Take 69 seconds today to #fightbreastcancer

As many of you know, October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. This year we're doing a little something special to kick it off. If you're reading this blog post today, September 30, you may notice that our beloved Shop New Balance website is a little. . . pink.



It took Susan G. Komen for the Cure CEO and Founder, Nancy G. Brinker, approximately 69 seconds to promise her sister, Susan G. Komen, she would do everything in her power to #fightbreastcancer. What can you promise to do in the next 69 seconds at http://69-seconds.org?

Why 69 seconds?
Every 69 seconds, a woman dies of breast cancer somewhere in the world. Breast cancer will strike 1.3 million women this year and kill almost 500,000, making it the leading cancer killer of women worldwide – a fact we’re trying to change with the help of others. 69 seconds is about how long it takes to visit 69-seconds.org and make a promise to drive change by signing a petition to make breast cancer a global priority as a UN millennium goal and educate yourself and others about breast cancer.

Real-Life Review,Anue Yoga Apparel

Since I've been practicing yoga for over ten years, I was excited as anything when New Balance debuted the new Anue Yoga apparel collection. Designed to make your yoga experience as comfortable as possible, this apparel line is made with environmentally preferred materials and features design details that help make sure you look good in any posture. It's great for Pilates, too. I was especially intrigued by Anue Yoga because the designers really do know how yogis and yoginis move, and the collection has all sorts of little touches that prove that—like tank tops and camis that have longer hems so your bare back doesn't show when you're in Child's Pose or Downward-Facing Dog. Or piecing on the back of the Spree Capri that forms a lovely eastern architecture-inspired shape that just happens to help make you look slimmer!

Recently I got a pair of capri pants from the Anue Yoga line that have absolutely blown me away. The Devi Crop Flare Pant has the stylish flare at the hemline that I always look for in a capri, plus it has the slimming graphic seaming on the back yoke that reminds me of a lovely Moroccan archway. What I didn't expect is the waistband, which both puzzles and astounds me. I have no idea how they do this, but my pants don't move an inch, regardless of what pose I'm in or how hard I'm working out. These capris have been through hour after hour of both Pilates and yoga, and the waistband stays put and stays comfortable(!) no matter what I do. I'm so pleased. Also, I stay dry: the moisture-wicking fabric totally works. And knowing that the clothes I'm wearing are made from recycled materials is just icing on my proverbial gluten-free cake. In summary, these capris have me very excited to try out more Anue apparel in the yoga studio, at Pilates class, and even in my living room while I practice with the latest Rodney Yee yoga video. Next on my list are the Suzani Racerback bra top and the delicious Ummi Wrap. (How can I say "no" to the softest organic cotton I've ever touched?) Check in with me in a couple of weeks, when I give you the details and my final opinion.

Reza Armstrong
Copywriter
Shop New Balance

Everyday running in the 1225

Let’s just get this right out on the table: I love my New Balance 1225s. Okay, now I can back up a bit. Whenever I make a switch to another running shoe, I get a little nervous. I loved running in my 1063s, but because I loved running in them I put too many miles on them—my hips and knees were starting to feel the bumps in the road. Side note: I can’t stress how important it is to get new running shoes after 350-500 miles no matter how great they may look on the outside.

I consider myself an average distance runner. I participate in local 5k’s, 10k’s, have done marathons and I have two half-marathons scheduled in the near future. Some of my runs are short, some long, some hilly, some flat, some hot, some cold, some muddy and some filled with time on the "dreaded" treadmill. I am happy to report that the 1225s performed great in all of the above runs and situations.

They have wonderful cushioning, which of course comes in handy during those long runs, as well as during trail runs on gravel! They breathe well in hot weather, my feet stay cool and despite the fact that the rest of me is soaking wet, my feet are not. The 1225s are flexible but still provide the support I need when running on rough terrain or on the treadmill. If you have been looking for a shoe that can take you from a 5k to a marathon with ease, check out the 1225s for happy feet either way.

In future posts, I'll write specifically about how the 1225s perform during both shorter distance events, like 5- and 10ks, and longer distances like a half-marathon.

Ann Hankins
Fitness Director, Personal Trainer, and Guest Blogger

Using the 1210 for Group Exercise Classes

Sometimes as fitness professionals, we need to be reminded to practice what we preach. One of the first things I tell new participants in my classes is to make sure they have a good pair of cross-training shoes. However, for the last few years I have been teaching step and conditioning classes in my running shoes! While I must say that I felt my running shoes did an adequate job, I noticed an immediate difference the first time I taught a step class in the New Balance 1210s.

The heel cushioning that the 1210s provide, especially during a forceful foot plant off the step, is exceptional. The other cross-training function the 1210s provides is to prevent your foot/ankle from rolling. During group exercise classes like Zumba, step and conditioning, there are so many connected motions that consequently your feet and ankles get a real workout. Many times conditioning classes include activites like sprints, shuffles and running laps, and the 1210s feel like a running shoe during these activities. In a later post, I will discuss using the 1210s to do small distance running (e.g., training for your first 5k).

So if you've been just "getting by" with your running shoes instead of purchasing cross-trainers, make the switch now. You'll be glad you did.

Ann Hankins
Fitness Director, Personal Trainer, and Guest Blogger