Yep, this is pretty much how these links make us feel: happy! Credit: Lululemon

Hey, hey, hey! We think these links are worth smiling about. So check ‘em out!

How to make your own almond milk at home! —Green Lemonade

For those who like a little healthy competition… —Konkura

Our nation’s sweet addiction. Like whoa. —The Skinny on Obesity

One word: Ferrigno. —Online Schools

Our thoughts on why we’re all so into celebrity workouts. —SouthSource

Simply amazing. Imagine doing this the next time you go out for a jog. —The Endurables

Think you can’t do something? Watch this—so inspiring! —GodVine

Oooh, healthy goodies delivered straight to your door each month! —KLUTCH Club

Because everyone loves a good deal. —Lucky Chic

A killer 45-minute workout to try on the treadie. —FitSugar

What links made you happy this week? Share ‘em! —Jenn

Just one of the fun parts of the Fitness magazine bloggers' event in NYC. Photo by Steven Meyer and courtesy of Fitness.

This post is written by our NYC contributing writer Margo Donohue, who’s a fitness professional and blogger at Brooklyn Fit Chick. Since Margo lives in the Big Apple, she’ll be helping us cover events every now and again—just like this recent Fitness magazine event!

Fitness magazine hosted its inaugural “Fitness Blogger Meet & Tweet” (#FitBlogNYC) right here in New York City, and I was lucky enough to be there with so many interesting, fit-minded people. The energy was fantastic throughout the daylong proceedings, which started with a “Hello, bloggers!” and introduction by Fitness magazine Editor-in-Chief Betty Wong.

Betty greeted the 120+ crowd who was enthusiastic about all of the day’s presenters that included several of the top editors of Fitness—plus soccer star Mia Hamm (who was just named Fit Bottomed Girl of 2012!), author A.J. Jacobs, nutritionist Keri Gans, author Tanya Zuckerbrot, trainer Joe Dowdell, Pilates guru Alycea Ungaro and fit bloggers par excellence—Kelly Olexa (@KellyOlexa), Carla Birnberg (@mizfitonline), Tina Haupert (@carrotsncake) and Julie Fagen (@pbfingers).

Panel topics covered the gamut from eating to exercising to beauty to how to run a blogging empire of your own, and all the seats were filled with eager bloggers. In fact, The “Fitness Blogger Meet & Tweet” pulled off that nifty trick of being both fun and informative—which is not easy. So kudos to Fitness for keeping us all entertained while we got out collective learning on!

Do you rely on willpower to get you out the door to work out? Credit: mikebaird

Woot! Woot! Two exciting things we want to tell you about today, ladies…

Don’t Forget! Free Online Class About Harnessing Willpower

First, a quick reminder that TONIGHT is the free live online class we’re doing that’s all about willpower and how to harness it. It’ll be a great 30-minute class with tips that you can use starting today, followed by time for questions if you guys have them. Class starts at 8 p.m. EST, so join us! (And if you can’t make it live, register anyways so that you can watch the recording.) Get more details and register here!

Win a Scholarship to the FBG Life Healthy Living Program

Second—and we think this is even more exciting—is that the summer edition of FBG Life starts June 3! This online weight-loss and healthy living program is all about helping you to live the FBG life and feel fit inside and out, whether you have lots of weight to lose, a few pounds to drop or simply want to ditch the diet drama for good. Now, we know not everyone has $120 to spend on the program, but we know that there are some of you who really, really want to do it—and we don’t want finances to be a barrier for those who are ready for change. So, for the first time, we’re offering three scholarships to FBG Life. Meaning that you can take the six-week summer program that starts on June 3 for free!

Instead of doing a boring application that you have to fill out, we’re going to do something a bit more creative to award the FBG Life scholarships…and we’re leaving the creativity part up to you! In one way or another—through video, a series of Tweets, a blog post, a comment, a piece of art, a song, a poem…the sky’s the limit!—tell us why you want to take FBG Life and why you’re the best person for the scholarship. We’ll look at all of the entries (please tell us what you’re doing in the comments, tag us where applicable (@FitBottomedGirl), and if it’s something super personal, email to contact@fitbottomedgirls.com with the subject “FBG Life Scholarship” in the subject), and next Monday we’ll announce the recipients.

Good luck to all! Here’s to living the good FBG Life! —Jenn

Faaster! Faaster! That’s pretty much what I hear in my head when I lace up a pair of Puma’s Faas 800 ($100), which the company sent me to test out at few months ago. My husband and resident Fit Bottomed Dude Ryan already shared a few of his thoughts on Puma’s Men’s Faas 550 (also a running shoe), so I thought I’d bust down my opinion of this running shoes for the ladies.

First of all, it’s a stability shoe made for the overpronators of the world. Luckily, I have a fairly neutral footstrike, so I can get away with wearing just about any kind of shoe (lately I’ve been digging on the minimal ones, although I’ll admit that they’re not ideal for longer runs). However, I do have a teensy-weensy bit of overpronation wear on the soles of my running shoes, meaning that a little stabilization would probably help me out when I’m strictly running. However, I generally stay away from stability shoes because they feel so heavy. And—yes, I’ll admit—aren’t always cute. (Hey, I know “look” is a minor thing when it comes to comfort and preventing injury, but it’s a serious bonus when you actually like the look of your shoes!) But these stability shoes? Well, they’re a far cry from the orthotics you usually see.

Lighter and more flexible than most stability shoes, the Puma Faas 800 is actually cute. With a high medial sidewall plus flex grooves, these shoes help your feet land where they’re supposed to, and they kind of propel you forward when you run, which is nice. With a higher, snugger fit in the heel, I did tend to have a little blistering on the back of my foot, although I chalk this more up to me not fully needing a stability shoe than anything else. (However, if you’re prone to getting blisters, you’ll definitely want to try these on in a store to see how they feel for you. Everyone’s feet are different!) I also really liked the mesh upper and the suede (the pink on the shoe)—fun, comfy and breathable details.

So, if you’re in the market for a new stability running shoe check these out. And let us know if they make you faaster, faaster, too! —Jenn

Believe me. It's even more impressive in person. Credit: Reebok

If someone had asked me what the first thing that came to my mind was after hearing “Reebok” a few weeks ago, I probably would have said those high-top white aerobics shoes from the 80s. But now what would I say, after spending a full day at Reebok HQ on behalf of FitFluential? Well, I’d say “bad ass,” or “I want to work there.”

Reebok had a group of bloggers flown out to their headquarters in Canton, Mass., for a full day of what Reebok is all about: fitness. We got to learn about its 10-year deal as CrossFit’s official partner (dude, the sport of fitness HAS arrived), meet with its top shoe designers, hear about its latest apparel and footwear (including some top-secret stuff you’ll get to learn more about in the coming months—whee!), see how they make models for their shoes, and so much more. It was seriously quite the fit day.

Trying Reebok CrossFit

A lot of thought and research goes into these Reebok shoes, folks!

While we’ll be reviewing much of the gear from the day soon (preview: we loved this shoe so much from the get-go that it won a Fittie!), today I wanted to share a few photos from the event and talk about the workout that Reebok is all over: CrossFit. In fact, they have a huge “box” (what the CrossFitters call a gym) at Reebok and offer classes multiple times a day for their employees to take.

Oh, and it’s staffed by Austin Malleolo, who is just one of the best CrossFit athletes on the planet, along with other super-talented peeps. Can you imagine? “Hey, co-worker, want to take a break from these TPS reports and go do Fran with a guy who can do it in 2:14?” Um, yes, please.

Flex your stuff by following our top tips to build confidence! Credit: SashaW

The following is a post sponsored by Dove Clear Tone Anti-Perspirant/Deodorant. For our sponsored post policy, click here.

One of the reasons we love working out so much is that it builds confidence. When you put your mind to something and do it, you learn to trust and value yourself—and you also begin to wonder, “What else can I accomplish?” Oh, what a powerful question! But just in case you need a few extra ways to boost your self-image (hey, who doesn’t?!), we’ve put together a list of five tips to help. As part of the Move Confidently Dove Clear Tone Anti-Perspirant/Deodorant & FBG campaign, these tips will help you to do just that: move confidently!

5 Tips to Build Confidence

1. Set small goals—and reward yourself. Tackling a big goal is scary. But little goals where you get treats along the way? So much easier. Whether it’s weight-loss, changing your diet or working out, break big goals into small goals and then every few weeks, reward yourself with some good stuff for staying on track. It can be something as simple as a magazine, a workout-music download or even a hot bath. Make it something you look forward to and will work for! With repeated success comes confidence!

2. Stop the comparison trap. We women get really wrapped up into comparing ourselves to others, be it our bodies, careers, marital status, kids, etc. But let’s face it: you’ll never be the best at everything. And even if you could be, where’s the fun in that? Celebrate your imperfections and learn to run your own race—not someone else’s.

3. Dress the part. Want to be confident? Dress confidently. That doesn’t mean slathering on the make-up before you hit the gym, but it does mean wearing clothes you feel great in that show off your best assets. It also means choosing the right deodorant. For instance, Dove’s new Clear Tone Anti-Perspirant/Deodorant is perfect for correcting underarm redness—plus it keeps you dry during workouts and smells good. Made with calendula, sunflower seed extracts and unique Dove moisturizers, this new anti-perspirant/deodorant helps accelerate the natural skin-renewal process leaving you all pretty. That way you can focus on what matters—your workout!

4. Create a feel-good ritual or affirmation. Behold the power of positive affirmations! And, no, they don’t have to be super cheesy, but they do have to make you feel good. Whether it’s enjoying your cup of Joe while reflecting on all the things you’re grateful for or dancing in front of your mirror while doing your best impersonation of this little ball of sunshine, do something every single day where you focus on the good. (Note, we do this in FBG Life, and it WORKS!) It’s easier to be confident when you realize how much you have going for you!

5. Replace perfection with acceptance. So, you may always have your mother’s thighs or feet that are two sizes larger than you’d like—but…so what?! Instead of focusing on what you’d like to change about yourself, celebrate what you love about you. Perfection is for the birds…love what your mother gave you and then work on becoming the best version of yourself inside and out—not to change yourself, but to become more YOU.

Has working out improved your self confidence? What tips to build confidence would you add to this list? Love Dove’s new Clear Tone Anti-Perspirant/Deodorant as much as we do? (Especially the Dove Clear Tone Clinical Anti-Perspirant/Deodorant—we adore!) Do share! —Jenn

Me, Ali Vincent and Dawn with University of Missouri Health Care after the event!

The following is a post sponsored by University of Missouri Health Care. For our sponsored post policy, click here.

Remember how I said I’d be introducing Ali Vincent for a special event in Columbia, Mo.? Well, it happened, and let me tell you, it was AWESOME.

First, I’m a Mizzou alum, so coming “home” to speak was truly an honor. Second, although I was super nervous for it, once I stepped on the stage to give my 15-minute talk on willpower and habits (which I’ll be doing a more in-depth version of tomorrow night online for free!) all the butterflies were gone. The audience—full of Ali Vincent fans—was amazing. I expected to have to pump them up a bit, but they were already amped and ready. I told them to stand; they stood. I made them do something goofy; they goofed it up. They even high-fived each other without me having to tell them twice. My kind of people.

Third, Ali is such a joy to be around! She’s just like you’d expect her to be—upbeat, funny, encouraging, down to earth and a hugger. She loves her fans and loves to help others, and if you ever have the chance to see her speak, DO IT. Her presentation about her time at The Biggest Loser ranch and her weight-loss journey is as inspiring as it is funny. (Also be sure to check out her TV show!) Fourth, the University of Missouri Health Care people I’ve been working with on this project have been amazing. They know how to put on a show, have a fantastic new blog, and I am super-duper excited to run their Go Girl Run 5K soon.

Which brings me to the topic of training…while I’ve been running twice a week for about two to three miles, I haven’t done nearly as much speed-work and hill-work as I’d planned. And Columbia is a hilly, hilly town. Seeing that I’m less than two weeks out from my race? Well, let’s just say that training isn’t the kind of thing you can cram for. In fact, you sort of do the opposite of cramming by doing the hard work early and then making sure your body is well rested so that you can push it to its max come race day.

With that said though, the last time I did a race my legs weren’t nearly as strong as they are now, as I hadn’t been working out three days a week at this place doing lunges, squats and deadlifts galore. So, I’m sticking with my goal to do this 5K in less than 30 minutes. And Dawn (who’s pictured above) is going to do it with me. Get ready hilly Columbia…we’re coming!

Any advice or pointers for us as we break the 30-minute 5K barrier? I’m all ears! Running Go Girl Run, too? Let’s meet up! Love Ali Vincent? Tell me all about it! —Jenn

A free registration to an upcoming 2012 Danskin Triathlon is up for grabs, ladies!

This giveaway is part of our FBG Birthday Week celebration! Check out all of the special four-year birthday posts and huge giveaways here!

Did we save the best for last? Well, that’s hard to say because all of the giveaways have been pretty darn awesome, but it’s hard to top the chance to win a free entry to what can be a life-changing experience. Which is what we’re giving away today! The Danskin Triathlon is known as the largest women and girls series in the sport and is an extremely beginner-friendly swim, bike, run event that can be done on an individual or relay-team basis. And you can win free registration to one of the below dates of your choosing!

2012 Danskin Triathlon Series Dates

June 3 – Austin, TX
July 22 – Webster, MA (greater Boston area)
August 5 – Howell, MI
August 19 – Seattle, WA
August 26 – Pleasant Prairie, WI
September 9 – Sandy Hook, NJ
October 7 – Palm Springs, CA

Since we’ve been making you jump through all kinds of hoops this week to win everything, we’re going to go simple with this final giveaway of our birthday week. Simply tell us which date and location you want to win, and we’ll pick one lucky U.S. reader to get the complimentary entry in about a week. Easy peasey—please just be 100 percent sure you’ll do it if you win it ’cause we’re going to want to see pics! G’luck swimmers, bikers and runners! —Jenn

This giveaway is part of our FBG Birthday Week celebration! Check out all of the special four-year birthday posts and huge giveaways here!

I feel like sunglasses are the one piece of fitness equipment people forget about. Normal sunglasses aren’t comfortable enough to wear during workouts, but the super-intense sports shades that you see the uber athletes wear are just that: too intense-looking. So what’s a girl to do? Um, win this giveaway!

Sunglasses Shop (be sure to check them out on Facebook!) is giving away the fabulous pair you see above. The Bolle Python is designed for sport—and life. So they’re stylish yet have sport-specific lenses that deliver serious performance.

Winning them requires just a bit of luck—and a Pinterest account. We’ll select one random U.S. reader who comments below and promises to pin their favorite FBG post on Pinterest (feel free to include your Pinterest page link in your comment if you want us to follow your boards!). FBG’s honor, of course! The winner will be announced in about a week, so best of luck and happy pinning! —Jenn

We have a question. You have the answer! Credit: Foxymoron

Sadly, our fourth-birthday celebration week is winding down. We still have a couple of exciting giveaways to go, but it’s time to take a look at what’s to come. ‘Cause, guys, exciting things are coming. But before we divulge too much, we want to know: What do YOU want to see from FBG in the next year? How can we be better? What do you need? In what ways can we better support you and your healthy lifestyle?

So while there is a poll below that asks your opinion on specific ideas that are clanking around in our FBG brains, in the comments please give us your honest-to-goodness thoughts. We want this place to be insanely rocking and helping you to reach your goals and feel awesome. So tell us what you’d like to see—and select all that apply!

Pretty please share your thoughts and feedback. As Jerry McGuire would say, help us, help you! And thank you from the bottom of our fit hearts for your input! —Jenn