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Aimee's Soapbox!
February 2006: Aimee's Favorites!
Ah, the power of having one's own Soapbox. I am suddenly feeling quite Oprah-like, or even presidential, as I prepare to deliver this, my "State of Grooviness"
address.
For the past few weeks, I have been thinking about some of my very favorite things about this fitness lifestyle that we embrace. What products are simply ingenious
inventions that make workouts a joy? What apparel or footwear items allow me to train with ease and comfort? Here, then, is my list of Groovy Favorites.
1. ROWING MACHINE. A combination of workout equipment and "four-lettered-word inducer," the rowing machine will truly get your butt in shape. Literally. I, for one,
have come to dread and even avoid winter running, although this year has been pretty mild. But since I invested in a Concept II rowing machine, I have
actually
increased my winter training. I absolutely love my rower. It's an amazing all-over workout, and I can do the same type of intervals and sprints as I did in running
workouts. Plus, it has really been helping to strengthen my hamstrings, which are a
notorious problem area for runners. Ask Santa to bring you one this year!
2. RUNNING SKIRTS. Lately a few customers have come in to the store and looked askance at the running skirts. They see my "Aimee's Pick" sign and ask me if I
really run in "those things." I gotta tell ya, on behalf of all girls with Quadzillas (lots of squats and plyometrics), I officially declare that running skirts are a
godsend. In fact, I myself now own six of them. It's all I wear, especially for a long run. No bunching of fabric in that tender area. But complete coverage of the
personal areas. I give running skirts two buns up.
3. PERIODIZATION THEORY. Just to refresh your memory, periodization theory says, basically, to vary your training and break it down into macro- and micro-cycles. In this
way, your body is forced to adapt to the changing workouts, and you are less likely to plateau (or get bored). The nice thing about this theory is that it does actually work!
I usually create 4-week cycles; that way, I am changing it up every month. Ooh, that means today (February 1st) is my new weight training routine. Yay!
4. VITAMINS. You may have noticed that we carry vitamins at both of our stores. Specifically, we carry New Chapter, a brand of certified organic vitamins made from
whole foods. I have taken these vitamins for several years now, since I first learned about them when I worked at a health food store in Kimberton. I know you will hear
a lot of people say that supplements are unnecessary because you can get all your vitamins from food. Well, I guess I have to wonder how many people actually eat perfectly
like that? Plus, we athletes ask more of our bodies, we sweat more, and we want to beat the competition. So I believe we need more antioxidants, more minerals, and more
general support. Besides, I do truly notice a difference if I have forgotten to take my vitamins for a few days. You can customize your supplement regimen to fit your
needs, like I do, so you are only taking the things that make sense for you.
5. TRAIL RUNNING. No cars. Nature's splendor. Twists and turns and rocks and roots. The deer as training partners. 'Nuff said.
6. BASE LAYERS and WOOL SOCKS. For someone like me, who is cold all the time and is wearing three shirts and a jacket as I write this, wool socks and base layer clothing are
the best ever (sorry honey, I know I told you that YOU were the best ever). For a while now, athletic apparel companies have been trying to get the word out about layering for
winter workouts. And the first place to start is with the next-to-skin base layer. These base layers come in all styles and in all fabrics. I really like the seamless
fabrics that a lot of companies are using now. But there are plenty of cool ones made of a silkweight fabric or coolmax-type of fabrics or even wool. And speaking of wool,
it makes awesome socks. Cyclists have long known about the groovy properties of wool, so now we runners can get in on the act too. Toasty warm and excellent wicking ability.
7. STRETCHING. Please do not listen to the dorks who insist that stretching is useless or even harmful. Just go do it yourself, and you will see instant good results. I
recommend Active Isolated Stretching. If you Google this term, look for a site that references either Aaron Mattes or Phil and Jim Wharton. AIS uses the body's natural tendencies
and principles to facilitate stretching. If you have not been stretching, you will find that your first couple of times will be painful, and maybe even like a workout. But do
hang in there. It gets better very quickly. And if you don't stretch and then you can't even bend over to tie your own shoes when you are 65, don't ask me to tie them for you.
I will be too busy saying "I told you so."
Well, those are my main favorite things. I would also like to give a shout-out to Superfeet inserts, Brooks Paradox mittens, and Sporthill Infuzion Versa Pant. Happy
arches, warm paws, and a fleecy bum. . . does it get any better than that?
As always, I do want to stress that you should, of course, find your own favorite things. Lemme know what you find! In a future article, I can share some of the
Reader Favorites! Tell me your item and why you like it. I am looking forward to your input!
Coming up. . .
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