a jog together. Our tester, Charlotte, runs with her dog Nala (a mix of Australian Shepherd, Spaniel and Jack Russell) almost every day, running 3 to 4 miles in the summer (depending on the heat) and up to 6 in the winter months! Below, see what Charlotte’s criteria for testing was, and her thoughts on the winning leashes:

1. Length: The right length depends on how big your dog is and how big you are. I’m 5’2, so a long leash would be overwhelming for me, as I don’t want my dog that far in front of me. If the leash is too short, there’s not enough clearance for the dog to have her gait and for me to have mine. We’re going to clash and trip over each other.

Winner: Ruffwear Flat Out leash
Size-wise this was just right. If I had a bigger dog, I would have to tie some knots in it so I could have better control, but Nala is only about 30lbs. so the knots weren’t needed. Other than that, this leash is nice and light and perfect for shorter runs.

Read more

---

Lose Pounds like a Rockstar with POUND

September 19, 2012 at 9:42 am
By Lauren Cardarelli

Have a rough day in the office? We recently tried a fun new workout that would make sure to get rid of that bottled up tension. LA rockers Kirsten Potenza and Cristina Peerenboom turned a sweat-astic idea into reality by revolutionizing their passions for drumming and exercise into a workout unlike any other, POUND. The high-intensity 45-, 30- or 15-minute classes transform cardio interval training into an exhilarating concert with 2.5-lb weighted drumsticks, known as “Ripstix,” and an upbeat playlist.

POUND combines traditional Pilates and barre method-inspired exercises with rapid drummer-based movements. Each jam-sesh is a full body blast, scorching more than 600 calories! We recently embraced our primal aggression with Kirsten and Cristina, sporting a smile and a lot of sweat through each burn-worthy sequence. Crank up the music and rock out with these three moves:

Twists: Start by laying flat on the floor with your feet extended straight. Lift shoulders off the floor until body is at a 45-degree angle and then raise your feet 45 degrees so your body forms a ‘V’. Twist from side to side with your elbows tucked. Lightly tap the ground on either side of the hips with your fingertips. Add Ripstix for an ultimate challenge and make some noise! This move scorches the obliques and your muffin top zone.

Rainbows: In a deep plié squat, begin with your arms over your head. Start by stepping to the right and hinge body forward to tap the ground (or close to it) with your right hand. Return to center and repeat to the left. Again, add Ripstix to turn up the volume and burn.

OH Thrusts: Lie down on the floor with your knees bent and feet hip-width apart. Lift your hips and tap the ground on either side of the body with your fingertips. Next, lower yourself to the mat and bring your arms overhead. Bending at the elbow, lower and extend arms. Repeat 20 times or to your favorite up-tempo song. Add some Ripstix for additional resistance and clatter!

In need of a mini POUNDtrack? Get moving with Rage Against the Machine’s “Killing in the Name Of,” Travis Barker’s “Let’s Go (for Rainbows)” and the Bassnectar Remix of Ellie Goulding’s “Lights.” To find a class near you, check out the POUND website.

---

Take a Free Yoga Class This Week!

September 17, 2012 at 12:00 pm
By Colleen Moody

Already feeling a little frazzled and it’s only Monday? Get centered plus save some cash by celebrating National Yoga Month with Exhale Mind Body Spa on Thursday, September 20. The spa is launching its second annual NamasDAY, with complimentary yoga classes throughout the day and an evening yoga party with DJs, giveaways and goody bags at night. And yes, a healthy cocktail or two!

To find a location near you and book your complimentary class, visit exhalespa.com/namasday. You’re already feeling a little less stressed, aren’t you?

---

How U.S. Soccer Superstar Alex Morgan Prevents Injuries On and Off the Field

September 12, 2012 at 10:01 am
By Colleen Moody

When balls fly at my head, I usually duck. Thankfully, U.S. Olympic soccer player Alex Morgan does not. As you might remember, Morgan scored the winning goal (off a header) at the Olympics in overtime against Canada to take the U.S. team into the game medal match against Japan. Now that the Games are behind her, Morgan is teaming up with DePuy Mitek, Inc., the official sports medicine sponsor of the 2014 FIFA World Cup to launch an initiative to educate parents, coaches and athletes about the importance of injury prevention. Read on to see how she stays injury-free and what she wants athletes everywhere to know.

What’s the main idea behind this initiative with the Sports Injury Prevention Program?

Aside from teaching parents, coaches and athletes how important it is to make sure your muscles are warm and ready to go before a game, they’ve also created the FIFA 11+, a warm-up program designed to reduce injuries in athletes 14 years and older. If you do these exercises twice a week, which consists of a mix of running, balance and plyometric exercises you significantly decrease your chance of getting hurt on the field.

Do you remember the first time you were badly injured playing soccer?

I tore my ACL when I was 17, which was a really important time in my life. It was my first college season and basically the worst time ever to get hurt. I had to get surgery and it took me five months to get back on the field. I wish they had this program back then, especially because female athletes have a much higher injury rate.

Read more

---

Check Out Acro Yoga (Plus Be Inspired to Get More Bendy!)

September 6, 2012 at 3:28 pm
By Colleen Moody

We were amazed last year when we saw this video of West Hollywood Equinox instructor Briohny Smith doing some morning yoga in her viral video, “The Contortionist.” And we weren’t the only ones. Since then Briohny’s video has gotten almost 4 million views, leading her to create another one with her hubby, Dice Iida-Klein doing acro yoga for the Q by Equinox blog. Both yogis say this type of yoga takes a lot of balance, trust and communication (which also sounds like the formula to a happy marriage!). By the looks of it, they’ve got the yoga and Mr. and Mrs. thing down pat. Enjoy!

---

#140Wednesdays: Fill in the Blank: You Know You’re a Runner When…

September 5, 2012 at 4:23 pm
By Colleen Moody

Written by Deanna Cioppa, editorial intern

Whether you run 3 miles a day or 10, runners are one-of-a-kind. Not many other people would think it’s acceptable to cover yourself in BodyGlide or compare blister sizes, but when it comes to the sport, not many topics are off the table. We checked in with our Twitter followers to see when they realized they had joined the club.

@WannaBHeathNut: People take one look at your calves and ask how often you run!

@KarenSmither: You have a knee injury. (Editor’s Note: Feel better!)

@zam8: You have 10 pairs of sneakers!

@MissColochita: You carry running shoes with you in your car.

Now tell us: You know you’re a runner when _____

More from FITNESS Magazine: 8 Tips to Rock Your Next Run

---

#140Wednesdays: What’s the Toughest Workout or Race You’ve Ever Done?

August 29, 2012 at 3:55 pm
By FITNESS Intern

Written by Deanna Cioppa, editorial intern

There’s nothing like the feeling of accomplishment that comes at the end of an extra-tough workout. Whether the challenge is physical, mental or both, stepping outside of your comfort zone is always worth it in the end. We asked our Twitter followers what the toughest workout or race was that they’ve ever completed. From hiking trails in New Zealand, to the latest DVD crazes, our readers have been through the mill. Take a look at some of these tough girls below.

@ElPesoNuestro: Milford Track, 33 miles of trails!

@breezy81: Leg Day with trainer @jaminthompson.

@MichMich0404: Without a doubt the Spartan Sprint at Tuxedo Park, NY. But I finished and that is what’s important!

@MrsBalboa6: Can’t decide between a 13-mile @ToughMudder or a half-marathon! Physical vs. Mental but both #beastmode. #140Wednesdays

@TreeStand_Wife: Insanity! I loved it.

Now you tell us: What’s the toughest workout or race you’ve completed?

More from FITNESS: The Best Extreme Sports to Try

---

Shop and Tweet for the Ta-Tas: PUMA’s Project Pink

August 29, 2012 at 10:58 am
By FITNESS Intern

Written by Deanna Cioppa, editorial intern

If there’s one thing we like better than shopping for new workout clothes, it’s taking part in a worthy cause. Now entering its third year, PUMA’s Project Pink has kicked off ahead of October’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month with the sale of its Project Pink line of clothing at Shop.PUMA.com, Soccer.com and other retailers. The brand has pledged 100 percent of profits (up to $120,000) to a breast cancer charity that YOU get to help choose.

Now through September 21, visit puma.com/projectpink to nominate a breast cancer charity close to your heart. Then, starting September 24, cast your vote for the winner, to be announced in October at the Project Pink Charity Soccer Game in Los Angeles. Last year, Project Pink donated over $100,000 to the Dr. Susan Love Research Foundation. There’s money to be made for “the girls” here, so start nominating (and shopping!) today.

Looking for other ways to contribute? Hop on Twitter and use #projectpink in your tweets. PUMA will pledge an additional dollar for every tweet with the #projectpink hashtag. And check the calendar at puma.com/projectpink for Project Pink soccer tournaments with partner clubs around the country. Now at least you have an excuse to buy yet another pair of cute running shorts.

---

#140Wednesday: If You Could Have Your Own Personal Training Session With Anyone, Who Would It Be?

August 15, 2012 at 4:39 pm
By FITNESS Intern

Written by Lisa Turner, editorial intern

We know our readers love the workouts that we get from top trainers, but can you imagine having them coach you in a solo session? Talk about a gym rat’s heaven! This week we asked our Twitter followers who they want to sweat with. Some went for athletic hotties, while others chose all-star trainers whose workouts and TV programs inspire millions to get moving.

@Maggie_Garccia: Belly dance instructor Rania, she’s amazing!

@sopherella101: Channing Tatum

@glitteryze: @ryanlochte!

@beauty_edge: @ChaleneJohnson because she has an amazing attitude and great energy! #turbofire #turbo

@DanielleWolfe: I would be honored to have my booty kicked by @JillianMichaels.

@mejessiam: It would have to be Jackie Warner! #strongchick

@FITNESSkarla: No question about it: @MyTrainerBob!

@krmarks05: Only one is unfair! @JillianMichaels, @MyTrainerBob and @TracyAnderson would be my trifecta!

 

 

---

Live the Life You Want: The Push Girls Tell Us How

August 10, 2012 at 10:37 am
By FITNESS Intern

Written by Lisa Turner, editorial intern

With all the Olympic buzz amputee Oscar Pistorius has been getting lately, we were thrilled when we got the chance to chat with a few of the fierce, fit females that make up the Push Girls. They’re a group of women in wheelchairs who deal with life’s challenges while leading pretty normal lives, despite all being paralyzed from the waist down. The ladies show their journey (everything from trying to get pregnant to hopping back in the swimming pool) in the docu-series on the Sundance Channel, which airs Mondays at 10 p.m.

Two of the show’s cast members Auti Angel and Chelsie Hill are former dancers who had to get creative with their craft after car accidents left them immobile from the waist down. Read on to see how they stay motivated, including how they stay in shape, their favorite workouts and what they think about Pistorius’ trip to London.

What’s it like being on PUSH GIRLS?

Chelsie: At first it was surreal, but now it’s just a normal day. I’m so amazed at how it all came together, it’s really helped the people in wheelchairs. I got a letter recently from a viewer saying she just bought her first pair of high heels! Plus, it’s like I got four big sisters (I’m the youngest of the bunch). I feel so lucky to have a group of women who understand what you’re going through and can teach you a ton of things.

Auti: I’ve been in my chair for 20 years, and Chelsie was born a few months after my car accident. Seeing how comfortable she is on the show and in life is a reminder to us that we are doing the right thing, and shows us how far we’ve come.

You must have incredible upper body strength. How do you stay in shape?

Auti: I go to the gym on occasion. I have a punching bag in my backyard to keep my core fit, and I also use free weights. Plus, dancing has always kept me fit.

Chelsie: My upper body has gotten a lot stronger because I use mine much more than the average person. I constantly have to do cardio! Read more

---