Tips for Tight and Toned Glutes

Posted on July 13, 2016 by Best Self Atlanta staff

The best fitness advice around town! 

Courtesy of Catherine Luciano - Concourse Athletic Club

Catherine Luciano, personal training manager at Concourse Athletic Club, answers a reader’s question about toning glutes.

 Q: I work out regularly and do my squats and lunges, but I can’t seem to lift and tighten my glutes. What do you recommend?

A: A key ingredient that is missing from many workout routines is 3D training. Our body, especially the hip, was designed for multi-directional movement. We must include training in all planes of motion—such as rotational step-ups, side-to-side shifting patterns, lateral lunges and curtsy-type lunges. The muscle will respond best when it is fully lengthened and then shortened.

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Pro Serve

Posted on July 12, 2016 by Best Self Atlanta staff

Tennis Racquets - BB&T Atlanta Open - BSA July 2016

The BB&T Atlanta Open takes center court at Atlantic Station July 30–August 7. This year’s event features the highly anticipated Olympic gold-medal rematch between Andre Agassi and Sergi Bruguera. Tennis fans can relive the 1996 excitement on July 31 as the two show some “love” to the game.

Details: bbtatlantaopen.com

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Jumping for Joy

Posted on July 11, 2016 by Best Self Atlanta staff

tgoma - Springfree Trampoline - BSA July 2016

Dubbed the world’s safest trampoline, Springfree® Trampolines have no springs, but do sport shock-absorbent SoftEdge mats and safety netting. To top that off, its “tgoma® technology” uses specialized sensors to integrate with your tablet. Download a free tgoma app to access educational games, interactive fitness options and playful activities. Stop by one of their new Atlanta area stores in Cumming and East Cobb.

Details: The Avenue East Cobb, 4475 Roswell Rd.,
Marietta, GA 30062; springfreetrampoline.com

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Juicing it Up

Posted on July 9, 2016 by Best Self Atlanta staff

Nature's Garden Express - BSA July 2016

Noticing the abundance (70,000 pounds, to be exact) of fresh, but bruised, produce left over from their Nature’s Garden Express delivery business, co-founders Michael Kirk and Scott Frishman decided to put it to delicious use, sprouting a line of cold-pressed juices and smoothies. Belly up to the juice bar at their brick-and-mortar location in Krog Street Market and select from an expanded menu that includes seasonal blends—such as “Walter Meloñe,” a mixture of watermelon, blueberries, mint and lemon.

Details: naturesgardenexpress.com; 99 Krog St. NE, Atlanta, GA 30307

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Plan to Play

Posted on July 8, 2016 by Best Self Atlanta staff

Plan to Play - BSA July 2016

Summertime is here! Help your family maintain a healthy exercise routine, even without the structure of school programs. Playworks, a national nonprofit that works with schools to revitalize recess, shares some tips for active family fun.

Make a Bucket List—Literally Give kids a bucket to fill with their ideas for summer activities. Pull from the bucket to plan family fun they will love.

Take Your Imaginations for a Run
Walking in a line, have the leader narrate a journey through “The Forest.” Duck under “branches,” climb “trees” and then sprint—BEARS!

Beat the Heat —When it is too hot to play outside, stay active indoors. Try Booty Ball: create a volleyball “net” with string. Then crab walk under it—this game works your core!

Details: playworks.org/games

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Yoga with a View

Posted on July 7, 2016 by Best Self Atlanta staff

Cat and Zach Photography - BSA July 2016

Get in shape and take in a stunning view at the same time at the W Atlanta–Buckhead. Carly Grace Hinchman, owner and director of Thunderbolt Power Yoga, leads a complimentary poolside FIT YOGA series with Lululemon Athletica on July 26 and August 30. Participate in the social media contest for each class for a chance to win special giveaway prizes.

Details: 3377 Peachtree Rd., NE, Atlanta, GA 30326; watlantabuckhead.com

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Keep Bugs at Bay

Posted on July 6, 2016 by Best Self Atlanta staff

Citrus Spray - HollyBeth Organics - BSA July 2016

 

Say goodbye to pesky bugs naturally this summer. Instead of using harsh chemicals found in common insect repellants, HollyBeth Organics’ new Citrus Spray is formulated with lavender, bergamot, orange, lemon and tea tree and other oils to ward off bugs. The clean, light mist keeps bugs at bay while leaving behind a fresh, citrus aroma on skin and clothes.

Details: Fig & Flower, 636 N. Highland Ave., Atlanta, GA 30306; hollybethorganics.com

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Black Quinoa Superfoods Salad

Posted on July 5, 2016 by Best Self Atlanta staff

Black Quinoa - Chef Megan McCarthy - BSA July 2016

Hot summer months call for cool, refreshing additions to your menu. Revive and refresh with this powerhouse recipe from Chef Megan McCarthy, founder of Healthy Eating 101.

Ingredients:

2 cups water

1 cup black quinoa, rinsed

3 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil

1 tsp Spike® gourmet natural seasoning, or salt and pepper to taste

1 orange or red bell pepper, seeded and diced

¼ head red cabbage, chopped

2–3 green onions, chopped

1 jalapeño, seeded and finely diced

1 ripe avocado, diced

8–10 fresh basil leaves, chopped

Directions:
Bring water and rinsed black quinoa to a boil. Cover and lower heat to simmer for 12 minutes, or when water is absorbed. Transfer cooked quinoa to a large mixing bowl. Drizzle quinoa with olive oil, then season with Spike® and toss. Add peppers, cabbage, green onions, jalapeño, avocado and fresh basil. Toss again.

Details: healthyeating101.com

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Make Some Waves

Posted on July 4, 2016 by Best Self Atlanta staff

Swim Across America Atlanta - BSA July 2016

’Tis the season to jump in the lake and maybe tackle open-water swim races for summer fitness fun. Transitioning from the pool to the open water brings new challenges, so consider learning new skills in clinics presented by Fix My Swim. Soon you might feel ready to register for the September 17 Swim Across America Atlanta (SAA) event, raising funds for Aflac Cancer & Blood Disorders Center at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. Jump in!

Fix My Swim Open Water Clinics  

Dates: July 10, August 7 and September 11

$25 for registered SAA participants;
$35 for unregistered participants

Clinic Registration: fixmyswim.com 

Race Registration: swimacrossamerica.org/Atlanta

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BeltLine Bushels

Posted on July 3, 2016 by Best Self Atlanta staff

Ponce City Farmers Market - Jamestown L.P - July 2016Take a summer stroll along the BeltLine and explore the new Ponce City Farmers Market every Tuesday from 4–8 p.m. Located inside The Shed, this open-air market offers a selection of prepared foods and fresh produce from more than 20 local farmers—such as Truly Living Well, Four Bellies Farm and Mercier Orchards, to name a few. The market also offers a rotation of vendors with unique goods, like hand-crafted clothing and accessories from Two Stix, dog biscuits from Big Daddy Biscuits and all-natural beauty products from Herb’N Eden.

Details: 675 Ponce De Leon Ave., NE, Atlanta, GA 30308; poncecitymarket.com

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