FitSugar

Fit Gift Guide: Skiers and Riders

FitSugar — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 13:00:00 -0800

The snow's a fallin' in parts of the world, and that means skiers and riders are gearing up for some adventurous time in the snow. If there's a gal in your life who's big into hitting the mountain, here are some gift ideas that are sure to keep her warm and protected.

Salomon Ladies Temptress Jacket: The best part about this coat is that it has tons of zippered pockets to hold your wallet, keys, phone, tissues, and snacks. It's lightly insulated so once you start cruising, you won't overheat. There's also a goggle wipe and a holder for your ski pass. Since this is last year's model, it's cheaper, so you'll save some dough.
Smith Women's Anthem Goggles: Goggles are a must to protect your eyes from snow, ice, rain, tree branches, and the sun. These from Smith are made for a woman's facial features, and they're helmet compatible.
Burton Headphone Beanie: Whether you're zooming down the mountain on skis or a board, some people can't live without their tunes. This hat from Burton has speakers built in. Just plug the wire into your iPod and you're good to go.

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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)

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Gifts For Active Snow Bunnies

FitSugar — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 10:00:32 -0800

Although snow may not be falling in your neck of the woods just yet, it's never too early to start thinking about all the people in your life who love playing in that fluffy white stuff.

If you have a friend or family member who's big into hitting the mountain, here are some gift ideas that are sure to keep her warm and happy. Although picking out ski or snowboard equipment is best left up to her, these items are sure to make wintertime even better.

Are You a Skier or Rider?

FitSugar — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 03:30:00 -0800

The weekend is a great time to hit the mountain. Skiing and snowboarding are both kick-ass workouts, but tell me, which one are you?

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Get Mountain Ready With Ashtanga Yoga

FitSugar — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 12:30:00 -0800

Now that Winter is in full force, I'm sure many of you spend your weekends skiing or snowboarding. Nothing beats the excitement and anticipation of standing at the top of a white mountain and looking down the slope. However, an exhilarating day on the mountain can leave you very sore and achy the next day.

If you take the time to lengthen and strengthen your legs and core before heading to the slopes, you can seriously decrease the delayed onset muscle (DOMS) you experience the day after boarding or skiing. Let me tell you, Ashtanga Yoga can help get you mountain ready, especially the Primary Series. This sequence of set postures, involves tons of poses that stretch and strengthen your quads, hamstrings, hips, shoulders, and lower back. These are the areas skiers and boarders need to focus on, and stretching and strengthening them can prevent injury, as well as make you stronger and more in control when you hit the mountain.

In the Primary Series, you practice both Sun Salutation A and B, which are great for warming up heading up the lift. Other great poses in the Primary Series are: Warrior 1 and 2, Seated Straddle, and Head to Knee. These poses help increase your flexibility and build endurance. Ashtanga is perfect for inflexible athletes who like to sweat and work every muscle.

Fit's Tips: Check out your local yoga studio to see if the offer Primary Series classes or beginners workshops. If they don't, check out this awesome Primary Series DVD. Also check out my videos of Sun Salutation A and Sun Salutation B.

Now Is the Time to Get Ready For the Slopes

FitSugar — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 08:00:41 -0800

Even though we're in the middle of Fall and I've yet to see any real signs of snow, experts say now is the time to get your butt in gear for Winter sports. Days on the slopes can be long and require a good amount of endurance, especially if you're the type who likes to visit the mountains for an extended weekend or even longer.

Veteran Winter Olympic athletes like ski racer Daron Rahlves and snowboarder Elena Hight recommend doing specific training for Winter sports six to eight weeks before the season starts. They say the key to lasting all day, weekend, or week on the slopes is to work on flexibility, strength, and cardio. A good mix of this will ensure you can snowboard from sunup to sundown. Being in tip-top shape will also help cut down on injuries.

An article in the San Francisco Chronicle asked a group of Winter Olympians and trainers their advice on getting in shape for Winter sports. Here's some of their advice.

Stretch for 15-20 minutes every day or do 10 minutes of sun salutations. Skiers should focus on their lower bodies, while snowboarders should focus on their upper and lower areas.
Two to three times a week, focus on strength training with emphasis on your quads, hamstrings, and core muscles. Keeping your legs and core strong helps with balance and endurance, and helps cut down on ACL injuries. If you can, use kettlebells and also make sure to do tons of squats, leg curls, and lunges.
Do some sort of aerobic activity for at least 15 minutes every day, keeping your heart rate elevated the entire time.

Sounds doable to me. Who's hungry for powder?

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.

How to Strength Train With a Balance Board

FitSugar — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 08:00:05 -0700

If you belong to a gym, you may have seen this weird UFO-looking piece of equipment lying around. It's known as a balance board. When used for strength training exercises, it's a great tool for runners, skiers, tennis players, and yogis because it helps improve coordination and balancing abilities. It can also help target weak areas such as wrists and ankles that are often overlooked. There's no way around it - a balance board will work your core as well.

Also called wobble boards, they can be circular in shape, like the one shown, or rectangular. Since the platform is a lot larger than the base that touches the ground, once you place any body part on the board, the rest of your body is forced to engage in order to hold yourself up. That means you end up using multiple muscle groups at once.

To learn some basic exercises you can do that utilize the balance board keep reading.

Go Splits! 8 Stretches to Get You There

FitSugar — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 04:30:19 -0700

When I think of doing the splits, I immediately think of cheerleaders and pom-poms, but you too can become flexible enough to get all the way to the floor. It requires flexible hamstrings and open hips, so if you practice these eight stretches, you'll be on your way to doing full splits in no time. Doing splits regularly will keep your hamstrings and hip flexors limber, which is great if you're a runner, biker, or skier. Not to mention, it's also a great party trick to impress your friends.

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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.

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