Back to Basics: Dumbbell Squats


Updated 07/20/11 8:35 AM · Posted by FitSugar · 4 comments

Back to Basics: Dumbbell Squats

Not everyone shares my love of squats, but strong quads, hamstrings, glutes, and a lower back are essential if you're looking to run or cycle faster, as well as help prevent sports-related injuries. So going back to the basics, I want to review dumbbell squats. They are easy and effective. To learn how to do this exercise read more Read more

Love Your Lower Half: Your Go-To Wardrobe and Workout


Updated 02/07/12 8:38 AM · Posted by Fitness Magazine · 0 comments

Two Great Moves to Tone Your Butt

We are excited to share one of our fave stories from Fitness Magazine here on FitSugar! We've been thinking a lot about our backsides the past few months here at Fitness, as our team put together part one of our "Body Lab" to help you get a butt that defies gravity (see the February issue for more!). While we work hard in the gym to sculpt a better behind, we don't complain when we get a little Read more

From the Community: a Total-Body Toning Circuit


Updated 01/24/12 1:00 AM · Posted by Fit Community · 0 comments

Total Body Circuit Workout Using Resistance Band and Weights

FitSugar reader FitFabCities has a circuit workout that works your entire body. She shared the video with us in our Fit Community. Grab a resistance band and a pair of dumbbells, and you're good to go for this full-body circuit-training workout . . . and the best part is you don't even have to leave your living room to do it. That said, this is also a great workout to try at the gym if you're Read more

5 Reasons Not to Be Intimidated By Free Weights


Updated 01/08/12 11:38 AM · Posted by FitSugar · 1 comment

Reasons to Do Free Weight Exercises

The free weights section of the gym can be a bit daunting thanks to floor-to-ceiling mirrors, stacks of barbells and dumbbells, and a crowd of bodybuilding types. But the benefits of free weight exercises are great, so it's important to boost your dumbbell confidence. Here are five reasons you should take a break from the weight machines: Your know more than you think you know. There aren't any Read more

Get Fit For 2012: How to Start Strength Training


Updated 01/20/12 2:47 PM · Posted by · 0 comments

Tips to Get Started With Strength Training

It's a new year, and we think you should ring in 2012 with some dumbbells! Yes, it's time to start strength training. And to help, we asked FITiST celeb trainer Adam Ernster to teach us a bit about the basics of building muscle. Watch and learn, not only how to safely start a strength training routine, but three moves to incorporate into your sweat session: squats, push-ups, and rows. Read more

Be Thankful For a Fit Body!


Updated 11/28/11 4:35 PM · Posted by Fitness Magazine · 0 comments

Exercises to Rev Your Metabolism Before Thanksgiving

We are excited to share one of our fave stories from Fitness Magazine here on FitSugar! Besides gratitude, Thanksgiving is known for being all about food, family and (watching) football. But the team at DavidBartonGym (DBG) says that you can still enjoy the festivities while keeping up your fitness levels as well. How? Their experts claim that an intense resistance-based workout within two hours Read more

5 Tips For Strength-Training Newbies


Updated 11/17/11 9:31 AM · Posted by · 1 comment

Beginner Strength Training Tips

Aside from toned and sculpted muscles, strength training can also make you a better runner, cyclist, or swimmer. Increasing your muscle mass also increases your metabolism since muscles burn calories at a higher rate than fat. These are all great reasons to include strength training in your routine. If you're new to the scene, here are some helpful tips for beginners. Start off nice and easy: Read more

Quick Tip: Keep Your Shoulders Down


Updated 11/04/11 9:00 AM · Posted by · 0 comments

Tips For Proper Shoulder Form When Lifting Weights

So many things to think about when strength training, like where to place your feet, how to keep from arching your back, and not overdoing it on the weights. I'm constantly reminding myself to do all these things, but one main thing that commonly plagues me, whether I'm doing a squat or a bicep curl, is how not to hunch my shoulders. I'm not alone; rounded backs and hunched shoulders are one of Read more

3 Ways to Incorporate Strength Training, Easily and Anywhere


Updated 11/01/11 3:45 AM · Posted by · 0 comments

Ways to Quickly Strength Train at Home or Work

If you're a cardio junkie, chances are you'd rather spend your workout on the treadmill or trails. But you shouldn't be neglecting your muscles in favor of your heart since building muscle helps up your metabolism and prevent injuries. But don't think you have to spend a whole session on the weights. Break up your strength training routine into more manageable parts with these tips. Do it at Read more

8 Ways to Motivate and Get Off Your Cold Weather Butt


Updated 10/27/11 6:03 AM · Posted by Self · 3 comments

Ways to Motivate Yourself to Work Out During the Winter

We are pumped to share one of our fave stories from Self here on FitSugar! I got chills. They're multiplying. But they're not of the Grease Lightening variety. It's getting cold (nearly 75 degrees in LA) and I'm starting to see visions of couches, heavy meals, hot chocolate and layered clothing (to hide the blubber!). What? You need fat for warmth . . . supposedly. Okay, fine. Better nip this Read more