Excited that #TheFitCycle Founder Andia Winslow was featured by Viveca Williams and the “Muscle Can Be, Muscle Is” campaign that works to motivate and inspire women to become more active and live healthier lives.
“the importance of being the first is to make certain that you are not the last.” “I take this responsibility and work every day to grow the game in diverse communities.”
Andia Winslow
Activities: Professional golfer, US Track and Field, US Bobsled and Skeleton Olympic Development Athlete, Aquatic cycling, and gymnastics
Q: So, what is your sport and how did you get started?
Golf is my primary sport, though I played several growing up. Something about the game and its inherent quietude, I knew, even at age 10 when just leaning, that golf as a game was an eternal challenge that couldn’t be conquered. That intrigued me then, and it still does now. After college, I was invited to train with USA Track & Field and Jesse Owens Olympic Hall of Fame Coach Brooks Johnson. Years of sprint training led to my eventual recruitment to join the USA Bobsled &…
The SXSW Interactive Festival is an amazing experience that you won’t soon forget. The following are cues to maximize your on-the-ground resources and minimize the “could have, would have, should have!” Adventure is near the beginning of the dictionary, and that is where this story will start too. Let’s look at it from a sports perspective.
Pre-Game:
Prepare your game plan by downloading the official SXSW App for your mobile devices and peruse all scheduled offerings – both official and “un-official” events. Next, strategize which are “Must Attend,” “Maybe” and “Hey, I’m curious.” RSVP in advance for events, talks and parties if required. But remember, sometimes plans don’t pan out and opportunities that you hadn’t expected present themselves. Game-time decisions are for the bold, just do it!
Organize your roster of teammates, coaches and subs. Are you traveling with a group? Set up “group text” to build a community around you and maximize intel. Make a list (or several) of people/businesses whom you want to meet and pre-schedule face-to-face time if possible. Take advantage of mentorship sessions offered by industry leaders and have your pitch and questions prepared. Follow Twitter handles and hashtags of folks and/or trends you’re interested in, you just might “street meet.”
The “Go-Bag” is a must for organized players. In it, consider including: business cards, a Sharpie (permanent marker), and a Mophie self-charging cell phone case or mobile power station (you can bet the provided charging stations and outlets will have long lines). Always have at least 3 pens. You’ll lose one, you’ll let someone borrow another, and that will leave you with your one and only. A protein bar, —or a zip-lock bag full of almonds or other non-perishable protein foodstuffs— bottle of water and breath mints. Hand sanitzer — hopefully you’ll be shaking a lot of hands.
Rest and recovery. You won’t get much when you touch down to Austin so organize your sleep schedule to include less hours per night. Start tonight.
Game Day(s):
Comfortable trumps cute. But comfortable and dapper? You’re a winner, especially in the shoe department! Chuck Taylors are a go-to for many, just add an insole and you’ll be ready for action whether dressed up or down. Also, don’t forget your sweater or light jacket —the conference rooms are often air-conditioned.
It’s been said that SXSW is the sum of serendipitous meetings. Compliment someone on their exquisitely tied Chucks, ask a friendly face what sessions they’re excited about, strike up conversations with strangers while waiting in line for lunch. There’s no danger there and it’s prime networking time. Remember, that’s just the point of Interactive and no one will find it awkward. Also, try to venture out on your own, you’ll meet friends as you go (plus yours will probably be late to scheduled meet-ups anyway) and you might encounter an awesome session or experience that you hadn’t intended. Snatch a flyer here or there too. If the company/party spent money on advertising, the promotion might just be worth it.
Get in the zone, live in the present and if you don’t like it —leave it. If there is an event that you’ve had your eager eye on, you had better get there early. Don’t be late. Don’t be on time. Be early. Remember what your grandma said, she was right! The lines may astound many first timers. Then once you’re in a session, engage. Avoid the habit of thinking about what’s next or what could be better that you’re missing. Finally, if you need to take a time out in the form of leaving midway through an unfulfilling session or a taking an unscheduled nap, just take that knee and don’t chastise yourself later.
Don’t get placed on Injured Reserve. Most likely you’ll be operating on little sleep, high salt, sugar and hops intake and suffering from “tech neck.” Do your body and brain a favor. Hydrate. Hydrate. And then hydrate some more. Try to get fresh air whenever possible, stand up, stretch and un-crane your neck at least once per hour. Also, try to walk to venues whenever possible. Often times lines for free rides and traffic will take longer anyhow.
Unsportsmanlike conduct can take you out of the game. Get familiar, but don’t get too familiar. The parties and after-hours festivities are memorable but if you go too hard you’ll miss the wealth of day-time opportunity. Don’t forget that the camera is always watching and now more than ever. Folks will take great pleasure in posting your lowest moments to social media and watching them go viral overnight. Be mindful that you represent the company you work for and/or your own personal brand. Have fun? Of course! But don’t do anything that can’t be undone.
Post Game:
Did you get the win? Not until you follow up post-conference. This means taking account of all that you saw and learned —review your notes and devise implementation strategies. But the human element will prove most important in your game stats accounting. Hopefully you collected business cards on which you wrote the date, time and place where you met the person, and a unique quip or conversation cue that will allow for a personalized email or tweet correspondence.
Plan for next year! It’s bigger + better every year. And you know this, MAN!
February is the shortest month of the year but it just might be the fittest. Have you honored your New Year’s dietary and exercise resolutions? Whether you have or whether you haven’t, I’ve got just the treat for you! A cool take on “abs are made in the kitchen,” I’m honored to present to you my newest fitness video –a collaboration with Monique Walton and the American Heart Association– Kitchen Workout. If you need encouragement of the daily variety, I’m excited to join new online outfit BK Nation as a wellness blogger and February #BKN28 Fitness Challenge Captain. There you’ll find my blog, “The Write Fit,” in which I offer exercise tips, workout videos, giveaways and more. And if you prefer TV, I’ll be joining you every Tuesday at noon as a Sports Segment host on BK LIVE.
Why all of the health and sport talk, you ask? Because! On February 2nd, this team from my home town met this other team from my dad’s home town. The result? Seattle Seahawks won the Superbowl for the first time in franchise history! It’s American Heart Month; the 50th Anniversary in fact. February 5th is National Girls and Women in Sports Day, championed by one of my favorite organizations, the Women’s Sports Foundation. February 7th is National Wear Day — a day that celebrates heart disease prevention awareness. And February 7th is also the start of the Winter Olympic Games in Sochi, Russia. Faster, Higher, Stronger! What a day it will be. RED, white and blue speeding all over the place!
TV Personality
Olympic Skeleton Training
Contributor
For those of you who recall my time training for the Olympics in the sport of Skeleton, I’ve helped to design an Olympic themed workout with the editors of popular app and website DailyBurn. You can bet it will challenge all of your senses, especially common sense, if you accept the challenge! If you want to work out with me in person in New York City, I’ve developed a dynamic sand and alternative resistance training class called Manhattan Beach Workout. Talk about getting ready for Summer with plenty of time to spare!
DailyBurn | Expert Contributor, Workout Design | FEB 2014
Oh, one more thing. We’ve been nominated for a Shorty Award in #SocialFitness! This online award recognizes people who “help others make healthy choices in their lives through their influence on social media.” If you’d like to vote, you can do so via Twitter by tweeting: “I nominate @AndiaWinslow for a Shorty Award in #SocialFitness because…” Be certain to write in your reason after “because…” or the vote won’t count. Thank you for your continued support!
We are thankful! But not just on this day. Everyday, and in every way. But as it’s officially the United States’ Thanksgiving, we thought it an opportune time to state our united thanks for giving — to us. A big blog of thanks. Yes, we went there. To those who tune in to our cinematic wellness endeavor, we thank you. To the amateur photographers and videographers who send in their own “get it in where you can fit it in” moments, thanks for keeping things colorful and keep the shares coming! Those who’ve patiently provided support –tactical, creative and otherwise– have our enduring thanks. Major publications, news and lifestyle outlets, cheers for recognizing our efforts on TV and in print. To the bloggers and blogs who’ve shared our #MOVEment, ignited further action around the world and –in fact– sustained us, we thank you. Alphabetical drumroll please (the build up kind, this list is long):
Black Enterprise | Technology Feature | March 12, 2013
GoRedForWomen.org website landing page for #HeartHour Partner Workout
Andia Winslow partners with Go Red for Women® for the organization’s 10th Anniversary Year: New fitness movie launch and contest winner announcement highlight exciting collaborative work to help fight the No. 1 killer of women worldwide.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: NEW YORK, NY (October 29, 2013) – Today, in honor of World Stroke Day, Andia Winslow announces the winners of her Fall 2013 Fitness Contest. Designed in conjunction with the announcement of her ambassadorship role with the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women® Campaign, “this contest is to celebrate everyday women in their personal quests for wellness!”
Congratulations to these lucky ladies!
1st – In-person Wellness Consultation | 1HR Fitness Session | Fitness Swag
Brandi Stewart, Harlem, NY
2nd – Skype Wellness Consultation
Danita Hall, Phoenix, AZ
Yvette Odu, New Haven, CT
Lili Stansberry, Kent, WA
3rd – Small Group Fitness Session
Kerri Lynne Hamm, Shrub Oak, NY | Leslie Hewitt, New York, NY | Bridget Jackson, Phoenix, AZ | April Joyner, Brooklyn, NY | Felicia Meggison, Providence, RI | Marelina Ortiz, New York, NY | Keely Robinson, New York, NY | Lynette Rodriguez, Queens, NY | Celia Sabino, Miami, FL | Alexcia Smith, Long Island, NY | Erin Williams, New York, NY
Heart disease remains the No. 1 killer of women worldwide –stroke, the No. 2 cause of death and severe long-term disability for both sexes– and in it’s ten years Go Red for Women® has worked to educate women of all backgrounds about the importance of prevention and care. A topic dear to her own heart, Andia partnered with filmmaker Monique Walton to create a fitness inspired short movie that encourages women, and men alike, to get active with friends in fun, non-intimidating ways.
“Heart Hour: Partner Workout” encourages people to “trade in the sweet alcoholic drinks and savory tapas of traditional Happy Hour for free-flowing H2O and electrolytes. It shows us how to join forces with friends for dynamic and time efficient workouts. We are our own answer!” To learn more about heart disease and the warning signs of heart attack, visit: GoRedForWomen.org. To better understand the differences between heart attack and stroke –know the warning signs of stroke– remember F.A.S.T:
About the American Heart Association – Go Red For Women®
The American Heart Association is devoted to saving people from heart disease and stroke – America’s No. 1 and No. 4 killers. Go Red For Women® is the national movement to end heart disease in women. The Dallas-based association is the nation’s oldest and largest voluntary organization dedicated to fighting heart disease and stroke. To learn more or to get involved, call 1-888-MY-HEART (1-888-694-3278) or visit GoRedForWomen.org
About The Fit Cycle
Founded in 2010, The Fit Cycle is a multimedia health movement that is defined by resourcefulness. It works to inspire folks to make the most of what they have –however little, be it time, capital or possessions– to live more active and engaged lives. The Fit Cycle is a cinematic wellness endeavor that is inspired by art, music and a culture of collaboration. The Fit Cycle is moving at the rhythm of life.™ www.thefitcycle.com
For press inquiries, please contact: Publicity at TheFitCycle@gmail.com
For booking, please contact: Pamela Davis at pkaycreative@gmail.com
A few months back, I had the awesome opportunity to pose for world renown extreme sports and action photographer / storyteller Corey Rich. Our session was part of a bigger learning project called “Getting the Shot with Corey Rich: Tech Tips.” Watch as we go behind the scenes for what it takes to realize a striking athlete portrait!
It started after we pressed record while awaiting laundry on spin cycle.
And then the cycle continued. Round and round.
We’ve had an awesome year thanks to YOU.
And by you, I mean you. All of you.
You, hooping in the (laundro)mat.
You, triceps dipping on street corner pylons.
You, pushing up while bearing down at work.
You, shopping bag biceps curling.
You, paint can russian twisting while painting the baby’s nursery.
You, overhead mailbox bin pressing while hall monitoring.
You are the #MOVEment.
Happy Birthday to you! Happy Anniversary too!
HOOP in the mat. Yeah, I did it. Obaro E. of Los Angeles, California
Andia shares The Fit Cycle with the world via LiveStream. Thousands tuned in!
Ladies who LUNGE. On the way to lunch, of course. Allison D., Jen H., Caroline W. and Jennifer B. of New York, NY
Monique graduates from Film School!
Turner Broadcasting personality feature
Laundromat Workout
Following street signs Uptown. No, I’m not Cam’ron but I do DIP SET. Proppa P. of Harlem, NY.
No pain(t), no Gain(ey). SEATED PAINT CAN TWISTS while watching the new walls dry, Michael Gainey of San Diego, CA
NBC KXAN Austin | SXSW TV Feature | March 2013
Backpack BICEPS CURLS while the line curls. Noah C. of Washington, D.C.
We’re in this together! | Kids!
SXSW 2013 Panelist Andia Winslow
Celebratory INCLINE DESK PUSH UPS after finishing a report at work! Sahil A. of Pennsylvania
Take the Stairs! | Move of the Week
Olivia H. of Providence, Rhode Island WALKS it out while building websites. 6 miles, go!
Bus(t) through any rut with OVERHEAD STATIONARY LUNGES. Bus it baby! (Plies voice, of course) Nia J. of The Bronx, NY
See it in action!
Blogalicious Social Media Panel
How about I PULL UP while I wait for the train to pull up? Joshwa M. of Brooklyn, NY
Strike a pose, walk it out. #TheFitCycle (in the) #Park (Avenue) Andia Winslow of NYC
They say work 9-5 but I’m working to make partner so I ONE-LEGGED BODY DIPped on my office chair until 6PM. Sean S. of Tampa, FL
Step to me, I’ll raise you a gastrocnemius. CALF RAISES at work[out]. Phil E. of Branford, CT
Spin Cycle
Who took my office chair? Shoot, who needs an office chair when I can just WALL SIT for a bit! Claire G. of Brooklyn, NY
Taking the STAIRS two at a time with OVERHEAD MAIL BIN PRESS! Lashonda K. of Berkley, CA
In honor of Women’s Health and Fitness Day, I’m launching a fun contest! Now here’s the catch. Both men and women can enter though you gentlemen would be entering in support of the women whom you may know and love. On to the prizes:
To enter: In 500 words (text) or 3 minutes (video) or less, please explain why you are in need of a wellness consultation. What challenges have you faced this year? What should I know about your story? What are your fitness goals for 2014? Be creative! Gentlemen entering on behalf of a gentlewoman, who is she to you? Why is she deserving? And how would this fitness session help her to jump-start the new year? Please email written responses and video links to TheFitCycle@gmail.com.
Rules: Entries close on Monday, October 7th at 9PM EST. Fitness sessions can be based in New York City, New York, and/or Phoenix, Arizona. Skype winners can be international. Phone call consultation winners must use a United States of America exchange only. One entry per person please. Winners selected by a panel of three (3) wellness industry judges. Prizes forfeited one year after award date if unused. No cash value or exchange of services permitted.
About Women’s Health and Fitness Day: Nation’s largest annual health promotion event for women of all ages. This year’s event is set for Wednesday, September 25, 2013, and in future years, is always be held on the last Wednesday in September. This unique national program — with participation by local organizations throughout the U.S. — focuses attention on the importance of regular physical activity and health awareness for women.
Yes, I know. You know. There is in fact a national celebratory “week” for everything. Shark Week. Mashed Potatoes are Best with Butter Week. I Locked Myself Out of My Apartment, Again, Week. This Selfie Makes Me Look Cute, Right? Week. But if you have a family –especially if you have a family!– the most important week of them all is National Exercise With Your Child Week.
Don’t have kids? That’s cool. Don’t care to have kids? I don’t care. Kids are the future, and they’re truth-tellers. Ask a kid something. Anything. Something that you really want to know. Something with which you’ve been struggling. They will tell you. No soothsayer, line-card-toe reader fees apply. Wouldn’t you then want to play with these little humans? Yes! That’s the answer! You do. So, GO! Go play.
Just the other day I played with some kids. This is what happened.
“Oh but Andia, it’s been so long since I exercised my inner kid. I don’t even know how to play anymore!” you cry. (Wo)man, that’s a shame. We need to work on that. I can help. In the meantime, here are some ideas that I’ve crafted to get you started on the “Reclaim Your Kid, with Your Kids, Journey.”
Partner Workouts are examples of exercises that families can do together. Siblings and parents unite! Size difference is not a limiting factor. Working out together always makes folks closer and more engaged with one another. Children who regularly assist with or share in workouts with their parents feel empowered and confident. They are part of a team and developing leadership skills all the while. Let’s get it in:
Exercise 1: A favorite move is the PUSH-UP CLAP. Partners, both in push-up start position, align themselves opposite and head-to-head from one another. On the same count they perform a push-up and when returning to the start position they each clap one hand together with their partner. This move is fun, auditory and requires communication and synchrony – teamwork!
Exercise 2: WHEELBARROW PUSH-UPS. Watch the contents, they’re fragile.
Exercise 3: JUMP ROPE, a lost art! Kids love it and jump rope games can go on for hours and can morph into countless variations. Not only does it attend to cardiovascular health but it is also a high intensity compound workout. Think muscle building here. Parents want to get involved? Try double dutch or jumping together in the same rope.
Exercise 4: TAG, YOU’RE IT! What kid doesn’t enjoy tag? Boys chasing girls. Girls chasing boys. Siblings chasing each other. Toddlers chasing birds and rabbits. How do parents fit in? Well, a friendly game of tag is a fun bonding opportunity that seems to be a pure game. Not so. Track athletes run sprint series from a dead stop. Basketball, football and softball players run lines as athletic drills. The same movement(s) is being exercised in tag. The chase is exercise for all parties involved and whether or not they know it, a HITT (High Intensity Interval Training) workout!
OK. I’ve helped you. Can you help me? Join The Fit Cycle #MOVEment. Share this post with your family and friends. Send us photos and videos of your action. Click here for ideas! Oh! One more thing. If you live in or are visiting New York City on Saturdays in August, check out Summer Streets. It’s amazing and I love it.
Dear Universe,
The family that plays together stays together! That’s what I was taught growing up. Well, not in so many words but it was implied. We cycled. We rock climbed. We meandered through parks and swam in brooks. We visited museums. We crafted and designed. We explored. We played, together. And we still do. (Side bar: I wanted to grow up to be Pippi Longstocking, just not the [semi]orphan part.) And play is what I strive to do every day — even now. With friends’ kids, with neighborhood kids, with tall kids, with small kids, with folks trying to find their inner kid. It moves me.
Enter the twins: Theo and Lily. What energy, what color! Theodor “Dr. Seuss” Geisel’s Thing 1 and Thing 2, naturally. That makes me, you know, “the Cat in the hat.” And by “hat” read voluminous Afro. But too is a retreat to “conjunction junction what’s your function?” with SchoolHouse Rock!, sunny day(s) “sweepin’ the clouds away” on Sesame Street, after-school specials, “The More You Know” PSAs and other programming of childhood yore.
Before mobile devices, WE were the mobile devices. Devising mobility. Mobile in our devicedness. (Yes, I coined a word just as my nine year old self would have, with pride.) Hopping, beeping, buzzing. Hunting and gathering activity. Imagining moves. Just as I do now. So here’s to youth, to creativity, to fun, to family, to exercise –played together. Get it in where you can fit it in.
You know where to find me, AndiaBut that’s only part of the story. Here’s how it all began:
Querido Spanish Harlem,
You keep me up at night. I mean, you really keep me up at night. Why is the dog barking? Why is la música blaring? Take your lovers’ quarrel inside! Put those kids to bed! But then, if I don’t fight it, I count the beats instead of sheep and you comfort me. Your heartbeat becomes my own and soothes me into deep sleep.
Morning. No alarm. You jostle me awake, rudely at times, and I cut my eyes at you. But it’s only fleeting because I feel lucky to wake up to you. You inspire me. Your legacy, your sabor, your passion – en fuego! Your energy is palpable and I covet it on days when I’m away too long. You coo at me on the street and welcome me home. “¡Oye mami!” Yes, I see you, you have a blessed day too!
You dance and parade with me, share your wares with me, feed me and it tastes so good. We’ve broken bread together and you’ve watched my back. Now it’s my turn. The Fit Cycle is for you El Barrio, all of you. A movie and a MOVEment. I’ve made my declaration, this is my dedication.
![Step to me, I'll raise you a gastrocnemius. CALF RAISES at work[out]. Phil E. of Branford, CT](https://thefitcycle.files.wordpress.com/2012/12/phil-e-calf-raises.jpg?w=226&resize=226%2C170&h=170#038;h=170)
The Fit Cycle 