FitSugar

Jessica Has Tickets to The Gun Show, Do You?

FitSugar — Wed, 05 Sep 2007 23:30:00 PDT

We've been watching Jessica transform into one hard body these days. Maybe it's from tugging around all that LV luggage, but I am pretty sure it has more to do with her new movie, workout regime, diet and trainer. The girl's definitely got curves; curves that I'd be willing to bet you could bounce a quarter off of. But seriously, I can't get over those arms!

So if, like me, you're totally inspired by Jessica's guns to get out and start pumping some iron, here are a few suggestions for toning up your own arms:

Push-ups. If you're new to push-ups, then stick with a basic push-up. If you're familiar with push-ups, try elevating your feet on an exercise ball.
Also, you can add the side push-up to your routine if you really want to spice it up.
Right now I am loving this Plank with Reverse Row.
Love planks? Then try the elbow and side planks.
Another great and fun workout for the arms is this boxing move.
One of my all time favorite arm exercises is the alternating hammer curl.
For a few arm moves in a row, be sure to check out the starter arms video.

So get to it ladies! With a little commitment, and healthy diet, you'll be well on your way to having arms like Jessica's. So, to see more pics of Jessica looking tone and trim, just

View 10 Photos ›

Bauer-Griffin

5-Factor Fitness: The Eva Mendes Story

FitSugar — Tue, 14 Nov 2006 07:30:00 PST

It looks like Eva Mendes has jumped on the 5-Factor Fitness bandwagon and is looking great for it. According to Life and Style Weekly, she's dropped 10 to15 pounds, she's toned, and she's changed her life style which really is the key to successful dieting. By successful I mean losing the weight and keeping it off.

Eva has joined ranks with other 5-Factor devotees and Hollywood lovelies like Halle Berry, Eve, Orlando Bloom and Benjamin Bratt. Uh huh - the 5 factors are not just for the ladies. To learn about 5-Factor

The 5-Factor Fitness is a fairly uncomplicated regimen of 3 meals and 2 snacks daily, consisting of: low-fat protein, fiber, healthy carbs and fats, and a sugar-free drink with every meal. The work out is an integral part of the plan to take the weight off and keep it off. But it is reasonable, combining both strength and cardio in each session of 25 minutes of daily exercise. The plan seems pretty sensible to me.

Check out books by Harley Pasternak the physiologist behind 5-Factor Fitness here. His book the 5-Factor Diet comes out on 12/26/2006.

Source

5 Tricks to Get the Most Out of Your Outdoor Run

Shape — Thu, 03 May 2012 04:11:45 PDT

We are pumped to share one of our fave stories from Shape here on FitSugar. This week Shape turns to celebrity trainer Jay Cardiello for some help!

The weather is getting nice and you may have been bitten by the "run bug." To make the transition from indoor runs to the great outdoors seamless and safe, I compiled a list of my top five tricks to get the most out of your outdoor run. Whether you have had some success running on the treadmill, or you are completely new to outdoor running, there are two crucial factors that you must understand.

25 Most Deceiving Exercises (They Tone More Than You Think).

First, let's talk about a little guy named Newton. See, Newton has this law that states that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. Are you with me so far? Good. Well, with runners, the concern is what we run on. The harder the surface the greater the ground reaction force, which is basically the force exerted by the ground back onto the body (in this case, our little legs) that are in contact with it, is. To simplify this, surfaces like concrete and pavement will cause a greater reaction back into our joints and legs than an energy absorbing treadmill. This not only makes us work harder, but will tire us out faster and cause greater stress on our joints.

Are Your Workouts Causing Pain? How to Find Out.

Second, the treadmill is a flat belt that provides consistency with each step. There are no stones, traffic, or inclement weather activity that would cause you to be off balance or have to change your gait. Running outdoors forces the body to make constant small adjustments. That said, here is what’s going to make your outdoor run a successful one.

5 Unique Ways to Make the Most of Your Treadmill.

Learn how to make the most out of your outdoor runs after the break!

Skip the Shots: Healthy Bachelorette Party Ideas

Michele Foley — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 15:37:53 PDT

If booze and male strippers don't sound like your idea of a good time, buck tradition by celebrating your bachelorette party in a healthy - but fun! - way instead. Here are a few ways to bond with your girlfriends while also burning calories along the way.

Say om: Gather up your mats and have a private yoga class; it's a great way to enjoy the company of your gal pals while also de-stressing. Add ayurvedic spa treatments or mehndi painting to the evening for a complete yogic theme. Then end the night with dinner at a nearby restaurant or opt to cook together in your own home.
A morning sweat session: If strength training is more your style, invite your friends to an outdoor bootcamp workout. You'll sweat and bond over push-ups and lunges, but don't forget to celebrate afterward! Once the workout is over, nurse sore muscles with a mimosa-filled brunch.

See even more ideas for a healthy bachelorette party after the break.

Happy 26th Birthday Lady Gaga - How the Singer Keeps Healthy

Michele Foley — Wed, 28 Mar 2012 13:07:53 PDT

Lady Gaga turns 26 today, and to celebrate, we're taking a look at how the singer stays fit - I mean, look at those abs! - while living such a demanding lifestyle. While Gaga isn't without controversy (she's admitted to occasional drug and alcohol use), she remains extremely focused when it comes to her diet and fitness regimen.

She keeps a consistent workout schedule: Without fail, Gaga maintains the fitness regimen created for her by trainer Harley Pasternak. Even while touring, she works out five times a week for at least 25 minutes each day. The secret to Lady Gaga's killer abs? Lots of crunches. Harley starts her on a basic crunch and modifies that into reverse crunches, ending with a double crunch. If you want to get abs like the birthday girl, check out Lady Gaga's favorite ab exercises. When you've finished the ab routine, watch this video of Harley as he takes you through Gaga's butt workout.
She keeps a healthy diet: Besides following Harley's fitness routine, Gaga also subscribes to his 5 Factor Diet, which says to eat five times a day (two meals and three snacks) of foods falling into these five categories: lean protein, low-glycemic carbs, healthy fats, fiber, and a sugar-free beverage. The diet also allows for one cheat day a week. Some of Gaga's favorite foods to munch on are salsa with grain chips, tofu, turkey slices, hummus, and coconut water. Tonight, make yourself a Gaga-approved meal: check out Harley's recipe for five-spice halibut.
She believes in the healing power of yoga: A longtime yogini, Gaga even makes a habit to practice at local studios wherever her travels take her (Bikram and hot power yoga are her styles of choice). She has said, "Yoga makes me feel like I can do anything," and has called her longtime NYC-based teacher Tricia Donegan an inspiration, saying " . . . yoga heals me and so do you."

Source: Terry Richardson, Getty, Twitter

5 Health Reasons to Make Time For Cuddling

Shape — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 04:08:28 PST

We are excited to share one of our fave stories from Shape here on FitSugar.

Next time your guy gets on your case about cuddle time — he says he's too hot, needs his space, doesn't feel like relaxing — present the evidence. Research suggests that there's more to cuddling than meets the eye. Lovey-dovey'ness aside, the health benefits of cuddling will surely convince him to make time for it.

Reason 1: It Feels Good
Cuddling releases oxytocin, which is also known as the feel-good hormone. "It increases overall happiness," says psychologist, physical therapist, and author of bestseller A Happy You: Your Ultimate Prescription for Happiness Elizabeth Lombardo.

"Cuddling, holding, and sexual play releases chemicals, like oxytocin, in the brain that create a sense of well-being and happiness," says Dr. Renee Horowitz, an ob-gyn who recently opened the Center for Sexual Wellness in Farmington Hills, Michigan.

Cuddling can also release endorphins, which is the chemical released after a good workout or when you eat chocolate, Horowitz adds, which contributes to that great feeling.

Dr. Oz: 5 Tips for Lasting Love, Health, and Happiness

Reason 2: It Makes You Feel Sexy
The most obvious benefit to cuddling is getting close to your partner in the physical sense. Cuddling can lead to fun sexy time or relaxing and loving time post sexual intercourse, but there's also a chemical plus.

"There is also the release of dopamine, which is an excitatory hormone that increases sexual desire," Horowitz says. Plus, studies show that sex is healthy for fitness and mental reasons, too. So it's a win-win.

Keep reading for two more reason to snuggle up!

Little Daily Tricks to Wake Up Slimmer

Health — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 10:01:00 PST

We are pumped to share one of our favorite stories from Health.com here on our site.

By Jessica Girdwain

We get it: you want to lose the jiggle but don’t want to blacklist your favorite eats, count every single calorie, or overdose on gym hours. The great news is, you can drop weight without dieting: experts say making small change-ups to your day is one of the best ways to lose.

We grilled health and fitness pros for the tweaks that will help your shape the most. Road test a few, and you could shed five (this week!), 10, or even 20-plus pounds without a whole lot of effort.

Health.com: Diet Tricks the Pros Tell Their Friends

Power up PB
"Buy natural varieties of peanut butter and pour off the oil sitting on top. Each serving will have 20 fewer calories and two to three fewer grams of fat. It’s a small difference that'll add up to a couple of pounds per year."
-Amelia Winslow, personal chef in Los Angeles and founder of the healthy food blog Eating Made Easy

Pop to It
"Skimping on fiber will make you gain weight. Forget the pretzels and go for a bag of low-fat popcorn. It has five times the fiber and only 90 calories for six cups, so it’s filling and satisfying.

A recent study found that when women doubled their daily fiber intake from 12 to 24 grams, their bodies absorbed 90 calories less per day. You could lose almost 10 pounds in a year!"
-Tanya Zuckerbrot, RD, author of The F-Factor Diet: Discover the Secret to Permanent Weight Loss

Health.com: Fill Up on Fiber

Dance Your Butt Off
"Kick up your heels and go dancing with your girlfriends - or have a solo dance session at home. Fast-tempo dances are not only a blast to do, but in an hour you’ll torch 400 to 500 calories. That’s equivalent to light jogging on the treadmill, but it’s way more fun!"
-Christine Avanti, author of Skinny Chicks Eat Real Food: Lose the Fake Food and Kickstart Your Weight Loss

Keep on reading for great slimming tips!

How Can I Get Rid of Love Handles?

Shape — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 04:14:40 PST

We are excited to share one of our fave stories from Shape here on FitSugar. This week Shape turns to personal trainer and strength coach Joe Dowdell for some help!

Q: How can I get rid of love handles?

A: There isn't just one secret to losing love handles - it's a combination of factors. It's true that the typical answer of total-body strength training, high-intensity cardio intervals, proper nutrition, and sound recovery strategies are the keys to long-term success, but there are more secret strategies for burning belly fat.

You've probably heard that cortisol, the "stress hormone," is responsible for excess abdominal fat, but that's only part of the story. Your body produces cortisol in response to stress—physical, mental, or emotional. This may include extremely low-calorie diets (fasting or starvation), infection, lack of quality sleep, emotional trauma, or intense exercise, as well as daily stressors such as job pressure or relationship trouble.

Top 50 Fall Dit Foods for Weight Loss

Stress and cortisol alone do not make you fat, but research has linked high cortisol levels with storage of body fat, particularly visceral belly fat. Visceral fat is packed deeper in the abdominal cavity and around the internal organs, whereas "regular" fat is stored below the skin (known as subcutaneous fat). Visceral fat is particularly unhealthy because it is a risk factor for heart disease and diabetes. Therefore, the key to avoid storing excess fat around your middle is controlling your cortisol response, or the amount of stress on your body.

Learn the top tips for getting rid of love handles after the break!

5 Rumors About the iPhone 5 That Might Actually Be True

GeekSugar — Fri, 30 Sep 2011 12:21:10 PDT

There are endless iPhone 5 rumors floating around the Internet on a given day, but how do you know which ones are based in reality? We've scoured through some of the most prominent rumors and rounded up a few that we think might actually be true. Check them out below.

It will be announced on Oct. 4 - Earlier this week media received invitations to an event at Apple's Cupertino headquarters on Oct. 4 with the message "Let's talk iPhone." Tuesday can't come soon enough.
It could have voice control - Reports of an "Assistant" feature indicate voice activation that will allow users to make appointments, get directions, and set reminders as well as send SMS and iMessage texts just by speaking commands.
It could be released on Oct. 15 - France Telecom's CEO announced to the press recently that he's been told the iPhone 5 will be released on Oct. 15. This seems to fit the other release date rumors we've heard, which pinpoint the iPhone 5 launch to be "sometime in early October." Additionally, an Apple employee who remained nameless says we're "just weeks away" from an iPhone 5 announcement. We're not sure why Apple would launch the iPhone on a Saturday, so we're betting on the 14th instead.
It could be available on Sprint - There are several rumors saying that Sprint won't just get the iPhone 5, but that it will offer unlimited data packages with the device and will also get its own iPad 2.
It could be slimmer, wider - Several leaked cases (and case images) seem to suggest that the iPhone 5 could come with a new form factor, similar to the iPad 2. A slimmer, wider body, tapered back, and rounded edges.
It could come with a better camera - Though a next-gen iPhone is almost guaranteed to come with a better camera, a photo that popped up on Flickr recently suggests the camera could be 8MP. Someone from inside Apple's cafeteria at 1 Infinite Loop in Cupertino, CA, snapped a pic of his sushi lunch and uncovered image data says it has an original size of 3264 x 2448 - approximately 8MP. Fishy, indeed.

Are Sore Muscles a Sign of a Good Workout?

Shape — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 04:29:57 PDT

We are excited to share one of our fave stories from Shape here on FitSugar.

If your New Year's resolution to get in shape stalled out fast, you might be panicking right about now since bikini season is right around the bend. Making up for lost time with an aggressive workout routine will likely leave you sore, but begging for more once you see your thighs trim down and take form.

That burn you feel 24 to 48 hours after an intense workout is called delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS), and it's enough to make you want to put down the Kettlebell and pick up a cocktail. But press on! We talked to fitness and nutrition expert Harley Pasternak, M.Sc., author of The 5-Factor World Diet, and trainer to celebrities like Lady Gaga, Megan Fox, and Halle Berry, about why (some) pain is good.

"The idea behind resistance training is that you're basically tearing something and creating a micro trauma in the muscle," Pasternak says. "When the muscle recovers, it's going to recover stronger and denser than it was before." So that soreness you feel the day after an upper-body workout-when you're hauling groceries into your car and you can hardly lift your arms-is good.

See Harley's tips for reducing DOMS after the break!