FitSugar

Tips on Breaking in New Sneakers

FitSugar — Fri, 22 May 2009 12:00:00 PDT

If you run by the motto "new season, new sneakers," you're probably looking to purchase some new kicks. Here are a few pointers to keep in mind as you break in your new running shoes.

Buy a new pair before your old pair needs to retire. That way if you start to feel pain or a blister coming on, you can switch back to the pair you know and love. Continue alternating between your old and new sneakers until you gradually make the switch over to your new ones.
Before exercising in them, wear your new sneaks around the house or to do errands. It will give them a chance to stretch out and mold to your feet.

Find out other helpful tips after you

Start off with low impact activities before jumping into high impact activities. If running in them is your goal, walk in them for a while and then start running short distances. Gradually work your way up to longer runs.
Break in your new sneaks on the terrain you normally work out on. That means if you only run on a treadmill, break them in on a treadmill.
Always wear the same kind of socks you'll be exercising in while breaking them in.
Be patient and keep in mind that it may take a month of workouts to get your sneakers to shape to your feet.

5 Things: Breaking in New Sneaks

FitSugar — Mon, 05 May 2008 14:30:00 PDT

Spring always inspires me to buy new fitness gear, so if you're like me, you probably picked up a new pair of sneakers. Here are some things to keep in mind when breaking them in.

Buy a new pair before your old ones start to fall apart. That way if you start to feel pain or a blister coming on, you can switch back to the pair you know and love. Continue alternating between your old and new sneakers until you gradually make the switch over to your new ones.

Start off with some lower impact activities to give your sneakers a chance to stretch out and mold to your feet. Don't just slip them on and continue with your regular running routine. Walk in them for while and then start running short distances. Gradually work your way up to longer runs.
Break in your new sneaks on the terrain you normally work out on. That means if you only run on a treadmill, break them in on a treadmill.
Always wear the same kinds of socks you'll be running in while breaking them in.
Be patient and keep in mind that it may take a month of workouts to get your sneakers to shape to your feet.

Fit Tip: On the inside of your sneaks, in permanent marker, write down the date you started wearing your new sneaks, so you'll know when it's time to buy some new ones.

Source

3 Ways Walkers Can Benefit From Going Barefoot

Jenny Sugar — Thu, 10 May 2012 13:57:41 PDT

If you're into running, there's no doubt you've heard the buzz about barefoot running. It's become trendy for a reason: running barefoot can help you have better form and technique, preventing injury and pain. Runners aren't the only ones who can benefit from ditching their footwear. If walking is your exercise of choice, here are some reasons you'll want to try going barefoot.

Active and engaged muscles: Slipping on shoes may protect your feet from dangers, but it also means the muscles in your feet don't have to work as hard. The cushioned sole of a shoe absorbs all the sensations and pressures, which means your feet have become more passive over time. Because weak muscles are more prone to strain, pain, and injury, walking barefoot allows you to engage your body more, making feet stronger and better able to handle workouts.
Better walking form: One way a walker can have incorrect form is by roughly pounding the ground with each step. Cushiony sneakers absorb the force, so you're not even aware that you may be walking incorrectly. Remove your shoes and you'll instantly walk lighter, causing less jarring impact on your joints. Even though walking is considered a low-impact sport, it's still hard on your feet. Improving form means less risk for injury.
Busting through the walking plateau: Walking the same way, day in and day out, means using identical muscles every time you head out for a walk. Your body quickly strengthens the muscles in use, easily adapting to the demands placed on them. Without the opportunity for new challenges, muscles won't become stronger and can actually become injured from overuse. Walking barefoot forces your body to use other muscles not normally used when walking with sneaks, which helps you achieve a more effective and different type of workout. You'll especially feel the difference when walking barefoot on different surfaces.

Keep reading to learn how to start barefoot walking.

This Weekend, Go For a Jog

Leta Shy — Fri, 04 May 2012 12:23:12 PDT

In the midst of all your margarita- or mint julep-fueled celebrating this weekend, here's a reminder to pull on your running sneakers and go for a jog: a new study has found that regular jogging can help you live longer.

The study compared joggers and nonjoggers as part of a larger Danish study that's been tracking 20,000 people for over 30 years. Researchers compared about 2,000 joggers from the study with nonjoggers and found that the joggers were 44 percent less likely to die from any cause compared to those who didn't jog, and in general had longer life spans - up to six years longer. Running and jogging can help lower your risk of many diseases and conditions, like high blood pressure, cancer, and high cholesterol, so it's no surprise that the regular joggers in the study were healthier overall.

The good news is that you don't have to become a serious runner to reap the benefits; researchers say that the most benefits came from jogging at a slow or average pace (not strenuous enough to feel too out of breath) for one to two and a half hours a week, and it's fine to break your jogs up into a few sessions during the week. Why not start now? Here's an easy jogging-walking workout for you to try this weekend.

5 Tricks to Get the Most Out of Your Outdoor Run

Shape — Thu, 03 May 2012 04:11:45 PDT

We are pumped to share one of our fave stories from Shape here on FitSugar. This week Shape turns to celebrity trainer Jay Cardiello for some help!

The weather is getting nice and you may have been bitten by the "run bug." To make the transition from indoor runs to the great outdoors seamless and safe, I compiled a list of my top five tricks to get the most out of your outdoor run. Whether you have had some success running on the treadmill, or you are completely new to outdoor running, there are two crucial factors that you must understand.

25 Most Deceiving Exercises (They Tone More Than You Think).

First, let's talk about a little guy named Newton. See, Newton has this law that states that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. Are you with me so far? Good. Well, with runners, the concern is what we run on. The harder the surface the greater the ground reaction force, which is basically the force exerted by the ground back onto the body (in this case, our little legs) that are in contact with it, is. To simplify this, surfaces like concrete and pavement will cause a greater reaction back into our joints and legs than an energy absorbing treadmill. This not only makes us work harder, but will tire us out faster and cause greater stress on our joints.

Are Your Workouts Causing Pain? How to Find Out.

Second, the treadmill is a flat belt that provides consistency with each step. There are no stones, traffic, or inclement weather activity that would cause you to be off balance or have to change your gait. Running outdoors forces the body to make constant small adjustments. That said, here is what’s going to make your outdoor run a successful one.

5 Unique Ways to Make the Most of Your Treadmill.

Learn how to make the most out of your outdoor runs after the break!

Dispel These Common Complaints and Start a Love Affair With Running

Jenny Sugar — Wed, 02 May 2012 02:27:29 PDT

You want to love running, you do, but every time you head out for a run, you end up hating it even more. Check out some of the most common complaints below, and find out how you can turn your relationship with running around for the better.

"My Knee, My Back, My Feet - Everything Hurts"
Pounding the pavement is not easy on the body, and one reason for aches and pains is poor running form. Here's a body checklist to make sure you're running properly and efficiently. Sneakers that are old or unsupportive can also lead to joint pain, so here are tips to help you find the perfect pair of running shoes. Be sure to replace shoes every few hundred miles or every few months (whichever comes first). Also, don't run every day - including other types of exercise is a must in preventing repetitive stress injuries.

"It's Boring"
Running is the definition of repetition, so if you're on a treadmill, make it more exciting by watching your favorite TV show, listening to a new audiobook or CD, running next to a chatty friend (just make sure to keep your gaze forward), or "racing" an unknowing treadmill runner. If none of that seems appealing, bring your runs outdoors. The beach or the woods are full of natural obstacles to keep you on your toes, and the fresh air and scenery are sure to lift your spirits. Choose a different location every time to keep workouts exciting, and bring your dog along. It's also fun to track your workouts using a heart rate monitor, GPS watch, or an inexpensive running app like one of these.

Keep reading to find out how to deal with other running complaints.

Not Psyched to Sweat? Motivate a Workout in 5 Minutes or Less

Jenny Sugar — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 02:30:58 PDT

You work out every day at noon, but today, you just don't feel like it. When you're suffering from the workout blahs, you need a few techniques in your hydration ~~tool~~ belt to instantly inject some pep in your step. Think of these the next time you need quick motivation - you'll be in your sports bra and sneakers in no time!

Ask Madonna for help: You know how you hear your favorite upbeat song and you can't help but bop your head and mouth the words? Use the power of music to motivate your workout, by blasting a booming, fast-paced tune. By the time the three minutes are up, you'll be out the door. Need some new tunes? Check out this list of top 100 workout songs.
The power of a few words: Sometimes all it takes is to hear one quote about sweating it out, and you're on your feet, ready to go. This one always gets me psyched: "The hardest step for a runner is the first one out of the front door." Read through these motivational quotes to inspire your workout, or print out your faves and look at them the next time you need a kick in the pants.
Phone a friend: Make a quick call to a good friend. Tell them you're thinking of skipping out, and they'll tell you exactly what you need to hear, "Just do it because you know you'll feel so much better afterward." Maybe they'll even join you!
Follow the five-minute rule: Even if you don't want to, get dressed and start working out for at least five minutes. Within the first few minutes, you'll probably feel more energized and will want to keep going. If you still don't feel like it, then you probably truly need a break.

60 Seconds With Brooklyn Decker: Tomboy Tendencies, Her Sneaker Obsession, and More

Hannah Weil — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 07:25:22 PDT

We got a pleasant surprise at last night's Splendid Soho store opening when we spotted fellow party guest Brooklyn Decker. With a new film under her belt - and a collection of seriously gorgeous premiere and press looks to go with - not to mention, one very hot new editorial in GQ, we've been following Brooklyn's every styled move. Last night, we got the chance to talk Battleship tour, her styling M.O., and find out a little more about those amazing gold sneakers. Read on for 60 seconds with the gorgeous Brooklyn Decker - and shop her whole look from last night.

FabSugar: Tell us a little about your look and how you styled your Splendid tee for tonight?
Brooklyn Decker: "I'm wearing Opening Ceremony, Splendid, and Miu Miu. I love basics, but you've got to mix them with something a little funky, so I picked the Opening Ceremony skirt. I'm a bit of a tomboy so as soon as I put on this skirt, truth be told, I felt way too girlie, so I put on sneakers."

Read on for more about Brooklyn's Battleship press tour and last favorite fashion find.

How to Travel to a Destination Race With Success

Michele Foley — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 01:37:33 PDT

Competing in a race is already a challenge in itself; add to that a bit of travel, and you've got a new set of factors to consider. To find out how to achieve race-day success when traveling across the country - or world - we went straight to the expert, Thom Gilligan, founder of Marathon Tours, a specialized travel agency for runners that provides travel packages to destination marathons. Here are Thom's tips to ensure traveling won't prevent you from having a successful race day, whether you're doing a 10K or a marathon.

Pack race-day gear in your carry-on: Airlines lose luggage - it just happens. "Take precaution by packing all race gear in your carry-on," Thom says. The last thing you need is to be without your running shoes or outfit on the day of the race. Sure, you can buy new gear, but as any expert will tell you, running in new sneakers or clothing on the day of a race is bad all around. You don't want unexpected factors like chafing, pulling, or rubbing to prevent you from having a good day or causing bad form.
Arrive before the day of the race: Jet leg and tight muscles from a cramped airline seat are not a good look when it comes to race day. To feel alert on the day of the race, try to get there as far in advance as possible. Thom says the rule of thumb is to "arrive one day earlier for every hour you may be gaining or losing." But even he knows how impractical this sounds. Ideally give yourself two to three days to acclimate to your new surroundings, he says. The most important thing, Thom says, is adapting your sleep patterns to the current time zone. Fight urges to nap during the day or stay up late at night. Instead, go to sleep at the general bedtime hour of wherever you might be; this will help reset your circadian rhythm to the local sleep-wake cycle. Here are more tips on preventing jet lag.

See more tips for destination races after the break!

9 Easy Tricks to Maximize Your Wardrobe

LearnVest — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 00:15:31 PDT

Despite what you think, you actually don't need more clothes. The trick is to just maximize your wardrobe. LearnVest shares how.

Whether you live for shopping the latest trends or wish you could spend every day in your favorite pair of jeans and a white t-shirt, your clothes project a message about who you are.

The great thing is that you have the power to control that message entirely - as long as what you already own isn’t standing in your way.

From having a wardrobe that’s bursting with every item of clothing you’ve had since childhood to owning a ton of pieces that you never wear (the definition of wasted money), these are the ways your closet can stop you from being the most stylish version of yourself.

To cut through the clutter and help you get the most from the items you already have, we polled everyone we know - including all of the LearnVest editors, who are definitely invested in looking their best on a budget, and one fashion expert - to come up with nine easy, inventive ways for you to make over the closet you have without spending a ton on new trends.

At least one of these strategies will dramatically change the way you feel about getting dressed in the morning.

1. Follow the Rainbow

This strategy comes courtesy of LearnVest reader Erin Greenbaum, who has used this technique for years with great success. Every day for a week, make sure that your ensemble includes an item of a certain color: week one is red, two is orange, three is yellow, etc. This will encourage you to search through your closet and actually wear the pieces that have been languishing, unloved, underneath your go-to items.

2. First In, Last Out

In her new book, You Are What You Wear, Dr. Jennifer Baumgartner says that the majority of people wear 20 percent of their closet 80 percent of the time. There are variations on this “first in, last out” wardrobe strategy, which prevent you from wearing a few pieces nonstop.

Instead of wearing the same small percentage of your closet every week, do what Assistant Editor Alden Wicker does: after wearing an outfit, she hangs it in the most remote corner of her closet, which forces her to see only pieces she hasn’t worn frequently. If she’s totally uninspired by a piece staring her right in the face, she has to decide whether to consign it or not. Another approach (which might be better if you like to organize by item type - dresses near dresses, shirts near shirts) is to hang each item inside out after you wear it (assuming you don’t have to wash it immediately). This way, you can easily see which pieces you’ve recently worn and which items you may have forgotten about.

Read on for more.