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!