<![CDATA[Art of Athletics - Women's Athletic Wear: Latest News]]> https://www.aoaactivewear.com Thu, 09 Apr 2026 21:00:32 +0000 <![CDATA[Trails to Treadmill 5 Tips For off Season Training ]]> https://www.aoaactivewear.com/blog/trails-to-treadmill-5-tips-training-/ Fri, 22 Sep 2017 11:38:06 +0000 https://www.aoaactivewear.com/blog/trails-to-treadmill-5-tips-training-/ It is that time of year again. That crisp feeling in the air has arrived and my early morning run was quite chilly. Fall is upon us and the temperatures in Chicago will only continue to drop. Although running outside is one of my favorite activities, once snow and ice cover the streets of Chicago, a lonely treadmill will be my best friend. Treadmills are my saving grace during the winter because they ensure a safe, consistent surface to run on during the winter months. So grab your favorite yoga pants and hit the treadmill!

Treadmills are great to use, however, we need to be mindful of the simple tricks and tips that will ensure a better experience for our winter runs. Nothing will be able to beat running outside with natural inclines and fresh air, yet, if you live in a rainy area or have extended cold months, Treadmills are probably already part of your workout. There are many pros for a treadmill!For example, if it is a newer model, you may be able to plug in your iPod, watch TV on your own personal monitor, and some even provide you with your own personal fan!

Let's look into some tips to help improve your treadmill workouts:


1. Warm Up

Nothing changes just because you are now running indoors. Make sure you stretch and warm up to ensure your muscles are ready for the physical activity you exert on your lower body.


2. Go Uphill

Add a small incline to your workout. Nothing major... just a slight incline to help 2 or 3 percent if you are new to running on a treadmill. Since you are running indoors, you need to add some resistance to your run. When running outside, natural wind resistance helps make your run slightly more difficult.

3. Don't Think About It 

Run like you are outside. Don't try to hold onto the rails of the treadmill. Run free and pump your arms like you are outside.

4. Don't Look Down!

Whatever you do, don’t look down. We have all done it. However, look down for too long and you will fall. Looking down tends to make you lose your balance and can risk you getting injured. So, keep your head up and try not to lean your body forward. Leaning forward will cause neck and back pain - so stand up straight and run like a boss!

5. Keep Tempo with Music 

Work on your stride and jam to music. Perfecting your stride will allow you to limit the impact on your legs. Keep a simple short stride while running on the treadmill to limit issues. Listening to music will keep you focused and relaxed. Music allows you to keep your strides in pace.

These five simple tips will allow your transition from trails to treadmills to be as smooth as possible. Running on treadmills is not the ideal workout method, however adding some fun leg workouts before, after, or during your treadmill sessions can allow you to add some fun to your workout.

Once spring arrives, running outside will be welcomed with open arms, but until then - we cold city folks will be running countless miles on treadmills from the comfort of our climate controlled local gyms.

Run on! 

]]> It is that time of year again. That crisp feeling in the air has arrived and my early morning run was quite chilly. Fall is upon us and the temperatures in Chicago will only continue to drop. Although running outside is one of my favorite activities, once snow and ice cover the streets of Chicago, a lonely treadmill will be my best friend. Treadmills are my saving grace during the winter because they ensure a safe, consistent surface to run on during the winter months. So grab your favorite yoga pants and hit the treadmill!

Treadmills are great to use, however, we need to be mindful of the simple tricks and tips that will ensure a better experience for our winter runs. Nothing will be able to beat running outside with natural inclines and fresh air, yet, if you live in a rainy area or have extended cold months, Treadmills are probably already part of your workout. There are many pros for a treadmill!For example, if it is a newer model, you may be able to plug in your iPod, watch TV on your own personal monitor, and some even provide you with your own personal fan!

Let's look into some tips to help improve your treadmill workouts:


1. Warm Up

Nothing changes just because you are now running indoors. Make sure you stretch and warm up to ensure your muscles are ready for the physical activity you exert on your lower body.


2. Go Uphill

Add a small incline to your workout. Nothing major... just a slight incline to help 2 or 3 percent if you are new to running on a treadmill. Since you are running indoors, you need to add some resistance to your run. When running outside, natural wind resistance helps make your run slightly more difficult.

3. Don't Think About It 

Run like you are outside. Don't try to hold onto the rails of the treadmill. Run free and pump your arms like you are outside.

4. Don't Look Down!

Whatever you do, don’t look down. We have all done it. However, look down for too long and you will fall. Looking down tends to make you lose your balance and can risk you getting injured. So, keep your head up and try not to lean your body forward. Leaning forward will cause neck and back pain - so stand up straight and run like a boss!

5. Keep Tempo with Music 

Work on your stride and jam to music. Perfecting your stride will allow you to limit the impact on your legs. Keep a simple short stride while running on the treadmill to limit issues. Listening to music will keep you focused and relaxed. Music allows you to keep your strides in pace.

These five simple tips will allow your transition from trails to treadmills to be as smooth as possible. Running on treadmills is not the ideal workout method, however adding some fun leg workouts before, after, or during your treadmill sessions can allow you to add some fun to your workout.

Once spring arrives, running outside will be welcomed with open arms, but until then - we cold city folks will be running countless miles on treadmills from the comfort of our climate controlled local gyms.

Run on! 

]]> <![CDATA[Are You Recovering Properly? 8 Steps to Optimal Recovery ]]> https://www.aoaactivewear.com/blog/8-steps-to-optimal-recovery-/ Fri, 22 Sep 2017 10:58:59 +0000 https://www.aoaactivewear.com/blog/8-steps-to-optimal-recovery-/ Training is something anyone can do, however, the real champions take post workouts just as serious as their actual workout. Working hard and pushing yourself to the limit while working out is great. Yet, most people do not focus enough on their post-workout routines.

Let's look into 8 ways to perfect your post-workout cool down, allowing your body to fully recover.

Stretch it Out!

Cool down like a pro. End your workout with a light cardio session followed by some stretching, like squats or lunges. Stretching while your muscles are still warm helps avoid soreness the next day. Try using a foam roller, which increases blood flow to your muscles and helps eliminate tightness and tension in muscles.

Treat Yourself!

Foods rich in antioxidants, such as blueberries, raspberries, or cherries can help reduce post-workout soreness. Fruits with high levels of potassium help with muscle cramping, as well.

Shower Hot and Cold

No one wants to jump into an ice bath. Instead, try this trick - shower for one minute with heat, followed by one minute in cold water. Repeat this process to reduce lactic acid, which causes next-day soreness.

Take 5 for Yourself

You have hit the gym and made your post workout shake. Now it is time to relax your mind. Find a quiet place to sit down and clear your mind for 5-10 minutes. Doing this a few times a day will allow you to have stronger, clearer thoughts.

Drink Some H20

Rehydrating yourself after a workout is key for starting your body's post-workout routine. Your body will thank you later. Good hydration helps keep your body temperature regular after your workout.

Compression Clothing

Compression clothing is not only for the elderly. Wearing compression garments, like pants or sleeves, can help reduce toxins in your muscles and improve circulation. You should wear compression clothing for about three hours after your workout.

Have Some Protein 

Have a scoop of your favorite protein powder within an hour of your workout. This will help build stronger muscles and aid in your body's recovery. Make sure to avoid any protein powders that are high in sugar - you want to avoid these unnecessary carbs!

Do it all over again!

Find a routine that works for you. Tweak it and keep doing it. Workout routines help keep our bodies going. It doesn’t matter what time of day you workout, just make sure you get it done and treat your body right before and after. 

...because your a work of art!

]]> Training is something anyone can do, however, the real champions take post workouts just as serious as their actual workout. Working hard and pushing yourself to the limit while working out is great. Yet, most people do not focus enough on their post-workout routines.

Let's look into 8 ways to perfect your post-workout cool down, allowing your body to fully recover.

Stretch it Out!

Cool down like a pro. End your workout with a light cardio session followed by some stretching, like squats or lunges. Stretching while your muscles are still warm helps avoid soreness the next day. Try using a foam roller, which increases blood flow to your muscles and helps eliminate tightness and tension in muscles.

Treat Yourself!

Foods rich in antioxidants, such as blueberries, raspberries, or cherries can help reduce post-workout soreness. Fruits with high levels of potassium help with muscle cramping, as well.

Shower Hot and Cold

No one wants to jump into an ice bath. Instead, try this trick - shower for one minute with heat, followed by one minute in cold water. Repeat this process to reduce lactic acid, which causes next-day soreness.

Take 5 for Yourself

You have hit the gym and made your post workout shake. Now it is time to relax your mind. Find a quiet place to sit down and clear your mind for 5-10 minutes. Doing this a few times a day will allow you to have stronger, clearer thoughts.

Drink Some H20

Rehydrating yourself after a workout is key for starting your body's post-workout routine. Your body will thank you later. Good hydration helps keep your body temperature regular after your workout.

Compression Clothing

Compression clothing is not only for the elderly. Wearing compression garments, like pants or sleeves, can help reduce toxins in your muscles and improve circulation. You should wear compression clothing for about three hours after your workout.

Have Some Protein 

Have a scoop of your favorite protein powder within an hour of your workout. This will help build stronger muscles and aid in your body's recovery. Make sure to avoid any protein powders that are high in sugar - you want to avoid these unnecessary carbs!

Do it all over again!

Find a routine that works for you. Tweak it and keep doing it. Workout routines help keep our bodies going. It doesn’t matter what time of day you workout, just make sure you get it done and treat your body right before and after. 

...because your a work of art!

]]>