17 Affordable Fitness Gifts (Updated 2019)
*This post contains affiliate links. Gift giving is extremely satisfying…once you actually find the right gift. Wondering what to get your fitness-loving friend or family member for Christmas? Don’t even worry about it. I’ve rounded up some of the best fitness gifts for the health nut in your life. Sorted by budget, there’s something for everyone! 17 Affordable Fitness Gifts $10-$25 Fitness Gifts Light Weight Jump Rope Perfect for: The CrossFit fanatic or frequent traveler who needs a portable way to get some cardio while abroad. Why I Recommend: I have a jump rope and love it. It’s easy to pack for when I go on trips and it’s a great way…
What to Do if You Feel Stuck in a Fitness Rut
Feeling a little stuck in a fitness rut lately? Maybe any progress you were working towards has stalled, your motivation is lacking, or you’ve been having a hard time staying on track with your meals and workouts lately. First of all, that’s totally normal! We are all imperfect people and sometimes life just gets in the way of our health and fitness goals no matter how important it is to us. But that doesn’t mean you should just give up altogether. Consistency and trying over and over is key when it comes to building long-lasting habits and lifestyle changes. I’ve definitely experienced my own fitness ruts but I’ve learned a…
My Top Tips for Training for a Half Marathon (or Any Race!)
Interested in training for a half marathon? Or maybe just a 5k? Awesome! Running is one of my favorite ways to stay fit and healthy. It’s what got me into fitness nearly 10 years ago and led me to where I am today. Needless to say, running will always have a special place in my heart! In the past 10 years, I’ve run four Ragnars, dozens of 5ks, a few 10ks, and one-half marathon. (Soon to be two!) I have trained specifically for each and every one of my races. I would consider myself an authority on the subject but I AM NOT A RUNNING COACH. These are my best…
Simple Shoulder Sculpting Workout
One of my favorite muscle groups to work is my shoulders. Afterall, it’s the three main shoulder muscles (the rear, medial, and anterior deltoids) that give your arms that fit, sculpted look. Here are some of my favorite shoulder exercises that work all three deltoid muscles to help you build beautiful shoulders! Feel free to include these exercises as one complete workout (try repeating 3-5 times) or throw them into your own workout. Just remember, your shoulders are easily injured. So ALWAYS include a proper warm up and cool down before any shoulder work. I’ve injured my left shoulder twice because I was in too much of a hurry and didn’t do…
Fun Tank Top Arms Workout
Guess what ladies, tank top arms are made in the winter! Here is a super simple biceps and triceps workout you can do at the gym or at home with just a few dumbbells! Here’s the breakdown: Yoga tricep push-ups. These are fun to do and will help you get batter at chaturanga too! Preacher curls. Lock your elbows in by your knees, keep the core tight, and curl up to your shoulders. Overhead tricep extension. Keep your elbows in one spot and hinge at the elbow. Popeye curls. Alternate one arm at a time and slightly rotate the wrist at the top and squeeze that bicep! Bent over tricep extension.…
What’s the Best Cardio for Weight Loss?
Cardio. You either love it or straight up hate it! But it’s just one of those necessary things for losing weight and getting fit. Or is it? For decades cardio was thought to be THE best type of exercise. Ya know, for health, for weight loss, for happiness. I’m going to let you in on a little secret. You can get fit, lose weight, and be happy and never do “cardio” again. I’ll explain why but first, let’s discuss what cardio actually is and why so many people think you HAVE to do it to lose weight and be healthy. Types of Cardio: Aerobic vs Anaerobic When it comes to…
The Best Exercises for Skiers and Why You NEED to Do Them
SKI SEASON IS HERE!! I’m beyond ready to head up to my favorite mountain (Snowbird) and bounce down perfect pillows of snow. But until that glorious day comes I’ve been biding my time with Warren Miller movies and, of course, training! I’ve been skiing for almost 20 years and have been consistently cross training for about 8 of those years. I’m here to tell ya, being fit before you hit the slopes is critical if you want to prevent injury and ski your best. [bctt tweet=” Being fit before you hit the slopes is critical if you want to prevent injury and ski your best.”] With a little research and my…
How To Run (And Actually Enjoy It)
I love to run. No, really. I actually love and look forward to lacing up my running shoes each week. But it wasn’t always that way. I was a novice to running once and I’m pretty sure we were the worst of enemies at one point. But now? Now we are best buds. Why I Love Running It’s my wish to convert more people into runners. Why? Because running changed my life. It helped me learn to push myself, that I could do hard things. It was the first step to a healthier lifestyle. Running started out as simply a way to get fit. It slowly morphed into a way to compete…
10 Minute Workouts For When You’re Short On Time
I get it. You’re busy, you don’t have a lot of time to dedicate towards a workout. Taking time to workout means taking time away from other important obligations like family, friends, work and maybe waffles if you’re Leslie Knope. 😉 But guess what? Everyone has 10 minutes. Even if your day is jam-packed I guarantee you can spare 10 minutes. It might take a little more planning and less time on social media or watching TV but making time for physical activity is really important! To give you even more time I’ve found seven 10 minute workouts courtesy of YouTube that you’re going to LOVE! Put on your favorite workout…
How to Get Fit (No Running Required)
What is the first thing you think of when you hear the word exercise? Often when we think of exercise and how to get fit, running is the first thing that comes to mind. Of course, there is nothing wrong with this, running is a phenomenal form of exercise and most serious runners are in great shape! However, for many people, the thought of running produces an overwhelming feeling of dread and discomfort. Not everyone enjoys running or even wants to enjoy it, and that’s OK! There are so many fun and different ways to get fit and healthy so don’t worry if running isn’t your favorite. If you do…
