For many of us, exercising is something we know that we should do – but not always something for which we have time or energy. With ever-increasing schedule demands –work, family, activities– it can seem impossible to include fitness on the calendar.
But what if I told you that you could jump-start a new fitness routine and boost your overall health and wellness even with your very tight schedule? Would you be down? It’s possible, I promise!
Over the years, I’ve learned that motivation and commitment are the keys most essential to any fitness regimen. I’ve also figured out how to create fitness plans that maximize results for those who are constantly on the move and can’t spend hours at the gym.
You can now share in my tips to success –as well as customized workout moves– in my new online workshopJumpstart Your Fitness Routine.I’ll break down everything you need to know, demonstrate fitness techniques and detail fitness hacks that maximize your time and space. This 5-day course is designed to help you reinvigorate your health + fitness goals and it starts today! Click here to join me.
Hope that you’ll be able to take part in these upcoming events:
TOUCHDOWN 10
Please join me for my NFL Superbowl XLIX inspired Winter Workout. Score with moves that were curated to take you from the 10 Yard Line to the End Zone. 1st live event in New York City on Saturday, January 17th at 8:00AM. FREE! #Touchdown10
RSVP: Email Andia@AndiaWinslow.com or Call Athleta Flatiron 212.929.0512.
GO RED FOR WOMEN
Excited to announce that I’ll Co-Chair the “Open Your Heart” Committee for the American Heart Association, Brooklyn Chapter. Join me for my first food and fitness fundraising event of the year on Saturday, January 24th at Mile High Run Club in New York City. If you’re unable to make it out in person, you can still support the research and prevention of heart disease, the number one killer of women. Consider donating: HERE! #GoRed
T-minus two weeks until Thanksgiving. Can you believe it? Let’s collectively not wait until after the ever-lengthening holiday season to reboot fitness goals! Here’s a look at the bigger picture.
How can you tell if it is time for a fitness reboot?
If boredom sets in during the regular fitness routine, followed by apathy towards exercise in general, it’s definitely time for a fitness tune up! If you avoid outings or leisure time that involves physical activity –hiking, biking, bowling, beach play, recreation league softball even– for fear of sweating and breathing hard or you avoid form revealing workout clothes, that tune up needs to come sooner than later. The mental stress and self-deprication associated with “not working out enough (or at all)” shouldn’t supersede the physical stress that a normal body endures during exercise. Avoiding friends and family who’ve seen your “normal” for fear that they will comment, critique and judge “the new you,” make the tune up a priority. Altering lifestyle routine(s) and personal relationships instead of changing fitness routines is a sign that you are no longer “living” and simply existing. Tune up!
How do you pick a fitness routine that works for you?
It’s important, especially as you age, to approach exercise and wellness in a balanced manner. This means a healthy combination of nutrition, hydration, cardio, resistance training, stretching and core work, both abdominals and lower back. In my experience, many folks’ attempts at “tune ups” involve too much too soon. A better exercise goal is to design a program that is manageable, sustainable and changes every four weeks to ensure that the body does not become too accustomed to the work and plateau.
Depending on the intensity of workouts, the American Heart Association advises working out for at least 30 mins, 5 days per week. Remember though, the greater the intensity, the shorter the required duration and frequency per week. Understanding typical busy working-adult lives, I usually advise that clients workout at least three times per week emphasizing different modalities each day (resistance, stretching, cardio) to keep the body fresh and mind engaged.
Why, besides “looking good,” is exercise important?
Heart disease is the number one killer in the United States, more than all cancers combined, and it is both preventable and reversible through commitment to exercise and healthy diet. For many, this means simply engaging in aerobic activities like walking and jogging. Resistance training is often neglected but it should be brought to the forefront, especially for women as they often suffer from bone density issues as well. Also, training fast twitch muscle fibers will help people be more reactive in daily life — avoiding falls, being more responsive, etc.
What’s more exciting is the fact that physicality stimulates drive, innovation and creativity! This is especially important in an ever-changing and increasingly competitive society. Sure, the black dress or tailored blazer may fit better but being more connected with one’s body is the true measure of success and a gift to oneself.
What can you do to start your fitness reboot, right now?
The awesome thing about exercise that many people forget is that is doesn’t have to be punishment! In fact, it can involve play and even fun. Dancing, playing with your kids in the backyard, frolicking with your pet at the dog park, joining a recreational kickball league, planning a “heart hour” with friends. What’s more, exercise bouts add up! What does this mean? Interstitial moments of physical activity during a busy day add up and create the same value as sustained workouts. 5 minutes here, 10 minutes there, 12 minutes later!
I encourage clients to curate their own workouts in nontraditional places and with non-traditional exercise equipment when they can’t make it to the gym. Often times these workouts don’t require any equipment and minimal space is needed. At work, setting an alarm for every hour and standing up from the desk to do 15 squats and arm circles. In the kitchen, doing overhead presses with the fruit bowl (Kitchen Workout), while tackling mountains of laundry using the dryers edge as a push-up platform (Laundromat Workout) and even while commuting to work in the city center (Subway Workout).
Finally, I recommend note taking and data analysis. What did you eat — snap a photo with your smart device. You know that you were planning to post on instagram anyway! Keep record of your workouts in a notebook or with tracking software. Analytics will keep you on track, help with goal setting strategies and prove that the commitment to self was worth it!
February is the shortest month of the year but it just might be the fittest. Have you honored your New Year’s dietary and exercise resolutions? Whether you have or whether you haven’t, I’ve got just the treat for you! A cool take on “abs are made in the kitchen,” I’m honored to present to you my newest fitness video –a collaboration with Monique Walton and the American Heart Association– Kitchen Workout. If you need encouragement of the daily variety, I’m excited to join new online outfit BK Nation as a wellness blogger and February #BKN28 Fitness Challenge Captain. There you’ll find my blog, “The Write Fit,” in which I offer exercise tips, workout videos, giveaways and more. And if you prefer TV, I’ll be joining you every Tuesday at noon as a Sports Segment host on BK LIVE.
Why all of the health and sport talk, you ask? Because! On February 2nd, this team from my home town met this other team from my dad’s home town. The result? Seattle Seahawks won the Superbowl for the first time in franchise history! It’s American Heart Month; the 50th Anniversary in fact. February 5th is National Girls and Women in Sports Day, championed by one of my favorite organizations, the Women’s Sports Foundation. February 7th is National Wear Day — a day that celebrates heart disease prevention awareness. And February 7th is also the start of the Winter Olympic Games in Sochi, Russia. Faster, Higher, Stronger! What a day it will be. RED, white and blue speeding all over the place!
For those of you who recall my time training for the Olympics in the sport of Skeleton, I’ve helped to design an Olympic themed workout with the editors of popular app and website DailyBurn. You can bet it will challenge all of your senses, especially common sense, if you accept the challenge! If you want to work out with me in person in New York City, I’ve developed a dynamic sand and alternative resistance training class called Manhattan Beach Workout. Talk about getting ready for Summer with plenty of time to spare!
Oh, one more thing. We’ve been nominated for a Shorty Award in #SocialFitness! This online award recognizes people who “help others make healthy choices in their lives through their influence on social media.” If you’d like to vote, you can do so via Twitter by tweeting: “I nominate @AndiaWinslow for a Shorty Award in #SocialFitness because…” Be certain to write in your reason after “because…” or the vote won’t count. Thank you for your continued support!
We are thankful! But not just on this day. Everyday, and in every way. But as it’s officially the United States’ Thanksgiving, we thought it an opportune time to state our united thanks for giving — to us. A big blog of thanks. Yes, we went there. To those who tune in to our cinematic wellness endeavor, we thank you. To the amateur photographers and videographers who send in their own “get it in where you can fit it in” moments, thanks for keeping things colorful and keep the shares coming! Those who’ve patiently provided support –tactical, creative and otherwise– have our enduring thanks. Major publications, news and lifestyle outlets, cheers for recognizing our efforts on TV and in print. To the bloggers and blogs who’ve shared our #MOVEment, ignited further action around the world and –in fact– sustained us, we thank you. Alphabetical drumroll please (the build up kind, this list is long):
Andia Winslow partners with Go Red for Women® for the organization’s 10th Anniversary Year: New fitness movie launch and contest winner announcement highlight exciting collaborative work to help fight the No. 1 killer of women worldwide.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: NEW YORK, NY (October 29, 2013) – Today, in honor of World Stroke Day, Andia Winslow announces the winners of her Fall 2013 Fitness Contest. Designed in conjunction with the announcement of her ambassadorship role with the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women® Campaign, “this contest is to celebrate everyday women in their personal quests for wellness!”
Congratulations to these lucky ladies!
1st – In-person Wellness Consultation | 1HR Fitness Session | Fitness Swag
Brandi Stewart, Harlem, NY
2nd – Skype Wellness Consultation
Danita Hall, Phoenix, AZ
Yvette Odu, New Haven, CT
Lili Stansberry, Kent, WA
3rd – Small Group Fitness Session
Kerri Lynne Hamm, Shrub Oak, NY | Leslie Hewitt, New York, NY | Bridget Jackson, Phoenix, AZ | April Joyner, Brooklyn, NY | Felicia Meggison, Providence, RI | Marelina Ortiz, New York, NY | Keely Robinson, New York, NY | Lynette Rodriguez, Queens, NY | Celia Sabino, Miami, FL | Alexcia Smith, Long Island, NY | Erin Williams, New York, NY
Heart disease remains the No. 1 killer of women worldwide –stroke, the No. 2 cause of death and severe long-term disability for both sexes– and in it’s ten years Go Red for Women® has worked to educate women of all backgrounds about the importance of prevention and care. A topic dear to her own heart, Andia partnered with filmmaker Monique Walton to create a fitness inspired short movie that encourages women, and men alike, to get active with friends in fun, non-intimidating ways.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HpP5oRTtk98&w=640&h=480]
“Heart Hour: Partner Workout” encourages people to “trade in the sweet alcoholic drinks and savory tapas of traditional Happy Hour for free-flowing H2O and electrolytes. It shows us how to join forces with friends for dynamic and time efficient workouts. We are our own answer!” To learn more about heart disease and the warning signs of heart attack, visit: GoRedForWomen.org. To better understand the differences between heart attack and stroke –know the warning signs of stroke– remember F.A.S.T:
About the American Heart Association – Go Red For Women®
The American Heart Association is devoted to saving people from heart disease and stroke – America’s No. 1 and No. 4 killers. Go Red For Women® is the national movement to end heart disease in women. The Dallas-based association is the nation’s oldest and largest voluntary organization dedicated to fighting heart disease and stroke. To learn more or to get involved, call 1-888-MY-HEART (1-888-694-3278) or visit GoRedForWomen.org
About The Fit Cycle
Founded in 2010, The Fit Cycle is a multimedia health movement that is defined by resourcefulness. It works to inspire folks to make the most of what they have –however little, be it time, capital or possessions– to live more active and engaged lives. The Fit Cycle is a cinematic wellness endeavor that is inspired by art, music and a culture of collaboration. The Fit Cycle is moving at the rhythm of life.™ www.thefitcycle.com
For press inquiries, please contact: Publicity at TheFitCycle@gmail.com
For booking, please contact: Pamela Davis at pkaycreative@gmail.com
It started after we pressed record while awaiting laundry on spin cycle.
And then the cycle continued. Round and round.
We’ve had an awesome year thanks to YOU.
And by you, I mean you. All of you.
You, hooping in the (laundro)mat.
You, triceps dipping on street corner pylons.
You, pushing up while bearing down at work.
You, shopping bag biceps curling.
You, paint can russian twisting while painting the baby’s nursery.
You, overhead mailbox bin pressing while hall monitoring.
You are the #MOVEment.
Happy Birthday to you! Happy Anniversary too!
In honor of Women’s Health and Fitness Day, I’m launching a fun contest! Now here’s the catch. Both men and women can enter though you gentlemen would be entering in support of the women whom you may know and love. On to the prizes:
2nd Skype or Phone Call Wellness Consultation (3 Winners)
3rd Small Group Fitness Session (10 Winners)
To enter: In 500 words (text) or 3 minutes (video) or less, please explain why you are in need of a wellness consultation. What challenges have you faced this year? What should I know about your story? What are your fitness goals for 2014? Be creative! Gentlemen entering on behalf of a gentlewoman, who is she to you? Why is she deserving? And how would this fitness session help her to jump-start the new year? Please email written responses and video links to TheFitCycle@gmail.com.
Rules: Entries close on Monday, October 7th at 9PM EST. Fitness sessions can be based in New York City, New York, and/or Phoenix, Arizona. Skype winners can be international. Phone call consultation winners must use a United States of America exchange only. One entry per person please. Winners selected by a panel of three (3) wellness industry judges. Prizes forfeited one year after award date if unused. No cash value or exchange of services permitted.
About Women’s Health and Fitness Day: Nation’s largest annual health promotion event for women of all ages. This year’s event is set for Wednesday, September 25, 2013, and in future years, is always be held on the last Wednesday in September. This unique national program — with participation by local organizations throughout the U.S. — focuses attention on the importance of regular physical activity and health awareness for women.
2013 has indeed been a year of forward motion. And upward motion. So, forward and upward motion. 3, 2, 1 lift off folks! After all, it is a MOVEment. May we present a personality feature by Turner Broadcasting (CNN, HLN, TBS, etc) and their new health and lifestyle destination Upwave. Watch the video here: http://bit.ly/AWOnTheUp Enjoy!
Yes, I know. You know. There is in fact a national celebratory “week” for everything. Shark Week. Mashed Potatoes are Best with Butter Week. I Locked Myself Out of My Apartment, Again, Week. This Selfie Makes Me Look Cute, Right? Week. But if you have a family –especially if you have a family!– the most important week of them all is National Exercise With Your Child Week.
Don’t have kids? That’s cool. Don’t care to have kids? I don’t care. Kids are the future, and they’re truth-tellers. Ask a kid something. Anything. Something that you really want to know. Something with which you’ve been struggling. They will tell you. No soothsayer, line-card-toe reader fees apply. Wouldn’t you then want to play with these little humans? Yes! That’s the answer! You do. So, GO! Go play.
Just the other day I played with some kids. This is what happened.
“Oh but Andia, it’s been so long since I exercised my inner kid. I don’t even know how to play anymore!” you cry. (Wo)man, that’s a shame. We need to work on that. I can help. In the meantime, here are some ideas that I’ve crafted to get you started on the “Reclaim Your Kid, with Your Kids, Journey.”
Partner Workouts are examples of exercises that families can do together. Siblings and parents unite! Size difference is not a limiting factor. Working out together always makes folks closer and more engaged with one another. Children who regularly assist with or share in workouts with their parents feel empowered and confident. They are part of a team and developing leadership skills all the while. Let’s get it in:
Exercise 1: A favorite move is the PUSH-UP CLAP. Partners, both in push-up start position, align themselves opposite and head-to-head from one another. On the same count they perform a push-up and when returning to the start position they each clap one hand together with their partner. This move is fun, auditory and requires communication and synchrony – teamwork!
Exercise 2: WHEELBARROW PUSH-UPS. Watch the contents, they’re fragile.
Exercise 3: JUMP ROPE, a lost art! Kids love it and jump rope games can go on for hours and can morph into countless variations. Not only does it attend to cardiovascular health but it is also a high intensity compound workout. Think muscle building here. Parents want to get involved? Try double dutch or jumping together in the same rope.
Exercise 4: TAG, YOU’RE IT! What kid doesn’t enjoy tag? Boys chasing girls. Girls chasing boys. Siblings chasing each other. Toddlers chasing birds and rabbits. How do parents fit in? Well, a friendly game of tag is a fun bonding opportunity that seems to be a pure game. Not so. Track athletes run sprint series from a dead stop. Basketball, football and softball players run lines as athletic drills. The same movement(s) is being exercised in tag. The chase is exercise for all parties involved and whether or not they know it, a HITT (High Intensity Interval Training) workout!
OK. I’ve helped you. Can you help me? Join The Fit Cycle #MOVEment. Share this post with your family and friends. Send us photos and videos of your action. Click here for ideas! Oh! One more thing. If you live in or are visiting New York City on Saturdays in August, check out Summer Streets. It’s amazing and I love it.