FitSugar

If You Want to Graduate, Lose the Weight: Cool or Not?

FitSugar — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 11:30:12 -0800

After years of midterms, finals, and all-nighters, a group of students at Lincoln University in Pennsylvania are being told they are too fat to graduate. The private college's core curriculum states that students must have a body mass index (BMI) that falls below 30 to graduate. If not, they must take steps to lose the weight by enrolling in a physical education class that meets three times a week for one semester - a requirement that has been part of the school's curriculum for the last three years.

While some students are upset over the school's judgment call on their weight and say it's discriminatory, school officials say that "no student should ever be able to leave Lincoln and not know the risks of obesity." Because Lincoln University is a private college, it is wholly within its rights to develop its curriculum in this manner.

What do you think of Lincoln University's policy?

In Cooler Temps, Do You Prefer Indoor or Outdoor Workouts?

FitSugar — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 03:47:10 -0800

Now that the weather is changing and getting much chillier, some of us may be moving our workouts indoors, while others may love to sweat it out in the cool temps. Which do you prefer?

Have You Ever Walked Out of a Group Fitness Class?

FitSugar — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 03:47:38 -0800

Even if kickboxing or step aerobics aren't your ideal fitness experience, working out in a group can buoy your spirits and help motivate you to push yourself. That being said, occasionally there's a sub standing in for your favorite teacher and you just can't hack it. Or you try a new class, realize you're in over your head, and fear injury if you finish. I have quietly moved to the back of a workout studio and slipped out the door to finish a workout on a treadmill when a class just wasn't moving enough for me. What about you?

Which Thanksgiving Food Is Worth the Calories?

FitSugar — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 03:30:08 -0800

Thanksgiving is almost here and you either have one of two attitudes - eat whatever you want because it's a holiday, or watch your calorie intake so you don't gain weight. If you don't want to cringe the next time you step on the scale, then you probably only want to splurge on the foods that are really worth it. So tell me . . .

Do You Exercise When You Have a Cold?

FitSugar — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:47:46 -0800

The flu is one thing, but when I have a little cold, sometimes exercising makes me feel better. Even though I may not have the energy for a full-on sweat fest, getting moving helps warm my body up and usually helps relieve my nasal congestion. What's your take on exercising when you're sick?

Ever Try a "Crazy" Fitness Product That Actually Worked?

FitSugar — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 03:47:47 -0800

When I came across the "Snuggie Sauna" as a possible weight loss tool, which claims it can help you burn 600 calories in only 15 minutes, I maintained the same stance I usually reserve for products that seem too good to be true - they probably are.

So, it's been my fitness philosophy that the best weight loss results come the old-fashioned way, eating right and working hard. Still, I've definitely had some friends who buy into a quick fix every now and then - some who claim they've seen results using the portable thigh toner, and even the ab toning belt. So, tell me, have you ever had any luck with an unconventional weight loss or fitness product that actually delivered on its promise? Or are you inclined to stick to the basics when it comes to your fitness?

How Many Days a Week Do You Work Out?

FitSugar — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 08:00:38 -0800

I'm a bear if I don't exercise. I get moody and irritable and cranky. If I've gone too long without working out, my family is the first to know and it's not pretty. Luckily my husband knows the warning signs of exercise withdrawal, and shoos me out the door with sneakers in hand. To keep my sanity, I aim to exercise at least five days a week. What about you?

Athleta Yoga Jeans: Cool or Not?

FitSugar — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 13:30:41 -0800

Sporty and causal clothes retailer Athleta usually hits the fashion mark, but I am not sure about the Bettona Bermuda, now $35 marked down from $54. Styled to look like jeans, rivets and all, these long shorts are intended for yoga practice. Made from stretchy fabric to ease into yoga poses, these shorts even have a faux fly. While I am fine, with black cotton leggings for my practice I wonder what you all think.

Share tales of your favorite yoga gear in the Yoga Stretch and Tell group.

What Time Do You Like to Train?

Fit Community — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 03:47:21 -0800

Jennsteria wants to know what time of day you choose to train, and posted this poll to our RunningSugar community group:

I used to be a hardcore 5am up and at 'em runner. It was most convenient for my work schedule at the time and when my training runs got longer, I was able to fit them in during the day and still lead a normal life. Nowadays I've been favoring the end of day runs along the beach to catch the sunset (also the time change/weather have played a part in this). I've been trying to get back to my early morning training . . . it's a work in progress. Do you label yourself a morning or late night runner? Or are you all over the map like I am right now?

Have any questions or stories about running that you want to share? Join our Running community group and join the conversation! If you're not a runner, be sure to take a look at our other community groups - there's something for everyone.

When Did You First Start Working Out?

FitSugar — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 03:30:03 -0800

A little workout nostalgia - I was just thinking back to when I first started exercising, thanks in large part to my dad. Outside of required gym class or a sports team, I was trying to remember when fitness became important to me, and landed right at about eighth grade.

Around the end of middle school, beginning of high school, I started to pay attention to other girls and the way my own body was shaping up. At the same time, I was being exposed to new ways to work out. During high school, I was offered the choice of a regular P.E. class, or a semester of yoga and Pilates. I chose the latter and have been hooked ever since. Additionally, my dad used to ask me along to his training sessions at the gym, where working with his trainer helped to give me a better understanding of fitness and what I could do on my own to stay healthy.

Since then, I've made a conscious decision to keep myself fit - a lifestyle choice that I attribute to such a great introduction to working out during my early high school years. Obviously fitness is important at any age, but I'm curious, when did you first get into a fitness routine?