Join #HealthyWayMag Fitness Chat every Monday at 5pmPacific/8pmEastern on Twitter!

Sign into your twitter account.

Enter #HealthyWayMag to see the chat feed.

Chat with others, get motivated and have fun!

Monday December 5, 2016 #HealthyWayMag Fitness Chat is Sponsored by Stride Box:

Sample new running products every month, delivered right to your door! Ideal for a novice, recreational and elite runner, a Stride Box subscription allows you a cost-effective and efficient option to try out new and current products on the market. And a subscription means you won’t miss out on the latest and greatest running support for pre-run, mid-run and running recovery. There’s no easier way to stay up to date on the top new gear on the market. Upon opening your monthly box you’ll discover everything from energy gels and bars, compression gear, socks, apparel, recovery fuel, healthy eating ingredients, hydration support, racing gear and winter running accessories.  Support for your best run awaits! Order yours TODAY!

Keep Motivation Going…

GET INSPIRED with #HealthyWayMag Fitness Chat every Monday at 5pm(Pacific)/8pm(Eastern) on Twitter!

Here’s how to join:
Log onto your Twitter account and follow @HealthyWayMag to view the chat questions.

Questions for discussion will be posted as Question 1, “Q1″, Question 2, “Q2″ and so on.

Offer your opinion and experience via answers to Question 1 noted as “A1″, designating your answer to Question 2 as “A2″ and so on.

Chat with others, exchange ideas and have fun!

Monday May 23, 2016 #HealthyWayMag Fitness Chat Sponsored by Handana:
Handana is an innovative sweatband designed specifically to be worn on your hand. Their unique and patented fit allows you to be hands-free when running, cycling, in the gym, or any other sport!  Handana is proudly made in the USA. Using soft, durable and completely machine washable fabric, they fit all sizes and most color preferences. Handana is gentle on your skin, so if you have allergies or sensitive skin there’s no need to worry. You’ll be inspired to reach your finish line! To order yours go to www.myhandana.com!

Need Exercise Inspiration?

Get Fit Quick Tip:

Wear Proper Exercise Gear!

It’s true that often the top, most expensive, new, latest and greatest exercise gear is not urgently required for workouts. However, appropriate and proper gear is! And shoes is where most exercisers miss the mark. For example, wearing flip flops on the treadmill may not be the safest approach. (Yes, this really happens!) Or wearing jeans or work pants for an outdoor boot camp style workout will slow your fitness. (Yes, people do this!)  Ask yourself a few questions to determine proper exercise gear for your workout:

Is it outdoors or indoors? Dressing in layers, appropriate for the expected climate, which means you should be aware of forecast conditions! Outdoor workouts may also require shoes to provide traction. Sunblock, hat and sunglasses versus no need.

On what surface does the workout take place? If the workout occurs on sand, dirt or gravel trail or grass, your gear will vary. High socks versus low socks that allow pebbles into your shoes. Pants versus shorts in the event of a fall.

Is the workout high-impact, low-impact or non-impact? The mode of exercise will call for different foot and ankle support and cushion. High impact and high-intensity may require different hydration and caloric needs than to which you’re accustomed.

Does the workout require quick pick-ups, rapid change in direction or moving quickly from one exercise to the other? Shoes that support quick change in direction, but that are light-weight will be important. Wearing clothes that allow you to move easily will help.

Know what the workout entails AHEAD OF TIME. When in doubt, ask the instructor!

Exercise Gear Matters

Commit to your fitness each week by joining #HealthyWayMag Fitness Chat every Monday at 5pmP/8pmE On Twitter!

A journey to fitness will take dedication, commitment and resolve. However, you will never regret your effort. You’ll look better, feel better and function better through your daily activities. You’ll be able to lift, carry and have the energy to accomplish whatever the day brings. So if you’ve had any doubt about getting fit and healthy, don’t! Every workout, set and rep IS worth your time and effort.

Recommit to your fitness every Monday at #HealthyWayMag Fitness Chat!

Here’s how to join:

Log into your Twitter account.

Enter #HealthyWayMag to follow the chat feed.

Participate by offering your answers to the questions posed for conversation. Question 1 noted as “Q1″, provide your Answer 1, noted as “A1.” Tagging your answers with #HealthyWayMag allows everyone to interact together.

Chat with others, pick up fitness tips, have fun!

Monday March 14, 2016 #HealthyWayMag Fitness Chat is Sponsored by Knuckle Lights:

Do you exercise outdoors before sunrise or after sunset? Be visible and be safe with Knuckle Lights. They are the only light designed to be worn on your hand which means you are able to control lighting up your path for consistent visibility. Offering different light settings such as high, low and blinking, each battery will last about 20-25 hours. Ideal for running, biking, hiking or even walking the dog, they are light-weight and weather-resistant. Follow them on Twitter via @KnuckleLights. NOW OFFERING rechargeable lights! Pre-order yours here, http://kck.st/1Ss2Pqa.

Commit to your Fitness!

Set a healthy tone to your week with #HealthyWayMag Fitness Chat every Monday 5pmP/8pmE! Pick up exercise ideas and inspiration. Chat with others, get motivated and excited about your fitness journey.

Here’s how to join:
Log onto your Twitter account and follow @HealthyWayMag to see the chat questions. Questions for discussion will be posted as Question 1, “Q1″, Question 2, “Q2″ and so on. Contribute your answer and experience via answers to Question 1 noted as “A1″, designating your answer to Question 2 as “A2″ and so on. Interact with others, chat, exchange ideas, training tips and have fun!

Monday February 22, 2016 #HealthyWayMag Fitness Chat is Sponsored by StrideBox.com:

StrideBox.com delivers fuel, nutrition and monthly motivation in a box right to your front door. As a monthly subscription service, their mission is simple, “perform better, be healthier, and have more fun.” The box also makes a great gift for the runner in your life. It’s suitable for all ages and is packed with products to sample designed specifically to boost your training and your fitness. Products vary from month to month. Inside the box you’ll discover bars, gels, food, apparel, and gadgets just to name a few. Rest assured, knowing you’re sampling the best of the best products on the market. Order your box TODAY at www.stridebox.com! Follow them on Twitter @StrideBox.

Set a Healthy Tone to your Week

YOUR Safety Made Simple

Running along your usual early morning route, you’re lost in thought planning the in’s and out’s of your day ahead. Rush to this meeting, then return those emails, pick up the kids… You head across the street at your usual intersection when traffic clears, only to have a car whiz by you at warp speed and then slam on the brakes! You were sure the driver saw you. You were sure the driver was paying attention. You were sure you were visible. Accidents happen. You were lucky this time.

Ever experienced a close call like this? It’s shocking, alarming and scary! Increase visibility and be seen by others to increase your safety while exercising outdoors, walking your dog before and after work, or even while performing chores around your property during darkness. As an outdoor or fitness enthusiast, you need to know about AthLights!

A common mistakes of athletes is to assume visibility is only important from the front. Nothing can be further from the truth, visibility is important from the front, back, and sides of your body. “AthLights uses a unique magnetic grip which allows them to be placed anywhere on your clothing, not just on hems, belts, or the edges of garments” explains Daniel Staples, co-creator and COO of AthLights. AthLights is your safety solution as you can place the lights ANYWHERE and EVERYWHERE on your clothing. Take a look at this video demonstrating the ease and user-friendly nature of their personal lighting system.

AthLights will be celebrating two years of exponential growth this April, and now you can discover what the fuss is all about. “AthLights are the lightest, smallest personal lighting product on the market for runners, bikers, and walkers” explains Daniel. The design of their lighting system was inspired by a friend and ultramarathoner of the founders who was searching for a comfortable, light-weight and compact safety light. “At the time, the typical safety lights for runners were large, bulky, and had to be awkwardly attached to waistbands, chaffing the skin. We took a shot at solving the problem and brought a beta version of the product to market about a year later” shares Daniel. And so the concept of AthLights was born.

So how does the light work exactly? Each light comes with a magnetic LED module with batteries included. The batteries enjoy a life of 40 hours and are easily replaced by batteries found at your local convenience store. “And even though they were created by engineers, you don’t have to have a PhD to use them. They simply twist on and off with a single flashing operating mode. Battery replacement is simple and requires no tools” insures Daniel.

AthLights also boasts a performing edge to other lights on the market. Daniel explains, “they’re waterproof and built from crush-resistant nickel-plated metal.” He continues “so even hikers, campers, and tough-mudder enthusiasts can wear them without worry of damaging them in the elements.” AthLights is there for you providing 600 feet of visibility with a strobe red and white light for even more visibility to catch others attention. Weighing in at only 1/3 of an ounce and sized smaller than a dime, once positioned you won’t need to give them a second thought. AthLights require no straps, buttons or pins! Using a rare-earth magnet it stays in place securely and easily.

Now you can focus on your fitness, instead of fussing with lighting and reflective gear that is distracting, bulky and cumbersome.

With an investment of $9.99 for a 2-pack of AthLights, why wouldn’t you add a layer of security and safety to your outdoor activities? And if you’re looking for a gift idea, look no further! Give the outdoor exerciser in your life (and yourself) peace of mind with AthLights! Order yours via Amazon or directly from their online store, www.athlights.com.

If you’re curious to learn more, check out all the facts here, or send an email via info@athlights.com. And please consider joining their communities on Twitter and Facebook!

YOUR Safety Made Simple

Join our #HealthyWayMag Fitness Chat on Twitter. Find us every Monday at 5pm(Pacific)/8pm(Eastern)! Pick up fitness tips, workout inspiration and healthy living motivation.

Thank  You November Fitness Chat Sponsors. Consider adding them to your fitness team!

Knuckle Lights. Your fitness does not have to wait until spring. Be safe this winter and be visible while outdoors exercising! Whether you’re exercising on a track, on a path or on the road, lighting your way is important for fall prevention and to be visible to other athletes and vehicles. Knuckle Lights is the first and only light designed to be worn on your hands. Follow them on Twitter @KnuckleLights.

Drink Chia. Drink Chia is an innovative all natural chia seed beverage that offers an alternative to sugary and stimulant laden drinks. Drink Chia provides enhanced hydration, endurance and immune system support. They are the only chia drink that has the power of chia with B-complex vitamin, selenium and zinc as well as being rich in plant sourced-omega-3 fatty acids. Follow them on Twitter @DrinkChia.

KIND Healthy Snacks. They are your healthy food choice with a positive mission of promoting kindness. With a variety of snacks from which to choose, you’ll rest assured you’re feeding your fitness with healthy and nutritious ingredients. Follow them on Twitter @KINDSnacks.

ENERGYbits®. This high protein, low calorie snack gives unlimited energy as it is 100% organic spirulina algae. Spirulina contains as much gram for gram of calcium as milk, as well as containing 5 times more iron than spinach. Easy to carry and convenient to consume before or even during your workout. It’s stomach-friendly and it’s packed with nutrients which means awesome energy for you. Follow them via @ENERGYbits.

Your Fitness Team

Where: On Twitter at #HealthyWayMag
When: Every Monday at 5pm(Pacific)/8pm(Eastern)
WHY: Gain motivation, find fitness support, pick up workout tips, learn about new workouts…just to name a few!

THANK YOU to our March Fitness Chat Sponsors. Check them out and learn how they can help improve your fitness and healthy living efforts:

Photo Finish Frames. Frame your most treasured race or sporting gear memorabilia with their ready-made framing kids. Each kit is hand-made with high quality materials. Each frame also includes a free diamond engraved brass or silver placard. Find more product information on Twitter @fotofinishframe.

Handana. Handana is an innovative sweatband worn on your hand. They offer a variety of colors and sizes to fit every athlete and every workout outfit! The high performance soft fabric wraps around like a fingerless glove to make wiping easy-you don’t even know it is there until you need it. Follow them on Twitter for details @myhandana.

Jessica Matthews. Fitness expert, college professor, yoga teacher, fitness writer, trainer, group exercise and health coach. Sign up for her free 30 day challenge for healthy living, wellness and fitness ideas. You’ll be inspired to live a happier and healthier life! Find more information by following her on Twitter @fitexpertjess.

Find Fitness Support on Twitter

JOIN US on Twitter every Monday at 5pm(Pacific)/8pm(Eastern) for our Motivational-Monday Fitness Chat!

THANK YOU to our December Fitness Chat Sponsors!

Flip2BFit. Peak your kids interest to be active through the innovative games. Ideal for the whole family to play on a weekend, for a group activity at a birthday party, or for teachers to have on hand as a rainy day activity. Their games encourage self-esteem all realized through the spin of a wheel and the flip of a card! Follow them on Twitter @Flip2BFit.

Drink Chia. Drink Chia is an innovative all natural chia seed beverage that offers an alternative to sugary and stimulant laden drinks. Drink Chia provides enhanced hydration, endurance and immune system support. They are the only chia drink that has the power of chia with B-complex vitamin, selenium and zinc as well as being rich in plant sourced-omega-3 fatty acids. Follow them on Twitter @DrinkChia.

All3Sports. All3Sports is your triathlon training and racing solution! You’ll find everything the sport of triathlon requires including apparel, bikes and wetsuits. You’ll also find everything needed for the independent sports of Running, Swimming and Cycling. With one click to their website you’ll enjoy top products complete with professional knowledge and excellent customer service. For new product and special promotion information, follow them on Twitter via @all3sportscom.

Thank You for Encouraging Healthy Lifestyles

Remember the classic runner’s rule: Always add 20 degrees (F) to the temperature outside, and then dress appropriately. Example: If it is 72 degrees outside, it will feel like 92 degrees during your run.

Above 85 F (29.4 C)
At this temperature run with as little on as possible without upsetting your neighbors or the local authorities. Hydrate often during your run, run a course that allows for you to stop and get home quickly without being stranded too far from home (repeat loops). Let someone know you’re out there before leaving.

Try to run in the early morning or early evening hours to avoid the hottest part of the day. Watch for signs of  overheating. Think about taking the day off or going for a swim.

Shoes, socks, shorts, sunglasses, sunscreen, visor or cap (pre-soaked and frozen)

Phone in case of emergency

75 to 84 F (23.8 to 28.8 C)
Remember that your body will heat up quickly on the run. You’ll want to hydrate appropriately and avoid the midday heat if possible.

Wear reflective gear if you are headed out before sunrise or after sunset.

Shoes, socks, shorts, sunglasses, sunscreen, visor or cap, singlet or tech t-shirt optional

60 to 74 F (15.5 to 23.3 C)

This is a nice temperature for running. Enjoy the experience.

Shoes, socks, shorts, tech t-shirt, sunscreen

45 to 59 F (7.2 to 15 C)
Great racing weather! Marathoners and half marathoners rejoice. These days were made for PRs. You’ll want to warm up with an extra layer and have it ready to put back on when you finish.

Shoes, socks, shorts, long sleeve or short sleeve tech shirt, sunscreen, light jacket for warm-up

35 to 44 F (1.7 to 6.7 C)
These temps may be a bit too cool for the spectators, but the runners are still feeling great. Be sure to stay warm before and after your run with a jacket and sweatpants. You might consider a pair of light gloves and a hat. The most dangerous part of the day is post-run if you are sweaty and exposed.

Shoes, socks, shorts, long sleeve shirt, light gloves, beanie, lip balm, pants and jacket for warm-up and post-race

Light leggings are optional for those who are averse to the cooler temperatures

25 to 34 F (-3.8 to 1.1 C)
Welcome to winter running! The temps may be dropping, but that doesn’t mean you have to drop your mileage. Layers are key when dressing to survive cold temperatures. But, you don’t want to sweat too much, so be sure to wear breathable layers made for running.

Shoes, socks (wool), leggings/tights, tech t-shirt, running jacket, gloves/mittens, hat, Vaseline on face, lip balm

Below 25 F (-3.9 C)
This is when you start to consider the benefits of a gym membership or a treadmill. Only the truly dedicated/crazy ones are out there on days like this. But some of us can’t be caged and just need to be free. Choose a course that allows for you to return home quickly if you need to (repeat loops.) Let someone know you are out there before you leave.

Shoes, socks (wool), leggings/tights with shorts over them, long sleeve tech shirt, additional tech t-shirt, running jacket, mittens, hat that covers your ears, neck warmer or collar turned up on jacket, Vaseline on your face, lip balm, sunglasses.

Phone in case of emergency

Rain
Wear a hat to keep the rain out of your eyes

Consider nip guards or bandaids to avoid painful chafing from heavy wet clothing

Vaseline on other chafing areas

Waterproof shell if temperatures allow it

No shirt if temperatures (and local laws and customs) allow it

Vaseline on toes and heels

Snow
Winter gear (see above)

Reflective safety clothing

Shoes with modified spikes or non-slip treads attached

Ace bandage or gaters wrapped around your ankles if the snow is deep enough to get in your shoe and cause discomfort

Vaseline on face

Lip balm

Wind
Windbreaker if appropriate

Sunglasses

Vaseline on face

Lip balm

Safety is paramount! Remember: There are some weather and climate conditions that are too dangerous for anyone to be out running on the roads or trails. Always use good judgement and stay safe to run again another day.

Other ideas? What did I forget to mention? Let me know in the comment section.

Jason Saltmarsh is an competitive masters runner at distances ranging from 5K to the half marathon. In November 2013, he raced his first 26.2 at the iconic New York City Marathon. Jason’s goal is to share with others the benefits and joys of running, fitness and healthy living. For more information, please visit saltmarshrunning.com

What to wear on your next run: A guide for every climate by Jason Saltmarsh