FAQ October 2015

I’m ready to get rid of my old running shoes. What should I do with them? 

There are a few local running stores that are happy to take your sneakers off your hands (or rather, your feet). The Texas Running Company, Rogue Running and Luke’s Locker will accept your shoes, clean them thoroughly, and then donate them to a charity of their choice. If your shoes have seen too many miles and are beyond repair, they’ll do the eco-friendly thing and recycle them. Another plus: you can knock out two errands at one time by getting rid of your old shoes and then buying a brand new pair in the same store. Win-win!

I’ve seen a few donation-based classes around town. Do I have to donate? And if so, what’s an appropriate amount?

Donations are strongly encouraged at these studios. Even if it’s just $5, it’s your way of showing appreciation to the teacher and the practice, while also making a contribution to keep the studio open. If it’s your first time attending a donation-based class and you’re unsure of what the norm is, often there will be a “suggested donation” amount listed on the website or on the computer used to check in at the studio. If you find yourself loving a class and attending multiple times a week, don’t feel guilty about not donating a large amount each time.

I’ve noticed that one of my favorite white workout shirts is starting to get yellow stains in the armpit area. Even after washing in the laundry, the stains are still there. Should I just toss it?

These stains aren’t due to heavy sweating alone. It’s the result of a reaction between aluminum-based antiperspirants and your body. So, moving forward, it may be beneficial to switch up your antiperspirant to avoid this problem altogether.

Luckily, there is a solution (pun intended) to this problem! And even better, you probably already have all the ingredients you need in your home. 

• 1 cup vinegar

• 1/2 cup baking soda

• 1 tablespoon salt

• 1 tablespoon hydrogen peroxide

Add one cup of vinegar to two cups of water and soak the shirt in the solution for 30 minutes. While the garment is soaking, create a paste out of the baking soda, salt and hydrogen peroxide. Remove the clothing item from the vinegar mixture and squeeze moisture out until it’s damp. Spread the baking soda paste on the stains and let sit for 30 minutes. Toss in the laundry (at the hottest temperature the garment can tolerate) and wash as usual.

Do you have a health care question that needs addressing?  Submit your health or fitness question to gretchen@austinfitmagazine.com (please include your name, email address, and phone number with your question).