November 20
November 18
Foam Roller How To
From FitLifestylez.com
I’m a big fan of foam rollers!
I started using a 3ft foam roller about 2 months after starting to train for triathlons. I have no idea how I managed to overlook them as a recovery tool for so long but after a few weeks I was sold.
Rollers were originally used in Physical Therapy and Sports Medicine but have since migrated to the gym and beyond. Technically using a roller employs a technique called self-myofacial release (SMRT) which basically translates to a “self-massage”. Similar to heading down to the local massage therapist for deep tissue massage, using a foam roller allows you to massage out those knots that form from every day life as well as training.
I’m of the ’stretch before and after’ camp, so I typically plan 2-3 minutes on the foam roller regardless of the type of workout I have planned and on off days I’ll “roll” while watching TV. Careful though, after a few days/weeks of eliminating the tender spots, it can become quite addictive.
One of the best things about the foam roller is that it’s highly versatile. Over a short period of time you’ll find that the ‘knots’ begin to relax and you’ll need to move on to other problem areas.
Here’s a good video that shows you how;
November 18
Stretch, Dance and Run Away with the Circus
From FitLifestylez.com
Austin, TX (November 14, 2008) – Surrounded by the eclectic energy of 6th and Lamar, lululemon athletica opens its first Austin store on Friday, November 14th. The store is located at 1016 West 6th Street.
“We are here to support our city’s amazing runners, cyclists, yogis and athletes with yoga, goal setting and of course, technical gear to keep Austin moving!” Monica Alas, local resident and lululemon’s Regional Community Manager for Texas.
The big top-themed opening weekend celebration includes complimentary classes, freakishly fit demos, and bizarre entertainment. Friday morning kicks off the celebration with a 9:30 a.m. outdoor yoga class led by lululemon ambassador Dean Mahan. Then, guests are invited to work up a sweat on Saturday at 8:30 a.m. with a CrossFit session led by one of Austin’s fittest women, Carey Kepler and calm the senses on Sunday, November 16 with a 3:00 p.m. Flow Yoga session led by Zoe Mantarakis & live music by Oliver Rajamani. The festivities continue throughout the weekend with face painting, acro yoga, healthy bites and other odd surprises. The grand opening ends on Thursday, November 20th when lululemon hosts a bazaar-like evening celebration at the store from 6-9 p.m.
lululemon’s vision is to elevate the world from mediocrity to greatness. The Austin store will do this by partnering with yoga studios and fitness clubs around the city to offer classes, demos and training clinics to guests. Ongoing complimentary weekly classes will be offered every Saturday morning at 8:30 a.m. at the store.
November 18
Pomegranate Power!
From FitLifestylez.com
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It’s not every day that I pop into the grocery store on a discovery mission but last week was different. I was tired of my old stand by of banana’s and apples. I wanted something with a little different flavor, something that I could munch on but didn’t require that I eat the entire thing and wouldn’t you know it I discovered the Pomegranate!
As I stood there trying to figure out how to pick a good one, I couldn’t actually remember ever having tasted a pomegranate. Perhaps I had pomegranate juice and could vaguely recall seeing one in our kitchen but try as I might, I couldn’t remember the taste. |
It wasn’t until I got home that I realized what might have turned me off. The effort involved to peel and remove the seeds. But after a few minutes figuring out the best way how to dislodge the kernels, I was pleasantly surprised. Pomegranate’s taste great and have a fun ‘crunchieness’ to them.
How To Peel And Seed A Pomegranate
A failed attempt at making a pomegranate smoothie in the blender (not recommended - too many seeds), prompted a little recipe research and I came across all sorts of interesting nuggets. At first, the nutritional facts seemed a bit overwhelming but after stumbling across the POM Wonderful site, I realized there are all sorts of benefits and supporting research. Not to mention a tasty recipe for Pomegranate Ginger Muffins which I’m planning to try this week. Check back later to see how it goes!