Category Archives: Yoga

Holiday Gift Guide for Runners, Obstacle Course Racers, and Hybrid Athletes

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Struggling to find the perfect gift for the athlete in your life? This guide is packed with innovative gear and products that cater to runners, obstacle course racers (OCRs), and hybrid athletes. From performance-boosting essentials to recovery tools, these gifts will inspire and support their training journey, whether just starting out or an elite in the sport. Also, the good news is that you can find everything on Amazon for the easiest shopping ever!

1. Fuel Goods: Athlete-Approved Nutrition

Stay fueled and ready to conquer any race or training session with Fuel Goods. This service connects athletes with the best nutrition products on the planet, from energy gels to protein powders to snacks (and even recovery items), delivered straight to their door. Perfect for those who prioritize performance and quality in their diet. As a fit foodie, speaking personally from my heat (and stomach), I would be thrilled to be gifted a box or subscription to this service. I met the ladies of this women-owned business at The Running Event convention, and they are so inspiring!
Learn more about Fuel Goods

2. Tumaz Yoga Mat Carrier with Removable Yoga Strap

PSA: Complement your sport with yoga, it’s a win-win! And, get you a good yoga mat bag to make life easier. This versatile carrier does double duty as a yoga strap, making it ideal for post-run stretching or yoga sessions. Lightweight, adjustable, and with lots of pockets for the little extras you need to take along, it’s perfect for runners and hybrid athletes who value convenience and functionality. Great for home, gym, or on-the-go workouts.
Shop the Tumaz Yoga Mat Carrier

3. Go Fit Revolve Roller

Recovery made smarter! The Go Fit Revolve Roller is a portable tool designed to relieve muscle tightness and improve flexibility. With a revolutionary design that is completely customizable for each use, it offers a deep tissue massage that’s perfect for sore calves, hamstrings, quads, IT band, or whatever after a tough run or workout. Three levels of “massage rings” can be designed in any order you need to address your trigger point of the moment. I love this recovery tool for runners.
Explore the Revolve Roller

4. Hyperwear HYPER RUCK® Rucking Backpack

Upgrade their training with this rucking backpack designed for both functionality and durability. It’s perfect for weighted runs, hikes, or strength-focused workouts. The ergonomic design makes it comfortable to carry while boosting endurance and strength. Holds up to 60lbs and available empty or with 10, 20 and 30-pound weight. Or use your own plates, sand bells or battle ropes to make heavier. I think this is the best rucking backpack around!
Discover the HYPER RUCK® Backpack

5. Tifosi Sunglasses

Every runner needs quality sunglasses, and Tifosi delivers on both style and performance. These sunglasses for runners are lightweight, durable and offer UV protection, anti-glare lenses, and a secure fit. Perfect for bright trails, city runs, or race day.
Check out Tifosi Sunglasses

6. Hero Board: Core Training Made Fun

A strong core is crucial for runners and athletes, and the Hero Board turns core workouts into a dynamic experience. This multi-directional fitness board is perfect for planks, push-ups, and more, helping to improve stability and overall strength. Compact and effective, it’s a home gym must-have.
Explore the Hero Board

7. Ultimate Direction Ultra Vesta Signature Series 6.0 Trail Running Vest

Long-distance runners and OCR athletes know hydration is key. A quality hydration pack keeps water and fuel at their fingertips while reducing fatigue, this is one of the best gifts for runners. Look for lightweight, durable designs with minimal bounce and room for small essentials like this women-specific vest I personally use from Ultimate Direction (they have men’s versions too). Check out the Vesta!

8. OCR or Hybrid Race Entry

What better hybrid athlete gift than the promise of adventure? A prepaid entry to an OCR like Spartan Race, trail race, or hybrid fitness competition like HYROX or DEKA is a thoughtful way to keep them motivated and excited for their next challenge. And guess what, I have discount codes that work year-round:

9. Socks and Compression Gear

Give the gift of support and injury prevention with OS1st compression gear. Designed specifically for athletes, their sleeves, socks, and braces provide targeted compression to reduce pain, swelling, and fatigue. Perfect for runners dealing with plantar fasciitis, shin splints, knee pain, or who just want cush, comfy feet (like me), OS1st products are a must-have for performance and recovery.
Explore OS1st Compression Gear

This athlete gift guide 2024 is filled with ideas that any runner, OCR competitor, or hybrid athlete will love. Whether you choose performance-enhancing gear, innovative recovery tools, or a little extra motivation in the form of race entries, these gifts will show your support for their athletic journey.

What are your favorite hybrid athlete gifts, ocr gifts, gifts for spartan race, or runner gear gift ideas?

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. I earn a small commission for purchase made through links. Proceeds help offset operating costs at The Fit Fork. THANK YOU!

Do More Blue: How Color Affects Mood for Workouts, Exercise

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Colors can subconsciously affect your feelings and moods and, in turn, have an impact on workouts and your choices in exercise. This includes both the colors seen in your environment (like what color the walls are painted) and the color of your fitness clothing you wear.  In past posts, I’ve mentioned how other colors are tied to exercise – like RED and PINK. But, what about BLUE?

Without doubt, blue is a very popular color. In fact, it’s the most popular color in the world being favored by 35% of the world’s population. I’m guessing blue is so beloved because it’s one of the rarest colors found in nature. Blue is linked to the sky and water and can stimulate calming and peaceful feelings. These serene side effects of blue make it a great color for being mindful and focused.

Blue is a calming and focused color for yoga!

Because of these calming zen vibes, blue (especially a lighter hue) is a great color choice for yoga wear or lounging around after an intense sweat sesh for recovery!

I now understand why the heaviest weight plates are blue!

Blue is on the lower end of the electromagnetic visible light spectrum. The wavelength of blue is shorter other colors – for example, blue has a 25% shorter wavelength than red. There have been studies done that show gym weights painted blue seem lighter than the same poundage of weights painted red! Blue may make things seem lighter or easier to have less perceived effort. That is great for productivity. Wearing blue, especially bright and vivid hues, may help you have a productive and focused session at the gym – “Do More Blue”!  

“Blue” personality athletes like rules, training schedules, and logging results.

According to color personality tests, people who are “Blues” look at exercise in a methodical and orderly way, tracking data details and progress as they move along their fitness journey. I would guess they are less “play it by ear” and more “follow a plan” type people. It’s my guess (and experience with them) that Blues like to participate in sports with defined rules!

Blue has other connotations as well. Sometimes people who are feeling down might say they are blue. But more often blue has positive connotations – “Blue Ribbon” meaning top-notch, first place, or winning to “True Blue” connoting reliability, trustworthiness and loyalty.

After all is said and done, what really matters is what is YOUR mood in blue. If blue makes you feel good then wear it and paint your home gym walls in it! If you are more “blah” about blue, then just sashay down the color spectrum until you fine a color and hue that speaks to YOU!

If you’re loving the idea of “Do More Blue,” check out this collections of Blue Ribbon Burpee Variations I put together:

Try these winning "blue ribbon" burpee ideas that kick up the traditional full-body exercise for even more challenge in your workout.
Check out the video demo of unique burpee variations in this Pin Story!

Also of interest. Did you know the blue lenses on sunglasses aren’t there JUST to look cool.

Blue tint on glasses is usually for the purpose of making objects crisper, improving color perception and creating a calming effect. For certain sport-specific glasses, the blue lenses help to reduce sun glare that comes of the snow, water or roads.

Disclaimer: brought to you as part of my relationship with adidas as an ambassador. However, all opinions, suggestions, comments and enthusiasm are my own.

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MORE Summer Fitness, Fun and Healthy Food Finds! Part 2

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Hello official start of summer! Like you, I’ve been home way more than normal for these past few months — and this has had me on high alert for new fitness, healthy living and athlete-oriented food I can order and have delivered to keep me living MY BEST LIFE.

Summer Fitness, Fun and Healthy Food Finds part two - thefitfork.com

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Camp Watermelon – Ideas for Fun, Games & Sweet Family Memories!

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This post is sponsored by The National Watermelon Promotion Board, but all content, comments, suggestions and enthusiasm remain my own!

This past week, I hung out at the lake with a couple dozen of my nearest and dearest family members for an extended long weekend. It was our annual family reunion but I aptly renamed it “Camp Watermelon 2019” because reflecting over the years, I’ve noticed that there is probably not a single, significant summer memory in my life that has gone by without sharing a watermelon with loved ones.Family watermelon fun at the lake this summer

Yup, watermelon creates more than happy bellies and sticky, sweet chins . . . watermelon is woven, sometimes subtly and sometimes boldly, right into the fabric of my very being and perhaps yours, too. This summer, I decided to kick up the watermelon fun at our reunion for guaranteed memories (and laughs) . . . read on to discover what we did at Camp Watermelon and get some fun watermelon ideas for yourself! Continue reading →

Yoga Poses for a Strong Core

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Whether long-time yogi or yoga newbie, those taking to their mats understand (or quickly discover) that building a strong core is essential to growing in and mastering many poses while staying safe in the process.Yoga Poses for a Strong Core. Back and Abs

The more strength in your core, both stomach and back muscles, reduces the amount of energy expended for simple movements and increases the amount of energy available for bigger physical challenges. Plus, a strong core offers protection from fatigue, poor posture and lower back injuries. Read on to learn more and find out six of my favorite yoga poses for a strong core. Continue reading →