FitSugar

Fit Tip: Be Seen on Dark Morning Runs and Rides

FitSugar — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 03:00:00 -0700

When I asked yesterday if the dark mornings were making it difficult to work out before work, a few of you mentioned safety issues about running in the dark. I agree with this challenge as I try to fit my runs into days with fewer hours of light. If you can't rearrange your schedule to move your workouts to a brighter time of day, you want to make sure you can be seen by cars, bikers, and fellow pedestrians. Wear light-colored clothes, preferably ones that contain reflector strips. If it's really dark out, a blinking LED vest ($35) will allow you to be seen up to a mile away. If that's a little too much for you, attach this Petzl Safety Light ($15) to your jacket or these Cat Eye front and rear lights ($30) to your bike. Once you have your safety gear on, you'll feel good about working out in the dark.

Fit's Tips: For added safety, find a buddy to run or ride with you. But do remember, just because you are wearing lights and reflectors doesn't insure that you can be seen. Take to the streets defensively and always run towards traffic.

Dress For Cooler Weather in Layers

FitSugar — Wed, 03 Oct 2007 10:15:00 -0700

In many parts of the country (and world), the weather is turning a bit cooler. This means that your early morning and evening runs can be a bit on the chilly side. One of the best ways to run prepared is by dressing in layers.

Here's my fool proof layering system that keeps me warm and dry on even the chilliest of fall nights.

Start with a light base layer. I like my base layers to be made from a wicking material since this is the layer that lies on your skin and you want to stay dry.
The next layer should be a light top. I like long sleeved but some people prefer short sleeves. This layer does not need to be made from a wicking material because hopefully layer one is taking care of that for you.
If it's really chilly, you may want to think about adding a third layer. This layer can be anything from a lightweight fleece to a windbreaker to a water resistant jacket. It's up to you how protective or warm you want to go.
Think about wearing a hat and gloves too, especially since heat leaves your body through your head and hands as well.

If you get hot, you can always remove the top layer and tie it around your waist. I know its not the most attractive look, but it does the trick.

Fit's Tip: When layering, don't go too tight or too loose. Tight layers may cause uncomfortable chaffing or sweat rash, and too loose layers will not insulate your body as well.

Source

Cold Weather Tip: Warm up Indoors

FitSugar — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 15:00:00 -0700

I don't know about you but working out in the cold can sometimes be uncomfortable because it makes my muscles extra tight. What helps me is to warm up inside before heading out into the chilly weather.

Before a run or bike ride, I do about 5-10 minutes of light cardio inside. Jogging in place, jumping rope, or going up and down my stairs is just enough activity to loosen up my body and get my blood pumping. When I get outside, it's less of a shock to my system. If you'd rather do your warm-up exercises outside, a hot shower is another great way to loosen up your muscles before a cold weather workout.

Dealing With the End of Daylight Saving

FitSugar — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 03:47:19 -0800

Although sleep experts believe "falling back" and gaining an hour in Autumn is easier than losing an hour in Spring, it will still take your body a few days to acclimate to the time change. Here are a few tips on how to keep the change from adversely affecting your sleep habits:

As much as it may seem like a good idea, avoid drinking extra caffeine for a few days after the time shift.
Similar to avoiding that extra cup of joe, you should avoid taking a nap. Napping can interfere with your ability to fall asleep at the proper bedtime.
Catch early morning rays. This could be with a run or just basking in the sunlight through a window.
Don't get behind the wheel if you're feeling sleepy. Driving and dozing is a dangerous thing.

Healthy Dose Link Time

FitSugar — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 11:02:48 -0700

Lighten up your fettuccine alfredo - That's Fit
Learn a thing from Lance Armstrong's coach - Fit Bottomed Girls
Arm warmers make Fall runs cozy - Fresh Fitness Tips
Don't fear symmetry, muscular imbalances lead to injury - Marks' Daily Apple
How's your gluten? It's Celiac Disease Awareness Month - FitCeleb
Skip the online swine flu drugs', they're phony - The Daily WD
Eight powerful ladies who thrive on a vegetarian diet - Lunch Box Bunch
Heat up your workout with the sexy S factor - Shape
Algae shot for your health? - Vital Juice

Healthy Dose Link Time

FitSugar — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 11:00:33 -0700

Cucumber tartines for a lowfat and fancy snack - Vitamin G
Three ways to run almost barefoot - Vital Juice
How Starbucks affects your waist - That's Fit
Katie Holmes runs in 769 Pink New Balance sneakers - Fit Celeb
Get physical with your man and make a tennis date - Fresh Fitness Tips
Make the most of your next sushi meal - Healthy Bites
Ten salads to avoid when dining out - Daily Spark
Don't fall prey to the couch potato syndrome this Autumn - Health

Jennifer Love Hewitt on the Shape of Things

FitSugar — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 04:30:46 -0700

Gracing October's cover of Shape magazine, Jennifer Love Hewitt looks amazingly toned and smiley in her frilly white bikini, but she has the same insecurities all women have about their bodies. She shares:

"For the most part, yeah, I'm happy with my body, but there are days when I'm like, 'Ugh! Really? Why is it so hard to fit into my jeans?' That's when I say to myself, 'I look this way because I'm supposed to. If we all looked the same, we'd be boring.'"

I think she looks fantastic, and she's shared her tips on how she keeps her body looking healthy and fit. To hear them read more.

When it comes to her diet, Jennifer grocery shops every two days. She says, "Instead of piling up food in my fridge that says 'Come eat me!' I keep enough for only a couple of days." She rarely keeps fattening treats around to avoid temptations from her late night cravings. She says, "What am I going to do? Drive out at 11 at night just to satisfy a craving? No, that's crazy." She also eats lunch. I know that sounds pretty obvious, but in her business, many women skip out in order to stay super skinny. She opts for healthy choices like a salad with every meal, and lots of fruits and veggies.

Exercise is also top on Jennifer's list. We know she plays tennis (even in heels!), and she also enjoys running, even when she's traveling. While visiting Monaco with boyfriend Jamie Kennedy, they ran 40 minutes every morning through the streets of Monte Carlo. It's a great way to explore new places and burn calories too.

Jennifer takes care of her inner self too. At night, she says five things she finds sexy about herself, and says, "I fall asleep feeling beautiful. Then in the morning, before I leave the house, I say five things I love about myself . . . That way I can go out into the world with that little bit of extra confidence."

Tell me in the comments section below one thing that you find sexy about yourself. Go ahead and share five things if you feel it!

Healthy Dose Link Time

FitSugar — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 11:00:34 -0700

The skinny on coconut oil - That's Fit
Why celeb skin expert thinks probiotics help acne - Vital Juice
Whole Foods boycotted over health care debate - Fit Celeb
Is bio-dynamic wine better for your health? - Forecast Earth
Reflective running gear for darker evenings - Fresh Fitness Tips
Dance your way to fitness with SYTYCD workout DVDs - Fit Bottomed Girls
Get ready for Fall with a pumpkin smoothie snack - Vitamin G
Ivana Trump exercises in a heavy beaded dress - Social Workout
One minute cardio adds a blast to your workout - Shape

You Asked: The Heat Has Shortened My Runs

FitSugar — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 12:00:00 -0700

Dear Fit,

I always wanted to get into running and my New Year's resolution was to be able to run 30 minutes straight, four times a week. I've kept it up until the Summer sun and heat got the best of me. Now I can barely do 15 minutes and I'm exhausted. I tried pushing myself, thinking it'd just take some getting used to, but now during my runs I get headaches, stomach cramps, sweat uncontrollably, and a few times felt dizzy and nauseous. I don't want to give up on running outside since I'm training for a half-marathon this Fall. I also don't have access to a treadmill in an air-conditioned gym. Any tips?

-Overheated Heather

Being too hot to exercise the way you want to is so frustrating. I have some suggestions though so read more.

Summer is generally a hot time of year, but certain times of the day are hotter than others. Try to do your runs early in the morning or late in the evening when the sun is out of the sky. Stick to shady places like the woods, or breezy areas such as near the ocean or a lake. Make sure you hydrate before you head out and bring water with you to drink and pour on your body to help cool you off.

Wear a heart rate monitor to keep track of your heart rate. When exercising in the heat, your heart rate will rise in order to send more of your blood supply to your skin to cool it down. A heart rate monitor will allow you to keep track of the intensity of your workouts. This means you'll probably have to run at a slower pace, or even walk, which just means your normal run will take longer. If you don't want to compromise your pace, then break up your workouts. Do 15 minutes in the morning and 15 minutes at night. Or you can slowly train your body to acclimate to exercising in the heat. Gradually increase the duration of your runs until you're able to go for 30 minutes.

I must say that the most important thing to consider when running in heat and humidity is to listen to your body and not overdo it. Some of the symptoms you described above sound like they could turn into heat exhaustion, which means your runs will be doing more harm than good. In that case, think about using this time of year to cross train with cooler cardio activities such as swimming, kayaking, and water aerobics.

Wear Contact Lenses? Keep These in Mind

FitSugar — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 03:00:00 -0700

If your vision isn't perfect, and you're an active person, contact lenses are essential in my book. Contacts don't fog up when you're running, or fall off when you're biking. And you can wear them when swimming, you just have to wear goggles or keep your eyes shut. If you're a contact lens wearer like me, here are some things you should keep in mind.

Always wash your hands before inserting or removing your lenses. Touching your eye with germy fingers is a great way to get sick or contract an eye infection.
If you suffer from allergies, wearing contacts can make your symptoms worse since allergens can stick to the lenses. Wear glasses if your symptoms are really bad, and if you can't part with your contacts (I don't blame you), be sure to clean them thoroughly or replace disposable lenses more often. Also, look for drops containing antihistamines that may help relieve watery or itchy eyes.

For more tips and to see what that photo is all about keep reading