Posts: 3,436
10/15/12 11:39 A

Great Spark article on shoes; lots of great information about fit, type, use, wear and tear, etc.

www.sparkpeople.com/resource/fitness_artic
les.asp?id=592

Pounds lost: 11.0

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Posts: 3,436
8/24/12 11:15 A

Today's tip comes to us from TAMARA6905. This is great information for anyone with wider feet, narrow feet, foot pain, high instep, slipping laces, etc.

Here is the link she provided to show some lacing techniques to correct or accommodate certain problems.

katierunsthis.com/2011/10/04/running-shoe-
lacing-techniques/

Pounds lost: 11.0

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Posts: 3,436
8/23/12 10:34 A

Today's tip is about clothing.

Fitness apparel for a lot of people is as simple as a pair of sweat pants and a t-shirt. The problem with wearing cotton products is that while cotton IS a comfortable material, it traps moisture in and doesn't allow your body to cool properly while working out. Moisture - wicking polyester and poly/spandex blends move moisture away from the body, ensuring you stay cooler and more comfortable during your workout.
Your exercise outfit shouldn't be so tight that it restricts movement, nor so loose that it promotes chafing.

Socks should also contain moisture-wicking material. Sweaty, uncomfortable feet don't make for a great walk! The best running/walking socks have extra cushioning and support as well as keep the feet dry. Thorlos makes some excellent socks.

Here is what livestrong.com says about bras and underwear for working out:

Women need to have a supportive sports bra to work out in. A regular bra will cause your breasts to move too much, which can result in pain and backache. Have yourself professionally fitted for a sports bra, and remember that sports bras are meant to be tight; a snug fit doesn't mean you need to go up a size, says "Parenting" magazine. Men and women should look for underwear that wicks moisture away from the body, to reduce the chance of infection due to sweat and moisture.Read more: http://www.livestrong.com/article/71368-workout-clothes/#ixzz24NbFH6KV

While the clothing you choose to walk/run/exercise in is important in order for you to be your most comfortable and perform at your best level, the MOST IMPORTANT thing is for you to get out there and do the workout!

Pounds lost: 11.0

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Posts: 3,436
8/22/12 2:18 P

Hey all you Half Sparkathoners, walking enthusiasts, runners, and all around fitness freaks!
If you have great advice to share with us as we train to walk the Half Sparkathon in January, feel free to post it here. We would love to learn new hints, tricks, and helpful advice. Anything from shoes to hydration, blister therapy to clothing. Thanks!

I have two bits of advice to share from my own experience: Make sure your shoes are the right ones for you. It might mean investing a bit more money, but it will save you in pain and doctor bills down the line. If your knees, hips, ankles, back, shins, or calves hurt while walking it COULD be your shoes! Get professionally fitted at a place like Soler Sports or Fleet Feet.

Blisters or chafing a problem? Body Glide anti-chafe balm is a life saver! I don't have much problem with chafing, but blisters...yeesh! I would get huge, ugly blisters all the time. I now apply the Body Glide (it comes in a container like anti-perspirant stick) to the bottoms and sides of my feet and heels and have not had one blister since doing this before each walk. You can apply it anywhere friction might be a problem. Great stuff!

Edited by: MJ-SHE-BEAST at: 8/22/2012 (14:19)

Pounds lost: 11.0

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