I’ve been covering the wellness world as a journalist for more than a decade. I broke into the industry one year post-college and finally with a dream job as the editorial assistant at Shape magazine, or really, the editor-in-chief’s assistant. (If you’re wondering, yes, the gig did hold some resemblance to the Devil Wears Prada, but with sneakers and leggings and not nearly as glamorous.) I wouldn’t say it turned out quite as dreamy as I thought it would—those are stories for other days—but it led me to my love for fitness and even more so, writing about fitness. Over the years, I’ve gotten to see brands like Soulcycle take root and spread across the country; I’ve learned first-hand about the intense research and testing that goes into making a new pair of running shoes or a better sports bra; and I’ve gotten to spend time with marathoners, female hockey players, snowboarders, and so on, listening to them talk about their sports with the pride of a parent on their kid’s graduation day.
While I’ve certainly written countless stories like the 10 moves you need for sculpted abs or 12 exercises to strengthen your butt, I find the most joy in my job when I get to talk about the benefits of movement that go beyond what it makes you look like. I’ve experienced those benefits myself, testing out all forms of fitness to find what works for me. And honestly, I’ve found I love most forms of exercise. You want to play tennis? Great, as long as you don’t make fun of me for being terrible, I’m in. You’re headed to the pool? Cool, I’ll grab my goggles. Most frequently, I rendezvous with running, and recently, I’ve been in a committed relationship with strength training because I LOVE me some kettlebells. But I’ve been known to have affairs with HIIT, yoga, Pilates (especially of the megaformer variety), rowing, and spinning. I will also say one of my quarantine favorites has been dancing—or tbh, just throwing my body around like a beach towel when you’re trying to shake out the sand.
As an introvert, I find confidence when I’m on the move. Hitting a kettlebell snatch or finishing a fast run makes me feel like I can take on other seemingly impossible tasks without fear of failure. I love training for races and seeing the hard work pay off in a PR, giving me the best self-esteem boost. I ride a high for days. I even appreciate the terrible, horrible, no good, very bad run, which teaches me that I can push through the tough times—or take a step back and bow out if I need to (though I’m still working on recognizing when it’s time for that). It’s often that just-finished-a-workout feeling that I’m searching for even when I start a workout. At that moment, I feel like my best self. Even if the rest of the day goes wrong, I know I’ve conquered The Final Rep, I did something good for my body and my mind, and I can revel in the accomplishment for the rest of the day.
So that’s what this newsletter is for… sharing the payoffs of physical activity that stretch beyond aesthetics and into our mental health, relationships, career, community, and beyond. I also hope it serves as a little inspiration for finding movement that feels good for you, while also helping you find more of yourself in moving your feet. Settle in or better yet, sign up to get this in your inbox every week, because I’ve got a lot to say on the topic. And I can’t wait to hear your thoughts, too.
In the meantime, here are some other people’s words about workouts I’ve read (and loved) recently:
1. “Out There, Nobody Can Hear You Scream,” by Latria Graham for Outside, is a powerful piece on being Black in the outdoors. In it, Graham writes to Black men and women who have asked her for advice on staying safe when staying outdoors—a letter she put off because she didn’t know what to say. With this piece, she found the words.
2. What happens in 2020 when you’re a world-class climber, photographer, and documentary filmmaker whose job is to travel the country and reach its highest peaks? You grab your best climbing buds and conquer an expedition in your own backyard, a la Jimmy Chin and his fellow The North Face athletes. “Up, Up and Away From It All” tells their story about their Grand Traverse, in which they climb 12,000 feet and hit seven major summits. (Also, the media in this one is cool!)
3. In case you didn’t catch the London marathon on Sunday, October 4 (it was only open to elite runners), you need to see Sara Hall’s second-place finish—check out the first video down in this Runner’s World article. I could watch that pull-ahead all. day. In the rest of that story, you’ll read about why Hall is such an inspiring runner, right along with first-place finisher, Brigid Kosei who finished in just under two hours and 19 minutes. (FYI, that’s an average 5:18/mile.)
A few updates on the fitness industry:
· The Soulcycle at-home bike originally launched in March in select markets, but now it’s available nationwide, along with Equinox’s mobile workout app, Variis.
· Icon Health & Fitness, owners of the brand NordicTrack, raised $200 million from investors this month, which shows just how much at-home fitness is spiking.
Here’s one form cue that always resonates with clients…
As a personal trainer, I’m constantly yelling at people to stand straighter and breathe deeper, except not at all yelling because I’m a quiet talker. But I often find cues that work for people as a sort of ah-ha moment that either makes them feel stronger in the move or feel the right muscles working. One for this week: In a plank, think about actually pushing the floor away from you with your hands. Also, take a very slight pelvic tilt toward the floor to scoop the belly button up so you feel more ab engagement. Then, squeeze your glutes and press through your heels—it’s a full-body exercise, so you should be working everything.
And one move to add to your exercise routine…
I’ve been a big fan of pike-ups this week. To do it, put your feet on towels, gliders, paper plates, or a stability or medicine ball, while in your plank. Then, drive your hips up, keeping the legs straight like you’re going into a handstand. Slowly lower back down and repeat. Don’t forget to exhale as you lift. It’s a real core burner. For a modification, tuck the knees in toward the chest instead.
For a full workout, try…
I’ve been obsessed with the Nike+ Run Club guided speed runs for a few months now. It’s interval training without having to think about timing—just run fast and hard when the coach tells you to and slow down when they say it’s rest time. The coach will talk you right on through the hard work so time flies even faster than intervals on your own. I suggest “Go Fast with Elaine” to really test your best speed. The intervals vary in time and suggested pace, so it’s super engaging and also very challenging. Running at your fastest speed for 15 seconds is my idea of fun. What’s yours?
To top off your training (and motivation), go for this gear…
I’ve done basically all my long runs this summer in the Lululemon Fast and Free short. It comes in a six-inch or 10-inch length (I go with the six, because I’m 5 feet tall) and lots of color options. It truly is made of the softest, stretchy-est, best material for getting super sweaty and I love all the pockets so I can run or walk without bringing a bag. You can fit your phone, keys, wallet, and even some gels or gummies if you want ‘em. I would have 10 pairs if I weren’t trying to be a financially responsible human, so I only have two. Plus a pair of the leggings.