PopSugar

Adriana Lima's Favorite Cardio Workout

FitSugar — Tue, 12 May 2009 10:00:00 -0700

Victoria's Secret model Adriana Lima is a Brazilian knockout, and she's been working on perfecting every definition of that word with her workouts in the ring. After trying multiple forms of fitness like running, spinning, and yoga, Adriana has found that boxing is what keeps her body and mind guessing best. She says there's something new to learn every day and this dynamic makes her feel consistently challenged.

Here's what else she told People about her love for boxing:

Boxing! It’s my favorite thing to do because it’s always exciting. It’s the best type of cardio that you can do. And you build up muscles without being too big, just lean muscles.

Her enthusiasm for the workout - and those impressive stems - makes me want to put on a pair of gloves and get punching. My gym offers a couple of boxing classes, but if yours hasn't added them to the schedule you can always pick up a boxing DVD. Have you tried this knock-out workout yet?

Source

Jenna Fischer Demos New Boxing Skills on Leno

FitSugar — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 12:00:00 -0800

Finding a workout that you truly enjoy is the key to sticking with exercise - it becomes more of a hobby and less of a chore. Jenna Fischer has found the fun in fitness by picking up boxing and the funny Office actress appeared on The Tonight Show looking naturally beautiful and healthy.

Boxing is a fun way to tone up and you don't need a partner to get the benefits of jabs and punches. Try adding some punches to lower body exercises to maximize your workout, check out a boxing-focused class at your gym, or pop in a DVD that guides you through a heart-~~punching~~ pumping workout.

Jenna is enthusiastic about boxing and was quick to pop out of her chair to demonstrate some of the things she's learned. Don't forget to check her out in this month's Self. To see her boxing skills with hilarious narration, read more.

Gear Review: slotRadio by Sansa

FitSugar — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 11:20:25 -0800

I love my iPod, but there is a new music player vying for my heart: the slotRadio ($79) by Sansa.

The two-inch-by-two-inch clip-on music player comes with a data card with 1,000 songs from the Billboard music charts, with prearranged playlists by music genre. I tried the additional Health and Fitness mix, which includes the mixes for warmup, cardio, roadwork (cycling), power (lifting), yoga, cooldown, and the even more mellow spa mix.

To see what I thought of this music player, just read more.

I must admit I am a bit technically challenged - ironic since I am a blogger, I know. Even with my latent Luddite ways, I found the slotRadio super easy to use. The instruction manual was simply written with helpful graphics. Open the box, charge the radio, which took about an hour, put in your music card, and go. My inaugural run with the slotRadio was great. It clips onto your clothes and is so small and light you don't even notice it. The volume button is easy to find, as is the skip button. You can easily skip genres, too. I warmed up with Lady Gaga and Nelly and moved onto cardio with a few bands I have never heard of, like VHS or Beta. The slotRadio feels like a pop music education in a good way. This little player is a great way to introduce yourself to new music. However, I had to remove the foam covers from the earbuds to keep them from falling out of my ears.

The video screen features graphics of exercises and lets you know the next song up on the playlist so you can advance easily to find motivational music. The slotRadio is also a real radio. As an NPR junkie, I love that I can switch over to radio and catch up on news or Fresh Air while working out.

I enjoyed the Health and Fitness music card much more than the standard Billboard artist music card. Thankfully, the data cards are easy to change, and there are many options to choose from, including Christmas tunes, '80s and '90s music, Latin, and classical. The extra data cards cost $40. The slotRadio bundle comes with headphones, charger, and Billboard music card. These make a great gift for the musically impaired fitness fanatic in your life.

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DVD Review: Piloxing by Viveca Jensen

FitSugar — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 08:00:00 -0700

I've been venturing out of my exercise comfort zone for 2009, and the Piloxing DVD ($20) fit right into my goal to trying new things. The blend of Pilates and boxing was developed by Viveca Jensen, whose goal is to instill a "sleek, sexy, and powerful" self-image. Her LA studio offers women-only Piloxing classes, where actresses Hilary Duff and Alexis Bledel go to stay in shape.

The classes use one-pound weighted gloves, but you can do the DVD with or without the gloves (available to purchase for $26). The video offers three things that make for a worthwhile exercise DVD: it's easy to follow, fun, and gave me a good workout. One hour of Piloxing flew by as Viveca guided me through various punching moves like jabs, hooks, and uppercuts; an arms section that involved arm circles and more punching; leg and balance exercises with elements of ballet; and floor work that focused on booty moves and Pilates ab exercises. For the details, read more.

Each variation starts slowly so you can get the hang of the moves before Viveca speeds things up to make them more challenging. You're often moving your arms and legs at the same time, whether it's doing simultaneous squats and punches or twisting and jabbing for more targeted oblique work. She reminds you to use the power from your core while punching, which was helpful because I tended to instinctively pull the power from my arms.

Viveca doesn't take herself too seriously and encourages you to have fun throughout the video, which I certainly did. I'll definitely pop this DVD in again whenever I feel like getting a fun, effective workout at home. Interested? Pick up a copy here.

Healthy Eating Tip: Don't Eliminate, Elaborate!

FitSugar — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 15:00:14 -0800

When approaching health and fitness, many of us have the mentality that less is more. While this may be a healthy perspective to avoid overeating and practice portion control, a restrictive diet can wreak havoc on your mood and leave you wondering whether there’s anything out there you can eat. Instead, alter your state of mind: rather than thinking about what foods to cut out, start to think of your daily menu as a chance to add great-tasting, healthy options. Challenge yourself to make the most of your mealtime and see just how many creative and good-for-you foods you can include in your daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner routine.

To get creative, I like to take a cue from vegan menus. Let me start by saying that I am not vegan. I love poultry and seafood, but each time I decide to dine vegan, I’m always amazed by the variety on the menu. Every item is loaded with healthful, delicious ingredients that remind me to think outside the box the next time I’m planning a meal.

To get creative meal ideas, just read more.

Craving lasagna or a baked potato? Don’t deprive yourself these treats, simply reimagine them and treat yourself to a healthier version. An eggplant stacks is a great alternative to cheesy lasagna, and using fresh herbs, crumbled tofu, and fresh red pepper means it’s loaded with bold flavors and good-for-you ingredients. A baked sweet potato is another great option – and a great way to satisfy your craving for starch. Plus they are one of the healthiest vegetables around, since they contain vitamin C, potassium, fiber, and fewer calories than your regular potatoes. Even small changes like these can be big steps toward a healthier attitude and a healthier you.

To get creative ideas from your fellow FitSugar readers, check out their healthy food swap ideas.

Fit Find Faves: Think Pink

FitSugar — Fri, 27 Jul 2007 07:30:00 -0700

I was never much into the color pink until I had 2 daughters! Now I love the color and it looks like Sugar users do too. Here's a few truly pink, truly fit items Sugar users have bookmarked as Fit Finds.

AngelGrl135 bookmarked these pink sneaks by Nike and says "Shox are the perfect running shoe." It looks like LegalEaglet and ina717 both appreciate the unique style of lululemon workout wear.

I had never seen pink boxing gloves until kiwitwist found them. Now that is one sure fire way to fight like a girl. irishchic33 bookmarked a pink heart rate monitor. The hot pink capris that olliecat added to the Fit Finds are truly hot!

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Check out what other Sugar users are bookmarking as Fit Finds. Chances are high you will find something to satisfy the happy, healthy you. If you want to lean more about bookmarking in the Sugar pages, read my buddy geeksugar's excellent tutorial.

If you find anything out there on the web that helps you stay happy and healthy, do bookmark it and share it with us.

What to Download: New Music Today

BuzzSugar — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 14:38:24 -0800

T.G.I. Tuesday! I've already sorted through the big DVD releases of the day, but now I have new songs to revive your iPod, Just take a look at these three albums. (And if you want to see your own music reviews featured on Buzz, submit them in the Music Review Group in the community!)

Music mash-up: Seems like everyone is releasing a holiday album lately - remember Bob Dylan's? Now, Tori Amos is trying her hand at the genre with Midwinter Graces. It's a big risk for Amos, who puts her own spin on classic carols. Traditionalists might cry foul when she mashes up "What Child Is This" and "The First Nowell" for "What Child, Nowell" or re-purposes "Silent Night" into a love song, but at least Amos is thinking outside of the box. The quieter songs work best, thanks to Amos's ethereal voice. I recommend "Emmanuel" or "Winter's Carol."

All over the place: Wale references Kanye West in the first track on his big studio debut Attention: Deficit, and the mention is fitting. Wale seems like a Kanye in the making, mixing in sparkly, bragadocious tracks with songs that raise controversial social issues (like "Shades," which tackles racism). He also brings in a long list of collaborators, including Lady Gaga (on the already-released "Chillin'") and Mark Ronson. As a result, the album jumps around like, as the title hints, a kid with ADD. You may recognize Wale from this year's VMAs, and he's undoubtedly one to watch. For now, download "Pretty Girls" and "Diary," which samples from one of my favorite films, Amelie.

See one more release when you read more.

A classic formula: Bon Jovi fans really love Bon Jovi, and on the band's newest release, The Circle, the rockers aren't afraid to deliver exactly what their followers want - even if it feels recycled. "Working For the Man" should appeal to those who enjoy pumping their fists along to songs like "Living on a Prayer," and "When We Were Beautiful" almost feels like a U2 copycat. The guys cover the regular themes there - love, leadership, the highway of life, etc. - so there are no big surprises. Still, as far as guilty pleasure Bon Jovi goes, it doesn't disappoint.

Class Act: Cardio Tai Boxing

FitSugar — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 09:00:13 -0800

I'm big on fitness classes, but tend to stick with Pilates, yoga, or something slower-paced - usually afraid that I won't be able to keep up with a class that requires any dance technique. My exercise solution came in the form of Crunch's Cardio Tai Box class - a class that gets you moving without a required-knowledge of dance choreography. All you need to know? How to punch and kick. Really.

In fact, once you master the basic kicks and three different kinds of punches, you'll easily catch on when the combinations are introduced - so don't psych yourself out if you can't keep up right away. The key throughout the workout is to focus on each individual action, fully extend your arms and legs for punches and kicks, and be conscious of your core - if you're flexing your abs throughout you'll notice improved balance and form that'll make leg extension easier for round-house and side-kicks.

To learn more about the class and see video, just read more.

Ultimately, you'll find that the high intensity that the class requires goes hand in hand with the kinds of moves you're doing - and throwing a few punches is sure to relieve stress or any aggression after a long day at work; it's hands-down my top choice for a workout to shake things up and re-energize mid-week. If you lag behind during round one, just go back and do it again, or pull aside your instructor after class to go over technique, this way, you'll be up to speed and blasting calories by round two in the cardio ring.

Must Haves For October

GeekSugar — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 03:51:21 -0700

Fall is in full swing, and if you're wondering what's new in the gadget world, or are just hoping to freshen up your geek gear collection with a few new items, you've come to the right place. I've rounded up some of the latest and greatest gadgets, games and gizmos. They range in price from $2 to $200 so there's certainly something for everyone!

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Ziploc 100-Calorie Snack Bags: Cool or Not?

FitSugar — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 12:00:31 -0800

I was over at my friend's house and saw a case of Ziploc snack bags in her kitchen. They're sort of like regular plastic sandwich bags, except about half the size. I asked her what the deal was with her bulk buy and she said that she couldn't resist after seeing "Perfect For 100 Calorie Snacks" scrawled across the box. Prior to this my friend had never touched a snack bag in her life.

100 calorie snack packs of chips and cookies are big sellers in stores, but a lot of these offerings are empty carbs. My friend says these bags are a great way for her to pack her own healthy snacks while adhering to portion control. I'm not sure I buy it, though. She could opt for reusable containers that are way less wasteful than these bags, and many 100-calorie snacks wouldn't even fit in these hacked versions of sandwich bags.

Ziploc got it right though, and has positioned itself nicely within the 100-calorie snack market. What do you think of the Ziploc snack bags - a waste of money, or a successful tool for portion control?