FitSugar

Gym Power to Power the Gym

FitSugar — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 03:00:00 PST

It looks like more than the New Year's Even 2009 sign at Times Square can be powered by pedaling exercisers; the Green MicroGym, in Portland, OR, takes full advantage of pedal power too.

The Green Microgym's goal is to be carbon neutral business and to use only solar power and energy created by clients. Most fitness equipment contains a spinning wheel which can be used just like a windmill for creating energy. At the Green Microgym, the treadmills and exercise bikes are connected to batteries that store the energy exercisers have vigorously created. The energy stored in the batteries is converted to an electrical current that can then be used to power appliances, using a piece of equipment called the Human Dynamo. While the energy created might be free, the batteries and converters are still costly and prohibitive for many gyms during this economic downturn.

The Green Microgym uses solar power to fulfill a third of its energy needs, and they are also savvy about saving energy. They save about 50 percent of their energy costs, by powering down gym equipment and televisions when not in use. The gym owner remains optimistic and feels that most gyms will be carbon neutral in 20 years. I think if we all had to pedal to keep the lights on, we would have much more respect for energy conservation as well as for our power-ful legs. Let me know how you feel about the carbon neutral gym in the comments section below.

Source

Back on Track: Map Out the Week's Healthy Dinner Menu

Jenny Sugar — Mon, 21 May 2012 13:45:06 PDT

After getting home from a busy day of work, especially if I hit the gym, the same question always pops into mind - what to make for dinner? Without a plan in mind, it's easy to fall back on boxed mac and cheese or Chinese takeout, which aren't the healthiest options. To prevent scrambling to whip together a not-so-healthy meal, take time to map out your dinner menu for the week. Knowing which dishes you're making will also make you more efficient in the grocery store. Here's a sample menu (complete with a grocery list) that you can follow to ensure your weekdays always end in a nutritious meal.

Monday: Salad With Grilled Chicken and Fresh Strawberries

What you'll need:

Chicken
Fresh spinach
Carrots
Cucumber
Green peppers
Broccoli
Strawberries (feel free to add other fresh or dried fruits)
Avocado
Goat cheese (optional)
Your favorite dressing

Continue reading for the rest of the week's healthy menu and grocery list.

Natalie Coughlin: An Olympian Who Loves Food as Much as We Do

Camilla Salem — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 06:30:37 PDT

What do backyard chickens and 11 Olympic medals have in common? Natalie Coughlin, that's what. The gold medalist and world champion is gearing up for the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, while cultivating a healthy interest in all things food-related. From growing vegetables in her own backyard in Lafayette, CA to her highly effective method of kitchen organization, Natalie gives us the scoop on her experiences with food.

YumSugar: You raise chickens in your backyard and you consider yourself an urban farmer. What do you grow or produce yourself that you're most proud of?

Find out her answer and so much more when you keep reading.

Simple Tips on How to Stay Healthy All Day Long

Lizzie Fuhr — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 02:18:51 PDT

When striving to be healthy, a few everyday changes can make a world of difference to your body. Maybe you're just focused on a morning workout or staying away from the wrong activities before bed, but if you want to reboot your lifestyle for the long haul, you've got to commit to a healthy lifestyle all day long. Interested in what I mean? Read through these tips to help you keep your healthy living on track whether it's morning, noon, or night.

Morning

If a morning gym session fits your schedule best, then our early morning exercise tips are a must read. From laying out an outfit the night before to scheduling a session with a trainer, these tips can help kick off your day with an energetic bang.

We know that breakfast is the most important meal of the day! Whatever your dietary needs or time restrictions, we've got you covered. Start the morning with healthy whole-grain hot cereal recipes or low-sugar breakfast ideas or save some time in the morning with a healthy breakfast made the night before.

Think outside the box and mix up your standard morning beverage routine. Take your pick of these inventive drinks to boost your energy to get your head right for your commute and commitments.

Keep reading for tips to stay healthy during the afternoon and evening.

Celebrate Victoria Beckham's 38th With a Look Back at Her Hairstyles

BellaSugar — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 11:46:00 PDT

In honor of her 38th birthday, see Victoria Beckham's hair evolution - FabSugar UK
Heidi Klum gets naked for Allure - HuffPost Style
Beauty tips from Twilight star Ashley Greene, from bronzer to brows - Stylelist
Learn how to cover blemishes from a YouTube expert - Styleite
Get the best deals on makeup no matter where you shop - Real Simple
The smoky eye has been feeling blue lately - InStyle
Capture the style from the Girls HBO premiere - The Cut
How to save your hair and skin from the gym - The Fashion Spot
DIY: trimming your own bangs is a cinch - Refinery 29
Calling all brides: the beauty trends to try this wedding season - Beauty High
A brush and towel combined? Beauty basics get an upgrade - Glo

3 Ways to Reduce Your Carbon Footprint With Your Workout

Leta Shy — Wed, 04 Apr 2012 03:05:46 PDT

Now that it's April, we're thinking about Earth Day, when we celebrate our continuing commitment to reduce waste and do our part for the planet. Calculating and reducing your carbon footprint, the amount of environment-unfriendly emissions it takes to make it through your day, is one important way to go eco. So how does your workout factor in? Here are three ways to reduce your carbon footprint while you exercise.

Commute as workout: The average commute takes about 15 miles each way, which can translate into over a ton of carbon dioxide emissions per year. If possible, try biking to work once or twice a week: it can help save you time, since you won't have to worry about fitting in a workout that day, and cutting out drive time just a few times a month will cut your carbon footprint. Never biked to work before? Here are some tips for how to bike to work safely.
Skip the gym: It's not just driving to work that can add up in emissions. Driving to the gym can also rack up carbon emissions, as can all the energy and resources it takes to keep you cool and comfortable once you get there. Running, biking, even strength training outside can be more convenient and more fun than trekking to the gym every day. Plus, working out at home can cut down on a lot on resources, like all those extra towels or the energy it takes to power a treadmill.
Heat up naturally: Hot temps may be on the horizon, but Spring days and nights can still be chilly. That can mean turning up the heat on the thermostat to stay comfortable or opting for a comfortable car ride over a walk to the store. Wherever you are, raising your heartbeat for just a few minutes can make things comfortably warm. If you're taking a walk, increase your pace or do a few minutes of lunges first. If you're cold at your desk, do these five discreet strength-training moves at your desk. You'll be burning calories and raising your body temperature without having to turn up the heat - keeping your thermostat down by two degrees can save you one ton in carbon emissions if you do it throughout the year (along with raising the temperature of your air conditioner in the Summer).

Turns out, your workout can really help your eco-friendly ventures! If you need more ideas to help offset your carbon footprint, here are more ways to green your fitness.

Wake Up! Pre-Workout Beverages to Boost Your Energy

Anna Monette Roberts — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 13:39:43 PDT

Whether they're working out first thing in the morning or after work, many people may feel a little drowsy and sluggish. Rather than heading to the gym with only one eye open, prepare by drinking one of these energy-boosting beverages to help you feel more focused, energized, and ready to push your body to do more.

Coffee or Green Tea
Caffeine increases your endurance because it changes how your body uses fat. Caffeine helps your body convert fat into readily accessible energy, so you can work out for longer. As an added bonus, studies have also shown that caffeine consumption helps reduce postworkout DOMS.

Green Juice
Rich in natural sugars, antioxidants, and phytonutrients, a homemade green juice is a glass full of easily absorbable nutrients, especially iron, which can combat your sleepy slump. And because green juice recipes are high in carbs but low in fiber, it helps give the body energy while also being easy to digest. Perfect if you need something on the way into the gym.

Apple Cider Vinegar
If you are a fan of kombucha, then you'll love the tart flavor of apple cider vinegar, which is rich in minerals, vitamins, and beneficial acids. For an energy booster sans caffeine, mix a tablespoon or two of apple cider vinegar in a cup of water and drink prior to a workout. Look for raw and unfiltered varieties to get the most nutrients possible. A small study also links apple cider vinegar to improved weight loss.

Preworkout Sports Beverages
Gatorade, Vega Sport, and Biosteel High Performance offer sports drinks that are developed specifically for before workouts. Each drink is formulated with ingredients to help stimulate and energize the body. We recommend these drinks for more intense or longer workouts.

New Mom Hilary Duff Hits the Gym 1.5 Weeks After Giving Birth

Jenny Sugar — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 13:18:03 PDT

Hilary Duff gave birth to Luca Cruz less than two weeks ago, but is already exercising to get her prepregnancy body back. She hit the gym Saturday and tweeted, "20 minutes on the elliptical seems like an eternity!!! What the hell…"

Though many obstetricians recommend holding off on exercise until six weeks postpartum (longer for a C-section), every woman is different. Here are some workout tips for brand-new moms.

Check with your doctor before exercising: How ready you are depends on how well you're healing. Most doctors recommend avoiding exercise until the bleeding stops, but may give the green light for low-intensity workouts, such as short walks or stretching.
Start off slow: Don't expect your body to run 30 minutes straight like it did before you were pregnant. Aside from the stress of the actual birth, lack of sleep and low energy levels associated with nursing offer new moms little get-up-and-go. Start with low-impact exercise like walking, yoga, or swimming. A 10-minute walk around the block every day for a week (or longer) will feel like plenty. Gradually increase the intensity and length of your workouts as your strength and stamina increases.
Invest in some baby gear: If you find it emotionally difficult to leave your baby, exercise with them. There are hundreds of baby carriers out there to enable you to walk with your baby. I'm a huge fan of the Moby Wrap, since it feels the most supportive on a new mom's often-sore back. If you're not into wearing your baby, or a C-section won't allow for it while you're healing, buy a jogging stroller (walk at first and run when you're doctor gives the OK). Postnatal fitness classes are another great option, not only for exercise, but as a way to connect with other new moms.

Keep reading for more workout tips for brand-new moms.

Ashley Greene Stays Very Hydrated

Molly Goodson — Mon, 09 May 2011 07:14:27 PDT

Ashley Greene was equipped with a big bottle of water as she hit the gym in LA on Saturday. Ashley is done staying in tip-top shape for any Twilight-related fight scenes, since wrapping up work on Breaking Dawn last month, but she always maintains her rigorous fitness regimen between projects. We got a sneak peek of Ashley and her costars' return to playing the Cullens with the latest Breaking Dawn pictures released, and she's currently battling it out with her castmates for the top spot in our PopSugar 100 favorite vampires and werewolves list. At the moment Ashley is number five in the global results, behind Robert Pattinson, Kristen Stewart, Ian Somerhalder, and Peter Facinelli.

Ashley Greene Gets Pumped For a Twilight-Filled Oscar Weekend!

Katie Henry — Thu, 24 Feb 2011 15:15:00 PST

Ashley Greene left the gym laughing and chatting with a friend after an intense workout in LA today. The birthday girl celebrated her 24th in Las Vegas last weekend, and now she's back to following the strict fitness schedule Tracy Anderson personally choreographed for her. Ashley's been absent from the red carpets this award season, but at least one Twilight star may be on hand this weekend at the Oscars. According to show producer Bruce Cohen, "if you are a Twilight fan . . . For all of you Twi-Hards out there, we have a little surprise for you in our show on Sunday night . . . if you like those three films, I have three words for you: watch the Oscars." We'll be broadcasting LIVE from the red carpet so follow us on Twitter for breaking news and photos, and don't forget we're also giving away a Samsung TV, so be sure to fill out BuzzSugar's ballot for your chance to win!