The Mental Aspects of Fitness

Body Up Shorts

These long distance shorts from Body Up Activewear are perfect for your next jog around the neighborhood

“One more block … just one more block.” This is what I tell myself regularly when I’m towards the end of my run and I just want to stop and walk the rest of the way home. I can always go one more block.” Just suck it up and make it to the next curb.” I’ll repeat that as many times as is necessary to make it back to my door.

The above has nothing to do with my cardio capacity or the strength of my legs.  I inevitably get home, running the whole way.  This has to do with my mental toughness and my willingness to endure a little bit of discomfort in order to feel better the rest of the day (and the rest of my life).

The mental aspect of fitness begins with the commitment to actually do it.  You need to tell yourself how important it is and your brain needs to click in agreement with a hard “yes!” But that’s the easy step; the hardest one is consistency … overcoming the million excuses you’ll come up with to not workout. This is the hardest of all. Continue reading

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The Secrets to Keeping Off the Weight You Lose

Jala Clothing Jane V Neck Tunic

Be comfy and stylish in the tie dye V-neck tunic top from Jala Clothing.

Do you want to know the secrets of successful weight loss? Would a study of over 3,000 people who have kept off an average of 69 pounds sway you? What if they had kept the weight off for over 10 years?

The National Weight Control Registry is a world-famous ongoing study where dieters are tracked through extensive questionnaires.  About 75% of the successful weight loss participants are women and the average age is 51.  So how were they able to do it?  The researchers compiled a list. Continue reading

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Simple Home Workouts

Stonewear Designs Olympia Tank

Kettlebells are effective (and space-saving) for exercising at home.

Exercising at home can be ideal; everything you need is right there with no excuses about how far you have to travel to workout. But where do you start and what type of equipment do you need: We’ve got your answers!

First, do a quick evaluation of your available space.  How much do you have?  Is it a patch of rug in your living room or do you have a dedicated room where you can stock all the latest gizmos?

Next, ask yourself what you like to do? Look over this list for your preferences.

  • Solo workouts or exercising with friends; which would you rather do?
  • What type of weight training do you like? Free weights, bands, or bootcamp?
  • What type of cardio do you prefer? Running, group ex classes, biking, or something else? Continue reading
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Celebrating Bike to Work Week

Craft Performance Bike Light Vest

This cycling vest from Craft Performance will keep you comfortable on many a commute

The cycling movement is growing almost as fast as the price of filling our gas tanks. This week (May 14 – 18) is National Bike to Work Week and we think it’s great for people to give it a try. You might actually find that it’s your preferred method of commuting.

There are many benefits to pedaling your way to the office, some obvious and some not-so-obvious … Continue reading

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Outfit of the Week: Sunny Summer Look

Outfit of the WeekQuick! Behind you! That’s summer fast approaching, which we think is a good thing. We love the warmer temperatures and the chance to get away to the beach. That means it’s time to start putting together a fabulous look for your next trip to the shore and we’re here to help. Continue reading

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Stop Sneaking Food

Zobha Cassidy Tank

We're big fans of the Cassidy Tank from Zobha

You walk back from lunch past the receptionist and grad some candy from the dish. You’re putting the dinner plates together and sneaking some food from the pot before setting the table. You do a drive-by through the kitchen and, without even realizing it, grab a couple of cookies.

Much of the time we’re only half-aware that we’re even nibbling these sneaky bites of food. But extra snacking throughout the day can add between 400 and 600 calories, enough for an entire extra meal!  We need to stop sneaking food.

Here are some ideas …  Continue reading

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Walking and Calorie Burning

Gaiam Pedometer

ActivewearUSA.com carries pedometers from Gaiam for beginner, intermediate, and advanced level exercisers

Walking is the easiest way to stay fit. You don’t even need sneakers, really. Slip on a comfy pair of shoes and you’re ready to move, but people always wonder how many calories you burn while walking. We’ve got your answer.

Here’s the rule of thumb: generally speaking, you burn about 100 calories per mile walked. 

But—you knew there’d be a but, right?—there are a lot of variables which can change that 100 calorie number. How much you weigh, how quickly you walk, if you’re on hilly terrain, or plodding on a flat treadmill all can affect calorie burn. Continue reading

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Being a Fitness Newbie

Bia Brazil Capri

You might be a newbie, but you'll look like a veteran in these stylish capris from Bia Brazil

You actually smudged your sneakers with a little bit of dirt in the parking lot so people wouldn’t realize they were brand spanking new. You placed your mat down near the front of the class and someone glares. You realize too late that you took her spot. The instructor walks in and zeroes in on you immediately. “First time?” she asks. You sheepishly nod yes.

Welcome to being the fitness newbie. It kinda sucks.

There’s only one way to get over being a fitness newbie: get through the first session. Here are some tips that should help get you through. Continue reading

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I Believe in Fitness Because

Carve Designs Monaco Skirt

I believe in fitness because of how I look in my clothes, like the Monaco skirt from Carve Designs

We believe in fitness here at ActivewearUSA.com. We are strong and proud of our accomplishments. Every bead of sweat is a reminder of our grace, our fortitude, our chutzpah!

Fitness can do so much for us, which is why we’re offering all of you a list of options. Use one, use ‘em all, add your own. What does fitness do for you? Continue reading

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Outfit of the Week: Jazz Up Your Workout!

Outfit of the WeekThis past Monday, April 30th, was the first ever International Jazz Day, an initiative launched by 14-time Grammy winner Herbie Hancock and UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization.

In honor of the day, we thought our outfit of the week should be something that would “jazz up” your look for the next time you workout. We think we’ve certainly picked something that achieves this goal. Continue reading

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