FitSugar

The Best Hotel Room Workout

FitSugar — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 11:16:31 PST

Don’t let holiday travel keep you from getting a good workout. We've created a fitness routine to keep the happy traveler toned; in just five easy moves you can work your arms, legs, and fanny. Perfect for a the cramped space of a hotel room or a living room with the sofa sleeper pulled out, this workout is easy to fit in anywhere - and I mean that literally. With simple variations and props you can find in almost any hotel room or your host's home - a towel and phone book - you can customize your workout to target different muscles. You've got what it takes, wherever you go, to take care of yourself.

5 At-Home Fitness Tips From the American Idol Trainer, Marco Reed

Self — Wed, 01 Jun 2011 06:05:47 PDT

We are pumped to share one of our fave stories from Self here on FitSugar!

If you've seen the new svelte Jennifer Hudson (that's "J-Hud" to you) in Weight Watchers commercials, you know that the transformation from "hopeful" to "diva" can be a big change. And not just from a physical standpoint.

That's why - whether readying clients for class reunions, weddings, new jobs, new chapters, or performing nightly in front of millions of viewers - frequent American Idol trainer Marco Reed's GetBeyondFit program weighs stress management and stamina as heavily as body sculpting and nutrition.

Idol top-three finalist Haley Reinhart buddies up to trainer Marco Reed.

At this time of year, after American Idol has reached its stunning conclusion, and TV audiences are readying themselves to move onto other shows like The Bachelorette, Marco Reed's job is just beginning.

After the initial hoopla has died down, the show's producers recruit this go-to trainer to ready their new pop stars - like David Cook and Adam Lambert in the past - for album releases and solo tours. (Though Casey Abrams and Haley Reinhart have not trained with Reed, they have been in touch.) An avid watcher of the show, Reed confesses, "I really enjoyed Casey Abrams and Haley. However, I would love to work with Lauren once the show ends. She has a sparkle about her, and I think she would benefit from my GetBeyondFit program."

But what makes that program so unique? And how can we get on board? To find out, keep on reading!

Ancient Meets Modern: Would You Take a Webcam Yoga Class?

Leta Shy — Mon, 21 Feb 2011 03:30:12 PST

When I think of yoga, it's all about community: the regulars you befriend in class, the shared experiences of awkwardly trying to perfect a pose, and even the aspect of possibly (ew) sharing germs.

When it comes to home practice, however, tranquil solitude reigns. And while DVDs (and sites like Yoga Today) can help guide you, there's no interactivity or feedback from a teacher to help you perfect your pose or modify a position.

Does this mean the time has come for the ancient meditative practice to meet modern video conferencing technology? Sarah Hamilton, a yoga teacher in training, thinks so. She holds free classes from her home and uses the same web conferencing technology that gets her through her high-powered day job to stream live video to your computer or phone, so you can practice along with her. Since it's live, she's able to ask students to give her feedback throughout the class, and if they have a video camera they can aim it to their mat so she can see them too.

While it's not the personalized attention you get at an in-person yoga class, it seems like it would beat just popping in a tired DVD. What do you think? Is a video conference yoga class a cheaper, more comfortable alternative to studios, or should there be a line drawn between yoga and technology?

What's Your Favorite At-Home Gym Equipment?

Leta Shy — Fri, 11 Feb 2011 09:55:14 PST

Spring may be not so far away, but many of you may be stuck indoors for weeks to come before it's warm (or safe) enough to bring your workout outside. So many times, the gym comes to the living room instead with just a few key pieces of equipment that you find yourself using over and over during the dreary Winter months for your at-home workout.

No matter what level of fitness you are, chances are you have some equipment stored in your home that helps you get the most out of your exercise time. Whether you like to get in your cardio at home or if you spend most of your at-home workout strength training, which equipment do you use the most when you can't make it outside or to the gym to train?

The 13th Mile: At-Home Workouts For Winter Snowstorms

OnSugar Blog — Mon, 07 Feb 2011 04:00:55 PST

This post is from the OnSugar blog The 13th Mile - A Half Marathon Blog.

A few weeks ago, I wrote on the ease of continuing to run outside, despite extreme weather conditions - like post-snowstorm. However, I do believe that at a certain point - like when the roads are coated with semi-invisible ice, or your city is in the midst of a blizzard - taking the workout indoors is one’s only option.

The problem with indoor workouts is that there are too many distractions. It’s easy to fall victim to the household chores or that favorite TV show. But these activities can simply be woven into the overall fitness routine while multitasking!

1. Weighted TV watching - As many trainers and fitness experts agree, lifting weights several times a week is one of the best ways to torch calories for 24 hours post-workout while boosting metabolism. For those of us with no time left over for TV, lunges, crunches, and tricep-dips might just be the only time to catch up on the most recent episode of our favorite TV shows. Might as well get the most out of the time!

See even more ideas when you

At Home Cardio Moves

FitSugar — Mon, 31 Jan 2011 04:30:58 PST

If Snowmaggadon is interfering with your runs, you're going to have to move your cardio inside - and this does't have to mean "treadmill time." With the right moves, you can get your heart rate up in the privacy of your living room. Here are some of my fave at-home cardio moves.

Small sprints: think of these like mini killers.
Jumping jacks: a classic move known for elevating your heart rate.
Jump rope: if you don't have a rope, jump with a pretend one.
Skipping: this childish form of locomotion is great for your legs and heart rate.
Mountain Climbers: like running in place while in the plank position.

See the rest of my heart thumping moves.

Get Glowing With YogaGlo

Michele Bell — Wed, 17 Nov 2010 14:30:38 PST

In my little utopia, I'd have a little sunny yoga deck off my bedroom where a personal yoga instructor would help me with my practice in privacy. Sadly that is not my reality, but I have found a pretty darn good substitute. It may not provide the sunshine, but YogaGlo does just about everything else.

Branded as "everyone's yoga," YogaGlo offers something for everyone - without all the boredom that some find in DVDs. For $18 a month, which is about the going rate for one studio class, subscribers can pick from over 600 classes. Unlike my local gym, which only offers a few versions of 55-minute classes, YogaGlo serves up sessions for folks who have five minutes, 15 minutes, 45 minutes, or 210 minutes. And it's not just basic yoga. Anusara, Hatha, Kundalini, and Yin are just a few of the versions offered at beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels.

Want to learn more about it?

Wax On and Wax Off to a Better Bod

FitSugar — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 04:30:32 PDT

The dog days of Summer are quickly coming to a close. Before the lingering warm days are gone, I dare you to take advantage of them by washing your car and giving your body a good workout.

Last weekend, I busted out a bucket, sponges, a hose, and my waterproof shoes. An hour later, I had a sparkling set of wheels and my guns were ablazin'. If you're up for it, engage in these steps and add any other tips to the comments!

Put some elbow grease into your washing movements with circular motions. Think like Mr. Miyagi . . . wax on, wax off.
If you are covering a large side of the car, you can lunge from side to side as you clean and dry the car.
When you're washing the back of the car, add some leg lifts while you swipe with the sponges.
When it's time to clean the wheels, practice your squats - remember they're not just for the gym anymore.
Time for the grill! After drying off the car, prop yourself up on the bumper for a few push-ups.

DVD Review: Jillian Michaels - 30 Day Shred

FitSugar — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 08:00:31 PDT

I know that many of you share my admiration for Jillian Michaels of Biggest Loser fame, with her no-nonsense approach to exercising and her ability to get the contestants up and moving. So I was excited to check out her workout DVD, Jillian Michaels - 30 Day Shred ($11).

As the title implies, the workout promises visible results in a month, if you do it every day for 30 days. (“Up to 20 lbs. in 30 days!”) Though that may seem like a big undertaking, the commitment is small - just about 25 minutes a day. Between the short workout sessions and Michaels’s motivation, I was feeling amped that I had a winning DVD on my hands.

To hear more about the 30 Day Shred,

Recession Proof Your Workout: DIY Home Exercise Equipment

FitSugar — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 03:30:00 PDT

The economy is on almost everyone's minds these days, but it's important that despite the tough times, we keep ahead of our health. If you're trying to cut back on your costs, you can easily transform a few items at home into your exercise equipment. The Mayo Clinic had a few good ideas as to how. They are:

Canned goods. Many canned goods can serve double duty as hand weights.
Milk or water jugs. Fill empty milk or water jugs with water or sand and secure the tops with duct tape. To adjust the weights as your fitness level changes, simply add more water or sand. If you wonder how much weight you're lifting, simply weigh the jug on your household scale.
Step stools. A low, sturdy step stool can become exercise equipment if you use it for step training - an aerobic exercise resembling stair climbing.

I've got a few ideas of my own to add to the list so