FitSugar

Pros and Cons of the Stationary Bike

FitSugar — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 03:47:21 -0700

I love riding my bike outside, but if it's raining or too dark out, the stationary bike is a great option for me. Since it may not be the most popular cardio machine at the gym, there's usually one available. Here are some pros and cons to think about when hopping on one.

Pros

Cons

Since you keep your stationary bike inside, you can always get in a workout no matter the weather or time of day.
You can't beat the safety factor. When biking indoors, you don't have to worry about cars, uneven terrain that could make you fall, or sharp objects that could pop your tire. And if you get tired, you can just hop off and end your workout, unlike when you're riding outside and still have to ride back home.

Riding a stationary bike burns fewer calories than running on a treadmill, since most of your weight is supported by the seat. You'll burn 148 calories on a stationary bike after 30 minutes, and will burn 236 calories on the treadmill for the same amount of time.
Biking doesn't offer the same bone-building benefits as high-impact running since you're sitting down.

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

Pros

Cons

Stationary bikes are much cheaper than treadmills or ellipticals, and cost around $600 to $1,200. If you already own a bike, instead of buying a whole new stationary bike, you can attach it to a cycle trainer and ride it inside.
If you have knee or back pain, or need to lose a lot of weight, using a stationary bike is easier on your body than a treadmill, especially if it's a recumbent bike.
You don't have to wear a helmet, or be hyper-aware of your surroundings.
If you need motivation, you can take a spinning class.
Newer stationary bikes have a variety of programs so you can do interval workouts that replicate outdoor terrain even though you're inside.
The readout keeps track of your workout data including time, speed, distance, and calories burned, so you can monitor your progress.
It's easy to read a book or magazine on the stationary bike, which helps pass the time.

It only works your lower body, unlike machines that have handles, like the elliptical, that allow you to target your arms and upper back as well.
Stationary bikes that have readouts require power, so they're not as green as biking outdoors.
If you're training for a race, you'll be missing out on training in extreme temps, wind resistance, blaring sun, precipitation, and uneven surfaces.
It's easier to cheat on a stationary bike than on a real bike. You can lower the resistance, avoid hills, and peddle slowly.
Since the scene never changes inside, it can be so boring that you exercise for less time.
Sitting down on an uncomfortable seat makes for a sore tush.
The readout on the machine may not be accurate.

Remember, pros and cons aside, spin class is a great way to stay in biking shape during the inclement weather of Winter.

Speak Up: What Gear Would Make the Perfect Home Gym?

FitSugar — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 13:30:19 -0700

Now that colder weather is moving in, exercising outdoors may not be that appealing. Working out at the gym is great, but all those people sharing equipment means germ central. Plus, wouldn't it be nice to have your own home gym you could use whenever you wanted, and not have to drive to?

If there was no limit on the amount of money you could spend, what equipment would you buy to make your ideal home gym?

Get Suspended While You Travel Like Mary J. Blige

FitSugar — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 08:00:00 -0700

When you're on the road you can't always get to a gym, but that doesn't mean you should throw in the towel when it comes to exercising. Do what Mary J. Blige does while traveling, and bring along a TRX suspension Home Training Kit ($170). It's a two-pound strap and handle weight-training system you can easily pack in your suitcase. Just attach it to a door or other sturdy base and you'll strengthen and tone your muscles by lifting and lowering your own body weight. Beverly Hills trainer Gregg Miele uses it to train both Mary and the fabulously fit Jennifer Lopez is also a fan.

They're not the only lovers of this piece of equipment. When she's not in the pool, Olympic swimmer Christine Magnuson uses TRX to strength train, since she doesn't always have access to a weight room. To see a video of how she uses the TRX, read more.

Looks fun, doesn't it?

Pros and Cons of the Treadmill

FitSugar — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 07:00:36 -0700

If you enjoy walking or running, sometimes exercising outside just isn't an option, so the treadmill is your saving grace. It's one of the most common pieces of gym equipment used, so check out some of its benefits and disadvantages.

Pros	Cons
Rain, sleet, snow, blazing sun, and pitch black can't keep you from using the treadmill, so no matter what the weather or time of day, you can always get in a workout. The terrain is always free of rocks, trash, dog poo, and ice, so you don't have to worry about where you're stepping. You can count on it being smooth and safe, which can help you avoid injury.	If you don't belong to a gym, treadmills aren't cheap and you'll end up spending between $1,500 and $4,000 for a good one. Treadmills require power, so they're not exactly the greenest type of exercise. Running outdoors only burns calories, not electricity.

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

Pros

Cons

The surface of a treadmill is more forgiving than pounding concrete or asphalt, so it's easier on your joints.
It's a safe way to burn calories if you're afraid to exercise outside in your neighborhood.
You can work out using an incline, which burns more calories and effectively tones your legs and booty.
Newer treadmills have a variety of programs so you can do several interval workouts that replicate outdoor terrain even though you're inside.
Since you can control the speed and duration of your workout, you can customize the intensity to meet the needs of your fitness goals. It's great if you're doing speedwork and need to run at a specific pace for a certain distance, but it's also great if you need to do an easy run for muscle recovery the day after a hard run. Just set the speed and hop on, and it'll prevent you from running too fast.
The readout keeps track of your workout data including time, speed, distance, and calories burned, so you can monitor your progress.
You can watch TV or read while on the treadmill, which is especially great for passing the time on long runs or walks.

The moving belt propels your legs, so you're not working as hard as you would running the same speed outside, which translates to fewer calories burned.
If you're training for a race, you'll be missing out on training in extreme temps, wind resistance, blaring sun, precipitation, and on an uneven surface.
The treadmill belt may be too narrow or short for your body, so you'll compensate by running with a shorter stride and not swinging your arms as freely.
The monotony of the treadmill can be so boring that you exercise for less time.
If you're not paying attention, you could misstep, fall, and get propelled backward.
The readout on the machine may not be as accurate as other devices, like specialty heart rate monitors and the Nike+ Sportband.

How to Choose and Use an Exercise Ball

FitSugar — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 10:00:00 -0700

Yoga ball, exercise ball, gym ball, fitness ball - whatever you call it, it's a must have for all active people. An exercise ball can be used for both stretching and toning exercises, but if you're new to this piece of gym equipment, here are some things you should know.

When choosing an exercise ball, you should know they come in three sizes, depending on your height. Check the list below to see which size is right for you before purchasing one.

4'11" to 5'4" height: 55 cm ball
5'4" to 5'11" height: 65 cm ball
5'11" to 6' 7" height: 75 cm ball

Now that you know which size ball to use, here are some ways you can use it:

Use the ball as a weight bench. Lie across it on your back and do chest presses, tricep presses, or lying pec flies to work your upper body. Since you're using your legs to keep your body stable, you end up toning your glutes, quads, and hamstrings as well.

To see the other exercise ball ideas, read more.

Use it to elevate parts of your body. Raising your upper or lower body on a ball can help target specific muscle groups more effectively. Try doing push-ups or bridge leg lifts with a ball and you'll end up working many muscles at one time.
Do ab work. Crunches, abdominal twists, and bicycle crunches are so much more challenging on a ball, since lying on one engages your abs even before you start doing any exercises.
Do yoga and Pilates moves. You can tone and increase flexibility by using a ball to do basic poses and exercises. Do backbends and back strengthening exercises such as prone leg raises. A ball can also support your body weight to help you balance when trying challenging poses such as Scorpion.

Source

Speak Up: What Fitness Equipment Intimidates You at the Gym?

FitSugar — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 14:30:00 -0700

Many of you are avid gym goers, not only because the weather outside may not allow you to exercise outdoors, but because it's a convenient and easy way to get in a good workout. There are so many different types of machines and equipment you wouldn't be able to have access to if you worked out solely at home. I'm wondering if there is any type of gym equipment you shy away from because it intimidates you. Personally barbells intimidate me, not because I don't know how to use these types of weights, but because all the sweaty muscle men hang out near them. What about you?

Source

Start a Home Gym With These 6 Things

FitSugar — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 09:45:00 -0700

With today's economy, we're looking for ways to save money. While you shouldn't compromise on your health, paying for a $50 or higher monthly gym membership may not be doable. You can get a workout at home that's just as effective, so here are some products you'll need to start your own home gym.
Source

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Fit Gift Guide: Gym Rat

FitSugar — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 03:30:00 -0800

If someone on your holiday gift list has found a second home in the gym, then it's safe to say you have a gym rat on your giving hands. A buff bod can never get enough fitness accessories, so why not enable their healthy habit with these gift ideas?

Power Block: Help your gym rat get lifted even when he can't make it to the gym. These compact weights take up little space and can replace up to 37 pairs of dumbbells.
Perfect Push-Up: Always striving to get the maximum out of every workout, any gym rat would appreciate this gadget that puts less stress on joints during push-ups while engaging more muscles.
Nike Running Shoe Wallet: Anybody who runs to the gym, likes to travel to the gym relatively empty handed, or wants to avoid the locker room, will appreciate the ease of a shoe wallet. It holds essentials like keys or cards and simply clips on to shoelaces.

Fitness Gear You Can Fit in Your Suitcase

FitSugar — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 14:30:00 -0800

Just because you're traveling doesn't mean you have to give up your workouts. Here are some great ideas for gear that's lightweight and won't take up much room in your bag.

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Guess the Fitness Equipment

FitSugar — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 09:00:00 -0800

If you belong to a gym, have a home gym, or are intrigued by exercise equipment infomericals, then you probably know a lot about fitness equipment, or at least the names. Test your smarts with this quiz. To make it more difficult, I cropped some of the pictures so you can't see the entire item.

Question 1 of 7

What's the name of this $40 item?