Motivation

How U.S. Sailor Paige Railey Is Gearing Up for the Olympic Games

April 13, 2012 at 11:30 am
By Colleen Moody

As one might expect, becoming part of the U.S. Olympic Sailing Team is no easy feat. The squad was picked in nine of 10 events based on combined performance at two selection events in the U.K. and Australia in 2011. But 25-year-old Paige Railey made the cut, and now she and her brother Zach will be the first brother and sister to compete at the same Olympics (though in separate races). We chatted with Railey, who is being sponsored by Sperry Top-Sider to see how she’s getting ready for the Games. (Hint: It involves a lot of eating!)

How did you get your start in sailing?

Our family dentist suggested my mom take Zach (her older brother) to a sailing program at our local club in Florida. Zach fell in love with it from the first day, and when I was little he used to sail my twin sister and I. The thought of being free on the water, controlling a boat on my own and being outside all day just seemed like perfection to me.

Sailing requires serious muscle strength. How do you stay in shape?

My family has always been very active. We were never allowed to stay inside and play video games or watch TV when we were younger. My brother, sister and I would go for three-mile runs just for fun. Zach was 9 and my sister and I were 6! I began training to sail when I was ten years old. I did a lot of abs, push-ups and cardio. Once I was 15 I started weight training. My favorite exercises are deadlifts, cleans (the first part of a clean and jerk), stability ball work, biking and Jacob’s ladder work. Google it if you’ve never heard of it–it’s really hard!

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#140Wednesdays: What Machine Intimidates You the Most at the Gym?

April 4, 2012 at 11:21 am
By Colleen Moody

The gym can be a bit overwhelming. Between rush hours, grunting men and too many options, it can take a bit to get into the swing of things. While it’s always good to switch up your routine and try something different, everyone has one machine they just can’t seem to master. Read below to see what our Twitter followers admit to skipping below.

@cherielianne: The whole thing! That’s why I lost my 80 pounds in the happiness of my own home gym! (Editor’s note: You can skip the gym too with these tips to make your own at-home gym.)

@MsPumpnRun: I used to say the StepMill, but after some quality time we are great friends now!

@runjamiereilly: The pull-up bar! I want to do an unassisted pull-up, or two or three even!

@AubreyTweets: Probably the odd folding weighted ab crunch machines, and I’m a trainer! I mean really, how do you fold like that?

@Colette111: The chin-up machine! I’m female and not hugely strong (yet) and it’s always swarming with big muscly men. #intimidating

@kelceyz: The StairMaster. I can only last about five minutes on that thing!

Want to step up and try something new? This guide will help you make the most of the gym machines without embarrassing yourself.

Now tell us: What machine intimidates you at the gym?

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Fit Blogger We Love: The Wannabe Athlete

March 8, 2012 at 3:18 pm
By Samantha Shelton

Have you ever read a blog and felt like you were never going to reach the same levels of healthy living superstardom? (We know we have!) While those blogs give us a great, powerful dose of inspiration, sometimes it’s nice to remember that not everyone needs to be a hardcore elite athlete. In those moments, we head over to The Wannabe Athlete to catch up with Callie. Her fun-loving, “always aspiring to do better” attitude keeps us looking forward to her next post, and her adorable baby leaves us feeling all mushy gushy inside. Read on to find out what she can’t live without and how she finds the motivation to just. keep. pushing. through the tough stuff.

My favorite way to work out: Lately, it’s running. I never thought I would be someone who said that! But ever since having my first baby last summer, I’ve realized it’s the easiest thing to work into my crazy schedule. I’ve also gone through phases of loving Tae Bo (anyone else?), triathlons, a kickboxing class and yoga.

My “I Did It” moment: Crossing the finish line at my first half-marathon just eight months after having a baby. I saw the finish line come in to view and just kept saying (out loud), “Oh my gosh, oh my gosh, oh my gosh.” I couldn’t believe I had done it!

5 things I can’t live without:

1. My family, obviously.
2. An Internet connection—I am a blogger after all!
3. Peanut butter. My husband can’t stand the smell of it, but I just can’t live without it. Hardly a day goes by that I don’t eat at least one thing with peanut butter on it!
4. Sunshine. I crave it! I’m the type of girl who likes to have all of the windows open with the sun streaming in as brightly as possible. I get that from my mom. I also could never live in a place where I can’t wear flip flops for at least 11 months of the year. I’m a Floridian, through and through.
5. My faith. It’s absolutely vital to my existence.

My fave fit snack: Chobani! My husband actually told me to put this as one of the five things I can’t live without. He might be right.

On my fit life list: Running a marathon. (Gulp!)

My motivation comes from: I want to set a good example of a healthy lifestyle for my son. But I have to admit, being able to fit back into my pre-pregnancy jeans has been a pretty motivating goal as well!

Do you have a favorite fit blogger you want us to highlight? Email blog@fitnessmagazine.com

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#140Wednesdays: What Do You Think About When You Exercise?

February 22, 2012 at 1:55 pm
By Colleen Moody

Studies have shown that exercise can strength train your brain, but sometimes it’s your brain that can strength train your workout. Picturing a place, goal weight or even a person (Gisele Bündchen abs, anyone?) while you sweat can help you kick up the intensity and navigate you out of a routine rut. Want to know what other people are thinking about every time they lace up? Read below and then share your mental mojo in the comments below.

@runbangrun: I think about how blessed I am to have a body that supports me despite the way I’ve treated it in the past. #140Wednesdays

@GettingTo120: I try to focus on how my muscles feel. Sometimes my mind strays and I think about ice cream.

@LetsDoThisTrish: I’m doing this for my health and the baby’s. Healthy, Happy Mama=Healthy, Happy Baby. #Pregnant

@cherielianne: About how awesome it’d be to be featured in your mag in a Before and After spread featuring my weight loss journey! #IDidIt

@Tricia25Bev: I think about the summer and all the outfits I would like to fit in and my friends wedding, to fit into that bridesmaids dress!

@SushGarci: To give it all you got. it’s so hard but only one hour of the day! #140Wednesdays

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4 Expert Tips For Getting Back Into a Healthy Routine

February 21, 2012 at 7:00 am
By fitsugar

Spring is around the corner, which means warmer weather and shedding clothes. But you don’t have to panic if the workout clothes you got for Christmas haven’t exactly been worn out. If you’ve been on a Winter hiatus, start anew with these tips for getting back into a healthy routine.

It’s common sense: The thing about living healthfully is that a lot of it is just common sense, says celebrity trainer Harley Pasternak (he’s responsible for Rihanna’s amazing Grammy body). When you can make a few healthy changes, do it. It doesn’t take much thought to know that moving around more burns more calories than sitting all day, or that you can get your exercise for the day by walking to the store instead of driving.

Every little bit counts: Harley also says that remembering this can also help you make the common sense decision. Instead of thinking of exercise as a huge daunting, boring task, think of your goals in smaller increments. When you walk around, every step or healthy food choice helps you to your goal.

Don’t overdo it: Going all out for it after not exercising for awhile can take its toll on your mind as well as your body. To prevent injury and a discouraged feeling, start small and work your way up slowly when you’re ready. “Take it slowly, bite off sizable aspects of your fitness routine that you can complete, don’t underdo but don’t overdo,” celebrity trainer Gunnar Peterson recently told us. “Overdoing it is going to kill it. You can’t overhaul your entire fitness and health regimen in one day.”

Read on for more ways to get back into your workout routine.

More from FitSugar:

4 Ways to Substitute Cooking Fats With Greek Yogurt

5 Ways to Make Your Home a Safe Haven From Colds and Flu

7 Health Benefits of Having Sex

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#140Wednesdays: What’s Your Favorite Song on Your Workout Mix?

February 15, 2012 at 4:30 pm
By Colleen Moody

You already know that doing the same moves over and over will cause you to hit a weight loss plateau, but did you know the same is true with your choice of tunes? Running, biking, or doing anything with the same playlist on repeat can cause you to go into autopilot, meaning your not pushing yourself at every workout.

Update your iPod with the help of our readers, who gave us their favorite firm and burn beats.

@onebabs1: I Got It From My Mama—Will.I.Am

@Hungry_Runner: A dance remix of Skyscraper by Demi Lovato. Those lyrics with a pumped up beat can make anyone feel unstoppable.

@aizahabban: You Can Be the One—Late Night Alumni

@dani4nier: Breakin’ a Sweat—Skrillex

@jsalomonsson: Levels—Avicii

@Tosh_74: Good Feeling by Flo Rida and Enter Sandman by Metallica

@lkhattendorf: Live Like We’re Dying by Kris Allen. Fast tempo and makes you think about what’s important. Perfect for a workout!

@KayRVaz: Good Good Night—Roscoe Dash

@DrSomji: El Camino by The Black Keys for running!

@NATAgneiD: Where Have You Been by Rihanna. Gets me pumping!

@Randilizm: Drop It Low—Kat DeLuna

Now tell us: What’s your favorite song to work out to lately?

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3 Ways to Stay on Track with Your Diet Goals

February 15, 2012 at 10:00 am
By Colleen Moody

If you are a frequent gym goer, you may have noticed the after work crowd has been a little sparse lately. The same goes with that veggie-packed market down the block from your house. That’s because by mid-February most resolution setters have given up on their diet and fitness goals. In fact, in a recent Silk survey, 71 percent of women said eating healthier is one of the most difficult resolutions to keep, meaning that’s the first thing to go when life gets a little crazy.

To make sure you don’t get lumped into the statistic of those throwing in the towel, healthy living expert Kathy Freston shared her tips to stick to your diet resolutions. Keep these three easy tricks in mind and make it through 2012 with your diet in tact:

1. Switch out milk for Silk soymilk, almond, or coconut milk in your cereal. These are great alternatives ease into a more plant-based diet.

2. Eat an apple a day. Apples are rich in dietary fiber and a lower calorie snack that will leave you feeling full.

3. Stay hydrated by drinking eight ounces of water a day, eight times a day. H2O too boring for you? Add an orange or cucumber to your glass to give it some extra flavor.

Now tell us: Have you stuck with your resolutions so far? How do you do it?

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#140Wednesdays: What Do You Love About Yourself? #ilove

February 8, 2012 at 6:54 pm
By Colleen Moody

In our February issue of FITNESS (on newsstands now!) we wanted to start the Valentine’s Day love fest a little early by celebrating a very important person – you! We’ve been asking you all month to tweet something you heart about your mind, body or spirit. Read a few below and give yourself an e-pat on the back by tweeting @FitnessMagazine with the hashtag #ilove and what you’re swooning over lately.

@FitnessMarianne: #ilove that I can still run a 10-minute mile even after taking a year+ off because of injury. #crosstrainingworks

@halfofjess: #ilove that I always stand back up after falling down.

@Jen_Vern: #ilove my hair color! I hope I never have to dye it, because I don’t think I could find the color I would want!

@lindametzger: The fact that I recently completed my first fitness goal ever… a 5K! #ilove

@Livin4Laffs: #ilove my determination to work out no matter how tired I may be!

More from FITNESS: What We Love About Our Bodies

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#140Wednesdays: This Week I’m Going to Work On…

February 1, 2012 at 5:00 pm
By Colleen Moody

Setting goals is one of the keys to living a fit and healthy life. Whether you are a big picture goal setter or prefer little milestones along the way, having something to focus on can keep your priorities straight and help you stick to your weekly workout schedule. This week we want to know what you’re working on! Read below to see what our Twitter followers have on their to do list, you might even find a new goal to add to your own.

@LAcutieonduty: This week I’m going to work on my abs. (FIT TIP: Working on the same body part? Try these exercises to sculpt your core.)

@misschoclatrain: This week I’m going to work on my 5K training! (FIT TIP: This training plan will help get you started!)

@kristy_joy: This week I’m going to work on my miles. I’m trying to rack them up!

@Leslie_Wallace: This week I’m going to work on relaxing and getting a good night’s sleep. I think it will help with my morning workouts.

@HungryRunner: This week I’m going to work on running faster by running smarter! (Better technique, longer strides)

@ONeener: This week I’m going to work on PORTION CONTROL.

Read more

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Fit Blogger We Love: Health on the Run

January 26, 2012 at 2:29 pm
By Samantha Shelton

Head on over to Health on the Run and you’ll find a girl who seriously loves running and isn’t afraid to show it. Lauren manages a hectic racing schedule, a busy work life and keeps up with, well, her health, while donning her famous watermelon color combination. Throw in a social life and wedding planning (she’s recently engaged—congrats!) and we wonder how Lauren juggles it all. So we figured we’d ask. Read on to find out what keeps her pushing through tough runs and where her happy place is.

On my fit life list: If you ever read my blog, you may figure out rather quickly that I’m sort of obsessed with 200-mile relays—when you pile into two vans with 11 other crazy runners and run for 24-plus hours straight. My life’s goal is to find a sponsor who will allow me to be a professional relay runner (although I’d create a super official-sounding title for myself, of course). I will bring my bright watermelon race outfits and enthusiasm; you bring the coffee and snacks.

But since no sponsors seem to be coming forward, other big items on my fit life list are:

• Hike the Appalachian Trail
• Run a major marathon in another country, especially London
• Run a three-hour marathon
• Start my own race/race series—the medals may or may not be in watermelon colors
• Become a high school cross country coach. High school is where I fell in love with running and I would love to be able to inspire young athletes the same way that my coaches motivated me.

I’m happiest when I’m: Outside in the mountains. I know I live in the city, but I’m really a country girl at heart. Give me a cabin on top of a mountain and I’ll be a happy camper. Well, as long as I have my fiance, EC, and my dog…and the Internet…and maybe a group of friends to run with, too.

Most embarrassing song I’ll admit I work out to: “I Am Woman” by Jordin Sparks. It’s so incredibly cheesy and the lyrics are pretty awful, but I still belt it out when I need a motivation boost.

My fitness mantra: “Mentally tough, physically strong.” Back when I was just getting into the sport of running and struggling with managing my asthma, my mom used to repeat that phrase whenever I seemed to be fading on a run. It’s simple and sort of rhythmic when you say it over and over again. To this day, I still repeat it whenever I’m struggling during a long run or race.

My biggest indulgence: Ice cream. I love it year-round and can never seem to pass up a sale at the grocery store. I’m slightly ashamed to admit that it’s not unheard of for me to have three or four open cartons in my freezer at one time. And yes, I live alone.

Do you have a favorite fit blogger you want us to highlight? Leave a comment below or email blog@fitnessmagazine.com

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