New Balance Donates to the YMCA

New Balance Athletic Shoe, Inc. has just donated $500,000 to the West Suburban YMCA. The YMCA plans to upgrade and renew its Newton facility, and expand current youth/family programs. Read the article for more details.


--Cassie

NBwebexpress.com 48 Hour Sale!

The clock is ticking! Now on NBwebexpress.com get 10% off plus free ground shipping on all orders over $50!

Take advantage of this opportunity to save on New Balance gear for the entire family!

But hurry, this sale ends at 11:59 PM ET May 22!

See site for details.

--Cassie

The Women's 882 has Arrived!

If you were a fan of the New Balance 881, take a test run in the 882.

New Balance has kept some of the same features such as a wider toe box, and a full length of ABZORB® FL cushioning. But there are many new note worthy features including: Ortholite® foam inserts, N-LOCK™ midfoot support, and the Sure Lace™ supportive lacing system to keep your laces tied and ready for miles.

If you are a loyal New Balance 881 wearer, let us know why that shoe works for you...or if you happen to already have a pair of the 882's post your own reviews...we want to hear from you!

--Cassie

New Balance Sports Monitors

New Balance Sports Monitors are here! New Balance has partnered with High Gear USA and developed a new line of sports monitors. These monitors all have something new to offer the everyday athlete just looking for an edge in their workout routine.

If you are training for a competitive event, (marathon, 5K race, 10K) sports monitors can really help with setting a pace or keeping track of your time goals.

But sports monitors aren't just for runners; New Balance also carries a line of pedometers that offer specific features; fat burning (keeps track of calories burned), alarm/alert pedometers for safety, and basic pedometers that keep track of your steps throughout the day. Whatever your fitness goals, sports monitors can make a big difference.

Check out this blog post about New Balance sports monitors in the PluggedIn Blog featured on PittsburghChannel.com. Here you can read even more information about the benefits of New Balance Sports Monitors. You can also take a look at this video by WTEA-TV Pittsburgh Channel highlighting even more benefits of working out with a sports monitor! (Be sure to drag the video to your play list to start the short clip.)

So, how many readers out there have tried one of the New Balance Sports Monitors? What did you think? I have personally tried the HRT Mini (for cardio workouts) and the Vent Mini (for running)...both really surprised me. I had never ran with a monitor before, not to mention worn a monitor for any other activity, and after I got the hang of it (which buttons to press, learned which function did what) they really opened my eyes to what training could be. Instead of just guessing my time or keeping an eye on the clock in the gym as I ran on the track, I had an accurate account of my entire workout...not a bad deal for a runner with a time crunch!

--Cassie

Look Great, Perform Even Better

When you head out to the gym or out for a run, what are you wearing? Do you grab an old T-shirt and pair of gym shorts or do you have clothes just for your workouts? What about fit? support? How does it hold up in the wash?

When I ran competitively, I had special outfits for certain workouts and weather, but with motherhood and lack of time I used to just grab whatever "seemed" clean in the laundry room.

Just recently (within the last 8 months I'd say) I have discovered the beauty of fitness apparel. There is really nothing like a great looking outfit just for a workout. It's not just the look either, the materials and fabrics really do keep you dryer than those old cotton tees. And guys aren't immune to this trend of functional fitness fashion either, my husband just tried the New Balance short sleeve Ultra tee and Jersey Shorts, he swears by them. He is not a runner, but this outfit works for his weight lifting workouts.

I came across this very interesting article on Shape.com that discusses the importance of fashionable workout apparel. If you look good while working out, you just might work out more often. This article features some tips on what to look for in fitness apparel and how to dress for certain activities. And it's not just for women, men should feel good while breaking a sweat, too.

So, what is your favorite workout look? I'd have to say mine is the Bonita Run Skirt and Tempo Tee There is just something about looking good while you run, you just feel more in shape.

--Cassie