Topic: training

Tanning, Makeup, Glitter: What Professional Runners And Prom Queens Have In Common

Tanning, Makeup, Glitter: What Professional Runners And Prom Queens Have In Common

During the London Olympics, I watched a lot of track and field events. And while the physical prowess and muscle definition were certainly impressive, I kept finding myself distracted and intrigued by something that wasn’t linked at all to performance (I thought): The hair, makeup, and overall styling of the female runners and field athletes. They were tanned, their hair was colored, they wore elaborate makeup. And apparently, that’s actually a pretty common thing for competitive and professional runners. More »

Hurts So Good: How Much Pain Your Exercise Should Really Involve

Hurts So Good: How Much Pain Your Exercise Should Really Involve

We know No Pain No Gain is BS. Pushing through injury is dangerous and downright foolish. But exercise isn’t supposed to be easy, either. When I gasped about how hard some uphill weighted walking lunges were to my trainer last week, he replied drily that he doesn’t mean for me to feel like I’m floating along. And when he sent me immediately into wall sits after I dropped the 40 pounds of dumbbells, I let the agonized shrieking echo off the walls along with the Linkin Park blasting on the stereo. If I were ever captured by hostile interrogators who needed information from me, they’d need only to force me into a wall sit. After enough time I’d give up any state secret they wanted. They’re that painful. But: when I stand up and walk it off, moments later I’m fine. More »

Study: Your Relationship Could Help Your Workout

Study: Your Relationship Could Help Your Workout

It might seem unrelated, but a new study says that relationships can boost athletic performance (and they’re not talking about fight-fueled boxing sessions). In a survey of 400 competitive athletes, researchers found that those who are in loving relationships feel it enhances their performance. And while the survey hasn’t pinned down the exact reasons, many psychologists agree that it makes sense: Relationships have often been proven to increase happiness and energy levels, all things that are logical helpers for workouts, too. More »

Body By Chocolate: 5 Healthy Treats To Boost Your Workout

Body By Chocolate: 5 Healthy Treats To Boost Your Workout

You’ve probably heard before that drinking a post-workout glass of chocolate milk can boost sports performance and burn extra fat, mostly thanks to the beverage’s ideal combination of proteins, fats, and sugars. But new research says that chocolate itself could boost your workouts, too. But before you go gorge on a king size pack of peanut M&Ms, there’s a catch: Not all chocolate is created equal in terms of athletic benefits. More »

Andy Roddick Bets $10,000 Against His Best Friend — But Don’t Worry, It’s For Charity

Andy Roddick Bets $10,000 Against His Best Friend â But Don't Worry, It's For Charity

Check out this post from Amber Greviskes on That’s Fit.

Justin Gimelstob (pictured above) doesn’t have the right body type to run a marathon. Compared to the wispy, muscular athletes that he will toe the starting line with in New York City, Gimelstob is a behemoth. He’s 6-foot 5-inches tall and weighs more than 200 pounds. He sweats prolifically. And, he’ll freely admit, he’s never been a runner. But he’s also not a man to turn down a challenge.
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5 Overpriced Exercise Accessories No One Needs

5 Overpriced Exercise Accessories No One Needs

Technology certainly has its place in fitness and athletics, but we think some exercise equipment manufacturers take it too far. Low-tech workout solutions are simpler than these souped-up gadgets — and, dear God, are they cheaper. Save your money and take it back old-school-style when it comes to your fitness routine (aside from your iPod, of course). And whatever you do, don’t waste your hard-earned cash on the following five products: More »