Jump Start Your New Year's Fitness Resolutions

Jump Start your New Year's Fitness Resolutions with these "Game Changers"!

I'm sure you were all stoked about stepping up your fitness routine for 2015 on January 1st, right?Now the reality of not enough hours in the day, cold-wet-snowy weather and the general "blahs" from dark, gray skies is setting in.

Don't despair! There are a few things you can do to re-fire your desire to get fit in 2015. Here are some sure fire tips to do NOW to help turn things around:

Go Shopping for New Running Shoes
Even if it's really snowy/rainy outside now, there will be some winter days when the skies will open up and the pavement will be dry. A pair of new running shoes is just the thing you need to take a run in the park or even the treadmill at the gym. Look for the most up-to-date releases in funky bright colors to chase away the winter blues. Check out this new pair of Hoka One One 2015 Bondi 4 Women's Road Shoes in Corsican Blue and Neon Cora!  See more colors of the
Hoka One Bondi Women's Road Shoe


UPDATE: I took my first run in the Bondi 4 the other day and they are amazing! Even without the extra Ortholite Performance Insoles in place, they gave me a stable, well cushioned ride on the road. They also have enough grip for trail use as I tested them off road. Full review will follow.

Getting a new pair of running shoes can motivate you to run more.

Amp Up Your Nutrition -Try Some New Energy Bars
If you've been hitting it pretty hard at the gym, you may not be getting enough protein calories to fuel your workout. I usually drink about half of my protein shake before lifting weights and then the other half when I'm done. That's fine for the home gym workout but you may want protein to go in the form of an energy bar. These NuGo Bars are lower in sugar, rice / whey based and deliciously easy to pack along. My favorite? I'd have to say I'm partial to the Carrot Cake and Caramel Pretzel!

This Caramel Pretzel Stronger NuGo bar offer 25 grams of packable protein.

And Some New Performance Supplements
Just like the NuGo Stronger Protein Bars, you'll want to keep portability in mind as you may have to relocate your workout to the gym during inclement weather. These Ultra Woman Packets from Vitamin World contain a day's worth of supplements for the active woman. I love taking these along when I travel too as most hotels have a workout room with a water cooler. Easy to swallow tablets and each 30 Day supply comes with a cool Zumba Workout DVD! Now how's THAT for motivation?

Ultra Woman Fitness Supplements from Vitamin World travel easy.

Get A Grip: Buy Some New Weight Lifting Gloves
This is an issue for me because my hands are small and gripping the lat and chest press bars can be uncomfortable.  These G-Loves are flashy and brighten up your workout while helping you handle the bar with confidence. 100% Neoprene and made in the USA, they need a bit of breaking in before they conform completely to your hands. Check out all of the designs at G-Loves.com

G-Loves Fashionable Workout Gloves

Take A Class
One of my favorite outdoor fitness educators is REI. They often have all sorts of classes at their stores or on location. Now's the time you might want to brush up on your bicycle maintenance skills such as the class I attended at The Woman's Story in Crystal Springs Resort. Even if you may be done for the season as far as riding, learning some new skills at a Bicycle Clinic can make you eager and ready to hit it once the opportunity arises. If you do ride in the winter, these skills can help keep your bicycle in top working condition despite the cold and snow.

Justin from REI teaching a Bicycle Maintenance Clinic

Can't Beat Them? Join Them!
You might want to get out a pair of good thermal, waterproof hiking boots in case cabin fever is just too much. While I understand not everyone is a Snow Bunny (like me), working out in cold temperatures actually burns MORE fat than going at it in a heated room. So ditch the gym a few days a week and take a walk in the cold or snow. If it's really slick add some Micro-Spikes or mini crampons. You will feel so much better even if it's a quick walk due to the cold. Layer up and get out there! 
Skiing or snowboarding? Check out my review of Lole's 2015 Thermal Sidonie Ski Bibs!

My answer to being Snowbound-Ahnu Montara Tall Hiking Boots

Try on Some New Workout Clothes
I really enjoy looking at the Spring and Summer fitness collections as I can begin dreaming about springtime even in the midst of high winds and snowstorms. Grab a few catalogs and see what's new for SS2015 and what pieces you might want to add to help round out your fitness wardrobe. You can also pick out some new cold weather pieces for now to help deal with the elements...in style. Here below is one of my favorites this season: Baker Bike Jacket by Novara ( REI Label).

Something Bright and Toasty for the cold weather.

Just thinking about springtime can lift your spirits with visions of warmer days and working out, outdoors. One of my favorites finds is cycle-wear that looks like street-wear. Giro's New Road Collection is both fashionable and practical on and off the bike. This makes your pieces do double duty, affording more wear per garment. A bike commuter's panacea. Check out GiroSportDesign online.

Giro Sport Design: Spring Cycle-wear that looks like street-wear

The Joys of Snowshoeing

Snowshoeing can be done on both groomed and un-groomed trails. PHOTO: Tubbs of Vermont Traditional Bear Paw Snowshoes- Ahnu Monte Vista Insulated Hiking Boots and Gore-Tex Paclite hardshell pants.

After the Nor'easter named Nemo blasted through the northeast leaving a bit of fresh powder, I just HAD to get out and take a run in it.  That's what I really like about snowshoeing.  It is simple and can be done anywhere regardless if the trail has been groomed or not. Heck, you don't even need a trail!  I really like taking to the open meadows but have used my snowshoes in the woods as well.  They allow you to float over the surface of the snow without sinking down up to your knees.

Rudy Project Klonyx Ski Goggles. Rabbit Fur Bomber Hat by Dorfman-Pacific

You can see that my hardshell pants have very little snow on them, even around the cuffs.  Snowshoes keep you up and above deep snow and will keep you dryer, longer.

Open meadows or wooded areas both accommodate snowshoeing very well.

What to Wear with Snowshoes
Most snowshoes have crampons that act to grip into the snow with each step.  Your heel and toe box stay secure via the straps and buckles that can be adjusted to fit the boots you are wearing at the time.

I used to go snowshoeing in my Merrell sheepskin boots with Vibram soles but this season switched to more streamlined Ahnu Monte Vista Hiking Boots. Even though it is a much thinner boot, the Ahnu is well insulated so my feet stayed warm and dry the whole day out.  I simply adjusted the straps and took off.  I've used heavier sheepskin boots and the thinner, insulated ones that are built more like running shoes.  I prefer the latter because a thinner boot gives me more flexibility and stay in the snowshoes better than the bulkier ones.

Ahnu Monte Vista Hiking Boots work well with my snowshoes

To make sure my feet stayed extra warm and dry, I water-proofed these boots earlier in the season.  I also make sure to dry them thoroughly after a day out even if on the surface they don't appear to be very wet. See The Joy of Warm Feet for all the tips and tricks.

Navigating Technical Trails

Kahtoola MicroSpikes Mini Crampons

Some people snowshoe as if they are Nordic or cross country skiing, using ski poles to balance.  This is a good idea especially when you are just starting out or there are a few sloping hills.  If you intend to scale very steep areas, you may need to portage your snowshoes and put on a pair of mini crampons like Kahtoola MicroSpikes. They will allow you to grip in between rocks and icy, sloping under-brush with ease.

Layering for Snowshoeing
Snowshoeing is a very aerobic activity so you'll need to keep that in mind when you dress in the morning.  I usually wear a very light Merino Wool Baselayer like Bluey Austrailia's Outdoor 160 and a synthetic mid-layer like ExOfficio's Chica Cool Hoody. 

My Tubbs Snowshoes Belt with Bottle Opener on the reverse side!

I like an ultra light goose down jacket to top everything off and have started using Smartwool Merino Wool Neck Gaiters instead of long scarves. They are a little snug but are a lot less troublesome, especially if you are carrying a day pack.

I like merino wool socks which wick moisture and keep my feet dry and cozy, even when I'm out for hours.  Waterproof snowboarding pants like my Gore-Tex Paclites have articulated knees and sealed zippers that run the entire length of the leg.  I just put them over a pair of wool leggings and I'm good.

The Joy of Warm Feet

Smartwool Winter 2013 Collection:  Outdoor, Running and Skiing Socks.  Wynter Scarf  by Carve Designs

 

Ahnu Monte Vista Hiking Boots

No matter what outdoor activity you choose, during the winter months, expect it to be ruined by cold feet.  Ugh!  That is if you didn't take the time to prepare a bit.  First of all, you need to plan what activity you are going to be engaged in as well the weather conditions that will be present.  After that, choose the right socks as the foundation of your warm footwear strategy.  You can also look for footwear with built in Gore-Tex TM and Thinsulate TM. 

A good example of this technology at work are Ahnu's Monte Vista Hiking Boots.  Made of both finished leather and suede, they are waterproof and contain over 200 grams of insulation but do not feel bulky.  Speed laces allow for a custom fit as a boot that is too tight will limit circulation to your feet and cause them to get colder sooner. This is the sort of technical boot to look for because during the course of the hike, your feet may tend to swell. You may need to adjust the fit at the end of the day to prevent your toes from going cold and numb.

WATERPROOFING=WINTERPROOFING
These newer high tech materials are not only lightweight but encourage sweat to evaporate while offering a water-proof barrier to rain, snow and mud. You can also add an additional layer of water protection by using Sno-Seal or NikWax to winterize your boots.  The time to do this is now before you even hit the first snow drift. Once unprotected leather is gets wet,  waterproofing products may not take as well.
Suede is especially notorious for absorbing water and staining so you will need a special suede spray like one in this Sheepskin Care Kit from The Walking Company.

Sheepskin Care Kit from The Walking Co.

Do Your Feet Too!
Similarly you can seal moisture & warmth in your feet by coating them with a thick layer of petroleum jelly, cocoa butter, lanolin or a combination of all three. Moisturized skin holds in warmth much better than dry, cracked and flaky skin. Put your socks on over the salve and your feet will get conditioned while you walk.  Do this about twice a week or more often if you have very dry feet.


BOOT DRYERS
Another way to insure warm feet is to make sure your footwear is completely dry between wearings. A wet leather boot is just that and the moisture trapped within will quickly freeze once you go out. We used to just place our boots in front of the fireplace but sometimes you can't always regulate heat coming off a log so consider getting a boot dryer.

Dry Guy above here, can be set via a timer for a variety of temperatures, up to 180 degrees and is a lot safer for your boots than exposing them to uncontrolled heat. It really completely drys your boots, down to the toes in a very short amount of time.

MERINO WOOL SOCKS
In addition to choosing breathable yet waterproof  footwear, you might want to consider exploring the joy of wearing merino wool socks.  Gone are the days of itchy wool, these take comfort to a whole new level!
What is especially great is just as I mentioned at the start, you can choose the right sock for the specific activity you have in mind. By doing so, you can choose where the added thickness and padding will best serve the sport.  For example, when running, look for extra cushioning at the heel and ball of the foot. 

I especially like merino wool because it is very warm and soft while being able to be knitted into a very thin sock that does not bunch up in your ski boot.  Some of the best merino wool is from Australia and New Zealand.  Bluey of Australia can even tell you what flock their woolen products hail from! I used to keep sheep and know that is no easy task.


Why Wool?
Wool is a natural polymer that believe it or not stays warm even when wet.  However, its natural moisture dispersion abilities keeps excess water buildup from being a problem.

Fine Cushion Sole Socks by Bluey of Aus.

Just to be sure, pack an extra "dry" pair when you go skiing or hiking.  Sometimes the simple act of changing into fresh, dry socks can save your outdoor excursion big time.  I've gone hiking and fell off a log into a bog.  My sock was wet and since I didn't have an extra pair, I had to take it off.  Now if had been really cold, that could have pretty much made the trip a total misery instead of the partial one it turned out to be.  So consider keeping a pair of warm wool socks in your first aid kit, car or bicycle as they can also be placed on your hands to help combat hypothermia.  

Both Smartwool and Bluey Aus. offer beautifully made merino wool socks for just about every outdoor activity imaginable.  Check them out as they are going to be your best friend this winter when the temperatures drop out there. 

Gore-Tex Paclite Snowboarding Pants are perfect for Alpine Skiing too.