Summer is quickly approaching, and it’s time to update your fitness wardrobe! Beat the heat in style during your summer workouts with our New Balance Tempo Tees and 2-in-1 Shorts. Special fabrications make this New Balance fitness wear:

·         Quick-drying

·         Lightweight

·         Moisture wicking

·         20+ UV Protection

·         Reflective

Ladies, get inspired and energized for your summer workouts in this pink New Balance Tempo Tee that feature reflectivity and a flattering fit. Couple it with these New Balance 2-in-1 shorts that are moisture-wicking and the ideal workout essential from its flattering 5-inch inseam to its slip-free internal compression boy short. Storage is first-rate, from the back zip media pocket to a hidden stash pocket on the waistband for anything from keys to energy gel packets.

And guys, there’s no better time to reinvent your fitness wardrobe than right now. Get a fresh start in our Men’s New Balance Tempo Tee in white or black paired with New Balance 2-in-1 shorts. The 7" 2-in-1 Short combines the comfort of a well-loved gym short with the muscle-engaging support of compression gear. Lightning Dry fabric wicks away moisture to keep you feeling great in the gym, on the road, and everywhere in between.

So kick off your summer with stylish New Balance fitness wear and be dry. Be cool. Be seen.

 I heard someone say once, "If it's worth doing, start now." Since then I have found so many situations in which to apply that way of thinking! But at the risk of rambling I will concentrate on one issue...Exercise. Last week we talked about New Year's resolutions and how easily they slip the mind once other activities roll in with the Spring. If you're anything like me you need constant motivation or you end up back on the couch with your bag of Cheetos watching Golden Girls marathons and the Food Network. So I did a little research to help me keep my "Thomas the Tank Engine" mentality going. Below I've listed 5 steps to help us stay focused.

*BE SPECIFIC
When starting out with a resolution or a goal don't just say, "I want to lose weight." or "I want to run more." or "I want to eat less Cheetos." Set a specific target to reach within reasonable allotted time increments. For example, if you want to lose weight set a monthly pound loss target. If you want to run more set out a specific mileage per week and build on that as the month progresses. If you want to eat less Cheetos.. don't buy them.

*PAT ON THE BACK!
Everyone likes a reward. Once you hit an incremental goal treat yourself. The last time I hit a goal I bought a new pair of shoes. That's a pretty big pat on the back but I was very excited about the achievement... and they were really cute. There may be an underlying addiction there. Hmm.. Next year's resolution in the making. But you don't have to go that far. Get yourself that new bag you've been eyeing in the display window or the movie you've been wanting to buy. Or motivate while rewarding with something new like running shorts/shirt, pedometer, sackpack. Anything to to tell yourself, "Great Job!" 

*SUMMON MORAL SUPPORT
Sympathy pain. Misery loves company. Getting other people involved can have a positive effect on overcoming the toils of the task at hand.  I am in my 1063's much quicker in the morning when I have someone yanking the blankets off and telling me to get my toes on the road. Especially if they will be joining me. Whether they are physically by your side or just supporting you along the way, having someone else know what you're striving for is huge motivation.

*MIX IT UP
A change of scenery is highly motivational. If you feel like you're stuck in a pattern just taking a different route to work can stimulate alertness throughout the day. You need routine but monotony will wear you down. Get out of that ho-hum habit of doing things the same. If you are a runner, take a different path when you have the time to change it up. There are so many different routes you can take and with each you'll see different people and places. Exercising indoor? Work on different areas each day or change up your technique to get a well rounded routine. 

*IMMEDIATE ACTION
Simply, if it's worth doing, start now! Don't use phrases like, "The diet starts tomorrow." or "I'll just run twice as long on Monday." That kind of talk is the first step toward the couch and Friends re-runs.

So... you have 341 days. Get off the couch and I'll see ya on the road!

Let us know your goals with a comment! And come back to let us know you made it! We'll give you a "Pat on the Back."

19°

Brrrrrrrrr!!!!

• Michelin Man-up!
  In other words: Layers, layers and more layers! You don't want to bulk up your body and make a steady pace uncomfortable so use less heavy, multiple layers. Start with a wicking fabric against your skin to pull away the perspiration allowing it to evaporate. Something like the Reach Tight and the Tempo top from New Balance is perfect as it incorporates Lightning Dry, a wicking fabric. Make sure your outer shell is a breathable, wind resistant fabric such as Gore-tex or nylon preferably with closures over the zippers to keep air from leaking through. New Balance has you covered here as well with the Sequence Pant and my personal favorite NBx Wind Blocker jacket.  If it's really cold or BRRRRR be sure to add an extra layer in the middle for insulation.
• Accessorize!
  Don't forget the hat and gloves! A good percentage of vital body heat can be lost through your hands and out the top of your head like a chimney. Take a pointer from the little ones and go with mittens for even more warmth on your digits. And don't forget your toes! Add a wicking coolmax layer under your warm wool sock.
• Streeeetttch!
  Warm yourself up with proper stretching, before and after your run/walk. Start slow and gradually work into a more vigorous routine as you want to warm up your muscles before hitting the pavement too hard.
• Factor in Windchill!
  If the wind is strong the temperature you feel may be much different than the temperature you see on the thermometer. If it's too strong it can penetrate your layers and remove the insulating warm air you worked so hard to attain. Run into the wind! If you head out into the wind it will be behind you on your way back when your more likely to be sweaty and can catch a dangerous chill. If the temperature is BRRRRR or the windchill is in the single digits or below you may want to play it safe on the treadmill.  
• Drink up!
  Make sure to drink water or a sports drink before, during, and after your run/walk. You may not sweat as much on a winter excursion but cold air has a drying effect which can increase the risk of dehydration. You can immediately feel the drying effect it has on your throat when breathing heavy in cold weather. Staying hydrated also ensures healthy muscle action and recovery after running in the cold.
• Take it Off!
  Get out of your damp clothes and into a warm shower or dry clothes as soon as possible after your run/walk. This is very important when temperatures are low. If you get wet from rain, snow, or sweat in cold temperatures you're at increased risk for hypothermia, a lowering of your body temperature. And it just feels good to snuggle up in warm clothes like the cozy Kaspian after an exhilarating run!
• Save Skin!
  Last but definitely not least protect your natural outer shell. Apply moisturizer and lip balm before heading outdoors. Winter weather takes a toll on our soft outer layer with cold temperatures, chilling wind, and lower humidity indoors and out. To offset the chapping and drying effects of Old Man Winter and Jack Frost, moisturize before your run or walk and after your shower.

Now you have no excuse but a lame one so go out and make some tracks in the snow!

*Cold air can trigger chest pain or asthma attacks in some people. Before braving the elements, talk to your doctor if you have any medical conditions or concerns about exercising outdoors.

                   
As of last week I had five games left in the softball season. I finally wised up and got the Bonita Run Crop last Tuesday. We had a double-header on Wednesday and won both games, previously only winning one game out of six. Coincidence? Maybe, but I'm not willing to play this week without it to find out. Softball season is pretty much over but there are plenty of other high impact activities for which you'll need good support. Ladies, do yourself a favor, possibly a favor for the entire team, and try out the New Balance Bonita Run Crop. You will love the comfort of the Lightning Dry material, racer back design, slightly molded cups, adjustable padded hook-and-loop straps, and adjustable bottom band. Just try not to brag on it too much.  Nobody likes a sore winner.

Check out what Self magazine thinks of it in their November issue.                                            

We all love that sound in the morning!

Whether it's 5 A.M. or 8 A.M. it always comes too early. We know how warm and cozy our beds are but we also know how much more potential the day holds when the morning is started out right.. with a morning run. It's the balance between love and hate. It's the balance between a "spare tire" or the way your WRT8110GLC fits, proof that you ran that extra lap around the block. New Balance is tipping the scale in the right direction. We want you to improve your personal best, keep track with the 50007. Set goals, track your progress and compare results with other enthusiasts at NBFITS.com. We've been there too.. panting and chanting to yourself, "one more step, one more lap, one more mile." Go ahead. Your 992's can handle the stress on your knees, on your shins. It's all about getting the new balance. You may be the last person practicing your three pointers but you'll be the first to make the shot under the stress of the buzzer. Your 826's may be the only thing accompanying you on those extra laps at practice but you'll be the only one with the view from the other side of the goal line. Squeeze in that late night run if that's the only chance you get. When you kick off your 882's and crawl into bed you'll dream of turning that double into a triple in tomorrows game. And while you hate the rain in your eyes as your feet stay dry in your 1110's, we want you to love the sound of the tape snapping when your 1223's take you to first on race day.
Tip the scale.

Yes it's finally here... Mother Nature's feature presentation.
Trees begin to green, flowers begin to bloom and the grass begins to grow. Much like our waist lines have throughout the winter. I'm sure it's not just one of us who got into the routine of ignoring our 992's, sliding into our 801 leisures and hibernating in front of our favorite shows ..even if they weren't new episodes. Hey if the writers could strike so could we... from exercise. But now the only excuse is a lame excuse. With the fresh air in our lungs it's time to drag those running shoes, walking shoes, cross-trainers and even the golf shoes out of the abyss of the back of the closet and get on the way to a fit and healthy year.
Just like the new dress you can't wait to wear out or the new golf spikes you're sure will improve your game, new athletic apparel will kick you into gear. You're going to want to try out something we're excited about. Along with cities such as Portland, San Francisco, Chicago, New York and Boston (all among the top 10 greenest US cities) New Balance is also going green with their apparel. Feel the difference in performance and clear your conscience in the Bamboo and Cocona eco-friendly product lines.
Once you're ready to show off your new Spring "green" attitude you'll want to kick out the old and hit the road in the latest New Balance shoe technology. Check out the features in the 1123 dramatically improved from its predecessor, 1122. If it's a rainy day we're not letting you off that easy. New Balance has incorporated a Gore-tex waterproof lining in the new men's and women's trail running 1110GT. If you prefer not to brave the elements the new cross training 1009 and 855 will be more than accommodating for some indoor gym time. As for me and some fellow Brown's employees we're gonna ease our way back into Spring by packing up some fruits and veggies in our Avalanche Lunch Boxes and hike through some mid-western wilderness.
While we're pacing ourselves out to the perfect picnic spot with the help of the 50003 pedometer, let us know how you're springing into the season. What's the hippest way to fit in your neck of the woods?

"Motivation is what gets you started. Habit is what keeps you going."
~Jim Ryun
(American former track athlete and politician. Jim Ryun had an athletic career that saw him become one of the greatest runners of all time, and the last American to hold the world record in the mile run.)

We know it's hard to get motivated so how about a little push. To celebrate going live with our new Blog feature use the code from the image below for $5 off any regularly priced New Balance athletic model. Our way of helping you turn others green... with envy of the deals you got on the way to a fit and healthy season! 

*Not to be combined with any other offers.