Calm, Confident, Upside Down and Twisted Around Yoga

Posted on February 16, 2015 by Jennifer FIsher

We’re all friends, right? Well, let me tell you how I stay calm, cool and collected during yoga and all my other fitness activities like running, CrossFit, and obstacle course racing — with the Stayfree brand and their products like STAYFREE® Ultra Thin® Regular Feminine Pads with Wings. Often I find myself upside down or twisted around like a pretzel wearing barely there workout clothes – Stayfree keeps my mind off “accident anxiety” and focused on the task at hand.

Stayfree has a really great offer right now – simply purchase one of their participating products, upload the receipt and receive a free 30-day membership to My Yoga on Gaiam TV. Then, stream as many of the instructional online yoga classes as you care to over the month – enjoy the convenience of getting your daily yoga practice completed at home during a time of the day when it is convenient for you! You really need to try this! Just purchase your Stayfree product at Target between February 8 and March 12 (2015), keep the receipt, and visit http://www.stayfree.com/myyoga to get started. My Yoga on Gaiam TV has lots of different options whether you are totally new to yoga person or are an experience yogi. I really appreciate how each course listing notes a suggested ability level and any contraindications that might compromise safety. Of course, always check with your doctor before starting a new exercise routine. I’m going to be doing the Advance your Practice: Ashtanga five class mini-series and am especially looking forward to the “Backbend” session. Don’t forget to visit http://www.stayfree.com/myyoga for this special offer!

Love this #Stayfree offer –> 30-day Trial to #MyYoga GaiamTV w/product purchase #ad

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What challenges you most about yoga? It’s definitely hip and hamstring mobility for me.

This post is sponsored by Sverve on behalf of Stayfree. I was compensated for my time and review of the product(s), however all opinions, editorial comments and suggestions are my own.

Why You Should Workout with Your Sweetie + Partner WOD

Posted on February 13, 2015 by Jennifer FIsher

Most people don’t equate Valentine’s Day with working out, but maybe they should! Breaking a sweat with your sweetie is not only a fun “date” and good for your health, it also boasts bunch of benefits that will keep any relationship fit and strong. Here are the three most compelling reasons, in my opinion, why couples who sweat together, stay together.

Soulmates make the best ‘swolemates’. Opposites often attract and even similar-personality partners may not have many interests which overlap. However, exercising together is an activitity that can help every couple connect — it creates accountability, increases synchronicity, and promotes a shared passion. One study (Aron, Norman, Aron, & Heyman, 2000) suggests that couples who participated together in an exciting and challenging physical activity reported a higher level of love and relationship satisfaction.

More fun, less stress. The never-ending responsibilities of adulthood can take a toll. Instead of coping with worry, anxiety and conflict in an unhealthy manner, exercising is a positive way to shed life’s irritations . . . and maybe even a few unwanted inches. And, when you hit the gym, tackle the running trails, or go zen in a yoga class with your spouse or significant other, it’s like a date – and that’s fun!

Ooh, la, la endorphins and other hormones! The racing pulse, shortness of breath and sweatiness that comes from a good workout sounds a lot like the symptoms of romantic attraction! Researchers (Dutton & Aron, 1974) say that people can easily mistake the two – so if you’re feeling hot and bothered at the gym, this is why!

Here’s a partner workout you can try with your sweetheart on Valentine’s Day – or any other day of the year!

I also want to give a shout out the Zooma Women’s Race Series again – I’m back in my 4^th year as an ambassador for this very fun and empowering race targeted to women. While there is a lot o she-power going on at Zooma, MEN are not excluded – in fact, they are welcomed! I especially love it when I see a couple running side by side, one giving encouragement to the other! So, round up your most loved running partner and enter the upcoming Texas race on March 28, 2015. Pick from the half-marathon, 10k or 5k and don’t forget to toast each other afterward with complementary wine and bubbly at the finish line! Register for the Texas race HERE and use discount code JENNIFER15 or 10% off any distance.

Here’s another fitness shout out – this time for Tommie Copper, a line of stylish yet functional compression wear that supports muscles for improved performance, recovery and relief. Look at some of these cute items I’ve been wearing to the gym and on my runs – and Tommie Copper has just as much gear for the guys! Right now a huge Presidents’ Day Sale is going off and you can save up to $40 on your order along with free shipping – check it out.

Ready to share a post-workout snack together? Well, if I was picking, I’d split a Core Power High Protein Shake with my hubby and one of these delish granola bars from Michele’s Granola. Made from scratch in small batches, these healthy treats are packaged 10 bars (assorted flavors) to a pack and can be ordered from Michele’s Granola web store. Ooh, the Cherry Chocolate is my favorite.

Benefits of Working out Together + Parner #WOD #ValentinesDay #Fitfluential

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Disclaimer: I was provided product or sponsorship in return or my review and promotion of these products. However, all opinions are my own.

Run, Workout and Yoga with Happy Legs | Compression Sock #Giveaway

Posted on February 10, 2015 by Jennifer FIsher

If you follow me on Instagram, you’ve probably noticed I love knee-high compression socks. Compression socks keep my legs fresh when running fast or long, they help this cold-weather wimp stay warm, they assist in muscle recovery by keeping blood moving around, and they keep my shins from getting scuffed up doing deadlifts or rope climbs. Folks who travel frequently or have to stand all day on the job also rave about the benefits. I’ve blogged about all these wonders before and I’m giving a pair away at the bottom of the post.

I just went in my closet and counted up 18 different pairs of knee-high compression socks – there may be more, but I’m not saying. I’ve tried a variety of brands and I really don’t have a hands-down favorite — I have more than enough love to go around. For example, Vim & Vigr makes compression stylish and sophisticated enough to wear to the offices, Pro Compression and Swiftwick both have a really nice “squeeze,” while Bondi and Zensah have some super-wow style – oh, and a shout out to the Altra Running brand that has extra room in the toe area (really great for ultra running, trust me).

One-stop shopping for so many of my compression sock needs – could it be true?! BrightLifeGo.com is a great online store that has an amazing and diverse collection of compression socks (knee-high, sleeve and low-cut) and stockings, both for athletic use and everyday wear. They have several of the brands I’m familiar with – and some new ones I’ve never tried. Looking for the adventure of a new-to-me company,

CEP Progressive + Night Run Compression Socks

I ordered the CEP Progressive + Night Run Socks 2.0 and took them for a spin. CEP has been around for decades and they have some great compression technology – I loved the socks and thought they fit true to the sizing chart. After a brisk 6 mile morning and lunch workout at the gym, my legs were still fresh for home yoga in the late afternoon thanks to these socks. The flashy neon colors (pink, green or orange) are fun and will help your friends and family spot you on the race course – and a reflective design will make you more visible while running at night.

YOGA: What you need to know about the yoga photo is that I’ve combined “Tree” and “Cow Face Arms” into one pose. This is a challenge in balance and shoulder mobility! Assume Tree pose by shifting weight to one foot and bringing sole of foot up to inner thigh, with toes pointing toward ground. Keep pelvis in neutral position and parallel to floor while raising arms overhead. Remain in Tree pose but add Cow Face Arms by bending one arm at elbow and allowing hand to fall between shoulder blades. Reach up behind back with other arm and clasp hands. If this is too hard, try to touch finger tips or use a towel or strap to gently work your hands as close as comfortably possible. Hold for 5 breaths and then alternate leg on tree pose and arms on Cow Face arms.

Have fun practicing this yoga pose – if you are like me, you will find one side much more challenging than the other. And, don’t forget to enter the CEP compression sock giveaway in the Rafflecopter app below.

This post and giveaway is sponsored by BrightLifeGo.com. I received product in exchange for my review, however all comments and opinions are strictly my own.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Hydration For Healthy, Happy Athletes – 50 Shades of Pee

Posted on February 1, 2015 by Jennifer FIsher

This post is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group® and DripDrop®, but all my opinions are my own. #pmedia #DrinkDripDrop #DripDropHydrates http://my-disclosur.es/OBsstV

Keeping my family hydrated sometimes seems like a full-time job, especially in the unrelenting summers of Central Texas when the heat and humidity never let up. It’s easier to tell that I need to top off my tank when it’s 95 degrees, I’m drenched in sweat and my socks have become sponges. My running friend and I regularly weigh ourselves before we head out on a run (holding the bottle of water we plan to drink) and then again once we return (holding the empty bottle). The difference between the two weight checks is how much additional fluid was lost and serves as a gauge for how much to drink afterward.

Stopping to refuel with Drip Drop Hydration at mile 18 of a marathon.

But in the cooler months, staying hydrated is often harder for me. That sounds counter intuitative, but it’s true. Even though I don’t perspire at as high of a rate, I’m still sweating . . . . and my brain indicators for thirst are turned off because I get cold very easily. And, if the weather is really cold, sweat can form into vapor before it even has a chance to settle on the skin. One of my worst dehydration experiences was during a marathon in the pouring rain and temperatures in the upper 30s to low 40s. Boy, I learned a lesson there.

Just on normal days, the average person loses about 8 cups of water — and this doesn’t include the extra needed if you are exercising. If water isn’t replaced, your heart has to work harder and other organ functions deteriorate as well. Symptoms of being dehydrated include headaches, dizziness, drowsiness, muscle cramping, nausea and vomiting. Dry mouth, chills and flushed skin are other clues.

One way to check if you are in a state of dehydration is to pinch the skin on the top of your hand and pull it up a bit. If it doesn’t return quickly to its normal flat state, you could be dehydrated. However, I think a quick peek in the pot is a more reliable way to gauge hydration levels – is your urine pale and clear (good) or dark and murky (bad). I put together this “Fifty Shades of Pee” chart to help you decipher whether you are in danger of dehydration. Tape it next to the toilet paper roll – ha!

One product I’ve been using to keep myself hydrated during long runs and races is DripDrop® Hydration Powder. It’s a safe, medical-grade hydration product you can buy at your local CVS on the baby aisle. Available in Lemon Flavor or Berry Flavor, DripDrop® Hydration Powder comes with 8 individually packaged servings per box. It’s really easy to stash a couple in a gym bag (or even folded over in a running shorts key pocket) to mix into a plain bottle of water when the need to refuel arises. You can read more about the product and the science behind it here.

It’s perfect for taking along to kid’s sporting activities, too. The American Pediatric Association advises that children should be replenishing fluids every 20 minutes during sports — 5 to 9 ounces of a sports drink, depending on weight (5 for a child weighing 88 pounds, 9 ounces for a child weighing 132 pounds). This is in addition to drinking water before and after practice, too.

Drip Drop Hydration for Lacrosse Practice

DripDrop® Hydration Powder is an easy and cost-effective way to stay hydrated when the flu or stomach bug hits – my kids like the way it tastes and the product is safe for children over age 1. I hope your family escapes illness this winter (we all had the flu at Christmas, ugh) – but if you do get sick, head over to the baby aisle at CVS drug store for some DripDrop® Hydration Powder. And, don’t forget to monitor your 50 shades of pee.

Save $1.00 off with the purchase of any ONE (1) box of DripDrop Hydration Powder with DIGITAL COUPON available 1/25/15 – 2/21/15. Get your print at home coupon here while supplies last –

http://dripdrop.com/cvscoupon/

Are You Hydrated? Check this ’50 Shades of Pee’ Chart @dripdrop #DripDropHydrates #pmedia #ad

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6 Soups for Runners and Spartans

Posted on January 29, 2015 by Jennifer FIsher

Even though I’ve been running and working out in the beautiful warm weather that’s been gracing Austin for the last several days, the chill of winter is expected to return over weekend – it’s my guess that Jack Frost is moseying over from the Snowpocolypse on the East coast. Although, we won’t get mountains of snow (actually, not even a freeze at all), this cold-weather wimp will be tempted to stay under the blankets and skip even her civilized late-morning run. That is, unless I know I have soup waiting for lunch!

Soups and Stews for Runners - TheFitFork.com

After a long run in cold weather, nothing warms up my body and nourishes my soul more than a big bowl of soup. Who wants to think about making a complicated meal when road weary, starving and chilled to the bone? That’s why I like to have a big batch of homemade soup waiting in the slow cooker or ready to simmer on the stovetop the minute I walk in the door. Warmth and convenience aren’t the only reason why soup is great for runners — soup is also an easy, one-dish recovery meal that features the right mix of carbohydrates, protein, and healing vitamins and minerals. Eating soup after a workout refuels your tank with healthy food and the extra liquid helps restore hydration! I’m sharing six soup and stew recipes that are in constant rotation at my house during the cold-weather running seasons — each is easy to make and tastes just as good (if not better) as leftovers.

This is my favorite race photo ever - Zooma Half Marathon 2013 - — This is my favorite race photo ever – Zooma Half Marathon 2013 – I WON! !

Now that one of my favorite races (3M Half Marathon) has come and gone for the year, I can focus on my upcoming events. Of course, there is the Capitol 10k later this spring (I’m going to try to peak for this one) and the Zooma Women’s Race Series in Austin on March 28th – I’m a Zooma Ambassador again for the 4th year and will be running the half marathon – they also offer a 10k and 5k. This is a fun and supportive race for women of all abilities (and men, you’re invited too) – afterward there is just an awesome party with lots of Texas Hill Country hospitality, including music, wine and massages. Come out and join me – use the discount code JENNIFER15 at registration and get 10% off the fee for any race distance.

Oh, and did I tell you that I’m running the Spartan Race in a few months when it comes to Austin. It’s a good thing that the Spartan is in May and it won’t be cold — no soup required afterward, but maybe a cold beer! I better start practicing my obstacles ASAP! Check out the workout —>

Spartan has a ton of stuff going on right now including a newly launched podcast that shares epic stories of success – ‘Spartan Up!’ If you are totally into obstacle racing, you can get hooked up with a Spartan Season Pass that offers unlimited racing, ability to sign up in any heat including elite, special travel discounts and more.

Save 20% on spartan race code: UBST24-TK88D27

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Category Archives: Workouts

Calm, Confident, Upside Down and Twisted Around Yoga

Why You Should Workout with Your Sweetie + Partner WOD

Run, Workout and Yoga with Happy Legs | Compression Sock #Giveaway

Hydration For Healthy, Happy Athletes – 50 Shades of Pee

6 Soups for Runners and Spartans