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!