Fit Chick in the City » Workout Enhancements http://fitchickinthecity.com Fri, 25 May 2012 13:47:04 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.2 Tools of the Trade http://fitchickinthecity.com/2009/11/tools-of-the-trade/ http://fitchickinthecity.com/2009/11/tools-of-the-trade/#comments Thu, 19 Nov 2009 14:37:09 +0000 Jess http://fitchickinthecity.com/2009/11/19/tools-of-the-trade/ Early this week I wrote about how I need to make a few changes. Here are three tools I’m using right now.

#1 A New Play-list

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The one thing that hasn’t been slacking are my workouts. However, nothing pumps new life into your workout like a new play-list.

#2 Calorie King

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I love Calorie King! I realize that free programs exist such as sparkpeople, but I’ve had a calorie king subscription for years. Its my old standby. When I notice my clothes aren’t fitting quite right, this is my go to for reigning it back in. The program is pretty accurate for me since I’ve entered in my RMR (resting metabolic rate).

#3 Online Stopwatch

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I read about this on Caitlin’s blog. Let’s just say that this little tool is changing my life!
I tend to have a self diagnosed case of ADD that keeps me from getting things done. My work style at home tends to be “a little of this, a little of that.” The problem is that it takes me forever to actually complete something. It also helps when I feel overwhelmed by the number of things that need re-organizing in my apartment.
This past weekend, I made a list of chores that need serious attention. I then picked one thing from the list and focused on that task for exactly 20 minutes without interruption. The result has been outstanding. This has taught me that I really can get a lot done in 20 minutes if I focus solely on the task at hand. Seriously the best tip I’ve gotten from the blogosphere.
What’s the best tip you’ve gotten from the blogosphere? Please share!!
]]> http://fitchickinthecity.com/2009/11/tools-of-the-trade/feed/ 4 The Extinction of Cross Trainers http://fitchickinthecity.com/2009/10/the-extinction-of-cross-trainers/ http://fitchickinthecity.com/2009/10/the-extinction-of-cross-trainers/#comments Mon, 05 Oct 2009 12:08:00 +0000 Jess http://fitchickinthecity.com/2009/10/05/the-extinction-of-cross-trainers/ As a child if I wasn’t dancing, running or playing some kind of sport you’d find me curled up with a book. One of my favorite series was the “Shoes“ series by Noel Streatfeild. The series taught me that in order to excel at an activity you need the proper footwear.;)

Introducing my first pair of cross trainers, the Nike Shox ZipSister Training Shoe.

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The woman at Niketown that assisted me literally gasped when I told her that I’m a Group X instructor that doesn’t wear cross trainers. For as long as I can remember I’ve always used an old pair of running shoes in the gym. With my new foot problems and a history of spraining my ankle (yes while teaching class) its time for a change.

Proper footwear is essential to injury prevention (as I learned a few weeks ago) no matter what the activity. Running shoes are designed to propel you forward and provide cushion. Cross training shoes are designed for movement in all directions. They provide lateral support that can help prevent injuries when moving in a direction other than forward..

It also turns out the cross trainer is becoming extinct because everyone wears the wrong shoes to the gym. I went to three stores before finding a single pair.

I’m excited to wear these in tonight’s BOSU class! I can already tell that they my ankles are going to be happy!


]]> http://fitchickinthecity.com/2009/10/the-extinction-of-cross-trainers/feed/ 19 Battle of the (head) Bands http://fitchickinthecity.com/2009/10/battle-of-the-head-bands/ http://fitchickinthecity.com/2009/10/battle-of-the-head-bands/#comments Sat, 03 Oct 2009 15:46:44 +0000 Jess http://fitchickinthecity.com/2009/10/03/battle-of-the-head-bands/ Drugstore vs. Designer: To save or spend?

Headbands are an important staple in any fitness wardrobe. There’s nothing more annoying than having hair in your face or poking you in the eye while your huffing in puffing. When I workout, I don’t want to waste energy worrying about my hair.

In the first corner we have the Goody stayput headband. In the second corner we have the Lululemon slipless headband.

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The Goody stayput headband has been a “must have” accessory in my fitness wardrobe for the last few years.

Pros:

  • Affordable: Drugstore.com offers 3 for $4.99!
  • Available in many colors and varying widths.
  • Cute enough to wear when you’re not working out.

Cons:

  • Stretches out overtime.
  • Washing it seems to breakdown the elastic.
  • Does not “stayput.” I’ve lost a few of these on runs. I also see stray ones on the ground in Central Park quite often, indicating that other people have encountered this same problem.

I picked up the Lululemon slipless headband sometime this past spring.

Pros:

  • Doesn’t stretch out over time.
  • Washing doesn’t seem to alter it in any form.
  • Available in different colors, but unable to find this specific headband in different widths.
  • Does not slip. I’ve yet to see one of these lying on the ground.

Cons:

  • Price: Retails for $12.00 each
  • Not cute enough to wear when I’m not working out (although other lulu headbands are).

The key to lululemon’s success:

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I think this is a classic case of “you pay for what you get.” The fabric and “slipless” strip seem to be what makes this headband standout when compared with the goody headband.

I’ll continue to wear the goody stayput headbands for running errands and for training clients, but won’t be wearing them for running since discovering the lululemon slipless headband. Its totally worth spending the $12!

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