Muscles Not Motors.com: Sharing active lifestyles to build an inspiring online social community

MONTPELIER, Vt. - May 22, 2013 - PRLog -- As Muscles Not Motors (http://www.musclesnotmotors.com) moves into its second year, this Vermont-based lifestyle community continues to expand its online reach to individuals and families committed to building healthy, active lives. The Muscles Not Motors community of bloggers attracts a like-minded following through first-person stories about cycling, running, hiking and snow sports, as well as accessible pursuits for active families.

Muscles Not Motors is the creation of Onion River Sports (ORS) in Montpelier, Vermont, an outdoor store specializing in all sorts of human-powered sports. Based on the longstanding ORS motto, “muscles not motors,” the website is filled with personal experiences of contributing bloggers from Vermont and around the U.S., with tips and information to inspire and empower readers to make positive changes in their lives, their families, and their communities.

“We’ve created a venue that communicates the values of Muscles Not Motors, which is living a well-balanced, active life with purpose,” says Andrew Brewer, Muscles Not Motors founder. “Vermonters and others recognize the importance of being socially responsible, active, healthy citizens. Muscles Not Motors brings that Vermont attitude to the world!”

The bloggers who create the site’s posts from their life experiences are called “Spokes.” The Spokes are an active and diverse community that includes hikers, cyclists, parents, activists, masters-level competitors, and passionate volunteers. There's even an Olympic athlete, cross-country skier Liz Stephen, on the Spokes team.

By sharing their stories and dedication to their sport, family and community, the Spokes inspire readers to ride, run, hike, ski, move and think differently to improve their health, get families moving, and have fun. Some in this network of Spokes have been active athletes for decades, originally inspiring the creation of the Muscles Not Motors motto.

“My partner Tristan and I have done a lot of long-distance backpacking, including the Long Trail in Vermont, John Muir Trail in California, and long sections of the Appalachian Trail,” says Spoke Sarah Galbraith. “For us, the memories certainly include awesome vistas, cold mountain streams, and peaceful nights under the stars, but they also include the most amazing people and strongest friendships. Whether it's hiking, biking, or skiing, the people we head out with – and the people we meet out there – are the best. Muscles Not Motors is an extension of that: It's connecting with people through a common love for the outdoors.”

Activity-specific categories, dubbed “Centrics,” help readers find the blog posts that connect to the areas in which they are most interested. These seven categories span a wide range of activities and include Cyclecentric, Ecocentric, ActiveFamilycentric, Hikecentric, Runcentric, Snowcentric, and XCSkicentric.

Does riding your bike occupy your thoughts, your time and your energy? You will enjoy “Cyclecentric.” If you recycle like it’s your job, “Ecocentric” is for you. Parents who are committed to getting outdoors with their kids will find humor and ideas in “ActiveFamilycentric.” Written by the Muscles not Motors Spokes, these first-person “centric” stories exemplify these areas of interest while encouraging readers to try something new. Both outdoor enthusiasts and folks trying an activity for the first time will find themselves reflected in the Spokes' stories.

2013 brings a robust schedule of events for many of the MNM Spokes. Spoke and road warrior Matt Williams is a mountain bike racer in his free time. Matt will be attending regional running and cycling events to bring the MNM message to the masses.  

“Muscles not Motors reminds me that riding my bike is a about a lot more than going fast,” Williams says. “It's about smiling, soaking in some sunshine, relieving stress, and reducing my carbon footprint. It's a reminder that it really only takes me 15 minutes more to ride to work than to drive, but riding makes my day or so much better. It's great to have a place like Muscles not Motors to share those stories too, not just the stories about trying to win races."

Muscles Not Motors product sales support the website’s mission of creating and fostering community and were created to compliment activities enjoyed by people who participate in a “Muscles Not Motors” lifestyle. Cycling kits and tech tees are especially popular, as is the pint glass for post-activity relaxing. The Muscles Not Motors online store has an assortment of responsibly sourced products. Every attempt has been made to maintain the high standards of the Muscles Not Motors ideals in the production of these products, including use of recycled or organic materials and earth-friendly inks, and by using local Vermont based vendors wherever possible.

About Muscles Not Motors: Starting in 1976, “Muscles Not Motors (http://www.musclesnotmotors.com)” was coined as the motto for Onion River Sports (http://www.OnionRiver.com/) in Montpelier, Vermont. Over the years of selling sports equipment and hosting athletic events for a committed culture of athletes who were interested in living a healthy, active lifestyle, the folks at Onion River Sports discovered a desire among their customers and friends to share their stories and express their passion for living. The Muscles Not Motors mission and brand is the venue for doing just this. Grounded in Vermont, this cultural brand is represented by real people who live everywhere and exemplify the global citizenship and values of Muscles Not Motors.

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