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    Exactly What To Consider When Choosing A Sports Bra

    First, let’s get one question out the way: Do you really need a proper sports bra? After all, it’s a lot of money to fork out for such a tiny piece of fabric. The short answer: Yes. Even if your go-to everyday bra is padded and underwired to the max (hello, cleavage!), it doesn’t offer enough support to withstand your workout.
    According to the Portsmouth University research team, more than 70% of women wear the wrong bra size. When choosing a sports bra, they advise looking for a comfortable fit in five areas: the underband, cups, underwire, centre-front and shoulder straps.
    There are no muscles within the breasts – they’re essentially a collection of fat and tissue held to the body by ligaments and skin – and the issue is that neither of these is especially strong. The connective tissue that holds the breast to the chest is comprised of Cooper’s ligaments, which naturally extend with age and over time – but exercise without supporting them properly and they could stretch up to 2cm during high-intensity workouts.
    READ MORE: Finally! Sports Bras That Don’t Feel Like Freaking Straitjackets
    What’s more, contrary to how your breasts may appear to move up and down as you run, burpee or push press, they actually swing in a figure of eight. It was this discovery that inspired the design of Under Armour’s Infinity bra. Instead of following the traditional method of constructing a sports bra – cutting two breast-shaped cups from a flat piece of padding, glueing and layering pieces of foam – they liquid-injected the foam in a figure-eight (a.k.a. infinity sign) shape, making the bra feel more natural and comfortable without sacrificing support.
    Debbie Risius, senior research associate at Portsmouth University, states that a woman’s choice of sports bra can also influence her breathing rate and thermoregulation during exercise. This is down to the fit of the bra and the fabric from which it’s constructed: a 2013 study found that, while all sports bras reduced the cooling ability of the breast – simply by virtue of being another layer of clothing – sports bras made from polyester allowed for better thermoregulation than bras made from other composite materials.
    Now we’ve established that a sports bra is a worthy investment, here are five things you need to know when choosing a sports bra.
    READ MORE: 5 High-Impact Sports Bras That’ll Actually Keep Your Boobs in Check
    1/ Your Bra Size
    All kinds of things can influence the size of your breasts, from your menstrual cycle to pregnancy to weight loss. Yet most of us still buy bras according to measurements taken years ago. What’s more, not only do your breasts change size – bras can vary in size from brand to brand.

    When to get measured: It’s been more than six months since your last fitting, your body has changed or you’re buying a different brand than your usual. Trying on? Make sure you can’t pull the band more than five centimetres from your chest or the straps more than five centimetres from your shoulders. And make sure the cups fully enclose your boobs.
    READ MORE: The 8 Best Groin Stretches For Anyone Who Sits All Day Long
    2/ Your Workout Style
    When you scope out the sports bras on offer, you’ll notice they’re divided into different categories. Usually these will be called high, medium and low impact or high, medium and low support. This is to help you match your bra to the type of workout you do.
    Your workout: Running, bootcamp, martial arts, boxing, bodyweight training, anything involving jumping or skipping
    You need: High impact. Look for racerback straps and padded or moulded cups. If your breasts are small, you could also you use a medium impact bra.
    Your workout: Cycling, spinning, weight lifting, the gym circuit, hiking
    You need: Medium impact if your breasts are small; high impact if they’re medium to large. Look for broad straps and padding and/or sturdy fabric with a light stretch.
    Your workout: Yoga, Pilates, Barre
    You need: Low impact for small boobs; medium impact for medium boobs; high impact for large boobs. Look for comfortable, stretchy fabric, padding optional, strap width according to your preference.
    3/ The Fabric
    You know that feeling when you walk out of a spinning class and your bra feels like a wet sea creature strapped to your chest? Avoid that sea-sponge feelin’ by choosing synthetic fabrics that don’t hold onto sweat. Words like “moisture wicking”, “breathable” and “ventilation” are what you want to see.

    READ MORE ON: Fitness Fitness Gear Style Style Tips More

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    This 12-Minute Workout Is All You Need To Burn Fat — Yes, Really

    If your life is an endless juggling act of work, kids, chores and social commitments (jokes, who has time for those?) the idea of trying to squeeze in a fitness habit may seem impossible.
    But what do we say to the crazy schedule that tries to rob us of our gains? “Not today!” This workout is from trainer Krista Stryker, mastermind of 12 Minute Athlete workouts. Her workouts use zero equipment aside from your own body weight and a timer, which you can get from your phone.
    This 12 Minute Athlete workout takes almost no time at all, but will still score you all the fat-burning, muscle-sculpting results you’re after.
    How it works
    The catch? You have to work your butt off. “In order to get the maximum benefits of HIIT (high-intensity interval training), you really do have to work really hard – up to 80-90% of your maximum capacity. You should basically feel like you’re sprinting during each work period and aim to go as fast as you can while keeping good form,” says Stryker. “HIIT workouts should be pretty intense, and if you’re working out for much more than 15 or 20 minutes at a time, you’re most likely doing a moderate intensity workout, not a high intensity one,” she says.
    READ MORE: Caley Jäck’s Simple Formula For Sticking To A Healthy Lifestyle
    Got it? Here’s your workout…
    You’ll need: A timer
    Do the following exercises in order. Perform as many reps as you can with good form in 30 seconds, then rest for 10 seconds before moving on to the next exercise. Do three rounds total, never resting longer than 10 seconds. If you’re relatively new to HIIT workouts, do this routine no more than two or three days a week, but do light activity like walking on the other days.
    More advanced? You can do the workout four or five days a week – but be sure to take one full rest day. For best results, Krista recommends you supplement your workouts with moving more in everyday life – take the stairs, go for a walk at lunchtime or catch up with friends over a hike rather than lunch.
    READ MORE: I Tried The Planet Fitness FitBuddy App – Here’s What I Think
    Make it work for you
    Working out at super high intensity isn’t a good idea for beginners. If you’re just starting out, get used to moving first, says Krista. For six months, aim to walk every day or cycle a few days a week before you dial it up. Similarly, if you’re susceptible to joint injuries – or are currently injured – you’re better off swapping all the jumping for lower impact moves.
    You can also tailor any move to suit your fitness level. Can’t do a push-up? Make it easier by placing your hands on a higher surface like a chair or counter top. Body weight push-ups way too easy? Add a band to increase resistance or get plyometric with clapping or even superman push-ups. Need motivation to push harder? Count your reps during each interval and write them down. Next time you do the workout, try to beat your previous reps.
    READ MORE: A 4-Week Home Workout Plan To Get Fit And Strong AF
    Your moves
    1/ Burpee tuck jumps
    From standing, squat down and jump your feet back into the top of a push-up. Do one push-up. Immediately jump your feet back towards your hands, then jump straight up as you tuck your knees towards your chest. That’s one rep.
    [embedded content]
    2/ Push-up plank jumps
    Start in the top of a push-up position with your shoulders directly over your hands. Push through your shoulders as you tighten your abs, glutes and quads. Lower your chest towards the floor. You should aim to touch or almost touch your chest to the floor while keeping your gaze slightly in front of your hands. Push yourself back up to start, then immediately jump your feet forward towards your hands while keeping your core tight. Jump your feet back to start. That’s one rep.
    Too hard? Place your hands on an elevated surface such as a countertop or bench. The higher the surface, the easier the exercise will be.
    [embedded content]
    READ MORE: This 15-Minute Skipping Rope Workout Will Transform Your Arms And Abs
    3/ Snowboarder jumps
    Start in a squat position with one hand reaching towards the floor. Jump up as high as you can, rotating 180 degrees midair. Land back in a squat position, reaching towards the floor with the opposite hand. That’s one rep. Alternate directions on each rep.
    [embedded content]
    4/ Pike jumps
    Start in a piked position with your hands on the floor in front of you about shoulder-width apart. Jump your feet up as far as possible and land on one side. Trying not to pause, immediately jump to other side. Continue alternating.
    [embedded content]
    5/ Side lunges
    Stand straight with your legs wider than hip-width apart. Bend one knee and lower down as far as you can to one side while keeping the other leg straight to the side. Return to start and repeat on the other side. Continue alternating.
    [embedded content]
    6/ Split leg V-up combo
    Lie on your back with your arms straight above your head and your legs straight. Pull your belly button towards the floor, then raise your right leg as you reach both arms towards your right foot at the same time. Lower back down, then repeat on the left side. Next, raise both legs up at once as you reach your hands towards your toes. That’s one rep.
    [embedded content]

    Want more 12 Minute Athlete workouts? Krista’s 12 Minute Athlete app is free for download, then choose which workouts you’d like to purchase, from R15 each. You can also download the 12-Minute Athlete Timer app, totally free.

    READ MORE ON: 15 Minute Workouts Bodyweight Workouts Fat Burning Workouts Fitness HIIT Workouts More

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    I Tried The Planet Fitness FitBuddy App – Here’s What I Think

    The Planet Fitness FitBuddy app to marries your gym membership with your goals and your real-life schedule.
    When it comes to workout apps, there are truly no shortages. The global lockdown did nothing if not create an even sturdier offering as we all attempted to get buff within the confines of our four walls.
    But as we came out of lockdown, some apps stuck around on our phones. I tried the Planet Fitness FitBuddy app and wondered if it was going to be a staple addition in my phone’s fitness folder – and it delivered.
    What is the Planet Fitness FitBuddy app?
    It’s a workout app, but like the term “fit buddy” denotes, you’re held accountable. When you sign up, you’re assigned a real coach at Planet Fitness, who loads workouts for you in the app to hit your desired goals. You’re also asked to log your meals in an associated app that’s sent to you to download.
    Unlike other workout apps, where you scroll through a variety of workouts and pick the one you feel up to, FitBuddy has scheduled workouts loaded in it, and you do the workout designated for you by your trainer.
    If you have a smartwatch, you can sync the data to the app so your steps, caloric expenditure and heart rate information can be tracked, too.

    READ MORE:  “I Did A 30-Day Push-up Challenge—Here’s What Happened”
    I Tried The FitBuddy App
    When I downloaded the app, I expected to scroll through workouts, pick one, do it, and share my achievement, like every other fitness app. But this app is a bit more involved than others – and it’s great. I got an email from my trainer, Tokey, who scheduled a call with me to chat about my fitness goals, how often I exercise and any other niggling issues I had. I told him I wanted to improve my surfing ability and that I’ve been trying to ditch about 10 kilos for a few years. We spoke about my eating habits, how often I train, the kind of training I do, and a few other lifestyle preferences.
    Then, he devised a training programme for me and input the data into my app. I was to do three workouts a week, totalling 20 minutes each, and he left room for my surfing sessions (which I can also log in the app, along with any other extra activities).
    READ MORE: 11 Best New Running Shoes That’ll Inspire Your Next PB
    At first, I struggled to find my way around the app, until I realised that I didn’t necessarily need to explore anything, but rather just open it, navigate to my scheduled workout and do it.
    Taking the brain work out of losing weight and being healthy is one of the huge benefits of an app like this. Without having to think about anything, you’re less likely to come up with an excuse or feel fatigued after scrolling through different workouts before actually committing to one.
    READ MORE: Quick HIIT Warm Up: Blast More KJs By Doing These 3 Moves First
    Added to that, Tokey sends me regular messages, checking in on my progress. He’s also able to see if I’ve skipped a workout or failed to log a few meals, which is excellent if you’re serious about making progress. Because there’s a real human being at the other end of the phone, if anything is bothering you, it can be fixed, which I really appreciated. I have a niggly back that’s been lousy from overuse, and my workouts are adjusted nicely to make up for that.
    Overall, this is one app I’d recommend if you’re looking to get serious about your progress and goals. Plus, you don’t have to be a Planet Fitness member to join at all. Keen to try it? Book a consultation here.

    READ MORE ON: Fitness Gear Fitness Trackers WH Tests It More

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    11 Best New Running Shoes That’ll Inspire Your Next PB

    We know what you’re thinking: another pair of running shoes? Sure, running shoe releases claiming to make you (almost) as fast as Caster Semenya drop what feels like every day, but hear this: getting the best new running shoe for your needs only means a better workout.
    Not only that, but running shoes are meant to be replaced regularly (around every 650km – 800km), to protect the health of your feet. We’ve scoped around to bring you the newest running shoe drops in 2022 (so far), along with how they’ll support your next PB.

    If You Want To Hit The Road
    Puma Eternity Nitro
    If you need stability, Puma’s runGUIDE tech keeps your foot in check and centred as you hit the ground. It’ll still feel lightweight, though, with a midsole that cushions your feet without feeling like a cement brick.
    Puma Eternity NitroR 3200Buy It
    New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 v11
    This shoe looks so good and comes in so many colourways, you’d be forgiven for wanting to wear it on a night out. The Ultra Heel tech gives you that support for long slogs, but the sizing option gets bonus points: you can select the shoe size and a desired width, for those of us with wide – or especially narrow – feet.
    New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 v11R 3099 Buy It
    adidas Solarglide 5
    Ever the #sustainablebae, adidas made this shoe in collaboration with Parley For The Oceans to recycle ocean plastic for 50% of the shoe. You still get that trademark BOOST tech that returns energy from the strike back to your foot, and it just looks hella cool.
    adidas Solarglide 5R 2499Buy It
    Asics GlideRide
    Asics’ trademark FLYTEFOAM™ tech, along with GEL™, protects your foot from fatigue by delivering great cushioning, so you keep going for longer. Notice the way this shoe is curved? That’s specifically to reduce excess ankle movement, lower strain on the calf and keep you moving forward.

    READ MORE: This Is Exactly How You Can Join The FREE adidas Runners Club RN 

    If You Want To Hit The Treadmill
    Under Armour HOVR™ Sonic 5
    These beauties will make every run better and better, thanks to its Connected Footwear tech that syncs with the UA MapMyRun app. Get real-time feedback as you run, plus they’re flexible and breathable.
    Under Armour HOVR™ Sonic 5R 2499Buy It
    Hoka Kawana
    The Kawana is named after the Sunshine Coast’s famous beach break in Oz, and just like that flexible surfer lifestyle, this shoe is specifically designed to take you from a run to the gym floor (Sweat1000 addicts, we’re looking at you!). A wide base supports your foot for lateral movements while responsive cushioning has your back on repetitive strikes.

    Asics METARACER™ Tokyo
    If you’re a treadmill runner who loves a good speed session, try the lightweight Metaracer™ Tokyo. The chunky GUIDESOLE™ is not only a lewk but allows for that toe-spring jump you need when going super fast. A carbon fibre plate inside the shoe propels your forward, in case you’re racing the cute person on the treadmill next to you.
    Asics MetaRacer TokyoR 3500Buy It
    READ MORE: So Many Of Us Get Knee Pain Running – Here Are 5 Possible Causes + What to Do About Them

    If You Want To Hit The Trail
    Hoka Tecton X
    Hoorah for major footwear tech that remains lightweight, especially when you’re praying to the deities that your ankles don’t roll on yet another unexpected loose rock. Hoka’s first trail running shoe has grippy outsole (be gone, dodgy pebbles!) and über cushy responsive foam base to keep you comforted in the great outdoors.

    Nike Pegasus Trail 3 GORE-TEX
    The same beloved Pegasus shoe, but with extra bells and whistles (tough traction and improved midfoot construction) to keep you stable on rough terrain. This one is great for neutral runners, and we gotta say – we love a waterproof shoe!
    Nike Pegasus Trail 3 GORE-TEXR 2999,95Buy It
    READ MORE: The Ultimate Training Guide For Your Gut
    K-Way Apex Trail
    A recycled mesh upper and insole gets a serious vote of confidence, plus the insole tech is orthopaedic-focused to support your rough-and-tumbles on the mountain. At such a great price, it’s also the perfect entry-level shoe for those of us dipping our toes into trail running.

    Hi-Tec GEO-Trail Pro
    Are you a constant toe-scuffer? This running shoe takes this into account by reinforcing the forefoot. It’s also kitted out with a shock-absorbing rebound layer (great for downhill sprints), EVA foam for speedy ascents., and a secure lacing system so you’re not sacrificing valuable PB time on flyaway string.
    Hi-Tec GEO-Trail ProR 1299Buy It

    READ MORE ON: Fitness Advice Fitness Gear Running Running Tips Trail Running More

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    “I Did A 30-Day Push-up Challenge—Here’s What Happened”

    There’s a reason military sergeants demand push-ups as a form of punishment. They are effing hard, can knock even the fittest off their feet—okay, toes—and seem to be designed to reveal weaknesses. So much so that fitness editors have been guilty of blowing off the classic move. My go-to excuses when they pop up in a class or training session: “I’m too sore” or “My elbow hurts!”
    But! They’re also one of the all-time exercise MVPs, no question. Push-ups are mega-efficient multitaskers—working your whole body in every rep.
    With fitness streaks (a month of repeating the same exercise every day) being all the rage, we wondered: Could committing to a 30-day push-up challenge finally change our feelings toward the little guys, all while chiselling our muscles? Ready to rid myself of my own cop-outs and make something of my average arms, I signed up to find out.
    READ MORE: Quick HIIT Warm Up: Blast More KJs By Doing These 3 Moves First
    Wanna Try A Fitness Challenge? Here’s What To Do – And What To Avoid
    First step in taking on a 30-day push-up challenge: I called personal-training connoisseur Tony Gentilcore, a certified strength and conditioning specialist, to help me devise the plan.
    Modified (or “girlie”) push-ups—which so many of us drop into to up our rep count—were out of the question; they don’t build strength in the full range of up-down motion, so they’re no help. But no need for tons of reps, anyway.
    Some push-up challenges online – you’ll find thousands – will call for 100 push-ups a day, or some that add more to the set every day. Not necessary, according to Gentilcore. Our 30-day push-up challenge called for just 10 pushups each day.
    “Ten is the minimal effective and sustainable dose,” Gentilcore said—meaning, it’s just enough to induce noticeable changes in upper-body strength and appearance without overloading you to the point of quitting. Even then, “take as long as you need—or split them up over the day—to make sure you’re completing high-quality reps,” he told me.
    As someone who works out six days a week, I thought, ten push-ups? No prob—I can knock those out after my workouts or while I’m cooking dinner. But the first few days were unexpectedly tough. Since my typical routine had mostly consisted of exercises like biceps curls and shoulder presses (muscle-isolating moves) and occasional boxing, my upper body parts weren’t used to working together to hoist my body weight. And while this new daily stress on the same muscle groups never left me can’t-wash-my-hair sore, I definitely shook through the end of my set on Friday.
    READ MORE: It’s Time To Try Padel: The New Social Sport Everyone’s Talking About
    30-Day Push-Up Challenge: Finding Momentum
    Still, things turned around fairly quickly: On day one, it took me five minutes (and several breaks) to get through 10 polished, chest-to-the-floor reps. By day 15, it took me under three minutes. On day 30, it took me just 27 seconds. “The more you do something, the better you get at it, because you’re improving communication between your neurons and muscles,” explains Gentilcore.
    Not only did my push-ups become easier, but everything else I did in the gym—planks, ball slams, battle ropes—felt less taxing too. “A lot of people think the best way to measure progress is through brute strength—where you test how much weight you can possibly move for one rep,” he says. “But a far better gauge of progress is whether you’re less fatigued after completing the same amount of work.” Awesome-sauce.
    Now let’s talk about the other kind of progress—the flexed-muscles kind. Did I go from meh muscles to dope guns? Not quite. Turns out, unless you are a genetically blessed muscle gainer, per Gentilcore, 30 days isn’t exactly long enough to develop lasting definition. Muscle growth and fat loss—the combo that lets those babies shine through—usually takes a bit longer, at least six-ish weeks.
    Push-Up Variations
    Try the variations in this video if you’re bored with the run-of-the-mill push-ups:
    [embedded content]
    The Results: Do 30-Day Push-Up Challenges Work?
    What I did see after the month? Noticeably more sculpted shoulders—to the point that my tops started to fit higher up on my chest—and slightly more pronounced biceps and triceps. I also saw a very welcome bonus: flatter abs. “To do a clean push-up, your core has to engage to keep your hips level throughout—hence the tighter stomach.”
    And here’s the best change: When I walked into boxing-meets-HIIT hot spot Rumble last week and had to crank out 30 push-ups, I didn’t spit out an alibi about the previous night’s margs or throw my gloves in the instructor’s face.
    Competence is a crucial ingredient to confidence—which, as Gentilcore puts it, “is the secret to not only maintaining an activity, but also enjoying it.” Perhaps that’s why 15 days post-challenge, I’m still going strong—and not as a punishment, but as a reward.
    This article was originally featured on www.womanshealthmag.com

    READ MORE ON: Fitness Challenge Real Women WH Tests It More

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    It’s Time To Try Padel: The New Social Sport Everyone’s Talking Abut

    Ask anyone if they’ve heard of padel (pronounced exactly like the tool used to move a floatation device through water) and they’ll probably scrunch up their face, search their grey matter and nod, saying, “Oh yeah, that’s like tennis, right?”
    The follow-up ask is of course, “Have you played?”, but most answers would be, “Er… no.”
    That’s quite sad because, for sports and court enthusiasts, the game is an exciting spin on tennis and squash. Think of it as a tennis match without the stuffy dress code and a lot like squash but without the constant sound of balls-against-the-wall. The result? A social, fun game that’s fast-paced and breaks the rules enough to make it cool.
    If you were to try padel, you’d quickly understand why it’s so popular and addictive: having a fenced-in arena means the ball is almost always in play, while simply hitting very hard won’t necessarily score you points the way it would in tennis or squash.
    And yes, the oft-touted refrain (dare we say slogan?) “fastest-growing sport in the world” might be true: Padel is gunning for Olympic status already, with tournaments and courts cropping up all over.
    The Padel Court
    We checked out our first game at the new court in Cape Town’s Greenpoint. The court is about two months old and slick.
    There’s brand new flooring that’s soft and padded as you walk, with what looks like sea sand gently enmeshed in the ground. They’ve thought of everything: baskets as a catch-all for your keys, phone, coffee, water. Benches for the rest of the kit. A small table off to the side for a post-game coffee and a chat, or for spectators to eat and watch.
    Each court is fenced off with sliding gates to let you in or out and they’re walled in on either end by what looks like reinforced plexiglass. The walls are included in game play (like squash). The ball is allowed to bounce twice: once on the ground, once off the wall, and then it’s free to be swung into the opponent’s side.

    The Rules of Padel

    The game follows the same scoring system as tennis, but the game play is slightly different.

    Each match is played in pairs.
    A match is made up of three or five sets.
    You win a set when you win six games
    Balls can bounce off the floor and walls once, while still being in play.
    Serves are hip-height and made after bouncing the ball on the ground.
    If the ball bounces twice on the opponent’s side, you score.
    If the ball bounces into the net, goes out of court, or gets hit into your own grid, you lose a point.

    Essentially, padel is fun and easy enough to learn, because it’s not a completely new set of rules or even a wildly different method of game play.
    READ MORE: 5 Absolutely Insane Body Benefits Of A Spin Class  
    The Padel Equipment
    You’ll need a padel racquet, which is wider than a squash racquet and stringless, with round holes drilled. Prices vary, around R1000 each, made of either fibreglass or carbon. The latter retails for around R5000, making it a serious investment piece.
    The ball is a modified tennis ball, made slightly lighter. You could probably get away with a regular tennis ball, but official padel courts will have balls and racquets for hire.

    READ MORE: This Is Exactly How You Can Join The FREE adidas Runners Club RN 
    How To Play Padel
    You’d need to visit Playtomic to find a court near you. It’s an app – and website – that allows you to scope all the Padel courts in the world and book your slot seamlessly. The app includes your player ranking, and the ability to view other people’s ranking too. Booking a session via the app costs around R180, with hiring the racket costing R50.
    Right now, there are about 15 courts stationed around the country, and different organisations like Africa Padel are making it their mission to expand the game around the country. The Africa Padel courts are very much geared to be a social scene: there’s space for people to sit and watch the game, and afterwards, mill around with coffee or pizza. So, ready to take a whack?

    READ MORE ON: Fitness Tips More

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    How To Get Out & #RunForTheOceans With adidas

    As we approach World Oceans Day on Wednesday 8 June, adidas and its longstanding partner Parley for the Oceans is once again encouraging the global sporting community to turn activity into action and Run for the Oceans in 2022.
    Locally, the campaign is being supported by the adidas family of athletes and brand partners including Siya Kolisi, Zinhle Ndawonde, Thulani Hlatshwayo, Gerda Steyn, Aphelele Fassi and Tayla Kavanagh.
    For the first time, new activities have been introduced to the challenge, making this the most inclusive Run for the Oceans yet. People from all parts of the global sporting community are invited to hit the street, the tennis court, and the football field, and unite to help protect the oceans from plastic waste.
    Featured: Track and field sprinter Shaunae Miller-Uibo
    The Change Made So Far
    Launching between 23 May and 8 June, the event returns for its fifth year, with the ambition of mobilising a generation to help end plastic waste. Research shows that the world is at a tipping point, with it predicted that oceans will contain more plastic than fish by 2050**.
    Since 2017, adidas and Parley have united over 8.2 million runners worldwide through Run for the Oceans, with more than 81.7 million kilometres being run in total.
    Since the beginning of the partnership in 2015, adidas has made more than 50 million pairs of shoes with Parley Ocean Plastic and close to 18 million pairs in 2021 alone – these include plastic waste intercepted from beaches and coastal communities, preventing it from polluting the oceans.
    We need action from everyone, everywhere to create true change and this year Run for the Oceans will expand to welcome in a wider range of activities – when we all come together, we can help make a world of difference.
    How To #RunForTheOceans
    For every 10 minutes of running from select activities, such as running, tennis or football, recorded by participants via the adidas Runtastic app or Strava, Parley will clean up the equivalent weight of one plastic bottle from beaches, remote islands and coastlines before it reaches the ocean, up to 250,000kg.
    To illustrate the devastation that plastic waste causes in our ocean, adidas South Africa partnered with Innovocean to bring the first anamorphic campaign of its kind to life, at the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town. When the artwork is viewed from a specific vantage point along with the warping and bending of the 3D elements, it lines up perfectly to create an optical illusion that can only be truly appreciated when viewed in person. To highlight the tangible difference that this initiative is making, the team came up with two contrasting creatives.
    The result is a mesmerising transition from a highly polluted ocean to one that is beautifully clean. This highlights the commitment made by adidas and Parley – join the Run for the Oceans Challenge and for every ten minutes of exercise, adidas and Parley will remove the equivalent weight of one plastic bottle, preventing it from polluting the ocean.

    READ MORE ON: adidas Fitness Running More

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    This Is Exactly How You Can Join The FREE adidas Runners Club RN

    Struggling to stick to a running routine? Perhaps you’re plateauing and need some motivation? Ready to smash that next PB and need a little help? Or maybe you’re just getting started and need to find your tribe? No matter your “why”, we know your “how”; the adidas Runners running club.
    What Is adidas Runners?
    It’s a free global community of passionate runners of all ages and abilities, united by an ambition to become better athletes through the power of sport, friendship, and commitment.
    What began in Berlin has now grown into an international movement. There are now more than 70 adidas Runners communities around the world including in Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban. What a win!

    When Do They Meet?
    The adidas Runners communities meet weekly to run the streets of their city and connect with fellow athletes.
    Why Should I Join?
    adidas Runners is driven by the transformational power of community. It’s completely free to join and in addition to your running goals being supported, you’ll also get access to expert advice on mindset, nutrition, recovery and gear.
    Plus, the science supports you joining a running club. Studies have shown that being accountable to another person is a big factor in adhering to your training plan.
    Researchers at Kansas State University found that people who exercised with someone they thought was better than them increased their workout intensity by as much as 200%. And thanks to adidas Runners you’ll not only be surrounded by a tribe of people just like you, you’ll also get access to people who’ve been there, done that and can give you all the tips and advice. Why yes, that is Gerda Steyn below.

    How Do I Join The adidas Runners Running Club?
    You can find your nearest adidas Runners community on Instagram, Facebook or by visiting www.adidas.co.za/adidasrunners.
    Need A New Pair Of Kicks?
    Next time you’re at an adidas Concept Store, enquire about setting up a free foot scan, done by an adidas tech rep, to help you make the right decision for your next pair of running shoes.
    READ MORE: adidas Just Dropped A New Ultraboost 22 Colorway And We’re Obsessed!

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