FitSugar

Before Buying New Sneaks, Read Your Soles

FitSugar — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 10:00:55 PST

Before buying a pair of new running sneaks (or stocking up on a few), you can learn a lot about the kind of runner you are and the needs of your feet by checking out the condition of your old sneakers. According to an article in the March issue of Runner's World, here are some things you should look for before sneaker shopping:

Heel alignment: Place your sneaks side by side on a flat surface and look at the heels, checking to see if your sneakers lean to the right or to the left. If they lean inward, it's a sign that you're an overpronator. If they lean outward, then you're an underpronator. Neither is a bad thing, but when looking for your next pair, you should find ones that support how you pronate.

For more details on what to watch out for, keep reading

Podiatric Shoe List

FitSugar — Mon, 22 Jan 2007 07:30:17 PST

The American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine, an organization for advancing the understanding, prevention and management of lower extremity sports and fitness injuries, has come up with a list of the best shoes on the market out there for running.

The list was based off the following requirements: Stability, durability, availability, price point, quality control, orthotic compatibility and other specific features.

Running Shoes - Mild Pronation Control -
ASICS GT-2110 (pictured)
ASICS Gel Empire
Brooks Adrenaline GTS 6
Brooks Trance 5
Mizuno Wave Alchemy 5
Mizuno Wave Inspire 2
New Balance 767
New Balance 1221
Nike Air Structure Triax 9
Nike Air Max Moto
Nike Shox TL3
Saucony GRID Omni 5
Saucony Shadow 6000 (Classic)
Saucony Grid Hurricane 7 Running Shoes

To see the rest of the list

read more Running Shoes - Moderate Pronation Control - Adidas Supernova Control ASICS Gel Kayano XII ASICS Gel-Foundation VI ASICS Gel Evolution II Brooks Addiction 6 Mizuno Wave Elixer New Balance 857 ST ( Reebok Supreme Control DMX Puma Complete Premise Saucony: 3D Grid Regulate Saucony: Grid Stabil MC Running Shoes - Maximum Pronation Control - Brooks Beast Brooks Ariel Mizuno Wave Renegade 3 New Balance 1010 Running Shoes -Cushioning - ASICS Gel-Cumulus VI ASICS Gel Landreth Brooks Glycerin 4 Mizuno Wave Rider 9 Mizuno Wave Creation 7 Running Shoes - Trail - Adidas Supernova Trail Asics Gel-Eagle Trail Brooks Gila Montrail Diez Vista Montrail Vitesse Montrail Leona Divide Montrail Hurricane Ridge XCR Montrail Hardrock Montrail Kinabalu North Face Ultra GTX Source

Oh Please! Worst Gym Pickup Lines

Jenny Sugar — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 11:51:19 PST

It's Valentine's Day and maybe you have found love at the gym (I met my hubby in a yoga class!) While there's nothing wrong with a little harmless flirting during a workout, some people take it a little too far. Sometimes Cupid's arrow really misses the mark. To celebrate these awkward blunders, we've rounded up some of the worst pickup lines overhead at gyms. Maybe one of these has been used on you?

Read on for some cringe-worthy come-ons:

I know milk does a body good, but baby, how much have you been drinking?
Your daddy must have been a baker, because you've got a sweet set of buns.
You look like a cool glass of refreshing water, and I am the thirstiest man in the world.
Do you have tickets? [you say, "Tickets?"] Yeah, do you have tickets? Tickets to the gun show. [he flexes biceps]
I know an activity that’s fun and burns 350 calories an hour . . .
Are your legs tired? Because you've been running through my mind all day long.
Do you squat here often?

Keep reading for more cheesy gym pickup lines.

Find the Perfect Pair of Running Shoes For Your Feet

Zelana Montminy — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 14:46:11 PST

If you're looking to add running to your fitness routine, buying some new sneakers could be the motivation you need to get out the door. Since the shelves of colorful shoes lining the walls of your local sportswear store can be overwhelming, we talked to a running-shoe specialist to get the lowdown on finding your sole mate.

Shoe Review: New Balance 890

Susi May — Wed, 16 Feb 2011 02:00:29 PST

The barefoot running trend is, ironically, creeping into sneaker design. Inspired by the phenom of running sans shoes, many popular running shoe brands are bringing lighter weight running shoes to the market this Spring. New Balance, a company that built its reputation on well-cushioned, fortified sneakers, is introducing the revamped 890 running shoe ($100).

It's a bantam weight sneaker - one shoe clocks in at 7.75 ounces according to my little electronic food scale. Shoes this light are usually pared down racing flats, but the 890 is a neutral training shoe, meaning it still offers cushion. New Balance has created the midsole with a new foam, christened REVlite, which weighs nearly one third less of equally durable compounds.

But how does the shoe feel? Well keep on reading

Questions to Ask Yourself Before Buying a Yoga Mat

Jenny Sugar — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 02:36:43 PST

Buying a yoga mat is like buying a new pair of running sneakers. It takes careful consideration and research to find the right fit. Since there are hundreds to ~~confuse you~~ choose from, narrow down your search by asking these important questions.

How Much Do I Want to Spend?
Your budget is a huge factor in the mat you end up with. Do you have the dough to lay down for the priciest one on the market or are you happy buying a cheaper mat? The upside of buying a more expensive mat, like the Manduka PRO Black Magic ($104), is durability, which will actually save you money over time.

How Thick Do I Want It?
If you're new to the mat-buying scene, you might not realize that mats come in different thicknesses. A quarter-inch is the standard mat thickness, probably like the one you've borrowed from your studio. Think about how your body feels on this mat in certain poses where your bones are pressing into the floor. If you've felt discomfort, splurge on a thicker mat, but make sure it's also dense. A thick squishy mat makes balancing postures more difficult.

Keep reading for more things to consider when purchasing a new yoga mat.

Winter Running Woe: Numb Toes

Jenny Sugar — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 14:02:06 PST

If you'd rather skip a run than hit the treadmill, then there's no doubt you're continuing with your outdoor runs even through this brisk and snowy Winter weather. That doesn't mean you're not dealing with some discomfort along the way. I've given you some tips on how to beat burning lungs, but if it's your feet that are bothering you, here are some ways to avoid numb toes.

First, consider your socks. You can't get away with wearing the same thin, ankle-length wicking socks you sported in the warmer months. Splurge on some thicker knee-highs; socks made of wool will keep your feet warm and dry. Be sure your socks aren't too tight as that can cut off circulation (go up a size to be sure). You can also try compression socks to improve circulation in your feet and legs.

If you're already wearing thicker socks, you'll probably want to go up half a size in your sneaks to accommodate the extra fabric. If you don't, the snug fit of your shoe might be the sole cause of your tingling feeling. Choose sneakers designed for colder, wetter weather (think waterproof Gore-tex) to protect your toes from the snow. Tie your shoes slightly looser because as you warm up, your feet will swell, and too-tight laces can cause that annoying numb sensation.

Continue reading for more tips on avoiding numb feet.

Puddle Divin' Waterproof Sneaks

Jenny Sugar — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 14:49:15 PDT

Don't let Fall's wet weather and muddy trails stop you from running. You need a sneaker made for the elements to keep you dry, but constructed with materials that allow your hardworking feet to breathe and a sole that provides traction for darting over rocks and branches. Here are five waterproof trail runners you can hit the mud and puddles with.

Source: Thinkstock

High Heels Can Give You Barbie Feet

Jenny Sugar — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 12:41:45 PST

High heels. You either love them or hate them, but you can't deny they are chic. We love the height boost and illusion of longer legs they offer, but we do realize they're not the best things for our feet. Unfortunately, recent research shows that these lovely shoes may be worse than previously thought.

In a study of longtime high heel wearers, published in the Journal of Applied Physiology, researchers found wearing heels actually shortens the fibers of the calf muscle, making the Achilles tendon stiffen instead of flex when walking. High heels keep feet in a pointed position, so even when habitual high heel wearers (those who wore heels at least 40 hours a week) slipped off the pumps, their feet were so used to walking with the heels raised that it became the new norm for their muscles and joints - think permanent Barbie feet. The constantly engaged calve suffers from serious muscle fatigue, but switching abruptly from heels to flat shoes, like sneakers, puts stiletto wearers at a greater risk for injury.

Keep reading to find out what you can do to heal your heel-wearing legs.

When to Ditch Your Old Sneaks and Where to Donate Them

Jenny Sugar — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 03:47:28 PDT

You finally broke in your running kicks, and they fit as perfectly as a pair of socks. But wait, how long have you been wearing them? Is it already time to spring for a new pair? You're supposed to replace sneakers after 300 to 500 miles, but that's not too helpful if you're not keeping track of mileage and can't remember the date you bought your last pair.

Over time, running shoes lose their ability to absorb shocks, properly cushion your steps, and support your arches. If you continue to run in them, you'll increase the stress and impact on your legs and joints, which is a surefire way to develop shin splints, stress fractures, or other overuse injuries.

Keep reading to find out how to tell it's time to replace your running sneakers.