Bibs2Bags

  • Custom Crafted Bags
    • The 50k Gym Bag
    • The Marathon Large Tote
    • The Ultra Duffel Bag
    • The 20 Miler BackPack
    • The Half Marathon Portfolio Tote
    • The Relay Messenger Bag
    • The 10k Purse
    • The 5k Mini Tote
    • The After Party Shopping Bag
    • The Canicross Shoulder Bag
    • The Mile - Wristlet or Make-Up Bag
    • The Frosty 5k Christmas Stocking
    • The Finish Line Blanket
    • Make It A Theme
  • Image Display Products
    • All Over Printing >
      • Race Bib Display Apparel
      • Image Display Bags & Travel
      • Face Masks, Headwear, & Arm Sleeves
      • Drinkware
      • Home Accents
      • Outdoor Living
      • Electronic Accessories
      • For Your Pet
      • Shoes & Sneaks
      • Stationery & Games
      • Wall Displays
      • Workout Accessories
      • For The Holidays
    • First, Best, Favorite Race Items
    • Cycling Milestones
  • Pre-Designed Products
    • Face Masks, Headbands & Bandanas
    • Pre-Designed Apparel
    • Pre-Designed Shoes & Sneaks
    • Pre-Designed Bags
    • Clear Bags
    • Bibs2Bags Swag
    • Collections & Designs
  • Pop Culture Products
    • Heavens to Murgatroid
    • Lucy
    • Mix Tape
    • Monkees
    • Outlander
    • Squeeze
    • TV
    • Video Games
    • Vinyl Forever
    • Watts
  • Gifts & Specials
    • Gift Certificates
    • Gifts $40 & Under
    • For Race Directors
    • Seasonal Specials >
      • Spring & Earth Day
  • Shop By...
  • About
    • About Bibs2Bags
    • About Us
    • About Your Bag
    • About The Process - Custom Bags
    • About The Process - Image Display
    • About Your Options
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Custom Crafted Bag Reviews
    • Why Stop at Running Bibs?
    • Our Clothing Pledge To You
    • Thank You
  • Contact Us
  • Quick Start Guide
  • Fitness With Erika
    • Class Packs
    • Class Schedule
    • On Demand Library
    • Class Descriptions
    • Suggested Rotations
    • Fitness With Erika Swag
  • Custom Crafted Bags
    • The 50k Gym Bag
    • The Marathon Large Tote
    • The Ultra Duffel Bag
    • The 20 Miler BackPack
    • The Half Marathon Portfolio Tote
    • The Relay Messenger Bag
    • The 10k Purse
    • The 5k Mini Tote
    • The After Party Shopping Bag
    • The Canicross Shoulder Bag
    • The Mile - Wristlet or Make-Up Bag
    • The Frosty 5k Christmas Stocking
    • The Finish Line Blanket
    • Make It A Theme
  • Image Display Products
    • All Over Printing >
      • Race Bib Display Apparel
      • Image Display Bags & Travel
      • Face Masks, Headwear, & Arm Sleeves
      • Drinkware
      • Home Accents
      • Outdoor Living
      • Electronic Accessories
      • For Your Pet
      • Shoes & Sneaks
      • Stationery & Games
      • Wall Displays
      • Workout Accessories
      • For The Holidays
    • First, Best, Favorite Race Items
    • Cycling Milestones
  • Pre-Designed Products
    • Face Masks, Headbands & Bandanas
    • Pre-Designed Apparel
    • Pre-Designed Shoes & Sneaks
    • Pre-Designed Bags
    • Clear Bags
    • Bibs2Bags Swag
    • Collections & Designs
  • Pop Culture Products
    • Heavens to Murgatroid
    • Lucy
    • Mix Tape
    • Monkees
    • Outlander
    • Squeeze
    • TV
    • Video Games
    • Vinyl Forever
    • Watts
  • Gifts & Specials
    • Gift Certificates
    • Gifts $40 & Under
    • For Race Directors
    • Seasonal Specials >
      • Spring & Earth Day
  • Shop By...
  • About
    • About Bibs2Bags
    • About Us
    • About Your Bag
    • About The Process - Custom Bags
    • About The Process - Image Display
    • About Your Options
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Custom Crafted Bag Reviews
    • Why Stop at Running Bibs?
    • Our Clothing Pledge To You
    • Thank You
  • Contact Us
  • Quick Start Guide
  • Fitness With Erika
    • Class Packs
    • Class Schedule
    • On Demand Library
    • Class Descriptions
    • Suggested Rotations
    • Fitness With Erika Swag
(Say That 3 Times Fast!)

Bibs2bags Blog

Guest Post - What to Wear This Autumn/Winter

11/27/2017

0 Comments

 
By Richard Meadow:
​Richard Meadow is a freelance writer that works closely with OneAthletic sports
clothing.  He enjoys researching and writing about health/ sports and how they can benefit
everyone in day to day life.
The cold seasons are upon us! For most, it’s a happy festive time of the year with lots to celebrate, but for others, its colder and darker and doesn’t help motivate a healthy lifestyle.  A lot of people can struggle with what to wear whilst exercising this time of year, sometimes  gym joggers and a hoody aren’t the comfiest ideas. Here is a guide to some essentials for men and women to wear in the colder months of the year.

Thermals

​If you’re out running this is probably your most essential kit to buy, Thermal shorts and leggings are designed to help regulate your body heat and keep you warm whilst exercising. The help reduces stiffness and fatigue but in recent years the technology that goes into thermals has advanced. In leggings, for example, you’ll notice that some pairs have different designs on them and it isn’t just for aesthetics anymore, leggings have compression sections to help muscles during and after exercise. The compression sections have a tighter hold on different parts of your legs to help with supporting your exercise with leads to better recovery periods also. Leggings are available for men and women alike, the supporting in the leggings will differ due to average body sizes but the benefits are the same. Wearing them to the gym can also help performance during weights and cardio sessions.

LightWeight Jackets

​Now that you have your thermals wearing a lightweight jacket should help with your performance, wearing a heavier jacket whilst training can affect your movement and cause you to overheat. Combining thermal tops and a light jacket keeps your body temperature ideal and body movement fully available. A suitable lightweight jacket should be hooded and waterproof ready for the rainy weather, the hood is also beneficial to those who might get cold face and ears and doesn’t particularly want to wear a hat whilst running. 

​Accessories 

​Not the most important item on the list but and makes that difference in certain circumstances. First on the list is socks, like the compression thermals socks can offer extra support on the foot and ankle which can really help during distance running. Headbands all help for several reasons keeping hair in place but also help retain some heat that normally leaves through your head if you find thicker head wear uncomfortable. Finally, gloves whilst exercising (running especially) whilst help a lot. Hands can often get number whilst running and outdoor it can feel uncomfortable and distracting if they are also cold, thin gloves can make all the difference whilst running.

​High-Visibility

​Wearing Hi-Vis clothing in winter is crucial, as mentioned before the evenings are getting darker a lot quicker so your visibility to traffic may change from the start and finish of a run.
This safety measure is promoted by most sports labels, so buying a hi-vis garment should be easy and affordable, a jacket is usually the best options as it is the most visible but reflective trainers, hats, armbands, and bottoms are all designed by most brands.

​Trainers

Your current trainers are probably fine, but if you're anything like me once you find a pair that you run and exercise well in you stick with them. Checking the grip on your trainers is the best approach in the colder periods, trainers receive a lot more physicality then regular’s shoes so if the grip seems worn it might be best to invest in a new pair to avoid slipping anywhere dangerous. 
​Most of these garments come in affordable and luxury prices, so have a browse around but you should be able to find suitable products that will suit your exercise habits and keep you motivated in the winter months.
0 Comments

Love2Laundry Guest Post - Tips for Fitness Equipment Maintenance

10/30/2017

3 Comments

 
Picture
​Whether you’re a gym owner who wants to prolong the service life of his equipment or a fitness enthusiast with a couple of training machines at home, you will find these tips helpful. Fitness equipment can be costly so maintenance is key. Keeping your machines in excellent condition ensures you can enjoy them for longer without having to pay extra money for repairs every few months. Here is what you should keep in mind when it comes to maintaining your fitness equipment in top shape.  

1. Place and Store Your Equipment in the Right Place

The location you choose for your fitness equipment is very important. Whether you’re using the machine on a daily basis or you want to store it away for a few months, pay attention to a few factors in the environment you choose for it. It’s not ideal to keep your machines in a conservatory, shed or garage since LCD displays can gradually become slow to respond. This issue appears when the temperature is cold, which makes the liquid crystal slow to react.
 
Sudden temperature changes are also detrimental to your fitness equipment since they can cause condensation which affects both the metal frame and the electronics in the machine. Environments that are prone to high moisture levels should also be avoided for keeping or storing fitness machines in. Humidity will slowly but surely affect the circuit paths and give you minor intermittent issues or even bigger failures such as a failed circuit board.
 
Direct, powerful sunlight can also damage certain parts of your machine over time. Sunshine can cause the membrane keypads to peel off while the buttons can become unresponsive. Any plastic parts and buttons may start fading, affecting the overall look and performance of the equipment. 

2. Use Adequate and Clean Gym Gear ​

Your gym clothes not only protect you during your work out, they also protect the machines. You should have a dedicated pair of shoes that you only use for working out indoors. For example, by using adequate shoes when running on your treadmill you can help prolong the machine’s service life and keep the equipment free from dust, mud, pebbles and other debris that could get stuck in the sole of the shoes while you’re walking or running outside.
 
You should also use clothes and accessories (such as gloves and headbands) that were designed for training, as these trap sweat and moisture and don’t let it interfere with the machines. If you’re struggling with getting your shoes and clothes cleaned on a weekly basis, try a dry cleaning service that picks up and delivers the clothes to your door step whenever it’s convenient for you. 

3. Keep the Machines Clean at all Times

​Even if you’re not using your equipment for a couple of weeks or a few months, it doesn’t mean you should stop cleaning it or looking after it. Equipment can be damaged by dust, moisture, condensation, cold or hot temperatures and much more. Making sure the machines are clean at all times will keep them in better shape for longer and will help you save money on costly repairs.
 
Make it a habit to wipe down the equipment after each training session. This might seem like an extra tedious step, but don’t skip it. Wipe down any pads, benches, seats and cardio consoles you’ve touched or used. If you have your own equipment, it’s simple to clean it with a dry rag or with moist, disinfectant towels that are more convenient and easy to use. If you own a gym, encourage all the members to use paper towels for cleaning the equipment as soon as they’re done using it. Not only will they help keep the machines in excellent shape, they will also prevent the spread of bacteria and viruses.

4. Oil Your Machines at Least Once a Month

Not all equipment pieces need to be oiled but resistance machines require this special treatment in order to function properly and perform well. Their moving parts should be lubricated with an appropriate fitness equipment product once a month.
 
In order to lubricate resistance equipment, you simply use a clean rag and silicone spray. Apply the product to the weight tracks and also into the bearings. Check these can move freely to ensure proper silicone application. Treadmills and the vast majority of cardiovascular fitness equipment are self-lubricating. For these, you will have to take a look at the oil reservoirs to ensure they have plenty of oil. If you need to fill the reservoir, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

5. Read the Owner’s Manual and Check the Equipment Often

Even if you’re a seasoned gym owner or a fitness aficionado, never skip this step. Read the owner’s manual, especially the maintenance recommendations and procedures. These will offer plenty of tips on how to keep your fitness equipment in excellent working order. You will also be able to find the manual online if you’ve misplaced your hard copy.
 
Take the manufacturer’s recommendations into consideration when performing your routine check-ups. You should implement a preventative maintenance routine to check the equipment for wear. Keep an eye out for cracks, tears or fraying, especially for cables. It’s also essential you make sure dumbbells and barbells are in perfect working order and that the weights are securely attached. Damaged parts or potentially hazardous issues should be addressed on the spot. This will help minimize damage to the entire fitness unit and will also keep the users safe. 

Author - John Stuart

John Stuart works on behalf of love2laundry.com in outreach and content creation. He creates engaging content that help businesses connect with their audience and stand out from the crowd.

3 Comments

SLS3 Guest Post - How To Wash Your Garments Containing Lycra®

9/22/2016

0 Comments

 
Picture

Handle With Care

You’ve spent your hard earned money on your exercise gear like triathlon shorts or compression socks and now it’s time to put it to the test. After a grueling workout, you and your Lycra®containing gear are ready for a bath. By the way, Spandex is the generic Lycra® version. Lycra® is a brand name trademarked by DuPont.

After Your Workout

As much as we hate it, we’re all drenched in sweat after a good workout, which means our clothes are, too. If you don’t have time to wash your clothes right after your workout, or you’re too tired like me, then hang dry your workout clothes, making sure there are no wrinkle or overlaps. This prevents your gear from turning into a mildew breeding ground. Gross! It also helps prevent weird stenches from staying trapped inside your clothes.

Getting The Stink Out

The best method for remedying smelly gym clothes is to give them a prewash. Soak your Lycra®outfits in one part vinegar, and four parts water for at least 30 minutes before hand washing, or throwing them into the washing machine. Rinse your clothes thoroughly before washing them to get rid of any vinegar.

Some Don'ts To Remember

  • Do not mix vinegar and bleach ever! If your detergent contains bleach rinse out your vinegar soaked clothes before throwing them in the washer. Do not use vinegar in the rinse cycle of your washer if your detergent contains bleach.
  • Do not use heat for any of your Lycra® garments. Heat will destroy the elastic properties aka the Lycra® fibers of your outfits. Avoid the dryer, ironing and the sun. Remember: Heat is bad.
  • Do not use chlorine or bleach. This will destroy the fibers of the fabric and you will get “bag and sag” syndrome.​
  • Do not use Fabric Softener. These are used to soften clothes and will make sure your expensive garment will never retain its shape. Avoid the fabric softener.

In The Wash They Go

Picture
Although it is said that hand washing is always the way to go, most of us don’t have time for that. Don’t fret though! It is safe for your Lycra® garments to go into the washing machine following these steps. First, make sure that all of your zippered garments are zipped all the way up to prevent the zipper track from snagging onto other fabric during the washing cycle. Turn your clothes inside out. Put delicate items into a mesh laundry bag, lingerie bag, or pillowcase to protect them (Definitely do this for Bib Shorts).

The Set Up

If you are worried that a pre-soak just won’t cut it for getting all the smells out, you can put some vinegar in the fabric softener dispenser of your washer. This will make sure your washer will dispense vinegar in the rinse cycle. Always use cold water when washing your Lycra® garments. Heat will destroy them. Set your washer on the “Delicates” setting to prevent damage of your clothes.

Less is More?

Use less detergent than you normally would for your Lycra® clothes. While detergent cleans your clothes, you definitely don’t want a build up of it on your workout clothes. A build up of detergent will trap in dead skin cells and trap bacteria into the fabric. If you want to make sure your clothes last, try a detergent designed for washing workout clothes.  

Finishing Touches

After the washing cycle has been finished, hang your clothes up, or lay them down flat to dry. Never put them in the dryer. Remember heat is not friendly to Lycra® clothes. Lycra® is a fast drying fiber so your clothes should not take too long to air dry.
Originally Posted Tuesday, September 6, 2016 by SLS3

Please Enjoy 40% Off Your Next Purchase
With Coupon Code BLOG40
at SLS3

Tell Them Bibs2Bags Sent You!

0 Comments

All I Want For Christmas - Part II

4/5/2016

0 Comments

 
Originally Posted 12/16/14  - By Lisa

For anyone who read part one, I told you I'd be a slacker and not get to part 2 in any reasonable time. But the big boss keeps cracking her whip, (well not really, but I keep getting the "when are you going to write part 2 of the blog?" texts daily) so I must write.  Here are the remaining suggests for things to buy your beloved runner!!

6. I love to Run Sweatshirts  
http://www.ilovetorun.org/
I really like their hoodies-I own the "I'm too Lazy" sweatshirt, and it is super comfortablehttps://ilovetorun.org/hoodies-more-c-22_28.html.   (the sizes do run small, so be sure to size up)
 I am a stickler, though, and I will only wear the sweatshirt on days I do run. I'm weird like that.  I also won't wear my new race shirt to the race.  I didn't run that race yet, so why would I wear the shirt?  Plus, it's bad luck.  I'm always afraid that if I wear it before or during the race, I won't actually finish the race.  I've read online that other runners also believe this, so I know I'm not alone in this thinking. 

7.  One More Mile  
http://onemoremile.net/   Love, love, love their products.  I have sported many of their shirts at races (I wore the "Its a hill, get over it" shirt at the Mount Washington Road Race).  Then I got really crazy and started getting into the custom shirts.  I had a shirt made for my first 50K that reads, "I can't do this, but I am doing it anyway."  It truly summed up my entire ultra experience.  The shirts are really flattering, breathable, comfortable (have yet to have one rub or chafe) and high quality.  I have 5 in my collection-4 short sleeve and 1 long sleeve.

​
8. Rock My Run  http://www.rockmyrun.com/  My new favorite running app is Rock My Run.  I do not have a membership, but I am seriously considering it, although the free version has been sufficient for the past 2 months.  You can pick mixes based on genre, BPM, length, etc.  Some of the mixes are just songs strung together.  My favorite mixes are the ones that remind me of aerobic songs.  Before I discovered running, I was an avid aerobics junkie (still am, although I now have to split my time between aerobics and running).  I love the songs that have that constant beat, which helps me maintain a decent pace.  Yes, we can get into the debate about yah or nay about running with music, but it is an absolute necessity for me, so I am very thankful for Rock My Run.  And right now, there are Christmas music mixes, which pretty much is heaven on earth for me.  Add an aerobic beat to Christmas music, and I am a happy girl.

Picture
9.  Project Repat http://www.projectrepat.com/  I've wanted to make a quilt for a very long time.  I debated doing it myself.  My sister made one for herself.  It took about 20 years for her to finish it.  I also found friends who agreed to make me one.  I have nice friends, and I'd rather not waste their patience with me on my quilting needs.  So I decided to bite the bullet and get one from Project Repat.  Yes, Bibs2bags can incorporate shirts into bags.  But since I had enough bibs to purchase every bag in the collection, I didn't need to supplement my bags with my excess tee shirts. 
Very happy with my blanket.  Let me make one thing clear-I do not consider this a quilt.  I consider this a blanket, which is actually my preference, as I wanted something I would use.  I use mine every night when I am sitting and watching TV (currently plowing through all of the seasons of Dexter).  And I keep the house at a balmy 64 degrees in the middle of winter in NH and this blanket is really useful.  It keeps me cozy warm and remind me that at some points in my life, I am not lazy and complete more than just TV marathons.

10.  Bibs2Bags  
www.bibs2bags.com
I couldn't make this list without including us.  Yes, I said 10 gift other than Bibs2bags, but I guess I'm just a big old fibber.  At this point, its too late to order a bag in time for Christmas (although we can send your loved one a very pretty gift card/IOU letting them know a bag will be made for them in the near future).  BUT its the perfect time to think about Valentine's Day!  Or Easter.  Or Earth Day (we are upcycling your bibs into a usable item). Or a great gift just because you are proud of your runner and want them to show off their accomplishments.  Most importantly, it makes a great gift for yourself!!

From the Bibs2Bags Crew, we would like to wish everyone a safe, healthy and happy holiday season!
0 Comments
<<Previous

    Archives

    September 2021
    August 2021
    September 2020
    June 2020
    June 2019
    February 2019
    November 2018
    October 2018
    July 2018
    April 2018
    February 2018
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016

    Categories

    All
    Bibs2Bags Products & Product Reviews
    Guest Posts
    Helpful Running Stuff
    Just For Fun
    Product Reviews
    Races And Race Information
    Workout Information

    RSS Feed

    About The Authors

    Contact

    Erika

    A 25 Year Veteran of the Group Fitness Industry, Erika currently teaches Kickboxing, Step, and H.I.I.T. classes at Guilford Parks & Rec.  ​
    She is also in the Employee Benefits arena as Operations Manager of ​
    BK Group Benefits, LLC

    Lisa

    An Avid Runner, Lisa began her running career about 10 Years Ago.  
    She is also the Assistant Director for The University of New Hampshire Dietetic Internship Program 
    and a mother of two.  
    Lisa is currently working on her goal of running a Marathon in every state.


Picture
Copyright Bibs2Bags
All Rights Reserved

 Terms & Conditions  ​
Vertical Divider

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR MAILING LIST

TAKE OUR SURVEY
​Enter to Win a $50 Gift Certificate

Give a Gift Certificate

Email Us

STORE

​CALL US​