FIT Your FANDOM

By: Nerd On The Run Els

Let's face it... exercise can be boring.  Being a regular at the gym, I can easily get into a exercise routine.. but that doesn't mean I always love it.  The new year's resolutions have come and gone, and you may be looking for a way back into getting more fit & healthy.  Well the path to better health doesn't always have to be boring!  Here are some ways to nerdify your workouts to make exercise a little more fun!

1.  Bring your favorite fandom to the gym!

Luckily, most of my favorite shows are on Netflix. So before leaving the house, I grab my iPad and put on a show once I'm settled on a cardio machine.  If I feel like spending more time on cardio that day, I'll throw on a favorite episode of Chuck.  If I want to spend more time in the weight room, usually I'll put a 20 minute sitcom on.  It's a nice break from listening to music and being invested in a story can make the time go faster.  Audio books (or bringing a book) is another great way to break up the gym monotony.  There are a lot of great series out there, and what better way to get some reading time in while doing something to better yourself!?

2.  Themed exercise!

The fitness industry is beginning to catch up to us nerds.  There are Zombie 5Ks, an Avenger half marathon, and even a Disney half marathon.  Or maybe instead of  running, you want to bulk up and look like the Arrow.  There are detailed workout plans to help you have that body.  Even LARPING could be considered an exercise! Find whatever fits your nerdy style and see if there is an exercise event that corresponds! And even if there aren't already themed activities.. that's okay.. because you (and some of your nerdy friends) can MAKE themes! Go to Zumba and represent your favorite Marvel character by creating a shirt with your favorite hero on it.  There are also some great nerdy tees/socks/headbands that you can wear to show off what fandoms you are a part of!  Show your nerd pride even at the gym! 

3.  Workout while watching TV from HOME!

Every time Sheldon says "Bazinga!" do 10 sit-ups.  Whenever they do a flashback on Arrow, do a set of lunges.  These are a just a couple examples of simple workouts you can CREATE while watching a show from your living room!  Find a recurring theme/line/joke in your favorite show, and assign an exercise to it.  That way, when you are catching up on said show, you can get a little workout in.  And if you are watching the show live, you can even create a series of exercises to do during the commercials! 

These are just SOME ideas on how to incorporate your favorite nerdy thing into a healthier lifestyle.  What are some of YOUR ideas?  I always love getting new ways to fit my fandoms into my workout routine and  I would LOVE to hear more!  Comment below.  And as always, thank you for reading.  Xoxo.

5 Running Tips + Nerd on the Run’s Running Origin Story

By:  Nerd on the Run Els

I was never a runner.  I always complained on gym day when we had to run a mile.  I was the one walking most of it and mumbling under my breath on how much I hated running.  

Fast forward to college.  I began to realize the benefits of working out more consistently then I had in the past.  It all started with a Zumba class at the school’s recreation center, and seeing the little changes in my physical appearance over time motivated me to do more.  I began to see gym time as more of a lifestyle than something to check off my to do list for the week.  I was always the girl who wanted to run, but never seemed as though I could have the stamina or will-power.  So instead I just complained when I was forced to participate in anything running related.  But after becoming more in-shape, I thought about giving running another chance.  What got me truly serious was an advertisement for The Color Run during a Pinterest-binge-instead-of-studying session.  A run that doused color-y cornstarch on you and touted to be the ‘happiest 5k on the planet?’  That might be fun, and there was one in Denver.  My runner-and-all-inspiring bestie signed up with me and it was far enough away for me to train for it.

A friend recommended a running program for beginners, Couch to 5K.  So I looked into it, slightly skeptical about being able to run 3.1 miles straight in just 9 weeks.  (Folks, I repeat, I was not a runner!  I couldn't muster enough energy to complete even a mile.)  But having already signed up for race, this was my best shot.  The program starts off with painstaking intervals and gradually builds you to running more than walking.  This program, was a Godsend, I cannot recommend it enough.  In shorter time than the program promised, I was running the 3.1 miles at the gym.  However corny it sounds, I’ll never forget the day I ran two whole miles on my own without stopping to walk.  At the time it was the farthest I had ever run, it felt incredible.  I had accomplished something I hadn’t done before, something I thought I could never do.  I experienced that runner's high that I thought was bogus.  I knew after that day I would always want more from running.  And ever since, I strive to run faster and farther than my previous bests.  I am happily addicted.

The question I get the MOST whenever I talk about running is why?  Why would I want to put myself through that?  It hurts.  It isn’t fun.  I’ll only run if I’m being chased.  A couple years ago, I would have been the leader of that parade.  Today my perspective on running has shifted completely.  I am a worrier, I get frazzled easily and I let stress get to me.  My previous go-to to deal with those kinds of emotions was either a  complete breakdown or stuffing my face with chocolate.  Now if I feel overwhelmed I go for a run.  My brain is constantly thinking, but when I run my brain shuts off.  I mean completely shuts off.

Think of having an internet browser with a gazillion tabs open all the time, then closing all those tabs at once for an hour.  I can be thinking of absolutely nothing when I am running.  I can focus on the music (and sometimes sing along.  Sorry other treadmill and gym going people!) or stare vacantly and realize later that my legs have already clocked a few miles.  It’s a gift.  If I’m having a bad day running is my escape, something physical to alleviate whatever inner battle I am having with myself.  If I’m having a good day, running just makes its better.

Sure, running isn’t always fun.  Sometimes it hurts a lot.  Sometimes I don’t run fast.  Sometimes I run a half a mile and don’t think I can take one more step or ever want to run again.  But something always brings me back.  I’m always thinking about the next run.  I’ve improved since I’ve started, completing distances I honestly thought I would never achieve.  And I always want to keep improving.  I want to have those 13.1 and 26.2  stickers on my car.  I want to be that seventy year old at the gym who still runs.  I just want to run.  I am happy to say that even though I’m not the best by a long shot, I’m still a runner.  I will always be a runner. 

5 Running Tips:

• Couch to 5K is an excellent tool for those who were like me and didn’t run at all.  This program (you can even download the app version) will gradually build your running distance and confidence!
• Don’t get discouraged.  It’s tough to begin running and it’s sometimes tough to maintain running.  I have days or even weeks of bad runs.  But that’s okay!  You will have better runs in the future.
• Get proper shoes.  I can’t stress this enough!  Proper shoes are critical.  I personally love the Nike Free Run 2 shoes.  They are lightweight and conform to my feet.  If you need help getting proper shoes, there are running companies that will help you find your perfect shoe!
• Download running apps!  There are plenty of running apps to help motivate you while you run, or to track your milage. A few years ago I got the iPod nano with the Nike + app built in.  This app tracks each run, gives you all your stats, and even creates challenges you can accept to mix things up! 
• Pick YOUR kind of pump of music!  Without music, my runs would be miserable.  I love listening to music that pumps me up.  I tend to gravitate towards club music or hip hop.  BUT, my nerdiness does come out in my playlist.  I often listen to Disney songs, songs from fandoms I am a part of, or even podcasts. 

Are you a nerd for fitness or running?!  Share your stories with me in the comments below and connect with me on Twitter @nerdontherunEls.  Let's encourage each other for the year ahead!

The Heroes’ Transformation a review

By:  Els aka Nerd on the Run

The Heroes’ Transformation by Jeff Mueller (aka The Mighty Jerd) is a three e-book bundle that equips readers with the tools for becoming a healthier individual.  The book is split up into three sections, each commenting on different aspects of health. 

The first section discusses the philosophy of transforming your body into the hero it has always been destined to become. Jeff walks through 8 crucial principles that you need to know to be victorious in the path towards health.  Each tenet is throughly explained, while providing easy tips to accomplish each principle successfully. The guide also educates the reader about the basics of food, and what you should and shouldn't be eating.

The second piece of the transformation guide delves into a key component of a healthy lifestyle: food.  A comprehensive list of kitchen essentials is given, as well as the necessary food that should become staples in the pantry & cupboards. Jeff provides numerous recipes for every meal of the day, and even offers options on how to change/flavor these meals differently.  In addition, the Jeff lists additional resources on diets and meal plans. 

The final installment of The Heroes’ Transformation provides the strategies to implement a healthy lifestyle.  Jeff gives real ideas on how to stay motivated when beginning this lifelong process.  He warns of the common pitfalls that accompany the health world, as well as offering insight about the groceries to buy and where to buy them.

As a nerd of both science and comics, I LOVED this comprehensive guide.  Jeff did an excellent job giving the facts about diet & exercise while not overwhelming the reader with unnecessary health/science jargon.  Everything is well explained but not overly verbose, and Jeff is hilarious and makes you chuckle on each page.  As an added bonus, the nerd references that are woven throughout these books made me squee & fangirl with delight.  Jeff truly accomplishes merging the fitness and nerd worlds in these e-books.   

The Heroes’ Transformation will be available September 8, 2014 on thejerd.com for ONLY $12!  You can read more tips from Jeff on his blog The Mighty Jerd and follow along with his tweets on Twitter: @themightyjerd.  If you sign up for his newsletter NOW you will be given a discount when the book is released and a free e-book The Top 7 Fitness Obstacles Newbies Face!

As a nerd how do you get your fitness on?  Comment below and let us know what you think of Jeff's book once it is released!