We are more than excited that Spring is here. It means we're seeing less of the treadmill and soaking in all of that wonderful vitamin D that comes from bringing our workouts outdoors. I mean, how can you beat this view of the Golden Gate Bridge snapped on a recent training run by one of our editors?
The next time you're exercising outdoors, make sure to snap a photo and upload the pic to Instagram. Caption your photo with the hashtag #POPSUGARFitness, and include where you are and what kind of workout you're doing. And don't be afraid to get creative: snap a pic of you and your friends in action, your feet hitting the ground, or the look of relief when it's all said and done. We'll grab our favorites over the next few weeks and share them with you here on the site. If you can't wait to see what pics readers are submitting, just search #POPSUGARFitness via the Instagram app.
Before you celebrate Cinco de Mayo with a margarita at your local bar or restaurant, make this low-calorie recipe at home. Not only will it taste better, but you'll also save on calories: a lot of restaurant and bar margaritas are made with mixers that contain corn syrup and ingredients you can't pronounce. This recipe, which purists will love, has only 144 calories and uses natural, simple ingredients — not a bad way to spend happy hour!
See the recipe when you read more.
Diet or not, every bride wants to feel her best on the big day. Whether you're wishing for toned triceps, dewy skin, or healthy alternatives to a boozy bachelorette party, we've got all that and more to get you on your way. Pick a few tips from this list and you're bound to walk down the aisle feeling calmer, more rested, and with a smile that will turn more than a few heads!
— Additional reporting by Lizzie Fuhr, Susi May, Leta Shy, and Jenny Sugar
If you're bored with basic squats and lunges, here are some new moves for working your backside before hitting the seaside this Summer. To start targeting your glutes, grab an exercise ball, weights, and a resistance band — your backside will be in tip-top shape in no time!
Smoothies are a great breakfast option. When made right, they're full of fiber, protein, and antioxidants. But how about a smoothie that goes a step further and helps reduce belly fat? It may sound too good to be true, but our flat-belly smoothie recipe is full of ingredients proven to help slim the stomach and reduce bloating. The recipe is under 300 calories and is a great source of protein, fiber, and vitamins C and A. Make this part of your everyday routine and you'll be on the way to a slimmer you by Summer!
Spring produce has arrived, which means we're spending lots of time in the kitchen! Don't get us wrong, butternut squash and cauliflower are mighty fine veggies — we just really love asparagus. Keep reading to see some of the dishes we'll be cooking up this season.
— Additional reporting by Lizzie Fuhr
I had written cardio kickboxing off as a '90s fitness fad made popular by late-night infomercials. But after taking a class, I'm mad at letting myself miss out on such an amazing workout all these years. Never boring, cardio kickboxing is a challenge in technique, endurance, and concentration. It's also great for time-pressed individuals looking to lose weight fast. In as little as 30 minutes, you can expect to burn more calories doing cardio kickboxing than you would in other hour-long, aerobic-based workouts. Liz LeFrois, group fitness instructor at Equinox (US gym) and Master Kickboxing instructor, recently shared with us what to expect when taking cardio kickboxing for the first time and who is best suited for this intense workout.
What should you expect? Make no mistake, this is a fast-paced class that will have you sweating buckets. The high-intensity workout fuses together kicks, punches, and jumps into quick combinations that keep the body moving. "Some people get frustrated because it's hard to do it properly," says Liz. "But just as in anything new that you learn, it comes with time." Liz says the key to doing well in cardio kickboxing is being focused and alert during class. This will help you keep up with the moves and easily piece together the combinations. "Even if you are not feeling successful the first couple rounds, don't stop going to the classes; it gets easier."
What kind of person should try cardio kickboxing? Cardio kickboxing is a must for those who are looking to lose weight or build up heart health. It's a major calorie-torcher: one 30-minute class burns over 300 calories! Because the classes are relatively short and the combinations are constantly changing, cardio kickboxing is also great for those who get bored easily. The only requirement, Liz says, is "to be ready to work and be in the moment." Because concentration is a prerequisite for these classes, Liz says kickboxing can also be a great mental workout and huge stress reliever. "A cardio kickbox class is great if you are having a bad day because you'll forget all about it." Check out Liz's secrets for taking a cardio kickboxing class after the break!
