Do you have a fashionable friend who always carefully plans out her gym outfits? Then look no further than this gift guide. We've found a few cute, luxe items made for sweating it out (or for throwing on afterward). Cute gym clothes, bags, accessories — it's all here. Read on for 10 gift ideas for your fashionable fitness friend!
The function of Winter base layers is pretty straightforward; they're the first layer you put on to help keep you warm, dry, and comfortable when exercising in the cold outdoors. But just because no one else will see these underlayers doesn't mean you have to stick with boring black. Here are 10 colorful base layer tops and leggings that are anything but basic!
Yoga has long revered the process of going upside down for your body's health, and inversion therapy can do wonders for a tense and tight back. Once you strap yourself into this crazy-looking contraption and flip over, your body is able to reap the benefits of inversions — without having to stand on your head!
Take away tension: Flipping upside down in an inversion table takes pressure off the nerve roots in your back and increases the space between your vertebrae. Anyone who is constantly on their feet at work or loves to run can benefit from alleviating compression in their spine. As you flip more often, tension will dissipate and sore backs will strengthen.
Pump it up: Your body works against gravity to disperse blood everywhere it needs to go, especially when you're sitting at a desk most of the day. Hanging out in an inversion table helps your body out with this process. And if you're trying to detox, inverting is a big help. Just like doing a headstand or handstand in yoga, going upside down stimulates your lymphatic system, which helps flush out waste and toxins.
Stand tall: As we grow older, the vertebrae and spinal discs in our backs compress with age. This is one of the reasons people "shrink" with time. But by using an inversion table regularly, you're giving your spine the chance to lengthen and elongate. Not only does this help with tension pain, but it also helps you keep your height!
Have you ever tried out an inversion table?
Like any brand-new fitness plan, consult your physician before investing in a table. Also consider having a friend nearby for supervision the first time you try one out for yourself!
With Fall in full swing, it was time for another Instagram challenge! This time we asked readers to show us their sneakers! From Nikes to all-white tennis sneaks, see which shoes are inspiring FitSugar readers to get on the move!
November can mean the start of a gluttonous voyage that doesn't end until the New Year's ball drops, but even as we gear up for holiday fun, we've got health on the brain. From 5Ks to foam rollers to eco-friendly lunch boxes, here's how we're staying healthy and on the move in November!
Standard earbuds do not do the trick when it comes to a tough workout. Stressing out about music cutting out or losing your iPhone on a treadmill is not where the brain should be in the middle of a solid run. If you've grappled with this issue as much as I have, then you know it's no laughing matter. After creating my own contraption that requires a headband and a multitude of bobby pins, I was willing to give just about anything a shot. Luckily, the MEElectronics Sport-Fi S6 ($50) was brought to my attention. Keep reading to learn why I'm sticking with these workout-friendly earbuds.
Upon arrival, the Moji 360 Massager Kit ($70) looked like something out of 50 Shades of Grey, but from my first trial, I was hooked. The tiny stainless sphere balls on each of the massagers offer a full range of motion, but the intensity is up to you. If you're hanging on the couch, you can have a little bit more of a relaxed massage; if you're really trying to work through a tough spot, you can add as much intensity as you see fit.
Both massagers were great at relieving tension from hard-to-reach muscle groups in order to give our bodies some extra love and attention. But they offer more help than just soothing sore muscles; the massagers claim to assist in breaking up troublesome scar tissue and to increase circulation.
Want to hear why we loved them? Keep reading to find out.
Has all the excitement at the US Open made you ready to up your tennis game? From tennis lessons to the perfect racket, picking up the sport can be pricey, but if you're a casual tennis player, you can save money by investing in a few key pieces that you'll wear with everything. Once you've found the racket and tennis shoes, check out our picks for a versatile tennis outfit you'll wear again and again.
With late Summer and early Fall weather still warm in many parts of the country, you need a breathable trail runner that's also lightweight. Check out the Keen Ambler Mesh hiking shoe ($95).
The moment I slipped these on, I felt comfortable and supported. The toe box is slightly roomy, so the front of the foot has space to wiggle. The thick rubber sole is rugged, non-marking, and offers amazing traction, even in squishy mud or on slippery rocks. And one great feature is how the sole continues up the front of the shoe, giving toes added protection from sharp sticks or rocks. The soles also offers "S3 heel support," which means it dissipates shock with every step, and reduces the risk of twisting an ankle.
The outsole is made of breathable mesh and leather, and inside there's moisture-wicking lining, so it's perfect for keeping feet cool on hot runs. It'll protect you from a little puddle splash or light rain, but these definitely aren't waterproof. The laces tie easily and stay put, which aids in the arch support, and I'm also a fan of the comfy footbeds made of a blend of recycled polyurethane, cork, and memory foam that contours to feet — oh-so comfy!
And come on, these shoes also look great. Simple, yet stylish, and because they're so lightweight, you can easily sport them while hiking, doing some light backpacking, or while running errands in town.
