Latest news with #outdoorfitness
Yahoo
07-07-2025
- Lifestyle
- Yahoo
I put lululemon's new Wildfeel Trail Running Shoes to the test — here's my honest review as someone who walks, runs and bikes over 500 kilometres a month
I'm on the move a lot. Between morning runs on the treadmill, walking to and from work and weekend bike rides and hikes, I log more than 500 kilometres of exercise a month. With such a heavy workout schedule, having the right running shoes — comfortable, supportive and lightweight — is imperative. I've tried Hoka, Asics, New Balance, Salomon and more sneaker brands — but one gap in my wardrobe is something for trail walking and running. After a particularly muddy, rocky trail led to a narrowly-avoided sprained ankle, I stumbled (no pun intended) across the Lululemon Women's Wildfeel Trail Running Shoes, the brand's newest pair of sneakers. I've been wearing them for several weeks now — including in a few surprising scenarios. Read on for my honest review. Lululemon Women's Wildfeel Trail Running Shoes: Details and sizing Review: Pros and cons What other shoppers are saying Do you need them? Lululemon's trail running shoes come in two colourways. These trail running shoes are made for runs on rugged surfaces — and feature rugged traction, dual-density foam and a sock-like upper to keep your feet steady on the ground. They also feature a toe bumper for added prevention, as well as lululemon's Nulu lining in the forefront for a breathable feel. I have wide, flat feet, and I still found these to fit true to size. I stuck with my usual size 7.5, which I wear in most running shoe brands. Lightweight and comfortable right out of the box: I'm always on the lookout for shoes with little or no break-in period, and these deliver. They were easy to slip on and gave me no trouble during a 2-hour hike. Supportive: The dual-density foam and sock-like upper keep your feet firmly in place, which I appreciate in any sneaker, not just a trail runner. Amazing traction: I'm obsessed with the soles on these shoes. They feature multi-directional lugs which grip the terrain, making it easy to deal with elevation or texture changes. I feel a lot more confident out on the trails, or even when I'm biking or walking. Not just a hiking shoe: Yes, they're a trail shoe, but what I love about these sneakers is they're incredibly versatile. They're great for everything from casual walks to cycling; I've been loving how the treads give me a bit of added grip on my pedals. I also wore them for a full day of work, and my feet felt great. Stylish: Let's face it: trail shoes aren't typically the most becoming shoes. I love that these are functional but still trendy enough to wear on my commute to work without feeling out of place. Flexible return policy: This, to me, is one of the biggest pros. lululemon offers a really flexible return policy for shoes that allows you to test them out for 30 days. If they don't work out for you, you can return them, no matter the condition. Wish the upper was a bit more firm: I have really flat feet and suffer from some plantar fasciitis as a result. While I loved the sock upper for its comfy feel, I did find that my foot was overpronating towards the front of the shoe. The Women's Wildfeel Trail Running Shoes will take you far beyond hiking. Since these are a newer release, they don't have a ton of reviews yet — but those who have reviewed have given 5-star ratings across the board, praising the sneakers for their comfort and stability. $208 at Lululemon "The best shoes I have had in months," raved one shopper, who says they wear them for "12-hour shifts." "Very comfortable for 12-hour shifts," echoes another person who works on their feet. "I ordered these shoes expecting to test them on a hike, but decided to try them out first during a full day of walking — and they absolutely delivered," said another. "Even without hitting the trails, these shoes were incredibly comfortable right out of the box. No break-in time needed, no hotspots, no soreness — just solid support and cushion from start to finish. And they look so cute!" Other shoppers commended them for their arch support and durability. At $208, the lululemon Women's Wildfeel Trail Running Shoes are similarly priced to other popular brands' running shoes. While you can definitely get a cheaper pair of sneakers, the thoughtful design and attention to detail make them stand out from the crowd. If you're a trail runner or hiker, I would absolutely recommend these. And even if you're not, they're a stylish, multi-functional pair of shoes that can go from the sidewalk to the trail. The only thing I'd caution is that if you have flat feet like I do, or aren't sure what size you are, it might be worth taking advantage of lululemon's 30-day trial period. Foot pain can seriously throw off your fitness routine, so it's a great way to make sure you feel comfortable and confident.
ABC News
27-06-2025
- Lifestyle
- ABC News
Women are finding ways to move and connect outdoors beyond the run club
Social run clubs have grown in popularity in recent years, offering a chance to make friends, get outside and exercise. But what about women who don't enjoy pounding the pavement? A growing number say they want community, physical activity and time outdoors — just without the gasps for air that come with trying to chat mid-run. "An activity alone is often not enough to keep people coming," said Dr Tarli Young, a research fellow in psychology at the University of Queensland. "It's the sense of social group connection that makes the difference." Every second Sunday morning, group fitness instructor Keisha Love rolls out her mat and leads a free outdoor pilates class in Brisbane's New Farm Park or Orleigh Park. It was created for people who love the social and movement aspects of run clubs but don't actually want to run. Amid the cost-of-living crisis, Ms Love said inclusive and low-cost fitness options were filling an important gap. While some are working out in the park at sunrise, others are seeking more adventurous ways to move outdoors. But they can often face barriers that make these experiences feel out of reach. Dr Lauren Pearson, a research fellow at Monash University, said safety concerns, knowledge gaps and a lack of confidence were key factors. Founded on the Sunshine Coast, Brave Babes creates beginner-friendly outdoor experiences designed specifically for women trying to meet like-minded people. "When I moved to [the Sunshine Coast], I was super determined to make new friends … especially ones who also loved getting outdoors," said co-founder Kate Bradley. "I think as a woman it's kind of very important to make sure that you've got all your ducks in a row … so I think doing it in a group felt way safer." Catered to women in their 20s and 30s, the program operates across six different states and territories, offering an opportunity to connect through activities like rock climbing, kayaking and swimming. Attendee Michelle Purkhart came across the group after searching for a run club alternative and decided to try her hand at a mountain e-biking event. "Being on e-bikes meant you didn't have to pedal as hard, so you could actually talk to everyone while doing something outdoorsy and fun," she said. Practical skills such as choosing the right gear or understanding local trails are often passed down informally within male-dominated groups, Dr Pearson said, making it harder for women to find reliable advice and build confidence. "These kinds of programs … they're so important because it kind of breaks that barrier of being able to ask these small questions," she said.
Yahoo
16-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Get moving outside with free outdoor fitness at the YMCA June 16-21
Try a class for free at any YMCA health, fitness and aquatics centre in Edmonton EDMONTON, Alberta, June 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- As the weather gets warmer, many people are looking for fun ways to get active outside. From June 16-21, outdoor group fitness, walking and running groups are being offered at no cost at YMCAs around Edmonton! 'This time of year is the perfect time to try something new, get active and meet people,' says Taylor Cheung, Director of Member Experience at YMCA of Northern Alberta. 'We wanted to offer our community this opportunity for free, to help people find a judgement-free space to have fun being active.' Free outdoor fitness is available at Castle Downs Family YMCA on the north side, Don Wheaton Family YMCA downtown, Jamie Platz Family YMCA on the west end and William Lutsky Family YMCA on the south side. Classes include Bootcamp, Yoga, walking groups and running groups. 'There's a huge benefit to working out in a group setting. It's a motivating, encouraging environment,' Cheung explains. 'And it's more fun!' To register for a free class or group, visit About YMCA of Northern Alberta YMCA of Northern Alberta is a registered charity dedicated to igniting the potential in people since 1907. From providing quality child care and supporting people in their health and wellness to delivering important community outreach programs, the YMCA works to strengthen communities in the Red Deer, Wood Buffalo, Grande Prairie and Edmonton regions. For more information, visit CONTACT: Contact: Deanna Barker Director, Marketing & Communications YMCA of Northern Alberta 587-743-1068 in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
The Independent
16-06-2025
- The Independent
The best open-ear headphones for safer running, tried and tested
While noise-cancelling headphones are great for cutting yourself off from the world, the best open-ear headphones let you listen to your music and podcasts while remaining fully aware of your surroundings. They're ideal for outdoor exercise – or for anyone who simply doesn't like the sensation of in-ear headphones – and use flexible clips or hooks to hang just outside your ears, projecting audio into the ear without creating a seal. Because of their open design, there's an unavoidable dip in sound quality compared to in-ear and over-ear headphones, but you'd be surprised by how dynamic the best models sound. They tend to offer better sound quality than bone-conducting headphones while ensuring that you can hear outside noise. However, because they're designed to let ambient noise float in, they naturally struggle in consistently loud environments – open-ear headphones are best for avoiding hidden dogs and cyclists on your morning run, rather than disappearing into a podcast on your morning commute. The best open-ear headphones offer complete situational awareness while mitigating as many of these downsides as they can, and in recent years, the tech has massively improved. Fashion-forward designs like the Bose ultra open not only sound great but look smart too, while fitness-focused earphones like the Shokz OpenFit 2 use secure and comfortable silicone hook designs to cope with more vigorous outdoor workouts. How we tested I assessed each of these in-ear headphones for sound quality, comfort, battery life and overall value. I wore them on our outdoor runs and walks, as well as at home, listening to a range of music genres and podcasts to get a sense of their strengths and weaknesses. I also considered the size and convenience of charging cases, app usability, EQ options and additional features. Why you can trust IndyBest Steve Hogarty is a tech critic for The Independent. He's interested in anything with a microchip, from laptops and robot vacuum cleaners to ereaders and headphones. Steve always has one eye on the latest developments in tech, which means that if there's something exciting and innovative in the world of audio, Steve will know about it. Now, in his review of the best open-ear headphones, Steve has gone beyond technical specifications to what it's actually like to use the headphones in the real world.
BreakingNews.ie
08-06-2025
- Health
- BreakingNews.ie
Results of cancer prevention initiative to be presented to EU Parliament
A first-of-its-kind cancer prevention initiative promoting physical activity outdoors in green spaces is to present its results to the EU Parliament in Brussels. The Urban Action Against Cancer (UcanACT) pilot project in Kilkenny saw 62 adults aged 50 and over take part in physiotherapist-led exercise programmes across three parks last year. Advertisement It was part of a three-city pilot also held in Bologna in Italy, and Munich in Germany, which aims to provide community-based outdoor exercise programmes led by experts as a preventative and cancer support tool for over-50s. The Irish men and women taking part included people living with cancer, cancer survivors and individuals without a diagnosis. The results of the pilot will be presented by Kilkenny County Council, the Irish Society of Chartered Physiotherapists and the EU partners to the EU Parliament on Wednesday for assessment for wider rollout. The project will also be showcased as part of Your Council Day on June 27th, which celebrates the services and work carried out by Ireland's county and city councils. Advertisement Patrick Griffin, a Kilkenny-based prostate cancer survivor, who took part in the pilot said: 'An exercise regime was suggested to me because decreased energy is a common side-effect following radiation therapy. 'I always walked for fitness and never had an interest in gyms, but my wife had mentioned that I was slouching on our walks together,' the 78-year-old said. 'I noticed many benefits as a result of the programme: my posture is better and my overall energy and concentration are stronger. 'The team were so well organised. They were genuinely watching out for each individual, adjusting exercises where needed, which is of massive benefit.' Advertisement Over three years, Kilkenny County Council led the local implementation of UcanACT, working alongside the Irish Society of Chartered Physiotherapists (ISCP) and EU partners. The project aimed to create a safe space where people could exercise at their own pace, tailored to their abilities, participants reported feeling encouraged and supported. Janette Boran, Healthy Kilkenny co-ordinator at the county council, said participants saw significant benefits. 'Through focus groups, participants shared their positive experiences, highlighting key benefits such as improved fitness, better balance and strength, improved sleep quality, stronger social connections and reduced anxiety,' she said. Advertisement 'The results of this study also reported that participants had significant reduction in fatigue and improvement in quality-of-life scores. Ireland Over 12,000 children waiting for first contact fro... Read More 'Many also mentioned how exercising outdoors was important for their mental wellbeing. 'The programme has received strong support from the participants, and many who took part reported that they were surprised at what they were able to achieve with the guidance of a physiotherapist. 'The sessions were individualised within a group setting, so the full group met together but the activity was very tailored to accommodate the varied needs of the participants.' Advertisement
