WorkOut Wednesday

Perhaps one of your resolutions for 2013 is to hit the gym more - well, I can tell you that a great way to stay in shape is RUNNING.

I promise - it's not as scary as you think.

Now that we are on the topic of running (I just love it) - I am going to share with you a tid bit of advice.

:::

For many years - I've heard that the "correct" way to run is from heel to toe. I've never followed this rule - mostly because it never felt right when I tried to run this way. Also, I watched so many people hurt their knees running from heel to toe.

Now, there is still a debate of the "correct" way to run - but, I am going to suggest to you:

Run on the balls of your feet!

Not only does this protect your knees - but your calves get a killer workout. Additionally, many runners improve their time running this way.

If you're not used to running on the balls of your feet - it may be hard at first, but don't give up! It's definitely something to work towards.

Happy WorkOut Wednesday!

..xox..

Liz

Christmas Gifts For The Fitness Fanatics

Well, Christmas is only 23 days away - and Hanukkah is right around the corner. Now, it's time to think about what to get your loved ones for this Holiday Season!

I know there are a TON of people out there who enjoy fitness - as much as I do - and like to look stylish when they sweat.

I have some GREAT gift ideas if you are buying for a Fitness Queen:

(1)

I am obsessed with this yoga bag. Anything with bows gives me an immediate impulse to buy it. You can find this and other fun bags at oGorgeous.

(2)

If you know me well - you know I'm an avid runner. Every day. Anyways - I'm a huge fan of asics. I always wore them because they were so supportive and an awesome running shoe (even though they weren't cute). But now, they have all these fun colors! You can find asics anywhere - but, I must say that I have found the best deals at Off Broadway (a discount shoe store)!

(3)

More and more I have been seeing these at the Pilates studios that I go to. And I LOVE THEM! These would look awesome paired with a tight tank top. (This happens to be my new favorite "studio" look at the moment.) You can find them at Nordstroms! Believe it or not, Nordstroms has an amazing "activewear" collection - see HERE.

(4)

Front

Back

These are perfect "studio" shoes (Pilates, Barre Workouts, etc.). The brand is called Blake Brody - and they come in amazing different colors and styles. I want a pair! ::hint hint::

(5)

Last - but not least - you can never go wrong with getting a Fitness Queen something from Lululemon! You can see their latest styles HERE.

I hope you like my current fitness favorites - which would all make perfect gifts!

...xox...

Liz

Runners' Glass Slippers

As a runner, there is nothing I love more than my running shoes. The type of shoes that you have and their condition can really make a difference on your run.


What type of running shoes do I use? Asics. They are the absolute best! I've tried other brands before - and I've decided they don't even compare.


Shoes I don't recommend? I'm not a fan of Nike. My very first pair of running shoes (when I was 16) were a pair of Nikes - and let me tell you... I had shin splints like no other.


So, if you are an avid runner - how many times a year should you trade in your old ones? The recommended amount (if you run 3x or more a week) is every 3 months.


I just bought a new pair yesterday (I was WAY overdue):

My new shoes!

Ok... so they aren't pink. It's okay to branch out every so often. ;)


So - where did I find these? Nordstrom Rack! There is no need to pay full price for these shoes. I have seen Asics at: Nordstrom Rack, DWS, Loehmann's & other "discounted" stores. These running shoes can get pricey (the ones I bought were $135 retail... and I got them for 65% off).

What are your favorite running shoes?

...xox...

Liz

Catch Me If You Can

Before I share with you some of my favorite exercises and routines that I use on a weekly basis - I want to go over one basic fact:

Cardio is your best friend.

I don't know about you - but I think the most beautiful, healthy & fit body is: toned, long & lean. (This DOES include curves.) How do you get this type of body? Step #1 - add cardio to your workout. 

What is considered cardio?

• Running (my personal favorite)
• Swimming
• Biking/Cycling
• Dancing
• At the gym, you can use the elliptical & treadmill.

Cardio is an entire body workout. If you do the proper amount of cardio each week, you will notice your body changing and becoming more and more toned.

Sometimes people don't realize that if you do 500 crunches a day - you will never see results unless you add cardio to your fitness routine.

Cardio, actually, is a fantastic ab workout. Have you ever been in a cycling class and the instructor told you to "suck your stomach in to your spine"? That is because your abs are powering you through the workout.

Other than my daily runs every week - I probably only work on my abs 2x a week. It's all I need with all the cardio I do!

So, how much cardio do I do in one week? I run 5x a week and try to do a cycling class 1x a week - which makes a total of 6x per week. 

That can be a lot to some people - but I do recommend that you do cardio 4x per week for at least 45 minutes. When I run outside or at the gym, I usually run anywhere from 45 minutes to one hour. I rarely have a cardio session that's less than 45 minutes.

Try adding cardio 4x a week - and let me know what happens! ;)

Princess Running Shoes

...xox...

Liz