FitSugar

P.L.O.W. – Shiny Shiny Diamonds

FitSugar — Sat, 05 Apr 2008 04:00:00 -0700

To help wrap up engagement week, I thought I would make a playlist full of diamond songs, plus a tune by everyone's favorite Diamond – Neil, that's for you mom! It is a fairly mellow music mix but should still help you get your heart rate up. This playlist would be a great musical accompaniment for a stress relieving power walk or a planning walk, because why would you want to plan sitting down?

To hear the playlist just click the right arrow after you read more.

Total PLOW = 34:25

To see all of our wedding coverage, check out IDoSugar.com!

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Get Wedding Dress Ready: Pre-Wedding Workouts

FitSugar — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 07:30:00 -0700

If you're looking to get fit for your big day then you might want to enlist some help. There are a lot of ways to do your pre-wedding training with programs designed with brides in mind. Just keep in mind, it's best to start any fitness training at least 4-6 weeks before the big day. So here are a few of my ideas:

The Wedding Boot Camp DVD ($109). This package of three workout DVDs, a Spri Exertube, a Spri Lex Loop, 12 months access to UNICUS Online, and the Wedding Boot Camp Nutritional Manual. Each DVD contains a different workout that should be done a different day of the week.
If you've already spent more than you'd like on your wedding and are looking for something free then check out current fitness magazines. I personally like Shape magazine's Total Body Wedding Workout that can be found online and printed out.

I've got a few more ideas so read more.

Call your gym or a local gym. Most are offering bridal workout programs and specials this time of year. Keep in mind that just because it doesn't say "bridal," or "wedding," doesn't mean it won't whip you into shape. A lot of full body programs and boot camps would do the trick, inquire at your gym or just look for regular boot camp programs near you. Just be sure to sign up with enough time to complete the program.
The Wedding Podcast Network has some Wedding Workout specific podcasts that give great tips from good personal trainers on getting wedding dress ready. Download them and listen to them on your way to the gym or before you start a workout to get motivated.
You can also use my own boot camp video. It's free. It's fun. And it's brought to you be me!

To see all of our wedding coverage, check out IDoSugar.com!

Don't Overdo When Getting Ready to Say "I Do"

FitSugar — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 03:30:00 -0700

While I told you that it's never too early to get in shape for your wedding, I also wanted to add a few words of caution: Keep the weight loss in check!

It seems that as the trend for lavish and expensive weddings grows, brides are putting more and more pressure on themselves to be "perfect" for their wedding days. While this concept of perfection includes a fancy gown and professionally done hair and makeup, it is starting to include a body that is "red carpet" worthy. And for that "look" many women feel they need to lose weight. A recent study published in the journal Appetite found that 70 percent of brides felt the need to lose at least 20 pounds. While most women used their engagements to start a healthy weight loss and fitness plan, 20 percent of the 272 women interviewed succumbed to extreme dieting and dangerous behaviors like taking up smoking and vomiting between meals. Other unhealthy behaviors these women participated in included: skipping meals, going on liquid diets, fasting, or taking laxatives or unprescribed diet pills and supplements.

As a reminder I would like to state again that getting in shape and losing weight is a lifestyle change, and it takes time, patience and hard work. A healthy and reasonable weight loss rate is losing a maximum of two pounds a week. So, if you are getting ready to say "I do" just make sure you don't "over do." It might also help to brush up on how to steer clear of fad diets. When setting your goals for getting wedding ready, just make sure they are reasonable. Enter your marriage strong and healthy so the vow, "In sickness and in health" will truly resonate.

To see all of our wedding season coverage, check out IDoSugar.com.

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Register For Your Wedding the Healthy Way

FitSugar — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 10:15:00 -0700

It's never too early to get in shape for your wedding, but you also can't be blamed for thinking about the wedding gifts right off the bat. You can go the traditional route and register for home and kitchen items, or you can mix it up with some fitness-related finds, from tandem bikes to gym memberships.

I was actually surprised to find a number of online retailers that let you register for fitness-related gifts. Even if you're already married or not getting hitched anytime soon, these make great gift ideas for any fit newlyweds on your list. To see what I've come up with, read more.

Yoga and Pilates Gear: Alternative online retailer Gaiam has a gift registry where you can choose from yoga gear and DVDs, as well as Pilates accessories and exercise balls.
At-Home Fitness Equipment: Through Amazon's wedding registry, you can register for items like treadmills, dumbbells, and other gym equipment for your new love nest.
Outdoorsy Options: Hiking and camping enthusiasts should check out the gift registry at REI, where you can shop for everything from climbing and cycling gear to tandem kayaks.

Did any of you register for fitness-related wedding gifts? If so I'd love to hear your stories. To see all of our wedding coverage, check out IDoSugar.com.

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It's Not Too Early to Get in Shape For Your Wedding

FitSugar — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 07:30:00 -0700

If you've recently gotten engaged or know that a wedding is in the distant future for you, it's never too early to start thinking about getting fit for the big day. Not only do you want to look your best, but it's great to get in the habit of living a healthy lifestyle before your wedding, so you'll have a long life to share with your partner.

Here are some things to start thinking about:

If you're looking to lose weight, you can meet with a dietitian. They can help you come up with a safe and healthy eating plan that will be nutritious and low in calories.
If you're looking to tone up specific areas of your body (like your upper arms and back) you can hire a personal trainer. They'll be able to show you exercises for each area you're concerned about.
You can also just do toning and strengthening exercises on your own. This Starter Arms video is a great routine that's sure to work every muscle in your upper body. Also, there are a lot of DVDs that you may enjoy.

What else can you start doing? To find out read more.

If you're looking to lose weight, you can start including more cardio in your routine. You can join a gym and use the cardio machines, and since the weather is getting warmer, you can walk, jog, hike, or ride your bike outside. To see results, you want to do at least 30 minutes of cardio at least three times a week.
Exercise with your partner. Not only will it keep you both healthy, but it's another way you can spend time together.

The great thing about all of these ideas is that not only will exercising regularly and eating more healthy help you get in shape for the big day, but you'll have more energy to plan the wedding - a pleasant side effect of working out.

To see all of our wedding coverage, check out IDoSugar.com.

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Get Ready for Your Engagement Portrait

FitSugar — Thu, 29 Mar 2007 10:15:00 -0700

Now that you're engaged you probably have a lot going on. Many brides and grooms opt to take an engagement portrait to commemorate the occasion or maybe it's part of your photographer's package... Nonetheless, you're going to want to look good.

Being that most people take their engagement photos well before the wedding you may not have had as much time to really tone up but there are a few things you can do to make sure you're looking like a dazzling bride-to-be in the pic:

Sleep: Sounds crazy to remind you to sleep but with all the stuff you have on your plate, sleep may come secondary to planning. Sleep can help boost your immune system. You'll look (and feel better) after getting the recommended eight hours. Besides, nothing kills an engagement portrait like dark circles under the bride's eyes.
Eat: Skipping meals might seem like a good idea for the bride who wants to lose a few pounds, but it couldn't be further from the truth. Your overworked body needs that nourishment in order to maintain its energy and keep up with your jam-packed schedule. Eat, but eat healthfully.

There are more tips, so read more

Start (or continue) a Fitness Program: Chances are you've already started your fitness program to get toned for the big day. If you haven't, start today and use your engagement portrait as motivation to get started. Estimate your goals by months -- If you follow a healthy diet and exercise program you should be able to safely lose one pound (3500 calories) per week, so that is about 4 pounds per month. Not motivated enough to go about it on your own? Look into doing a Bridal Bootcamp.
Skip the Magic Bullet: You may be enticed to do a fad diet or power-hour workouts, but remember the big picture here: Your wedding day. Taking extreme measures to lose weight fast for your engagement portrait may mean that you'll end up putting that weight back on by the time your big day rolls around.
Drink lots of water: Drinking water will not only keep you hydrated, but it will keep your skin looking fabulous for your picture.

We've got lots of great wedding tips and tidbits from across the Sugar Network in the Wedding Talk Group -- You should definitely check it out!

Yes Sir, I Do! Basic Training for Brides

FitSugar — Mon, 26 Mar 2007 09:30:00 -0700

So you're engaged! Yipeee! Congratulations. Now comes the hard part (along with everything else you have to do): finding the time to get in shape for your big day. Recently a lot of brides have been taking the guess work out of getting fit for their big day by enrolling in Basic Training for Brides.

Doug Rice of FittobeWedLive.com has an option for bridal fitness training online if you don't live in the LA area.
The super cool gym in NYC also offers a complete Bride to Be Program for a pretty penny.
Lisa Reed Fitness in Arlington, VA offers Bride to be Fit personal training sessions. Visit the site for pricing and to set up appointments.
Yvette Goree-Harris a personal trainer out of Houston, TX offers her own one on one Bridal Fitness Classes as well.
Look for Bridal Fitness group classes, programs or personal trainers offering special rates for brides near you -- Prices and programs will vary.

Fit's Tip: Sign up for bridal basic training (or start any fitness program) at least 4-6 weeks before your planned date.

7 Days of FitSugar: Roundup

FitSugar — Sat, 31 Mar 2007 03:30:00 -0700

FitSugar has a lot to say about Sugar Network Engagement week.

Read this if you are confused about what setting to use on cardio equipment.

Do you like to bake? Do you like energy bars? Then read about Matisse and Jack's TrailBlaze bake-at-home energy bar mix. They are tasty!!!!

Learn the difference between moderate and high intensity training.

Are you planning your Passover meal? Or if you simply are a fan of almonds - you must try this Almond Macaroon recipe.

If you like dancing or Dancing with the Stars you need to check out this Cardio Dance Dancing with the Stars DVD.

Do you know how much caffeine is in your favorite drink? Take this caffeine quiz and test your knowledge.

If you're planning on going to Dunkin' Donuts anytime soon you should check out this breakdown of most of their menu options.

Looking to add push-ups to your workout routine? Read this post on push-ups to help get you started.

Tell me your favorite thing about the arrival of SPRING!!!!

Looking to get Hollywood Momma Arms?

Here are some tips on how to order when dining out on a diet.

Looking for cute gym shorts? Well, I've got many a pair for you to peruse.

Do you know how much water you should be drinking? This beverage guidance system will...guide you.

Celebs Like to Shake It

FitSugar — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 05:50:58 -0700

At first, the Power Plate seems like another gimmicky weight-loss product, but its website features endorsements from fit celebs like Madonna, Courteney Cox, and Hilary Swank. On top of that, it's used by over 60 college and pro sports teams, and the Police brought one with them on their reunion tour. That's some serious ~~celeb~~ street cred.

The secret behind the Power Plate is its vibrating plates. The manufacturer claims that if you stand on it for 10 minutes a day, three times a week, you'll lose weight, tone your body, and improve bone density. To really maximize the benefits of the machine, it's encouraged that you do the same exercises you would do on the floor - sit-ups, for example - on the Power Plate.

Cougar Town actress Cox says the Power Plate was essential in shaping her up for her new role: "The Power Plate machine has dramatically changed my workout. I know that every muscle in my body is being ignited in ways that you can't do with traditional training."

To see a video of Cox's trainer Michelle Lovett demonstrating the Power Plate, read more.

They call the technology behind the machine Acceleration Training: the vibrations transmit energy waves to the body that are able to contract muscles 25 to 50 times per second. This is suppose to help stimulate blood flow, work the muscles harder than ever before, and increase strength and flexibility.

Vibration training is not a new thing in the fitness world (remember the black rubber belts that used to go around the waist to shake off fat?), but it's been picking up steam especially as it garners more backing from the medical community and health professionals.

Studies done on the effects of vibration training show that if used properly, it's more beneficial at building lean muscle mass, improving weight loss, and increasing strength and speed than exercise regimens without vibration training. Researchers warn that the machines should not be used for more than 30 minutes a day due to health concerns about engaging the body in high-amplitude vibrations like back pain or blurred vision.

I remain a little skeptical, mostly because I can't get the Shake Weights infomercial out of my head, but my curiosity is piqued. My gym doesn't have a Power Plate yet, does yours? I'd love to hear what you think of this new workout.

Anna Paquin Shares Her Healthy Habits

FitSugar — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 14:30:08 -0700

With her fresh face and healthy physique, True Blood star Anna Paquin has made a graceful transition from child star to sexy vamp. In this week's issue of Us, the recently engaged, 27-year-old actress talks about the healthy habits that keep her feeling and looking great.

Paquin understands the importance of mixing up her fitness routine. "I'm obsessed with Pilates," says the star. But she also loves swimming in the ocean and recently took her first surf lesson.
A big fan of watching gymnastics on TV, Paquin once dabbled in trapeze arts: "I've always wanted to be a circus performer, so I took aerial silks classes at Trapeze School New York a few years ago."
Since staying healthy isn't just about exercising, Paquin gets plenty of rest and avoids unhealthy habits. She says she takes a lot of naps and that "Kombucha and coffee are my two biggest vices."

If those are here only vices, I can understand how she looks so good! Do you think she's a good role model?