Earlier this year I said I wanted to do more posts about fitness because let’s face it America is so unhealthy. It doesn’t matter which nationality you are obesity is killing Americans in general, it just so happens that African-Americans are being affected by it the most. When it comes to heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes we are plagued by these conditions the most.

This feature will deal with healthy living, whether it is a fat burning workout tip or healthy eating suggestions, we have to do better as a nation. I spend a lot of time talking about the apparel aspect of fashion, but none of our clothes will fit properly if we are not in shape. Notice I did not say skinny, I said in shape. So my goal with these segments is to improve the health and wellness of my readers and also myself. Of course there will be an element of fashion included because that’s just what I do. So check out today’s workout tips focusing on just getting started because that seems to be the hardest part.

Two Women Exercising With Weights

Workout Tips of the Week

Tip #1 Make the Commitment- this seems to be the hardest, but first you must commit to living a healthier lifestyle

Tip #2 Assess your fitness level- most of the time we want to do the most intense workouts to get quick results but we can be doing damage to our bodies. Find out what your body can handle. Here are 4 fitness tests you can do in the comfort of your own home via Spark People (Click Here)

Tip #3 Set  Specific and Measurable Goals– do not set a goal that is too difficult because you will get discouraged. Examples of goals are: workout 5-minutes per day, work out 2-days per week, etc. Specific goals would be to do 20 squats 3-days per week. Here you can also determine the style of workout that you do. Currently I go to bootcamp at work (once every 2 weeks), take a dance class on Saturdays, and I’m working yoga in to my schedule.

Tip #4 Create a workout log- this will help you see your progress or track your progress. There are tons of apps now that you can download to your phone or your tablet. Here is a website that has a list of great fitness apps Click Here

Tip #5 Be Consistent– this is probably the most important tip. Many people start off strong, me being one of them, then after a few weeks we are back to our old habits. Let’s set smart and attainable goals in order to make sure we are successful.

Now that we know how to get started, let’s look good doing it, because you don’t have to look frumpy when working out. Here are some awesome options to be on your way to looking good and feeling great!

Fab Workout Gear

*If you have medical issues, please consult with your doctor before conducting any of the workout routines or following any of the health and wellness tips posted on this blog.*

As if shopping during the holidays is bad enough, shopping for the man in your life is a task onto itself. Luckily I’m here… one secret is anything you see a man have just get him more of the same. We like certain things and to have a lot of them. So take a gander and take heed its crazy out there this time of year.

Outerwear
Cold weather shouldnt be a deterrent to style. The options arent as minimal as you think. From varsity to snorkel, from leather to wool, from hooded to shawl neck keep him warm with the options below.

Frangrance
The smell of a person is very important. Women believe its just their scent that fills a room but we have our say as well and these fragrances will be a good opening salvo.

Timepiece
Any man without a proper watch is said to have no where to go/be. That said these should allow him to find a time for what he needs to get done.

Feet Heat
Shoe game proper? if not take a look from these choices. Customization, business, casual these will get things done.

Accessories
Whether its business or fun your gadgets need style too. So cases for phones & laptops as well as a nice bag/briefcase will keep things on point.

 

Fall is in full swing and the air is getting so much more chilly. It’s not only about keeping warm up top, let’s not forget about the base. Many different styles, materials, and options for your choosing. Whether its boots, kicks or shoes make sure your colors and materials embrace the autumn flavor and not stay stuck in another season.

Sneakers

Obviously I’m more inclined to choose this option. Luckily for me companies like the Jordan Brand, Clae Footwear & Converse not only have the heat for Autumns cooler temps but they fully embrace fall materials and colors. Sneaks like the AJIX Olive and Converse Chuck Taylor Hi Wool definitely add some dimension to your wardrobe.

 

Boots

Obviously we’re familiar with Timberland but there are so many other options for boots. Don’t toss the 6 inch’s away but open horizons and take a look at a oxford boot or a full patent leather boot (actually in my repertoire).

Shoes

A good shoe is always a must for any gentleman. Obviously they’re not just for work but also for those casual times with the ones closest to you. Cole Haan always has a nice selection and the use of the technology from parent company Nike keeps these shoes comfortable as well as stylish. Don’t forget the loafers, always stylish for the fall.

As an avid sneaker enthusiast, this Spring/Summer is going to be heating up much more than the degrees. Nike as a whole has major plans for their loyal customers which in part involves Jordan Brand in a major way. You’re going to see more major releases of Jordan’s than any other season (well that’s before the 2012 Holiday season but that’s for another post). Some of the most iconic and beloved models will be dropping starting this Saturday. I will detail below…

Air Jordan XII ‘Playoffs’
Black/White-True Red
04/21/2012
$160.00

Inspired by the land of the Rising Sun, Tinker Hatfield (the creator of some of the best Jordan’s ever) placed pronounced grooves on the upper with stitches to create that ‘Rising Sun’ effect. Tinker further stylized the Air Jordan XII, which was also inspired by a 19th century woman’s dress boot, but placed an embossed lizard-skin material at the mudguard, which also spilled to the forefoot portion of the midsole.

Air Jordan XI Low Retro
White/Black-Varsity Red
05/05/2012
$135.00

Before the holiday release of another white-on-white Air Jordan XI release we have the Air Jordan XI Low. Perfect timing with summer and the white sneaker season right around the corner, so how about getting ready for the dog days with these when the  hits retailers in white and Varsity Red. They’re undoubtedly going to be one of the summer’s standout sneaker releases.

Air Jordan XII Retro
Cool Grey/Team Orange-White
05/19/2012
$160.00

Here’s a clear case where the genders might differ a bit. And that’s not to say that girls won’t be rocking these when they drop this summer; quite to the contrary, as the immensely fashionable style put forth by this ’Cool Grey’ Air Jordan XII is as gender-versatile as it is wardrobe friendly.

Jordan Son Of Mars ‘Bred’
Black/Varsity Red-White
06/02/2012
$160.00

Say what you will regarding fusions, you hate them or you love them but they’re here to stay. From the original Dub Zero to IMO the failed AJ/AF1 we’ve had our fair share. Son Of Mars to me is a guaranteed hit. Key pieces from major models like the III, IV, V, VI & XX its going to be on of the most successful mashup designs in recent memory, and with a colorway as familiar and consistently popular as the ‘Bred’ look on this new Jordan Son of Mars, it’s poised to meet with the same positive reception as the two that have dropped so far.

Air Jordan IV Retro
White/Neutral Grey-Military Blue
06/09/2012
$160.00

In just two months, we’ll get the opportunity to snatch up the Air Jordan IV ‘Military’ again, but chances are the release won’t be anything like the previous 2006 occasion. It’s hard to believe that any OG Air Jordan colorway will sit on shelves, but that is in fact what occurred with the previous release. Don’t make that same mistake this June.

Air Jordan XII Retro
Obsidian/White-French Blue-University Blue
06/23/12
$160.00

Like the Playoffs this weekend & the Cool Grey/Team Orange in May, the last remaining un-retroed Air Jordan XII the ‘Obsidian’ leave you without a single thing to complain about if you’re an Air Jordan fanatic, and this latest viewing of the Air Jordan XII ‘Obsidian’ proves that Jordan Brand may have saved the best for last because the quality is looking, as they say, ‘on-point’.

Air Jordan VI ‘Olympic
White/Midnight Navy-Varsity Red
07/07/2012
$160.00

Jordan Brand’s plans for this Olympic summer are coming into clearer focus with upcoming releases like the ‘Gold Medal Pack’ and ‘Olympic’ Air Jordan VII.  The pair pictured above has one key advantage over these and any others that might follow in their wake: they might be the most sought after pair ever!  The Air Jordan VI Retro ‘Olympic’ helps you reminisce back to 1992 and 2000 (the last time these were released).

Air Jordan VII ‘Olympic’
White/Metallic Gold-Obsidian-True Red
07/21/2012
$160

This August, Team USA will set out to repeat what the magical Dream Team of 1992 did – win the Gold medal in completely dominant fashion. You should have the same goal in mind to completely crush all competition at the cookouts with these on your feet. This year’s Olympic squad is undoubtedly one of the best we’ve ever seen, and with three Jordan Brand signature athletes likely joining the roster, there’s a good chance that we’ll see the Air Jordan VII ‘Olympic’ back on the international stage.

Air Jordan VI/VII ‘Gold Medal’ Pack
Retro White-Gym Red-Metallic Gold-Sail/Retro Black-Metallic Gold-Sail
08/18/12
$350

With 2012 marking the 20th Anniversary of the legendary Dream Team of 1992, Nike and Jordan Brand are going full throttle with Olympic-inspired releases in order to make 2012 on of the most memorable sneaker years in history. Jordan Brand will up the ante by  introducing yet another Air Jordan Package dubbed the ‘Gold Medal’ Pack; it features the Air Jordan VII (the model worn by MJ during the ’92 Dream Team run) as well as the Air Jordan VI (worn by the original Team Jordan athlete Ray Allen during the 2000 Games) with Gold at its core.

Air Jordan IV ‘Fire Red’
White/Fire Red/Black
08/xx/2012
$160.00

After witnessing a healthy flow of Air Jordan III releases in 2011 (which marked the 23rd Anniversary of the Air Jordan III), prepare for a solid 2012 year teeming with Air Jordan IV releases. After February 2012′s ‘White/Cement’ IV release, we have June’s ‘Military Blue’ and Black Friday’s ‘Black/Red’ IV, as well as these White/Red IV’s. We last saw this original colorway in 2006, reprising its role as the ‘Mars’ edition and featuring Spike Lee’s iconic visage stamped on the heel of the shoe, but 2012′s version will come with a blank upper like the original we once knew.

So for now mark your calendars because its about to get serious. My sneaker room is about to get a few new additions.