Re-wearable workout gear inspires global reach

In honor of Earth Day, I have been looking for interesting products that inspire ‘GREEN” exercise. Green Exercise connects people to nature in their local areas and is one of the most cost-effective ways of improving the nation's physical and mental well-being. Exercise clothing made from 100% natural fibers like cotton or wool are a wonderful way to Green your routine! Wool, although thought of as scratchy or itchy couldn’t be farther from the truth with ICEBREAKER workout apparel. ( link to website www.icebreaker.com )
From eco friendly packaging, eliminating plastic wrappers and opting for recycled cardboard and paper, wool offers an odor free, high performance product base. A structural framework of 3% LYCRA® enables Icebreaker to use exceptionally fine merino yarn to create a fabric ideally suited for running, cycling and other high-aerobic sports. Unlike synthetic fabrics, which have a rigid fibre structure, Icebreaker GT base layers are light, fluid, and mold to the body while it’s in action.
The finer yarns keep athletes cool and dry while they’re performing at their peak.

Merino is light, breathable, odor resistant, soft and non-itch, and keeps the body at an even temperature, while LYCRA® provides shape retention and stretch. The combination of fine merino fibres and LYCRA® has created a base layer that fits like a second skin.

Equally impressive is their BAA code system whereby you can track the evolution of the wool worn right next to your skin from the New Zealand farm and family that brought it to your door. This BAA code allows the consumer engagement globally with the people, places and animals bringing us all a little closer together.

Andrea Metcalf encourages people to live a healthy, green lifestyle. For more information check out her Green Your Routine workout tips on www.andreametcalf.com

Q & A on cardio before or after weight training

QUESTION:
Andrea,

I received your email that stated if you have a health or fitness question
to email this address. So, I have a fitness question. I am working on
burning fat and building muscle. Usually I alternate every other day
between aerobic and weight lifting. For example, on Monday I run on the
treadmill, on Tuesday I workout chest and biceps/triceps, on Wednesday I run
on the treadmill, on Thursday I workout my legs with weights, Friday I run
on the treadmill, and Saturday I may lift weights to work on shoulders and
back. This is my plan, but I do miss days here and there. My question is
that if I want to change things up and get an aerobic workout and a muscle
building workout on the same day, is it better to run on the treadmill first
then lift weights, or to lift weights first then run on the treadmill? Any
advice would be appreciated.

DW

ANSWER FROM FITNESS EXPERT, ANDREA METCALF:
Good for you DAVE that you have a game plan... That's the first step. If you want to do cardio and weights on the same day, unless you are a body builder, it will not matter very much which you do first. Weight training will deplete muscle glycogen and then move onto the fat stores for fuel, so weight training first for a body builder is a better option. But if you cannot get into the gym that often, it's better to interval train--- meaning alternate your weight training with cardio... You'll burn more calories in less time and get benefits from both cardio & strength.

Sparkling wine with a twist!

Who would have thought of serving up sparkling wine by Chandon with bloody Mary mix or lime juice. This morning I met with Chandon vineyards from Napa Valley to see their updated version of adding a kittle sparkle to the morning. although this is surely an indulgence, adding these simple recipes to your next brunch or girlfriend get together is a nice low calorie treat.

Recipes:
Bellini
Chandon Blanc Classic and Peach purée
Chandon Sunrise
Chandon Rose, Vanilla Agave nectar, and splash of orange juice

Checkout www.chandon.com for more recipes and inspiration

Switch to spinach over lettuce

I loved cartoons growing up and couldn't help watching Popeye and Olive Oyle win over Brutus. As a healthy lifestyle spokesperson all grown up, I realize that Popeye got it right when he ate spinach to get stronger! Spinach has 13 different flavonoids. It is high in Vitamin K which promotes bone health and support friendly bacteria. It not only helps your muscles, but gives your brain a boost too. It contains vitamin E which helps slow the loss of mental function. For your eyes, it contains Luetin. And it weighs in at a 1 cup has only 7 calories! Yet almost 30 mg of calcium -not bad... that means a whole spinach salad about 3 cups has almost as much calcium as a small glass of milk. Compared to iceberg lettuce at less than 10 mg of calcium and half the potassium, the only similarity is the calorie count of 8!

Conclusion: Eat your spinach and don’t forget about Olive oil! ( After all she was Popeye’s mate!)

Running outdoors in Chicago... bring your Yak Trax

Running outdoors in Chicago... bring your Yak Trax

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Andrea Metcalf's Journey

Andrea Metcalf's Journey

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Walk This Way ~ 20 Minutes a Day!

30% of boomers feel that their physical health is worse than they expected at this point in their lives. 
-          20% say their physical health is what they would like to change the most.
-          89% have done something to fight aging, with heart disease and aging being their two main health concerns.
-          Women reported that their most preferred physical activity is walking (35%) and more than half of them walk at least one a week. 
-          Boomers are the first generation that grew up exercising, and expect to be able to able to exercise well into their 70’s.  
 Well if that isn’t enough information to motivate you to move, I am not sure what is other than a heart attack. The truth is exercise is a choice and when you choose to move, you will have more energy, sleep better, have better brain function, strengthen your heart and may even lose weight. As little as 10 minutes of walking before and after work can make significant changes.
So here’s my challenge - if you can exercise for one month straight, 5 out of 7 days a week for at least 20 minutes of exercise, e-mail me with your results. I will send you an exercise DVD for your success to get to the next level.

Walk this way ~ 20 minutes a day!