FitSugar

5 Things: Choosing New Running Sneaks

FitSugar — Thu, 23 Aug 2007 14:30:00 PDT

Finding the right sneaker is kind of like finding a good boyfriend. Running shoes should be comfortable, practical, and not too flashy. Here are some tips on finding the right shoe for you.

Figure out what type of foot you have (narrow, wide, low arches, no arches, etc.) and choose a sneaker to fit your foot. Don't look at color, brand, style, or price to gauge quality or superiority. You should base your decision on how they feel (chances are you'll find a few to choose from, not just the $175 pair). Also remember not to skimp on new sneakers either. There's a reason crappy sneakers are so cheap.
Think about where you'll be running and check out the material the shoe is made with. Many shoes are made with this airy mesh material so your feet don't overheat, but if you are going to be running near water, you'll want a waterproof sneak instead. Also, you may like the look of trail runners, but if you are strictly a pavement girl, you'll need a shoe that offers more cushion and support, and not such a rubbery sole.
Wear your old running shoes to the store. You'll probably be buying them at an athletic shop that's staffed with fellow runners, so have them look at your old kicks so they can gain some insight into what type of shoe may suit you best. Also wear the socks you'll be running in when trying on new sneakers.

Want to hear the rest? Then

Pick out shoes at the end of the day. Your feet are slightly larger then, since we spend so much time on our feet. If you pick out shoes at the end of the day, you'll ensure a more comfortable fit. It's better that they feel slightly loose than way too tight.
Break them in. Just because your new sneakers feel great in the store after wearing them for 5 minutes, doesn't mean they'll feel great after a 5 mile run. If the store has a treadmill or track you can run on, take them up on their offer. If they still feel good after a test run, buy them, and go on some shorter runs before zooming right into a 10k race.

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Running: Treat Your Feet Right With Quality Sneakers

FitSugar — Thu, 09 Aug 2007 10:15:00 PDT

One of the reasons I love running is that it really requires no special gear. You just need a body and a desire to run. Then again, you might not need a racquet or clubs to go for a good jog, but I would suggest quality running shoes.

If you are taking up running, good quality running shoes can seriously make this habit stick. Old shoes, tennis shoes, cheap shoes often don't provide enough cushion to protect your feet, ankles, and knees which can lead to injuries and prevent you from learning to love running. Since shoes are really the only important gear needed for running, I wouldn't skimp on them. You don't need to pay out the nose for some newfangled shoe, but generally what you pay for is what you get. Expect to pay around $100. Which may sound like a lot, but can you really put a price on your knees? Plus, maybe the guilt of an expensive gear purchase will motivate you to run.

Look for a well cushioned shoe that fits your foot, matches your foot type and gait pattern. The best place to start this endeavor is a running store since they tend to employ people obsessed with running. Therefore they should be able to help you figure out your gait and point you toward the shoe for you. The American Council on Exercise recommends shoes with greater shock absorption for runners with high arches, which may make you more prone to ankle sprains. On the other hand (or foot I could say), if you have low arches look for a shoe with greater support and heel control. Here is a list of running shoes rated by the The American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine. It should help you figure out what brands could be good for your needs.

Fit's Tip: Buy a shoe that’s as wide as possible across the forefoot without slipping in the heel.

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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!

Don't Skimp on the Cost of These Basics

Leta Shy — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 03:06:20 PDT

When it comes to your exercise clothes, there are ways to splurge and ways to save. But even if you don't have unlimited funds to spend on an outfit you just use to sweat in, spend wisely and strategically by at least investing extra money in these three pieces.

Your sports bra: Besides the discomfort of having a bra that doesn't fit or support you, regularly exercising in the wrong sports bra can lead to breast damage (they're moving in a figure-eight pattern, after all!), so make sure your bra is getting the job done by finding a brand and style that gives you ample coverage and support, especially during high-impact exercises. Here's how to pick the right sports bra for you, whether you're small-chested or well-endowed.

Your shoes: Your feet are doing a lot of work while you exercise, especially if you run, so make sure you are getting the right pair to support your arches and ankles and giving your toes enough room to move. It's not just about investing in an expensive pair, however: you should buy your shoes based on your exercise - whether it's hiking, running, or a cardio class. For example, while you can run in any kind of shoe, buying a pair that's not made for running can lead to overuse injuries. To start, we've got a video on how to pick the right running shoe for you.

Your pants: It's not that less-expensive pairs of exercise pants are bad - they're cheap and usually fit well, and you can collect a bunch to keep them in rotation. It's just that cheaper pants tend to lose shape, pill, and fade much faster than a better-constructed, more expensive pair. Plus, quality exercise pants tend to have little details, like strategically placed venting or tiny pockets to hold your house keys, which can help your performance while you work out.

Where do you skimp or splurge when it comes to your exercise clothes?

Purge, Then Splurge: 10 Ways to Treat Yourself With Your Tax Refund

Brittney Stephens — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 09:31:34 PDT

Hopefully by now you've filed your yearly tax return and your bountiful refund is well on its way, so what are you going to do with it? It's important to pay off some bills, add to your 401k, and sock some of your refund away in savings - but that doesn't mean you can't treat yourself too. While we don't recommend going overboard, you may find yourself in the position to indulge in a new bag, update your Spring basics, or snap up that pair of shoes you've been lusting after - as long as it's within reason. We suggest sticking to classic shapes and silhouettes and thinking out of the box when it comes to colors or prints, like a pair of candy-colored jeans in your signature style, or face-flattering sunglasses with a little something extra. Here are some of our other tips for dealing with that burning hole in your pocket:

If you get something, give something back. One of our go-to moves for buying something new is to give something away at the same time. If you're looking to pick up a new pair of jeans, make room for them by getting rid of that ratty pair you never wear. Looking to invest in a slew of new Spring tees? Throw away those stained, holey pieces that just aren't cutting it anymore. Most importantly, don't forget Goodwill. Purging your closet will make you feel a lot better about buying new things - plus, you can write off those donations next year!
Don't take it too far. Nothing is worse than overspending on something just to need that money later. You don't want to run into a medical emergency or encounter a random bill and hate yourself for having bought those Chloé wedges.
Sleep on it. An investment purchase is just that - an investment. You don't want to go into it with too little thought and end up making a bad decision. The best thing to do is have a think on it for a night or two; if you truly can't get it off your mind, it's probably meant to be (but keep your receipts, just in case).

Click through now to shop 10 of our favorite refund-worthy picks.

Photo courtesy of Vogue Turkey

Walk This Way: The Benefits of Walking

FitSugar — Wed, 04 Apr 2012 10:39:10 PDT

Around here, there's no exercise we don't love. Yoga, running, and rock climbing all have a place in our hearts. But we don't discount the most unassuming exercise of all, walking. It's a great no-fuss way to exercise (all you need are comfortable walking shoes!), and a moderately intense pace - 100 steps per minute - is the key to losing weight.

If you're in the mood for taking advantage of the season's long nights with more walks, investing in a pedometer is a good idea. You'll know exactly how many steps you take each day, which can keep you on the right track with your goals. In honor of National Walking Day (today!), here are some more benefits of walking that you can look forward to!

It's a moderate calorie burner. Walking at a 20-minute-mile pace burns about 103 calories every hour, which is not too shabby. And if you pick up your pace, you can burn a few calories more an hour - a 15-minute-mile pace will burn about 118 calories. Add a few more movements to your walk, and you've got a veritable cardio routine going on.

Check out more benefits of walking after the break!

Mirror Mirror: Boring Boring

Shannon Vestal — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 03:05:47 PDT

Mirror Mirror, the candy-colored vision of director Tarsem Singh, is the latest take on a classic fairy tale, with Lily Collins filling the shoes of Snow White and Julia Roberts as her nemesis, the wicked queen. But even with a solid cast and Singh's risk-taking aesthetic, the uneven script and undeveloped characters reduce it to a retread of an old story with a very pretty look. You know how it goes: the queen married Snow White's father, and after he dies, she sets about to get rid of anyone prettier than herself. That makes Snow White target No. 1, and when the girl is run out of the kingdom, she's forced to take shelter with a group of outlaw dwarves in the forest, becoming their caretaker of sorts. In this version, Snow White becomes their vigilante leader, while the perspective is largely from the wicked queen, who's trying to solve her financial problems by marrying rich Prince Alcott (the very dreamy Armie Hammer). While these twists are cute tweaks of the well-known tale, they don't make the story different enough, and the film drags on toward its obvious conclusion.

Singh is known for his bold, arresting aesthetic, like in films The Cell and Immortals, and he definitely has fun reimagining the setting of Snow White and her fairyland. It's clear that he's reining in the weirdness to give the film wider appeal, but some unusual elements sneak in there, like some creepy villainous puppets and a scene with the queen's downright gross beautifying routine. As polarizing as those scenes may be, the movie could have used some more weirdness, if only to give it a clearer angle. Sadly, the creativity is used up on the visuals, and the rest of the film suffers.

To find out why else I was disappointed by Mirror Mirror, just keep reading.

Create the Perfect Free For Your Feet

Sponsor — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 03:00:00 PDT

In the midst of your Spring cleaning, you probably noticed that it’s high time to replace those ragged, no-longer-supportive running shoes. How does swapping out those old dust collectors for some brand-new, completely customizable kicks sound? We’re talking about the Nike Free Run iD running shoe. You’re just a few easy steps away from your new favorite running shoes. Just choose the upper and midsole combination that meets the demands of your run, then pick your favorite colors, and voilà! Running couture.

For inspiration, check out our gallery of supernatural selections, including a variety of colors and builds, and start customizing today!

How to Keep Your Run Pain-Free

Leta Shy — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 12:54:30 PST

Sometimes, you start your run with the best intentions, only to be thwarted by recurring cramps and a headache that zaps all your energy. If you've experienced these nagging annoyances when you run, here are some tips for preventing pain and coping with it when it happens during your workout.

Headache: Often, a pounding headache that comes on during a run is due to inadequate water intake. Your body loses a lot of fluids while you're sweating it out on the treadmill, so before you even begin, make sure that you've had enough water throughout the day. During your run, sip water slowly, about five to 12 ounces every 20 minutes (or sip a sports drink with electrolytes if you are running for more than an hour), but don't drink so much that you feel all of it sloshing around in your stomach - that can lead to cramps or nausea.

More tips for pain-free running after the break.

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.