I've seen the Nike Studio Wrap for awhile now, and I have to say I've been intrigued since they first came out. I always do my Pilates, Barre, Yoga & PiYo workouts barefoot, and I like it that way and understand the benefits, but these shoes are just adorable and I've been wanting to try them so I finally carted myself down to the Nike Outlet Store and picked up the full 3-piece set, called The Wrap Pack.
Style: First off, they are just cute. You can wear them any number of ways, and none of them are a bad look. The options at the outlet were minimal, so I went with the basic black. Always a classic, so I'm sure I'll get plenty of use out of them.
Comfort: Well, comfort is subjective, and also subject to use. For just wearing around the house, they are quite comfortable. For sports-specific use, I have varying levels of comfort and suitability opinions. The piece in between my toes bothers me for certain things, but I'm not a fan of toe socks, vibrams, or anything else wedged in between my toes. That's a personal preference, your opinion may vary wildly based upon whether this bothers you or not.
Gym Use: I didn't feel there was sufficient support for use at the gym. Not for weight training or even for the elliptical. I made it through my workout just fine, but I just didn't feel it was suited for that. Now, to be fair, that's not the target market, but I wanted to give it a try nonetheless.
Home Workout: For this I tried home-based step aerobics, some dance aerobics, resistance band exercises and general bodyweight work. Either the wrap with the outer sole, or any combination you're comfortable with, works great for these workouts. My step (The Firm Wave) is a little hard on bare feet, so the outer sole, with or without the inner wrap, was a welcome change. I just don't like wearing shoes for home workouts in general, even though I sometimes need them, so these really filled the gap. Enough support without being bulky.
Pilates, Yoga & Barre: For Pilates, I primarily do mat work and the occasional Pilates Chair. For Yoga, it's your basic moves at home and not in a studio setting or hot yoga (well, at least not yet anyway). Barre work is using a home Fluidity barre, but I think this experience would translate well to a studio barre class. For this I used just the basic wrap (and sometimes the ribbons) and I found it to work quite well. There's enough traction to help hold a pose without adding to any bulk. It's completely flexible, comfortable and doesn't bother me too much. I like barefoot as well or better just because of the whole thing-between-my-toes issue, but if you're not home and don't want to be completely barefoot, they're a great choice. If you just want your feet to look all cute and complete an outfit - also a good choice. The outer sole for going to and from a studio is a really nice feature too.
PiYo: As a PiYo instructor, this was the reason I purchased them. PiYo is a unique format utilizing Pilates & Yoga-inspired moves with other bodyweight exercises for total strength & flexibility conditioning. Now you would think that my experience using these for the other types of workouts would be similar, but not really. PiYo is unique, and you move through the various poses rather quickly, which is why I just did not care for these shoes for PiYo. The first half of the lesson, they're fine. From the warm-up through to the Power section, either the wraps alone or even using the outer sole works just fine. There's a lot of standing work, lunges, things like that where they work very well. But once we move into the Flow section, even sooner on certain lessons, where there's a lot of movement through low lunges, warrior poses and such, there's a little too much traction which slows me down, and then it starts to pull in between my toes and I want to rip them off and throw them across the room...which I did. Now if toe socks and toe shoes are your thing, or at least don't irritate the living daylights out of you, you may love these for PiYo as well. I didn't.
Everyday: These shoes do have a practical component as well. The outer flat is functional for daily casual wear. You can even throw them in your purse for walking commutes. I plan on wearing them on my next flight, which hopefully means less drama with TSA. Maybe they won't make me take off the inner wrap during screening. One can hope anyway. Why would I wear a studio wrap for air travel? Oh why not! Like I said, they're cute!
Sizing: Here is where it gets difficult, and where I think you would benefit from a trip to a store to go try them on, especially if you are anywhere in between their rather broad sizing categories. For example, I wear a 7 in street shoes, 8 in running shoes. Now their small goes from 6-7.5, Medium 7.5-9. Since I fall right in the middle, and many of you might, a trip to the store, if one is close, is wise. I ended up purchasing the size 8 Wrap Pack and that translated to a Medium in the inner wrap. The small is tight, but not horribly so, and the medium is fine, and at the end of a long day my feet might appreciate the 8, though to be honest the 7.5 outer would've been fine it just wasn't an option with the Medium inner wrap. If they stretch out, as some have said, it could be an issue, but for now and for me, I recommend going with your running shoe size or at least sizing up 1/2 size from your street shoe. Of course, I recommend going into a store and trying them on and comparing if you are in between. Even if you don't purchase in the store, it's still good to go and be certain which size to order so that you aren't playing return-roulette trying to find your perfect fit.
Price: The Wrap alone will run you anywhere from $30-$60 depending on where you
can find them and which color selection you choose. The Wrap Pack is
$50 at the Outlet for whatever they have in stock, and varying prices on
websites that go all the way up to $160 for the Premium Wrap Pack on
Nike's site. I picked mine up at the Outlet store for the not-so-bargain price of $49.95. Well, it is quite the bargain to the I-can't-believe-it price of $160 on the Nike website (granted that's for the premium leather version but still. Honestly, I think Nike took a page from Lululemon and others who think that those of us who take mind/body classes are missing that part of our mind that deals with practical finances, but hey, they are cute :)
ETC: I wish there were more mix & match options. For now you can only buy the inner Wrap or the full set (Wrap Pack). It would be nice to be able to purchase additional ribbons or outer soles separately so that you can change up your style without having to purchase multiple sets. I'm not a huge fan of these shoes, but for more options I could become one. Hey Nike, did you hear that?
Showing posts with label Health. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Health. Show all posts
Thursday, August 7, 2014
Saturday, March 1, 2014
Running App Review
I previously compared Nike+GPS and Runkeeper and I'll include an update of those 2 apps. I've also tested the free version of Runmeter and Runtastic. I have been running with 2 apps (big battery drain) so that I can compare apps against each other. That, and Nike won't let me import anything and I'm not ready to give that app up just yet.
Android options are still beyond my experience, but assuming the core features are about the same, this is my experience.
Nike+GPS ($1.99) vs Runkeeper (Free) vs Runmeter (Free or $4.99 Pro Upgrade) vs Runtastic (Free version or $4.99 Pro version)
Runmeter now has a free version and a PRO upgrade for $4.99.
There are tons of features, and I direct you to click on the link above and check it out. It's iPhone-centric, so no companion website. It also offers lots of connected social media features, and integration into iCal, which is the one feature that is missing from all these other apps.
I was so excited to see it had a free version and hopped right on it, but was deeply disappointed in what was available for free. Every time I went to try a feature, it was greyed out and only available in the PRO version. No audio cues, no integrated music, no sharing. It did allow me to save to my calendar - woohoo! At least they could offer a free 30-day option for the paid version, that would allow a true assessment of features. Unless and until a free trial of the pro version becomes available, I'm staying away from this one.
Runtastic has a free and paid upgrade version for $4.99 as well.
The GPS was a bit more accurate than Nike's, and allowed me to calibrate my Nike runs so that they're now virtually identical. That said, because of the stripped down functionality I nearly deleted it, then I got a coupon for a free upgrade - yay!
The paid version allows for all the features I've come to expect, such as audio cues, integrated music, training plans. There's also a live tracking option with cheers that I was excited to check out. I run alone very early in the morning and somewhere in the back of my mind I find it comforting that someone can track my last known location.
That said, I did find the live tracking disappointing. The 'cheering' is someone speaking something like 'I Like It' or whatever that I can barely hear when someone 'likes' your post. Maybe it tells me who said it, I can't tell because not only is it barely audible, but it's in such a muffled and creepy tone that the first time it happened I grabbed my mace, looked around, and kicked my run into high gear for a bit...NOT the type of motivation I'm seeking on an early morning run that's for sure! I wondered if it was a one-time glitch, so I tried the live tracking again - nope, that's actually the way it is. No thanks, I turned that off :(
Nike+ offers actual cheers when someone likes the post. Wish I knew who was cheering, I have to wait until the end of my run to see, but still, better than creepy scare-cheers...eeek!
Also, if you post the live tracking to your feed and then post at the end of your run, it's 2 separate posts. Nike will merge your start/finish posts into one, which I prefer..
If you're into using a companion website, this one has far more features than any of the others. You can see who's running/cycling/whatever in real time around the world, or near you. Pretty cool if you want to find new virtual friends, or stumble upon one of your actual friends that you didn't know used the app. Otherwise, it's not something I ever use.
You can also track multiple activities manually and still have them shared with other apps and keep a complete training history in your app - I like that. No integration into iCal, that's a Runmeter-only feature it seems, and one that would put this app over the top for me.
Runkeeper has made some impressive updates. A slicker look, which is fine, but the real update that makes all the difference for me is the ability to track more activities within the app. I'm still looking for that one app to track all of my fitness activities, and Runkeeper is getting there. Runtastic allows me to enter different activities and choose the name for them, Runkeeper has an 'other' for that, but I wish I could enter my own title. I teach PiYo and do other activities that aren't on the list. Runtastic still wins out on customization, but Runkeeper is getting there.
Shoetracker:
Available in Nike+, an additional app will pull Runkeeper runs to monitor shoes.
Runmeter and Runtastic - nope, not available.
Android options are still beyond my experience, but assuming the core features are about the same, this is my experience.
Nike+GPS is available from the apple store for $1.99. It will coordinate with the Nike+iPod program if you've been using that application so all your runs will be available on your account.
Runkeeper is free from the apple store, and there is an Elite subscription for $19.99/year that gives you access to additional features such as advanced reporting & feedback options, discounts on fitness classes and live broadcasting of your runs.
Runmeter now has a free version and a PRO upgrade for $4.99.
The free version is a highly stripped down version and, quite frankly, barely worth mentioning in a review, but I'll share a bit of my disappointing experience with this app.
There are tons of features, and I direct you to click on the link above and check it out. It's iPhone-centric, so no companion website. It also offers lots of connected social media features, and integration into iCal, which is the one feature that is missing from all these other apps.
I was so excited to see it had a free version and hopped right on it, but was deeply disappointed in what was available for free. Every time I went to try a feature, it was greyed out and only available in the PRO version. No audio cues, no integrated music, no sharing. It did allow me to save to my calendar - woohoo! At least they could offer a free 30-day option for the paid version, that would allow a true assessment of features. Unless and until a free trial of the pro version becomes available, I'm staying away from this one.
Runtastic has a free and paid upgrade version for $4.99 as well.
I have to say, the free version is just as limited and annoying as Runmeter's free version, but with less features I'd care to pay for in an upgrade. Again with no audio cues, no integrated music, blah blah. There is some sharing with apps such as MyFitnessPal and social media sharing. There's also a companion website to track runs and download your data (nice if you want to import it elsewhere).
The GPS was a bit more accurate than Nike's, and allowed me to calibrate my Nike runs so that they're now virtually identical. That said, because of the stripped down functionality I nearly deleted it, then I got a coupon for a free upgrade - yay!
The paid version allows for all the features I've come to expect, such as audio cues, integrated music, training plans. There's also a live tracking option with cheers that I was excited to check out. I run alone very early in the morning and somewhere in the back of my mind I find it comforting that someone can track my last known location.
That said, I did find the live tracking disappointing. The 'cheering' is someone speaking something like 'I Like It' or whatever that I can barely hear when someone 'likes' your post. Maybe it tells me who said it, I can't tell because not only is it barely audible, but it's in such a muffled and creepy tone that the first time it happened I grabbed my mace, looked around, and kicked my run into high gear for a bit...NOT the type of motivation I'm seeking on an early morning run that's for sure! I wondered if it was a one-time glitch, so I tried the live tracking again - nope, that's actually the way it is. No thanks, I turned that off :(
Nike+ offers actual cheers when someone likes the post. Wish I knew who was cheering, I have to wait until the end of my run to see, but still, better than creepy scare-cheers...eeek!
Also, if you post the live tracking to your feed and then post at the end of your run, it's 2 separate posts. Nike will merge your start/finish posts into one, which I prefer..
If you're into using a companion website, this one has far more features than any of the others. You can see who's running/cycling/whatever in real time around the world, or near you. Pretty cool if you want to find new virtual friends, or stumble upon one of your actual friends that you didn't know used the app. Otherwise, it's not something I ever use.
You can also track multiple activities manually and still have them shared with other apps and keep a complete training history in your app - I like that. No integration into iCal, that's a Runmeter-only feature it seems, and one that would put this app over the top for me.
Community:
The Nike website also has some nice features such as moving to different levels based on total mileage and some positive reinforcement messages from athletes.
Nike also has the ability to receive 'cheers' from your facebook fans, a nice little feature if you're competing in a run, or if you just want some kudos on your every day run. This feature is only available as part of the Elite subscription in Runkeeper.
Features:
Runkeeper is the hands down winner on total feature set. You can track various activities and you have several feedback options. Personally, I like having feedbacks at both mileage and timing intervals. Nike only allows one or the other.
Nike+ also integrates with sites like dailymile, which is a really nice feature if you're using that site as it will import all your runs with ease.
The gps function is weaker on the iPod Touch than on the iPhone, and Nike+ has a built-in accelerometer that helps compensate for weak gps signals, and also allows you to use the app with some degree of accuracy on treadmill runs as well.
Runkeeper will integrate with certain heartrate monitors while the Nike+gps app currently does not (though the Nike+iPod (another free app) will and as said before, you can switch back and forth between apps and still save all your runs).
Nike will loop your chosen playlist if your run goes longer than the music you selected while Runkeeper will not, and there is no option to re-start the music. If your activity exceeds your playlist in Runkeeper, you'll have to manually go back into music and make a selection.
Playing well with others
Importing/Exporting your activity:
Runtastic and Runkeeper will allow you to import/export your runs. You can also log additional activities in both.
Nike is so proprietary that you can only record runs and can neither import nor export without a third-party hack.
LoseIt will sync your activities with Nike+ and Runkeeper. MyFitnessPal will sync with Runtastic and Nike+.
Playing well with others
Importing/Exporting your activity:
Runtastic and Runkeeper will allow you to import/export your runs. You can also log additional activities in both.
Nike is so proprietary that you can only record runs and can neither import nor export without a third-party hack.
LoseIt will sync your activities with Nike+ and Runkeeper. MyFitnessPal will sync with Runtastic and Nike+.
Recommendations:
If you live in an area with spotty gps, you're only wanting to track runs &/or walks, you want to use a single app for your indoor treadmill runs as well (or primarily indoor runs), or if you use the iPod touch, then Nike+gps is a hands-down winner.
If you like tracking multiple activities, prefer more feedback options, and are using an iPhone in an area with decent gps coverage, then Runkeeper is a must-have. Runtastic would be a close third.
Available in Nike+, an additional app will pull Runkeeper runs to monitor shoes.
Runmeter and Runtastic - nope, not available.
Saturday, September 14, 2013
Coming Soon...PiYo Strength
San Diego PiYo Strength Classes
UPDATE: Classes will be offered in the Chula Vista area soon
Dates, Times and Locations to be announced.
First class always free!
Space is limited, pre-register to receive advance notice of dates/locations and to reserve your slot.
Private lessons available anywhere via Skype or Google Hangouts!
Individual, Group, Corporate and Package Pricing available.
Pre-registration options:
- Comment below (all comments are moderated, so your contact information will remain private)
- Go to Facebook and comment or send a PM
- Go to Partnership for Change and contact via phone or email
Sunday, April 8, 2012
Happy Easter!
The news is full of depressing information. The economy is still down, well maybe in some sectors it is looking up, but hearing that when you're still struggling is irritating! I've heard the job market is picking up, but I still know plenty of people who have yet to experience that.
The political rhetoric is gearing up. Loud, annoying, people who exist only to push their own agendas without any thought of listening to other views. There is no compromise, no desire to understand, and certainly no compassion. [there is a pending rant here, but that is not appropriate for today]
All of this gives us plenty of reasons to sink into a negative mindset. These things serve to distract us from what's really important. Take the time today to spend with family and friends. Remembering always that someone cared enough to lay His life down for you. Honor that today by sacrificing a bit of yourself to spend time with those you love, and maybe a few you don't. You can then wake up tomorrow with a fresh perspective, a positive mindset.
Choose Love. This is what's really important.
The political rhetoric is gearing up. Loud, annoying, people who exist only to push their own agendas without any thought of listening to other views. There is no compromise, no desire to understand, and certainly no compassion. [there is a pending rant here, but that is not appropriate for today]
All of this gives us plenty of reasons to sink into a negative mindset. These things serve to distract us from what's really important. Take the time today to spend with family and friends. Remembering always that someone cared enough to lay His life down for you. Honor that today by sacrificing a bit of yourself to spend time with those you love, and maybe a few you don't. You can then wake up tomorrow with a fresh perspective, a positive mindset.
Choose Love. This is what's really important.
Sunday, March 11, 2012
Life Lessons from Running
First, a little history:
I'd been a confirmed gym rat for years, and about a year or so ago I was stuck at a plateau that I couldn't break with cardio or weight training. I'd hit a wall and no matter what I tried or how hard I worked, I just couldn't break through this final plateau. Oh those last 10#s are stubborn! Someone suggested I try running. Now, I never could run and the thought of it was NOT something I wanted to entertain. Finally, begrudgingly, I gave in and tried it.
I first started on the treadmill, could run maybe 30 seconds then walk a minute or more. I persisted until I was finally able to achieve a 5 minute run/1 minute walk. That didn't really take as long as I thought it would, but persistence paid off. I was tied to the metrics on the treadmill and had never considered running outside. First, I figured I'd just walk more frequently, sit down when I could. Also, I felt I needed the treadmill to move in order to keep me from slowing down or stopping altogether. See, I was running for the purpose of reaching a goal and not for the process. I really didn't enjoy it, but I was committed to the process.
One day a friend from the gym grabbed me on my way in and took me running outside. We ran the Silver Strand from IB to Coronado, wow that really is a beautiful run (or bike ride!). Needless to say, I was hooked and haven't been able to get back on a treadmill since. I also found, surprisingly, that I ran faster and longer outside than I did inside. I didn't need the machine to pace me. I was even able to run a full 5 miles without a single walk break. Surprised myself!
Some months later I experienced a severe high ankle sprain and stress fracture. The result of both over-training and failing to slow down on a trail. 2 months on crutches and unable to do much in the way of any training put me back to nearly ground zero on my training regimen. Back on the road again, but with a new run/walk training method. It took awhile, but I'm back to running a full 5k without a walk break. Not the 5 miles I used to do, and not at the pace I used to run, but I'll get there. I can't say I love running, or that I'll always do it. But I don't hate it anymore, more often than not I really do enjoy it, and there's no arguing with the results: lower body fat and increased cardiovascular fitness...so I press on.
I've learned a lot through this experience. Most of which I apply to my training schedule, but much of which also applies to life and business. See, cross-training isn't just for the gym, it's also for the mind and spirit.
1. Pace Yourself:
Go at your own pace and take breaks when you need them. Walk when you need to, and sometimes when you want to. as long as the "need to" is more often than the "want to" then you're fine. This helps your training, but also your business plan. Sometimes you need to slow down, catch your breath, then pick up the pace again. You have to go at your own pace, not one set for you by someone else. Yes, a defined pace or program can be helpful, but in the end you run your own race and have to modify it for yourself.
2. Set Goals:
Set a goal and then strive to beat it. I like setting a minimum goal that I need to reach and then exceed that. Some people try and set their maximum goal and then reach it. Either way, the sense of accomplishment is motivating. Without a goal, you won't notice progress. That's fine for a hobbyist, but for serious training, and serious business, goals matter. They matter a lot. Now, once you've reached those goals comfortably, change them. Make them a bit more difficult. Rinse and Repeat.
3. Run Your Own Race:
Competition can be a good thing. It can be motivating to compete against others. But at the end of the day, the best person to compete against is yourself. Beat your own time. Exceed your own goals. Forget what's right for someone else. How fast they run or how well their business appears from your view. Your goals, your pace, that's what matters. As long as you're moving forward, you're doing great!
4. Enjoy the Process:
Find something you truly enjoy and then just dive in. Do you love to run? Then do that. Do you prefer cycling? Dance? Swimming? Machine-based cardio (Elliptical/Stairs)? Whatever you truly enjoy, start there. You shouldn't have to hate your workout, or your job for that matter. Take some time to find out what you love and do that. Within that there may be parts of the process you don't love, but you should enjoy it overall. Make it fun!
5. Cross-Train:
Now that you've found something you enjoy, switch it up some. Try something new. Don't just be tied to one thing, your body and mind need variety. If you run or bike and it's a rainy day, don't just hit the treadmill or indoor cycle, dance or do some other indoor cardio-fun. Using different muscles will benefit you in the long run.
If you weight train, and you should, then you should also do some yoga or pilates on your off days. Not only will this benefit your weight training, but it will also benefit your cardio workout as well. Yoga and Pilates, while both being a form of strength training, focus heavily on developing your core as well as stabilization muscles and flexibility. All of which you need for total body conditioning.
In life and business, find a hobby that's completely different from your job. Now that can also be your workout, or it can be volunteering for a cause you believe in. It can also be using your business skill-set to benefit another business or individual as a volunteer. Take a class. If you excel at numbers, take a marketing class. If you are a star-networker, take an accounting class. Stretch your mind and you'll find areas you never knew you could use and grow. Your primary gift remains, but cross-training your mind will help you grow in amazing ways.
6. Reward Yourself:
It's hard work, hard on your body and mind. Take time to enjoy your life, de-stress. Go shopping for something fun. Go out with friends. Spend time with family. Get a massage. This is critical, life is meant to be lived and loved. Appreciate what you have, where you've come from and where you're going. Enjoy the process! At the end of the day, and the end of your life, these details matter.
I'd been a confirmed gym rat for years, and about a year or so ago I was stuck at a plateau that I couldn't break with cardio or weight training. I'd hit a wall and no matter what I tried or how hard I worked, I just couldn't break through this final plateau. Oh those last 10#s are stubborn! Someone suggested I try running. Now, I never could run and the thought of it was NOT something I wanted to entertain. Finally, begrudgingly, I gave in and tried it.
I first started on the treadmill, could run maybe 30 seconds then walk a minute or more. I persisted until I was finally able to achieve a 5 minute run/1 minute walk. That didn't really take as long as I thought it would, but persistence paid off. I was tied to the metrics on the treadmill and had never considered running outside. First, I figured I'd just walk more frequently, sit down when I could. Also, I felt I needed the treadmill to move in order to keep me from slowing down or stopping altogether. See, I was running for the purpose of reaching a goal and not for the process. I really didn't enjoy it, but I was committed to the process.
One day a friend from the gym grabbed me on my way in and took me running outside. We ran the Silver Strand from IB to Coronado, wow that really is a beautiful run (or bike ride!). Needless to say, I was hooked and haven't been able to get back on a treadmill since. I also found, surprisingly, that I ran faster and longer outside than I did inside. I didn't need the machine to pace me. I was even able to run a full 5 miles without a single walk break. Surprised myself!
Some months later I experienced a severe high ankle sprain and stress fracture. The result of both over-training and failing to slow down on a trail. 2 months on crutches and unable to do much in the way of any training put me back to nearly ground zero on my training regimen. Back on the road again, but with a new run/walk training method. It took awhile, but I'm back to running a full 5k without a walk break. Not the 5 miles I used to do, and not at the pace I used to run, but I'll get there. I can't say I love running, or that I'll always do it. But I don't hate it anymore, more often than not I really do enjoy it, and there's no arguing with the results: lower body fat and increased cardiovascular fitness...so I press on.
I've learned a lot through this experience. Most of which I apply to my training schedule, but much of which also applies to life and business. See, cross-training isn't just for the gym, it's also for the mind and spirit.
1. Pace Yourself:
Go at your own pace and take breaks when you need them. Walk when you need to, and sometimes when you want to. as long as the "need to" is more often than the "want to" then you're fine. This helps your training, but also your business plan. Sometimes you need to slow down, catch your breath, then pick up the pace again. You have to go at your own pace, not one set for you by someone else. Yes, a defined pace or program can be helpful, but in the end you run your own race and have to modify it for yourself.
2. Set Goals:
Set a goal and then strive to beat it. I like setting a minimum goal that I need to reach and then exceed that. Some people try and set their maximum goal and then reach it. Either way, the sense of accomplishment is motivating. Without a goal, you won't notice progress. That's fine for a hobbyist, but for serious training, and serious business, goals matter. They matter a lot. Now, once you've reached those goals comfortably, change them. Make them a bit more difficult. Rinse and Repeat.
3. Run Your Own Race:
Competition can be a good thing. It can be motivating to compete against others. But at the end of the day, the best person to compete against is yourself. Beat your own time. Exceed your own goals. Forget what's right for someone else. How fast they run or how well their business appears from your view. Your goals, your pace, that's what matters. As long as you're moving forward, you're doing great!
4. Enjoy the Process:
Find something you truly enjoy and then just dive in. Do you love to run? Then do that. Do you prefer cycling? Dance? Swimming? Machine-based cardio (Elliptical/Stairs)? Whatever you truly enjoy, start there. You shouldn't have to hate your workout, or your job for that matter. Take some time to find out what you love and do that. Within that there may be parts of the process you don't love, but you should enjoy it overall. Make it fun!
5. Cross-Train:
Now that you've found something you enjoy, switch it up some. Try something new. Don't just be tied to one thing, your body and mind need variety. If you run or bike and it's a rainy day, don't just hit the treadmill or indoor cycle, dance or do some other indoor cardio-fun. Using different muscles will benefit you in the long run.
If you weight train, and you should, then you should also do some yoga or pilates on your off days. Not only will this benefit your weight training, but it will also benefit your cardio workout as well. Yoga and Pilates, while both being a form of strength training, focus heavily on developing your core as well as stabilization muscles and flexibility. All of which you need for total body conditioning.
In life and business, find a hobby that's completely different from your job. Now that can also be your workout, or it can be volunteering for a cause you believe in. It can also be using your business skill-set to benefit another business or individual as a volunteer. Take a class. If you excel at numbers, take a marketing class. If you are a star-networker, take an accounting class. Stretch your mind and you'll find areas you never knew you could use and grow. Your primary gift remains, but cross-training your mind will help you grow in amazing ways.
6. Reward Yourself:
It's hard work, hard on your body and mind. Take time to enjoy your life, de-stress. Go shopping for something fun. Go out with friends. Spend time with family. Get a massage. This is critical, life is meant to be lived and loved. Appreciate what you have, where you've come from and where you're going. Enjoy the process! At the end of the day, and the end of your life, these details matter.
Sunday, February 19, 2012
Friendships Matter
In an age of technology and a down economy, it's easy to lose sight of what really matters. Friendship has taken on a decidedly broad term with Facebook and other social network 'friends' who are often complete strangers. In business too, we network with acquaintances and other associates and loosely use the term 'friend' to define what are, at best, tangential relationships. Then, in a down economy, we start transforming those closest of relationships into networking opportunities, thus devaluing the true friendships we have created and relegated them to a potential business opportunity.
It's sad, because true friendships are what really matters. Focusing on developing true relationship skills helps us deepen our personal relationships, and also our business ones. It gives us great customer service skills, phenomenal colleague interaction skills, and will help us grow both personally and professionally. Developing deep relationships helps feed our spirit and we grow into the person we were always meant to be.
Taking time to invest in your friends and family, with no thought of any return, is fulfilling in and of itself. There can be no greater pleasure than being a part of someone else's success, to watch as your words and actions build up and enrich someone else. That is true joy.
Take a moment today to encourage someone. A word, a gift, a service. Do something for them that they cannot (or maybe just will not) do for themselves. Do something for someone who can never repay you, and for whom you would never accept repayment even if they could. Actively seek out ways to be a blessing to others. Yes, we should keep our eyes open for opportunities that present themselves, but even more than that, we should actively look for opportunities that might be hidden. When you do this, you'll make their day, enrich their life...and your own as well!
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Great gift ideas (click here)
A fun and effective parenting aid (click here) also here
A Spring Friendship Special (click here) also here
It's sad, because true friendships are what really matters. Focusing on developing true relationship skills helps us deepen our personal relationships, and also our business ones. It gives us great customer service skills, phenomenal colleague interaction skills, and will help us grow both personally and professionally. Developing deep relationships helps feed our spirit and we grow into the person we were always meant to be.
Taking time to invest in your friends and family, with no thought of any return, is fulfilling in and of itself. There can be no greater pleasure than being a part of someone else's success, to watch as your words and actions build up and enrich someone else. That is true joy.
Take a moment today to encourage someone. A word, a gift, a service. Do something for them that they cannot (or maybe just will not) do for themselves. Do something for someone who can never repay you, and for whom you would never accept repayment even if they could. Actively seek out ways to be a blessing to others. Yes, we should keep our eyes open for opportunities that present themselves, but even more than that, we should actively look for opportunities that might be hidden. When you do this, you'll make their day, enrich their life...and your own as well!
****************************
Great gift ideas (click here)
A fun and effective parenting aid (click here) also here
A Spring Friendship Special (click here) also here
Saturday, January 7, 2012
Product Reviews: MyFitnessPal vs LoseIt
New Years Resolutions almost always involve Health & Fitness goals. To that end, we'll continue this week with another product review. Last week I reviewed 2 fitness apps to get the new year off on the right 'foot' (pun intentional). This week we'll look at 2 apps that help you keep track of your nutrition.
Last year I spent 2 months on crutches following a wretched little mishap on the running trail. That, combined with another couple of months of slowly getting back into a decent fitness routine and lots of lessons learned.
Lesson 1: You can maintain your weight without exercise. Well, you can but you have to eat WAY less, and that's really hard to do, especially if your body is used to a certain level of both activity and fuel. Besides, it's no fun at all.
Lesson 2: Keeping track of your food intake is critical, regardless of your activity level, if you want to attain even the most modest of fitness goals. I've heard it said that you can't outrun a bad diet, and that's true. No level of exercise will compensate for poor nutrition. And no exercise and no food monitoring will most likely equal weight gain :(
I've always preached the benefit of a food diary, and for years I just used a self-created excel spreadsheet but it wasn't always practical to carry around my laptop, so when I got my first iPod Touch, I found an app called LoseIt. It's free and has been very helpful and convenient. I just moved to an iPhone and was interested in comparing other similar apps, so I decided to also try out MyFitnessPal, also free.
So let's compare the 2 apps:
Similarities:
Both are Free. MyFitnessPal is ad supported, while LoseIt is just plain free.
Both have community aspects, such as friend requests, community bulletin boards, things of that nature. The community aspect seems a bit stronger on MyFitnessPal, and there are some weight loss tickers you can add to your profile if that appeals to you. I don't much care about virtual friendships, they don't motivate me, but it's very helpful for many to have a circle of supporters in your journey. I have added friends who I've convinced to try an app to my friend list and that was helpful to encourage and motivate each other.
Both will calculate both calories and comprehensive nutrition information, include an activity tracker, barcode scanner, and reports function. MyFitnessPal has multiple reports that you generate online, LoseIt has a few reports that can be automatically emailed to you as an excel spreadsheet). The reports function is a great feature, especially if you are working with a physician, nutritionist, or trainer - or if like me, you just want to track your own data.
I love the activity tracker since you get to see it give you extra food to eat - that's the best motivation for exercise I've ever found ;-) Unfortunately, you do get a serious wake up call when you realize it's not that much more food, but still every calorie helps.
The barcode scanner is just cool! I didn't have that on the iPod Touch since I bought mine before it included a camera, so I had to enter any new foods that weren't in the database manually. Most foods are there, but it's still way-cooler to scan than search :)
Key differences:
LoseIt: An app-based program with a web back-end. The app was developed first and web-based logging came separate. What that means is yes, you can do whatever you need from either the app or the web but the power really is in the app.
Like it's name, it is weight-loss focused. There are no options for those wanting to use it for weight gain. Well, I suppose you can, there's just no setting for it.
It's also a simple algorithm, so whatever you set it for, it will allot a calories/day limit that sometimes is far below safe. I hope that's something they will address in later updates.
LoseIt has a much cleaner interface and you can move foods from one meal to the other within the app. You can also easily access previous meals so you can just add or modify them for a different day.
MyFitnessPal: A web-based program that seems to have added the app as a secondary support for the web. You can do most things from the app, but some things can only be done from the web (like move an item from lunch to dinner instead of delete/add).
There are weight gain or weight loss options, which is great for bodybuilders or those needing to gain weight. While gaining weight has never been difficult for me, I do have friends and family for which it is a problem and being able to set that goal is quite helpful for them.
The program will not let you go below 1200 calories/day - which is a safe limit, and without medical supervision no one should go below that anyway.
There are more food options in the database, which is very convenient for eating out or if you have a more international diet. I've often used the MyFitnessPal website to custom-add foods to my LoseIt app.
You must actively save meals for the app to remember it. That works if you really want to save a meal, but I'd still rather it remember meals automatically without having to save it since I may or may not have the same thing again. Not a big deal, but still...
The app remembers recent items only by meals, so if you want to have the same thing for dinner that you had for lunch, you won't see it under recent items for dinner - you'll need to re-add it and then the next time it will be there. Again, a minor annoyance.
The app-interface is a bit cluttered. The web-interface is a much better user-experience.
Recommendations:
I'll start by saying I'm still using both, and I do like them both - for different reasons. On this one, I find no clear winner and which app you prefer may ultimately depend on how and when you use it.
If you want a primarily web-based program where you access your app only when you're out, then MyFitnessPal is probably your best bet. Also, if you're looking for weight gain, it's one of the few options out there.
If you want a primarily app-based program with occasional web access, then LoseIt offers a much better user-experience on your mobile device. There are fewer foods in the database, and if you eat out or have a more international diet then you may find yourself having to custom-add foods. And if you're only looking for weight-loss or maintenance, then this app could be for you.
Whichever one you choose, and I do highly recommend choosing one, use it daily and you will reach all of your fitness goals for 2012 and beyond!
Sunday, January 1, 2012
Product Review: Nike+gps vs Runkeeper
If you got a shiny new iPod touch or iPhone for Christmas or are gearing up for a New Year's fitness resolution, then you're probably looking for some fitness tracking apps. We'll compare two of the top contenders here, the choice is ultimately up to you but I'll try and share my experiences with these two programs. (Android options are beyond my experience, but I'll take a leap and assume the core features are about the same)
I'll start off by saying that both of these are great programs. I have used both for some time now and each has it's significant benefits. I've often switched back and forth between the two and have yet to formally narrow it down to only one program.
Nike+GPS is available from the apple store for $1.99. It will coordinate with the Nike+iPod program if you've been using that application so all your runs will be available on your account. Also, you can switch back and forth between the programs, a nice little feature if you've been tracking your progress through the nike site for some time.
Runkeeper is now free from the apple store, and there is an Elite subscription for $19.99/year that gives you access to additional features such as advanced reporting & feedback options, discounts on fitness classes and live broadcasting of your runs.
Community:
Both have a friends feature and community aspect that works well if any of your friends are also participating and you can post your runs to both facebook and twitter with either program.
The Nike website also has some nice features such as moving to different levels based on total mileage and some positive reinforcement messages from athletes.
Nike also has the ability to receive 'cheers' from your facebook fans, a nice little feature if you're competing in a run, or if you just want some kudos on your every day run. This feature is only available as part of the Elite subscription in Runkeeper.
Features:
Runkeeper is the hands down winner on total feature set. You can track various activities and you have several feedback options. Personally, I like having feedbacks at both mileage and timing intervals. Nike only allows one or the other.
Nike+ also integrates with sites like dailymile, which is a really nice feature if you're using that site as it will import all your runs with ease.
The gps function is weaker on the iPod Touch than on the iPhone, and Nike+ has a built-in accelerometer that helps compensate for weak gps signals, and also allows you to use the app with some degree of accuracy on treadmill runs as well.
Runkeeper will integrate with certain heartrate monitors while the Nike+gps app currently does not (though the Nike+iPod (another free app) will and as said before, you can switch back and forth between apps and still save all your runs).
Nike will loop your chosen playlist if your run goes longer than the music you selected while Runkeeper will not, and there is no option to re-start the music. If your activity exceeds your playlist in Runkeeper, you'll have to manually go back into music and make a selection.
Recommendations:
If you live in an area with spotty gps, you're only wanting to track runs &/or walks, you want to use a single app for your indoor treadmill runs as well (or primarily indoor runs, or if you use the iPod touch, then Nike+gps is a hands-down winner.
If you like tracking multiple activities, prefer more feedback options, and are using an iPhone in an area with decent gps coverage, then Runkeeper is a must-have.
Start the year off right, download a free or cheap app and get out there!
Saturday, December 24, 2011
Merry Christmas!
Wishing you all the merriest and most blessed Christmas ever!
Take the time to spend with family and friends, far and near. We have so many opportunities to connect these days, and video chat can be the next best thing to being there when you're far away! Let the people you love know that you care about them by taking the time to call, email, video, or even text. The gift of your time is the best gift you can give. Yes, many of you have struggled to find just the perfect gift, and that's great but nothing compares to the time you give to those who are precious to you.
Take another moment to give thanks for all those people in your life, and focus on what you have that brings you joy. As I sit and watch the sunrise on what promises to be a beautiful day in southern California, I am reminded that each day holds new hope. Yesterday is gone and tomorrow isn't here yet, even the rest of the day is still set before us but there is joy in the sunrise for every day holds a new promise. All the problems and struggles of yesterday are over, and todays haven't happened yet. In the sunrise the day has promise, embrace it, then face whatever comes holding on to that joy, peace and hope.
Take the time to spend with family and friends, far and near. We have so many opportunities to connect these days, and video chat can be the next best thing to being there when you're far away! Let the people you love know that you care about them by taking the time to call, email, video, or even text. The gift of your time is the best gift you can give. Yes, many of you have struggled to find just the perfect gift, and that's great but nothing compares to the time you give to those who are precious to you.
Take another moment to give thanks for all those people in your life, and focus on what you have that brings you joy. As I sit and watch the sunrise on what promises to be a beautiful day in southern California, I am reminded that each day holds new hope. Yesterday is gone and tomorrow isn't here yet, even the rest of the day is still set before us but there is joy in the sunrise for every day holds a new promise. All the problems and struggles of yesterday are over, and todays haven't happened yet. In the sunrise the day has promise, embrace it, then face whatever comes holding on to that joy, peace and hope.
Saturday, December 17, 2011
Stress Relief for the Holidays...and all year long
The holidays are a wonderful time of year, but can also be stressful. In this current economy, stress is a year-round issue and the effects of that take a toll not only on our minds but also our bodies. Managing stress requires a strategy. We can't do much about the economy, but we can take strategic measures to help minimize our personal stress level.
Being proactive, taking control over that which we have control, is the first step. There are many strategies for stress reduction, but exercise and massage are two that have both stress-reducing and additional long-term health benefits.
Exercise is a proven method of stress relief. You release endorphins, causing you to feel better. And you also burn off some of those holiday cookies :) It doesn't have to be intense exercise, though there are significant benefits to that, just a simple walk, a bike ride will help. If your holiday parties include dancing, well all the better! Strive to do something active for at least 30 minutes every day and you will not only help reduce your stress, but you will gain other health benefits as well.
A massage may seem like an indulgence, but it's real medicine that not only helps reduce your stress, but can even boost your immune system - nice bonus during cold and flu season! You'll feel better, be more relaxed, and know you're doing something positive and healthy for your body. For more reading on the health benefits of a massage, read the article here. Finding a good massage therapist may take some time, but its well worth the effort (and you'll get some great massages while you 'shop').
So, enjoy the holidays, get out for a walk, top it off with a great massage, and enjoy spending time with family and friends!
Shop: Great Holiday Specials Here!
Health & Fitness: Personalized Nutrition & Fitness Programs
Massage: A Great Massage!
Being proactive, taking control over that which we have control, is the first step. There are many strategies for stress reduction, but exercise and massage are two that have both stress-reducing and additional long-term health benefits.
Exercise is a proven method of stress relief. You release endorphins, causing you to feel better. And you also burn off some of those holiday cookies :) It doesn't have to be intense exercise, though there are significant benefits to that, just a simple walk, a bike ride will help. If your holiday parties include dancing, well all the better! Strive to do something active for at least 30 minutes every day and you will not only help reduce your stress, but you will gain other health benefits as well.
A massage may seem like an indulgence, but it's real medicine that not only helps reduce your stress, but can even boost your immune system - nice bonus during cold and flu season! You'll feel better, be more relaxed, and know you're doing something positive and healthy for your body. For more reading on the health benefits of a massage, read the article here. Finding a good massage therapist may take some time, but its well worth the effort (and you'll get some great massages while you 'shop').
So, enjoy the holidays, get out for a walk, top it off with a great massage, and enjoy spending time with family and friends!
Shop: Great Holiday Specials Here!
Health & Fitness: Personalized Nutrition & Fitness Programs
Massage: A Great Massage!
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