Jul 30, 2009
The hula hoop did not go out of style. It’s been keeping a low profile in your family garage…and that’s B.S. (yes, bullshit). You need to break it out, dust that baby off and put it to good use. Hula hooping might seem extraordinarily silly as a form of exercise but it’s actually one of the best ways to tone your abdominals and get a full cardiovascular workout. It will also help you do the following:
- Get your heart rate up.
- Enhance spinal flexibility.
- Improve balance and coordination.
- Increase energy.
- Build lower back muscles.
- Tone and strengthen every angle of your torso.
- Increase oxygen and blood flow to your brain.
- Burn approximately 400-600 calories/hour.
- Perform an intense cardiovascular workout with little or no impact.
- Reduce stress and laugh your ass off.
The hula hoop is a wise choice. It’s the quickest and easiest way to strengthen your core and probably the cheapest piece of workout equipment you’ll ever buy. I’m sure you can pick one up at Walmart if you don’t already own one. Hula hoops are also sold in toy stores, supermarkets and dollar stores. Just look for the plastic bouncy balls display and the hula hoops shouldn’t be too far. I recommend keeping your hoop handy—somewhere visible in your home so you’ll remember to use it. Place your body inside the hoop, twirl it around your waist and sway your hips to keep it in motion. The more you practice, the longer you’ll keep the hoop spinning and you’ll start to feel your muscles working harder. Try hula hooping in short bursts of 2 minutes for a total of 10 minutes. Take your hoop outdoors and use it before and/or after a run. It’s a great addition to any workout as it will help trim your waist, hips and thighs. For maximum results, try using a weighted hoop (2-3 lbs). You can find one at Target or Sports Authority for $30-$40. Stick to the classic hula hoop if you have back problems or injuries. I would post links to cool/modern hula hoops, but honestly they don’t exist. They’re ridiculous looking and we just have to accept it. The one I own (in the picture) has sound gems inside the hoop. It’s priceless…well, not really ($3).
Jul 28, 2009
If you’re a fit-conscious female living in NYC then you probably know about Physique 57. You probably take a class there at least once a week. You probably own a few pairs of carpet gripping socks. You probably have a favorite Physique 57 instructor which means you probably know Chanelle. If you have no idea what I’m talking about, then go to www.physique57.com and sign up to experience the workout trend that’s sculpting NYC ladies (and some gents) into lean, sexy hard bodies. I suggest you take a class taught by Chanelle.
Chanelle is a Physique 57 cult favorite. She defines fitness inside and out. Her classes are fast and furious, and word on the street is that she’s one of the hardest instructors. When I took her class, I was impressed by the ass whooping she delivered with a cheeky smile. I wanted to hate her but instead I went back for more. I’m hooked on her BLT therapy (butt, legs & thighs) and love the results. Chanelle is a Physique 57 gem with the power to motivate people to shape the body of their dreams. I was curious to find out more about Chanelle and her job. Check out what she had to say…
On becoming an instructor with Physique 57:
“It all started when I was sitting on the Metro North heading into the city. I sat next to a woman and we started to chat. I told her that I was a dancer and looking for work when I graduate from college, and she told me about a gym where she works out that has many teachers who are dancers. She said I should look into it, and said it’s called Physique57.”
On her approach to teaching class:
“When I walk in to teach a Physique57 class, I strive to provide a highly energetic, informative environment that is safe and enjoyable for all. I feed off the energy I get from the class.”
On the change she sees in people who take her classes regularly?
“I notice not only a physical change in their bodies, but their energy level and daily motivation also increase.”
On staying fit with Physique 57:
“Depending on my schedule I like to take class 3 times a week. I get a workout just by teaching the class, and that’s 15 classes a week!”
On what she wears to work out:
“It all depends on the workout. When I take a Physique57 class, I like to wear Lululemon pants and tops. They are very supportive and are flattering for the shape. When I run, I like to wear a pair of old sweats, with a sports bra and a Hanes white tank.”
On the most rewarding part of her job:
“The most rewarding part of being a fitness instructor is seeing the change in the clients. Walking in the room they have one persona; ranging from drowsiness even up to frustration. However, when the class is finished with sweat pouring down their faces, they seem content, stronger, and empowered. At the end of the day, seeing the clients happy is what makes my day and makes me want to work hard for them.”
There’s no question Chanelle works hard and you’ll leave her class feeling like you did too. BLT therapy is only a click away: www.physique57.com.
Jul 24, 2009
At first I was afraid…I was petrified…But then I realized this is awesome!
It’s called the Yogacize Body Lift and it’s a three-in-one fitness prop used for:
- headstand (obviously)
- off-the-floor Meditation seat
- weight-training bench for dips, push-ups and dumbbell sets
It looks great for headstands because you have ample shoulder and arm support but you’ll still work hard to engage your core and ab muscles. I kind of want one…maybe I’ll get one for my half birthday.
Jul 23, 2009
Endurance runners are fitness mavens. They run for miles and tough it out in hot, humid, cold and rainy weather. I like to think of runners as the boy scouts of the fitness world. The land is their stadium. They come prepared for the unexpected and know all the tricks of the trade. They also come in handy when you’re shooting a video about running tips! Many thanks to the athletes of Team Continuum for helping me out. Read on for my views and recommendations.
It’s always good to start off a run at a slow pace and then build momentum. A lot of people can do this naturely but for others it’s easier to keep track of split times with a runner’s watch. I don’t wear one, but if I did I would wear one by Garmin (https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?cID=142&pID=27483#). Garmin watches are easy to read/operate, which is really important when you’re trying to focus on the race and the road ahead. Garmin watches are wireless and send your running results straight to your computer. Read more about Garmin and how to choose the best running watch here: www.sportswatchinformant.com/best-sports-watch-the-best-running-watches-and-how-to-choose-the-right-one.
I love gels and swear by them. A lot of people complain that certain brands irritate their stomachs and make them run to the bathroom (yikes). Hammer Gels are made for sensitive tummies (http://www.hammernutrition.com/). Hammer is MSG free, gluten-free, vegan friendly, with no added refined sugars, artificial coloring or sweeteners. My favorite brand is the one people know most by name, GU Energy Gels. My favorite flavors are Chocolate Outrage, Tri-berry and Espresso Love: (http://guenergy.com/products/gu-energy-gel/flavors-nutrition_chocholate-outrage). Be careful because the GU brand is the one people complain about most (although no problems here). We’re all built differently so you might have to try a few brands and see which one makes you the least desperate for a johnny-on-the-spot.
In the video, Larry’s ipod holder is problematic because it absorbs sweat. Here are 2 ways to avoid that: 1. The Shuffle (www.apple.com/ipodshuffle) and 2. The iStik (http://www.goistik.com/products.html). I use the Shuffle because it clips to my clothes and never falls off. If you love your Nano go for the iStik. Just a warning, magnets can be unreliable.
Earphones and headphones are a personal taste purchase but you can base your decision on the size of your head, ears, and how much you sweat. I usually go for sweat resistant and care less about the quality of sound. If you’re the same, then you should buy the Nike Aero Neckband Headphones that Larry mentions in the video (http://store.apple.com/us/product/TU530ZM/A#overview). Here’s a CNET review on them: cnettv.cnet.com/…/9742-1_53-50071467.html. A friend gifted me Skull Candy’s Full Metal Jacket ear buds and I have to say you compromise nothing with these earphones. The sound and comfort factor are fantastic! Check out their website for lots of options and fresh styles that come in well-designed packaging: www.skullcandy.com/all-products.html
Vaseline Petroleum Jelly (http://www.vaseline.com/Product.aspx?Path=Consumer/OurProducts/PetroleumJelly) has many uses besides the one that keeps it in the drawer of your nightstand (I really don’t want to know). For running, vaseline keeps your body’s moisture locked in so that it’s less vulnerable to the weather. It also forms a protective barrier that allows your clothes to glide against your skin without irritation. BodyGlide (www.bodyglide.com) is another good option. It’s marketed for runners but Vaseline is cheaper, thicker and will stay on your body longer. Don’t worry about feeling greasy, it dries as you run. Apply from shoulders to toes and you’re good to go.
The most important tip of all is to STAY HYDRATED. Enjoy the run.
Jul 22, 2009
http://vokoder.fm/#playlist/133/Wednesday+Workout+Mix+-+July+22
Vokoder FM (vokoder.fm) asked me and DJ Rob Swift to create this week’s Wednesday Workout Mix. Mr. Swift always comes through with fresh beats and through our mutual love of rock & hip hop we agreed on these tracks so ENJOY! Check out Mr. Swift’s GUNS. People, he didn’t get those scratching records—he hits the gym everyday. Find the one and only DJ Rob Swift at www.djrobswift.com or www.myspace.com/djrobswift.
The playlist: Track/Artist
- Dare - Gorillaz
- Paranoid - Kanye West & LMFAO
- Quiet Dog - Mos Def
- Music Is My Hot, Hot Sex - CSS
- Gatheration - Lady Sovereign
- Day ‘N’ Nite (Crookers Remix) - Kid Cudi
- Way Of The Light - Gift Of Gab
- Get Right - Jennifer Lopez featuring Fabolous
- Loungin’ (Who Do Ya Luv) - LL Cool J
- (PAR) Makin A Living - Kenny Dope
- Milkshake - Kelis
- Volume - Libretto Feat Lifesavas
- Sweet Talk - Spank Rock
- Calabria 2008 (feat. Natasja) - Enur
- Give The Drummer Sum - Black Milk
