Everyone's gym requirements, etiquette, and habits are a little bit different, which makes picking a new gym and staying comfortable and motivated by your current sweat space a real challenge. Weigh your personal preferences and gym style against other FitSugar readers with this series of gym questions.
The choice of loose versus formfitting workout clothes is a matter of personal style and preference, but even more personal is the question of what to wear under your workout wear. Sixty percent of polled FitSugar readers say they always wear underwear when exercising, but 21 percent say nothing gets between them and their workout bottoms. Of course, high tech fabrics, wicking panties (specially designed to keep your nether regions cool and dry), and built-in lining just add to the options. Help us solve the debate about the best underwear for every workout by weighing in on your favorite pair or style.
I'm killing myself for not eating an apple a day. In recent weeks, I've spent entirely too much time at doctors' offices, which have resulted in numerous prescriptions for antibiotics. Thinking I knew my body well enough, I decided to forgo the second Rx and tried to fight my illness with my trusty OTC meds, some saline spray, and some rest. Unfortunately, playing nurse to myself didn't pay off and I went running back to my pharmacy asking for that original prescription to be filled. Now five days later, I'm starting to finally feel better. Final score: Doctor 1, Patient 0.
In this case, my doctor certainly did know best, but I'm not sure he always does. Do you ever reject your doctor's medical advice for your own intuition?
FitSugar reader TiVo posted this question in our Fit Questions group. Can you help her out?
So I quit my job earlier this month, and now I'm going stir-crazy! Can anyone help me think of health/fitness jobs out there?
Leave your advice in the comments section below. And if you have a burning question, share it our Q and A group.
Ignorance is bliss, or at least it is when it comes to hot tubs. I used to get giddy when I saw "hot tub" listed under amenities of spas or hotels, but now it makes me cringe. After hearing fungal horror stories and going through my own traumatic experience, I wouldn't dare to dip my pinky toe in a warm bubbly pool, save my own.
Some folks like to get their groove on in the steamy waters but that's just asking for trouble, or at least bacteria. While it may be a relaxing and thoroughly enjoyable place to sip a toddy aprés ski, I'm not sure it's worth the aftermath of folliculitis, also known as the "hot tub rash." But hey, that's just me. If you fancy the swirling tubs for their therapeutic powers, just make sure it's a clean and trusted spot before you take the plunge.
So tell me, would I find you in the hot tub or sitting on the sidelines?
Ask most women and they will tell you men can act like serious wusses when sick or injured. I don't know if it is an old wives' tale or a stereotype — but I remember my mother only being sick once when I was child (which was awesome because we had Dairy Queen for dinner that night). A recent study now kind of backs up my very unscientific conclusions about the genders and sickness. The study, based on data from 48,394 people, found that women were 14 percent more likely to survive a traumatic injury than men. Involved in the study Dr. Adil H. Haider, of Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, explained the findings like this:
"I know some people may think women are the fairer sex, but as far as trauma goes, and their ability and tenacity to survive, women may even have a better evolution than men. Women have to take care of kids, survive childbirth, do things that men aren't expected or built to do. In some events, female sex hormones kind of enhance the immune system."
Researchers feel that the female hormones' effect on the immune system could also be why women are more likely to suffer from autoimmune diseases like lupus than men.
I am wondering what you think of all this? Has this been your experience? Share your opinion in the comment section below.
When it comes to medical opinions, it's sometimes wise to get a second one, which is what I am asking of you, oh wise FitSugar readers. A fan of Dr. Oz, I watched his show the other day where he mapped out a 28-day plan to rid one of his audience members of her 12-sodas-a-day drinking habit. A cola junkie, she seemed excited about their plan to walk away from the bubbly drinks, but I'm just not sure I'm buying his month-long program.
This reader has a tough situation with a good friend, and could use your thoughtful advice.
Dear Fit,
I've been best friends with someone for over a decade, and within this past year, she's gotten on a major health kick. We're talking meeting with a personal trainer, exercising at least five times a week, buying only organic foods, and not eating a drop of junk. She won't even drink alcohol, not even a glass of wine. I'm really proud of her for being so healthy, but honestly, it's driving me crazy. I feel really insecure around her, not only because she looks so amazingly toned and thin, but because I like to indulge a little every once in a while. I feel like I can't order greasy French fries or enjoy a decadent dessert if we go out to dinner. She won't stay out past 9 pm because she needs to get up early and work out. It sounds stupid, but I feel like her super healthy lifestyle is putting distance between us. It's just not fun to hang out with someone who is so darn strict. I don't want to lose her completely as a friend, so what can I do to make me feel less annoyed and less self-conscious?
—Not-As-Healthy Heather
If you have a question you need an answer to, post it here. The friendly FitSugar Community is sure to offer you helpful tips and insightful advice.
This reader has a tough situation with her mother-in-law. She sure could use your thoughtful advice.
I recently visited my husband's family, and am just steaming. I get along really well with his parents, and appreciate how they've welcomed me as a daughter, but I can't deal with my mother-in-law's comments about my body. She's super honest and open, but she has no filter from her brain to her mouth when it comes to her thoughts and opinions. For example, as soon as we arrived, she hugged me, then looked me up and down and said, "You seem a little softer — are you pregnant?" I was stunned, but answered, "No, I just haven't been hitting the gym as much." And she said, "Oh don't worry. You haven't gained too much weight in your butt." This isn't the first time she's noticed that I packed on a few pounds. Last time we visited, she asked if I was eating a lot of salt because my face looked puffy.
I know she's not deliberately trying to hurt my feelings, but I'm becoming really self-conscious about my body whenever I see her. She herself is always talking about her appearance, how fat she is, and how she's on this diet and that diet, so I know body image is on her mind constantly. I just don't want to hear it anymore. I've talked to my husband and he just shrugs his shoulders and says, "Well at least she's honest. You know she's not hiding anything from you." Great. He's no help. Any suggestions? I dread going to see her now, which is at least once a month.
—Self-Conscious and Annoyed
If you have a question you need an answer to, post it here. The FitSugar Community is sure to offer you helpful tips and insightful advice.
This FitSugar reader is worried about her co-worker's unhealthy slimming technique. Can you offer any suggestions?
I just started a new job and have become friends with a co-worker who sits next to me. Many of us eat lunch at our desks, and I've noticed something really odd about her eating habits. Never do I see her munching on a sandwich, salad, soup, or leftovers. Nope, instead she devours cookies, brownies, chocolate bars, doughnuts, or anything else sweet. I thought that she must eat lunch before and I just didn't notice, but last week I invited her out to grab a bite with me. She said she was "all set," and pulled out a rice krispie treat from her purse. I had to ask, "Is that all you're eating for lunch?" And she causally said, "Yes. I'm addicted to sugar. I don't eat lunch so my calories can be spent on the stuff that tastes good." I felt like her mother when I said, "That's not exactly healthy." And she replied, "I don't care. It's the only way I can enjoy treats without gaining a pound."
Something in me just can't let this be. I know she's an adult who's entitled to make her own decisions, but it really bugs me that she's blatantly making the wrong ones. Does anyone have any suggestions on how to handle this without ruining our friendship?
—Concerned About My Co-Worker
If you have a quick question you need an answer to, post it here. The FitSugar Community is sure to offer you helpful tips and insightful advice.
