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Fitness Magazine's Top 100 Workout Songs

FitSugar — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 08:00:43 -0800

Tired of listening to the same old Britney Spears and Madonna songs while you work out? Fitness magazine interviewed top personal trainers to find out what songs pump them up while working out, and they came up with a list of the top 100 workout songs. To hear a little taste, read more.

Work Out: One-on-One Training With Jackie

FitSugar — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 12:30:35 -0800

I definitely was a fan of Jackie Warner's Bravo show, Work Out. And though I didn't always agree with the drama in her personal life, Warner's workout ethic is inspiring. I was recently given a copy of the fitness DVD, Workout: One-on-One Training With Jackie ($10) and the picture of Warner on the cover was enough to make me drop and give her 20. It's obvious that Warner works hard for her body, and that's enough for me to buy what she's selling.

Warner has designed an intense workout that focuses on upper body, lower body, and core. You can combine the three sections together for a grueling one-hour workout, or just focus on one area for about 20 minutes. Warner is great at talking you through the moves, and there are also modifications for beginners and the more advanced.

To hear more of my thoughts on Workout, read more.

I like my workouts to feel intense but to also fly by, and Warner provides that to a tee. Her workout offers a wide variety of moves with a lot of twists on the classics, and she offers little rest between them. Don't be fooled by how quickly time moves though, this is definitely an intense cross training workout - it combines alternating strength (you'll need hand weights) and cardio exercises. After doing this workout my abs were definitely sore the next day.

I think fans of Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred will really appreciate Workout. They both move at the same pace and each trainer has a similar no-nonsense, but encouraging approach. Beginners might benefit from Warner's DVD a bit more though because unlike Michaels, she does a much better job at instructing. This was especially helpful during the exercises where weights are used.

My only beef with the DVD is that there were some segments in which all of her trainers did not participate. Instead of going off camera they sat in the background, which might be a little distracting or uninspiring for viewers. Despite that criticism I definitely recommend this DVD and can attest that my abs were still sore two days later!

FitSugar Circuit Workout

FitSugar — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 05:30:00 -0800

One of my must haves for November is a circuit workout that you can do at home. Not only is an at-home workout excuse-proof, it is recession-proof since it is free and will only cost you calories! Check out this full body circuit workout that fits in your living room. It takes about 20 minutes to do, and other than a chair, it requires no props.

Instructions: After warming up with light cardio for five minutes, repeat each three-exercise circuit twice, resting for 60 seconds after completing one rep of an entire circuit.

Click here to download a PDF of the workout that you can print. It looks best printed in color and fits on one page. Hang the workout up on your fridge to remind yourself to work it!

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Class Act: Skinny Jeans Fitness Workout

FitSugar — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 14:43:33 -0700

I won't lie, the name caught my attention: Skinny Jeans Workout, a place where denim and my hamstrings collide. I find the fashion / fitness connection slightly amusing, but the 45 minute class left me more than slightly sweaty. It truly is a sculpting workout that borrows from a diverse array of fitness methods. We did lunges of all sorts, from the basic forward variety to the criss-crossing curtsy lunge. We did squat variations. We even did multiple Warrior 3s. My legs and glutes were worked from all angles ensuring that every fiber was taxed. There were sections of the workout that felt rather balletic too; these moves really worked the deep glute muscles that help lift the seat. The class kept moving, and my heart rate stayed pumping for most of the class. The first 35 minutes of the class are standing and there is an emphasis on standing tall and keeping your chest open, since part of looking good in your skinny jeans is postural. I have heard that slouching can make a person look 10 pounds heavier. The ab work is very Pilates based, with cuing to keep the abs pulled to the spine - a phrase you can't make it through a Pilates session without hearing repeatedly.

I will definitely take this class again and recommend it. This class is currently offered at many Equinox locations, but look for a version at a gym near you.

Fit Tip: Keep Your Workouts in One Place

FitSugar — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 14:30:00 -0700

If you're one of those people who has a tough time sticking to a regular workout routine, here is some good advice: do all your workouts in the same place. Although variety can prevent boredom, it won't help if variety makes you skip out on workouts because you can't keep track of where and when you're sweating it out each week. So just to get into the routine, exercise in one designated place, whether it's the gym, your local park, your spare bedroom, or a yoga studio. It'll make things easier knowing where equipment is, or where you need to park, or how long it takes you to bike there from work so you don't come back late from working out on your lunch break. It just takes the stress and planning out of working out, and lets you focus on the actual exercise part. Then once you've got that down, add new workout places to your routine. To help you keep track of your schedule, write it down in a weekly planner or a fitness journal. The more you plan and the easier you make working out, the more likely it's going to happen.

DVD Review: Fit and Healthy Prenatal Workouts With Gabrielle Reece

FitSugar — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 12:00:00 -0700

On the next stop in my Fit Momma series, I took on Fit and Healthy Prenatal Workouts With Gabrielle Reece. Let me start by saying I am a huge Gabby Reece fan. She's very inspiring so I was thrilled when she put out this video with trainer Mike Monroe.

All the exercises have been approved by a leading OB-GYN, so you know that you're not putting yourself (or your baby) in an unsafe situation. The DVD itself is broken down into the first and second trimester with workouts for each month of pregnancy up to the sixth month. That being said, if you're already in your second or third trimester, the workout is not going to be as appealing to you since you're already past half of the DVD.

Another point that is not made clear on the cover is the need for a lot of equipment to do the workout. You'll need: an exercise ball, a resistance band, a light set of dumbbells, a medium set of dumbbells, a towel, a mat, a chair, and a partner (if possible). I don't know about you, but one of my favorite things about DVDs is that I can do them at home with minimal equipment; this is not the case here.

But what did my pregnant pal and I think of the workout? To find out, just read more.

The workouts were definitely challenging. Since my friend was too pregnant to do any of the first trimester exercises safely, I did them alone and they were pretty similar to regular exercises I do now, except there is a lot of focus on breathing. The second trimester exercises were still hard but definitely more modified for pregnancy. It was interesting to have ab work in the mix since most pregnancy workouts ditch the crunches. We were both sweating in the end, and we both felt like we got in a good workout. My pal had to stop every now and again to catch her breath but that's OK. You should never push yourself during exercise while expecting - always listen to your body. Drink plenty of water and take rests when needed.

Overall I was not blown away by the DVD. I don't like that it would have been hard to do the exercises without a partner and all the extra equipment. Plus, some of the resistance band moves are quite complicated and required us to pause the TV to figure out what to do. This is definitely not a beginner DVD so if you were a couch potato before getting pregnant, you'll want to start with something less advanced. Pregnancy is not the time to try any tests of endurance or strength.

Fittingly Mad: Vanity Sizing on Workout Clothes

FitSugar — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 16:00:00 -0700

I hate trying on clothes, and the fact that sizes are all over the map doesn't help matters. Some brands run big while others run small, which means I have to take a pile of items into the dressing room. But I got really riled up while shopping for workout clothes this weekend, when I discovered what's apparently a new trend: vanity sizing on workout clothes.

I've ranted before about vanity sizing, the practice of making clothes larger but sizing them smaller, so people can wear smaller sizes and feel better about themselves. I'm normally a solid medium, but when I was shopping this weekend, I tried on several mediums that were enormous on me. I guess the clothing manufacturers want me to be happy about buying a small, but they're not fooling me with their flattery. (Also, what would a really small person wear?!)

But what really annoys me is that vanity sizing on workout clothes is totally counterproductive. To find out why, read more.

If you are working out and trying to slim down, shouldn't you wear clothes that are an accurate representation of your size? Wouldn't you rather know that you've actually dropped a size, or that you are maintaining your happy size, rather than being tricked into thinking you've changed? Exercise helps us feel better about our bodies, and that's way more real than a vanity size that tries to do the same thing.

What do you guys think? Am I overreacting, or do you also find vanity sizing in workout clothes fittingly mad?

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Nike RockStar Workout @ 24 Hour Fitness: Dancehall

FitSugar — Thu, 15 Mar 2007 11:25:44 -0700

Do you often think it would be great if your workout could improve your nightlife as well as your health? You know, like directly translate to making you not only svelte but hip too. Well the latest class in the Nike Rockstar series - "Dancehall" now offered at 24 Hour Fitness, might be just what you are looking for.

The new Dancehall workout was choreographed by Jamie King who has created moves for Madonna, JLo, Britney and Shakira. Now you can move like a rockstar too!!! The Caribbean style moves, inspired by the latest music videos and dancehall steps, will not only challenge your sense of coordination but your heart rate as well. If you want a little primer before heading to class, you should check out the video. They look incredibly fun - the video is truly motivational.

If you don’t like step or dance aerobics this class might be frustrating for you at first. The challenge, however, will keep you motivated and engaged as you get or stay in shape. Learn the moves at the gym and then take them out for a night on the town (another great way to burn calories).

If you aren't a member of 24 Hour Fitness yet, don't worry, right now you can try it out for 10 days for FREE. To get your free 10-day pass, check out 24hourfitnessoffers.com.

Fit's Tip: To find a class at a club near you, check out this class schedule and locator. Remember ladies - ROCK ON!!!!

Target Workouts - Download Fitness Videos

FitSugar — Tue, 23 Jan 2007 07:30:00 -0800

Target Workouts offers fitness videos that you can download. They've got a ton of workouts to choose from like aerobics, yoga, Pilates, kickboxing, shorter office workouts, and even hotel workouts you can use when you're traveling. You can download streaming videos and have them on your computer whenever you want them.

The instructors are professionally trained and certified. And it's easy to do - just select a workout and download the video.

All the videos are available in 4 fitness levels ranging from Stage 1 (easiest) to Stage 4 (hardest), so you can choose the level that's right for you.

They offer a free 3 day trial, but if you sign up for a year, it only costs $9.99 a month. That's incredibly cheap compared to a year membership at a gym. You can even surprise a friend and get them a gift certificate so they can download videos too.

Some of the workouts require some fitness equipment like balls, resistance bands, and dumbbells - you can get those too at their online fitness store.

If getting in shape for 2007 was one of your goals, but you want to do it on your time, downloading workouts may be just the thing for you.

Print It: FitSugar Glutes and Hamstring Workout

FitSugar — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 08:00:00 -0700

If you have been working your abs to get ready for bikini season, I am here to remind you not to forget your booty and the backs of your legs. All styles of suits bare your backside, so get your bum beach-ready with FitSugar's Glutes and Hamstrings workout. We made a convenient printable version of the nine-exercise workout.

Download and print this PDF - it looks best printed in color. Tape it to your fridge. Take it to the gym. Just remember to work your booty.