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Definition: Approach Shoes

FitSugar — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 12:00:49 -0800

Designed for scrambling up steep and exposed rock while being able to travel long distances, an approach shoe is a cross between a hiking boot and a rock climbing shoe. Most often used in mountaineering sports, the shoes are given their name because they reference the approaching path the wearer must take to get to a rock climbing destination. Depending on the area, the approach can be a mixture of walking, hiking, and scrambling up rocks.

Because there is often steep and exposed terrain (meaning there is a drop-off on one side of the path) encountered in rock climbing approaches, the shoes are more than just a hiking boot with a sticky rubber sole. The laces of an approach shoe usually extend down the entire area of the foot - like a climbing shoe - to ensure a snug fit that is helpful for getting up rocky terrain.

Approach shoes have a specialized sticky rubber sole that can adhere to rocks on a steeper gradient than a hiking boot would. The outer area of the shoe that surrounds the toe area - called the toe rand - is also made with this same sticky rubber for extra protection against scuffing and to perform well in situations where climbing is necessary.

Compared to a hiking boot, the sole of an approach shoe is made from softer rubber to ensure flexibility for scrambling up rocks. If you compare the sole of a hiking boot to an approach shoe, you'll notice that a hiking boot usually has deeper set lugs to ensure greater traction on dirt and ground. The flat, smoother surface of an approach shoe adheres better to rock than the lug soles of a hiking boot does - especially on slab terrain, which is vertical, flat rock lacking natural places to grip.

Affordable Yoga Clothes Under $40

FitSugar — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 12:00:14 -0700

FitSugar reader TxYogi posted a question in the Yoga Stretch and Tell group. She asked: "I love the look and fit of yoga gear from lululemon and Hard Tails, but I just can't bring myself to pay so much for clothes I'll probably do nothing but sweat in. Can anyone recommend some great fitting and great looking yoga gear at reasonable prices?"

I am wearing two of my favorite items in the photo on the left and these pieces are actually each under $20 - proving that there are deals to be had. For the details on these items and more, check out this slideshow. If you have any suggestions, please be sure to share them here.

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You Asked: Dealing With iPod Case Funk

FitSugar — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 09:00:14 -0700

Dear Fit,
I love my iPod Nano for running but I really hate the way the armband gets so smelly and sweaty! You can't wash your armband as frequently as your running gear because the thin plastic window gets destroyed. The best compromise I've found is to put some detergent in a bowl, let it soak in hot water, and then I rinse it out by hand and let it air dry overnight.

Do any of you have better ideas for keeping your iPod clean and non-smelly?
- spacekatgal

This question came to us from RunningSugar - FitSugar's online community dedicated to our readers who run. To hear my suggestion on getting rid of iPod funk, read more.

You're so right about iPod armbands getting sweaty and smelly. I spoke to all the runners I know and getting that nasty smell out seems to be a common problem.

Since your iPod armband has a plastic cover, handwashing is the best method to use. Like you pointed out, the plastic cover will end up coming off in your washing machine over time. You can also try washing your armband in the gentle cycle with cold water, but that might not get it clean enough. I'd suggest adding some vinegar to your soaking mix - since armbands trap bacteria, the vinegar will help kill the germs and the smell.

If you're open to a new product, I've been using the iStik for just over a year now and I love it. You put the iPod in a plastic face case, place that on your body wherever you like, and put the magnetic backing on the other side of your clothes in the same spot. I put mine on the waistband of my pants and it works like a charm.

I know it sounds a little iffy, but the magnets are extremely strong, your iPod is protected from sweat, and the case is so easy to clean. When I run, my iPod doesn't move around, and it's easy to change songs because I keep it on the belt area of my pants.

For more tips, advice, and support from fellow FitSugar runners, check out the RunningSugar group!

Gear Review: Modern Union Yoga Bag

FitSugar — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 15:00:03 -0700

Dealing with my yoga mat when I ride to the gym can be a pretty tricky feat. I have a bike basket that I can tie it to but it always throws me off balance. That's why I was really excited to find these messenger bags from Modern Union ($68). The bags were designed by yoga studio owners Stephanie Ofanankis and Belinda Osborne because the partners couldn't find a yoga bag that met their lifestyle needs - lucky me!

First off, I love the textiles they chose - simple, colorful, and modern. Beyond that it's a great bag to take to the gym or use on your days off. The straps on the bottom of the bag keep a yoga mat secure, and I like that there are outside pockets for a water bottle and cell phone. The inside of the bag is roomy enough to carry gym essentials or even a laptop. Inside are a bunch of smaller pockets so things don't get lost, including a key ring holder.

Most importantly these Modern Union bags make commuting on a bike so easy. There's a padded shoulder strap for comfort and a magnetic closure, which is great in case you need to get in and out of your bag quickly if you're stopped at a light. An added bonus is each bag is made out of durable cordura, meaning it won't be ripping, scuffing, or tearing on you anytime soon and it's water resistant.

Gear Review: 2XL Colorful Earbuds

FitSugar — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 13:30:51 -0700

Running with an iPod is as essential to me as a sports bra, but the earbuds that come with it won't stay in my ears unless I'm sitting still. If you have that issue too, then check out 2XL headphones. They have a few different models depending on your ear needs, but the best part is that they're really cheap - $10 to $15 a pair. They come in tons of color combinations so you can get a few pairs to match your fitness outfits and not break the bank.

To hear why I love these earbuds read more.

The earbuds on the right are called Groove ($15), and they're my fave for running since they wrap around the back of your ear and stay put even when doing sprinting intervals. I like that the speaker part just sits outside of the opening to your ear canal, because then I can hear my music, but can also hear what's going on around me - you know, in case a bear sneaks up behind me on the trail.

I also like the Spoke ($15) in-ear buds shown in the middle. Not only because they're metallic pink, but because they fit snugly inside my ears, and are perfect for strength training when I need to hear nothing but Christina Aguilera while doing squats thrusts. These buds come with three sets of changeable gels so you can get a comfortable fit no matter what size ears you have.

The earbuds on the left are called Ratio ($10), and they're just like the earbuds that come with your iPod. So if you prefer this model but are bored with the plain white ones you have, these come in seven different colors to suit your personality.

Check out all the color patterns below.

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What's the Most Expensive Piece of Fitness Gear You Own?

FitSugar — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 04:30:41 -0700

I know we are not supposed to love material possessions, but right now I am carrying on a hot and steamy affair with my new road bike.

I mean hot and steamy as in burning up the calories and sweating profusely - and it's wonderful. Yep, I took the plunge and upgraded from my 10-year-old hybrid to a sweet ride by Specialized. I paid a pretty penny, but I know this relationship is going to last. My bike is by far the most expensive piece of fitness gear I own. What about you?

Online Sale Alert: Athleta

FitSugar — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 03:30:07 -0700

I am a longtime fan of Athleta. Its stylish workout gear, cute yet functional swimsuits, and comfy clothing look good on and are made for motion. Just in time to squeeze the last little bit of fun out of Summer and to stock up on back to school fashions, Athleta is having a sale. Some items are reduced by 60 percent. They even have screaming deals on a last year's ski jackets if you're in the mood to get mountain ready. Here are some items that I have my eye on.

Outrun Tank - $59.00	Maia Bra by Moving Comfort® - $46.00
Nanda Coverup - $49.00	Swirl Jacket - $168.00
Drynamic Fitness Skort - $54.00	One Piece Halter - $69.00
Chakra Tank - $49.00	Summer Fun Tow-In Top - $44.00

I am stoked - the rashguard I included in my August Must Haves is now $42.50, marked down from $60.

Gear Review: Cell Voltra Running Shoe by Puma

FitSugar — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 03:30:17 -0700

I just took Puma's new running shoe, the Cell Voltra ($100), out for a test run.

The first thing I noticed was that the shoe is incredibly light. Being the curious sort, I put it on my digital kitchen scale to weight it. One shoe clocks in at 10.75 ounces - an ounce lighter than my Under Armour running sneaks.

The Cell Voltras capitalize on Puma's 10CELL technology used for building soles. Essentially, it's a layer system designed to create cushion and shock absorption as well as rebound. To see what I thought of these sneakers, just read more.

When I wore these shoes for strength-training workouts, to break them in a bit before wearing them on a run, I liked them. The front of the shoe felt thin, so I could really get a sense of the floor. The heel is nice and stiff, which seemed to provide support. But when I wore them running, I didn't feel like there was enough cushion on the ball of my feet since I strike mostly toward the front of my mid-foot. I felt like I was practically running barefoot. The insole was rather thin too, so my feet felt vulnerable. I think if you're a heel striker, this shoe might work for you, since the heel is stiff. I will definitely use this shoe for strength training and plyometrics, but not for running. Style-wise, I like how the shoe upper looks like a classic Puma - simple, with a flash of silver.

You can find these shoes at Finish Line.

Does anyone out there wear Pumas for running? Share your thoughts on your sneakers below.

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Take a Hike and Take These 10 Things

FitSugar — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 06:00:34 -0700

Hiking is not only a fun way to spend time with friends and family in the Summer, but you'll burn 355 calories each hour. Before you head out on the trail, you'll need some gear, so check out these hiking essentials.

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Design Your Own Swimsuit at Splish

FitSugar — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 10:00:00 -0700

Digging what you wear for your workouts makes a big difference. A triathlete friend of mine has always been a competitor, but being a mom inspired her to race even more. She wanted to carry the spirit of her family with her while training for an upcoming race, so she designed a swimsuit with the text "race like a mother" decorating her lovely tush, as well as her sons' names. When I saw her wearing her personalized suit designed at Splish, I knew I wanted to design my own suit too.

At Splish, you can choose from three suit styles (only one tiny suit available for men) and from there you can go crazy with text, graphics, colors, and prints. The website is easy to use and you can easily revise your design.

To see what I came up with, just read more.

Obviously, I didn't go to design school, but this suit has some FitSugar spirit. The suits cost between $60 and $70 depending on the fabric you choose. I am going to head back to Splish and tweak my design a bit.