More stories

  • in

    Feeling Bored With Your Workouts? How to Create (and Maintain) a Fitness Routine You’ll Love

    Let’s be honest, when it comes to having real and lasting results with your workout routine, the most important factor isn’t what you do but how consistently you do it. Social media presents us with all sorts of new workout trends, like this summer’s “Hot Girl Walk,” but if walking around your neighborhood feels more like a chore than anything, you aren’t going to stick with it. If you don’t truly love your workout, you’re far more likely to forego the gym in favor of happy hour with a margarita (or three), so finding a workout routine you’re excited about is the key to success. No matter what is leaving you feeling like your workout routine is lacking, we’ve put together a guide to help you exercise in a way you’ll look forward to each day, making this your hottest Hot Girl Summer yet!

    If you’re feeling bored of the workouts you’re doing…
    Fitness, like jobs, first dates, and a good beach read, will only hold your attention as long as it makes you feel good. If you’re not truly invested, you’re not likely to make it a priority in your life, so finding a workout that you’re excited about is the key to staying committed. Workout trends with big promises of results will come and go, but it’s the workout you do regularly that will make real and lasting changes to your body and mind. 
    Try this: If you feel bored or unexcited to get to your workout, it’s a sign that it’s time to shake up your routine. Whether you want to try a new workout class, find a different online training program to follow, reach out to a local trainer who’s taking new clients, or simply change your afternoon running route to include some new sights, changing up your routine is paramount to keeping things exciting. Bottom line: If you find yourself dreading your current routine, switch it up and try something new!

    If you’re having trouble making time for exercise…
    You’re a busy girl and the warm summer weather has a way of filling up your calendar with extra social activities, making it harder to find the time to squeeze in a workout. While some professionals recommend working out first thing in the morning and others recommend a sweat sesh in the evening, when it comes to consistency, the best time to train will always be whenever it best fits your schedule. If you are not a morning person, there’s no way you’ll be consistent with early-morning workouts. If you prioritize after-work drinks with the girls, you likely won’t give it up in favor of even the coolest new group fitness class. Fitness consistency requires that it works with your schedule, so find a time window that you can commit to without creating unrealistic expectations or FOMO. Try this: Create calendar appointments for your workouts, whether it’s for the same time each day or at different times depending upon your schedule. By blocking your calendar and committing to a time that actually works for you, you’re way more likely to follow through. And if you think your workouts have to last an hour or longer to be effective, think again. Shoot for a length of time that keeps you (and your muscles) engaged and that you can maintain proper form—even 10-minute increments make a difference. Be honest with yourself about the amount of time you can commit to your fitness routine, and then follow through.

    If you’re not fueling your body properly…
    You know that nauseous feeling you get when you try to squeeze in a workout after a big meal? IYKYK. Meal timing is a very important part of creating and maintaining a successful workout routine. While everyone’s nutritional requirements are different, the need for pre- and post-workout fuel is relatively universal and can make the difference between having the energy to crush your boxing class and barely having the energy to make it to the class at all. Proper fueling requires a bit of trial and error, but once you’ve got a system that works for you, you’ll never second guess it.
    Try this: Easily digested carbohydrates are the perfect pre-workout fuel, providing your body with the energy it needs to perform. If sluggish feelings are preventing you from getting to your workout, try a quick dose of carbs (that won’t hurt your stomach) about 30 minutes before go-time, like some bread and peanut butter or a fruit smoothie. The glycogen (AKA sugar) will energize you and have you ready to crush whatever your trainer has on deck. Similarly, if you’re finishing your workout and heading straight for happy hour, you may not be giving your body what it needs after a strenuous training session, which can deplete your energy levels for your next workout. Replenishing your glycogen stores with carbohydrates (which can be more complex and less easily digestible now since your workout is over) and getting protein intake for muscle repair are important, so avoid satisfying that post-workout hunger with junk food. Talk to a dietitian or your doctor to learn more about your specific nutritional needs to make sure you’re getting the most out of your training.

    If you’re struggling to make time for yourself…
    It’s a tale as old as time: You’re trying to work a fitness routine into your schedule and everyone you could be hanging out with during that hour, like friends, family, or your significant other, is trying to persuade you to skip it to spend time with them. Even if their intentions are good, it can be really challenging to balance fitness “me time” and “us time” with everyone else. In some cases, the lack of support comes from a lack of understanding. If your support system doesn’t understand the important role that working out plays in your life, they’re less apt to move dinner plans around to accommodate your routine. If your friends are all runners and they think your cycling classes are a waste of time, you might feel pressured to run with them. And if running isn’t your thing, it won’t become a routine you stick to. 
    Try this: Have an open and honest conversation about how you’re feeling. Once you’ve started the dialogue, you can be proactive by inviting your friends to join you in your workout, planning a fitness-centric date with your significant other, or adding additional time in your calendar for a post-workout healthy dinner with your family. Oftentimes, simply making time for your loved ones (without interrupting your fitness routine) can alleviate the tension. At the end of the day, as long as the people in your life want what’s best for you, they’re worth the juggling act. However, if you start to notice red flags in the way your friends, family, or partner react to you making yourself and your fitness a priority, it might be time to reexamine those relationships. Keep the conversation going and remember that there’s plenty of time in the day for both ourselves and the people we love.

    If you’re lacking motivation…
    Motivation is a tricky thing. When we’ve got it, it can make us feel unstoppable, but once it’s gone, it can be really hard to get it back. If you’ve been feeling unmotivated to work out, it’s probably time to refocus and reestablish your goals. Motivation doesn’t need to be in the form of a dress you’re trying to fit into or an event you want to be “fit” for. The best motivation doesn’t have an end date, like how working out makes you feel or how much stronger you’re getting week by week.
    Try this: Make a list of things you’d like to accomplish through your fitness routine that are process-oriented rather than results-oriented. For example, instead of focusing on what you want to look like at the finish line, focus on how you’d like to feel (both physically and emotionally), what you’d like to learn how to do next, or the confidence you’d like to gain. By focusing on goals that have no end date, you’re far more likely to keep up the habit. When we focus on the process instead of the finish line, we learn to love the journey, and that’s the difference between long-term success and failure.

    This Workout Is Gisele Bündchen-Approved, and All You Need Is 10 Minutes More

  • in

    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

  • in

    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

  • in

    Crunches Are the Go-To Ab Workout—But Are They Actually Bad for You?

    Ah, the coveted “crunch.” When it comes to abdominal exercises, crunches are probably the first that come to mind, and understandably so. It has long been hailed as the gateway to the kingdom of six-pack abs: Do enough crunches and you will be sure to develop abs as strong and Herculean as, well, the Greek hero himself. If you’re anything like me, you’ve believed in this promise and put in countless hours of doing crunches throughout your life. Also like me, if you wondered why you were starting to struggle with lower back pain, then what I’m about to tell you could be life-changing: Crunches might be hurting you more than they are helping you and it might be time for a change.

    What’s the problem with crunches?
    I spoke to two experts on the subject and they both made the argument that while crunches aren’t inherently “bad” and do strengthen your abdominal muscles (and might even lead to that good ol’ fashioned six-pack), they are really only engaging the top layer of your core. When the upper abdominal layer (AKA your rectus abdominis) is all that’s activated, the deeper layer (the transverse abdominis) is left in the lurch. “The six-pack, rectus abdominis, is part of your core unit but it’s not the whole story,” said Jesse Truelove, a personal trainer and the program director and coach for both the Birth Recovery Center and Move Your Bump apps. “A lot of times, people who are six-pack dominant also have overactive back muscles or chronic back pain.”
    When your transverse abs are left unattended, your core strength is seriously hindered. “This can lead to a decrease in core stability and integrity and actually contribute to core injury and dysfunction, such as back pain and diastasis recti (separated ab muscles),” said Leah Keller, founder and COO of the Every Mother workout app. We typically only hear about diastisis recti in pregnancy circles, and even then, it’s not widely discussed. It’s more commonly related to pregnancy because pressure from a growing baby bump can draw the abs apart. “In these cases, performing crunches can create excessive intra-abdominal pressure downward into the pelvic floor and lower abdominals,” Truelove explained.
    Bottom line: If you’re pregnant or postpartum, talk to your doctor about what exercises are healthiest for you. For anyone, know that crunches are not the end-all-be-all for total core strength and might even be doing you harm if you’re not focusing on total core strength. 

    Should we avoid crunches altogether?
    As these experts say, crunches are not inherently bad for you and therefore do not need to be avoided altogether (unless your doctor, trainer, etc. have advised you to stay away). Instead, it’s about not relying on crunches and instead building strength in deeper layers of the core for optimal core health (beyond just what a six-pack could show). So don’t feel like you have to give it up if you love a good crunch series as long as you’re also focusing on the transverse abdominis (or the deeper layer that crunches do not work). 
    “The TVA is a muscle group that acts like a corset around your body,” Truelove explained. “It is the deepest layer of your core unit and one of your greatest spinal stabilizers.” If you can strengthen this part of your core, your back, lower abs, and pelvic floor will benefit.“When we engage the transverse abdominis, we elicit a natural co-contraction of deep core muscles, including the pelvic floor, the lumbar multifidus, the diaphragm, and the quadratus lumborum,” Keller agreed. That sounds way better than a six-pack, no?

    How should we start working the transverse abdominis?
    This is where a little guidance goes a long way, at least in the beginning. Sure, you could type “transverse abs” into YouTube and browse the exercises that populate, but if you’re already suffering from back pain, ab separation, or pelvic floor issues, I’d highly recommend working one-on-one with an expert (just a few sessions can make a difference). They can help you learn to recognize what it feels like to engage your transverse muscles and offer appropriate exercises that cater to your specific needs. 
    I personally found a lot of value in workout apps like Keller’s Every Mother and Truelove’s Move Your Bump. They are geared toward folks who are or plan to be pregnant, but I think they’re excellent tools for anyone who wants to learn to engage those deep abdominal muscles. “The general public would benefit greatly from becoming more in-tune with their deep core and pelvic floor rather than opting for thousands of reps of traditional core exercises,” Truelove said. I wholeheartedly agree. 
    In fact, I started using the Every Mother app in an attempt to treat my lower back pain long before planning to get pregnant. And I noticed a real difference when I did the exercises regularly. My back pain lessened and, while I wasn’t exactly developing a six-pack, my abs did start to look flatter—a result of pulling my abs up and in rather than pushing out. I also noticed it was easier to maintain better posture throughout the day as my TVA got stronger. I continued to use the app when I eventually did get pregnant, and guess what? I never developed diastasis recti. On top of that, after having my baby, my abs seemed to heal way faster than projected.

    How do you know if you’re actually engaging the right muscles?
    Unlike the upper abs, feeling your transverse abs engage isn’t super intuitive (and you don’t want to do a bunch of exercises ineffectively). Thankfully, there are a couple of tricks that can help you decipher whether these abs are firing. Keller suggested a step-by-step approach: “Exhale on engagement to safely manage intra-abdominal pressure to protect the back, core, and pelvic floor; think about squeezing and lifting both the navel and the pelvic floor ‘up and in’ while exhaling; and avoid any movement or flexion that bulges the abdominal wall forward, which can compromise the integrity of the abdominal wall and lead to injury.” 
    I personally like to envision an upside-down triangle connecting the pubic bone to the two hip bones. When exhaling, as Keller suggested, imagine squeezing the triangle points together. This helps me naturally draw up and in. Truelove explained it as a flattening sensation of the abdominal wall rather than pushing out. Of course, working with a specialist in person is the most effective way to determine where you’re at and whether or not you’re effectively engaging those deep muscles.

    What should you do instead of crunches?
    Keller suggested swapping the crunches out for a modified plank with knees on the floor. “In that position, pulse your belly toward the spine in a slow, controlled rhythm that coordinates each exhalation with a tighter squeeze of the core and each shallow inhalation with a gentle, partial release,” she explained. You can also try exercises like dead bug, cat cow, or Pilates 100. No matter what exercise you choose, Keller emphasized that it’s important to rest when you feel fatigued to ensure you don’t lose control of your core activation. 
    If you don’t want to quit your tried-and-true crunches, Truelove recommended approaching them with more mindful awareness. “Belly pooching outward, pressure in the pelvic floor, leaking, back pain, etc. are all signs that your core is not tolerating the load and it’s time to modify.” If you find that’s the case, she suggested slowing down and reducing the range of motion until your body can handle the pressure of the crunch. “Your belly should be able to remain even and flat when you do your crunch or any abdominal exercise.”
    At the end of the day, your body is yours and you get to choose whatever exercises feel best for you. If crunches are your thing, get after it! But you don’t have to stick with something just because it’s popular. The more tools you have in your toolkit, the more confident you can be in your choices. Knowledge is power, as they say—and in this case, that power is physical.

    7 Secrets To Make Your Workouts More Effective With Less Effort More

  • in

    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

  • in

    “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

  • in

    This Workout Is Gisele Bündchen-Approved, and All You Need Is 10 Minutes

    Jumping on a trampoline takes me back to my elementary school days when I didn’t have a care in the world (ah, remember those days?). I remember feeling so carefree and exhilarated as I bounced high into the air and let gravity take over. I figured it would be the closest I’d get to my chosen superpower: flying. But years later, it turns out the trampoline isn’t just reserved for kids, and can actually be good for our health. Enter: Rebounding, the trampoline workout that A-list celebs, like Giselle Bündchen, Kaia Gerber, Goldie Hawn, and Eva Longoria (just to name a few), swear by to stay in tip-top shape. Keep reading to learn about the ins and outs of the fitness trend and reasons why you’ll want to jump on it. 

    In this article

    What is rebounding?
    Rebounding is a type of aerobic exercise that is typically performed on a mini trampoline, otherwise known as a rebounder. The workout involves bouncing on the piece of equipment and can take on various forms of exercise, such as HIIT, dance-based cardio, strength training, barre, and yoga, all using the piece of equipment to intensify the benefits. Bottom line: You can tailor your rebounding experience to fit your fitness preferences and level. Equal parts fun, effective, and efficient, you only need 10-20 minutes for a solid sweat session.
     

    What are the benefits?
    Don’t let the low-impact factor fool you: it brings the intensity (and sweat) while targeting your full body, improving your balance, and challenging your coordination. Rebounding works the entire body, including strengthening and toning your core, back, quads, hamstrings, and glutes (yes, you will feel the burn!), not to mention it boosts endurance and can help relieve stress. Plus, the rebounding movements stimulate the lymphatic system, which helps flush out toxins, bacteria, and dead cells. The easy-on-your-joints exercise also does wonders for bone density and health. In fact, rebounding is used by astronauts to regain bone density and muscle mass when they return from space, and NASA conducted a study that found that rebounding is 68 percent more efficient than jogging. Sold. 
    I’d be remiss if I also didn’t mention the group of muscles between the tailbone and the pubic bone getting all the attention as of late: the pelvic floor. Bouncing supports the pelvic floor and sexual health by working the muscles of the deep core that help bladder and bowel movement, prevent urinary incontinence, and stabilize hip joints. 

    My experience
    To start, I turned to the good ol’ Internet to search for a rebounding 101 video to get my feet wet before diving into an online class. As someone who danced throughout middle and high school, I thought the coordination would come easy to me right off the bat, but I was more focused on not falling (I am accident prone) than the actual workout for the first few minutes. Once I got the hang of it and felt confident enough to take on a class, I looked to the “Bounce” classes from Obé Fitness and the ness, the latter of which Eva Longoria is a devotee. Both online platforms have a free seven-day trial, which I couldn’t pass up. My first thought after trying an entire rebound workout was that I was instantly transported back to my eight-year-old self, except much more winded. 
    So what’s the verdict? I rearranged my guest room for a dedicated rebounding space. After a week of rebounding, I understand why it’s the workout MO for the likes of Giselle Bündchen. The aches I typically feel in my joints after any other cardio-based exercise were non-existent, and I look forward to–dare I say crave–the oh-so-good burn and adrenaline rush felt from squatting it out on the rebounder. Needless to say, I’m a rebounding convert, and I’d give it a 9/10 for effectiveness, efficiency, and enjoyment. As a bonus, the mini trampoline didn’t generate so much as a rattle (apartment and condo-friendly? Check).

    How to start
    As with starting anything new, go easy on yourself and start slow. Passionate about working out outside of the house? Try a rebounding class at a fitness studio near you (i.e. Body by Simone and LEKFIT in LA and the ness in NY) to see if the workout is your cup of tea. IMO, if you love to dance, are looking to switch things up with your current workout routine, or prefer to sweat it out at home, rebounding will be your next go-to. If you happen to already have a rebounder or a friend who can loan you one, online workouts are the way to go, thanks to dozens of online platforms like YouTube, Obé Fitness, or the ness. 
    The best part of rebounding (other than the great workout, of course) is there’s no right or wrong way to do it as long as you approach it safely and practice proper form. Case in point: Take a cue from Goldie Hawn (above) and freestyle it (AKA dance/jump your heart out) to your favorite playlist. 
    But before you jump on the bandwagon (AKA the rebounder), keep in mind that the goal isn’t to jump as high as you can like when you were jumping on the trampoline as a kid. The goal is to keep your body low and engaging all of your muscles: your core, quads, hamstrings, and glutes. Think about pushing down while staying upright. Also, because you’ll be going up and down for most of the workout, choose comfortable, more fitted pieces that won’t be a distraction (read: a sports bra that will keep “the girls” in and happy). Slip on a pair of kicks that support all kinds of motion and keep a towel and water within reach (trust me, you’ll need them!). If you have any conditions that affect your vision or balance, talk to your doctor before trying rebounding to see if it’s right for you. 

    6 Expert Hacks That Will Help You Feel More Toned By Tomorrow More

  • in

    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