2014 - Make Exercise Part of Your Life!

With the New Year upon us, it is time to get back into your fitness routine!

I often get asked "What are the best shoes for aerobic exercise?"

One of the most important pieces of equipment is the shoes you wear during aerobic exercise.  Not all athletic shoes are made to provide proper support for the types of movements common in aerobics.

Bottom line, eliminate running or walking shoes from your aerobics shoe options.  While these are popular shoes, they are made for straight movement and provide no lateral support, which can lead to ankles injuries. Also, the ideal aerobic exercise shoe should have mesh uppers for breathability.

Now, specifically for Step Aerobics:

Unlike traditional aerobic workouts that take place on a flat surface, step aerobics uses a step between 4 and 10 inches in height. Step aerobics involves quick lateral movements and constant stepping up and down. These workouts increase the impact to joints in the lower extremities and without appropriate shoes to support the feet, the likelihood of injury increases.

Shoes designed specifically for step aerobics provide much more shock absorption than other sneakers. Aerobic shoes provide increased stability to the foot, which is necessary for side-to-side movements. They also allow for increased flexibility for exercise movements that require turning and twisting. Proper shoes can prevent common step aerobic injuries, such as shin splints and stress fractures.

Recommendations:

New Balance's WX871 sneaker was created specifically for aerobics and fitness boot camps. These lightweight shoes offer New Balance's most advanced shock absorption technology. Shock absorption is provided throughout the shoe with extra cushioning in the heel. Midfoot support protects the foot during side-to-side movements. Designed for indoor or outdoor use, the rubber soles do not leave marks on gym floors.

http://www.newbalance.com/New-Balance-997v2/WX997-V2,default,pd.html

As a New Balance wear tester; I was recently selected to test New Balance’s M990 GL3 Running Shoe.  

http://www.newbalance.com/New-Balance-990v3/W990,default,pd.html

Looks like I have some running to do!  

NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTION TIME!

Sign Ups for January/February 2014 Classes  

 Monday, December 16!

November/December Classes! Sign ups start Monday, October 21!

Stay in Shape During the Holidays!

Fitness Items that I Cannot Live Without: Functional & Cute Fitness Clothes- Blog Four

Fitness is very important to me; but, I’m not a dedicated triathlete or anything.  

In fact, I pretty much hate to run and think cycling up hills is really hard; BUT, exercise boosts my metabolism, improves my mood and strengthens my body, so I do it anyway. 

... And believe it or not, the clothes you wear for a workout can make a difference in how you feel. 

Some days, it’s really hard to find the motivation to work out, right?  When that happens, cute active wear can help! Seriously, a coordinated set of active wear can help put me in a fitness mood. Even more importantly, wearing the right gear for the activity can improve performance and reduce the risk of discomfort and/or injury. 

Select the right clothing for what type of exercise you are doing. If you are going biking or running, you should not wear long and baggy pants that you could trip on or get stuck in your spokes. A cardiovascular workout would call for loose clothing that lets sweat evaporate easier. More form-fitting clothing is appropriate for strength training so you can see the muscles you are training. 

Now, back to the fashion aspects of fitness wear. Most of us women feel better when we know that we look good. This holds true for exercise as much as any other activity.  When I have cute active wear, it makes me just a little bit more confident about my workout. 

Fall Fitness!

Sign up for September/October Classes!

Fitness Items that I Cannot Live Without - Sweaty Bands ® - Blog Three

I am addicted to Sweaty Bands®!   

I cannot imagine working out without one.  ‘OMG, they don’t slip’, couldn’t be any truer!   

It was always such a pain, as I have to wear something to keep my hair out of my face, and I used to have to take a minute out of my class to fix my hair, and now I don't!

They are super cute and functional!  Best thing invented since Post-its®!

http://www.sweatybands.com/

July/August Classes - Sign Ups!

Looking for Fun Outdoor Fitness Activities?

I LOVE my indoor aerobics classes; but, sometimes you need to mix things up!

Below is a list of some upcoming activities that I plan to participate in. 

Join me!

Urban Bike Adventure, Pittsburgh, PA – August 17, 2013

http://www.urbanbikeadventure.com/TUBA/Pittsburgh.html

Pedal Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA – August 25, 2013

http://pedalpgh.org/

Steelers 5K, Pittsburgh, PA – August 31, 2013

http://www.steelers.com/fan-zone/Gatorade-Steelers5K.html

Peters Township Chamber Chase 5K, Peterswood Park – October 19, 2013

http://beta.active.com/venetia-pa/running/peters-township-chamber-chase-5k-2013

19^th Annual 5K Latrobe Turkey Trot - November 28, 2013

http://www.latroberecreation.org/races.htm

Fitness Items that I Cannot Live Without - Blog Two

MUSIC           

When teaching group fitness classes, music is probably the  most important "equipment".

Music serves many purposes in group fitness classes; from assisting me with creating a well-planned class, to providing the beats and phrases for cuing to motivate the participants.

I purchase my professional fitness music at Power Music - http://www.powermusic.com/
I typically use music with 125-135 BPMs (beats per minute) for muscle toning, advanced step training classes, and conditioning classes, which I currently teach.  Music you can sing along to and "forget" you are working out is the best!  One of my favorites is Hot P!NK Hits - http://www.powermusic.com/hot-pink-hits.html  (and it's on sale right now!)

This motivating and fun music can also be used while doing other types of workouts!...such as; running, walking and biking.  Download all your music to your iPod - http://www.apple.com/ipod-nano/

The Nike+ app is great, as it gives you feedback while it records your walk or run.
So, get techy and get healthy!

Next blog:  Workout apparel!

Fitness Items that I Cannot Live Without - Blog One

As summer is fast approaching, I am going to start to blog about some fun summer fitness items that I cannot live without!  

As many of you know, I have been branching out of my usual fitness routine -- as everyone should!  I am running, and recently just purchased a super cute new bike ….but, enough about that stuff, for now, that will be in later blogs.  Right now, I am going to tell you about my one true fitness love -- AEROBICS.  I have spent many years, training and perfecting my knowledge in helping others to achieve their fitness goals.  

An aerobics instructor serves different purposes, for different people; for some people, I am an evening of stress reducing, for some I am the person that encourages them to try something different, and hopefully for ALL people -- I am the person that helps to motivate you to get into a normal fitness routine!  I will be honest, I admire the people in my class; they are all hardworking during the day, whether as a full time mother, or a worker bee, like me!  They all manage to get to class, and work hard, after already putting in a full day!

I am a certified through the Aerobics and Fitness Association of America www.afaa.com. As a result of my training, I think, I am fortunate enough to be a product tester for New Balance http://weartest.newbalance.com/Index.asp?~=

My number one necessity for aerobics is a pair of light mesh shoes.  I love their shoes, every kind; but, the mesh lets your feet breathe a little bit!!

Next blog: Music!

MAY/JUNE CLASSES - SIGN UPS START TODAY!

Peters Twp. Rec Center - OPEN HOUSE Schedule

OPEN HOUSE!

...The Time You Spend Doing It Will Seem More Like Recreation Than Actual Exercise...

Happy 'Workout' Valentine's Day!

Let's wear our RED & PINK workout clothes this evening!

Move of the Evening: Stability Ball Ab Pike

Works your core!

Start in push-up position with your shins resting on a stability ball (A). Brace your abs and keep your legs straight as you raise your hips toward the ceiling, drawing the ball toward your arms (B). Hold for 1 second and roll back to start. 

Put some 'SPRING' in that STEP!

Sign Ups for the Spring Session Start February 18th!

Class Schedule

WHY STEP IT UP?

1. CARDIO:  Stepping up and onto something gets your heart rate climbing. Step-ups will help you burn more calories during strength training sessions, so add step-ups between sets of ab and arm work to keep your heart rate up.

 2. BOOTY LIFT:  Step-ups work your backside. Step-ups are the perfect cure for a 'droopy butt'.  I think they will left your mood as they are lifting your derriere.

3. HILL CLIMBING:  If you run or bike, you know hills can be tough, but strength training helps. Step-ups mimic the action of running and biking, preparing your muscles to climb.  Consider step-ups part of your cross training.

Step It Up + Abs January Class Schedule

January/February Classes Start This Week!

The Aerobics & Fitness Association of America (AFAA) recommends cardiovascular fitness to be performed 3 - 5 days per week.