Natalie Ruiz and Jennifer Lee-UA Ultimate Interns

#WEWILL be Under Armour's next Ultimate Interns.

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Call Us the Perfect Duo

We know Under Armour from the inside out and the outside in. We are the perfect duo. Jenn knows exactly what goes into the products and how their features perform. Knowing the building blocks of the product lays a solid foundation for successful marketing. Natalie can understand current marketing efforts and oversee potential opportunities. Together, we ARE Under Armour.

With our combined efforts, WE WILL be able to inspire the largest athlete body possible. WE WILL continue to empower athletes everywhere.

The perfect duo.

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Why Under Armour is so cool-ColdGear

For years, athletes have always known to look to Under Armour when they needed gear to keep cool, but what about the athletes who need to keep warm? 

Under Armour's answer? ColdGear.

It can be dangerous to sweat when it's very cold. At low enough temperatures, sweat can freeze, leading to life-or-death situations. Cotton, in particular, is a death sentence in cold conditions since, as we mentioned before, it stays wet for a really long time. The sweat-wicking technology in HeatGear already works pretty well at keeping athletes dry when they exercise, but it would be hard for them to stay warm without many bulky layers.

The thing that usually keeps us warm is actually air. Think about a winter's night, when you're in a cocoon of warmth underneath your blanket. Or think about your blanket, itself. It's really fluffy because there's a lot of air trapped in there. Our bodies, which naturally produce heat, heat that air, and in turn that heated air keeps us warm. 

The way Under Armour solved this problem was to knit their normal Heatgear fabric with two sides, and then to brush one of these sides for added warmth. Now these are two weird textile concepts that are actually pretty easy to understand. Think about your grandma knitting a scarf. Knitting fabric works a little differently, but in this instance, we can pretend it's the same thing. She has one needle, and she's wrapping yarn around that needle. Now just imagine if she had two needles side-by-side and she was criss-crossing the yarn back and forth from one to the other as she knits. This would make a doubly-thick scarf which had two fronts. That's pretty much how it works when knitting fabric too. Then one side is literally 'brushed' to make it soft, like the inside of your favorite sweatshirt. Brushing the fabric brings tiny bits of the yarn up to the surface of the fabric, trapping air just like when you get goosebumps and your hair stands on end to trap warm air around you. 

So the recipe for ColdGear is HeatGear fabric, doubled, brushed, and delivered straight to you to be the perfect combination of properties which will keep you dry, warm, and safe while exercising in the cold.

FROM A PERSONAL PERSPECTIVE

ColdGear was actually my first piece of Under Armour gear I ever had. I wear it when I ski and camp as a baselayer. It's important when I'm skiing because it gets freezing on the long ride up the mountain in a lift chair when I need something to keep me warm, but I get pretty sweaty when I'm tearing it up down the slope and I need something to keep me dry. My heat gear turtlenecks do just this, in addition to fitting nice and close to my body so I don't look like Ralphie's little brother from A Christmas Story. 

I also camp a lot in the Arizona and California deserts. Even in the summertime, it can get really cold at night in the desert, and it's important to keep warm when you're sleeping as well as stay dry when you're setting up camp or hiking, because you can't run home and change clothes or throw your wet ones in the dryer. I don't ever think about going camping without my insulating ColdGear layers to stay safe and comfortable. --Jennifer Lee

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Why Under Armour is so cool-Charged Cotton

For years, Under Armour staked their company on how much better their product was than cotton. So everyone was a little confused when they released their line of Charged Cotton. Under Armour has seemingly produced a miracle with their line of Charged Cotton-melding the comfort of cotton with the performance of synthetics. 

And it works. Charged Cotton dries 5 times faster than normal cotton. But how do they do it?

Remember what cotton looks like? A bunch of little flattened tubes, cotton is able to absorb and hold a lot of water.

Under Armour created their Charged Cotton by taking some cotton fibers and coating them in a hydrophobic (water-fearing, or water-repellent) coating. They then combined them with other cotton fibers which were left to be their natural, hydrophillic (water-loving, or very absorbent) selves. By alternating areas in the shirt which are made up of hydrophobic and -phillic fibers, they create a surface which spreads moisture around evenly, allowing it to be evaporated more quickly. 

Under Armour exhibited their famous drive to succeed by showing everyone  that they could not only make a superior product to cotton, but they could also make a cotton product which was superior to everything else out there.

The only real question is, what will they come up with next? 

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Why Under Armour is so cool-HeatGear

Under Armour revolutionized the way athletes train with their HeatGear shirts. Founder Kevin Plank was tired of the way sweat-soaked cotton shirts slowed him down during practice. So he came up with HeatGear, using synthetic polyester to 'beat' the sub-par qualities of cotton. 

So what makes HeatGear better than cotton?

Cotton is not a bad fiber. It is the ideal fiber for someone to wear walking around in a moderate climate. It is soft and breathable. Cotton is a natural fiber which is essentially a flattened tube. Sometimes cotton is treated with sodium hydroxide in a process called mercerizing to swell the fiber and make it more lustrous and able to absorb more water.

Normal cotton has a moisture regain of about 8%. That means that of the weight of the shirt on your back, 8% of that weight is water, and even more in humid climates. This shows that it is very easy to get cotton wet-and even harder to get it dry. This is where the problem lies when excercising.

Not so, for polyester.

Polyester is a synthetic organic polymer. Polyester has a moisture regain of only 0.5%, so it is very difficult to wet and easy to dry. Most of the polyester we wear is in the form of PET, which is this molecular unit:

repeated over and over again, kind of like infinitely long spaghetti. PET may sound familiar to you, because we don't only use it in polyester clothing, but also many hard plastics such as water and soda bottles. That's how Under Armour is able to make UAGreen products with up to 4 recycled water bottles in each product. 

But wait. How are water bottles able to keep water in while HeatGear wicks away the moisture? Wouldn't it kind of be like wearing a plastic bag? What is 'wicking' anyways?

  Yes actually, it would be kind of like wearing a plastic bag. And as any Under Armour devotee knows, wearing HeatGear is nothing like wearing a plastic bag. Why?

The yarns of polyester used in HeatGear are formed with super tiny micro channels running through the width of the yarn to allow moisture to pass from one side of the fabric (the side touching you) to the other (the outside of the fabric) where the moisture evaporates, cooling you. That is the process of 'wicking'. Combine the ability to keep athletes cool, dry, and lightweight with performance-enhancing compression and not to mention mad style, and you can see how a textile enthusiast like myself is obsessed with HeatGear!

Bonus: How does Under Armour know for sure their product does what they say it does?

Since the beginning, Under Armour has gone to the Textile Protection and Comfort Center at North Carolina State University's College of Textiles to back up their claims. In the T-PACC lab, both their fabrics and garments go through multiple testing methods to make sure they are what they say they are. The coolest of these tests are done on T-PACC's 4 super heroes: the Mannequin Men. PyroMan, SweatMan, MISTMan, and RadMan are mannequins used to test how clothing protects humans from heat, sweat, chemicals, and radiation. The sweating mannequin was the most instrumental in seeing how HeatGear takes moisture away from the body. Click Here for a really cool video about all the Mannequin Men

In addition to these high-tech tests, live human tests are done in T-PACC's environmental chamber, where specific environmental conditions can be controlled, from hot and humid to cold and arid. 

FROM ANOTHER PERSONAL PERSPECTIVE

"My shirt is part of the catalyst brand and it's also part of the HeatGear. It's made out of recycled bottles, which I thought was pretty cool. It's super soft. It's also really good for the summer and the heat when you are working out, it helps keep you cool. I notice I don't sweat as much in it, which is really nice. It's just a VERY comfortable shirt. " - Morgan Croft

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This is one of the Under Armour products we are most excited about right now, because these things are awesome!

WHAT IS IT?

Under Armour's revolutionary new sports bra which is perfectly fitted and guaranteed to keep your girls in place-and all backed up by science.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

This video sums it all up pretty well, but there are some really cool features that we want to highlight: 

Cups + Compression: Science has long since shown that vertical movement isn't the only thing happening when women run, and that a combination of a cup bra and compression bra is best to keep everything in place. Women have long solved this by wearing two bras, but with the Armour Bra's removable cups, they don't have to! Not to mention the added coverage lightly padded cups give in the modesty area

Bonded seams that won't chafe and add a fun pop of color

Changing sizes-the style of the bra changes with the size so you really know the style you get is the one which is going to protect you the best

Back band closure for larger sizes-Jenn is actually jealous they don't offer this in the A cups because sports bras are a pain getting on and off-the back band closure allows you to put the Armour bra on easier and adjust for your band size

And of course, Under Armour's famous moisture control is built into every aspect of this bra, including perforated cups 

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Under Armour Armour Bra Protegee

This is the last piece of super-cool gear Natalie won from the #SweatADay Instagram Challenge!

WHAT IS IT?

This sports bra is one of Under Armour's high-tech, high-impact bras available

HOW DOES IT WORK?

This bra features Under Armour's signature HeatGear fabric to keep you cool, dry, and comfortable

A zip front allows for easy on-and-off of the bra

Mesh racer back for more venting

High-impact support to keep your girls in place

HOW DO YOU LIKE IT?

"When it comes to sports bras, its hard to find a great fit. Under Armour however, caters to women athletes who have trouble finding THE perfect sports bra. When you are in an intense workout, you have to keep the ladies contained. Since this bra uses cup sizes, it takes away the discomfort of using normal sports bras.

 Another great feature that I really love is zipper in the front. The zipper makes it easy to put on and take off. This definitely makes a huge difference when you are sore from a great workout. "

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Round 3 just started! Join the movement and continue to redefine what's beautiful and the female athlete!

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Taking "Gear" To Another Level

"Gear" can be defined as clothing, garments, mechanisms, or equipment. However, the "gear" that really sets athletes of all kinds apart is the gear of confidence.  Under Armour's vision is to empower athletes EVERYWHERE. One athlete at a time, they are preparing them for their next ultimate challenge. Through their products, they are providing confidence. 

Confidence is something that we all should have. Confidence gives us belief, it gives us power to do what others may think is impossible. Confidence makes us separate 'impossible' into two words: I'm possible. Confidence is what pushes us to make something that was once a 'set-back' into a 'come-back'.  Confidence is necessary, it is a must. Confidence is an intangible product that Under Armour provides.

What's Beautiful?? WE'RE BEAUTIFUL

About a year ago, Under Armour launched the "What's Beautiful" campaign, a digital competition to redefine the female athlete. Thousands of women participated in the challenge. Each documented their journey towards their goals. They surpassed their challenges and difficulties, they sweated EVERY day. While their goals varied, they all possessed passion, and desire. What started as a competition soon became a community. Women who were strangers once, were now encouraging each other to continue to kick their fear's butt! 

This campaign instilled confidence in thousands of women all over the country. It showed our nation that beauty is in each and every one of us. Beauty is being confident, it is knowing that you will not give up or surrender to your fears. Beauty is challenging stereotypes. Beauty is proving each negative thought wrong.  Thank you Under Armour, for providing the gear necessary to tackle each and every challenge -- confidence.

From Another Perspective

What makes What's Beautiful beautiful?

"I think that what [Under Armour] did is unbelievable. I think it's amazing from many aspects. It's great to have a network of really strong females. They all are working towards their goals...you feel you start to know them. It's a pretty incredible thing."

How has this campaign, this movement changed your life?

"First, I've met some amazing women, some of whom are like sisters now. Also, it helped me feel comfortable and confident in creating and posting fitness and yoga content to share."

What's your goal for Round 3?

"My goal has been the same for all 3 rounds of What's Beautiful, because it is really a life goal. I want to become a leader in the movement movement."

Shauna Harrison-  Sponsored by Under Armour and a What's Beautiful leader

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Under Armour Achieve Tank

Natalie got one of these, too, in her swag bag for winning the #SweatADay Instagram Challenge.

WHAT IS IT?

This super light-weight tank features a flirty cut, burn-out pattern, and knotted racer back.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

Featherweight burn-out material to offer coverage without dragging you down

Loose cut to keep you cool and stylish with an array of bright colors

Quick-drying, moisture-wicking fabric which Under Armour is famous for which will keep you drier, better

HOW DO YOU LIKE IT?

"I had never been a fan of tanks, however that quickly changed once I got my hands on the Under Armour Achieve Tank. Under Armour solved my problem. I have always found it difficult finding a right fit for me in a tank. They were either too loose, too long, or too tight. The Achieve tank definitely achieved the standards. It fits me perfectly, and it gives me confidence for my workouts. The fact that it is so light helps me stay cool and dry; this is very important to me, especially since I live in the Florida heat. The cut and knot in the back exposes my attitude and style."

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HeatGear Sonic All-In-One Capri

Natalie also won a pair of these in the Under Armour #SweatADay Instagram Challenge!

WHAT ARE THEY?

These fitted capri pants are HeatGear+ and include a fun pop of color on the hip and bottom of the legs to keep you cool and stylish.

HOW DO THEY WORK?

HeatGear Sonic fabric is thinner and softer than traditional HeatGear to give you the second-skin type of fit

4-way stretch to move with you, whatever you do

Anti-microbial treatment to eliminate odor

HOW DO YOU LIKE THEM?

"These are perfect for me. From looks to fit, to performance, to style, these capris are all-around perfect. What I love the most about them is that they do not slide down. No matter what movement I am doing, they stay close to my skin, yet they stretch enough to the point that I don't even notice. Whether I am running, practicing yoga or lifting, these capris do not let me down. The bright and colorful color ways help me show off my personality. It's nice to workout in style."

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We are journeying to be Under Armour's next Ultimate Interns and #WEWILL not fail-Or #WALNUT??

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UA Women's Charge RC 2 Natalie was lucky enough to win a pair of these in the Under Armour #SweatADay Instagram challenge! 

WHAT ARE THEY?

Ultra-light, high-tech, super-cool running shoes. Take a look at when Natalie wore them during her work out

HOW DO THEY WORK?

The RC 2's are a melting pot of all of the best of Under Armour's textile technology. They include:

Under Armour's MicroG Foam as a base. This foam is thinner than all other counterparts, and has high rebound to really put the spring in your step and are low compression, meaning that it will retain it's shape and last longer. 

MPZ Padding is included in the tongue to protect your foot from the laces while keeping weight down on the shoe as a whole.

Under Armour's signature HeatGear fabric to keep your feet cool and dry

4D Foam which conforms to your foot to give you the best fit possible.

HOW DO YOU LIKE THEM?

"I absolutely love them! Who said running shoes are JUST for running anyway?! Before my workout, I tested them out by warming up. The most important thing I look for in a shoe is the comfort. These, by far, go above and beyond the standards. As I warmed up, I noticed immediately how easily and quickly I was able to bounce up. They are light, they are cool, they are fierce, they are me. While I was running, I had no discomfort whatsoever, I really love the padding on the tongue of the shoe, it makes a huge a difference. Since the laces don't add any discomfort to my foot, I am really able to focus on my running. This very important , now because running is one of my goals for the What's Beautiful Competition. Oh, by the way my shoes definitely broke some neck."

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We are Natalie Ruiz and Jennifer Lee and #WEWILL be Under Armour's next Ultimate Interns.

Natalie: I am sophomore majoring in Professional Sales and Sports Management at the Florida State University. Twitter: @NatalieRuizWill

Jennifer: I am a junior in Textile Technology at North Carolina State University.  Twitter: @jennmlee10

Together we make the perfect duo. Our different skills and knowledge compliment each other. Together we stand out. Together we will show you what Under Armour is about.