FitSugar

What's Your Favorite Form of Cardio For 2009?

FitSugar — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 04:30:34 PST

We all have a go-to cardio activity we crave, not only because it's enjoyable, but also because it energizes us and burns major calories. I run and swim regularly, but cycling has my heart of hearts. I'm starting to look back at the year, questioning you about the best of 2009, so tell me, which form of cardio should receive this title?

Favorite Form of Cardio: Running

FitSugar — Sun, 28 Dec 2008 03:00:00 PST

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 PST

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

Hilary Duff's High-Energy Prenatal Piloxing Workout

Self — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 04:39:32 PST

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

Some women may take it easy during their last trimester, but Hilary Duff isn't the type to let her workouts slide just because she's eating for two. The singer-actress may be seven months pregnant, but according to her trainer of eight years, Vivica Jensen, she's still staying fit with biweekly Piloxing sessions. "Piloxing is the first fitness program that blends the best of Pilates, boxing, and dance into a high-energy, hour-long interval workout," says Jensen, who created the hybrid class. "I put a lot of focus into balance and alignment, which can be thrown off when you're pregnant. You also get a great cardio workout, and the boxing element tones your arms and legs."

Although Jensen has tweaked Duff's workouts to accommodate her pregnancy, she's quick to point out that the mom-to-be is no slouch in the gym. "Since Hilary was already in good shape, she's able to do everything but at her own pace with a few modifications like taking more breaks to drink water and catch her breath when her heart rate goes up and not doing advanced ab exercises," says Jensen.

As her due date draws near, the former Lizzie McGuire star is also preparing her body for the hardships of labor. That means plenty of arm, leg, chest, and core exercises. "For now, I'm focusing on her core muscles because I want those muscles intact so she has an easier delivery," says Jensen. Just don't expect Mrs. Comrie to stay bedridden for very long since "Hilary loves being healthy and has always been very active. Once she gets the OK from her doctor, we're really going to kick it up a notch," says Jensen. "She's tough with amazing form, so I'm able to work her hard and really kick her butt!"

Want to stay fit throughout all nine months of your pregnancy (or even if you're not eating for two!)? Incorporate four moves into your regular workout routine to get buff like Duff. Read on for the moves.

Can't Make It to the Gym? 3 Ways to Still Sweat It Out

Michele Foley — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 13:21:55 PST

Even when we have the best intentions, there are days when getting to the gym is impossible. Mostly because we're dealing with a crazy schedule that involves balancing other obligations or appointments. On days where getting to the gym is not an option, but neither is skipping out on a workout, you do have options. Check out three ways to exercise even on days when you have to skip the treadmill!

Pop in a DVD: On days where you miss a class or skip out on a strength training session, a fitness DVD is often the next best thing. There are a wide variety of workouts to choose from, and the instructors do their best to keep you motivated while also educating you on good form. Because a DVD workout is structured, you often get more out of it than you would when attempting to make your own at-home workout. Need inspiration? Then check out some of our favorite fitness DVDs.
Head outdoors: Whether you run, cycle, or hike, one of the easiest ways to compensate for a missed gym day is to head outside for your workout. If exercising outdoors isn't your ideal, remind yourself that it can help prevent colds and flu by strengthening your immune system. On top of that, avoiding the gym for a day isn't always a bad thing: a fitness center is one of the germiest places a person can encounter in their day-to-day routine. It's also likely that you'll burn more calories, too. Without the assistance of cardio equipment, your body will have to work harder during its workout.
Squeeze in fitness wherever you can: Whether you take the stairs at work, do squats in the most ordinary places, or walk around when taking a phone call, find as many ways as you can to move throughout the day. You might be surprised to see how many calories you can burn from just five minutes of exercise.

Home Gym Basics No Matter How Small Your Space

Leta Shy — Mon, 08 Aug 2011 02:58:12 PDT

I like things easy. And easy means a convenient way to stay fit but doesn't take too much time out of my day. Easy solution? A home gym. What's not to love - all the equipment you need to stay fit, no gym membership required.

It's hard, however, to keep a home gym as equipment-ready as your neighborhood gym if you don't have the space (or the money). Luckily, just a few basics are all you need for a full-body workout. No matter how much space you have, read on to find out what you should have to outfit your home gym.

Exercise ball. This will take up the most space, but trust me, it's also one of the most versatile pieces of gym equipment you can own. Work your whole body with just a stability ball. Check out this video for two advanced moves that work your abs (no crunches required) and backside, and after you're done, relax your back with this spinal twist move. But before you buy, make sure you get the right size for your body; use these guidelines to find a fit.

Read on for more home gym basics after the break.

Forget the Muffin Top: How to Ditch Your Pooch

Self — Wed, 23 Mar 2011 04:00:50 PDT

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

As of this past weekend, Spring is finally, officially here - along with panic about the upcoming bikini season.

When it comes to shaping up your abs, you want to combine a healthy, diet with high-intensity cardio and moves that target your deep abdominal muscles - aka the transverse abdominus. When strong, these babies work like an invisible girdle, pulling everything up and in. Result: A flat belly without the Spanx!

We asked exercise physiologist Amy Dixon, group fitness manager at Equinox in Santa Monica, CA, for some of her favorite moves to tame the lower abdominal area - or as we like to call it, the "pooch."

Stability Ball Rollout
Kneel on the floor behind a stability ball. Place your forearms on top of the ball, hands clasped to start. Contract your abs and roll the ball forward as far as possible without bending back or hunching shoulders (shown above). Hold for 2 counts, then return to start for one rep. Do 2 sets of 15 reps.

Stability Ball Jack Knives
Get in push-up position with your shins elevated on a stability ball. Your body should form a straight line from the top of your head to your heel. Brace your abs to prevent your midsection from sagging toward the floor. Slowly pull your knees toward your chest. Straighten legs to roll the ball back to start and complete the rep. Do 2 sets of 14 reps.

See how planks can help you tone your belly.

A Reader Reviews the P90X Extreme Home Fitness Program

Fit Community — Thu, 03 Mar 2011 02:00:28 PST

FitSugar reader debnicole shared this fitness DVD review for the eighth challenge of our Get Fit For 2011 giveaway, and you should too!

I incorporate various workout DVDs in my exercise regimen. Lately it's been mainly the P90X series. My husband and I started two months ago on P90X and are halfway through. It's definitely an investment to buy the set; but I definitely feel like the money was well spent. It's a 12-disc collection with a variety of workouts.

What I love about the collection:

You never repeat the same workout two days in a row.
Variety is key! There is cardio, strength, abs, yoga, and stretch workouts.
It's pretty fast-paced . . . there isn't much (if any) resting between sets.
You don't have to have a gym membership - the kit came with resistance bands. Even if you don't own free weights, the bands work great.
The trainers encourage you to work at your own pace.
My favorite workouts are: core synergistics, back and biceps, shoulders/triceps/chest.

Find out what she didn't like about P90X when you

5 Reasons to Ride

FitSugar — Fri, 09 Apr 2010 07:00:19 PDT

Biking is my favorite form of locomotion. The world moves by at the perfect pace when pedaling. You can take in the view and still feel the wind in your face. Riding a bike is a great green way to get around since you can travel a greater distance in a shorter time when compared to walking, and it can be faster than driving, depending on gridlock traffic.

Here are five reasons to bike to work, bike about town, and bike for errands:

Eco: Let's start with the greenest reason - biking reduces your carbon footprint. Using pedal power, rather than fossil fuels, for short trips and commutes can reduce your carbon emissions by an estimated 11 percent.
Cardio: Cycling is a wonderful, joint-friendly form of exercise. Instead of burning oil, you burn calories on your bike. Biking for 30 minutes at a moderate pace burns around 230 calories
Strength: Biking about town builds leg strength. Pedaling tones your quads and hamstrings as well as your calves, helping you get ready for the short shorts of Summer. Tone your gams while maximizing your pedal power.

See two other reasons to hop on your bike when you

What's the Deal With Wearable Weights?

FitSugar — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 10:00:13 PDT

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.