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Fit Tip: Don't Just Work Your Problem Areas

FitSugar — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 14:26:09 -0700

I saw a fitness buddy at the gym the other day running, so I hopped on the treadmill next to her. After about 20 minutes, I asked if she was going to the upper-body strengthening class in 10 minutes. She said, "It's my legs that need work, not my arms." While it's good to be honest with yourself about your problem areas, you shouldn't just focus on them every time you work out. Remember that your body works as a whole, and working certain areas and not others can cause imbalances in your body, which can lead to injuries. So even if you love the way your booty looks, but aren't a fan of your upper arms, don't skip out on the squats and lunges. Exercising your entire body will also help maintain the look and strength of your favorite parts as well.

Fit Tip: Work Your Legs While Blow Drying Your Hair

FitSugar — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 03:30:00 -0700

This may seem silly, but think about how long it takes you to blow dry your hair. Just in those 5 to 10 minutes, you could be fitting in some strengthening and stretching moves for your ankles, calves, shins, quads, hamstrings, booty, lower back, and even your abs. Here are some ideas.

Do squats and side lunges to tone your thighs and glutes.
Work your quads and your abs with alternating knee lifts. Hold one leg up at a time for at least five seconds. To make it harder, straighten the lifted leg. Balancing on one foot will also strengthen the muscles in the leg that's on the ground.
Strengthen your calves and shins with heel lifts.
Ankle rolls will stretch the muscles in your feet.
Prop your foot up on the sink, keep that leg straight and fold forward to stretch your hamstring. Hold for at least 30 seconds on each side.
You can also stretch out your hip by doing Standing Pigeon on the sink.
Stretch out your lower back and hamstrings with a relaxing Forward Bend (and dry the back of your hair at the same time).

Fit's Tip: If you don't blow dry your hair everyday, you can always challenge your sense of balance while you brush your teeth.

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Fit Finding Follow Up: Winter Water Work Out

FitSugar — Fri, 29 Dec 2006 13:06:12 -0800

Swimming is one of my favorite exercises and with your Fit Finds I think I'd be both stylish and practical.

I started you out with this the basic training suit and asked you to find a swim cap, some goggles and a pair of flip flops.

I love the all pink accessories that crispet1 came up with.

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I also like these groovy slip-ons by Keen found by Beaner - too bad that they don't come in a shade of pink. Who could resist this animal print cap that rubiala found?

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Click here to see all the winter water work out accessories.

Favorite Excuse For Not Working Out: It Is Hard to Fit Into My Schedule

FitSugar — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 13:30:00 -0800

There are so many excuses for not working out and I have heard plenty in my day. If the reason you stay melded to the couch is that fitting exercise into your life is not as easy as it used to be back in high school then you are not alone.

According to Steven Bray, a researcher at Canada's McMaster University, the inability to cope with change is one of the biggest reasons our activity rates decline as we age. Back in high school many people play organized sports, bike to school, and take required gym classes. During college and the years following, physical activities are harder to come by and harder to fit into schedules.

This is why it feels like you have to double your efforts to stay active, compared to when you were a high-school student. Don't give up hope though. Make a fitness plan, get a workout buddy, join a team, join a running club, take the stairs. I found that once I carved a place for fitness in my life, I can't really maintain my bearings without it.

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Fit Calculator: Water Works

FitSugar — Thu, 07 Dec 2006 04:00:00 -0800

Do you sit and wonder to yourself, in your quiet moments alone "Am I drinking enough water?" If not, I'm here to tell you that it is a good question to ask and finding the answer couldn’t be easier. Check out FitSugar’s new water calculator Water Works. It’ll tell you how much water you should be drinking daily.

Hydration is important to good health and the majority of Americans are chronically under hydrated, meaning most of us are mildly dehydrated all of the time. That might not seem so bad but being mildly dehydrated can impair brain function – like making it hard to do basic math. Also, we are so under hydrated as a population, we experience dehydration as hunger pains – how confused have our bodies become?

Fit’s Tip: If your mouth feels dry and you're thirsty, you are already mildly dehydrated. I take my cues on hydration from competitive cyclists – Drink before you’re thirsty and avoid the catch up game with hydration.

Fit Tip: Keep Sneakers at Work

FitSugar — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 13:30:00 -0800

If you are desk bound all day, taking a break from work is absolutely essential. Even if you can only get up and walk around for ten minutes, it's better than nothing. You'll be more likely to take a walking break if you keep a pair of sneakers with you at work. This bypasses the excuse that you can't speed walk in stilettos. Just slip on your sneaks, get out of the office, and give your brain and body a break.

Fit's Tip: Just because these aren't the sneakers you normally exercise in, doesn't mean you should keep an old beat-up pair at the office. Old sneaks can cause foot and back pain, so make sure your work pair is supportive and comfortable. If you're not sure, then give them the twist test.

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Gwen Works at Being Fit and Not Being Neurotic

FitSugar — Wed, 08 Aug 2007 07:30:00 -0700

Gwen Stefani is no stranger to being in the limelight, which means she is also no stranger to having her weight constantly being dissected by the media (especially after giving birth to her adorable son Kingston).

I've always thought she was one of the more 'fit' celebrities and it turns out that she, like everyone of us, has to work to get that bod. Here's more:

On feeling neurotic and keeping in shape:
"I try not to be but I'm super-neurotic about diet. I'm neurotic about trying not to be neurotic! I'm like every other girl. I have to try really hard my whole life to try to be fit. And I'm super-vain. And I want to wear cute clothes. You know, I was chubby when I was a little girl. And I have all those issues everyone else has. But I try not to. And I've learnt over the years that it's such a waste of time. And people like me whether I'm a little bit fatter or not."

I like the way you're thinking Gwen, I do. However, I'll believe chubby when I see it.

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Ever Try a "Crazy" Fitness Product That Actually Worked?

FitSugar — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 03:47:47 -0800

When I came across the "Snuggie Sauna" as a possible weight loss tool, which claims it can help you burn 600 calories in only 15 minutes, I maintained the same stance I usually reserve for products that seem too good to be true - they probably are.

So, it's been my fitness philosophy that the best weight loss results come the old-fashioned way, eating right and working hard. Still, I've definitely had some friends who buy into a quick fix every now and then - some who claim they've seen results using the portable thigh toner, and even the ab toning belt. So, tell me, have you ever had any luck with an unconventional weight loss or fitness product that actually delivered on its promise? Or are you inclined to stick to the basics when it comes to your fitness?

You Asked: Jackie Warner's New Project

FitSugar — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 05:50:18 -0800

After reading our review of Jackie Warner's fitness DVD Workout One-on-One Training, many of you expressed curiosity over the future of her hit Bravo series, Work Out. After making a call to Sky Sport Spa - Warner's gym - today, I was told the unfortunate news that the show won't be returning for a fourth season.

I was a bit bummed to hear this but then I remembered Warner has a new show in the works, Thintervention With Jackie Warner. Not only that, Bravo is still looking for real folks struggling with weight loss to cast in the series. Thintervention will feature Warner working with individuals in their day-to-day environments to give them a complete lifestyle overhaul.

Learn the details of this new weight-loss reality show when you read more.
A press release from Bravo breaks down the show's formula:

Each episode of the one hour series will feature a grueling workout with Warner pushing her clients to their emotional and physical limits, a therapy session to get to the root of their weight issues, and a life lesson in nutrition such as grocery shopping or surprise raids of their home kitchens.

Thintervention seems to be banking on the success of The Biggest Loser formula, and given Warner's no-BS attitude, I'm sure we'll see more than a few tears shed as the season goes on. What we won't see is all the drama in Warner's personal life and the lives of her trainers. Personally, I think the drama is what helped make Work Out such a hit among, viewers so it'll be interesting to see how her new show fares.

Are you excited about Thintervention, or do you want Work Out to come back?

Now Is the Time to Get Ready For the Slopes

FitSugar — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 08:00:41 -0800

Even though we're in the middle of Fall and I've yet to see any real signs of snow, experts say now is the time to get your butt in gear for Winter sports. Days on the slopes can be long and require a good amount of endurance, especially if you're the type who likes to visit the mountains for an extended weekend or even longer.

Veteran Winter Olympic athletes like ski racer Daron Rahlves and snowboarder Elena Hight recommend doing specific training for Winter sports six to eight weeks before the season starts. They say the key to lasting all day, weekend, or week on the slopes is to work on flexibility, strength, and cardio. A good mix of this will ensure you can snowboard from sunup to sundown. Being in tip-top shape will also help cut down on injuries.

An article in the San Francisco Chronicle asked a group of Winter Olympians and trainers their advice on getting in shape for Winter sports. Here's some of their advice.

Stretch for 15-20 minutes every day or do 10 minutes of sun salutations. Skiers should focus on their lower bodies, while snowboarders should focus on their upper and lower areas.
Two to three times a week, focus on strength training with emphasis on your quads, hamstrings, and core muscles. Keeping your legs and core strong helps with balance and endurance, and helps cut down on ACL injuries. If you can, use kettlebells and also make sure to do tons of squats, leg curls, and lunges.
Do some sort of aerobic activity for at least 15 minutes every day, keeping your heart rate elevated the entire time.

Sounds doable to me. Who's hungry for powder?