New Year, New Mindset:

It happens at the beginning of every year, we get bombarded by marketing initiatives focused on weight loss through diet/low calorie foods, fitness equipment, gym membership drives, and weight loss center advertising among other things. Suddenly, our minds that have been asleep for the past few months are suddenly awakened by the realization that this is the year when things will change; this is the year when I will realize my fitness goals. Many of us will in fact go out there and buy into one or more of the ideas being marketed to us. But the truth is that if you were not able to commit last year, what makes you think you will commit this year? Chances are that if you don’t have the right mindset and determination to commit to your fitness goals, you will never realize them.

Commitment Challenges:

The challenges that did not allow you to commit to your fitness goals last year will probably be present this year. If anything we are actually getting even busier and we are finding it even more difficult to find the time to exercise on a daily basis. But paying the price for lack of commitment to fitness can take a toll on you both physically and mentally. Each one of us knows what these challenges are and it would help if you pause and reflect on your own right now.

ZEMs in motion

Commitment Solutions:

Let’s talk about some fitness commitment solutions that are necessary to meet your new fitness goals the ZEM way:

1. Find your Zone of Endless Motion: To find your very own zone of endless motion, you must be doing something that you truly love. Your fitness activities must be enjoyable and help you feel like you have accomplished something great in your own eyes – no one else.
2. Your day must incorporate some sort of physical activity: Always make it a point to not end your day without getting some physical fitness into it. Of course we’ve all heard that morning exercise is best and we can’t argue with that. But if you have a long commute ahead of you and you’re barely making it through the door, you must find some other time to fit your exercises in. This could be during your lunch hour or after dinner. Whichever time you choose, make it a commitment to get it done or your day simply won’t feel complete.
3. Simplify: With exercise, we all have our routines. But when long routines can’t fit in our day, we can’t just give up and wait for a day when we can squeeze it in. Instead, choose one part of the routine that you may be able to do today even if it’s just the stretching!
4. Share your experience: There are countless ways you can share your fitness updates with others. You can do it on your own personal social media pages or through websites such as dailymile.com that track your time/distance achievements. Sharing your experience actually challenges you to keep up the news of your achievements now that others are watching you.
5. Minimalism is key: Don’t feel encumbered by anything tangible or intangible. We live in a hectic and complicated world. Even technology that is supposed to simplify our lives has simply made it harder for us to disconnect and have personal time. When you think of minimalism think of it in all aspects of life. Sure you can start with slipping your ZEMs on but think of other things in your life that you can simplify. Baggage – both physical and metal – can slow us down and take our eyes off the finish line.
6. Find your big WHY: Finally, find your own personal reason for being fit. This is actually easy for some and very difficult for others. It is not a cookie cutter answer. This is another place where you can stop and reflect on your own WHY. Feel free to share it with us.

There is a quote that says “Many people look forward to the New Year for a new start on old habits.” Can we all agree that this is true to a great extent? A lot of us see the start of the New Year as a chance for a new outlook on life; we make ambitious plans and we hope to finally break old habits and replace them with new healthier ones. This is unfortunately a plan that is destined to fail in many ways. There is nothing that distinguishes January 1st from December 31st. Let’s face it, our habits carry over no matter what because they are habits.

2012 Resolutions

At ZEMgear our goal is to help you find your Zone of Endless Motion and we believe that this is an attainable goal that once reached can be a life-long rewarding journey. As true believers in minimalism, we do believe in the fact that you as a person encompass all that you need in order to move freely and powerfully. We believe that when you strip away the unnecessary, the most important elements of life shine and become clearer. In this day and age, we learned the hard way that a life of excess is doomed to weigh us down. Instead, when you start to focus on your motion, your movements without being hindered by bulky and unnecessary gear, you move more freely and the natural spring in your step and inadvertently in your life, becomes more pronounced. This is a goal worth reaching and a resolution easy in keeping.

If you are a runner, you are most likely aware of your speed and distance, lung capacity and endurance level. You are probably also acutely aware of your physical limitations and boundaries. Recently we heard a story from a runner who had been training in his 360s. He said that he became comfortable running 4 to 5 miles on a daily basis in a little less than an hour. Although he always wanted to go further and faster he was never really able to. For him this was due to many reasons including being flat footed, having foot and ankle pain, and lack of adequate training. Along came a chance on a perfect Miami winter afternoon to go for a run with his 360s and a motivated running partner. Much to his surprise and his running partner’s he hit the 4 mile finish line and just kept going. Yupp! He reached 7 miles!!! This was a massive milestone he had never accomplished before. It turns out he had been unknowingly slowly building up his ability to accomplish this new distance run. Because he was an overall athletic man and had been running in his 360s for shorter distances, all the obstacles that had previously held him back slowly started to dissipate and he was finally able to reach new and unexpected lengths.

360s runner series

This is not an unusual story however. We have heard from many ZEMgear footwear converts who have found that with time, most of their ailments and complaints that held them back from reaching their fitness goals started to disappear slowly. Because of stories like this, we continue to firmly believe that when it comes to your fitness goals, you don’t need anything more than your feet and the protective support of ZEMs. ZEMs help improve your stride and take the pressure off your knees, ankles and heels. According to WebMD: “By running on the balls of the feet or the middle of the foot, runners avoid more forceful impacts, equivalent to two to three times of body weight, that shod heel-strikers repeatedly experience.” Take the time this season to enjoy the outdoors and build up your endurance. Slowly you will see significant improvement and you will develop new capacity for longer runs, faster speed or any other new fitness milestone you are trying to reach.

As the weather is getting colder in most of the country, there is a recurrent question that we are hearing from a lot of our customers. Mainly, they are asking us about ZEM’s use in winter time. Before we answer this question, let’s explore how wonderful it is to be outdoors in this time of year. Fall is known for its beauty, from the gorgeous colored leaves to the cool, dry air. Being outdoors and feeling the wind on your face and the rustling of the leaves under your feet is an invigorating experience.  Using ZEMs in this kind of climate is freeing and enables you to really eliminate the barriers between your feet and the ground.

Now back to answering your questions about using ZEMs in cooler weather. In fact, ZEMs can be used in winter time if you take certain precautions. In icy and snowy conditions, use your judgment and don’t take any unnecessary risks. We all have different tolerance levels so know your own limitations. For any otherwise cold weather take steps to avoid frost bites or general discomfort from cold feet. For example, be sure to wear thermal socks or some kind of protective barrier for your toes. Since our ZEMs were made to be snug on your feet, you may need to purchase a size larger. Also, don’t forget about our insoles for mildly cool weather; they can be great for providing an extra layer of warmth for you. Our insoles were made to work with all our ZEM styles. If you own or want to buy ninjas, consider purchasing Injinji socks which do feature the split toe designs. Check them out on http://www.injinjistore.com/.

ZEM Travelers

Speaking of fall and cooler weather, if you will be traveling during this season, which a lot of us will do, don’t forget about our ZEM Travelers. Why weigh yourself down with heavy shoes when all you need are ZEM Travelers. Being in an airplane is confining enough, why confine your feet too? In our ZEM Travelers you can stretch your feet and wiggle your toes which can keep circulation moving through your legs. Our Travelers come with comfort insoles for extra cushioning and comfort.

If you need any additional information or wish to share your stories with us, please contact us through info@zemgear.com.

ZEMs travel to New Zealand

ZEMgear’s industry is a competitive one and like many other organizations, ZEMgear tries to stay on the cutting edge of minimal footwear. This statement holds true if you look at ZEMgear from a business perspective. However, ZEMgear’s perspective is focused most on the impact of wearing ZEMs at an individual level.  Basically, we innovate for YOU!

Recently, a ZEM wearer in New Zealand sent us a photo via email. The photo took our breath away.  The picture speaks volumes, revealing that ZEMgear’s reach and appeal transcend countries and cultures.  ZEMs are not just for an elite few or traditional footwear dissidents.  ZEMs are for anyone who is truly looking for foot freedom and looking to feel the ground underneath their feet. ZEMs can take you anywhere traditional footwear can take you and more. While strengthening and toning your foot muscles you are also treading with much more sensitivity.  You run with heightened senses.

This photo also spoke to our goal of helping everyone find their Zone of Endless Motion. While everyone’s fitness routines and goals are different, there is one common element that connects us all: we all share the same desire to be comfortable and unencumbered during our workouts. Whether you are running, stretching or dancing, you can count on ZEMs to support your movements without hindering your natural ability to move.

There is no magic or secret formula to a great and fulfilling life, but we do believe that one step you can take is to simplify and strip away the unnecessary.

Switching to ZEMs is part of an active lifestyle open to new experiences. When you make this new transition you regain a balance and a sense of new found ability to move more freely.

Starting the day off on a natural high of adrenaline, Byxbee Joy, a trainer at CrossFit Gulf Coast takes health and fitness very seriously.

CrossFit Gulf Coast, owned and operated by Frank DiMeo, is located at the Ashton Business Center in Sarasota. Byxbee spends several hours per week working out with weights, large tires and rope climbing. “Working out isn’t easy when you’re doing it right, much less when it is a high intensity workout,” she says.  This is what Byxbee likes the most as she finds the extreme workout that Cross Fit offers to be very authentic.

“You have to know your limits then push past them” is her creed.

Byxbee who served in the US Marine Corps, knows how important it is to protect your feet and to keep moving in order to get where you’re going. Byxbee finds ZEMgear to be the perfect fit for her workouts and training sessions and says, “I almost wear them everywhere due to the natural feel and comfortable fit.”  Whether she is heading out for a short run or to the supermarket, ZEMgear simply works.

She can be reached at www.crossfitgulfcoast.com

Looking for a Stand Up Paddle Board events list?  Search no further, as we have identified a great site that carries nationwide event listings for SUP enthusiast. Head on over to SUP Connect where you will find a upcoming SUP events listed for every state.

Recently YOLO Board announced the first ever YOLO Board Mileage Builder Series which debuted on May 28th at the Baytowne Marina in Destin, FL. The unique race event consisted of a series of four endurance-building races scheduled from May to August: May 28th – one mile course, June 24th – two mile course, July 23rd – three mile course, and August 13th – four mile course.

Presented by Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort and Sandestin Real Estate, each race event also includes a paddle clinic where participants can learn new racing and paddling techniques from SUP industry leaders.

Upcoming events include:

SUP 4 Cancer

United States Championships

In line with the celebration of the 2nd Annual “cast for Kids” Stand up Paddleboard fishing tournament on Saturday June 25th, paddleboarders, surfers and fisherman can support community children with special needs by simply casting a line.

The annual tournament is held to raise funds for Broward Children’s Center’s educational, therapeutic, and medical programs for children with special needs. ARK Boards and Board Sports Productions are the ones in charge for the program.

The participants are expected to have eco friendly fishing platforms that will be used in capturing fishes– the largest fish, most fish, and overall total weight. Post –event party, food and refreshments for purchase, music, awards ceremony, and the chance to win raffle prizes are also expected in this spectacular event. The tournament will begin and end at the Pompano Beach Fishing Pier located on Ocean Blvd in Pompano Beach.

Pre-registration is $50.00 and $60.00 the day of the event, while admission is free of charge to spectators. The tournament begins at 6:00am with a Bimini start, weigh-in at 12:00pm, and an awards ceremony and after party beginning 1:00pm.

The last year’s tournament winners in the individual category reeled in a 10.9 pound King Mackerel and in the team category, a 15.5 pound Bonita. The winners received plaques, fishing rods, apparel, and of course bragging rights for winning a one-of-a-kind event.

For information on how to sign up and help local youth and their families please contact Board Sports Productions at 561.509.9665 or boardsportsproductions@gmail.com.

John Bozung and the Squaw Peak 50

Thanks to our sponsors, the 50 miler has grown to be the 5th largest and one of the most successful of “any” running event in the country with over a 92% finish rate for the last 13 years. In 2009 the SP50 had 260 runners from 18 States and 2 from Mexico making it the 13th year as an international event. Both of these events complete a loop around Provo Peak, on different courses. These runs are very different from just doing a 5k race or even doing a half marathon or a marathon, where you just have water stops. In races of this proportion and length of time, 8 to 16 hours for the SP50, and 12 to 23 hours for the KM100 the runners need to have supplemental food and energy and electrolyte replacing fluids in addition to water. There will be 10-12 aid Stations about every 3 to 7 miles with everything from water to candy, boiled potatoes, donuts, sandwiches, cookies, crackers, fruit, pretzels, cola’s, energy bars and gels, chips, etc.; anything to keep a variety of runner’s going.

This is in addition for the money needed for Race Operations; these funds cover advertising, Forest Service permits, County Parks permits, USAT&F Insurance, emergency equipment, communications, T-shirts, entry forms; tables, water containers and such, for aid stations and awards. Plus the pre-race pasta dinner and post race dinner at Vivian Park when runners finish.

The Squaw Peak 50 Mile Trail Run (SP50) will be held on Sat. June 4, 2011 at Vivian Park Provo Canyon, Provo, UT. 5.9 miles up from the mouth of Provo Canyon. The trail will be marked. It consists of – dirt trails (43%), dirt roads (38%) and some paved (19%). This race would give more opportunity for runners to earn more awards.

While the Kat’cina Mosa 100K Mountain Challenge Run (KM100) will be on Aug. 6, 2011 that will feature a very challenging, difficult and scenic loop course through the Wasatch Mountains above Provo, Utah. About 42% will be on the same course as the Squaw Peak 50. These sections are Mile 2.1, Pole Heaven to mile 16.27, Rock Canyon and mile 24, just past Big Springs to mile 38.5 – Little Valley.

And our newest event, the Kahtoola Bigfoot Snowshoe Festival will be held on Jan, 2012, the only Ultra Snowshoe event in North America. The marathon will feature 25K,10K & 5K events. Each course with its corresponding loops will start and finish at the Visitor’s Center. All loops will run in a counter-clockwise direction. The 5K Course will be just one loop on the golf course which will have about 250 feet of elevation gain and loss. The 10K Course will be the same as the 10K loop used for the marathon and 50K. The 25K will be a 10K loop followed by a 5K loop and then one more 10K loop.

With the help of John Bozung, these events had come to reality. John Bozung has been an active runner since 1985. He ran his first marathon in 1986 at LA and has been gaining world recognition ever since. He had completed his 255th marathon in July 2005 at the Wild Wild West Marathon in California.

To celebrate John Bozung’s 52nd birthday, he ran 52 marathons in 52 weeks. And if that’s not crazy enough, he has a total of 299 marathons/ultras and an unofficial current world record of 188 consecutive months.

John Bozung is now currently working on finishing all 50 states for the 2nd time by doing an ultra this time around – breaking his previous record of finishing all 50 and DC back in 1999.

Jennifer Smith - ZEMbassador

My name is Jennifer Smith. I was born and raised in Fort Lauderdale Florida. I am 22 years old and currently working on a bachelors degree in sports medicine and exercise science. I have practiced hot yoga for the last few years as well as finishing one full marathon and about nine half marathons.

I was also very involved in the Miami triathlon seasons the past 3 years, having completed 12 sprint triathlons. I received NFPT certifications last year to start training clients and have come to enjoy doing private training involving cross-fit and outdoor circuit training. I am an avid reader and look up to people like Jillian Micheals, she has become so much more then a gym guru in the fitness industry.

I hope to one day be working with professional athletes and possibly becoming a life coach. I study nutrition in my spare time and enjoy painting, traveling  and cooking. I am excited about working with ZEMgear, I find the shoes to be incredibly comfortable like wearing socks. I use them for everything, running, gym work, yoga and especially enjoy the barefoot feeling on the beach sand. Looking forward to start training for marathon season in the ZEM’s!

Jennifer will be at the ZEMgear booth this weekend at the Autonation SUP Challenge event! Stop by and meet her and the rest of the ZEM team  Saturday!

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The City of Fort Lauderdale is celebrating their centennial with beach events all day Saturday and Sunday. Michael Phelps and other top Olympic swimmers from around the world will compete in a 10k swimming race in the ocean across from the International Swimming Hall of Fame to start the weekend. Free SUP lessons/demos will be given Saturday and Sunday with the SUP races on Sunday. Retail and food vendors will be set up along A1A with multiple activities and surprise celebrities in attendance. Two-time SUP long distance World Record holder, Tom Jones, will be there to discuss the mission of A Plastic Free Ocean, as we raise funds and awareness to the Ocean’s plastic crisis. Come enjoy Fort Lauderdale Beach at it’s fines

The City of Fort Lauderdale’s Centennial Celebrations will be held across from The International Swimming Hall of Fame

EVENT SCHEDULE:

7:30 Beach Registration
9:00 Two-Mile Stock Board Race ($20)
10:30 Four-Mile Elite Race ($40)
12:30 Mother/Child relay race (Three 1/4 mile laps) FREE
1:30 1/4 mile Sprints FREE
2:30 12 and under Kids Race FREE
3:00 Awards Presentation at main stage