How to Jumpstart Your Winter Yoga Routine

You’ve heard about it for years—how it can improve posture, strengthen and tone muscles, and soothe stress away. You’ve watched friends trotting off to class, toting neon mats and dropping mysterious phrases like “downward dog” and “half cobra.” But you, yoga? Now, in the middle of winter? With these articles, tips, and resources, now there’s no excuse.

Last Updated: February 19, 2009
Filed Under: Yoga

iPhone Applications to Get You Moving: Biking, Running, Yoga, and More

Our weekly Get Fit blog: The latest news, trends, research, and workout tips

By Amanda MacMillan

As iPhones get better and more affordable, more and more of my friends and colleagues are opting to replace their current mobile devices with this all-in-one gadget. And while many of them are having fun downloading random, pointless applications that pour virtual beer or sound like light sabers, not many of them have realized yet that the iPhone can also help transform their health and fitness goals.

Besides the convenience of having a phone and an MP3 player all in one (not to mention email, an Internet browser, and GPS, a nice feature in itself when you’re heading out for a walk or a jog), the iPhone gives you the ability to download countless applications straight from the iTunes store—more than 500 in the Healthcare and Fitness category alone, and most of these for just a few bucks or less.

Here’s a sampling of some we like; links are accessible via iTunes. Most are also compatible with the iPod touch, as well, if you’re not quite ready to give up your old cell.

• iFitness (.99)
  This comprehensive exercise database provides clear pictures and instructions for more than 130 unique exercises, sorted by body region or specific muscles targeted. You can build custom workout lists for different days of the week, add your own moves and photos if your favorite exercise is missing, and save or email your progress updates.
• LoseIt! (Free)
  This searchable database of food and exercise lets you look up and keep track of your daily activities in order to stay within your daily calorie allowance. If you’ve got a weight loss goal in mind, LoseIt can calculate the date you’ll reach that number, based on your daily progress. For hard-core dieters, there are other paid calorie counters with more foods and more features—but for someone who just wants to keep track of her numbers day to day, this is a great free tool.
• RunKeeper (Free with ads; .99 without)
  It’s not just for runners: This mileage tracker uses the phone’s built-in GPS (it’s not compatible with iPod Touch or first-generation iPhones) to enable runners, walkers, hikers, bikers, and even skiers to track their outdoor distance, duration, pace, and altitude. You can download and store your data on your personalized online dashboard and share activities with your friends.
• Yoga Trainer PRO (.99)
  Hundreds of poses, step-by-step instructions, and voice alerts let anyone—beginner to advanced—practice yoga wherever and whenever; you can even customize your own yoga sequences. Coming soon from the same company are Pilates and Tai Chi apps, as well.
• iSPINNING (Free)
  Download this app, sync your iPhone with a heart rate monitor, and you’ll be able to track your speed, distance, and power while on a Spinner, road, or mountain bike. Hook it up to the SMHeart Link receiver (0) and sync it with a heart rate monitor, and you can program your workouts with heart-rate goals in mind.

Have you tried any of these applications, or do you have a favorite of your own? If you’ve got an iPhone, let me know what you think!

Last Updated: March 6, 2009
Filed Under: Get Fit Blog

Gear Guide: Piloxing DVD Combines Boxing and Pilates for a Kick-Butt Workout

By Su Reid-St. John

Piloxing is a new workout that blends Pilates and boxing, with a little dance thrown in, created by Swedish-born Pilates instructor, dancer, boxer, and personal trainer Viveca Jensen. The popular workout is taught at Jensen’s V Pilates studio in Toluca Lake, California, and a DVD based on the class was recently released. Always up for a new fitness challenge, I gave it a try.

Before I jumped into the DVD workout, I watched a helpful segment in which Jensen demonstrates some of the boxing moves. What she doesn’t explain, unfortunately, is how to put on the 1-pound gloves (which look like little black-and-pink turtles) you’re supposed to wear during the workout. I’m usually a pretty smart cookie when it comes to figuring out stuff like this, but these were a little tricky. (I realized later on that I had them on upside down.) Oh well, on to the workout.

The setup took me by surprise. Most workout DVDs supplement their star with a few backup people to add some enthusiasm and make you feel (I’m guessing) like you’re actually taking part in a class. Well, Jensen was backed up by no less than seven people, all crammed into a pretty small space. I’m guessing the intention was that I, the viewer, would see how effortlessly and enthusiastically all these people followed Jensen—but it was actually quite distracting. I couldn’t figure out how they avoided knocking into each other. And, with all those moving body parts, it was tough at times to actually see the correct way to do the moves.

Fortunately, Jensen has a really likeable presence. She obviously loves what she’s doing, and there’s much to be said for that. The workout switched back and forth between boxing and Pilates, with the Pilates also serving as much-needed recovery time. Jensen’s cueing on the Pilates parts was usually pretty easy to follow, but she quickly lost me during the boxing stretches. Some close-up, here’s-what-your-form-should-look-like shots would’ve been really helpful, but the camera stayed back for the most part, showing the big (crowded) picture. When it did zoom in, it was often—both inexplicably and unhelpfully—on the feet of one of the backup people.

It didn’t help, either, that my “workout space” at home is a carpeted area in the den. The foot-twisting boxing moves would’ve been much easier to do on a smooth surface.

Problems aside, I did end up getting a really good cardio-and-strength-combo workout. And even though 1 pound might not seem like much, my arms were definitely feeling it by the time the credits rolled. Bottom line? This DVD will make you sweat—but it’s no knockout.

Product: Piloxing DVD and Gloves

Category: DVD/Gear

Pros: Challenging cardio-and-strength workout that really makes you sweat. Plus, the trainer is likeable and enthusiastic.

Cons: Boxing segments were hard to follow, and the large number of backup people was distracting. Gloves can be tricky at first.

Cost: .95 for the DVD and for the gloves at VPilates.com

Extra tip: Don’t attempt on carpet.
Last Updated: March 12, 2009
Filed Under: Gadgets and Gear

Gear Guide: Champion’s Double Dry Performance Seamless Women’s Tee

By Su Reid-St. John

Sometimes love sneaks up on you. You meet and think nothing of it. But then you start looking for opportunities to cross paths, and soon the object of your affection begins to feel necessary.

That’s how I feel about Champion’s Double Dry Performance Seamless Women’s Tee. When I first got this top, I tossed it in my workout drawer without a second thought. After wearing it a couple of times, though, I started seeking it out. I remember the first time I reached for it and realized it was dirty. I was so disappointed that I actually considered fishing it out of the hamper—where it had lain since the previous day’s sweat fest—for another go. (This from a girl who considers wearing jeans two days in a row a noteworthy accomplishment.)

Here’s why I love this T-shirt. First, it’s seamless, so it’s super-comfortable. Second, it’s surprisingly flattering; I’d thought it would be too body-hugging, but the stretchy fabric actually skims my figure, smoothing out imperfections (like my stubborn belly pooch). And, best of all, it’s like wearing an air-conditioner; the material wicks like mad and breathes so well that my skin actually feels cool while working up a sweat.

Of course, it’s not perfect. (What love ever is?) The high crew neck isn’t the best style for my short-trunked, slightly-busty frame. I much prefer the elongation of a V-neck. (Are you listening, Champion?)

Nevertheless, my infatuation remains steadfast. I never did retrieve it from the hamper that day. But I did buy another one.

Product: Champion Double Dry Performance Seamless Women’s Tee

Category: Apparel

Pros: Seamless and flattering, with material that wicks and breathes to keep you cool during your workout.

Cons: Would look better with a V-neck.

Cost: at ChampionUSA.com

Extra tip: Get two, so you’ll always have a fresh one to wear.

Last Updated: March 6, 2009
Filed Under: Gadgets and Gear