FitSugar

Favorite Form of Cardio: Running

FitSugar — Sun, 28 Dec 2008 03:00:00 -0800

Doing cardio is something I've grown to love and crave. Running is my favorite way to get my heart rate up because it's practically free, you can do it anywhere, my buddies can join me, and it burns major calories. I also love that it gives me time to be alone to think. A bonus is that it tones my thighs and buns like nothing else.

When I asked about your favorite form of cardio, you agreed with me completely. You enjoy running, whether it be on foot or on a treadmill. You also enjoy using an elliptical, which I like to think of as a running substitute that is easy on the knees. Running is also your favorite form of exercise in general. It's inspiring to be part of this huge community of runners.

Source

What's Your Favorite Form of Cardio in 2008?

FitSugar — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 04:30:21 -0800

We all have a go-to cardio activity that we crave not only because it's enjoyable, but also because it energizes us and helps us burn major calories. I've been talking a lot about the Best of 2008, so tell me, which form of cardio should receive this title?

Source

Favorite Way to Get It Up, Your Heart Rate That Is: Running

FitSugar — Mon, 31 Dec 2007 02:00:00 -0800

There are many ways to exercise and all facets of fitness are important: cardio, strength training, flexibility, as well as challenging your core. With so many different ways to get you heart rate up, I was curious about your favorite form of cardio. You all definitively chose running as your favorite form of exercise in general, over everything else. So it should really come as no surprise that running, be it on a track, treadmill, trail or the road, is your favorite form of cardio.

If you are not in love with running, today is the day to air your grievances. Tell us why running is not for you in the comments section below. I have all next year to try to convince you, otherwise!

Source

Pros and Cons of the Elliptical

FitSugar — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 05:50:09 -0700

Since running is one of my favorite forms of cardio, I'm a big fan of the treadmill when I can't get outside for a run. I'm also big into the elliptical, and by the looks of my gym, it appears tons of other people are too. While it's a popular piece of gym equipment for so many reasons, there are also some disadvantages to using one. Check out the chart below to see if an elliptical is the right machine for you.

Pros	Cons
The circular motion and the fact that you're not pounding your feet down with each step is easier on your knees than running outside on concrete or on a treadmill. The platforms for your feet are always free of rocks, trash, dog poo, and ice, so you can count on where you're stepping to be safe and clean.	Although using an elliptical is less impact on your joints, it also requires less effort, so people complain that it's too easy. Since your feet need to stay on those little platforms, you feel like you have less control over your movements, and it's less natural for someone who's used to running.

To see the rest of the pros and cons, read more.

Pros

Cons

You control the pace by moving your legs slower or faster.
By increasing the resistance of the foot pedals you can make your workout more challenging for your legs and booty. You can also pedal backward to focus on working your backside.
You can also get an arm and upper back workout by adjusting the tension of the handles.
Since you're inside, you can watch TV to beat boredom.
The readout keeps track of your workout data including time, speed, distance, and calories burned, so you can monitor your progress.
Whether it's a torrential downpour outside or it's nighttime, you can always get in your workout.
It's a safe way to burn calories if you're afraid to exercise outside in your neighborhood.

Since you're in control of how fast your legs are moving, it's easier to slack off as compared to using a treadmill, which keeps the same pace.
Since they're a one-size-fits-all kind of machine, someone who's got a naturally shorter stride may end up hyper-extending their knees, which could lead to injury.
If you don't belong to a gym, ellipticals aren't cheap and you'll end up spending around $2,000 for a good one.
Just like any other piece of cardio equipment, the repetition of doing the same thing over again can be so boring that you cut your workout short.
The readout on the machine may not be accurate.
Ellipticals require electricity, so they're not exactly the greenest type of exercise. Plus, if there's a power outage, you can't work out.

Source: Flickr User Jill Clardy

What Is Your Favorite Form of Cardio?

FitSugar — Wed, 05 Sep 2007 07:30:00 -0700

Doing cardio is a must to keep your heart and lungs healthy. It's also necessary if you are trying to lose a few pounds. There are so many different ways to get your energy up and your heart pumping, so I want to know...

Source

What's the Deal With Wearable Weights?

FitSugar — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 10:00:13 -0700

The magic pill to weight loss is a mirage in my opinion, but companies continue to design products to help you burn more calories and drop pounds. As if the seven shady weight loss products I recently posted about weren't enough, I just discovered Body Togs Wearable Weights.

At first I thought they were for strength training exercises instead of dumbbells or resistance bands. Since you didn't have to hold them, they seemed like a cool idea. But taking a closer look, these aren't meant for the gym - they're meant to be worn all day long to help boost the amount of calories you burn and tone your muscles while doing day-to-day activities. Tiny weights are evenly distributed around each sleeve, adding about one to three pounds to each limb, depending on the size you choose. You're supposed to wear these arm and calve sleeves under your clothes. I guess if it's hot that day, you just wear them to match your favorite dress. Aside from looking completely idiotic, they're very pricey ($55 to $59 a pair), and also a health risk. To find out why read more.

Performing strength training exercises that are specifically designed to target certain muscles are excellent for your body. When you use correct form, and the appropriate amount of weight, there is little risk of injury. On the other hand, carrying around extra weight on your arms and legs while going about your day may burn extra calories, but it will also increase your risk for a torn muscle or injury to your joint. Just like walking with dumbbells or ankle weight is a big no-no, you don't want to do regular activities while carrying weights because it puts too much stress on your body.

If you want to burn extra calories during your day, fit in an extra 30 minutes of cardio. If toning your muscles is your goal, it's more effective to use dumbbells, resistance bands, or weight machines and do actual exercises that are meant for strengthening your muscles. Setting aside time to exercise will not only produce better results, but it's a great way to relieve stress and give you the much-deserved break we all need during the day.

Avoid These 6 Workout Mistakes

FitSugar — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 10:00:00 -0700

We all want to make the most of our workouts since we don't have tons of time to devote to being at the gym. To ensure that your workout is effective, efficient, and safe, check to make sure you're not committing these exercise crimes.

Running is your only form of cardio. Don't get me wrong. Running is effective at getting your heart rate up, toning your legs, and burning calories, but you can suffer repetitive injuries if you only stick to running. So mix it up when it comes to cardio. Biking, hiking, swimming, jumping rope, and cardio classes are also good forms of cardio.
You skip the warmup. What if you're short on time and you want to burn as many calories as possible in your 30-minute lunch break? Not only will warming up prevent injury, but research shows that, "Your body literally needs to warm up so that blood flow increases, the nervous system wakes up, and the body starts to use energy and oxygen more efficiently." So warm up by doing a low intensity version of whatever type of cardio you've chosen.

What other mistakes should you avoid? To find out read more.

You don't stretch. Many of you admitted that stretching is not top on your list. Just like the warmup, it's essential to include in every workout. Hold each stretch for at least 30 seconds, don't bounce, and don't push yourself in a stretch to the point of feeling pain. Need some ideas? Here are some of my favorite basic stretches.
Your weights are too light. If you can rush through your reps and not feel tired by the end of your last set, then you need to choose a heavier weight. In order to build muscle tone, the muscle fibers need to be stressed. Likewise, if your weights are too heavy, you'll have improper form and will rely on momentum to do reps instead of utilizing your muscles. You'll know you have the perfect amount of weight when your muscles feel fatigued by 10 or 12 reps.
You do the same strength-training routine every time. Does it seem like your routine is getting easier? It's not necessarily because your muscles are getting stronger. They're just accustomed to doing the exact same exercises every session. To tone your muscles effectively, they need to be challenged continuously. So surprise your muscles and mix up the order of your routine, or better yet, include new exercises each time.
You only do crunches to whittle your middle. Doing ab work will definitely tone your muscles, but it won't get rid of the layer of fat that's covering them. You can't rely solely on target strength training to fix problems areas. You need to do calorie-burning cardio to reduce your overall body fat percentage. This is the best way to reduce the extra padding around your waist, thighs, and booty.

Are you guilty of any of these mistakes? Share the details in the comments section below.

Getty

Katy Perry Jumps Onstage and Off

FitSugar — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 11:00:29 -0700

Katy Perry looks amazing in her various bikinis. What's her secret? According to a recent interview with Cosmo, her favorite way to exercise is jumping rope. Not only does it burn calories - 295 per 30 minutes - but jumping rope also helps build bone-mineral density and makes your body stronger.

It's a simple and inexpensive way to get your heart rate up; use it as your main form of cardio or to warm up before strength training. Katy even jumps rope as a warmup before shows. Since this little gadget is so portable, you can pack it in your gym bag, suitcase, car, and even your purse and always have a way to get in a good workout.

How Old Were You When You Learned to Swim?

FitSugar — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 08:54:52 -0700

I began taking swim lessons early, once I overcame my deep fear of water (I thought sharks could live in pools - I was 3-years old and quite irrational). Now, I love swimming and count it as one of my favorite forms of cardio. This Summer, I plan on spending many hours with my girls in the pool blowing bubbles and moving beyond the dog paddle.

5 Reasons to Run on a Track

FitSugar — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 06:00:00 -0700

If running is your main form of cardio, then you probably either run on a treadmill, the sidewalk or pavement, a trail, or an elliptical. Not too many people run on tracks because they say it's boring to run around in circles, but here are some reasons you may want to hit a track next time you slip on your sneaks.

The surface is spongy and forgiving, so it's great for knees and other joints. The softer surface also reduces your risk of injury.
Since you know exactly how long a loop is, it's easy to track your distance.
If you're working on increasing your speed, the smooth, flat, and predictable surface is perfect. You can run as fast as you want without worrying about sticks, holes, rocks, or gum.

If you want to know the other reasons you should run on a track, then keep reading