Spring is in full bloom, and it's putting a little bounce in our steps. This month, we're celebrating April by getting outside for our workouts, attending some truly inspiring fitness events, and taking with us just the right gear to keep our spirits high while fueling up with the season's best produce. From colorful sweat-wicking leggings to clean-eating cookies, this is what we're excited about this month.
Start stashing your paychecks because the newest Kate Spade New York and Beyond Yoga collaboration has officially launched online. The sporty-meets-feminine collection includes 27 pieces for Summer, and you'll want them all. Black-and-white polka dots and bows are featured in true Kate Spade fashion, as well as cool cutouts on a few of the pieces. Tennis players will especially love the peplum skirts that can easily be worn off court. The collection is priced $88 to $119, but we can't help but get excited over this designer collaboration in the fitness world. Check out seven of the line's highlights below.
Related: Ultra-High-Waist Pants Are an Active Girl's Best Friend
The first time I ever hit the track for a run, it felt like someone had lit my lungs up with a match and there was a burning fire blazing in my thoracic cavity, which had also incinerated my esophagus. Every few steps, I felt like I needed to slow down - my body was fine, but my lungs felt like they were literally on fire.
Related: How to Breathe When Running
Growing up with exercise-induced asthma, I never thought it'd be possible for me to run (and I didn't push the issue; it really didn't seem fun!). I skipped out on many a mile in high school PE, never pursued sports, and never dreamed of running a race; but here I am today, as a fitness writer, training for my fourth and fifth half marathons this Summer.
The secret? Strengthening your lungs. While there are several different exercises you can do to build strength in your diaphragm, one that stands out in particular is the Pilates 100s. This move targets your ab muscles, in part by paying a lot of attention to breathing. With practice, the end result will be a stronger diaphragm and greater lung capacity, meaning a more comfortable run!
Here's a breakdown of this core-tightening, diaphragm-strengthening, breath-controlling move. For more tips, refer back to our in-depth tutorial on the 100s move.
Have you ever been at war with yourself during a diet, or just in general when you're fighting off a craving? I have those inner dialogues with myself all the time, and it feels like your brain is having a civil war. This includes last night, when I realized I'm the worst fitness editor ever I had a secret stash of chocolate in my gym bag. It was late, I had already eaten a snack (fiber cereal; I was being so good!), and I was about to go to bed, but similar to how a predatory animal sets its sights on prey, I was fixated; I couldn't turn my brain off once I remembered the chocolate. Can you guys relate to this scenario?
Related: 14 Overwhelming Feelings Experienced While Indulging in a Cheat Meal
