FitSugar

Get Motivated: Homeless Running Group

FitSugar — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 02:00:00 PDT

Running is truly a metaphor for life. Anne Mahlum, founder of the homeless running program Back on My Feet believes so since there is always another mile to run, and each mile is covered one step at a time.

No stranger to early morning runs, the veteran marathoner Mahlum often found herself being cheered on by the homeless of Philly. One morning, she asked herself this question:

Why am I running past these guys? I'm moving my life forward every day – and these guys are standing in the same spot.

Her answer was to found Back On My Feet, a running group for the homeless. The requirements to join in the fun of the running group are simple, folks must live in one of the three facilities affiliated with the organization and be clean and sober for 30 days. Members receive new running gear, shoes and clothes, and the group runs three mornings a week starting around 6:00 a.m. The 54 homeless members and the 2,500 volunteers together have logged over 5,000 miles. Impressive indeed!

There's more so

read more. Mahlum hopes to expand Back On My Feet to include at least 10 Philadelphia shelters before taking the program to other cities. She's a practical woman who knows that a pair of running shoes is a far cry from a place to live, but the discipline and focus of running can definitely translate into the real world. And her running group is a support group as well; it even has a job training program as a partner. I say, lace up and take it to the streets! Source

Whitney's Chris D'Elia Is Back With More Relationship Advice

Annie Scudder — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 11:00:09 PST

Single and looking for eligible, normal guys? Don't move to LA, says Chris D'Elia, who plays a lovable and hilarious boyfriend on NBC's Whitney. That's some of the advice the standup comedian dished out in response to our readers' questions. Yesterday he addressed your Valentine's Day dilemmas, and today's he's back to tackle general dating and love debacles.

Is it fair to barter TV shows with my fiancé? As in, two hours of The Bachelor equals half of a football game?

Chris: Look, I don't like football, but if I did and I wanted to watch it, then I would expect to have to sit and watch something like The Bachelor, and I would try my best to get into it, or at least find why she liked it. The other alternative is like, "OK, I want to watch football you want to watch The Bachelor, then let's agree on something else." But then neither of you get to watch what you want to. For The Bachelor, I'd want to watch Dexter.

Where do normal men hang out in LA? If you can solve this mystery (preferably with a chart that includes days of the week, locations, and "type" of guy) I guarantee you could sell it for millions in addition to making this single lady very happy.

Chris: I don't think that's a fair question. I think people move to LA because they're not normal.

What's the best way to suggest to any man that he needs to get some new clothes?

Chris: The worst thing you could do is beat around the bush, or side step it. You got to just say it. But I had an ex, and she was like "you got to get Converse," and she kept saying it - "get Converse." I was finally like, "OK, I'll get a pair of Converse." And I got a pair of Converse. I got those regular Chuck Taylor ones, but I literally got every single color of the Converse, and I wore them all the time. And a year later, she was like "All you wear is Converse." So you have to be careful with that, you'll create a monster.

Why do men need their man caves?

Chris: I think that men think they need their man caves. They don't really do. They think they want them, and then the second they do get them and they have alone time and time away from the girl, and the girl is really cool with giving them alone time, then that's when they, or at least I, start to think, "So, why are you so cool with me being alone? What's wrong with me that you don't want to be with me every second."

How can I ask my husband to do housework without sounding like a task master?

Chris: Don't make a list. Don't pin anything up on the fridge. I'm a dude, obviously, and when I'm not in a relationship, I don't do any of that stuff. I don't do laundry until I want to. But if I live with a girl, you have to do it when she wants to or when we want to, which sucks. That totally messes up my day. So just come out and just say it. Just have a good attitude about it and don't wait until you get frustrated.

How would you describe your perfect woman and how could she attract your attention?

Chris: Tweet at me. That gets my attention. The number one thing is, you have to have a good attitude. Find the humor and the fun in things that aren't even fun. The two things that turn me off completely are negativity and if a girl's cheap. I mean, I'll pay for everything, but if a girl just mentions it, that's a turn off. That and DON'T WEAR FLIP-FLOPS. It's terrible. I mean come on. Put something on your feet. What if you have to run away? You're dead.

I'm moving in with my boyfriend next month and it's the first time I'm living with a man. What should I prepare for? Get the answer and much more advice from Chris below!

Check Yourself: Running Form To-Do List

FitSugar — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 14:59:26 PST

Whether you're new to running since Jan. 1 or just trying to find your fitness groove, running can be difficult to love 24/7. When my affection for running wanes, one thing that helps bring back the love is technique. When out for a run, I go through this simple list to check my form. It makes me a mindful runner, which helps not only avoid injury but also helps me find my stride once again.

Before you head out to put this checklist to work, be sure to enter to win a year supply of running shoes from Asics. Nothing motivates more than a new pair of sneaks!

Here's my form checklist, starting with the feet.

Land midfoot, not on the heel. Striking the pavement with your heel naturally puts on the brakes, which slows you down and leaves you prone to injury since it's jarring. Not convinced? Read more about heel striking here.
Keep your ankles relaxed and pick your feet up. Bringing the heel toward the bum to activate the hamstrings - a good thing - while pushing the ground away causes muscles to fatigue more quickly, especially the calf.
Shorten your stride. It's nicer for your knees. Really, it is.
Lean slightly forward. The lean should start at your ankles, not your waist, since bending in the middle can hurt your back and it's also inefficient.

To see what you should be doing with your upper body while running, just keep reading.

Reese Witherspoon's "Om"-azing Arm Workout

Self — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 04:15:35 PST

We are pumped to share one of our fave stories from Self here on FitSugar!

Reese Witherspoon may be one of Hollywood's most in-demand leading ladies, but don't expect the Oscar winner to solicit any special treatment during her tri-weekly yoga sessions.

"We've done private training a few times but she usually comes to the group class," says YogaHop owner Matthew Reyes, who has trained Witherspoon for the past five years. "I treat Reese the same as I treat everyone else but I'm glad she feels comfortable enough to come in with the general public."

Reyes enthusiastically endorses the 35-year-old's other passion (running) as a perfect complement to yoga but warns, "Women across the board, especially runners, have a much better developed lower body than upper body." That's why he pushes the actress to find her edge in every power yoga session. "My goal is, if someone were to work out until their arms were exhausted, take a day off then do it again, take a day off and do it again. You will see some really nice development in your muscular tone."

Want to get strong, sexy arms like the Water For Elephants star? Add these four moves to your regular routine three times a week and you'll be flaunting Witherspoon-like guns in no time.

See the moves after the break.

3 Must-Do Yoga Poses For Tight Hips

Jenny Sugar — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 03:06:42 PDT

Whether you suffer from tight hips because you run, sit at a desk all day, are pregnant, or were just born with oh-so-tight hips, here are three yoga poses you can do every day to increase flexibility and reduce tension in this commonly stiff area. Mix up the sequence each time you do it to keep your muscles guessing.

One of my favorite stretches after a run, Lizard will target your hips and hip flexors.

Begin in Downward Facing Dog. Step your right foot forward between your palms keeping your hands on the floor. Lower your left knee to the mat, and release your elbows to the floor as well. Either rest your hands on the ground or bring your hands together in prayer position.
Continue to squeeze your right knee toward your body and gaze forward to encourage your hips to lower toward the floor. After five breaths come back onto your hands. Tuck your left toes and step your right leg back. Take a vinyasa (exhale as you lower to Four-Limbed Staff, inhale to Upward Dog, then exhale to Down Dog), step your left foot forward, and repeat this pose on the left side.

I'm just getting started so keep reading for two more effective hip opening yoga poses.

8 Ways to Motivate and Get Off Your Cold Weather Butt

Self — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 04:08:54 PDT

We are pumped to share one of our fave stories from Self here on FitSugar!

I got chills. They're multiplying. But they're not of the Grease Lightening variety. It's getting cold (nearly 75 degrees in LA) and I'm starting to see visions of couches, heavy meals, hot chocolate and layered clothing (to hide the blubber!).

What? You need fat for warmth . . . supposedly.

Okay, fine. Better nip this cold weather slump in the bud before I settle down for a five-month Snuggie hibernation. Luckily, I have certified trainer and owner of new BIA Strong Body Studio Rebecca Black (not that Rebecca Black) to motivate me. And now so do you.

And Black knows a thing or two about weight loss. Not only does the Columbus, Ohio-based trainer help other people get in shape (while participating in bikini fitness competitions), but she also experienced her own weight loss transformation. "I lost about 40lbs," she explains. "But it took longer than it should have because I didn't know what I was doing and neither did my trainer."

As we all know, it's easy to fall into bad habits, especially as the winter months approach. "This is when people pack on the pounds, especially in the Midwest and on the East Coast," laments the trainer. "As soon as the temperature starts to drop, people become hermits: Instead of going to the gym, they watch TV. They're back to school and super busy. And it's football season, so there's tailgating. I even fall into that rut and I'm a trainer. If I don't want to get up at 5am and train people, why would my clients?"

Luckily, Black has certain tricks for getting people up and ready to exercise. Here are her top eight motivational tips after the break.

Reebok to Refund $25 Million Over False Claims of Toning Shoes

Susi May — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 16:02:00 PDT

It's not all that surprising that Reebok settled a law suit over claims used to pimp its toning shoes. The lawsuit, brought by the Federal Trade Commission, comes on the heels of a report released last year by the American Council of Exercise, which found toning shoes to be no better than sneakers.

Makers of the EasyTone and RunTone toning shoes, Reebok has agreed to pay $25 million in refunds to consumers for false claims that its toning shoes worked muscles more than regular athletic shoes - ads included, among other stats, that the shoes work the glutes 28 percent more than walking shoes. The FTC investigation found that Reebok had no evidence to back up its data. Announcing the settlement, David Vladeck, director of the agency's Bureau of Consumer Protection, said, "Consumers expected to get a workout, not to get worked over." The company stands by its shoes and the balance ball technology used in the shoe to supposedly increases the work in your legs. If you purchased a pair of People Reebok toning shoes after Dec. 5, 2008, you apply for a refund through the FTC.

I tested more than a few brands of toning shoes over the years and didn't really feel a difference toning wise. Wearing MBTs, however, really helped keep my troublesome back pain-free while teaching Pilates eight hours a day. What about you? Do you have a pair of toning shoes in your closet or on your feet?

10 Things Worth Paying More For

Bundle — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 00:15:34 PDT

We're thrilled to present this smart Bundle story here on Savvy!

It is better to save, than it is to spend - that's usually a winning (and smart!) mantra to live by. But there are actually some things that are worth the extra dollars in cost. Here are 10 of them.

Service. Consumers like to complain about the terrible service they get from certain companies - cell phone and cable TV providers, for example, or dry cleaners and tailors. Ever have to fight with customer service on the phone over a dispute on your cell phone bill? Ever pick up a pair of pants from the tailor only to later discover that your hemlines were uneven? Had a bad haircut? It's worth it to pay more for quality service. People who are skilled in their craft generally charge more for their expertise, and people are willing to pay for a good experience - especially if that means having a bad experience that the service provider is willing to quickly make right for you for free. That's priceless.
Direct flights. We're used to going onto sites like expedia.com or kayak.com to find the cheapest airfare for wherever we want to go, but it's often worth it to pay the extra money for a direct flight. Not only do you avoid the hassle of having to transfer planes at a layover, you save the precious time you could be spending more efficiently at your destination. I'd pay $50 or $100 more for a flight in a heartbeat if that means six extra hours with my family and friends during the holidays instead of snacking on overpriced airport food in the middle of nowhere waiting to get on the second leg of a flight.
Closet basics. There's absolutely no reason you should spend $200 on a pair of designer jeans. But a good, durable pair of jeans from a retailer like Levi's, which produces them for around $50, can last much longer than cheaper brands from big box stores. The key word here is basics: You don't want to spend a lot on whatever is "in" now, but stuff that you can wear no matter what year it is: A nice suit that will work for both a job interview or a wedding. A nice pair of shoes that can be dressed up or down. A white dress shirt you can wear to work or a night out. One nice coat to get you through many many winters. Spending money on quality basics means you'll have things to wear for a long time without ever going out of style, and that actually saves money in the long run.

Read on for more things worth paying more for.

Not Feeling It? Ways to Motivate and Get Your Run On

Jenny Sugar — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 16:24:48 PDT

We all have good intentions. We set our alarms the night before, lay out our workout clothes, and even make a date with friends to run. But sometimes you wake up and you're just not feeling it. But don't skip out on your run - you know you'll regret it later. Use these tried and true tips (we used them ourselves) to motivate yourself on days when running feels more like dragging.

Give Yourself Five Minutes
Go through the effort to slip on your sports bra and sneaks and tell yourself you'll run for just five minutes. That's usually how long it takes to warm up and get into a groove, so once the five minutes are up, you'll have the physical and mental energy to finish the rest of your workout. If after five minutes you're still feeling sluggish, give it another five minutes. If after 10 full minutes you're feeling worse than when you started, your body might be telling you it needs a break, and it's time to throw in the towel until tomorrow's workout.

Start With a Hill
I know it seems crazy to start with something that requires so much effort, but if you get the hardest part over with first, the rest of your run will feel like smooth sailing. Plus, reaching the top of a hill always invigorates me and puts a little pep in my step.

Continue reading for more motivating tips.

If You Spin, Try Clipping In: Cycling Shoes Rock

Susi May — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 16:03:36 PDT

Indoor cycling classes make for lovely gams, this is true. But with cycling shoes on your feet, the ones that clip into the pedals, you will be toning your muscles much more effectively. Rather than overworking your quads by mashing the pedals downward to make the crank move, when you're "clipped in," you can make a smooth circular stroke that activates your hamstring, too. Pulling up with your heel at the back part of your pedal stroke utilizes the power of your hamstring - I for one am always trying to figure out new ways to work my backside. When you work the entire leg, you bike stronger and more efficiently, too, so you tire later and can really kick out the jams throughout your sweat session.

Another feature of cycling shoes is the stiff sole, which decreases the chances of your feet bugging you in class by going numb or developing hot spots. The stiff shoe also ensures that the power you put in to pedal moves the pedal rather than flexing the shoe. Cycling geeks like to wax poetic about the "power transfer," but when you're in standing sprint, rocking out to the latest Rihanna remix, you want your pedaling to move the crank, not bend your shoe.

If you're looking into purchasing a pair of kicks dedicated to your spinning obsession, look for mountain biking shoes with SPD cleats for two reasons: most spin bikes are equipped with pedals to fit this cleat style, and the shoes are much easier to walk around in than road bike shoes that tend to have very big, slippery plastic cleats. The Women's Spirita Touring Shoe ($90) by Specialized has a great stiff, nonslip sole for easy walking to and from the cycling studio. Cycling shoes may seem like a big investment, but in my experience each pair lasts for many seasons, unlike running shoes, which I find need to be replaced every 300 to 400 miles.