Fitness

HOW TO BUILD A FIRST-AID KIT FOR YOUR CROSSFIT GYM BAG for WODLounge.com

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Scrapes, blisters and calluses are everyday owies that happen anywhere, including the box. Come prepared for minor CrossFit injuries with an arsenal of first aid remedies.

Start with the basics: Bandages and cold packs are must-haves in any first-aid kit, including the one you toss in your gym bag. Calluses are impossible to avoid in the box. The best way to keep them from affecting your fitness is to shave them down and keep them smooth with a specialized callus shaver with safety slide. There is no magic potion out there for aches and pains, but there are plenty of salves and ointments that do the trick. Aquaphur Healing Ointment prevents chaffing and helps to soothe irritated skin, while Biofreeze relieves achy muscles and joints with an instant cool and tingling sensation. Roll out those knots with the Gemini, which was created specifically with CrossFit athletes in mind. And last, but not least, just think of the sweaty paws all over those kettlebells—kill some of that borrowed bacteria with good ole’ fashioned hand sanitizer. Bring your WOD-ready first-aid kit to your next workout and you’ll be ready for anything.

First-Aid-Kit

 

Originally Posted to http://www.wodlounge.com/build-first-aid-kit-crossfit-gym-bag/

CrossFit First-Aid Kit: Band-Aid Flexible Fabric Bandages via Drugstore.com | Instant Cold Pack viaWalgreens | Tweezerman Callus Shaver via Drugstore.com | Aquaphor Healing Ointment via Drugstore.com | Biofreeze Pain Relieving Gel via Performance Health | MobilityWOD Gemini via Rouge Fitness | X3: Alcohol-Free Hand Sanitizer via Drugstore.com |

FIT PHILLY: GET ON YOUR FEET AND STAY FIT IN PHILADELPHIA for WODLounge.com

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Philadelphia often conjures images of our Founding Fathers, cheese-and-meat-loaded sandwiches, and overzealous sports enthusiasts. But, hidden among the cheesesteak joints and hardcore Eagles fans, is a fit Philadelphia ready to get you off your feet.

Lace up your walking shoes and take off on a self-guided tour of Philly’s most historic spots. Channel Benjamin Franklin’s good sense and swing by Totem Brand—this store sells USA-made men’s clothing and accessories that’ll get you looking sharp for a night out on the town. When you’re suited up in Philly’s finest threads, pull up a chair at Tulala’s Garden, a eatery with a seasonal menu inspired by local growers. Philadelphia never misses a beat, and neither should you with your training! Step it up at CrossFit Center City—right in the heart of the City of Brotherly Love. Looking for a more relaxed workout? Dip your paddles in the Schuykill River and get a gorgeous view of this stellar city from the comfort of a rented kayak.

Fit-Philly

 

Originally Posted to http://www.wodlounge.com/fit-philly-feet-stay-fit-philadelphia/

Philadelphia Hot Spots: Locally Sourced Grub via Talula’s Garden | Kayak on the Schuykill River via Hidden River Outfitters | Danner Boots via Totem Brand | CrossFit Center City | Self-Guided Walking Tour of Philadelphia via The Constitutional |

MAD DASH TO THE BOX: HOW TO PACK A MINIMALIST GYM BAG FOR QUICK WORKOUTS for WODLounge.com

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Workdays are a blur, making it tough to find time for fitness. The key to squeezing a quick workout into your hectic day is to simplify: Organize your schedule, manage your time, and carefully pack the bare-minimum of gear for your mad dash to and from the gym. Skip the gym bag altogether, because these bare essentials can easily fit in your purse. Start with Patagonia’s bold green running top which features a built-in bra. Throw on a pair of light shorts, then lace up Merrell’s Vapor Glove running shoes which weigh in at 10 ounces—total. Even during a quick workout, hydration is vital! Bring along Vapur’s collapsible water bottles that roll up and are easy to store when empty. And as you wipe the sweat from your brow and head off to your next appointment, stuff your stinky gym wear into Flight 001’s handy Gym Gear Bag, which separates your sweaty clothes from the clean stuff.

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Originally Posted to http://www.wodlounge.com/mad-dash-gym-pack-minimalist-gym-bag-quick-workouts/

Minimalist Gym Bag Fashion Features: Gamut Sport Top via Patagonia | GTD Running Shorts via The North Face | Gym Gear Bag via Flight 001 | Barefoot Run Vapor Glove Running Shoes via Merrell |Water Bottle viaVapur |

7 CROSSFIT INSPIRED TWITTER ACCOUNTS TO FOLLOW for WODLounge.com

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It’s amazing what you can learn in 140 characters or less. 200 million Twitter users generate approximately 340 million tweets a day. According to a San Antonio-based market research firm, Pear Analytics, 40% of Tweets are “Pointless Babble,” but 9% have pass-along value. Don’t worry about digging through the pointless babble and spam to find the Tweeters who matter—we’ve done all the hard work for you! Check out the Top Seven Best CrossFit Lifestyle-Inspired Tweeters:

Tweeters-to-Know

@CROSSFIT

This is the official Twitter account for CrossFit. Chock-full of motivational quotes, WODs and links to fascinating content, this is a must-follow for CrossFit Tweeters. Follow @CrossFit for all the news and tidbits from the official source.


@CROSSFITGAMES

This year’s CrossFit Games have come and gone, but that hasn’t stopped the official Twitter account from Tweeting out interesting links, quotes and interviews with CrossFit athletes. Follow @CrossFitGames for a first hand look at hardcore CrossFit athletes.


@CROSSFITJOURNAL

CrossFit Journal is a fitness, health and lifestyle publication dedicated to improving athletic performance and quality of life. Follow @crossfitjournal for links to articles, videos and audio files covering everything from exercise technique, nutrition and much more.

@MARK_SISSON

Mark Sisson is a blogger, athlete and author of the book “Primal Blueprint”. Sisson’s diet tips incorporate many aspects of the Paleo Diet, which is closely tied to the CrossFit lifestyle. Follow @Mark_Sisson to get great tips on healthy eating and general fitness.

@DRWEIL

Dr. Andrew Weil is a teacher and writer on holistic medicine. Dr. Weil is a guru when it comes to all-natural diets and drool-worthy recipes. Follow @DrWeil for Tweets about integrative medicine, nutrition and all-around natural health.

@ROBBWOLF

Robb Wolf is a strength and conditioning coach who is also a New York Times Bestselling author! Follow @robbwolf for Tweets about the Paleo Diet, fitness and general nutrition.


@DAIMANUEL

Dai “The Moose” Manuel is a motivational speaker and CrossFit athlete. The Moose sends out upbeat Tweets about health, workouts and positive living. Follow @daimanuel to get motivated!

Originally Posted to http://www.wodlounge.com/7-crossfit-inspired-twitter-accounts-follow/

The Map to Dreamland: Five Tips for Better Sleep

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Catching quality Z’s can improve your memory, lower your stress and help you live a longer, happier life. So why is it so hard for us to tuck in at night and drift off to dreamland? With our buzzing cell phone always within arms reach, it’s easy to see why so many of us struggle to relax at bedtime. A perfect night’s sleep is attainable (and important to living a healthy life!), so check out these five tips to getting better sleep.

1. PRE-BED RITUALS

It’s tempting to write one last email in bed or channel surf under the covers, but habits like these can keep your mind turning for hours after the light go out. Instead, start winding down at least fifteen minutes before bedtime. Turn off your computer and stash your phone away before slipping into comfortable pajamas and sipping warm caffeine-free tea. If you find yourself fretting about tomorrow, jot down what’s concerning you and then clear your mind for a restful night of sleep.

2. WATCH WHAT YOU EAT

Although slumber is hours away, your 4pm coffee might be keeping you up at night. Cut out caffeine after 2pm and be especially careful what you eat or drink in the evening. A glass of wine before bed might make you feel drowsy, but alcohol can keep you from getting deep sleep.

3. DIM THE LIGHTS

Our bodies react to the light around us. Bright light signals daytime, while dimmer lights help us to relax. A study recently showed that exposing yourself to natural morning light can reset your circadian clock (your internal alarm clock) to help you rise earlier naturally. If privacy allows it, crack your shades to allow in morning light.

4. WORK IT OUT

Keeping a regular exercise schedule can help improve your sleep. Research has shown that at least 45 minutes of cardio each day decreased the effects of insomnia. The best time to sweat is always up for debate, but stretching or gentle yoga before crawling between the sheets is a nice way to quiet your mind and relax your body.

5. EASE THE PAIN

Mild lower back pain might not keep you from drifting off to sleep, but it can make your snooze restless. Tucking a pillow between your knees is an excellent way to align your hips and relieve back pain.

Originally published at http://www.wodlounge.com/5-tips-for-better-sleep/