playlist: happy + free run

Some days, I must admit I just need angry chick music to muster up the motivation to run. Some days however, I loooove how it feels to run & the freedom. And since I've been feeling particularly free this week, I thought I'd post my fave happy-free 30 minute run mix. This has just the right balance of ups and downs and the right sound to keep me motivated to finish with a bang. Enjoy!

1] Love Lost-- The Temper Trap

2] Dog Days Are Over-- Florence + The Machine (this whole album is golden for running/birthing)

3] Keep the Car Running-- Arcade Fire

4] North By North-- Faded Paper Figures

5] Zero-- Yeah Yeah Yeahs

6] Sweet Disposition-- The Temper Trap

7] Jump In the Pool-- Friendly Fires

8] You Got Yr. Cherry Bomb-- Spoon

Extended edition:
9] You've Got the Love-- Florence + The Machine
10] If Looks Could Kill-- Camera Obscura
11] My Moon My Man-- Feist

do it wednesday: runner's world challenge

Hey you runners [or wannabe runner's like me]! This might be just what you need for a fun little kick in the pants.

image: runner's world

do it wednesday: stay balanced yoga

Here's a morning and an evening routine to balance your mind and body. Do it here. Whole Living.

do it wednesday: workouts for your ipod & iphone

Squeeze in some moves where ever. It's all about convenience. Get it. Women's Health.

pilates class playlist I

If you were to take my Pilates class, this might be what you'd be breathing, engaging, & sweating to. Some new & some older, this is one of my faves.

Honey Honey Feist 
Happiness Goldfrapp
The Cold Wars Faded Paper Figures
My Moon My Man Feist
Undertow Stars
The Get Go New Young Pony Club
New Medium Faded Paper Figures 
Such Great Heights The Postal Service 
Grow Up Metric
Number 1 Goldfrapp 
Nothing Better The Postal Service
Rewind Faded Paper Figures 
Hatian Love Songs CocoRosie
The Limit To Your Love Feist

do it wednesday: girls only races

Check out these events all around the country just for women! Here. Thanks More.

feature monday: walk it off

I love a good walk. Get the plan to do it right. Go. Shape.

do it wednesday: find the workout for your shape

Accentuate the positive. Shrink the not-so-positive. Here. Women's Health.

feature monday: burn fat faster

I like the sound of this. Great read. Here. Women's Health.

feature monday: spring clean your fitness routine

20 ways to freshen up. Here. Shape.

my stairs. hhffewww.

Again, I swear they're more daunting in real life. They go all the way up to the top of the pic. So far I've only made it up & down 4 times. grrrr.

feature monday: fit families

Get your whole family active. Ideas for all ages. Here. Fitness Magazine.

run run run

Whether you're a runner or not, this just might be fun. Here. Fitness & More. Find a half marathon here.

I dare you

to join in! Join a walking group, yoga class, local team, or train for a race.

do it wednesday: summer body challenge

I know it seems a little early to be thinking about bathing suits, but I live in LA. And it's never too early to think about it here. So for those of you looking for a little extra push, Shape Magazine has begun their annual Bikini Body Countdown. Keep a food journal. Get some tips to burn a few extra calories & track your progress. All for free. Learn more here.

image: Shape.com

feature monday: simple ways to squeeze in fitness

Sometimes it's hard to fit it all in. Here are some simple ways to get more active. Body + Soul.

how much should I really be exercising?

For basic disease prevention, the CDC recommends a minimum of:
2 1/2 hours/week moderate  [or] 1 1/4 hour vigorous aerobic activity
+
2 x/week strength training working all major muscle groups

For optimum physical conditioning, the CDC recommends the following:
5 hours/week moderate [or] 2 1/2 hours/week vigorous aerobic activity
+
2 or more x/week strength training working all major muscle groups

At first glance, it does sound like a lot. But honestly, we're meant to be active. I know firsthand and endless research has shown that our minds, emotions, & relationships all benefit when we care for or bodies.

More here.

ps: I wish I looked that good when I'm working out.


image: self

feature monday: burn 2,000 calories this week

Burn baby burn. Here. Fitness Magazine.

image: self magazine

end your cardio rut

4 ways to change up your cardio routine for more effective workouts. Here. Shape.

race for breast cancer

I did the Race For The Cure years ago and it was so much fun. Even just walking most of the way [this was before my running days], it was so great to get out and be surrounded by so many amazing women. I can't wait to do it again.Races start this spring and go through the fall. Find a race in your city.

Susan G Komen Race for the Cure
Avon Walk for Breast Cancer