Cardio Workout: Full Body Elliptical


Updated 02/06/12 3:30 PM · Posted by FitSugar · 9 comments

Elliptical Workout That Works Your Entire Body

Aside from saving your knees, the low-impact elliptical can be a time-saver too, mixing a little strength training into your cardio. Hopping on a machine with moving handles means you can work your upper body; push the handles to work your chest more, and pull the handles with focus more on your back. Skipping the handles altogether gives you a chance to focus on your core. Just place your hands Read more

Get Back Into the Swim of Things


Updated 09/05/10 6:54 PM · Posted by FitSugar · 12 comments

A Starter Swim Workout: Getting Back Into Swimming

It's Summer, and that means pool time. Besides being a fun recreational activity, swimming is a great way to burn calories and stay cool. And since getting back into the routine of swimming can feel a little daunting, I made a workout for you. I think it's a good idea to have your exercise plan in hand when you work out, so print this page and take it with you to the pool. If you're new to Read more

Get It Up, Your Heart Rate, That Is: Fartlek


Updated 08/18/09 4:08 PM · Posted by FitSugar · 5 comments

Get It Up, Your Heart Rate, That Is: Fartlek

Playing with speed on your run is a fun and effective way to work out. When the Swedes do it they call it fartlek. How could a word that sounds so silly not be fun to put into practice? Fartlek means "speed play" and is a form of interval training, using sprints varying in length from eight seconds to two minutes. This type of training is great to do in urban areas using blocks and half blocks as Read more

Get It Up, Your Heart Rate, That Is: Treadmill Hills and Legs


Updated 11/16/09 12:23 PM · Posted by FitSugar · 4 comments

40 Minute Treadmill and Lower Body Workout

If the Summer heat is forcing you to work out indoors, here is a treadmill workout that will certainly bust through your cardio-machine boredom. Next time you're at the gym, try this hill climbing treadmill workout combined with a bit of strength training that will blast away calories and really work the muscles in your lower body. This workout will certainly help get your backside ready for the Read more

Get It Up, Your Heart Rate, That Is: Sprint Intervals at the Track


Updated 11/16/09 7:19 AM · Posted by FitSugar · 14 comments

Get It Up, Your Heart Rate, That Is: Sprint Intervals at the Track

Interval training is key for torching calories and increasing your speed. Intervals are tough, but they work your body and prepare you well for the races ahead — it is racing season, after all. Even if you don't like to race, intervals are a great way to add spark to your running routine and help you move past a weight-loss plateau. I wish I could say that I love this workout, but that would Read more

Indoor Mini Triathlons at the Gym


Updated 08/09/09 1:44 PM · Posted by FitSugar · 13 comments

Indoor Mini Triathlons at the Gym

If you really want to challenge yourself physically and mentally, signing up for an Ironman triathlon is the way to go. This mutli-sport competition involves three astounding events: a 2.4-mile swim (77 laps), a 112-mile bike ride, and a 26.2-mile run. Whether you're training for a triathlon or just want to switch up your cardio routine, Sugar user mamasitamalita had a brilliant idea. Complete Read more

Get It Up, Your Heart Rate That Is: Treadmill Hill Hike


Updated 04/06/09 4:30 AM · Posted by FitSugar · 0 comments

Get It Up, Your Heart Rate That Is: Treadmill Hill Hike

I'm so psyched for Spring because the fresh air and singing birds motivate me to get out and go hiking. It's one of the best forms of exercise because it's free, burns tons of calories, and is an excellent cardiovascular workout. To get you ready for the steep hills, here's a 45-minute treadmill workout to try. It involves walking and jogging up steep inclines so you'll strengthen your quads and Read more

Cardio Workout: StepMill Intervals


Updated 11/22/11 5:00 PM · Posted by FitSugar · 24 comments

Cardio Workout: StepMill Intervals

At my gym, the StepMill is usually vacant. You know — the cardio machine that resembles a mini-escalator. It is large and intimidating; plus, it's hard to cheat when working out on a StepMill. Still, using this machine is a great way to get your legs ready for the short shorts of Summer. You can also try this interval pyramid routine as an alternative to running hills. Begin by selecting Read more

Print It: FitSugar Treadmill Workouts


Updated 11/01/10 1:02 PM · Posted by FitSugar · 7 comments

Four Printable Treadmill Workouts

Even if you're a cardio fanatic, running on a treadmill can become a bit stale. To fight boredom you need to mix up your program with intervals and adding incline work. I just made a downloadable version of four of my favorite treadmill workouts, so now you don't have to go to the gym empty handed and come up with cardio routines on the fly. You can print out this PDF of treadmill workouts and Read more

Get It Up, Your Heart Rate, That Is: Short Elliptical Intervals


Updated 02/02/09 6:34 AM · Posted by FitSugar · 5 comments

Get It Up, Your Heart Rate, That Is: Short Elliptical Intervals

I have said it before and no doubt I will say it again: If pressed for time, don't skip the gym altogether — just shorten your workout. When you're pressed for time, use this quick elliptical workout I created. It's only 22 minutes long including warmup and cooldown, and features really short and effective intervals. Using quick intervals makes the workout intense and is great for burning Read more