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Stop Hating the Gym and Start Loving It

FitSugar — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 05:50:43 -0800

If you are dreading moving your workouts indoors due to falling temperatures, let me help you learn to love, or at least tolerate, the gym. Here are some common reasons people hate hitting the gym, and solutions to help you overcome the hurdles.

I hate the gym because . . .	The solution
It's too expensive.	Go price hunting. There are so many different types of gyms that offer various services, so find one that fits your budget. Instead of paying $90 a month for a gym that has cardio machines, a weight room, classes, a pool, and a yoga studio, figure out what's most important to you and just pay for that. A gym down the street from me is only $10 a month for cardio and weight machines. Not bad at all.
It's too far away from my home.	If you can't find a gym close to where you live, try to find one close to where you work. That way you can head over on your lunch break or after work.
The cardio machines are boring.	Find a way to make them more enjoyable. I like to download audio books or podcasts onto my iPod. Listening really helps pass the time. Switching to different machines in one workout also helps beat boredom. Or try competing with a stranger.

To learn more ways to start loving the gym, keep reading.

Have You Ever Walked Out of a Group Fitness Class?

FitSugar — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 03:47:38 -0800

Even if kickboxing or step aerobics aren't your ideal fitness experience, working out in a group can buoy your spirits and help motivate you to push yourself. That being said, occasionally there's a sub standing in for your favorite teacher and you just can't hack it. Or you try a new class, realize you're in over your head, and fear injury if you finish. I have quietly moved to the back of a workout studio and slipped out the door to finish a workout on a treadmill when a class just wasn't moving enough for me. What about you?

A Little Yoga Insight You May Not Learn From Your Instructor

FitSugar — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 10:00:10 -0800

Sure, practicing yoga is all about health and wellness, but Smart Money knows that it is also booming business. There are some aspects of yoga class that may not be in keeping with the healthy lifestyle you seek - just don't expect your yoga instructor to let you in on them. Here are a few pointers for staying healthy while practicing yoga, and remember that even when taking a fitness class led by an instructor, it's best to think for yourself to figure out what feels right and what practices work best for you.

Your Instructor May Be New to Yoga Too - With all of the various certification programs around, there's a range of skill that's being taught to instructors. "The problem is that there’s no real standard for how much teacher training is required of instructors, so almost anyone can lead a yoga class," writes Smart Money. It's best to try out a class before you commit, and learn where the instructor trained.
Yoga Mats Aren't Just For the Die-Hard Yogi - Bringing your own mat to class doesn't mean you can do full lotus. It's simply good hygiene. Yoga studio owner Ann Merlo told Smart Money, "One of the key elements of yoga is cleanliness." Sure, many studios hose down the mats after a few sessions, but there's no guarantee they do. With all the contagions flying around this flu season, it just might be worth it to spring for your own mat and avoid catching a bug.

To learn more about how to make the most of your yoga time, read more.

It's OK If You Don't Want to Be Touched - Yoga tends to cultivate a very intimate atmosphere in the studio, and many members of the class may feel totally at ease with the instructor helping them into a pose (which is fairly common), but that doesn't mean that you do. "A thoughtful teacher should always tell you that he’s going to touch you," writes Smart Money, and all adjustments should be done with professionalism. However, if you'd prefer not to be touched at all, don't be shy about speaking up and making your preference clear.
The Advanced Class May Not Be For You - While yoga instructors may ask some general questions about your level of experience before a class begins, no one is likely to turn you away from a session that may be too advanced for you. Yoga requires serious strength and flexibility. The article suggests calling the studio beforehand to find a class appropriate for your ability.

To find out exactly what else your yoga instructor may not be telling you, get up to speed with all of SmartMoney's tips, and be sure to check out our Yoga Stretch and Tell Group to connect with fellow yogis and share your questions, stories, and advice.

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.

Link Time!!!

PopSugar — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 13:00:28 -0800

Jared Leto has a new hair raising look - D-Listed
Tyra gets a nutritionist to get her shape in shape - FitSugar
Tiffani Theissen expecting her first baby - Us Weekly
Top ten celebrities that should join Twitter - PopEater
Rihanna visits MTV studios in NYC - JustJared
Daniel Craig is still rocking a moustache - Lainey Gossip
Levi Johnston arrives in NYC to shoot Playgirl - Pink Is the New Blog
Eva Mendes needs a little help from Zoe - Egotastic
A-Rod has interesting taste in artwork - The Superficial
Katrina Bowden is red hot! - Hollywood Tuna
Joanna Krupa needs a break from dancing - Hollywood Rag
Mariah Carey and Kim Kardashian battle it out - cityrag
Tori Amos graces us with a midwinter track - popbytes
Here's Ben Affleck on Curb Your Enthusiasm last night! - goldenfiddle

New to Yoga

Fit Community — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 03:00:19 -0800

FitSugar reader dresstoimpress posted this in the Yoga Stretch and Tell group. Can you offer some advice?

Hello! I just joined this group so this is my first time posting! I'm planning on signing up for yoga at a studio nearby. It's inexpensive and they offer a lot of beginning classes as well as classes for all levels. I have done a few yoga DVDs in the past and I enjoyed it, but I never got very far. What can I expect from a yoga class? I am a little nervous about my ability. It is just basic yoga from what I understand. Is it difficult to keep up? What should I wear? What if I can never do the stand-on-your-head poses? Thank you!

If you love chatting about all things yoga, then post your thoughts and questions to the Yoga Stretch and Tell group. If you want to see your post featured on FitSugar, then private message me here to pitch your ideas.

Desire/Acquire: Midcentury Studio Stool

CasaSugar — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 11:00:51 -0700

I love the look of the Sundance Catalog's Midcentury Studio Stool ($245). The varnished raw steel has an understated, industrial look that seems as fitting for a bistro or bar counter as a kitchen or home office. At 27 inches tall and 17 inches wide, they're also a great size - big enough but not too hefty. Unfortunately, if you want someone else to sit at your countertop with you, it'll cost you five Benjamins. Ouch. See a more affordable alternative when you read more.

With the same industrial look and practically exact form, the Set of Two Tabouret 24" Metal Counter Stools ($99.95) is a steal! You can get yourself four for less than the price of one of Sundance's stools.

Gym Gossip: Details on Tracy Anderson and Gwyneth's Gym

FitSugar — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 03:30:00 -0700

Last January when asked if you would want to join Gwyneth's gym she was planning to open with her trainer Tracy Anderson, most of you were not swayed by the celebrity affiliation.

Well, the inner workings of the gym have been revealed, and for starters it is not a gym - it's a studio. Let's start with the cost of joining the ~~gym~~ studio. The initiation fee ranges from $790 for a six-month membership to $1,500 for a full year. The monthly fees are $900 a month. For that hefty price, you can choose from 85 classes offered weekly, featuring cardio dance aerobics, which Gwyneth described by saying, "It's fun because it's not like you're running mindlessly on a treadmill." And running is something Tracy thinks you should never do, since she believes running creates too much bulk on your backside, and "a bulked-up bottom is not a pretty one." But I digress. To see what else you get for $900, read more.

Unfortunately, Anderson will not be taking on clients at the Tribeca studio. She splits her training time between the two stars that made her famous, business partner Gwyneth and Madonna, whom Tracy and staff refer to as M. However, members will receive personalized attention from her staff. Every member receives a customized program every 10 days, which is good since it is recommended that you work out at for at least 30 minutes, but preferably 60 minutes, six days a week. Whatever you do, don't supplement Tracy's work with yoga. Tracy wants your undivided attention, and has forbidden her star clients to practice yoga.

If you cannot make it to the Tracy Anderson Studio, you can try her method with a free mini webisode. Since the gym is out of my budget, I think I am gonna head out for a run. What about you?

Kate Helps the Yankees Bring Their A-Game Out West

PopSugar — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 16:00:37 -0700

It was high fives all around as Kate Hudson and her dad Kurt Russell cheered on the Yankees during their game against the Angels last night in LA. Kate's smiles weren't enough to propel the team to victory this time, but she'll have another chance to watch A-Rod on the field tonight. When she isn't chilling in the dugout, Kate's making time for fitness in California - she hit the Pilates studio over the weekend, showing off her fine form and belly chain after class as she gets in tip-top shape to promote Nine this Winter.

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Rihanna Bundles Up in Black as She Prepares For Release

PopSugar — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 10:30:16 -0700

Rihanna showed off a new hairstyle yesterday, which is quite a feat considering her ever-changing hair, as she headed into an NYC recording studio. She's putting the finishing touches on her new album, which apparently will be out on Nov. 23. Rihanna's all black and leather outfit was fitting for the chilly NYC weather, but it was quite the contrast from the barely there ensemble she sported for a recent photo shoot in Germany.

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