Fitness

Notable Workout Clothes Brands

July 22, 2014

Author: Shannon Boyce

Here’s the great thing about your workout clothes: you have options. In fact, there are more options now than ever before! Fitness gear and fashionable workout clothes are absolutely everywhere. To help you find the best brand for your budget and preferences, this rundown of the most notable will make let you know what to look out for.

Also keep in mind what you will be using your sports gear for. A few things to keep in mind is how sweaty you will get. Maybe you will need clothes that dry quickly. You might also want to think about how often you run. A good pair of shoes can go a long way and enhance your running. Take time to think about what you need in your fitness clothing. Having good quality stuff can definitely help your workout.

Brand: UnderArmour

For something that is super durable, fashionable, and functional, UnderArmour has a ton of options available. They offer everything from winter jackets to shirts, shoes, and shorts. They are also known for their women’s sports bras. Whatever you need to get active, they’ve got. Each piece comes with the iconic logo and is made with top-notch materials. Even though their workout clothes cost more than you may want to spend, it is definitely worth the splurge.

Brand: MPG Clothing

Want to look good while you break a sweat? Then this next workout clothing brand is for you. All of their pieces blend the comfort and functionality that you need with fun trendy prints, colours, and cuts. They love to use quick dry materials, making clothes from MPG perfect for those getting their super-sweat on.

Brand: Lululemon

It’s not too difficult to get your hands on some Lululemon gear nowadays. There are stores set up in every mall, it seems! And the stores are always jam packed with excited shoppers. They offer high-quality yoga and athletic wear that is super fashionable and trendy. (How many times have you seen a girl wearing Lululemon yoga pants out and about?) Each piece is meant to be functional as well as fashionable. They offer clothing for both men and women that is durable and long lasting. If you are a little budget conscious right now, keep in mind that the prices can be pretty hefty.

Brand: Athleta

There’s nothing like a little variety to make your workouts more interesting. Thankfully, Athleta is here to make that possible. They carry just about everything you could think of to make your workouts go well. That includes workout clothes and even accessories, like water bottles and sweatbands. What is so notable about this workout brand? They really focus on providing comfort. When you’re in the middle of a holding your last yoga pose of the day, you’ll be especially happy about this!

Brand: Lucy

This last workout brand is focused on women’s active wear. It is targeted towards ladies that want to be stylish and still have versatile workout clothes in their wardrobe. While they can work for any activity, Lucy clothes are an ideal fit for women who practice yoga, go running, or enjoy hikes. Why? They are super fashion forward and can even double as daywear. That means you can go from class to car without looking like you just left the gym!

If you’re going to work out, you need to look the part! With so many fantastic workout clothes brands to choose from, the world is your oyster. Before you buy, consider your budget and personal style. From there, the choice will be easy.

Things To Consider When Starting a New Exercise Class

July 10, 2014

Author: Shannon Boyce

Change can be a good thing. Just think about your fitness routine. It’s easy to get bored doing the same thing over and over again. Branching out and doing something different can help re-energize you and even let you discover something totally new and exciting! If you’ve been eying a new fitness class, now is the perfect time to change it up. There are a few things that you’ll to think about before you tackle that new fitness challenge, though! Starting a new exercise class? These tips will help you get started the right way.

Understand That You Won’t Be Perfect Right Away

You just stepped foot into a brand new class. You’ve never done anything like this before. So why would you expect that you’d be at the same skill level as the people who have been doing it for months? Many of us put a ton of pressure on ourselves to be perfect at everything right away. It’s simply not possible! Instead of getting discouraged and giving up on the class before you’ve really begun, let go of the stress and the pressure. Just take a moment to remind yourself that this is something new. Of course it is going to be challenging! If you really hate the class, that’s fine. You don’t have to come back for another one…but make sure you are basing your decision on the class itself and not how good you are in the first five minutes.

Introduce Yourself To Others

There is no harm in saying hello! Before your new exercise class begins, take a moment to introduce yourself to the teacher. Let them know that this is your first time here and you are really looking forward to the experience. That will let them know that you’re a beginner – and they may give you a little more focused attention, should you need it. Also, make sure that you smile at the other people in the class, be open, friendly, and talk if you feel comfortable. You just may make some pretty awesome gym buddies.

Be Prepared And Ready For The Class

A little preparation goes a long way. In fact, just being prepared can make the class more enjoyable. You won’t be left wishing you wore something different or remembered to bring something important. Yes, preparation can help you feel more comfortable and ensure that you have everything you need to make the class a success.

Some of the ways you can be prepared include: dressing properly for the class (breathable clothing, supportive running shoes, and so on), bringing a re-usable water bottle (you never know when you might need a little hydration!), leaving all jewellery and valuables at home (losing them would be awful), and showing up early (you don’t want to distract from the rest of the class by being late).

Are you ready to mix things up a little bit? Then try taking on a new class. Changing up your workout can be great for the body and mind. To make the transition as simple as possible, follow these tips. You’ll be enjoying your new exercise class before you know it!

Quick Fitness: Making The Most of Your Lunch Hour

July 8, 2014

You have a lot to get done in a day. That includes a full day of work, taking care of your home, and heck, even having a bit of a social life now and again. With so much to handle, it can be pretty challenging to squeeze in a good workout. It’s no wonder that lunch hour workouts are becoming more and more popular. You don’t really need to take the full hour to eat your meal, do you? Didn’t think so! Instead of spending half and hour browsing Facebook, get active. Quick fitness is the solution.

What Does The Lunch Hour Workout Do?

Feeling a bit skeptical? That’s okay! That is only natural. I mean, how could a fifteen to twenty minute workout really be as good as for you as a 45-60 minute trek to the gym? Well, it’s all about intensity. You have to be prepared to work for every second of your lunch hour exercise. There is simply no room for slacking. Why? It has been found that short but high intensity exercises can help you burn calories during the moves themselves and long after. So, make it count!

How To Get Started

Most office buildings have a local gym nearby. If there is a place you can workout that you can get to quickly, head to the gym and make the most of the time you have there. Can’t find a local gym? Don’t worry. You can still make the most of your lunch hour! Certain exercises can be done right at your desk (without anyone knowing) or you can even head outside to a park or open space. Wherever you go, remember to bring an easy change of clothes with you and a water bottle. Once you have found your location and have changed into your workout clothes, it is time to get ready to break a sweat.

Effective Lunch Hour Moves

There are plenty of exercises that are high-intensity and can be done quickly. It’s all about finding what works for you. If you need some ideas, these effective lunch hour moves will get those gears moving.

Start with some cardio. Something like the treadmill or elliptical is ideal (or you can just run outside if you aren’t going to be at the gym!) because you can increase the pace as you go. Aim for about 10 minutes of running. Use interval training to increase your pace, slow down, and increase the pace again. This will help you to burn tons of calories and get your body warmed up and ready for the rest of your lunch hour workout.

Now, it’s time for strength. Whether you’re outside, at the gym, or in your office, try doing wall squats. During this move, you are against the wall, squatting like you were sitting in a chair. Make it more intense by holding hand weighs in both hands, holding them out in front of you. Hold this move for 60 seconds, pause, and repeat. Other great lunch hour moves are squats, lunges, a chest press, or the plank. Make sure that whatever exercises you choose, they are quite challenging.

Make every second count. If you are running short on time most days, that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice your fitness. Get a little creative, it will be easier than you think to take part in a lunch hour workout. No more excuses!

The Benefits of Using a Fitness Inspiration Board

June 26, 2014

Author: Shannon Boyce

Staying fit isn’t always easy. In fact, it is much easier to be inactive and eat whatever you want! While that may be more convenient, living that way certainly won’t do you any favours, now or in the future. If you’ve been having trouble staying motivated, there may be something you haven’t tried yet: an inspiration board. It may sound a little cheesy, but it can be pretty darn effective! Not sure if it’s right for you? Take a look at some of the benefits of this motivational technique and decide for yourself!

It Acts As a Constant Reminder

Everyone gets distracted. Sometimes, you are so busy getting everything done that you can totally forget to get your workout in. Not with an inspiration board! Hang it up in your home somewhere you are sure to see it. That way, every time you walk by, you get that reminder. When you pass it and think: hey! I need to work out! Or Oh, I should really work out…. the board will stare you in the face until you go do it.

Gives You Extra Motivation During Your Workout

Do you get halfway through your workout before your moves start to get a little…. lacklustre? It happens. When your body (and mind) starts to tire, it can be pretty easy to put in a less effort. That is where your inspiration board comes in handy! If you have it posted where you work out, you can simply look up and re-focus your mind. If your board is hanging somewhere else, remind yourself of it whenever you notice that you’re starting to slack. It just may give you that extra push you need.

Let’s You Focus on Your Intention

Here’s the great thing about a fitness inspiration board. It forces you to really think about your goals. Whether you’re trying to fit into that dress in time for your school reunion or you want to be stronger than ever, the board lets you acknowledge your intentions. Just thinking about what you hope to achieve through your fitness routine can inspire you to make it a reality. So, every time you cut out a picture from the newspaper or a fitness magazine, use that to think about your intention.

It Makes Fitness a Priority In Your Life

Perhaps one of the biggest benefits of using a fitness inspiration board is that it helps to make fitness and healthy living a priority in your life. You don’t just have a reminder sitting there in front you. You also have something that you can alter, change, and get creative with. Put up pictures of runners, of workout moves, of things that inspire you. Add on your weekly workout schedule. Mark when you reach certain short-term goals. Whatever words or images make you feel ready to tackle the world, include them.

It’s time to make fitness a priority in your life. Yes, there is no better moment to embrace a healthy lifestyle and a strong body. To kick start your journey or to keep yourself motivated along the way, don’t be afraid to get inspired!

Toned and Sexy Arms: The Most Effective Exercises

May 22, 2014

Author: Shannon Boyce

It doesn’t matter what time of year it is…toned arms always look good. Whether you’re wearing a bulky sweater or a lightweight tank top, there is no better way to boost your confidence than with strong, sexy, muscular arms. There are many ways that you can achieve them. It’s all about finding the right exercises to make them stand out for all the right reasons. These are some of our favourite exercises for toned arms!

Pilates Boxing Moves

You don’t need a punching bag to box your way to unforgettable arms. You can do it at home without any equipment! Start by standing with your feet hip-width apart, keeping your knees slightly bent. Put your fists up and punch forward with your right hand, then alternating to your left. Repeat this combination 20 times. To make this arm-toning move even more effective, add weights. 3 to 5 pound hand weights or wrist weights will be more than enough to make you break a sweat!

Weighted Windmill

If you want to tone your arms and work your legs and glutes at the same time, this next exercise is for you. The weighted windmill isn’t too hard but can really help you get fit everywhere. Start with your feet shoulder-width apart. You want a 3 to 5 pound hand weight in between your feet in front of you. To begin the move, squat down, grab the weight with your left hand, and stand back up. Lift your left arm up until it is straight. Bend your body at the waist towards the right while keeping your left arm raised. Hold for 5 seconds and lift back up. For the best results, you’ll want to do this on both sides 10 times each.

Push Ups

Thought you could avoid these bad boys, huh? Sorry! The push up is a classic workout move for a reason. It is a great way to tone your arms without needing any equipment and it’s also great for strengthening your core as well. Perfect the move by getting down to the ground. Your hands should be shoulder-width apart. Use your hands to hold up the weight of your body, press down to the ground, and then push yourself right back up. Do 20-30 of these. If you find a regular push up too challenging, start with your knees on the ground until you build up your upper body a little bit more.

Opposite Arm and Leg Lift

Ready to tone your arms in a different way? Then try the opposite arm and leg lift. Start by getting down on all fours. (You may want to pull out a yoga mat if you are working out on a hard surface!) From there, reach your right arm in front of you and your left leg out behind you. Flex your foot and hold this position for about 10 seconds. Bring your arm and leg back and do the same thing on the other side. Continue alternating until you have done 10 repetitions.

If you want the muscular arms you’ve been dreaming of, give these exercises a try. Not only are the effective but they can help you change up your exercise routine, too. Find the one that you like best!