FitSugar

6 Questions to Ask Yourself When Buying Hiking Boots

FitSugar — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 05:50:34 -0800

If you choose your hiking boots carefully, you can wear the same pair for years. But tracking down the perfect pair is easier said than done. I recently purchased a new pair of hikers, and they seem promising; I'll know after I break them in!

If you're gearing up for some cold-weather hikes, don't forget to bring these questions along when you head into the store.

Will you be hiking on wet ground? If so, it's worth investing in a pair of waterproof boots; they are more expensive but essential for preventing moisture-based blisters.
Do you need a heavy or light shoe? The heavier the boot, the tougher your hiking will be. For day hikes, a lighter boot is best, but if you're scaling inclines and/or carrying a heavy pack, you need the extra support of a heavier shoe.
Do you need ankle support? If you are going to be hiking on steep inclines or uneven terrain, get a boot that covers the ankles, rather than a low shoe such as an approach shoe. This will help prevent injury.

Three more tips, so keep reading.

You Asked: Why Do I Get Bit by Mosquitos More?

FitSugar — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 16:00:00 -0700

You're asking and I'm answering . . .

"Hey Fit. I've noticed that mosquitoes are really attracted to me. If I go hiking with my friends, they'll walk out of the woods itch free and I'll wind up with at least 10 mosquito bites. I just assumed I had sweet blood, but there's got to be something more. Any ideas?"
-Sweet Sara

I feel your pain, or rather itch. The same thing happens to me, almost to the point that bug spray doesn't even seem to detract the pesky bites. I did a little research on WebMD so read more to find out what I learned.

It all is a matter, once again, of genetics. Here's why:

"People with high concentrations of steroids or cholesterol on their skin surface attract mosquitoes," Jerry Butler, PhD, professor emeritus at the University of Florida, tells WebMD. That doesn't necessarily mean that mosquitoes prey on people with higher overall levels of cholesterol, Butler explains. These people simply may be more efficient at processing cholesterol, the byproducts of which remain on the skin's surface."

Apparently along with cholesterol and steroids on your skin, mosquitoes are also attracted to certain acids (lactic acids, uric acids, etc.), heat, and carbon dioxide - which can all increase with activity like volleyball or hiking. So if you're moving around and exercising outdoors then you become a prime target for the little buggers before they land on your skin. Unfortunately, there is not a whole lot you can do if the bugs bite you more than anyone else you know, but loading up on the insect repellent can help. WebMD also suggests keeping activity to a minimum when outdoors, but you can probably guess how I feel about that . . .

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Turn Off the Treadmill and Head Outdoors

FitSugar — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 03:00:00 -0700

If you've been spending a lot of time on the treadmill these days and want to take it outdoors, there are a few things you can do to ease the transition. Prevention has a few simple tips for taking your indoor walk outdoors. They are:

Protect yourself. Wear well-cushioned walking shoes, a hat with a protective visor, and sunscreen. Choose sweat-wicking clothes to keep you dry on brisk days.
Start slowly, progress gradually. Substitute 1 outdoor day for an indoor day each week. The first week, walk 1 day outside and 4 days on the treadmill. The second week, walk 2 days outside.
Give your body extra respect. Expect outdoor walking to feel a bit awkward at first. You may take longer strides and use more of your lower leg muscles on uneven surfaces and for push-off. Avoid injury and muscle soreness by walking at a slower pace for 5 minutes before your workout and by stretching after every walk.
Soak up your surroundings. Notice the sky, clouds, and flowers. Say hi to your neighbors. Keep your eyes focused several feet in front of you so that you can anticipate terrain and traffic.
Be your own computer. If you like the feedback treadmills give about pace and distance, try timing yourself on an outdoor walking track. Most tracks are 1/4 mile. If you walk four laps in 15 minutes, your pace is 4 mph.

While these tips are primarily for walking, I think they'd also be good to use for taking any kind of exercise outdoors as well.

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Summer Fit Tip: Start Slow

FitSugar — Fri, 30 May 2008 08:00:00 -0700

If you're more accustomed to running indoors on a treadmill but have decided to take advantage of the weather by running outdoors then you may want to take it slow at first. Running on a treadmill inside and running on the sidewalk outside are very different. One is not necessarily better than the other, but each requires different things from your body. Simple differences like wind and uneven running surfaces can make outdoor running a bit tougher, especially if you factor in heat.

The best way to make the transition from indoor running to outdoor running is to take it slow - don't expect to run five miles with ease outside if you're used to doing so on the treadmill. You may be ready aerobically, but it's good to give yourself a few weeks to get your body used to the added impact on your joints.

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Register For Your Wedding the Healthy Way

FitSugar — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 10:15:00 -0700

It's never too early to get in shape for your wedding, but you also can't be blamed for thinking about the wedding gifts right off the bat. You can go the traditional route and register for home and kitchen items, or you can mix it up with some fitness-related finds, from tandem bikes to gym memberships.

I was actually surprised to find a number of online retailers that let you register for fitness-related gifts. Even if you're already married or not getting hitched anytime soon, these make great gift ideas for any fit newlyweds on your list. To see what I've come up with, read more.

Yoga and Pilates Gear: Alternative online retailer Gaiam has a gift registry where you can choose from yoga gear and DVDs, as well as Pilates accessories and exercise balls.
At-Home Fitness Equipment: Through Amazon's wedding registry, you can register for items like treadmills, dumbbells, and other gym equipment for your new love nest.
Outdoorsy Options: Hiking and camping enthusiasts should check out the gift registry at REI, where you can shop for everything from climbing and cycling gear to tandem kayaks.

Did any of you register for fitness-related wedding gifts? If so I'd love to hear your stories. To see all of our wedding coverage, check out IDoSugar.com.

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What Spring Activity Are You Most Looking Forward To?

FitSugar — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 02:00:00 -0700

Spring is in the air. Birds are chirping, bugs are buzzing, and the air smells of fresh flowers. I'm so looking forward to being outside without having to bundle up.

Hiking is one of my favorite things to do when the weather warms up, because I love being out in nature and noticing all the signs of Spring. Not to mention, going uphill is a great workout for my buns and thighs. So tell me . . .

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Get It Up, Your Heart Rate That Is: Outdoor Run With Sprints

FitSugar — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 04:00:00 -0700

Since the majority of you said that you prefer to exercise outdoors, I thought that this week's Get It Up (cardio workout) should take you outside and get you running.

Time	Activity	RPE
00:00-05:00	Warm up with a brisk walk/slow jog	2-3
05:00-08:00	Jog/run	6-7
08:00-08:30	Sprint	8-9
08:30-30:00	Repeat the previous two steps six times	6-9
30:00-35:00	Cool down with a brisk walk/slow jog	2-3

Gym goers can also use this program on the treadmill, just adjust the speed accordingly. Also, if you liked this workout then be sure to check out all my great cardio workouts.

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Need a Boost? Skip the Treadmill, Hit the Pavement

FitSugar — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 11:00:00 -0800

If you've been feeling a little down then you may want to forgo your treadmill run for an outdoor run. This is because past research found that those of us who run outdoors can be less depressed, anxious, hostile, and fatigued. Not to mention, outdoor runners feel more invigorated after than before the run. While a treadmill run is still great for your physical health, mentally, it may not do as much.

This is really interesting to me as I can totally relate. Granted I usually feel really good after a run on the treadmill; I do feel really good and pretty darn pleased with myself after a run outside along the water. What about you guys?

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Winter Exercise Tip: Start Your Outdoor Workout Indoors

FitSugar — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 10:15:00 -0800

I love running outside but when it's chilly, those first 10 minutes warming up can be brutal before your blood really gets pumping.

Next time, try starting your workout indoors before heading outside. Jog in place or do some light jumping jacks to get your heart rate up, your blood circulating, and oxygen to your muscles. Then take it outside. Once you get out, start by walking slowly and then increase your speed until you reach your desired intensity.

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Spring Running Tip: Pepper Spray

FitSugar — Tue, 10 Apr 2007 02:30:00 -0700

Woman have to be careful when running alone outside. It's an unfortunate fact of life. Now that the weather is beginning to warm up, you might have that motivating itch to run outside.

Of course running with a friend is always a safer choice than running by yourself, but if you're like me, you can't always coordinate with your friend. Exercising is also a time for me to be alone with my thoughts, so running with someone would defeat the whole purpose.

Some women feel safer running with some protection. Check out this pepper spray for active women. It has a velcro strap so you can attach it to your clothes. Or, you can even wrap it around your palm in case you need to make a quick response.

Pepper spray is non-toxic, so it won't cause any permanent damage, but it is hot. It's made from cayenne peppers and contains 15% of capsaicin, the heat creating substance found in the peppers. It can fire up to a distance of 18 feet, and the effects can last up to an hour. Each holder can spray about 20-25 1-second bursts.

Fit's Tips: You can order one for $10.50 or 3 for $29.25. It's a small price to pay for your peace of mind.