Collapsed Runner Gets Help From Competitors | Video
This Boston College athlete got help from an unexpected place after collapsing on the track ...
Ashley Graham's Fitness Instagrams
All-around babe Ashley Graham is our current fit crush for so many reasons, but today we're focusing on her insane workout routine (she could probably kick our asses in the gym), including but not limited to boxing, weights, and balance work. Check out this superstrong model's lineup of exercise and channel all those empowered vibes into your next workout!
Check Out Her Balance Skills!
That's a HARD move, you guys.
She's a Huge Fan of Boxing
Cardio? Check!
She Even Makes Skipping Look Easy!
(Spoiler: it's not)
Back in the Ring ...
... and working on that one-two punch!
Don't Forget Weights
Ashley knows how to work (work work work work).
And She's SO Strong
Work it, girl!
Watch Ashley Own the Gym
She is QUEEN!
Best Products For Fitness Beginners
The holidays are an ideal time to introduce a friend to fitness or to encourage a blossoming interest in the world of exercise. These gifts are not only exciting to receive, but they're also incredibly practical, and things that you probably wish you had owned when you first started working out.
While you're showing your loved one the ropes, make their new health journey more seamless and easier than ever with products that help with every aspect of fitness, from fueling to recovery. And maybe pick up some of it for yourself while you're at it, because who doesn't need a little more protein powder or an extra pair of compression socks?
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Fitbit Flex 2 Fitness Wristband
The first step is often just that: a step. By giving your newbie fitness pal a tracker, they'll be encouraged to keep doing what they're doing, to move more, and to be more conscious of their daily habits. It's an awesome gift to welcome them into the world of health — and you can challenge them on the Fitbit app with steps each week!
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Nike Elite Cushioned No-Show Tab Running Socks
When I was a newbie myself, I didn't realize how much an awesome sock could make a difference in a run. These cushioned compression socks with a heel tab are a huge step up from an everyday sock, and a thoughtful gift that a beginner may not think to get for themselves.
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Vega One Nutritional Shake Protein Powder
Vega is a high-quality, tasty, and very accessible product. Not only is it nutritionally dense and delicious in even the most basic of shakes (you can literally mix it with water; ideal for a newbie) — but it's also vegan, and you can get it in many grocery stores. These single packs make serving sizes even simpler.
Vega One Nutritional Shake Protein Powder ($34, originally $40)
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GapFit Breathe Racerback Tank
A basic, supersoft tank will be a staple in their new active wardrobe. This beautiful yet simple style from GapFit is just as sturdy and stylish as it is inexpensive.
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Living Proof Perfect Dair Day Dry Shampoo
Something this beginner may not know just yet: dry shampoo is a fitness fanatic's BFF. This is a trusted brand, and small enough to toss into a gym bag.
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adidas Rose Gold Double Logo Tee
A sporty transitional tee is perfect for both the gym and everyday, and a great way to introduce a more active style into their wardrobe.
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ban.do Gym Bag
Perhaps your friend or loved one needs a little extra ... motivation. This bag will do just that. Just be sure to make good on your deal and take them to pizza after your workout.
ban.do Gym Bag ($28)
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adidas Fighter 6 Pack Headband Set
Cute headbands are a practical and thoughtful gift ... and you can never have too many!
adidas Fighter 6 Pack Headband Set ($10, originally $12)
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Yes to Coconut Face & Hand Cleansing Wipes
Another perfect addition to their gym bag? Cleansing wipes. These are inexpensive and they smell amazing!
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A Studio Class Gift Card
What's your favorite class? Take your friend with you! One of the best ways to introduce your friend to the life-changing world of health and fitness is by actually bringing them to class. I've used this as a gift for the beginners in my life, and they've agreed that it's the gift that keeps on giving (and a totally memorable experience for you both). Suggestion: plan a brunch for a post-exercise celebration!
SoulCycle Gift Card (Prices vary)
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CamelBak Eddy
We love this water bottle for so many reasons — and your friend will too! The straw makes it super easy to grab a gulp of water in a fast cardio class, while the handle makes it easy to carry (and keeps it from rolling away if it falls over!). It's also super lightweight, so it won't weigh down their new gym bag.
CamelBak Eddy ($15)
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Yeti Yoga the Pisces Yoga Mat
What makes a first yoga class less intimidating and more fun? A gorgeous yoga mat, duh! But seriously, they'll love discovering their happy place with this uniquely beautiful, cheerful print.
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C9 Neoprene Hand Weight
We all start somewhere, and for many of us, it's with a light set of dumbbells to keep in our room to practice our biceps curls so we're not embarrassed in class ... or maybe that's just us? Regardless, these will help make all those at-home workouts easier and allow your friend to build strength to take on even heavier weights!
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Nike Free RN Flyknit
These were the first "real" athletic shoes I owned, and were perfect for starting at very short distances — and I even wore them to studio classes before I got training shoes! Your beginner fit friend likely won't be running long distances just yet, so these lightweight, supercomfy shoes are ideal.
Nike Free RN Flyknit ($130)
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Forever 21 Active Get Fit Jump Rope
A lightweight piece of cardio equipment in pretty colors with an inspirational message? What's not to love? This works as an amazing stocking stuffer or as part of a cute starter pack, if you're into making those.
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Old Navy Go-Dry Compression Crops
Before your friend invests in a pair of $100 leggings, introduce them to a stylish, sturdy, and inexpensive brand like Old Navy. These supercute cropped leggings are flattering, sweat-wicking, and under 40 bucks.
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Dr. Teal's Epsom Salt Soaking Solution Relax & Relief
Let's be real: that first cardio class is going to leave them feeling pretty sore. Do them a solid and teach them the wondrous ways of an epsom soak.
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PakRat Running Belt
As a beginner runner, I have clear, vivid, haunting memories of an early run with a fanny pack. It. Was. Awful. Surefire way to avoid the dreaded bouncing and chafing, but still carry your essentials? A waist pack like this one. No bounce, comfortable fit, and ample storage.
PakRat Running Belt ($30, originally $40)
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Gaiam Compact Foam Roller
A fitness newbie might not even know what foam rolling is — make sure you introduce them to this imperative piece of equipment in the early stages to prevent injury and pain that might otherwise sideline their burgeoning fitness career.
Backbend Using a Wall
Gracefully dropping back into a full backbend from standing takes spinal flexibility, as well as core and leg strength, so you don't drop back too quickly and land on your head! If you thought this move was way too advanced for you to even consider trying, go find a wall!
- Start off by lying on your back, and do some Half Wheels to warm up your spine. Then place the heels of your palms against the wall and do three Full Wheels, holding each for three breaths.
- Notice how far away from the wall your feet are in this position and come to stand here with the feet slightly wider than hips-distance apart. You might need to start with your feet closer to the wall when you first try this out, but note that if you stand too close, you won't have enough room for your spine to bend.
- Raise your arms overhead and lean your head back so you can see the wall.
- Touch the wall with your hands and walk them down until they reach the floor, holding a backbend for a breath or two. If this seems too hard, just walk them down halfway. Then walk your hands back up the wall, push off, and come back to standing.
- Repeat for a total of five times.
Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson Working Out
Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson is truly a gift to Instagram, for so many reasons. And let's be honest, it's hard to ignore The Rock's biceps fitness routine, which he posts about frequently. For starters, he's in the gym all the time, keeping himself in unparalleled physical condition. Then there are the intense moves and heavy weights — it's truly a spectacle to behold. His commitment and hard work — coupled with his positivity and permanent smile — never cease to amaze us. Just like his biceps never cease to amaze us.
The Rock Is a Beast, as Many of You Know
Just look at those biceps! Holy sh*t!
He Refers to His Workouts as "Blessing the Iron"
Exhibit A of "blessing the iron".
Exhibit B of "Blessing the Iron"
He Starts His Beast Mode Days With HUGE Breakfasts
Can we talk about how this is his 5:30 a.m. meal? Buffalo, eggs, and 80 grams (several individual servings!) of cream of wheat.
His Motto Is Literally "Blood, Sweat, Respect"
Because The Rock doesn't cry — he just bleeds and sweats. And demands respect.
This Is His Gym
He calls it "Iron Paradise" and "the Wolf Den".
He Also Works Out at Unlimited Fitness
And "blesses the iron" with Unlimited Fitness owner Jay Glazer.
He Loves the Gym So Much, He Brings PUPPIES THERE
Meet J.Lo and Beyoncé, his rescue pups.
PUPPIES!
Oh yeah ... and he does push-up challenges. With puppies. It's the only way.
We Wouldn't Want to Be His Boxing Partner
Or These Ropes
Because He Works So Hard, His Hands Bleed
But The Rock Always Has an Inspirational Message For Us
"I just wanted to stop by your Instagram feed," he says (because of course). "We always want to be the hardest workers in the room," (so ... make sure you're never in the same room as The Rock).
They're Typically Post-Workout Recaps
Here he is discussing our responses to his workout routine: "Rock! You savage, you insane, you crazy as f*ck!" Clarifying that he is only "a little savage".
Mr. Johnson, You May Be an Enormous Dude With Biceps the Size of Our Entire Bodies ...
But You're Totally Our Fitness Motivation!
Blood, sweat, and respect, y'all.
