FitSugar

Fit Gift Guide: Ski Bum

FitSugar — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 03:00:00 -0800

The gift-giving holidays are just around the corner and to spare you some of the last-minute shopping stress the Sugar sites are creating ever-helpful gift guides.

I'm sure you've got a cousin, sibling, or other relative who spends their winters hitting the ski slopes. Here are some ideas the skier in your life is sure to appreciate.

Darn Tough Boot Socks: These merino wool socks will wick moisture away from your feet and keep you warm. What's even better? The foot and lower leg have extra cushioning so these socks will keep your legs comfy in your ski boots.
Burton Gore-Tex 3-in-1 Over Mittens: These mittens can be worn three ways. Either wear the outer Gore-Tex liner alone to stay dry, wear the removable fleece liners alone to stay warm or wear them together on extra chilly days.
Anon Realm Goggles: These goggles not only protect your eyes from damaging UV rays and the bright glare that bounces off the snow, but they keep your eyes safe from debris and snow that might get kicked up while racing down the mountain. These Anon Realm Goggles have quality lenses with anti-fogging properties.

Darn Tough Full Cushion Sock ($19.95)

Burton Gore-Tex Mittens ($64.95)

Anon Realm Goggles ($119.95)

Source

Powderwh*re "Flakes" Gets You Psyched For Snow

FitSugar — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 13:30:06 -0700

I know it is still the middle of Fall, but here's a video that will make you wish it were Winter. Powderwh*re brings you their latest backcountry skiing video appropriately titled Flakes. Last Winter the production company filmed some of the best telemark skiers in the world, with the goal to "capture the joy and freedom that is powder skiing." There are no ski lifts, crowds of people, or impeccably groomed trails here, folks. These hardcore skiers hike up untouched powder-filled mountains, and then ski down the steepest, fluffiest, most gorgeous terrain you could imagine. This movie is touring the country right now, so here's a sneak peek to get you drooling with amazement.

If you're interested in seeing Flakes, grab your fellow ski bums and check out the tour dates. For my fellow Bay Area dwellers, it's playing in San Francisco this Friday!

Still aching for more? The Freeheel Life is another skiing movie touring the country. To check out that movie trailer read more.

Are you looking forward to hitting the slopes? I know I sure am.

Fittingly Mad: Share the Mountain

FitSugar — Sat, 12 Jan 2008 02:30:00 -0800

I have written here before urging and maybe complaining about the need for both cyclists and drivers to share the road, since I have been on both sides of the situation. Now, I must tell you I feel the same way about the slopes – you've got to share the mountain, people. On busy weekends, snowy mountainsides are filled with skiers and boarders of all levels. It can feel crowded and scary. Both newbies and experienced skiers/riders need to be aware of each other. Seems simple, right?

I know that people who spend all their Winters going downhill fast (I mean that in a good way) feel really in control of their motions. But skiing quickly and closely to a downed newbie adds another layer of fear to the green skier who has lost a ski or a boarder giving his or her bum a break. So be mindful and use those skills to steer clear of those learning to love downhill sports.

On the other hand, if you are new to skiing or boarding, pay attention. Your job as a newbie is to get down the mountain in one piece, but that also involves being aware of your surroundings. Ski or board defensively. I do hope that experienced mountain folk will be on the lookout for you too.

Hopefully, we will have a long ski season so everyone will get his or her fair share of powder days - "getting some fresh-y," as I like to say.

Source

Review: Danskin X-Training Jacket

FitSugar — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 12:45:13 -0700

The weather is starting cool, considerably in some parts, and that means wearing more layers - sometimes even indoors. I don't like feeling cold, but so many sweaters, jackets, and hoodies are just too bulky, so I have been looking for something form-fitting, cozy, and thin. I put on my new Danskin X-Training Jacket ($76) a couple of days ago and have yet to take it off.

It meets all my requirements and then some. It's perfect for typing in my shady house and walking the dog. The fabric is super soft: The jacket feels good on, and my husband loves hugging me when I am wearing it. Since I am wearing it all the time, that is a good thing.

For more details on the jacket, just read more.

The jacket is form-fitting without being tight, and it has a dual zipper so you can unzip at both ends. The side pockets are zippered, too, which makes this a great outer layer if you are on the go. I also love the back stash pocket, which fastens with Velcro, it's very helpful for carrying bags when hiking to clean up anything my dog Bonnie might leave on the trail. I also like the iPod port that goes from the front left pocket inside the jacket and out the collar - this feature would be handy for a run. Although there is a bit of reflective detailing on the jacket, it's not enough make you super visible if you are running at night. But I appreciate that the jacket is long and covers most of my bum. I am definitely wearing this under my ski jacket on cold mountain days once ski season starts.

Since I am trying not to buy black clothing - I have so much of it already - I got the jacket in purple, aka "prism." It also comes in pink (snapdragon), black, and pale green (arctic). You can order directly from Danskin.

If $75 seems like a lot for a jacket, I rationalized my purchase this way: Since I can wear it inside, I won't have to turn on the heat for a while, and when I do, I won't have to crank it because I will be so cozy in my Danskin jacket. Check out the other colors and the collar iPod port below.

View 3 Photos ›

Multitasking Move: Narrow Squat With Overhead Press

FitSugar — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 08:00:00 -0800

No exercise beats squats for toning up your lower half. It is easy to create many variations and turn this versatile move into a multitasking one. Changing the leg position of your squat is a great way to mix up your routine. Narrowing your stance works your inner thighs more as well as challenges your balance. Adding an overhead press to your squat makes this a full body exercise. This is also a great exercise for prepping your legs for downhill skiing.

Details on how to perform this squat variation when you read more

Begin standing with your legs together, arms raised to shoulder height with elbows bent, holding weights by your ears.
Squat toward the floor by bending your knees and reaching your bum back, as if you were sitting in a chair. Keep your legs squeezing together. Focus your weight into your heels. While squatting, raise your arms overhead into a parallel position.
Return to starting positions by pressing through your heels while bending your elbows to lower the weights back to shoulder level.
Repeat ten times, for two to three sets.

I like to use five to eight pound dumbbells for this exercise, but you should use whatever weight feels appropriate for you. Don't have a set of dumbbells? You can use full water bottles or soup cans to provide some extra weight.

Relax Already: Rolling Hip Massage

FitSugar — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 13:30:00 -0800

Many of you must be so excited for Winter because you get to ski, snowboard, and snowshoe. Those snowy sports are not only thrilling, but they really work your thighs and glutes. After a day on the mountain, give your upper legs a little love with this rolling hip massage.

Music: "Sunshine Blues" by Hossenger

To find out how to do this read more.

Sit on the floor with both legs out in front of you. Bend your right knee and rest your right ankle right below your left knee.
Lean over to the right, placing your right forearm on the floor. Bend your left leg so your left heel is by your bum and hold onto the top of your left floor with your left hand. You'll be resting on your right elbow and your right hip.
Now use your left hand to make small circles with your legs, rolling over your right hip. Then roll in the other direction.
Release and then switch sides.

Try it! You will be amazed how your booty feels after this self massage.

Get Your Butt in Gear: North Face Allure Jacket

FitSugar — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 14:30:00 -0800

Ahh, Winter is here and many of you may be totally psyched that you can finally snap on you skis or board and hit the snow. It won't be any fun though if you're cold or wet, so you need a good, solid jacket that'll keep you warm and dry.

Check out this one from the North Face called the Allure Jacket ($249). It's filled with insulating down that'll keep your body heat from escaping, and the outer layer is waterproof, which is rare. Many down coats aren't waterproof, or if it's snowing or you fall a few times, the feathers soak up the water, making the jacket heavy and soggy. Plus you will be wet and therefore freezing. This jacket also has a detachable hood, so you can use it on super-cold days, or just when you're riding the windy chairlift.

There's a pocket on the left forearm for important stuff like tissues or your cell phone, and there's an inside pocket for goggles or sunglasses. I love the core zipper vents on the chest, so you can cool yourself down if you get overheated. Another great thing is that is has an elastic powder skirt attached inside, just below the waist, so you can snap it shut and keep snow from getting up your back. This jacket has a really flattering fit and is slightly longer in the back to keep your bum toasty warm. It is available in black, brownie, cornsilk yellow, icy blue, new taupe, or white. Order it here.