Category Archives: seasonal fitness

Get Explosive: 4th of July Firecracker Workout

4thofJuly

Light up your 4th of July with a plyometric workout designed to build explosive power. Performing these moves regularly can help you increase your vertical jump, speed and strength, which directly translates to better athletic performance.

A few words of warning, though: Plyo work can be pretty intense, so don’t do this workout in the heat of the afternoon or with a full belly. Your heart rate will soar, you’ll work several muscles at once and you’ll torch calories…but the last thing you want to do is pass out or lose your lunch in the process.

So what are you waiting for? Grab a towel, some water and feel the burn before that big family BBQ!

4thofJulyFirecrackerWorkout

Hint: If you’re not familiar with some of the moves listed, simply Google the term, and you’ll be able to find a description or video of it in action.

And, as always, remember to go at your own pace and use proper form. Think quality over quantity!

Are you planning a special workout for the 4th or taking the holiday as a rest day?

Bright Idea: Summer Solstice Body-Weight Workout

Summer-Solstice-Stonehenge

It’s almost the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere (2015’s sumer solstice falls on June 21) where 15+ hours will pass between sunrise and sunset in parts of the U.S. and Canada.

That sounds, to me, like a great excuse to soak up the abundance of daylight and celebrate the start of summer than with an outdoor workout.

Round up your friends and family, and hit the local lake or beach for an hour of body-weight work while the kiddos can play!

Photo via BrendelSignature at English Wikipedia

Photo via BrendelSignature at English Wikipedia

Hint: If you’re not familiar with some of the moves listed, simply Google the term along with the word “exercise,” and you’ll be able to find a description or video of it in action.

And, as always, remember to perform the moves at a steady pace and use proper form!

How are you taking advantage of sunny days this summer?

Be a Better Shredder: 3 Exercises for Snowboarders

Dec 2014 Snowboard Training 071

Forget all the fancy gear; do you really have what it takes to stay on your feet and avoid injury while hitting the slopes this season?

Mimic instability and build endurance by adding a few new moves to your existing workout routine, and it just might mean the difference between a great day of runs and having to call it quits early.

Billy Polson, founder and co-owner of DIAKADI (San Francisco’s largest personal training gym) recommends the following three exercises to condition, strengthen and help prevent injury prior to making your way to the mountain.

The best part? All you need is a BOSU ball, a balance board (or short plank of wood) and two weights.

1. Lean with it, rock with it

Place the balance board on top of the BOSU ball (flat side down) and hop up on it, spacing your weight evenly between both feet. Bend your knees and rock side to side, shifting your weight slowly, holding your core tight to maintain balance. Do this for 60 seconds.

2. Take it up a notch

Grab your two heavy weights, and step back up onto the board, finding your balance and holding in a squat position. Holding your arms at your sides, start lifting weights slowly up to shoulder height, then back down, while maintaining and proper form. Perform 2 sets of 15.

3. Practice your moves

After your last rep, drop the weights, go into a deeper squat, and hold. Practice shifting weight onto your toes, just like you are taking a turn on the mountain. Add some toe turns, move your weight into your heels, then back to your toes. Shift from side to side, practicing your turns and conditioning your legs for long runs. Do this for another 60 seconds.

Here’s a video of Billy demonstrating some of the moves. Happy shredding!

Have you hit the slopes yet this season? 

6 Simple Tricks for Squeezing in Holiday Workouts

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Have you fallen prey to the “Grinch Who Stole Fitness” this season? Well, the good news is that there’s still time to turn things around before 2015.

If your goal is to celebrate without completely abandoning your regimen, I’ve got six simple strategies for staying on track so you won’t have to dig yourself out of a hole come January 1st:

1. Get the worm. 

Figuratively, that is. Being at the mercy of friends’ and family’s schedules isn’t always conducive to regular workouts, so force yourself to develop a healthy morning routine. Prioritize exercise, and not only will you be more likely to get it done, but you’ll also reap the benefits of extra energy throughout the day.

2. “Run” your errands.

Or walk them. Or park farther away. Or take the stairs. Or lap the mall. However you do it, the idea is the same: Incorporate some additional activity into your to-do list to kill two birds with one stone.

3. Ditch the all-or-nothing attitude. 

I used to think I needed an entire hour in order for a workout to count, but that led to too many skipped sessions during the holiday time crunch. So now I take a different approach: Commit to just 10 minutes of cardio or one mile on the treadmill, and then reassess. If you’re still not feeling it, then stop, but there’s a good chance you’ll keep going once you get some momentum.

4. Make it a family affair. 

There’s no need to sequester yourself in order to break a sweat; instead, make a new tradition of embracing the great outdoors together. Whether it’s ice skating, snow shoveling, sledding or a snowball fight, the whole family can get in on the action. And give each other the gift of a healthy habit in the process.

5. Embrace bribery. 

Sometimes I’ll end my long run at the coffee shop or inspire myself to hit the gym by testing a new piece of gear. The trick is to find out what motivates you, and use that in your favor. Numbers-driven? Try hitting a daily pedometer goal. Competitive? Challenge a friend to a 30-day fitness routine. Bored? Commit to trying something new each day between now and the New Year.

6. Book a race. 

If you’re a regular reader here, this last one shouldn’t come as a surprise to you…because it’s my solution to almost everything. Not only can a holiday-themed race help keep you on your toes, cardio-wise, this time of year, but there’s also no better way to kick off the New Year than with a January race.

And when all else fails, there’s always another of my favorite holiday workouts…

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Happy, healthy holidays!

Fight the funk: Thriving in an off-season full of SADness

Source: Benjamin Brink/The Oregonian

Source: Benjamin Brink/The Oregonian

After living in California’s year-round sunshine for the last decade, the one thing everyone warned me about when moving to Portland was the winter — aka a half-year of clouds and rain. Like some inescapable boogeyman, they all seemed especially wary of it, issuing the same words of caution every time: It’s coming, and you can run but you can’t hide.

Hrmph. I brushed off what I thought were idle threats, feeling pretty confident in my plan for dealing with the lack of sun. No Vitamin D? No problem. I create my own endorphins during morning workouts, after all. It worked during San Francisco’s foggy days, plus having my fall marathon to prepare for meant I’d be keeping busy with a solid schedule of cardio, cross-training and PT work.

I’ve Got That Wintertime, Wintertime SADness

And when I got home from my travels post-marathon, I really did relish those first few lazy mornings. But then a week of planned rest days turned into two…and by the third week I found myself seriously struggling to get out of bed in the morning. That’s when I started to get concerned.

workout_blues

Of course I’m just self-diagnosing here, but I think it’s something along the lines of Seasonal Affective Disorder, which, when combined with the fact that I’ve got nothing on my race calendar in the foreseeable future, can be a dangerous combo. Plus, factor in post-marathon blues that are hitting just as I’m taking a good chunk of time (4-6 weeks) off from running, and I knew I’d have to take matters into my own hands to keep from sliding down a slippery slope.

Making a Training Plan for the Off-Season

As I was explaining my predicament to Hubby the other day, he suggested that I create a loose plan for the next few weeks since he knows I’m goal-oriented and thrive on having the structure of a training schedule. You see, the off-season isn’t really off at all; quite the contrary, it’s a break from the typical training volume and racing intensity, but cross-training to stay fit and active is still fair game.

So while I’m taking a mental break from the rigors of racing and allowing my body to (hopefully) heal once and for all from a few nagging injuries, it’s an ideal time to rejuvenate, plan for 2015 and work on getting stronger in ways that will compliment next season’s running. Here’s what my rough plan looks like for the next few weeks:

  • Monday – Yoga for flexibility
  • Tuesday – Cycling for cardio
  • Wednesday – Weights for strength
  • Thursday – Pool for non-impact
  • Friday – Freebie to explore different workouts & studios
  • Saturday – Long ride for endurance
  • Sunday – Rest day

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What About Other Goals?

Usually I try to eat pretty healthy, but ever since the marathon I’ve all but abandoned that bandwagon. A glass of wine…or three? Sure, why not! Bacon and buttered breadcrumbs on top of that mac & cheese? Yes, please! An extra helping of dessert? Don’t mind if I do! While it’s important to not get too uptight about this stuff, I do feel better when I eat fresh, whole foods, so Hubby and I are making a concerted effort to get back on track with our eating habits.

I’m also participating in a fun Holiday Sweat Challenge from the folks at RuntotheFinish, SweatGuru and Fit Approach. It’s chock full of workouts, healthy recipes and an extra dose of motivation to get us through the holidays without packing on the pounds — not to mention, there are some pretty awesome prizes up for grabs. If you want in on the action, register here!

Other stuff that’s been on my to-do list:

  • Set some short- and long-term work-related goals
  • Spend some quality time with our dogs
  • Finish setting up and organizing our apartment
  • Cook, bake and experiment with new recipes
  • Get more sleep — still in search of that eight hours!
  • Explore the local fitness scene & review classes
  • Get together more often with friends and family
  • Keep consistent date nights with Hubby
  • Start planning for 2015 for myself and the LUNA Chix PDX team

So there you have it. The holidays are here again, and it’s time for making merry, spreading cheer…and, yes, even squeezing in some killer workouts so we can fight the seasonal funk, build on this year’s successes and start 2015 off on the right foot!

How do you feel about off-season, and what are your tips for making the most of it? 

4 tips for making the most of fall workouts

FallWorkouts

Before we make a hasty retreat indoors for the next few months, make some time to take in the crisp fall air (not to mention the gorgeous foliage) with an outdoor workout.

Regardless of where you live – city, suburb or sticks – here are four simple ways that everyone can squeeze in some solid head-to-toe activity, alfresco.

1. Savor the changing scenery

Map a new route using an app such as Runtastic, MapMyRun, Runkeeper or Strava (all free), and let your mind wander for a few miles while you enjoy the fall color. These apps allow you to track various fitness activities, including workout details and data (duration, distance, pace, speed, elevation, calories burned and route traveled on an interactive map, etc.), plus some even offer databases of routes to help you keep things fresh.

2. Get playful in the park

Make like a kid and get crazy at your local playground with this total-body workout from FitSugar. Bonus: Kill two birds with one stone and bring Junior along to help supervise your cross-training circuit and burn off some extra energy of his/her own.

3. Loosen up — and layer up

Shorter days and cooler temps are no excuse to skip out on a sweat session. But trying to work out with cold, tight muscles can be a recipe for injury, so prime your body with a proper warm-up and the appropriate attire. Not sure what to wear? Here’s a handy guide from Runner’s World that provides expert advice on picking the correct outfit for all conditions.

4. Stay safe after sunset

Before you hit the streets at dusk (or dawn), take the proper precautions by wearing reflective gear and portable lights (try a Petzl headlamp or Knuckle Lights), which are designed to help you stick out like a sore thumb in low-visibility settings. Finally, try to choose a well-lit route and steer clear of areas with excessive car traffic whenever possible.

How does your outdoor workout prep change with the seasons?

If at first you don’t succeed…

IMG_3768 jh

…trail, trail again!

That was the theme this past weekend as Hubby and I tried to squeeze in one last trail run before my 50K on May 31.

Our first attempt was on Saturday morning in Marin. We’d done the Tennessee Valley Trail once before, but ended up cutting off about two miles because A) navigating trails is never easy, and B) if there’s a way to get lost, I’ll find it.

photo 2 (1)

So this time we were determined to hug the coastline and reclaim those lost miles. No matter what — even if it meant going down a single-track trail that slowly disappeared into thick brush.

Long story short? Some of that “brush” we were wading through turned out to be poison oak.

Combine that with four snake sightings, plus something hissing at me under a rock (my guess is snake no. five), and Hubby and I high-tailed it back to the car and called it a day after two miles.

But not before stopping to pick up the skin-saving miracle called Tecnu. We slathered ourselves in it head-to-toe, and so far so good…

photo 1 (1)

Cut to trail attempt, take two, on Sunday where we decided that a 13-miler around Lake Chabot — the scene of my 30K this past February — might be a better option.

The poison oak and another snake sighting (yup, both are all over right now) turned out to be only minor annoyances, though, as compared to another factor that reared its ugly head: heat.

Our “summer” — i.e. foggy, barely 60-degree — days have definitely softened us. Despite drinking all the water in my vest, I was still super dehydrated by the time we finished (but my fueling was good, as you can see — thanks, Hubby, for catching me mid-mouthful).

IMG_3771 jh

Although we both spent the remainder of the day trying to re-hydrate — seriously, we couldn’t get enough water — it was a great reminder going into my race to drink more frequently.

In fact, experts say that performance is impaired when you’re dehydrated by as little as two percent of body weight…and we experienced that firsthand when we both started dragging in the later miles.

But working out the kinks aside, you can’t really complain too much when you’re running with these kinds of views.

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After all, as one fellow trail runner said to us in passing, “It’s just another horrible day in paradise, isn’t it?”

Happy trails, friends!

‘Tri’ a new challenge to kick off summer fitness

Tri1

Think triathlon is only for elite athletes and endurance junkies? Think again.

According to USA Triathlon, participation in triathlons in the United States is at an all-time high. The group’s membership has grown exponentially from around 100,000 in 1998 to 550,446 when last reported in 2012.

The Sports & Fitness Industry Association also estimates that the total number of triathlon participants rose 59 percent from 2008 (1,251,000) to 2011 (1,992,000), thanks to the rise in popularity of endurance sports.

And — let’s face it — if I can do it, anyone can!

Why Tri?

  • Beat boredom by switching focus between swim/bike/run
  • Get in shape from head to toe with weekly full-body workouts
  • Reduce risk of overuse injury in one sport, thanks to cross-training
  • Develop a lean, mean body with endurance & resistance training
  • Fall into a more healthy, balanced lifestyle (nutrition & sleep are necessities!)
  • Reap the benefits of being highly organized around training
  • Reduce stress on the body with swimming & cycling, which are non-impact
  • Drop pounds, thanks to high-intensity cardiovascular training
  • Give more purpose and motivation to your workouts by setting a goal event
  • Lower blood pressure, prevent heart disease & diabetes, reduce risk of osteoporosis
  • Choose from a variety of distances for an individualized challenge

How to Get Started: 

  1. Pick a distance.
  2. Choose an event.
  3. Find a training plan.
  4. Prepare for the big day.
  5. Enjoy your first race.

So why not ‘tri’ something new this summer? You just may like it!

Happy Earth Day! 5 ways to “green” your exercise routine

earth day

Most people equate Earth Day with reduction, whether it’s waste, electricity or water, but you can also celebrate the holiday by doing something positive – both for the planet and your health.

One idea? Escape the confines of your gym with an outdoor workout. Not only do jungle gyms and park benches double as fun ways for sneaking in strength training, but a recent study from the journal of Environmental Science and Technology also found that there are actual benefits to your mental and physical well-being by exercising outside.

Now that’s the gift that keeps on giving long after the holiday.

Below are four more ways to show your appreciation for Mother Nature while breaking a sweat today:

  • Use equipment that doesn’t require electricity. Try a manual treadmill, such as the TrimWalk, which requires no power (unless you count sheer willpower, of course). Simply set the pace and go, and when you’re finished, it folds and stores conveniently under a bed. If you’re up for a bigger challenge, try a bike generator, which allows athletes to translate their exertion into energy, in the form of a 12-Volt battery.
  • Practice eco-running. The mission? Simply lace up your running shoes, grab a garbage bag and jog around town, filling it with trash. Sure, in the grand scheme of things it’s a small step, but it’s more about raising awareness for personal responsibility and creating momentum for a more positive impact on the planet. Visit EcologyRunner for more information on this movement, a brainchild of Samuel Huber, who created it to merge his two passions.
  • Participate in a local Earth Day event. Get involved, and help rally your community to make a difference! Visit EarthDay.org to view a list of events happening around the world, including celebrations, beach clean-ups, conservation talks, conferences, festivals and more.
  • Get some eco-friendly fitness gear. Enhance your workout with equipment that works well and does some good. For example:
      • Amplify your ability to give back with LSTN Troubadors headphones. Not only are they made of reclaimed beech wood, ebony wood or cherry wood casing, but for every purchase, the company will also help restore hearing to a person in need through the Starkey Hearing Foundation.
      • Close the gap between your active lifestyle and others’ needs with the MiiR Growler water bottle. For each bottle purchased, one person in need is supplied with water for a year.
      • Finally, hydrate responsibly with Treeson spring water. For every bottle sold, a tree is planted — and each bottle comes with a mailing label so it can be returned via USPS to be put through a special process that turns it into clean energy used to make more bottles.

How are you honoring Earth Day this year? 

Winter running 101: Five essential tips

Source: Roberto Caucino/Shutterstock

Source: Roberto Caucino/Shutterstock

Navigating winter’s gauntlet of snow, ice and negative wind chills can be daunting for even the most devoted runners (I’ve had my own share of “raingry” days here in the Bay Area recently, that’s for sure).

But shorter days, frigid temps and fluctuating elements are no reason to put your workout plans on hold until spring. Follow these five tips for mastering cold-weather running, and you’ll set yourself up for a much more enjoyable season.

1. Layer up: Start with a synthetic base layer (read: not cotton) to wick sweat away from skin and, depending on the conditions, add an insulating mid-layer and a waterproof outer layer. This not only helps trap air to keep you warmer, but it also gives you options for fending off a variety of elements.

2. Don’t overdress: To avoid overheating and excessive sweating, dress as if it’s 20 degrees warmer than the current temperature. You should feel chilled when you walk out the door, but a few minutes into the run, your body temperature will rise naturally and make up the difference.

3. Protect feet: Pair high-traction, waterproof shoes with wool socks, which are great for wicking away wetness while maintaining warmth. If you want even more stability, try Yak Trax, an ice traction device with spikes and steel coils that’s anatomically designed for use with running shoes.

4. Slow down: Running on snow requires more stabilizing muscles for balance, so keep the effort easy and reduce overall mileage, as needed. If it’s super icy, use good judgment by steering clear of busy streets, taking a rest day or hitting the treadmill; there’s no use tempting fate only to end up with an unnecessary injury.

5. Factor wind: Protect any remaining exposed skin with a thin layer of Vaseline (or try this easy, DIY hand salve) to prevent windburn or frostbite. And to avoid that mid-run, bone-chilling blast in the face after you’ve broken a sweat, begin your run into the wind, so you can finish with it at your back.

What do you do differently during the winter running season?