Fitting Remarks: The Need to Cross-Train

By: LL
Cross-training...do you do it when you are training for a race? For many, cross-training is the easily neglected piece of their training routine. Instead, you might opt for another run or give your muscles the day off to recover from a considerably hard run the day before. Unfortunately, neither of those two options will give you nearly the significant boost that you will get from at least one day of cross-training.

Fresh New Fit: Snowshoeing!

By Jessie

My husband and I decided to spend this NYE up at the cabin. I was looking forward to a cozy weekend of reading, napping, cooking, eating, cribbage, scrabble, and some wine. But alas, I still needed to "fit fitness" in somehow.

Fortunately, there are many different ways to do so up north while enjoying the outdoors.

My fresh new fit this new year was snowshoeing. "Santa" brought me a pair under the tree, and I was anxious to try them out. Unfortunately, there hasn't been any snow in our city yet, but we were lucky with abundant snow up North at our cabin, and my husband also got snowshoes for Christmas, giving me a partner in my new fit.

It's amazing how much snowshoes have improved- here's a pair that decorate the walls at the cabin. I am guessing these date back to the 1920's.

"Snowshoeing has been around for thousands of years. And, obviously, the art of snowshoeing has become more sophisticated over time – now it’s considered a winter sport. From the early wood-frame to the aluminum-frame models, snowshoeing has garnered quite a following throughout the world. Modern day snowshoeing is made up of casual snowshoers who hike trails for pleasure, the snowshoeing enthusiasts who trek through the backcountry, and the competitors who race."


The snowshoes of today are much easier to get on and off, and quite easy to use.

What's so great about snowshoeing?
The sport is easy to learn, virtually inexpensive (compared to other winter sports), poses little risk of injury and is a great way to exert energy during the cold winter months. Known to help maintain or improve cardiovascular fitness, the sport helps burn more than 600 calories per hour. Snowshoers can burn more than 45 percent more calories than walking or running at the same speed.

Finalizing Fits: NYE Attire (Recap)

By: LL
A few weeks back, I blogged about my "vision" for what I would wear for NYE, working around my J.Crew Jacquard Gold Mini, which only makes appearances around the holidays. Whereas I did not fully execute the vision that I discussed here, I did get close and was satisfied with the final fit. However, it would have been vastly improve with the Louboutins, but they did not fit the bill this holiday season.

Skirt: J.Crew (circa 2009)

Top: The Limited

Tights: Target

Pumps: Aldo

Purse: Macy's

Ring: Gifted (Christmas 2011)

Earrings: New York & Company

Fresh New Fit: Kettlebells!

By Jessie

Last night, I decided to try something new for a "fresh fit". I met some friends at "Balance Fitness" in uptown for an hour-long Kettlebell class. Here is the gym's website: http://seek-balance.com/

So, what is a kettle bell, you ask? Well, this is what it looks like:

According to WedMD, "The cannonball-shaped cast iron orbs called kettlebells were originally developed by Russian strongmen in the early 1700s to quickly build strength, endurance, balance, and flexibility. Once relegated to a dusty corner of the weight room, researchers now say kettlebells are experiencing a resurgence in popularity; kettlebell-themed fitness classes are now being offered in gyms across the country."

What's so great about a kettlebell workout? 

According to a few articles that I read, the average participant burned about 20 calories per minute during the kettlebell workout, which equates to 400 calories during a typical 20-minute kettlebell workout. Researchers say that's equivalent to running a six-minute mile or cross-country skiing uphill at a fast pace!

What makes a kettlebell workout different from other weights workouts?

For starters, you work with only one bell at a time. Hoisting the heavy metal bells not only helps strengthen your arms and pecs, but also works your core, heart and lungs.

"The reason the kettlebell is so great is that there’s offset center of gravity," explains Laura Alton, a certified trainer, physical therapist, and Russian kettlebells certified instructor at the Cooper Fitness Center in Dallas.  "That means your body has to work harder to maintain balance. In so doing, you work many different muscle groups - and get your heart rate up at the same time."

So back to my experience- My friend Susie had been attending this weekly class for about a month, and she had great things to say. I was excited to check it out.

(This is Susie- look at those muscles!)

The studio was a cozy place, with a small kitchen, a cycle studio, and other various equipment for other types of training.

The instructor Sarah (who was extrememly nice and very FIT) explained the basic "swing" to us, and broke down the correct posture for the "swing." For the three of us "newbies" who had never 'kettle-belled' before, she set us up with lighter kettlebells (I think mine was 10 kg, and the "experienced" girls had about 18 kg)

The basic swing was up and down with the UP using all your core body like a standing plank position. 
After the instructor broke down the basic swing, we started in on the circuit for the class. We used the kettlebells for the swings, and then used dumbbells or our bodies for the other parts of the circuit.

• 30 kettlebell swings, 50 squats, 30 kettlebell swings, 25 squats
• 30 kettlebell swings, 50 pushups, 30 kettlebell swings, 25 pushups (eeks!)
• 30 kettlebell swings, 50 sit ups, 30 kettlebell swings, 25 situps (I'm talking old school situps- not crunches! All the way up, all the way down!)
• 30 kettlebell swings, 30 bicep curls, 30 kettlebell swings, 15 bicep curls
• 30 kettlebell swings, 30 shoulder presses, 30 kettlebell wings, 15 shoulder presses

I was quite sweaty after the class, and I could feel it right away! Today, my back, booty, core, and legs are all sore. It's a great feeling! Overall, I thought the class was a nice change of pace, and I was definitely strengthening muscles that had been neglected in my other types of fitness. 


More experienced kettle-bellers progress onto "snatches", which are the one-armed throws- I'm pretty sure I'm not ready for that yet....

 

And I'll leave you with these "pros" of a kettlebell workout:

• Provide a quick workout - 30 minutes or less - that targets all your major muscle groups.
• Increase core stability. Serious exercisers understand the importance of increasing the stability of one’s core, especially the abdominal and back muscles. But it’s hard to work the entire core, including the obliques, abdominals, and adductors, in one workout. Kettlebells can do this.
• Let you combine cardio and strength training. The kettlebell workout involves a circuit that gets your heart pumping while it strengthens muscles.
• Simplify your workout. Instead of having to use several machines or several weights to work all your muscle groups, you do it with one kettlebell.
• Save money. Once you are properly trained, you can workout at home on weights that you can buy for less than $100. One type of 10-pound kettlebell, for instance, costs about $70.

Kettlebells- a "Fresh, New Fit!"

Featured Fit: Golden Blonde

By: LL
After a short sabbatical from outfit photos, here is a look at what I wore out to a casual dinner with my husband last night. We headed out to one of our favorite restaurants, where I knew I would eat a lot of food, so I wanted to wear something that was comfortable - more specifically, a top that could mask a belly full of food. This top was perfect - the dolman-style works nicely for hiding the midsection. Since the primary color was kind of a golden blonde, I paired it with dark denim and pumps to offset that monotone color. I have a feeling that this shirt will remain in my closet until I get a little more sun...or a spray tan.

Top: Forever 21
Jeans: BCBG
Pumps (not pictured): BCBG
Purse: Brooks Brothers
Necklace: Art Fair in Indiana
Amethyst Cocktail Ring: Gifted
Bracelet: Handcrafted (seen here)

Creating Fits: Silver and Gold Chains

By: LL
I used to think about gold and silver chains as something out of the '80s and early '90s - not something incredibly modern or fashionable. But, over the last few seasons, chains - large and small - have been reinvented and are once again trendy. It took me awhile to embrace this trend in my designs, but over the last few weeks, I have been inspired to begin using them. It also doesn't hurt that I have come across some great chains and links to use. (My new place for raw materials - clearance areas in jewelry departments where you can find bargains on pieces to break down and use the materials, which is what I have done with a few of the chains in these pieces).

{Sparkler in silver & navy}

{Ornamental in textured greens}

{Links & Chains in silver}

{Links & Chains in silver bracelet}

{Links & Chains in gold bracelet}

I made the first necklace (Sparkler) to go with a dress that I am wearing to a wedding at the beginning of the year. The second necklace (Ornamental) you might recognize from here. And the last ones are made using deconstructed jewelry from clearance department store pieces (seriously, you would be amazed what great deals you can get on materials in these areas - think Charming Charlie, JC Penny, and Burlington Coat Factory. It is fun, too, to take an "ugly" piece and turn it into something fashionable!)

Favorite Fit: Christmas Morning Run

By Jessie

LL recently posted about our family's "Pajama Time" tradition. My husband and I also have carried on that tradition into our adulthood, purchasing a new pair of pajamas to be opened on Christmas Eve, for a cozy night by the fire with a warm mug of Tom & Jerry.

But I also have a tradition that I have been following for probably the past 8 years- a Christmas morning run.  I started the Christmas morning run tradition back in college, when I would be home for the holidays at my parents house in Michigan. Knowing that the rest of the day would include a big meal, several glasses of wine, and lots of "laziness," I wanted to start off the day by burning at least some calories.

I have continued this tradition every year (perhaps a tad to my husband's chagrin, as he takes his "pajama time" very seriously on Christmas day). Last year, I actually met some friends for a snowy 8 miler.  It was a lovely run on a lovely winter day.

This year, I was on my own, but it was easy to get up and go for a run, as the weather in my city was unseasonably warm. There was no snow on the ground, and the temperatures were in the mid-40s.  And I guess I was not entirely alone; I had Matilda the Vizsla with me. It was a perfect way to exercise her, while continuing my tradition.

My husband predicted that "no one else was crazy enough to run on Christmas day" 

but alas, I counted 47 runners, 17 dogs, and 3 Santa hats. Nice job Minneapolis!

I came back in, rosy cheeked, sweaty, 

and ready for a quick pop in the shower, and then a mimosa and presents!

It was time to find the "pickle" in the tree (another family tradition) and let the fun begin!

Matilda was pleased with her new sweater.

Running on Christmas morning can be extremely invigorating. The crisp air, the quiet streets, the cheery runners that you do see. And that is why it's one of my favorite fits!