So when I was given the chance to try out the Peloton Guide, I was eager to find out whether this new gadget could turn me into a strength-training devotee, the kind who never misses leg day and who’s got a do-you-even-lift-bro attitude. After all, the Peloton Bike+ got the world (myself included) addicted to spinning at home, and the fitness company’s sales skyrocketed through the pandemic as a result (up to, well, *that* moment on the Sex and the City reboot). But can its newest launch attract the same hype?

Guide, which launches today, is Peloton’s connected strength training that works with an AI camera system you connect to your TV. Using machine learning, Guide’s camera tracks your movement and progress in pre-recorded strength classes (with live classes soon to come). While Peloton has long had strength-training classes on its platform, Guide-specific classes feature a Movement Tracker that monitors you as you complete your reps.

When Peloton came out with Bike+ and Tread, I jumped on the bandwagon. I turned into a daily spin fanatic and it intensified my passion for heart-pumping workouts. I hoped for similar results with Guide, and made a commitment to do at least one strength workout daily.

A few minutes in, I’m reminded immediately of what I’ve never enjoyed about strength work: it’s slow and a bit dull to me, and even using 10 pound weights as my heavy option makes my arms feel like noodles — especially when 15 pounds is what the instructor is using as their light option. The next day’s push-ups and planks are a struggle, too.

But one thing I didn’t expect was for the Guide to tap into my competitive nature. Watching the Movement Tracker’s sweat meter increase with each rep does make the workouts feel more like a game. Plus, by being able to view my form on screen alongside the instructor with Self Mode, I’m able to make the necessary adjustments — although I do find myself wishing the Guide could provide real-time feedback on improving my form.

As a beginner, seeing my progress on the Movement Tracker has nudged me to complete each set to my best ability. I’ve come to think of Guide as a product that is most beneficial to strength training newbies like me, and Peloton instructor Matty Maggiacomo agrees. “It’s a really great tool for folks that are entry level because I remember when I first started, I didn’t even know the difference between a squat and a lunge and a deadlift!” he says, adding that Guide’s workouts will appeal to people who gravitate towards Peloton because they don’t have the confidence to do strength workouts in a gym — and I feel seen.

A week of workouts complete, I’m certainly not hooked on strength training yet, and I can’t say I’m eager to do a Guide strength class in the same way I was running and spinning with Peloton’s other products. But I’m starting to see the appeal. While it’s obviously too early to see or feel any real results, that slight soreness I notice in my shoulders and biceps as I move throughout my day and the awareness of the muscles in my quads after completing all of the squats in a lower-body class are both sweet reminders of the work I’m putting in to get stronger. And those seven completed strength classes? That’s more than I’ve done in years.

The post Can a Cardio Junkie Learn to Love Strength Training? appeared first on FASHION Magazine.

This California-based athletic footwear and apparel brand prides itself on its mission of empowering people to move—in any way that brings them joy. The shoes are designed with exactly that in mind; with enhanced cushioning and a meticulously-engineered midsole that makes every step feel supported. But the brand is also community-driven. They don’t want to tell shoe shoppers that their footwear is one-of-a-kind, they want shoppers to try on the shoes and immerse themselves in the HOKA world. This is what inspired the creation of their pop-up HOKA Assembly Hall on the corner of Queen Street West and Ossington Avenue in Toronto.

“We wanted our Canadian launch to feel big and that meant inviting people into our home,” says Chelsea Cardoso, the senior marketing manager at HOKA who led the launch. “This is why we wanted a space versus a retail store—it allows people to test out the shoe because feeling it is believing it.”

The brand officially launched in Canada in early 2020, but with closures in full swing, they were forced to pivot and scale down their introduction into the market. Two years later, they were finally able to bring their original idea to life through a four-part workout event hosted in their very own assembly hall.

I was invited to take part in the first community workout event of the series. I jumped out of bed that morning and picked out a fitness-pro-worthy combo of royal blue athletic leggings and a space grey sports bra. I brewed a cup of coffee to-go, hopped into my car and headed downtown.

By the time I got to the assembly hall, I was jittery with excitement (may have also been the caffeine). When I entered the colourful foyer, I exchanged my outdoor shoes for comfy slippers courtesy of HOKA. I was greeted by a large, vibrant mural of the Kawana shoe and a happy huddle of HOKA team members. The hall was modern and minimalistic with pops of bright blues and pinks. A wall of windows let natural light stream in and highlighted the juice and smoothie bar—I knew where I was heading for a post-workout treat. Yoga mats and step platforms lined the main workout area in the centre of the hall. Up front, there was a small stage where a DJ and band were setting up—something I had never seen before in a gym.

I spotted my name printed in bright bold letters on a row of vibrant cubbies across the hall and was delighted to find a big canvas tote bag inside. It was packed with a small refresh kit stocked with a rosewater spray and handy wipes, and, of course, a bright blue HOKA shoe box that housed a pair of their famous Kawanas.

I quickly flung off my slippers and slid into my new pair of bright and colourful runners. As I walked up and down the row of lockers, testing out the fit and feel of the shoes, one of the HOKA tech representatives approached me and asked how I liked them. “Feels like walking on a cloud,” I responded.

More and more people were making their way into the assembly hall, a mix of fitness or lifestyle influencers, professional trainers, gym owners and everything in between—I was proud to be a part of the “in-between” bunch. Once we were all laced up and ready to sweat, Cardoso introduced our trainer Niko Mullings along with one of HOKA’s tech and field experts Sean Hamilton, who briefly explained the design of the Kawana.

“This shoe is about moving you forward—whether that is in a fitness class, on the road, at the gym or day-to-day life,” says Hamilton. “That is the ethos of HOKA and this is our first shoe that bridges the gap between both indoor and outdoor workout settings.”

In reference to this bridged gap, these shoes are meant to target “fitness omnivores,” as HOKA playfully dubs them. These are people who like both outdoor long-distance running and working out in a gym or studio. As someone who’s always had a different pair of runners for indoors and out, I was intrigued by this concept (and have decided to respectfully ask my friends and family to only refer to me as a fitness omnivore from now on).

When the class began, the in-house band and DJ filled the space with upbeat music and Mullings immediately led our group of 10 in a strength and conditioning workout. Since I’ve been working out pretty consistently for over a year now, I wasn’t too concerned about keeping up with the group until I heard him say, “Great job squad, that was set one of four, we’re just getting started!” And I was already out of breath. Thankfully, Mullings’ upbeat energy helped me, and the rest of our group, push through, especially during our last set.

From bicycle crunches and plank mixes to split squats and curtsy lunges, it was a full-body workout that ended with a relaxing stretch session. The Kawana shoes provided a lot of support during the jumping movements and grip during faster sequences. As someone who used to play basketball, I’ve also rolled my ankle a few too many times, so I appreciate the tighter contour and support around the heel and ankle. The shoe is also designed with midsole foam which offers some rebound while running or jumping, along with a SwallowTail, which is their trademarked bevelled heel that creates a wider surface for smoother heel strikes.

After the workout, we headed to the juice bar to refuel and I treated myself to a tasty vanilla smoothie packed with vegan vanilla protein, oat milk, cacao nibs, coconut, dates and banana. Then I packed all of my HOKA goodies into my new tote bag and felt energized and ready to tackle the rest of my day.

“I love group fitness and missed it a lot during the pandemic, so to be back in this environment is really exciting,” says Cardoso. “There’s this buzzing energy in the air and our main hope and goal is for everyone to start off their Sunday in an amazing way and work up a good sweat.”

Mission accomplished.

To learn more about HOKA and browse through their footwear and apparel, visit hoka.com.

The post I Tested HOKA’s Kawana Shoe At Their Community Workout Event. Here’s How It Went appeared first on FASHION Magazine.

“Oh sure,” she says. “A decade of yoga didn’t help but this will. Good luck, watch!”

My Apple Watch arrives and I’m instantly suspicious of it. I don’t track my fitness (or lack thereof) like all those hard-bodied types that skip around my gym like some sort of possessed Lululemon ad, and the last time I wore a watch was when I got a Swatch for my Bat Mitzvah in 1987. There’s a mindfulness app built into the watch itself that prompts you to do short minute-long meditations, but to get the new full suite of meditation classes you need a subscription to Fitness+ ($12.99 a month or $99/year), which you can then access on your watch, an iPhone, iPad or Apple TV. The new meditation and Pilates classes join a suite of other workouts like yoga, HITT, core and dance. I’m into the all-inclusive model — it’s like having 1000 Jane Fonda workout tapes at your fingertips! But I’m not here to exercise — I’m here to meditate, motherf**ker!

I start small just with the app on my watch. I set a bunch of times throughout the day for it to prompt me to take a minute for a “Breathe” session (where, yes, all you do is breathe, timed to trippy visuals and vibrations) or a “Reflect” session, where the watch suggests something you can reflect on for a minute, like a time when someone was kind to you and how that made you feel. You can accept or decline the prompt, so if you’re in the middle of a conference call or whipping up a paella (me, every day!) you don’t have to do it. Fortunately, I’m a writer so I spend most of my time locked alone in my basement banging my head on a keyboard, so I’m usually available when Watchie tells me it’s mindfulness-o-clock.

At first, a minute feels painfully long. I keep opening my eyes to peek at the clock. “God, only 37 seconds,” I think. “Am I still reflecting?!” But after a couple of days I feel like a one-minute pro, so I level up to the meditation classes on the Apple Watch Fitness+ service. Those come in five-, 10- and 20-minute sessions, and use three basic techniques: Focusing on your breath, the sounds around you or the sensations in your body — and sometimes all three — to help still your mind. There are nine themes, including Purpose, Gratitude, Creativity and Focus, but since I’m mostly interested in improving my ability to chill out and sleep I focus on the Calm classes.

Now, if you’re doing a dance class, then you’ll obviously want visuals, but I actually find watching the instructors meditate on my iPad a little disturbing. “Is he a gargoyle?” I start to wonder. “Is he dead?” Thankfully, you can opt for audio-only, which I quickly select. Apple added two new teachers who specialize in meditation, and the yoga instructors guide some of these practices, too. I like them all, which surprises me, because I hate everything.

JoAnna croons matter-of-factly into my ear against a backdrop of music by Moby about nurturing my ability to feel calm. “We can do this by letting go of what we think we need to get done right now,” she says. “You can think of this like carrying a heavy bag. If we hold it for too long we get tired. After a while we might need to put it down…give our body a rest…take a break. You can pick the bag up again later if necessary. In this meditation we will practice resting our bodies and minds by letting go and being still. Being still can often feel like we’re not productive. Being productive is necessary at times, and so is rest.” Preach JoAnna, preach!

While the meditation classes and the mindfulness app didn’t turn me into a mental master or a champion sleeper, I did notice a few interesting changes after just one week. The first is about my heart.

The watch constantly monitors your heart rate, so now I actually know what my resting heart rate is — a respectable-but-not-great 85 beats per minute (a healthy resting heart rate for an adult is 60-100 BPM). One night I’m getting ready for a work trip and I start flipping out about everything I need to do before I go. As I feel my stress rising, I watch that little heart rate monitor click steadily upwards even though I’m not moving a muscle. It’s an eerily familiar feeling, and I realize that it’s also the cycle I go through when I can’t fall asleep. Do you know what the worst thing to do is when you can’t fall asleep? Panic about not being able to fall asleep! Turns out that my freaking-out heart rate can climb as much as 30 BPM a minute higher than normal. Terrifying? I don’t know. But what I do know is that when I pull out my handy new breathing skills, I’m able to bring my heart rate right back down in under a minute.

The much more unexpected change is my improved ability to just…be. My 10-year-old son Ben calls this “vibing,” and usually I suck at it.

Ben and I don’t share a lot of hobbies, and I often find myself listening jealously as he talks to or plays with his dad for hours. One night Ben and I are about to watch a TV show together. Usually I multitask while doing this — I stretch, I putter, I take off my makeup — but the New More Mindful Me decides that I’m just going to watch TV with my kid. I’m going to be with him and do nothing else for 40 minutes (weird!). I’m not going to check Instagram, I’m not going to pop up to put on the kettle, I’m not even going to have a snack.

And then a magical thing happens. After a while Ben rests his head on my shoulder, then on my lap. When the show is over he actually wants me and not his dad (winning!) to keep him company as he gets ready for bed. I didn’t understand what the Apple people were talking about when they said meditation can lead to feeling more connected, but now I do. Goddamnit, this stuff…works? Ben is certainly a fan because if I get too aggravated with him he just says, “Mommy, relaaaaax. Go do your meditation.”

Ugh, ok, fine.

The post Did the Apple Fitness+ Meditation Classes Cure My Insomnia? appeared first on FASHION Magazine.

Sustainable brand Allbirds just launched their first-ever activewear collection, while New York-based men’s activewear brand Ten Thousand has entered the Canadian market, offering styles that meet the demands of specific workout modalities such as water sports, compact sports, military training, and more. And we’d be remiss not to name check Reebok’s ongoing collaborations with Cardi B and Victoria Beckham, not to mention Lululemon’s limited edition SeaWheeze collection celebrating the transformative experience provided by running.

No matter what your favourite fitness routine consists of, we’ve got you covered. Here are some of our favourite new workout gear to buy — and break a sweat in — now.

1/17

Lululemon

SeaWheeze Nulux™ UV Protection Run Jacket

($158, Lululemon)

Buy Now

2/17

Reebok x Cardi B

Cardi B Pants

($90, Reebok)

Buy Now

3/17

Under Armour

Men's UA Flow Velociti SE Running Shoes

($160, Under Armour)

Buy Now

4/17

Set Active

Sportbody™ Sport V Bra

($66, Set Active)

Buy Now

5/17

New Balance

Tenacity Performance Fleece Blocked Pant

($65, New Balance)

Buy Now

6/17

Reebok x Victoria Beckham

Victoria Beckham Dress

($180, Reebok)

Buy Now

7/17

Ten Thousand

Fight Short

($90, Ten Thousand)

Buy Now

8/17

Hoka

Men's Performance Short Sleeve

($80, Hoka)

Buy Now

9/17

Lolë

Step Up Yoga Jumpsuit

($149, Lolë)

Buy Now

10/17

Knix

Longevity Bra

($60, Knix)

Buy Now

11/17

Gym Shark

Vital Seamless 2.0 Long Sleeve Crop Top

($45, Gym Shark)

Buy Now

12/17

Outdoor Voices

Hudson 4 Skort

($73, Outdoor Voices)

Buy Now

13/17

Allbirds

Women's Natural Run Tank

($65, Allbirds)

Buy Now

14/17

Alo

Seamless High-Waist Ribbed Legging

($111, Alo)

Buy Now

15/17

Adidas x Ivy Park

Baseball Flap Cap

($55, Adidas)

Buy Now

16/17

Saucony

Triumph 19

($200, Saucony)

Buy Now

17/17

Reformation

Ecomove High Rise 7" Bike Short

($78, Reformation)

Buy Now

The post Stylish New Workout Gear to Add to Your Rotation appeared first on FASHION Magazine.

Allbirds’s first line of performance apparel, which was designed for all kinds of workouts and rolls out today with six different styles including bike shorts and a cropped tank, uses Allbirds’s low-carbon and naturally thermoregulating, moisture-wicking, odour-reducing blend of Eucalyptus Tree fibre + Merino Wool.

And with the IPCC’s recent report on climate change painting a particularly grim picture of the next 30 years of climate crisis, the environmentally-minded, carbon-conscious collection couldn’t come at a better time.

According to Allbirds, the fabric widely relied upon by the athletic industry — polyester — “runs on enough oil to power 47,000 cruise ships, and spews 700 million tons of carbon (70 million football fields) into the atmosphere on an annual basis.” It also lives permanently on our ocean floors, with polyester producing 14 million tons of microplastics that break down into tiny particles, but will never fully dissipate. Despite this, the fabric is used in 55 percent of all clothing due to its low production costs — and that includes a whole lot of workout gear.

Now, after two years of trials, over 70 iterations and thousands of hours of testing to ensure it met industry benchmarks for breathability, sweat-wicking, quick-drying, and comfort stretch to ensure nothing was compromised in terms of performance or low-carbon impact, Allbirds’s activewear collection has launched. A particular standout is the Natural Legging whose lightweight jersey material was shown in trials to be twice as breathable as top synthetic styles on the market; plus, the leggings *and* bike shorts offer that elusive mid-level of support that makes you feel contained without suffocating. I’m also partial to the Run Short despite not being an actual runner — the breezy silhouette is perfect paired with sneakers and a muscle tee for a day of errands.

It’s also the first fitness collection ever to label its pieces with their carbon numbers. Transparency: we love to see it.

Shop the full Allbirds activewear collection, with styles for men and women and sizes ranging from XS to XXXL, below. Visit allbirds.ca to check out the full colour ranges.

1/7

Women’s Natural Run Tank

Women's Natural Run Tank

($60, Allbirds)

Buy Now

2/7

Women’s Natural Legging

Women's Natural Legging

($140, Allbirds)

Buy Now

3/7

Women’s Natural Bike Short

Women's Natural Bike Short

($90, Allbirds)

Buy Now

4/7

Women’s Natural Run Form Tank

Women's Natural Run Form Tank

($90, Allbirds)

Buy Now

5/7

Women’s Natural Run Short

Women's Natural Run Short

($90, Allbirds)

Buy Now

6/7

Men’s Natural Run Tee

Men's Natural Run Tee

($75, Allbirds)

Buy Now

7/7

Men’s Natural Run Short

Men's Natural Run Short

($90, Allbirds)

Buy Now

The post Sustainable Trailblazer Allbirds Just Launched Its First Activewear Collection appeared first on FASHION Magazine.

As we slowly make our re-entry into (hopefully) post-pandemic life, a new form of power dressing has emerged: activewear. Gone are the days of relying on shoulder pads and pinstripes to channel your inner boss lady — comfort-driven dressing has become a work-from-home staple (thanks, Zoom calls!) and an unexpected source of empowerment.

The most recent addition to the activewear category is Knix Active, an assortment of workout-ready gear from Knix that includes their iconic leakproof technology (hello, period-ready leggings and biker shorts!). And the Canadian brand that started with intimates has partnered with a bona fide fashion world powerhouse to launch the 30-piece collection: supermodel, entrepreneur and mother Ashley Graham. As Knix’s first global ambassador, the activist will now be the face of campaigns, collaborate on future collections, and participate in brand initiatives such as the Life After Birth Project, which highlights birthing people’s postpartum journeys.

While technological innovations in fabrics, cooler silhouettes (hi, matching sets!) and the ever-popular athleisure trend have contributed to activewear’s popularity, the body-positivity movement has been fundamental to its success. As brands like Ivy Park, Savage x Fenty and Girlfriend Collective began embracing real bodies, the effect on social media was instantaneous. Many women who had often felt excluded from the athletic narrative were not only being included, but celebrated. This inclusive ethos has been embraced by Knix since its inception.

And although it’s the label’s first full collection of activewear, founder and CEO Joanna Griffiths says it’s something she’s always wanted to explore, testing the waters with the wildly popular Catalyst sports bra.

“When I first started Knix, we had the idea to launch with leakproof underwear. One of the main reasons people needed this product was for when they were active, so I always knew that Knix and active were kind of synonymous with one another,” says Griffiths over Zoom. “And then we made our sports bra, which was two years in the making, and the design brief was literally, ‘when people see this sports bra, I want them to feel like they’ve had that Nokia phone and they’ve just seen the iPhone for the first time.’ We wanted to change the game, and then we did.”

Graham credits that very sports bra for making her a Knix fan for life and motivating her to become an investor in the brand.

“I’ve been a customer for a couple of years now, and it all started with the high impact Catalyst sports bra [that Griffiths mentioned]. I purchased it — it was #notpaid — and it just literally contained my boobs so well! It didn’t give me a uni-boob or quad-boob — it was super easy to put on and also take off,” Graham says with a smile over video chat. “So I posted it [on social media], then Joanna and I started talking on DM. We quickly realized how much we actually had in common and how we want to change the industry. So that’s really where it all began. Plus, I love Canadians!”

It might come as no great surprise that Graham’s previous experiences shopping for size-inclusive activewear have been less than ideal. While the body positivity movement has gained traction in recent years, many brands still cater to a minimal size range.

“I think being a curvier woman, in general, makes it really difficult to find clothes that fit you the way that you want to appear,” says Graham, citing she’s often “on the hunt” for apparel that fits her body type.

For Griffiths, it was never even a question that Knix Active would be size-inclusive. The debut collection, which includes Go with the Flow ️ leggings and shorts, seamless bras, and high-rise bike shorts, is available in sizes XS to XXXXL and is designed to fit bra sizes 28-44 and cups A to H.

And Griffiths says they’re just getting started when it comes to size inclusivity. “I’ll be honest with you — we still have work to do. I always say, the expansion of our size range is never done, and we’re constantly adding new sizes,” admits Griffiths. “But I think it’s so important for this specifically because [activewear] is a category that has historically been very fatphobic. We needed to have an appropriate size range so that we were signalling from the very beginning that this is a place where everyone is welcome.”

Motherhood was one of the many ways Griffiths and Graham bonded. Graham was an investor during a round of funding when the Knix founder, who was pregnant with twins at the time, made a rule that any potential financier who commented negatively on her pregnancy would be ruled out. How’s that for empowering? Graham herself recently took to Instagram to share the news of her second pregnancy. However, it was during her first pregnancy that her relationship with the brand began.

 

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“I became pregnant soon after [discovering Knix], and it was a brand that could grow with me as I got bigger and bigger. And then it also was a brand that sustained me through postpartum. To me, that was really comforting because when you’re putting on clothes, you’re making a conscious effort every morning, whatever emotion you’re going through. When you’re pregnant, your emotions are out of this world all over the place, and there was a comfort in Knix — not just physically, but emotionally,” says Graham.

That sentiment is echoed in Knix’s core mandate (“designed to make you feel more comfortable in your own skin”) and can be seen throughout the entire activewear collection. From lightweight material built with four-way stretch to bonded inner seams that prevent chafing, it’s impossible to miss the care that has gone into designing Knix Active’s pieces.

“I always say that [most intimates] were designed to be worn for five minutes and then have someone take them off you. And you know, there’s a time and a space for that a hundred percent. But then there are also the products that you want to wear for 15 hours and be comfortable in to live your life. [Women] wear all these different hats, and I think the category hasn’t always acknowledged that,” says Griffiths.

As two women who wear many different hats themselves — Graham has her own podcast, models and is raising her son Isaac with another baby on the way; Griffiths is a CEO and mom of three — they agree there is power in comfort. Yes, comfort within the clothes you wear but by extension, comfort in being true to yourself.

 

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“What’s most important is that everybody needs to be their most authentic self. This brand is exactly that — an authentic collection of who we are, and hopefully, that’s exactly how you will feel [when you wear it],” says Graham. “You don’t have to be an athlete to wear this activewear line. You don’t have to be a mother. You don’t even have to like moving. It’s really, truly made for everybody and every type of person at any stage of your life.”

While authenticity and empowerment are easy to preach, activewear brands often have trouble putting those sentiments into action. With a complicated history of toxic weight loss, dieting practices, and fat-shaming, the male gaze has plagued this category for years, as both the media and brands perpetrated the myth that women’s bodies weren’t their own but something to be commented on. A topic that Griffiths could discuss endlessly, the phrase “Because you’re not doing it for anyone but yourself” was a constant source of inspiration for the new launch.

“You shouldn’t be doing anything for anybody except for yourself,” Graham says. “I can say that if I’m not doing something for myself, I’m not going to be a better mother for my son. But I think that you can pour so much into all the facets around you, but until you really take care of yourself, that’s where you prosper and [find] happiness.”

For Griffiths, it wasn’t until she discovered that outlook that Knix Active truly came to life.

“There was just this shift for me a couple of years ago where I started exercising again and for the first time in my life, and I was working out because I just wanted to feel stronger. I wanted to have more energy, and it had nothing to do with the number on a scale. It had nothing to do with impressing somebody or fitting into that dress and all of the reasons I used to work out before. It was the first time that I was doing it just for myself, and that was such an empowered feeling. And it made me enjoy it so much more because it wasn’t like this calories in, calories out kind of message. We’ve been programmed to think [those things], and so like Ashley said, we have to come to a place where we’re doing it for ourselves.”

The post Knix Launches Ashley Graham-Approved Activewear appeared first on FASHION Magazine.

Let me start by saying I am not a natural runner. As far as cardio goes, I’d rather do a short burst of burpees (and I don’t love doing those, either) than jog around the block. It would take a colossal shift in my daily routines — like say, the one brought on by a year-long closure of, well, almost everything — to pique my interest in the activity.

I bring this up because it’s nearly impossible to separate my review of the Peloton Tread — the new, seriously souped-up treadmill by the makers of the world’s most coveted at-home exercise bike — from the current state of the world. Pre-pandemic, I was a regular (OK, semi-regular) at spin studios and functional-training classes. During the pandemic, one Ontario-wide stay-at-home order turned into another — and then another — and my world shrunk considerably. Before, at-home exercise equipment was, at least for my lifestyle, nice to have. Now, it feels necessary.

So while the Peloton Tread is, admittedly, a sleek piece of exercise equipment in any context, it was the overwhelming desire to simply move, without having to leave my home,  that made me eager to try it out. When I ultimately found myself looking forward to runs, no one was more surprised than me. Read on for my full review of the new Peloton Tread. 

What is the Peloton Tread, exactly?

At its most basic, it’s a seriously ergonomic treadmill. Beyond its overall sleek design, club-worthy sound that blasts from four front-facing speakers, and large HD flat-screen display, it has smart features like knobs to easily change speed (up to just over 20 km/h) and incline (up to 12.5 percent).

It’s the second treadmill Peloton has ever produced — the earlier and more expensive iteration is now called the Tread+ — but the first to be available in Canada. At $3,295 plus the cost of a monthly subscription ($49/month), it is pricey undertaking.

The Tread does offer more than your traditional treadmill, however: the Peloton subscription comes with an array of classes beyond running/walking/hiking, like pilates, strength, meditation and artist-themed bootcamps. Then there are the instructors, who have a life coach-like quality about them; in between sharing pointers on running technique, they’re known to muse about setting goals and finding your purpose. 

Not to be overlooked is the community aspect of a Peloton. The on-screen leaderboard displays all the participants in a class, whether it’s live or not. You can sort through the list to find your own Peloton-using friends or filter by hashtags, like #PelotonMoms or #PelotonGolfers, to find like-minded groups. I’d be remiss not to mention the certain cachet that comes with owning a Peloton, especially during the pandemic, when waitlists for delivery of its cycling bike stretched on for months. Consider it the Telfar bag of the fitness world.

How loud is the Peloton Tread?

Treadmills are decidedly not quiet pieces of equipment. The Tread has the standard treadmill hum to it as it runs and then you have to factor in the sound of slapping sneakers against the belt. If it makes additional noise while inclining/declining, it’s inaudible to me.

To put this in context: I live in an apartment that spans the top two floors of a house. We placed the treadmill on the very top floor (delivery and set up is, thankfully, managed by the Peloton team and included in the purchase price). While I can’t hear the Tread running from behind a closed-door on the second floor, it does slightly reverberate throughout the house. While I couldn’t comfortably sit next to it and watch a show without jacking the volume on my TV way up, my downstairs neighbours have never complained about the noise.

What is using the Peloton Tread really like?

It’s the closest I’ve felt to being back in a fitness class since the pandemic began. When I spoke to Peloton trainer Jess Sims ahead of the Tread launch, she gave me the best advice I’d ever heard on trying to become a runner: do less. I heeded her advice and started slow, with 20-minute beginner walk/run combo classes — and let me tell you, runner’s high is real, my friends. 

By the third week of running three-to-four times a week, I felt ready to do the hour-long Beyoncé bootcamp, which combines circuits of running on the treadmill with strength training done off of itl. I found myself entirely enjoying the class, which was particularly surprising when I realized this format was nearly identical to a trendy workout class I had tried once when it opened in Canada and never, ever returned to.

OK, but what if I’m already an intermediate or advanced runner? Are there classes for me?

Definitely. My roommate, who regularly used the treadmill at her gym pre-pandemic and frequently partakes in outdoor runs during the summer, reported the Tread felt soft on her ankles and knees compared to her outdoor runs. She also liked the breadth of running classes; you’re always able to find an option that matches the time frame and intensity you’re in the mood for. And if you want to just run sans instructor, you can pick from various scenic options, like sunny New Zealand.

TL;DR. Should I get a Peloton Tread?

If you are committed to at-home workouts (at least a few times a week) for the foreseeable future, the Peloton Tread is a sleek option for beginners to advanced runners who want to round out their training with stretching and strength classes.

If your living space is limited (it would be a tight squeeze in a standard-sized one-bedroom Toronto condo, for example), a treadmill may not be your best workout-from-home equipment option.

Shop workout gear to bring your treadmill workout to the next level:

Reebok Nano X1, $150, reebok.ca

Part running shoe, part training shoe (and fashion editor-approved), the Reebok Nano X1 is the ideal sneaker to support you both on and off the treadmill. 

Lululemon Energy Bra, $64, shop.lululemon.com

This ribbed, sweat-wicking bra from Lululemon offers support for B to D cups during medium-impact activities. 

Arc’teryx Oriel Legging 28, $100, arcteyx.com

These sustainably made leggings are quick drying and super durable, for wherever your workout takes you.

Joe Fresh High Neck Sports Bra, $19, joefresh.com

This racerback sports bra is an affordable favourite of fitness creator and Joe Fresh ambassador Sasha Exeter. 

Allbirds Tree Dashers, $175, allbirds.ca

For the sustainably minded, there’s the Allbirds Tree Dasher. It’s all the same eco-friendly production they’re known for, now in a shoe that’s specifically designed — and vigorously tested — for running. 

The post I Tried the Sleek New Peloton Tread for Two Months — Here’s My Review appeared first on FASHION Magazine.

The fashion industry, too, has taken a toll, with many retailers closing, like Addition Elle, or facing bankruptcy, like Frank And Oak. For Toronto-based designer Sid Neigum, who cancelled his resort collection ahead of the fall, “it’s been rough.” But, he adds, “I’ve pivoted, as many restaurants have, by starting an online shop and selling direct-to-consumer. Now, this month, our revenue is higher for direct-to-consumer (D2C) than business-to-business (B2B), which is a first. It’s [about] rethinking how you have to work and adapt.”

Neigum brought that sensibility to his second love — food — when Michael Ng, founder of Anti Social Running Club (ASRC), asked if he’d wanted to partner and co-host the first Dine & Dash Virtual Race in Toronto in support of local restaurants. The ASRC was founded during lockdown, and virtually connects runners on an app allowing everyone to check in on each other as they go, creating a socially-distanced network that encourages exercise at a time when many of us are spending most of our days indoors and at home.

Ng first orchestrated a Dine & Dash Virtual Race in Edmonton in February, which Neigum had taken part in from Toronto and loved, so he jumped at the chance for the two to work together and make a change.

“I wanted to reach out to Sid and see if he’d be interested in doing a Toronto edition after the success that we had in Edmonton,” says Ng. “Our biggest focus is to support local business, specifically in the restaurant industry. It’s been hit so hard during COVID, especially with no dine-in in Ontario yet. I really wanted to see if there was an opportunity for Toronto to do what we did and help in the way we know how.”

The race will take place from April 19 to 25. Registered runners can choose their distance — 10 km, half marathon or full marathon — and can run anywhere or any time within the timeframe, while using any type of tracking device or app. Afterwards, they can claim a meal at the participating restaurant of their choice from April 23 to 25. In other words, run your ass off and then reward it with some of the city’s best meals.

While there won’t be any winners in this race, dog-eat-dog types have the choice of submitting their times. Throughout the week, Ng and Neigum will update a leaderboard in hopes of satisfying their competitive streaks.

Registration is $55 for individuals, $110 for pairs, and includes a meal, a t-shirt (designed by Neigum, naturally), and entry into the race. Those outside of the city can also run, though a donation will be made to a local food bank in lieu of the meal.

Those restaurants participating in the event are a diverse bunch that could satisfy any appetite, and include 416 Snack Bar, Donna’s, Le Phenix, Hello 123, Imanishi, Tutti Matti and Alma, with one more yet to be confirmed.

“It’s all really delicious food that would be great to eat after a marathon,” concludes Neigum, while Ng adds with a laugh, “Food is why I run. Guilt-free meals after running for a few hours? Sign me up.”

Sign us up, too.

Registration begins on March 29 and closes on April 18. Click here for more details. 

The post Sid Neigum and Anti Social Running Club Join Forces To Support Toronto Restaurants appeared first on FASHION Magazine.

It’s that exact ethos Rigsby and two of his fellow Peloton leaders, Robin Arzón and Ally Love, brought to the table for the brand’s new partnership with Adidas, which is launching with a spring/summer collection of apparel that was designed in collaboration with the instructors. “You’re going to find a piece in the line that will let you express yourself and will feel right for you — but it could also be something you never would have added to your wardrobe before,” Rigsby says. “Personally, there’s a pair of pink and orange women’s bike shorts that I want to try, and I’m going to be unapologetic about it.”

The vibrant, ’90s-inspired, 11-piece collection includes a selection of performance gear like tanks, sports bras, hoodies and joggers in a range of sizes from XS to 2X. Starting at $45, the line drops online in select stores and online on both the Adidas and Peloton sites on March 25. The launch also includes a series of on-demand classes the debut on March 18, as well as a live class to celebrate on the 25th.

We caught up Rigsby to discuss the collection, the process of finding his voice as a Peloton instructor and what’s on his current class playlist.

What makes this new collab with Adidas unique to Peloton?

It’s two really innovative companies that intersect with athletics and fashion, so we’re a perfect match. When we went into designing it, we wanted to make pieces that would feel comfortable on anyone you know; pieces that you could style for a really diverse group of people.

The line is size-inclusive, and also includes men’s, women’s and unisex styles. Was everyone involved committed to making the line as inclusive as possible?

Our Peloton members are super diverse — whether it’s the way they look, their upbringing, where they are [geographically]. We wanted people to feel comfortable in all of the styles. I specifically was like, ‘I want something super bright for the men’s collection, but anybody could wear this.’ I want people to think outside of their normal box and get comfortable doing new and different things.

How do you approach getting dressed when you’re leading a class?

Being a perfect Gemini, it’s different every day. When we do training rides, I always go for a more athletic style and wear something that allows me to focus on the training. In this collection, I’d probably grab the men’s black tights because they’re sleek and I know I’m going to be able to move in them. I’d pair them with the black three-stripe tank, which I really love because it’s form-fitting so I know that I can focus on the workout and being the best athlete possible. But then if I’m doing a ’90s ride or a pop ride, that’s when I want to bring levity and high energy to the class. For those classes, I’d probably grab the pink shirt and pair it with the composition notebook patterned shorts and just really have fun with it.

Speaking of ’90s and pop music, your classes are known for leaning into nostalgia and great playlists. How did you find your voice and style as a Peloton instructor?

I’m coming up on seven years of Peloton, which is insane. Time flies. I’ll admit that I had more time than some of the newer instructors to find my voice. I had a lot more time to make mistakes and do things wrong for a while. Once I allowed myself to discover who I am — because, I think, when I first started, I wasn’t faking it, but I wasn’t sure of who I was exactly — I was able to grow into myself and style. And that’s being opinionated, fun, and really allowing myself to be who I am instead of trying to project something I wanted to be. I’ve held onto my authenticity and have told my story without being scared. And that’s what I want people to take away from my class: a sense of fearlessness to discover who they are and then to be that person without any apologies.

For people who aren’t as familiar with Peloton and only know it as an exercise class, how would you explain your goal of imparting that fearlessness in your classes?

The special sauce of the Peloton community is vulnerability and storytelling. When we think of vulnerability, we think it has to be deep and scary, but by just being yourself, you’re being vulnerable. When you tell certain stories about yourself unedited, that truth makes it authentic. And that vulnerability allows me to show my weaknesses and my strengths. When you share that with other people, they’re inspired by that, so they in turn find that fearlessness to be vulnerable within themselves and share who they are through movement, through the clothes they wear and the things that they do.

What’s been the most surprising thing to come out of your seven-year long Peloton journey?

It has pushed me to grow up a lot. If you’ve taken my ride, you know that I’m the biggest kid at heart — I’ll never let that go. But I’ve had to grow up and figure out who I am. And the thing that’s affected me the most is getting to hear other people’s stories. I talk about my own vulnerability and sharing on my bike, but that leads to members sharing their own vulnerable stories on Instagram with me, or in person when we used to have in-person classes. Meeting members and hearing their reasons why — why they get on a bike, why they do our classes — and finding out I’ve been an influential part of their self-discovery has been the most special thing.

What music is on your current playlist for classes?

Last week, I did a Little Mix bike bootcamp, and that was so much fun. I’m such a fan of Little Mix, the U.K. girl group, and I was super excited about it. It was one of my favourite classes. I’m very much into British music, so even though Little Mix is gaining momentum in the States, I was excited to share that with my audience. I love seeing people be like, “Oh my god, I never listened to them before but now I can’t stop.” And if you’ve taken my class, you know how much I love Dua Lipa. I’m obsessed. It’s fun to share things that I’m excited about and see people react to them and also fall in love with them. Friends you can get new music recommendations from are special friends, so if I can be that person to certain people, I feel very accomplished.

The post Peloton and Adidas Team Up for a New Clothing Collection appeared first on FASHION Magazine.

It’s finally here: the long-awaited Peloton Tread is now available in Canada. Can the American company, known for its at-home exercise bike with a months-long waitlist, make a treadmill covetable? If anyone could, we’d bet on them. At the core of Peloton’s success is, yes, its fancy high-end equipment, but also its energetic, hurts-so-good instructor-led classes, from HIIT and bootcamp to cycling and running. The Peloton Tread combines the sleek design the brand is known for with useful functional changes. For instance, it swaps the traditional digital speed and incline buttons for two (highly addictive) knobs that make levelling up your run almost, dare we say, fun. We connected with Peloton superstar instructor Jess Sims to talk about the benefits of running and how to ease back into it, plus why the Peloton Tread completely changes the indoor running game.

Give me the Peloton Tread pitch: why are you excited about it and why should other people be hyped about it too?

My favourite thing about it is the speed and incline knobs. They completely change the game. In class, when I say, “Every time the song says this word, we’re going to add 0.1 to our speed,” it’s so easy to do with that knob. It’s just so user-friendly. It empowers you to go faster and to go higher up on that incline because you know you can take it down as quickly as you put it up.

The other amazing thing is how it makes you feel like you are in a class, which is so important right now when we can’t go to studios. The screen is right there in front of you. It’s so crystal clear that you actually feel like you’re in the room with the instructor. [The instructors are] always looking right into the camera, talking directly to you and motivating you to keep going.

What type of runners is the Tread geared to? Newbies? Ironman racers?

We offer so much content on the Tread. We have walks, we have power walks, we have hikes — and those are at all levels. Then we have a walk plus run, a 50/50 split of walking and running — and those are important. When I talk to anyone who says they hate running because they get so sore, I’m like, okay, well, how long did you run for? And they say 20 minutes. Well, when was the last time you ran? They’ll say, oh, five years ago I used to run every day.

Guess what? In five years, your body has lost its ability to adapt to the impact of running. In order to run long-term and make this a lifestyle, you have to do 30 seconds of jogging, 30 seconds of walking — or 45 seconds on, 45 seconds off — and build yourself up. And that’s exactly what these walk plus run classes deliver. If you’re very, very beginner, it’s going to be a very light jog. If you’re more intermediate, it can be a run.

Once you get into running, all the runs are levelled. There’s beginner, intermediate and advanced. We have 10-minute classes and 60-minute classes, so it really eliminates any excuse or reason as to why you can’t take a class.

On top of all that, we have bootcamp. That’s why we say that our Tread is more than just your typical treadmill, because it’s a full-body piece of equipment. In a bootcamp class, you’re running, then you get off the tread and you go onto your mat and you’re lifting weights, so you get that hybrid.

How many times a week should someone be running based on their experience?

It depends on your goals and your current fitness level. But in general, for a beginner, I recommend doing walks and walk-plus-runs two to three times a week to start. For intermediate, I would say three times a week starting off with the 20-minute classes. For more advanced runners, like someone who does the Ironman, maybe five times a week. We have tempo runs — which are very important for marathon runners and racers — where you’re running at a very challenging pace for the majority of the class. I would recommend doing a tempo run, an endurance run, some intervals and definitely taking strength classes because we know that helps prevent injury and build the muscles that help you get even faster and stronger.

What are some general tips on running form?

Eyes are always up. Never look down — there’s nothing for you on the ground. Keep your chin parallel to the floor. Shoulders are down, away from your ears. You want to keep your elbows bent at 90 degrees, and you’re going to pump them back and forth, swinging like a pendulum by your side. Imagine that you have ice cream in your hand: you want to have a little bit of tension, but not too much tension where you would crush it.

For your core, you want slight tension. Don’t hold your breath, of course, but think of that [contraction] you would make if someone would sucker punch you in the stomach. Keep your pelvis tucked under – a lot of us accidentally arch our back while we’re running. Pick your knees up and flip your heels up towards your butt. When you’re in a walk, you start on your heel. When you’re in a jog/run, you are more mid-foot. When you’re sprinting, you’re on your forefoot.

What advice would you give someone to get excited about getting back into running?

One thing that I like to say is you don’t have to run, you get to run. Just shifting that perspective. A lot of us, whether or not you’re a former athlete like myself, used to be punished with running. When we shift that experience to this is something that we get to do, it takes the pressure off of ourselves.

And start off doing less: less is more and slower is more. Even if you can go for a sprint right now from here to the next block, it doesn’t mean you should. For someone who is just getting back into it, take your time, understand that it’s a journey and understand that it’s a beautiful thing. It’s a time for you to be alone with your own thoughts, stay super present and not worry about your to-do list.

The post Here’s Everything To Know About the Peloton Tread That Just Launched in Canada appeared first on FASHION Magazine.

Each artist partnered with two Black Peloton instructors to create pieces, ranging from tank tops to leggings, that tell a story and resonate with the Peloton community. We caught up with the instructors and the artists to chat about what each of their Peloton Black History Month collections means to them and the inspiration behind their work.

Hust Wilson

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Huston Wilson (@hustwilson)

Wilson is a self-taught artist based in Johannesburg, South Africa, who specializes in lettering art. His “Bring Your Whole Self” collection is a collaboration with instructors Adrian Williams and Tunde Oyeneyin. “Scribbles are a great way to express yourself, especially with vibrant colours,” says Wilson. “When capturing Tunde’s personality, I wanted to bring in this excitement, number 15 and positive words, all of which stood out to me about Tunde’s past.” Hust explains that “consistently seeing positive words is a great way to inspire others. With a sharp edge type for strength as well as rough shapes layered behind the typography, this collection has a cool and calm colour palette to represent Adrian’s personality and past.”

Temi Coker

 

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A post shared by Temi Coker (@temi.coker)

Multidisciplinary artist Temi Coker creates bold, visually gripping art inspired by his upbringing in Nigeria, along with his love for African culture. His collection, “Light The Way,” was developed alongside instructors Jess Sims and Chelsea Jackson Roberts. “For this collection, Chelsea, Jess and I talked about Dr. Carter G. Woodson and how he believed that young African-Americans in the early 20th century were not being taught enough about their own heritage or about the achievements of their ancestors,” explains Coker. “Our goal was to not just let this be, and to focus on our past this Black History Month. We realized the knowledge of our ancestors and their history is important because it allows us to really learn who we are and where we came from. Knowledge is power. Our history is filled with struggle, but something I wanted to focus on and channel with this collection is the strength and the zeal our ancestors had, despite all they went through. There’s just something vibrant about African-American culture. From the songs we sang, to the quilts we made that were passed down from generation to generation, to the different ways we celebrated life through meals and even in fashion, this all adds to the Black experience. It’s not linear, but aims to reach the same goal of celebrating our people and our history. The Black experience can’t be contained in a month so I wanted to make sure that this collection would be something people could wear anytime during the year. This collection is by us, for us.”

Monica Ahanou

 

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A post shared by MONICA AHANONU (@monicaahanonu)

L.A.-based Monica Ahanou is a well-known artist and is considered by many to be an expert in colour theory, vector illustration and design. Her collection, “United We Move,” was designed with instructors Ally Love and Hannah Frankson. Ahanou is a champion of diverse beauty because of its ability to bring colour and variation into the world, not to mention more excitement. “I was inspired by the diverse energy of the Peloton community while creating my designs. I incorporated a large number of vibrant colours and overlapping shapes to represent the beauty that is created when people from varying cultures and environments come together — in this case on the Peloton platform — and work towards a common goal.”

Sanford Greene

South Carolina-based artist Sanford Greene has worked for publishers like Marvel, DC, Dark Horse and Image Comics. His collection, “Come Into Your Power,” is a collaboration with Peloton instructors Chase Tucker and Alex Toussaint, and features god and goddess creations that not only embody Black representation at Peloton, but also the power, beauty, strength and wisdom within the Black community. “We were inspired by the shared values we all hold,” says Tucker. “These pieces were inspired by our conversation. They embody not only Black representation at Peloton, but the power, beauty, strength and wisdom within the Black community as a whole.”

Shop some of our favourite pieces from Peloton Black History Month collection below.

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BHM Peloton x Hust Wilson Unisex Muscle Tank

($65, Peloton)

Buy Now

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BHM Peloton x Hust Wilson Crewneck

($95, Peloton)

Buy Now

3/8

BHM Peloton x Hust Wilson High Neck Bra + Leggings

($75 + $110, Peloton)

Buy Now

4/8

BHM Peloton x Monica Ahanonu Strappy Bra + Leggings

($75 + $110, Peloton)

Buy Now

5/8

BHM Peloton x Monica Ahanonu Tank

($65, Peloton)

Buy Now

6/8

BHM Peloton x Sanford Greene Short Sleeve

($65, Peloton)

Buy Now

7/8

BHM Peloton x Temi Coker Pullover Hoodie

($105, Peloton)

Buy Now

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BHM Peloton x Temi Coker High Neck Bra + Capri

($75 + $110, Peloton)

Buy Now

The post Peloton Just Launched a Collection of Workout Wear for Black History Month appeared first on FASHION Magazine.

1. Go for a walk

Sitting for long periods of time is uncomfortable (let’s call for a moratorium on Zoom meetings longer than an hour, shall we?), but it’s also bad for your health. Long periods of sitting can tighten hip flexors and hamstring muscles, affecting balance, and potentially contributing to lower back and knee pain. Break up your day with periods of movement, like a walk around the block. The upgrade: make your walk chicer, for no reason other than personal enjoyment, with an on-trend (and toasty warm) Parajumpers puffer.

2. Put things away when you’re done with them

You’ve been doing this since you were three. Time to upgrade your storage units with new cabinets, like the rattan-inspired ones above from IKEA, and storage boxes and bins. Home is now your office, your gym, your restaurant. It’s important to keep things clutter free. It will look more streamlined, but more importantly, according to CAMH, decluttering may also improve your mental health.

3. Reduce blue-light exposure

In the middle of a pandemic, it would be ridiculous to suggest you cut back on your screen time. Instead, try adding a blue-light shield to your device, like this one from SaveFace available at The Detox Market. (Read more about blue light and how it affects your skin here.) Made with four layers of tempered glass and antimicrobial silver ions it purports to reduce HEV blue light, reducing eye strain.

4. Make your morning coffee better

You are already making coffee every morning, why not stir in some collagen powder for a hit of protein? This one, from Canadian company Organika, boasts 9 grams of protein per serving, and is sourced from fish. (They have bovine and vegan-based options, too.) Start using it now and expect to see stronger hair and nails by May. (It takes about five months of daily use to see the effects.)

5. Take a probiotic

The microbiome in your gut is sensitive to stress, which, uh, we’re all experiencing a little of right now. “The gut microbiome is connected to the brain through the vagus nerve,” health psychologist Dr. Judith Andersen, PhD, told us. “Something that’s good for your body is probiotics.” Support your digestive and gastrointestinal health through eating probiotic rich foods, or make it even easier on yourself and take a once-a-day probiotic, like these gluten-dairy-and-soy free ones from Renew Life.

6. Try another form of CBD

If you’re someone who uses CBD and/or cannabis, consider exploring it in beverage form. While we aren’t making any health claims about this beverage, it’s a swap to consider in lieu of smoking.

7. Try a shorter workout

Remember when we used to attend hour-long boutique fitness classes? Yeah, us neither. We’re not sure if it’s because we’re out of shape or we’ve just learned to be more efficient with our time, but 10- and 20-minute workouts hit harder from home. The next time you’re trying to muster up the motivation to do a 45-minute class, try the great selection of short and sweet workouts – from HIIT to yoga to strength – on Apple Fitness+ instead. (Check out our full review of the new fitness platform for Apple Watch users.)

8. Upgrade your toothbrush

You brush your teeth twice a day (right?). Upgrade to a trendy electric toothbrush from direct-to-consumer Kevin Hart-backed brand, Bruush. The device boasts six cleaning modes (including a very satisfying tongue cleaning option) and ultra-soft bristles so its gentle on your gums. If you get on the refill plan, they’ll auto ship you new toothbrush heads every few months. So fresh, so clean.

9. Add another mask into your rotation

By now, we all know the importance of wearing a face mask to help reduce the spread of COVID-19. We also all know that you are supposed to wash them between each use. In reality, it’s easier to have a few different masks on hand than remembering to wash the one you own each and every time you leave the house (although that should not be that often in lockdown). These ones from Herschel come in a great range of colours, are super comfortable and features an adjustable nose bridge and ear loops for the perfect fit on every face.

The post 9 Wellness Resolutions So Easy, You’ll Actually Stick To Them appeared first on FASHION Magazine.

A 2012 study published in Journal of Experimental Social Psychology found that clothing can influence behaviour because it carries symbolic meaning. “When you put on new fitness gear, you begin to get into character like an actor putting on a costume for a performance,” sports psychologist Dr. Jonathan Fader told Shape. “As a result, you expect to have a better performance, making you more mentally prepared for the task.”

If you’re in the market for new workout gear, there is a slew of new leggings, sports bras and accessories hitting the virtual shelves this month. Nordstrom Canada has launched a microsite dedicated to its wellness offerings, which includes gear from Patagonia, Girlfriend Collective (like its highly rated sports bra) and Canada’s Arc’teryx. Joe Fresh debuted its Project Self campaign, dedicated to prioritizing yourself and celebrating the little wellness wins, alongside a vibrant new spring collection (watch Sasha Exeter model it for outfit inspo).

American digital-only retailer PrettyLittleThing has entered the Canadian market, which means Karrueche Tran’s 62-piece collection of neutral-toned workout and workout-adjacent clothing is now available to ship to Canada. For pre-and-post workout chill, there’s JW Anderson’s fashion-minded take on athleisure available exclusively at Net-a-Porter.

We’d be remiss not to mention Canadian brands Lululemon, whose wildly popular Align legging (the softest ones I’ve ever worn) are now available up to size 20, and Michi, who recently released a velvet workout set that makes moving your body during the winter months seem much more appealing.

Click through the below slideshow to see our picks of the best new workout clothes for 2021.

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Best New Workout Clothes 2021

Infinity two-tone ribbed merino wool sweater

($757, JW ANDERSON)

Buy Now

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in-story-vertical-6

Plus Black Contrast Sports Bra

($21 , PrettyLittleThing )

Buy Now

3/8

Quilted Zip-Up

($39 , Joe Fresh)

Buy Now

4/8

Mercury Velvet Longline Bra

($142 , Michi )

Buy Now

5/8

Align Tank

($58, lululemon )

Buy Now

6/8

Catalyst Front Zip Sports Bra

($98, Knix)

Buy Now

7/8

Paloma Sports Bra

($54, Girlfriend Collective)

Buy Now

8/8

Cover Tank

($78, Alo)

Buy Now

The post The Best New Workout Clothes For 2021 appeared first on FASHION Magazine.

“We use our own bodyweight, we focus on incorporating our breath into our movements, holding positions, as well as coordination to make things challenging,” Peloton instructor Emma Lovewell tells FASHION. In addition to Lovewell, the 20-class collection will be taught by instructors Kristin McGee, Aditi Shah, Hannah Corbin and Sam Yo, and features intro, unlevelled, beginner, intermediate and advanced classes ranging from 10 to 45 minutes.

“When I was a professional dancer I would take Pilates classes every week and I loved it,” says Lovewell. “It made me feel longer, and stronger, and even more flexible. I saw a difference when I was in dance class or auditions; it gave me a sense of confidence and body awareness that has helped me in every career since then.”

Read on for our chat with the Peloton trainer about what makes Pilates a great workout, tips for beginners, and how to motivate oneself to work out at home during lockdown.

Pilates is known to be an incredible strength workout, great for toning the body and strengthening the core. What makes it such an effective workout?

Pilates really encourages body awareness. When you are more aware of what muscles and joints you are using, the more effective your movements and workouts can be. The fact that there is such an emphasis on strengthening the core makes it such a great workout alone and also as a supplemental workout. Having a strong core will help alleviate back pain, it will make you a better athlete: cyclist, yogi, golfer, dancer, you name it. Many of our movements are initiated at the core, or largely involve the core, so having strength there is crucial. Also think about your core as a protector of your spine, and we always want to prioritize good spine health.

What are a few things people must keep in mind when doing Pilates, whether at home or in a studio?

We spend a lot of time on the mat, so for comfort, some people like to layer two mats on top of each other. Take your time, especially if you’re new to Pilates. It might take a few times to catch on to the lingo, but remember not to take yourself too seriously. The emphasis is body-mind connection and body awareness, so pay attention to what you feel and where you feel it. And remember: progress, not perfection!

One of your favourite sayings is “Work out because you love your body, not because you hate it.” Any tips to help people working out at home find motivation and love their bodies during this challenging time?

What you focus on is what you get. So similar to dieting, when someone says “I can’t eat pizza anymore,” then all they think about is pizza. What if you talked more about what you DO want? Want to focus on eating more vegetables and greens? You’ll have an easier time eliminating what you don’t want, once you figure out what you do want. If you focus on how much you hate your body, or some part of your body, it will consume you. Change your way of thinking to highlight what you do like and what you’re grateful for. Your body allows you to walk, run, pick up your children, dance to your favourite song, etc. Especially now, in a world that seems very difficult for so many people we have to find the silver lining, and we have to find gratitude in our every day to make it through.

What’s motivated you to stay active and healthy during the pandemic?

I remember how good I feel after I have moved my body or sweat a little bit. I never regret moving my body — a walk, a stretch, a cycling class, yoga class, anything. Movement is medicine and it is such a mood booster. I also love to remind people that commitment shows up when motivation is lacking. Can you commit to something because you know it’s good for you? Can you show up because you said you would? The hardest part is sometimes just starting, a few minutes in and you’re feeling good!

The post Fitness Trainer Emma Lovewell Gives the Lowdown on Peloton’s New Pilates Classes appeared first on FASHION Magazine.

“The classes are going to be super similar to what you see in our studios themselves,” says SPINCO founder Michelle August. “Our goal with this platform is literally to bring the studio home to you.” Classes – available on-demand only, i.e. no live offerings – are filmed out of SPINCO’s flagship studio in Toronto. Expect similarly themed rides to the ones SPINCO offers in studio. In addition to the SPINCO classes, riders will have access to the Echelon catalogue of classes, which do include live options.

SPINCO currently has 18 locations across Canada, about 80 percent of which are currently closed to the coronavirus pandemic. Podium, however, is not a reaction to the closures, says August; discussions with Echleon began a year prior to the pandemic.

SPINCO is the first Canadian cycling studio to offer a product that competes with the immensely popular Peloton bike. “There’s an intangible feeling that you get when you walk through our doors or when you ride our classes. That’s probably the biggest difference between us and really any other spin brand out there,” says August about what makes SPINCO different. “We’re very community oriented and Echelon is enabling us to bring that community element into people’s homes.”

The SPINCO Podium bike features a 22-inch HD screen and 32 levels of resistance, with options to purchase different packages including a set of weights. The bikes can be purchased for $1,999, plus the cost of a monthly subscription at $52.99, and will be delivered across Canada starting in spring 2021.

A portion of the proceeds from the sale of each bike will be donated to one of three Canadian charities – Baycrest Foundation, Ronald McDonald House and Montreal en Action – selected by the customer at checkout.

The post SPINCO Launches Its Very Own Indoor Cycling Bike appeared first on FASHION Magazine.

This past September, alongside the unveiling of the new Watch Series 6 (and little sib Watch SE), Apple teased the upcoming launch of a new on-demand video workout subscription, Fitness+. And while it seems strategically timed to our ~new reality~ of living room workouts and Zoom-everything, the app—which runs through your Apple Watch and can be streamed on any Apple phone, tablet or smart TV—has actually been in the works for a couple of years.

“It’s taken a lot of ideation and a lot of vision setting and a lot of work,” says Jay Blahnik, Apple’s senior director of fitness for health technologies, over a group video call from the Fitness+ studio in Los Angeles. “And we’re thrilled to bring it to market. There’s a lot to love about it,” he says, highlighting some of the flashy features, like how the integration with the Apple Watch allows for your personalized metrics (think: heart rate, calorie burn, countdown timer) to show up on your screen so that you can track in real time how you’re doing—and when that puke-inducing sprint will end!

“Because the user’s Apple Watch metrics come to life on the screen during the workout at pivotal moments, it’s a really powerful tool for motivation,” says Sam Sanchez, one of the Fitness+ trainers, who designs and teaches the treadmill, core and strength classes. “We love incorporating it into our workout design,” she says, explaining how the software reacts to cues from instructors to highlight certain data on the screen. So, for example, if Sanchez cues an intense burpee set for 45 seconds (SOS!), the timer will automatically blow up on your screen; or if she says she wants you to focus on getting your heart rate up during a treadmill sprint, that data will be highlighted in more detail.

If you stumbled over the word “treadmill” in the above paragraph, know that’s not a typo. The Fitness+ service is launching with 10 workout categories to start, including cycling, rowing and treadmill classes, rounded out by HIIT, strength, yoga, dance, core and “mindful cool down,” with new classes added weekly. 

“Even though people are really focused on home fitness today, our inspiration for Fitness+ was to be able to use it anywhere, any time,” explains Blahnik. “And the reason we included modalities that use big workout equipment like treadmills and bikes and rowers—sure, we know some people have those at home—but we also believed one of the great ways to use Fitness+ would be at the gym. It’s designed to be really flexible.”

Which actually sounds kind of perfect for when things finally settle down into a “new normal”—being able to alternate home workouts with gym visits, even being able to bring your favourite workout classes and instructors with you when you travel (remember travel??) feels like the right amount of variety to suit what will likely be a much more dynamic schedule than we were used to pre-pandemic.

Fitness+ launches on December 14, and costs $12.99 per month, which includes up to five family members. Here’s a closer look at three ways you can use it, no matter your workout preferences, fitness level or home set-up.

If you have absolutely zero equipment

If you let go of your gym membership this year and don’t have any immediate plans to sign a new contract in 2021, there are tons of workouts you can do with Fitness+ at home, many with little or no equipment needed. 

“For most Fitness+ workouts, you don’t need anything other than yourself, your Apple Watch and your Apple screen of choice,” says Jessica Skye, a trainer from London, U.K. who teaches the yoga and cool down classes. “For yoga, you can just show up, and if you’ve got a flat, safe surface to practice on, you’re all set.” Same goes for the dance, strength, core and HIIT classes: While having a mat and dumbbells is helpful for many of the workouts, there will always be options that can be done with bodyweight only. Additional videos provided with the subscription demonstrate modifications for every exercise, whether you need to adjust for your space or for your fitness level.

“There’s no prerequisite with Fitness+,” Skye says. “Everyone’s going to be coming from a different place, and everyone is welcome here.” 

If you spent all of quarantine setting up a killer home gym

For those who were lucky enough to score some workout equipment for their home set-ups before everything sold out (apparently stationary bike sales tripled in the U.S. alone this year!), there are some really cool ways that Fitness+ can enhance your experience, and make you feel like you’re back in your favourite studio. 

The Apple Watch can be used to connect to any GymKit-compatible machines, such as treadmills, bikes and rowers, and metrics will be synched to the selected Fitness+ class, so you’ll get a personalized, accurate reading of exactly what you’re achieving in your workout. The Fitness+ trainer will be there on your screen to guide you—and push you—just like in an IRL experience. 

According to Tyrell Désean, a former dancer and SoulCycle instructor in New York and Toronto who now designs and leads Fitness+ cycling classes, music is a huge part of that experience, and the curated playlists for each class make the workout really come to life. “I use music in my workouts to inspire and motivate people to work harder and last longer than they ever thought they could,” he says. “When we’re climbing a steep, heavy hill on the bike, and you hear the beat drop, you know something is coming and you can feel the energy just come off the screen. Music, combined with the metrics from Apple Watch that display on screen, is a really unique way to help get you through the workout.”

Need even more of a push? An optional “Burn Bar” metric can be displayed on your screen to show you how your workout compares to others who have already completed it—the virtual sub for trying to outpace that random stranger on the bike next to you.

If you prefer getting your sweat on outdoors

And, of course, because it’s designed to be portable and adaptable to so many different settings, many Fitness+ classes—and those curated playlists—can also be taken outside come spring (because, let’s face it, we’re all getting a little sick of our living rooms). Grab your wireless headphones, set up your iPad in a park, and start your own personal outdoor bootcamp. If you’ve ever felt self-conscious about doing a park workout, having a high-energy instructor and great tunes is a guaranteed way to get over potential embarrassment.

Another great way you can stretch your membership is by exporting the class playlists to your music library, so you can use them even when you want to take a break from your screen. Every playlist can be easily downloaded to Apple Music, so you can bring the energy of the Fitness+ treadmill and cycling classes with you on your outdoor run or bike ride. “It’s a great way to explore new music,” says Blahnik. “For those days that I just want to go out for a walk or a run, I’m going to have so much better music in my library now.”

You really get quite a lot with this subscription, and at $12.99 a month (provided you already have an Apple Watch and at least one Apple device to stream it on—otherwise, you’ll need to factor those into your cost) it’s affordable enough to use in addition to other classes from your favourite local studios that you may already be devoted to. You can really use it in whatever ways work best for you—and after a year of so many restrictions, what could be better than that?

The post Three Ways You Can Use Apple’s New Fitness+ Service appeared first on FASHION Magazine.

These past few months have been tough on everyone, including small business owners in the fitness and wellness sector. Across the country, fitness studios are being required to shut down in an effort to stop the spread of Covid-19, yet owners are still expected to pay rent.

As a result, many studios and fitness facilities are now offering livestream or on-demand workouts at a fee (naturally!), which you should 100% support if you have the means to. Not only will you be getting in a great workout but you’ll also be helping these businesses stay in, well, business. 

 Here are some of the Canadian gyms and fitness trainers across Canada that are offering livestream and on-demand classes. 

GOODBODYFEEL

 

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If you’re new to moving your body and have no clue where to start, check out Goodbodyfeel. Owner Robin Lacambra opened her pilates/yoga/mindfulness/dance studio with accessibility, diversity and inclusion at the forefront. Livestream classes are offered at a sliding scale rate and there’s absolutely no pressure to keep your camera turned on during class, meaning you can exercise at your own pace and in a way that works for your body without feeling self-conscious (which is ultimately what we all want in a fitness class). 

Where to watch: goodbodyfeel.com

Price: From $9 for livestream classes (1-week free trial); $40/month for on-demand classes

Duration: Between 45 minutes to 1 hour

Equipment needed: None

Common Ground 416

 

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Common Ground 416 has been hosting outdoor distanced classes, but if you’d rather follow along from home you have two options: live streaming and on-demand. Expect tons of cardio-style exercises and body-weight moves that’ll fire your core, abs and obliques—after all, they are owner Soeaprin Yos’s bread and butter. 

Where to watch: commonground416.com

Price: $10/drop-in (first class free), $42.50/5 pack, $75/10 pack, $20 one week unlimited for livestream classes; $20USD/month for on-demand classes (7-day free trial)

Duration: 1 hour

Equipment needed: None

Barre Body Studio

 

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Just because you don’t have a ballet bar at home doesn’t mean you can’t partake in a barre workout. Countertops, chairs and walls will do just fine! Calgary’s Barre Body Studio is offering both digital livestream and on-demand classes for those looking for that satisfying post-workout burn. Classes range from sweaty (HIIT/barre fusion) to totally chill (recovery/stretching). 

Where to watch: barrebodystudio.com

Price: $10 per class/$75 monthly for livestream classes; $29.99/month for on-demand classes (14-day free trial)

Duration: 50 minutes to 1 hour

Equipment needed: Some classes call for no props, while others require a light set of weights (think 5 lbs and under), gliders, pilates balls or resistance bands

6IX Cycle

 

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Not sure you’re ready to head back into the studio? No problem. 6ix Cycle is offering not only their classic spin classes on-demand, but HIIT (think shadowboxing), lifting and yoga sessions as well. If you already have a spin bike at home but have never been to an indoor cycling class, there’s no better time than now. Cycle classes range from beginner-friendly to the I’m-gonna-feel-this-tomorrow type difficult, meaning there is a class for everyone!

Where to watch: 6ixcycle.com

Price: $19.99/month (7-day free trial)

Duration: 1 hour

Equipment needed: A spin bike if you’re tuning in to the cycle classes, a set of light weights and a resistance band for HIIT sessions and a set of heavier weights for the lifting classes

Formation Studio

 

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If your cardio of choice entails practicing TikTok dances in your room then Formation Studio has got you. On-demand dance-based classes clock in at 30 minutes long and there are three different types of sessions to choose from, whether you’re looking to learn and follow along with a choreographed routine or you’re hoping to simply let loose and freestyle. 

Where to watch: theformationstudio.com

Price: $31.50/month, $264.60/year (including a 2-week free trial)

Duration: 30 minutes

Equipment needed: Light weights and resistance bands are optional for the strength-based classes, but if you’re looking to follow along with the playlists then you’ll need an Apple Music or Spotify account

Barry’s at Home with Kevin Yeboah and Hayley Steinberg 

 

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Ever wonder what really goes on at Barry’s Bootcamp? Now you can get a taste of “the best workout in the world” from the comfort of your own home. Your fave Toronto instructors (hi, Kevin and Hayley!) are back, and teaching classes on the regular schedule (each day of the week is dedicated to focusing on specific muscle groups and body parts). If you’re looking for an authentic Red Room experience, you can cop a red LED lightbulb from the Barry’s online store (no lie). 

Where to watch: barrys.com/barrysathome

Price: $22 per class (first timers intro special is $22/2 classes), $90/5 classes, $170/10 classes, $320/20 classes

Duration: 30 minutes to 1 hour

Equipment needed: A set of heavy weights and resistance bands. Treadmills are only required for classes that call for it, but for the most part, sessions are all floor-based.

Fit Factory Fitness

 

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This top Toronto gym has pivoted to offer online, on-demand workouts that are sure to break you out in a major sweat. Choose from HIIT (think boxing, booty and abs), mobility sessions and weight training, all with your fave Fit Factory trainers. 

Where to watch: fitfactoryfitness.com/signup

Price: $99/month (7-day free trial), $69/month (12 months), $20 per class. 

Duration: 45 minutes to 1 hour

Equipment needed: A set of heavy weights for the strength classes and resistance bands. 

Fit Squad

 

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In addition to virtual personal training sessions, Fit Squad is also offering live online classes hosted everyday on Zoom. There are four classes to choose from, but we highly suggest Nike Master Trainer Jennifer Lau’s Fenom class—an all women’s strength training program that focuses on lifting technique and features loads of squats, hinges and press and pulls. 

Where to watch: fitsquad.ca

Price: $75/week for the Persist Membership, which includes an equipment stack and five classes a week.

Duration: 1 hour

Equipment needed: Yes, but the Fit Squad team has you covered. Included in the Persist membership is an equipment stack.

Scullhouse

 

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Rowing machines are low-impact but work your muscles to the max, and if you’re lucky enough to already have one (or want to rent one!) then check out Scullhouse’s online classes. Owner Kristin Jeffrey, a former rower on the Canadian National Team, hosts daily Zoom classes featuring different types of rowing (strength, cardio and restorative). Mat-only HIIT classes are also available if you don’t have a rowing machine. 

Where to watch: scullhouse.com

Price: 2 weeks unlimited for $50, $250/month for online subscription and rower rental, $15/per for mat-only classes

Duration: 1 hour

Equipment needed: A rowing machine, which you can rent from the studio

Drop Boxing

 

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Sometimes all you want to do at the end of the day is punch something really hard (hell, if we could knock out the year 2020 we would). Enter: Drop Boxing. This Toronto studio is offering an online, on-demand membership, which gives you access to HIIT workouts that incorporate boxing combos that’ll leave your arms on fire. 

Where to watch: dropondemand.vhx.tv

Price: $29.99/month (7-day free trial)

Duration: Between 30 and 50 minutes

Equipment needed: A set of weights for the strength workouts

The post These Canadian Gyms Are Offering Online Workouts appeared first on FASHION Magazine.

The partnership is timed with Homecoming season, the annual fall celebration for students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in the United States. Like with everything else this year, most of the Homecoming festivities for 2020 went digital, with Beyoncé and Peloton adding to the virtual celebration with a series of themed workout experiences across multiple fitness categories, including indoor cycling, running, strength, bootcamp, yoga and meditation.

“Peloton and I both believe that the power of music can help uplift, motivate and inspire those on their fitness journeys,” said Beyoncé in a statement. “I’ve been a Peloton member for several years, and I’m excited to partner with a company that helps people, young and old, be the best versions of themselves, in an innovative and adaptable way.”

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It’s showtime, Peloton. The @beyonce Artist Series has arrived. Get ready to ride, run, lift, flow, sing, love and celebrate the power of music all week long. Check out the live schedule to elevate your next sweat—Beyoncé style.

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Peloton and Beyoncé are also gifting two-year Peloton Digital memberships to students at 10 HBCUs, including Bennett College in North Carolina, Grambling State University in Louisiana, and Howard University in Washington D.C (of which US Vice President-elect Kamala Harris is an alumna). Additionally, Peloton promises to build on its relationships with each of these schools to pursue long-term recruiting partnerships at both the internship and undergraduate levels.

“I’m proud to celebrate the students at HBCUs with this donation, to encourage them to find and embrace their own wellness regimens,” said Beyonce.

According to a press release, “in the coming months, Beyoncé will continue to work closely with Peloton on various forms of class curation across all workout disciplines, touching on areas of importance to her, including music, movement, fitness and wellness.”

Find the Beyoncé Artist Series class schedule below. This content is accessible on the Peloton App as well as through the Peloton Bike and Tread.

On Demand

30 min Beyoncé Two for One Ride with Alex Toussaint & Tunde Oyeneyin

Nov. 11 @ 7.30pm EST

30 min Beyoncé Yoga Flow with Chelsea Jackson Roberts

10 min Beyoncé Meditation with Chelsea Jackson Roberts

Nov. 12 @ 7.30pm EST

20 min Beyoncé Full Body Strength with Robin Arzón

20 min Beyoncé Outdoor Run with Robin Arzón (Audio Only)

Nov. 13 @ 5pm EST

30 min Beyoncé Ride with Ally Love

Nov. 14 @ 10am EST

60 min Beyoncé Bootcamp with Jess Sims

The post Beyoncé Just Teamed Up With Peloton For a Multi-Year Partnership appeared first on FASHION Magazine.

The treadmill features a 23.8” HD touchscreen with integrated speakers and is designed to fit comfortably in most homes, thanks to a sleek design and dimensions that are smaller than most couches. Like the Peloton Bike and App, the Tread offers access to live and on-demand classes to help motivate and elevate your workouts.

While outdoor running provides many benefits, such as fresh air and a varied route, according to experts treadmill running offers the same cardio benefits for heart health. However, there are certain things to keep in mind. In order to burn as many calories on the treadmill as one would outdoors, the treadmill should be set at a 1 percent incline, according to research published in the Journal of Sports Sciences.

“Oftentimes, people forget to add resistance (incline) to their treadmill,” Becs Gentry, a Peloton Tread Instructor, tells FASHION. “This is essential to mimic the air resistance we experience running outside and without it, it can lead people to think that running inside is “easier.” Running outside of your capability is also easier to do on the treadmill as the inclination to run fast is right in front of you and the moving belt seems to assist in the ability to do so. Running faster than you are truly capable of for extended periods of time, 20 seconds or more, is in fact dangerous and can exacerbate lower back and hamstring injuries. You should never allow the treadmill belt to “pull” your legs underneath you as you run, and instead, you should always be in control of your running form.”

For beginners who might be new to running, or specifically to running on a treadmill, Gentry offers a few tips:

“Be humble and remember that with patience comes progress. You have to repeat workouts a few times a week, over a 3-4 week period to start to see or feel changes in yourself. Peloton’s Walk + Run content is a fabulous class format to segue into running for longer durations than you may have done before and they are a great reminder of efficient running form throughout.”

One common criticism of running on a treadmill vs outdoors is the pressure it can put on the knees. To avoid any injuries, says Gentry, “it’s important to run with correct form and within your limits, take time to rest and recover, and include strength training and stretching into your routine. All of these combined show that running can actually strengthen bones, including the knees. Also, ensuring you are wearing trainers which have been designed for running in is a big element people forget to address.”

Gentry recommends supplementing treadmill running with strength and core exercises, and insists that runners spend a few minutes warming up and cooling down before and after workouts. “Revving your engine up before your workout and getting it to come back to its happy place after will benefit longevity of training.”

For more details about the Peloton Tread, click here.

The post Here’s Why Treadmill Running Should Be Your Go-To This Winter appeared first on FASHION Magazine.

My history with exercise is a winding and emotional saga. There was my childhood as a provincial champion rhythmic gymnast (sorry, I don’t give autographs) and then nearly two decades of next to nothing. There was 18 months of passion about eight years back when I decided, hey, maybe I can be a person who likes the gym! That was followed by six months of tumult as I moved provinces and went back to school at 30 in an attempt at a career switch. (A major life change that threw my hard-earned healthy habits into the abyss.) There have been flirtations with spinning and a couple of dusty gym memberships in the intervening years but it wasn’t until about three months into lockdown that I tried home workouts and, this time, the habit stuck.

Was I transformed suddenly into a Person Who Works Out Daily and who has great core strength? Absolutely not. But does my mental and physical health feel better since I started sometimes trading lifting the chip bag for bicep curls? 100%. Maintaining the habit also gives me a sense of accomplishment and pride (it’s 2020, yes I deserve a trophy for moving my body). I’m not entirely sure why the habit has stuck this time after many early summer failures-to-launch but I can credit it, at least in part, to a combination of anxious motivation to not die a sloth, finding workouts that are challenging enough without making me feel like a total failure and gathering a small collection of items that *actually* makes me excited to get a sweat on in my home gym (AKA the area in my living room that’s big enough for jump squats if I push my coffee table alllllllll the way back).

To be sure, getting a cute and functional home gym situation set up doesn’t necessarily come cheap, but I decided that while I’m lucky to still be employed, funnelling some of the cash I used to spend in the Before Times on dinners out, bi-weekly gel manicures and regular shopping excursions into my health was a worthwhile swap.

Here, I round up the things, from workout subscriptions and ankle weights to excellent ear buds, that have helped me stay motivated to move my body in quarantine. If I have one piece of amateur advice to offer, it’s this: If you think a sassy matching workout set, pair of adorable baby yellow weights or a cool marble-patterned yoga mat will inspire you to exercise, and you can afford it, just do it! (Is that where the popular slogan comes from?! I knew there was an athlete in me!)

The HIIT workouts that changed everything

https://www.instagram.com/p/CBLJvvcjfDX/

Gabi’s Fitness Studio, $15 USD per month, gabisfitness.com

Personal trainer Gabi Garbarino is a native Montrealer (like moi) whose fitness ethos is all about sculpting lean, not bulky, muscle. TBQH, at the beginning of this quarantine experiment, my fitness goals were small and achievable: 1) get through the entire 40- to 45-minute workout. 2) Don’t drop dead. The first eight videos in Gabi’s repertoire set you up with the proper form and guide you through her training format (a combination of Tabata and HIIT circuits) and as of video nine, they become “live” style which means that Gabi is working out alongside you—counting you down, reminding you about the correct form and encouraging you with useful prompts. I still curse at my screen with every jump lunge but I can’t get enough of Gabi’s videos; plus, she uploads a new one every Monday and Wednesday so things stay fresh.

The matching workout set that doesn’t roll

Everlane The Perform Legging, $87, everlane.com, and The Perform Bra, $48, everlane.com 

I have tried a lot of different workout leggings and sports bras in my day and this matching set is truly special. It is primo from a performance standpoint; the high waistband doesn’t roll, even when I’m doing things like mountain climbers, and the bra provides a solid amount of support without feeling suffocating. It’s also ridiculously comfortable (everything stays put without digging into any wobbly bits) and it’s just plain cute. I feel good in it. Never have I ever wanted to gallivant around in nothing but a sports bra but 2020 has been nothing if not surprising in every possible way.

The Instagram ankle weights that really *are* that good

Bala Bangles Classic 1lb, $69, shopbala.com

Yes, I absolutely decided I wanted, nay NEEDED, these chic bracelet weights after spotting them all over Instagram and on the ankles and wrists of some of my favourite fitness pros. When I saw they were frequently sold out, I of course wanted them more. I finally managed to get my hands on a pair, and when I say they don’t disappoint, I mean it. I’ve never owned a pair of ankle weights that aren’t both hideous to look at and uncomfortable to wear. Aside from being easy on the eyes, they don’t slide around the wrists or ankles or scratch. Sayonara, shitty 2004 Jillian Michaels ankle weights that left little gouges on my delicate ankles!

FWIW, I also tracked down the new Bala Bars ($78, shopbala.com) after attempting to purchase some basic 3lb free weights online and being laughed off the internet. Did you know lots of people also started building their home gyms during COVID?! These are not cheap but at press time, the cheapest ’80s-style dumbbell I could find on Amazon was going for around $50. And these smooth little babies are infinitely more comfortable to hold than the plastic 5lb monstrosities I bought at a garage sale a hundred years ago. Plus, they remind me of Tic Tacs, which brings me joy. Small pleasures!

The sun protection you need even for, yes, indoor workouts

Clarins Dry Touch Facial Sunscreen SPF 50+, $32, clarins.ca

Yes, you *do* need to wear sunscreen indoors every day, even if you spend 23 hours inside and the pandemic has you skater jumping in your living room. I’m partial to this antioxidant-rich SPF that keeps my money maker safe from the sun’s harmful rays and has the most divine smell—an intoxicating blend of tangerine, orange, blackcurrant, peony and sandalwood—that reminds me of summer. 

The fitness tracker to beat them all

Apple Watch Series 6, Series 6 with GPS starts at $529 CAD, and Series 6 with GPS + Cellular starts at $659 CAD, apple.com

If the Fitbit was my gateway drug to fitness tracking (oh, the thrill of getting those first 10,000 steps!), the Apple Watch got me all the way addicted. The start of my lockdown fitness journey directly coincided with me getting my first Apple Watch and it is proved to be a game-changer for me. I’m obsessed with tracking every workout and closing my activity rings (do not mention August 23 when I forgot to put my watch on in the morning and didn’t close my Standing Ring) but the new watchOS 7 has even more features that keep me on track. The Workout App now has four new workout types—Core Training, Dance, Functional Strength Training and Cooldown—supported by heart rate monitoring and custom motion algorithms to make sure your exertion is tracked as accurately as possible. The Dance type, which was tested with Bollywood, cardio dance, hip-hop and Latin dancing, is especially cool: The watch uses advanced sensor fusion, combining data from the heart rate sensor and inputs from the accelerometer and gyroscope, that accounts for the unique challenges of measuring different body-to-arm motions typical with dance. Science! Has this inspired me to try Zumba? I’ll never tell.

The low-impact Pilates flows for when you want something chill

https://www.instagram.com/p/CFpcxKTgiw6/

Melissa Wood Health, $9.99 USD per month, melissawoodhealth.com

The MWH method is a series of controlled, low-impact movements that combines yoga and Pilates, but don’t be fooled by the whole “low impact” thing. You *will* sweat like a donkey following her flows that range from eight to 40 minutes but there’s nary a jump in sight. She drops a new flow every Monday along with a suggested workout schedule. A sweet bonus is the MWH app that lets you easily take the workouts on the road with you (if you’re, say, safely staying in a hotel) or cast them on your larger screens at home. She also offers lovely guided meditations for when you need an extra dose of zen.

The yoga mat that doubles as a cool runner

Design Lab 3.5mm Combo Mat – Geo, $106, yogadesignlab.com

Listen, aesthetics aren’t everything but when your apartment is your home, office, gym, restaurant and movie theatre, it really helps if something is nice to look at. In the words of André Leon Talley, my eyes are starved for beauty! Thankfully, this mat is not just aesthetically pleasing, but technically superior and made from conscious materials—a layer of natural tree rubber is bonded to an absorbent recycled microfibre towel layer so you don’t need a separate mat and towel. Bonus points for being free of silicone, toxic glue and phthalates since, you know, you put your face on this thing. 

The wireless ear buds that stay put

Google Pixel Buds, $239, store.google.com

These ear buds get top marks for comfort and staying power—they sit comfortably and unobtrusively in your ears and don’t budge, even when one might be flailing around in some torturous burpy-plank-squat move designed to kill a person. (Just kidding, Gabi!) Plus, they’re sweat- and water-resistant which makes them ideal for getting your schvitz on.

The neighbourhood walk pick-me-up

Fenty Beauty Cheeks Out Freestyle Cream Blush, $26, sephora.com

Hear me out! On the days when the thought of a plank or crunch make me want to go fetal, I listen to my body and hit the pavement instead. When I feel like a slug that just crawled out of a gutter but don’t want to put on makeup (remember daily makeup? LOL), I tap a bit of this creamy miracle on my cheeks after doing my skincare and it’s an instant pick-me-up for what is likely my big outing of the day. Let me have this!

The post 9 Things That Have Made Me Look Forward to Exercising At Home appeared first on FASHION Magazine.

Speaking of the inspiration behind the platform, Jay Blahnik, the senior director of fitness for health technologies, said, “Apple Fitness+ was built around a very simple inspiration — which we live every day —  that the entire service is built to help more people close more Activity Rings more often.”

Across multiple briefings and an exclusive interview with Blahnik, we got a deeper look into the platform and what it’s going to offer customers when it launches in Canada later this year. From an ever-expanding class catalogue to a focus on inclusivity (love to see it) and more, here are the key things you need to know about Apple Fitness+.

The workouts

Apple looked at data from its workout app to determine the 10 most popular types of workouts its users do through Apple Watch  – from here, they built a team of world-class trainers to deliver classes every week in these categories. When the service launches you’ll be able to choose from treadmill walk, treadmill run, HIIT, rowing, dance, cycling, yoga, core, strength and mindful cooldown. Plus, once you start using the platform and the algorithm learns what types of classes/trainers you like, it will intelligently recommend new classes and trainers for you to try in your favourite categories, as well as new options as a compliment to your existing routine.

There are four ways to filter the classes to find what you’re looking for: trainer, class type, duration and music. Blahnik says keeping the search process simple – and not veering into beginner, intermediate and advanced options among other toggles – was a deliberate choice. “We have worked very hard to make the process of choosing a workout as a simple as possible. Some people want recommendations, some people know exactly what they want, some people only want the latest workouts and other people want to enjoy the process of discovery. We built Fitness+ to make it easy for all of these types of users to navigate the workout library without feeling overwhelmed.” That’s not to say that the workouts don’t offer varying levels of difficulty to cater to every fitness level. In each class, one of the trainers from the Apple Fitness+ squad will do the modifications so there’s something for the beginner right up to the more advanced athletes and workout junkies. Plus, there’s a preview option offered for every class, where the trainer gives an overview of the class and tells users what equipment they’ll need (which is usually nothing or simply a set of dumbbells).

New classes – which are available in 10, 20, 30 and 45 minute lengths – will be dropped weekly, allowing users to plan out their week of workouts in advance. All workouts will be automatically added the workout catalogue so you can always go back and take a class you liked whenever suits you. For now, all of the workouts are designed to be taken inside your home or a gym.

The trainers

Apple had assembled quite the crew for its instructor team for launch. Canadian Kyle Ardill is in the line-up, and there’s a face that will be very familiar to Toronto SoulCycle fanatics in the form of Tyrell Désean. The search for the trainers took several months, with Apple visiting a variety of classes in studios, parks, and other locations to scout the very best talent for the program. Speaking of the selection process, Blahnik explained, “Of course we wanted the Fitness+ Trainers to be specialists in their field, but we also wanted each of them to have their own inspiring fitness journeys and life experiences that we believe would resonate and inspire our users. And it was really important to us that they had a passion not just for the very fit, but also for the beginner. We wanted Fitness+ to be a service where everyone was invited to the party, regardless of your fitness experience or ability.” He adds, “Some of the trainers have spent their entire careers in fitness, and others are newer to the industry.  It was important to us that the team represented a wide range of ages and life experiences as well as expertise.”

The metrics

As mentioned in Jay’s quote above, the whole point of Apple Fitness+ is to get more people closing their rings more often – and the platform takes metrics engagement to a whole new level. Once users have chosen a workout, they’ll see the metrics from their watch appear right on the screen for an added level of motivation. The metrics are intelligent, too – for example, when an instructor asks you to check your heart rate, your heart rate will automatically become the focus metric on screen. In other scenarios, if an instructor has called for 30 seconds of a particular exercise, a countdown timer will appear on screen so you know exactly how much longer you have left. “Seeing this information animate at exactly the right time with the right information can be incredibly motivating, and make it easier to get through your workout,” Blahnik says of the feature. Not into seeing your metrics one day because you’re keen to just focus on the workout? You have the option to hide them whenever you’d like. And for ring-closing fans, if you close a ring during your workout, the celebration that usually appears on your watch face will happen on whatever screen you’re doing your workout on instead so you don’t miss it.

At present, the platform has been designed as a fairly solitary exercise (excuse the pun) with little interaction opportunities between users. However, all of your workouts will count towards your badges, challenges and awards and if you have Activity Sharing on, your friends will be able to see your workouts. There is one in-built motivator on screen in the form of the Burn Bar which allows you to see how you stack up against other people who have taken the workout, which is perfect for those that enjoy a little (or a lot) of healthy competition.

The messaging 

In music to our ears, Apple is really emphasizing the inclusive nature of the program. This is certainly a platform designed for all levels of fitness and to encourage anyone who wants to get into a more regular routine to do so in a very easy way. There’s a beginners program on offer to help anyone who hasn’t previously taken studio classes to get comfortable with the moves and style of the classes, and as mentioned above, all classes feature modifications so users can take it at their own pace. Offering a variety of class lengths was also important for this reason, with Blahnik noting that they wanted to celebrate and encourage any activity, no matter the duration. “We wanted to build a fitness service where dance workouts were given as much love as HIIT workouts, where 10 minute workouts were as celebrated as 45-minute workouts,” he says. “[We wanted to build] a service where everyone felt invited to the party, regardless of what motivates you, moves you or inspires you.” In a heartwarming addition, the instructors also wanted to find a way to make classes more accessible so they all learned sign language to be able to communicate the most important messages throughout the classes.

The Watch

Users will need an Apple Watch to access the platform and Apple launched two brand new options this week alongside Fitness+.

Apple Watch Series 6 (prices start at $529) features a beautiful new screen with an updated always-on retina display which is 2.5 times brighter than the Series 5 when outdoors. It’s packed with a host of suped-up tech features, 18-hour battery life and faster charging capabilities. Perhaps its most impressive feature is the new blood oxygen sensor and app which allows users to measure their blood oxygen saturation right on their wrist, providing a new level of health information to users to help them understand their overall fitness and wellbeing. Series 6 also sees the introduction a brand new blue aluminum case (which joins the silver, space grey and gold options), as well as a (PRODUCT)RED option with matching bands. There’s also a new graphite option available in the stainless steel offering, alongside an updated yellow gold colour. As for the bands, Apple is launching a brand new, first-of-its-kind solo loop – a continuous, stretchable band offered in a variety of sizes (nine, to be exact) so all users can find their perfect fit. The solo loop is offered in silicone, as well as a soft braided yarn. Apple Watch Hermès will also see new band inclusions in the form of the Hermès Attelage Single Tour and the slimmer Attelage Double Tour bands.

Photograph courtesy of Apple

Photograph courtesy of Apple

Photograph courtesy of Apple

Photograph courtesy of Apple

Photograph courtesy of Apple

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The company also introduced Apple Watch SE (prices start at $369), a more affordable version of the watch, packed with all of the essential features. Apple Watch SE has the largest and most advanced retina display and features the same accelerometer, gyroscope and always-on altimeter as Apple Watch Series 6 (and wellness and safety features like fall detection, emergency SOS and noise detection). It is available in three aluminum case finishes – gold, silver and space grey – and with a variety of bands, including the new solo loop and braided solo loop.

The details

Apple Fitness+ will be launching in Canada towards the end of the year (watch this space for exact dates). The cost for the platform will be $12.99 a month or $99.99 for the year. Classes are offered in English with the option of French Canadian subtitles.

The post How Apple Fitness+ is Going to Change The Way You Workout appeared first on FASHION Magazine.

A yearly membership costs $168 CAD, and includes the following:

• Exclusive Lululemon membership gear valued over $100
• 12 passes to the member’s choice of sweat classes or events, either online or in-person, where available
• 20% off Lululemon gear on members’ birthdays
• Live digital workshops designed and facilitated by Lululemon
• First dibs on select product releases and special access to exclusive gear
• Passes for members’ friends and family, shopping perks, and more

Members can also look forward to exclusive events in 2020. In October, New York Times bestselling author and Lululemon Global Ambassador Gabrielle Bernstein will offer a 90-minute virtual coaching on the six transformational methods outlined in her upcoming audiobook, You are the Guru. November and December will be all about digital, local ambassador-led workouts and meditations that are universally accessible.

“The membership program continues to celebrate community connection, and provides a range of offerings – such as special product, dedicated online sweat classes, and inspiring guest speakers – to extend the Lululemon experience,” said the brand’s CEO, Calvin McDonald, in a statement.

For more information, visit Lululemon.com/membership.

The post Lululemon Just Rolled Out Its New Membership Program appeared first on FASHION Magazine.

Her interest in beauty eventually gave way to a love for fitness. She began documenting her workouts online, garnering thousands of followers, and earned a certification in personal training before going on to become an ambassador for Under Armour in 2017. When the athletic apparel brand decided it was time to launch a sport hijab, they consulted Munir, along with other Muslim athletes.

Read on for our interview with Saman Munir about the design process, what it’s like as a hijabi woman in fitness, and why the sport hijab has been a game-changer for her.  



What are some of the stereotypes about Muslim women, and specifically hijabi women, that you would like to challenge through your platform? 

Most of the time people think that we’re oppressed, or that we’re not educated or we can’t do anything. A lot of people have that mentality. But that’s totally wrong; we have all the freedom. My hijab liberates me. And now that they’re seeing on social media how us hijabis are doing our workouts and how we’re into fitness, it’s kind of changing their mindset. Because there are a lot more hijabi professional athletes out there now, like Ibtihaj Muhammad from the United States and Zeina Nassar, a boxer from Germany. 


How do you think your take on beauty and fitness differs from the other influencers out there?

I do everything modestly. I’m always dressed modestly, whereas other influencers are obviously not. And even they admit that the more skin they show the more likes they get and the more viewers they get. But I’m happy. I don’t have to show my skin to get more likes, I’m just showing my workouts.

What was the process like of working with Under Armour on their new sport hijab?

When I became an Under Armour ambassador I told them I’d rather be wearing top to bottom Under Armour than just from the neck down. So when they started working on the hijab, the design team consulted me on the features that I would like to see. They sent me the prototypes, which I tested out. The first one they sent me was a bit too short, and there was a white one that was a bit see-through. So we went back and forth until we landed on the perfect sport hijab. 


Having a hijab specifically created for working out must be a game changer. How has it changed working out for you?
There’s a huge difference. I used to sweat a lot in my other hijab, and I used to get headaches because it was pulling my hair back. I also had to keep going to the washroom to fix my hijab because I was worried it would slip. But the Under Armour sport hijab is lightweight and breathable. When you’re wearing fabric around your whole head and you’re sweating, breathability is non-negotiable. It’s long enough to cover the front and the back, it wicks sweat and dries quickly, and the best part is there’s built-in headphone access. Plus I don’t have to worry that my hair is showing or that it’s going to slip. I know that it’s going to stay put, so I can focus on my workout and give it my hundred per cent.

What are some of the positive comments and feedback you get from young women that are inspired by you and your workout videos?
It’s not just women; I get a lot of comments from Muslim guys, and non-Muslims as well. When I started, my worry was that guys were going to be like ‘what is she doing’ but it’s nothing like that. They’re like ‘you’re empowering women, we love to see this and we want our sisters or our wives to be like that.’ It’s really motivating. It makes me happy that whatever I’m doing is inspiring other people. Also, I have hypothyroidism, and a lot of girls have the same situation. So when they see that I can still work out and be fit, they get inspired. My metabolism is pretty slow, and the side effects are that you feel tired and sleepy, you feel depressed, you gain weight. I’ve had it since the age of 16. In the beginning I thought there’s no way I can lose weight because I have this issue but once you take that block out of your mind and say ‘you got this,’ you can push through. 

The post This Canadian Fitness Influencer Helped Design Under Armour’s New Sport Hijab appeared first on FASHION Magazine.

Each week of the Pelothon will spotlight the work of one of the four charities, with equal donations being made to each: Daily Bread Food Bank in Canada, Food Bank For New York City in the US, Trussell Trust in the UK, and Die Tafel in Germany. Through this challenge, Peloton hopes to offer an incentive for its community of members to learn more about each individual charity.

The campaign provides members—those with Bikes, Treads or Peloton App users—with a positive and community-based activity to engage in over the coming month. Peloton’s 33 instructors will be divided into six teams, with cycling, tread, yoga and meditation disciplines coming together to motivate their followers on the 4-week journey.

“The Pelothon was created to bring our member community and instructors together to support global hunger relief efforts. We are thrilled to have launched a challenge that connects our members and helps our global communities during a time when they need it most,” said Jamie Herbert, General Manager at Peloton Interactive Canada, in a statement to FASHION.

Get all the details about Pelothon 2020, which will run from July 13 to August 9, here.

The post The 2020 Pelothon Challenge Will Benefit Four Hunger Relief Charities appeared first on FASHION Magazine.

The monumental undertaking will see both brands share their respective sustainable innovation resources with one another in an effort to create the world-first shoe. It’s no small feat, particularly when you consider that, according to recent research, the footwear industry produces 700 million metric tons of carbon dioxide every year. Broken down, that means that one pair of synthetic running shoes has a carbon footprint of between 11.3 and 16.7kg CO2 alone, according to Adidas.

In order to create a sports performance shoe with the lowest ever carbon footprint, the brands will reevaluate the manufacturing and supply chain processes (including facilities and transportation) and innovate where necessary, and explore renewable material resources. The goal is to create a shoe that measures up to Adidas’ strict performance standards for its athletes whilst achieving the best possible score via Allbird’s recently launched life cycle assessment tool which measures end-to-end carbon emissions. “While we are prioritizing the planet, we’re staying committed to improving the athlete’s experience,” James Carnes, the vice president of brand strategy at Adidas, said in a release. “That means the end result should yield no compromises for athletes or the planet.”

He added, “Our brands don’t want to just participate in the sustainability conversation, we want to continue being catalysts and creators of substantial improvement. The recent progress that our brands have made in the name of sustainable innovation has created the perfect momentum for this partnership to influence industry practices forever.”

Tim Brown, the CEO of Allbirds, also noted that the shared goal of carbon neutrality between the brands eliminated any sense of competition. “There is an urgent need to reduce our global carbon number, and this mission is bigger than just Allbirds or Adidas. Whether we realize it or not this is a race that we are all running together as a planet and it is one that trumps the day-to-day competition of individual companies. I am hopeful that this partnership will be an example for others to follow as we pursue a more sustainable, net zero carbon future.”

He continued, “Our great hope is that this partnership will catalyze other people to share both their best ideas and research so that we can work together in the fight to live more sustainably. This is a problem that won’t be solved by one company alone.”

The post Adidas and Allbirds Team Up to Create Running Shoe with Lowest Ever Carbon Footprint appeared first on FASHION Magazine.

It’s no secret that the current state of the world has us all reasonably alarmed. With the COVID-19 pandemic keeping most of us at home, WFH sweatsuits, talking to plants and Zoom happy hours have become our new normal. I, for one, may or may not have hosted a funeral for my eight fallen eyelash extensions, so there’s the tea on my deranged condition. But is it just me or is taking live-streaming fitness classes and going out for safe morning strolls pretty much the ONLY thing getting us through these trying times? For both our physical and mental health (see: eyelash funeral), it’s more important than ever to get our bodies moving.

With Earth day right around the corner, now is the perfect time to focus on our commitment to bettering the planet through our sportswear choices. And while physical distancing means we might not be able to bop over to the mall anytime soon, luckily for us these brands are making it easy to shop a greener, more ethical athleisure lewk online from the comfort of our home. Whether they’re pledging their commitment to environmentally conscious production cycles, prioritizing safer working conditions or using less water, these companies are proving you don’t have to sacrifice style or performance when sporting a pair of leggings made from recycled plastic bottles!

So order a metal straw, start composting and be sure to scroll through the brands—and our fave pieces—that will contribute to a more sustainable future while wicking away your stress sweat.

Lolë

Half Moon Bra, $65, ca-en.lolelife.com, Half Moon Ankle Legging, $99, ca-en.lolelife.com

A favourite of yogis, Lolë’s super soft, eco-conscious collection of basics are as chic as they are sustainable. Crafted from recycled fibres sourced from post-consumer water bottles and modal, a fibre made of cellulose, which is a natural component of wood, that is decomposed back into nature at the end of its life cycle (a.k.a. it’s biodegradable), making these everyday workout essentials are a win-win for all involved. In addition, through their Yellow Label Program, Lolë collects gently used outerwear and donates them to local charities across Canada, the US and Europe to help families in need. Smart consumption never looked so easy, breezy and downward dog-ready.  

Girlfriend Collective

Topanga Bra, $55, girlfriend.com, Compressive High-Rise Legging, $98, girlfriend.com

Chances are you’ve probably seen someone in a sleek Girlfriend Collective set in your barre or Barry’s class and wondered “where did they get that?” The brand’s signature high-waist compression leggings and matching bra are hard to forget but did you know they’re also ethical AF? Surprise! GFC is a leader in sustainability, encouraging “slow fashion” in an effort to be eco-conscious every step of the way; and those simple yet perfect sets? They’re actually made from a combination of recycled post-consumer water bottles, fishing nets and waste from the ocean so it’s really no wonder the brand’s amassed a cult-like following—I’ve personally never been so sure of anything in my whole life. Bonus: GFC also offers extended sizes and maternity pieces!

First Base

Surf And Turf Crop Top, $74, thisisfirstbase.com, Surf And Turf High Rise Legging, $115, thisisfirstbase.com

Is it possible to look cool while you’re drowning in sweat? When you’re sporting gear by First Base the answer is hell yes. Thanks to the brand’s neon accents and retro design influences, First Base is Australia’s answer to eco-conscious sportswear that Bella Hadid would defs wear on the low. Their pieces are all made from organic cotton, recycled nylon and bamboo produced without the use of toxic chemicals or polluting residues. And with a p. chic following of 123K on Instagram alone, these high-performance pieces will give you major street cred.

Michi

Drive Hoodie, $202, michiny.com, Drive Short, $158, michinyc.com

Launched in 2010, Calgary native Michelle Watson conceived Michi after relocating to NYC and working as a designer for iconic brands like Kate Spade and Donna Karan. Her goal was simple—marry high-performance activewear with high-fashion style in the most ethical and eco-conscious way possible by ensuring her pieces are Bluesign® and Oeko-Tex® certified. This means the brand complies to strict guidelines to ensure that their textile processing chain is environmentally sound at all stages of production. And with a crew of seriously fit and chic females like Tracee Ellis Ross, Khloe Kardashian and Hannah Bronfman wearing her threads, Michi proves you don’t have to sacrifice function for eco-conscious fashion.

Nimble

Circuit Breaker Bra, $66, nimbleactivewear.com, High Rise 7/8 II, $83, nimbleactivewear.com

If you’re looking for your next workout-to-brunch set, look no further than sustainable Australian activewear brand, Nimble. Whether you’re on the hunt for a supportive bra that’ll actually stay put or pair of breathable leggings that’ll withstand a sweaty dodgeball sesh, Nimble’s got you covered with pieces that not only look cute but are crafted with COMPRESSLITE™and MOVELITE™ fabrics made from post-consumer recycled plastic bottles that have saved over 300,000 bottles from ending up in landfills over the past year. What’s more, Nimble donates $1 from every purchase to fund projects dedicated to protecting The Great Barrier Reef and restoring native trees across Australia—now that’s a matching set you can feel good about wearing.

Titika

Major Medium Impact Bra, $73, titikaactive.ca, Kennedy Legging, $142, titikaactive.ca

If you’re a fan of interesting prints and colours, you’ll want to stock up on what Titika has in store. The Canadian activewear brand is a fashion-forward and sustainable alternative to synthetic workout garments with smart designs made from eco-friendly fibres like Modal and Tencel. Bonus: Titika actually owns their production facility overseas which means they retain control over manufacturing practices and ensure firsthand their staff have good benefits and ethical working conditions. Chic.

The post Sustainable Workout Clothes That Do Your Body *and* the Planet Good appeared first on FASHION Magazine.

What’s your advice for someone who wants to start running but hasn’t previously?

You can do this! The hardest step is the first one out of the door. So be brave and take that step. Next take it slow, running is all about pacing yourself. Lastly, give yourself a break – you are just starting after all so for the first few runs make it a run-walk.

What are the key considerations to keep in mind for first-time runners?

Key considerations for a first time runner is to not do too much too soon. Running is amazing and can become somewhat addictive. The biggest mistake a new runner can make is overloading their system and ending up injured. So take it slow and ease into it. Running is humbling and no matter if you are a veteran just coming back from a break or a brand new runner, those first few runs are always going to feel tough so be kind to yourself and stick with it. I promise you will not regret it. Everyone’s starting point in running will be a little different so do not compare yourself to others. This is your journey.

What are some of the benefits of running?

There are so many amazing benefits to running. In the current global situation it is a huge benefit because it is something you can do by yourself outside. It is amazing to get out and get some fresh air. Not to mention the health benefits of consistent exercise. Running is a great form of aerobic exercise that gets the whole body moving. It can also help to lower your stress levels. I especially find it nice because it is something I can schedule and control every day, and with all the uncertainty in the world it is nice to have something you can count on. And if you still need convincing, it is a great calorie burner.

Could you provide a basic running plan for someone who is starting out?

As I mentioned above the key is to take it slow.  I would suggest running no more than every other day, coupling it with strength and mobility work on the opposite days. My favourite resource for this is the Nike Training Club app. There are tons of at-home friendly workouts to help you stay active on the days you are not running. And the bonus is you will get stronger which will help your running.

Below is an example run plan:

Run 1: 5 mins walking 10x (1 min run + 1 min walk) + 5 mins walking = 30mins (10 mins running)

Run 2: 5 mins walking 8x (2 mins run + 1 min walk) + 5 mins walking = 34 mins (16 mins running)

Run 3: 5 mins walking 4x (5 mins run + 1 min walk) + 5 mins walking = 34 mins (20 mins running)

Run 4: 5 mins walking 2 x (10 mins run + 1 min walk) + 5 mins walking = 32 mins (20 mins running)

There is nothing wrong with keeping the run a run-walk. Do each run until you feel comfortable to move to the next one. If you get to the 10mins straight and are feeling confident give a straight 20-minute run a try. You can always take a walk break if you need to.

The Nike Run Club app can also be super helpful. It is a great way to record your running journey. The NRC app also has audio guided runs specific for beginners so you can literally have a coach in your ear guiding you on your run.

What equipment do you need to run?

The nice thing about running is that it does not require much equipment. However, a good pair of running shoes is key. My go-to running shoe is the Nike Zoom Pegasus or the Nike React Infinity. These would both be great options for a beginner runner as well. But the key is that the shoe is comfortable on your foot, because you are the one that has to run in them.

Do you need to stretch before/after you run? What are some stretches you would recommend?

I would suggest doing a dynamic warm up which basically means getting the body moving in the way you are going to move during the activity. No static stretching before running. Here is a resource of some run drills:

Post-run, I like active isolated stretching, I find it really helps with decreasing muscle soreness. Check out this video:

Lastly, I want to emphasize that running is a skill. It is something that needs to be learned and deliberately practiced. Think of running as a progression of marching and not walking. And have fun!

Remember that social distancing protocols are in place across Canada, so if you do head out for a run, be sure to keep your distance from others.

The post Keen to Start Running? Here’s Everything You Need to Know appeared first on FASHION Magazine.

No Equipment Workouts for Arms

Beverley Cheng from Toronto uses her own body weight for a complete arms and abs workout—and uses approximately 12 square feet of space while doing so.

15 Minute Full Upper Body

Maddie Lymburner guides this 15 minute, quarantine-focused bodyweight workout. All of your upper body muscles will feel the burn.

24 Minute Full Upper Body

Trainer and health coach Jeanette Jenkins regularly posts workouts to Instagram, which is followed by the likes of Alicia Keys, Zendaya and Yara Shahidi. Here is her complete upper body workout that tones arms, shoulders and back, with core strengthening throughout.

30 Minute Cardio Fusion

This mix of cardio and upper body training with celebrity trainer Kit Rich will make it hard to type on your laptop the next day. But for good reason.

Dumbbells… Or Cans of Beans

Joe Wicks, whose celebrity client list includes Adele, leads an upper body workout with dumbbells. If you don’t own any, this is your chance to get creative, like we mentioned earlier.

For Beginners!

The ever-enthusiastic Whitney Simmons is quite gifted in training (and tricking you into thinking you’re having fun). If working out is foreign to you, this is a great place to start.

ADVANCED Upper Body Workout

L.A.-based personal trainer Massy Arias is followed by Toronto natives Winnie Harlow and Donté Colley. Here, Arias provides an equipment-free workout for anyone who already has excellent upper body strength and balance.

Time Crunch

Only have 5 minutes to spare? Here’s a workout you can do in that time, featuring celebrity trainer Astrid McGuire.

Upper Body Stretches

Stretching is super important both prior to and after working out. Here are some great stretches that focus on the muscles used in upper body workouts.

The post 9 Upper Body Workouts to Add to Your At-Home Workout Schedule appeared first on FASHION Magazine.

MISFITSTUDIO
With MISFITSTUDIO’s IRL locations in Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver temporarily closed, they’ve pivoted to online. In addition to daily classes streamed on Instagram Live that combine elements of movement, yoga and Pilates, the studio is also offering over 45 different online classes live via Zoom. Each class is $18 (+ HST) and sign-up closes 25 minutes before class time.

Formation Studio
Formation Studio closed its doors two weeks ago but you can still experience its dance-based fitness routine virtually. Weekly IG Live classes include a 40-minute Power class, which offers music-driven strength and conditioning and a 30-minute Freedom class, which promises nonstop movement aka a digital dance party. Keep an eye out for other online options, to be announced on their social channels soon.

Sweat & Tonic
To keep their community going during these unprecedented times, Toronto gym Sweat & Tonic has launched Sweat Live, an online space for group classes and personalized coaching via Zoom (for $12/class), and is also offering a slate of free classes daily on Instagram Live. These IG Live classes cover everything from prenatal yoga to sound healing to full body HIIT. In addition, the studio is launching a new service on April 3 called Sweat On Demand, which offers an all-access pass to the studio’s digital library of fitness classes like yoga, HIIT, boxing, and Pilates. The on-demand service starts with a 7-day free trial, following which the fee is $15/month.

Women’s Health
Since self-isolation became a reality for millions around the world, Women’s Health magazine has been inviting trainers to take over their Instagram feed daily with live-streamed workouts. The schedule for this week includes cardio boxing, a full body circuit, abs and core-focused workouts and a Dance HIIT class. All classes are 30 minutes or less and require minimal to no equipment. Don’t fret if you can’t tune in at the appointed time; all workouts are saved for 24 hours on their page.

Tracy Anderson
Personal trainer to the likes of Gwyneth Paltrow and Alessandra Ambrosio, Tracy Anderson may have temporarily shuttered her studios but her famed workouts are continuing online. “[Our] mission during this time is to keep innovating ways to stay connected with all of you and help you stay balanced and clear,” they shared on Instagram, announcing the launch of a new series of virtual live classes. The first class launched on March 29th, with the next ones lined up for Saturday, April 4th and Sunday, April 5th at 11am EST. Classes will be presented via Zoom, and in order to view the live stream, participants need to sign up at https://bit.ly/TracyLIVE at least one hour prior to the start of the class. In addition, Anderson will continue to stream beginner, intermediate and advanced level classes via her Online Studio, a weekly workout subscription program.

ClassPass
In lieu of IRL workouts, ClassPass is offering live and on-demand workouts from top studios around the world that you can do right from your living room. Live-streamed class offerings range from yoga to strength training to HIIT, with 100% of class proceeds going straight to the studios until June 1. Participants can purchase these classes using their credits, even if their account is paused. On-demand workouts are another option, offering unlimited access to over 2,000 free video and audio workouts from top studios via the ClassPass app.

Lululemon
Over the next few weeks, Canadian athletic apparel brand Lululemon promises to deliver “daily content from our community and ambassadors to help you live #thesweatlife wherever you are.” This includes live sessions of yoga and guided meditation on Instagram, guides to do-anywhere workouts and at-home training, as well as self-care tips and tricks.

P.Volve
The online fitness studio is offering 30 days of free streaming to all new members via the code ONEPVOLVE, giving them access to hundreds of workouts through the P.volve online streaming platform. They’re also offering free live workouts on Instagram Live and YouTube three times a day (8am EST, 1pm EST and 6pm EST). Classes are 15 to 20 minutes in duration and range from Morning Stretch to Sweat and Burn to Lengthen and Tone.

Barry’s Bootcamp
After closing all locations across the US and Canada earlier this month, the fitness studio has now shifted to hosting regular sweat sessions on IG Live. Each day, trainers from various Barry’s studios across North America head over to Instagram to take viewers through a variety of workouts, from full body workouts to resistance training with bands. You can find all the Barry’s At Home workout videos saved under their IGTV section on the platform.

Extension Room
For barre and ballet-inspired workouts, head to Extension Room’s Instagram, where they are live-streaming their most popular classes. Get your cardio workout in with the Allegro Ballet Bootcamp, work your core with the Développé Ballet Sculpt class, or if you’re new to the workout style inspired by professional ballerinas, start out with Barre 101.

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As the COVID-19 outbreak continues to dominate headlines, everyone is being encouraged to practice social distancing to help stop the spread of the disease. As a result, an increasing number of us are working from home and many gyms are temporarily closing their doors. So what does this mean for our workout schedules? If you like to get in a few weekly sweat sessions and your regular gym has closed up shop, fear not: there are plenty of ways to stay fit within the four walls of your house. Below, we’ve rounded up 8 at-home fitness apps/workouts to get you moving:

Peloton

We couldn’t make a list of at-home workouts without including the Peloton now could we? Offering thousands of workouts at the touch of a button and in the convenience of your own home, the bike has fast become the go-to for time-strapped fitness lovers around the globe. You can filter your classes by time (cycling classes begin at just 10 minutes), music genre, style of workout (such as low impact or tabata etc) and instructors. The bike is available on a 30-day free trial with the option to buy it outright starting from $2,950 (subscription to the Peloton app is $49 a month on top of this) or via repayments across 39 months once that time is up. However if cycling isn’t your thing, you can sign up for the Peloton digital membership on its own instead which gives you access to strength, running, yoga and meditation classes on demand for just $12 a month. Peloton announced today that it is extending the trial period for the app from 30 days to 90 in light of recent events.

Find out more here.

Body By Simone

A favourite of celebrities including Jennifer Garner, Reese Witherspoon and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Body By Simone is run by former dancer Simone de la Rue. The dance-based cardio classes are fun but make no mistake – you will be out of breath and exhausted by the time it’s all over. In light of the recent COVID-19 crisis, de la Rue took to her Instagram page this week to announce that she has lowered her membership prices by up to 40% to “help make our workouts accessible to everyone.” There’s daily live-streamed classes on offer, as well as a bank of other workouts on demand. Prices start at $17 a month.

Find out more here.

Nike + Training Club

If you’re keen to keep up your fitness regime but don’t want any extra costs right now, then the Nike Training Club app is the one for you. With hundreds of at-home workouts available – from bodyweight to cardio and equipment-based classes – there’s something for everyone to sweat it out to. You can also choose from different training programs to fit your specific health goals. Lead by the Nike master trainers, it’s like having your own personal trainer in your living room, minus the cost. That’s what we call a win-win.

Find out more here.

Tone It Up

Social distancing can be lonely, which is why joining a fitness community like Tone It Up is perfect right now. Through it’s app you’ll get access to hundreds of workouts (both live and on-demand) across various levels of time and difficulty, daily reminders to help keep you on track, as well as healthy recipes and nutritional advice. Plus, you’ll join the #TIUteam where you can connect with other members and the trainers from wherever you are in the world. Price start at $21 per month, following a free 7-day trial.

Find out more here.

Pure Barre

Love a barre workout but don’t have your own ballet studio at home? Not to worry as you can use your kitchen island/lounge/just about any stable surface in your house instead to do your Pure Barre workouts at home. The app allows you to follow a program or choose your own path when it comes to classes, and offers on-demand classes that start from just 5 minutes long and go up to an hour. As with the in-studio classes, the at-home workouts are low impact and will help create muscle definition whilst lengthening and toning. You can get a free 7-day trial, and the membership is $42/per month after that.

Find out more here.

Yoga For Beginners

The lack of commute right now means we’ve been given a little extra time back in our days so why not take that time to finally get into yoga. Good for both your mental and physical health, yoga is an easy at-home workout – all you need to begin is yourself and a comfortable surface to stretch out on. Yoga For Beginners will help you learn basic poses in easy-to-follow classes without the pressure of being in a studio. It’s the #1 rated free workout app for yoga beginners on the App Store and has an average rating of 4.7/5.

Find out more here.

SWEAT by Kayla Itsines

You’ve probably seen someone on your Instagram or in your life praising the BBG workouts (now known as SWEAT) by Australian personal trainer Kayla Itsines. The whole concept is built on 28-minute workouts and Itsines provides equipment substitutions that are as simple as using a can of tomatoes in lieu of dumbbells for example, making her workouts accessible to everyone. The workouts are based on high-intensity plyometric exercises (heads up, you’ll be doing a lot of burpees) and also include cardio and recovery options. Programs start from beginner level and also include pre-training options if you’re new to this type of exercise. You’ll also get access to workouts from other trainers via the app, as well as to the SWEAT forum where you can chat with other participants about their fitness journeys and find support for yours. There’s a two-week free trial on offer, and it’s approximately $28/month after that.

Find out more here.

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