Gym Bag Essentials for Every Woman

For those of you avid gym-goers out there, you know how important it is to keep your gym bag stocked and ready to go! If you are anything like me, you also like to stay stylish, even while getting sweaty, which is why I designed my oGorgeous brand of bags, so that I can have a gym bag that is as pretty as a purse! I make sure to pack my bag full of the essentials so that I'm always ready for a workout, wherever I am. Let me share some of my gym bag must haves:

Fitness Gloves
These really come in handy when you're lifting weights and want to avoid getting calluses. They're also great as you're developing grip strength.


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7 Hiking Essentials for Beginners

About six months ago, I moved from downtown Cincinnati to the rural mountains of Western North Carolina. I went from going out my front door and hitting the hot new restaurants to going out my front door and hitting the hiking trails. I've always liked hiking, but with so many trails, mountains, and places to explore surrounding my new home, I'm using the great outdoors as my personal grown-up playground far more often.

My hikes have all been a half day or shorter, so I haven't needed too much specialized equipment. However, I have accumulated a few items that have made hiking much more enjoyable for me. Today I'm sharing some of my favorites with you.


Camelbak
Water backpacks are a great way to haul your food and supplies on a hike while staying hydrated. This 50-ounce size is great for longer hikes, and there's a pocket to hold energy bars and your keys.


ExOfficio Women's Nomad Roll-Up Pant
Even if the day starts off sunny, you likely will need an extra layer or more coverage when you start your return trip. Roll-up pants are convenient and versatile--and more practical than the kind that zip off. (Who wants to risk losing a pants leg in the woods?)


Dakine Hip Pack
For shorter hikes, opt for a lumbar pack to stash a water bottle and all your necessities. These from Dakine are fashionable as well as functional. Read More ›

Stuff We Love: Coach Nicole's Fit Picks for Spring

Can you believe that spring is finally here? (Officially, anyway.) Here in Cincinnati we've received a few little tastes of spring-like sunshine and temperatures over the past couple of weeks, but it's been enough to get all of us excited about the changing seasons. I can't wait to break out the grill, get my hands dirty with a new vegetable garden, and go for a run without wearing an extra 20 pounds of insulating gear. How about you?
 
To celebrate spring, I thought I'd share some of my favorite things right now, from new running shoes to my favorite protein powder to new apparel that supports your active, healthy lifestyle. Read More ›

7 Fitness Accessories for Safety and Visibility

One of my favorite times of day to run is in the early morning before the rest of the world wakes up.  It’s quiet and gives me time to think before the craziness of my day begins.  I prefer to run when the sun is already up, but at certain times of the year, that becomes more difficult.  When I do head out in the dark, my first priority is safety.  Although I never assume that cars can see me, I try to make myself as visible as possible.
 
I hear of too many runners, walkers and bikers out with no lights, no identification, wearing dark colors and expecting that everything will be fine and that cars will gladly move out of their way.  Accidents happen all the time, but you can reduce the chances they will happen to you.  Here are some of the products I recommend to help you stay safe and visible when exercising in the dark. Read More ›

7 Yoga Essentials for Beginners

At its very core, yoga is about connecting the mind and body. You can "do" yoga without any equipment at all. Even sitting and breathing mindfully as you quiet the mind is a form of yoga. That said, when you do a yoga DVD or take a class, there are a few items that can help you feel more comfortable.

Today I'm rounding up some of my favorites as both a certified yoga teacher and student!

Manduka PROlite Yoga Mat: Manduka mats have a lifetime guarantee. I've had mine for almost four years and it looks brand-new. If you plan to practice regularly, invest in a high-quality mat. Cheaper "sticky" mats tend to fall apart and shed yoga mat confetti all over the place. After wearing out two yoga mats during yoga teacher training, I treated myself to a sturdier mat as my reward for earning my certification. Manduka mats are lightweight yet sturdy--you won't need to layer a second mat under it as some people prefer to do with foam mats. (Plus they come in a variety of fun colors!)

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7 Ways to Make Fitness More Fun

Editor's Note: We've asked SparkPeople member MOSTMOM1 to share her favorite fun fitness tools. Read on for gadgets that will turn any workout into playtime!

My husband calls me the Pied Piper of Fun. He rolls his eyes when he says this, but I take it as a compliment. I believe having fun is more important than people realize. For me, having fun usually makes me a nicer person to be around. Plus, it often means hanging out with friends, and that’s good for me, too. So, it only makes sense that I would look for ways to make my fitness fun. Here are seven fun things that keep me moving every day.

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