FitSugar

Water Skiing Dog

GiggleSugar — Mon, 09 Jul 2007 14:00:00 PDT

This water-skiing pooch almost blows Twiggy, the water skiing squirrel, out of the water. So what should he stand on while skiing? Why, a circular flotation device, naturally!

Get in Gear: Croakie

FitSugar — Fri, 06 Jul 2007 02:30:00 PDT

If you're like me, the summer weather draws you outside every chance you can get. When the powerful sun is blazing, you realize the importance of wearing sunscreen to protect your skin, and sunglasses to protect your eyes.

Sunglasses can be really expensive, but they're totally worth it, especially if the lenses are polarized (I love the crystal clear vision). Since they are so small and lightweight, they can get easily lost, and then what good would they be for your eyes?

Keep track of your sunglasses with a Croakie. It's a strap that attaches to the ends of your glasses, so when you're not wearing them, you can just let them hang from your neck. The strap is made of neoprene so it's soft, flexible, comfortable, and dries quickly if it gets wet.

A Croakie is a necessity if you are always misplacing your sunglasses. It's also great if you do fast-paced outdoor sports like biking, or water sports like water skiing and kayaking (what a crime it would be if your expensive sunglasses fell off your face and into the water!). Check out the 4 different styles:

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Water-Skiing Monkeys

GiggleSugar — Mon, 02 Jul 2007 13:00:00 PDT

Only in Japan would we find a trio of water skiing and boat steering monkeys, which goes to show that aquatic sports are so easy-- even a monkey can do them. (Then why can't I?! The last time I went water skiing, I swam away with a pulled muscle and a lifetime supply of water up my nose. Not fun.)

Safety Tips for Water Skiing

FitSugar — Fri, 08 Jun 2007 11:00:00 PDT

I am so psyched for the warm weather. It's not quite time to slip on those water skis since the water temperature is still rather nippy, but it's a good time to start getting excited about it.

Water skiing is an exciting and challenging sport. All it takes is a motor boat, someone to drive the boat, an extra person in the boat to watch the skier, a life jacket, a pair of water skis, and a tow line (the rope you hold onto). It requires a love of speed and the water, tons of upper and lower body strength, and delicate balance to stay up. Once you get going, nothing compares to the exhilarating feeling of flying through the air and riding on the water. It gives new meaning to the word fast!

If you've never tried it before, I definitely recommend having a private instructor show you how, since there are a few risks involved with this sport. I have some strong suggestions for how to ski and boat safely. Want to see them? Then

Always have an observer in the boat - the driver doesn't count.
Always wear your life jacket, even if you know how to swim.
Always water ski in calm water - a big lake is perfect.
Stay clear of congested areas, with no other boats or swimmers around.
Never water ski in the dark - it is both dangerous AND illegal.

With all that said, don't be discouraged if it takes you a while to stand up. You've got to bend your knees into your chest, keep your arms straight, lean back slightly, let the boat pull you, and then stand up. Once you figure it all out, you'll be loving this new sport. Hey check this out - my friend Giggle found a water skiing squirrel! Good thing that lady was there to catch little Twiggy since he wasn't wearing a life jacket! Source

10 Ways to Burn More Calories This Summer

FitSugar — Fri, 08 Jun 2007 03:00:00 PDT

This summer, take advantage of all the great ways you can burn a few more calories. Here are ten simple ways that you can burn a few more calories in just 30 minutes this summer:

*Based on a 130 lb. person for 30 minutes of activity.*
Activity	Calories Burned
Fishing	118
Frisbee	89
Horseback Riding	118
Mountain Biking	251
Rock Climbing	236
Snorkeling	148
Softball	148
Surfing	89
Water Skiing	177
Whitewater Rafting	148

The best part? You should have fun burning those extra calories. So pull out the sunscreen and bug spray and start moving this summer.

Source

A Water Skiing Squirrel? That's Nuts!

GiggleSugar — Mon, 07 May 2007 01:00:00 PDT

What's better than a drunk squirrel? A water skiing squirrel named Twiggy, of course! Now I don't know who would keep a pet squirrel or even think to teach it aquatic skills, but I bet this new hobby beats branch swinging and nut hoarding. Go, Twiggy, go!

Julianne Hough Works Out in a Bikini While Ryan Seacrest Jet-Skis Shirtless

Lauren Turner — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 10:59:49 PST

Julianne Hough and Ryan Seacrest had a fun afternoon in the St. Barts sun on Tuesday. She joined shirtless Ryan Seacrest for a round of jet-skiing, which ended when he fell off into the water. Next, Julianne wore a bikini for a workout on a stationary bike. The couple continued their relaxing Caribbean day with a walk on the beach, where they ran into pals Rachel Zoe and Rodger Berman. Julianne, Ryan, Rachel, and Rodger moved their party to a nearby house for picture taking and champagne.

Ryan's relaxing getaway comes ahead of a busy time of year. He has award season duties on top of his regular radio show and producing gigs, but he may not be returning to his American Idol spot. Ryan's American Idol contract is up, and after 11 seasons with the series, he could be replaced as host. We may still see him on the small screen, though, since there are rumors that he might join the cast of Today.

Cross-Country Skiing Tips For Newbies

Jenny Sugar — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 22:51:18 PST

Downhill skiing is a blast, but if you're not in the mood to race against frigid winds or deal with crazy crowded lift lines, try cross-country skiing this Winter. It may not be speedy, but cross-country skiing will tone your upper and lower body, give you a great cardio workout, and burn almost 500 calories in one hour!

Like snowshoeing, cross-country is more social than downhill skiing since conversations aren't limited to just time riding the lift. You get to slush along snow-covered trails and gab while taking in the breathtaking scenery. Plus, there is no expensive lift ticket needed. Some find cross-country more comfortable than downhill skiing because the boots are more flexible and the skis lightweight. Ready to get started? Here are some tips for newbies.

First, find some cross-country trails. Some downhill-ski resorts have groomed trails, but also check out nature centers or parks where you hike in the Summer. You might have to pay a fee (around $15 to $30) to use the grounds. Don't be shy about asking the staff to point you toward the easier trails.
Rent boots, skis, and poles at the place where you're skiing, but if this isn't possible, rent equipment the day before from a gear store; rentals are about $15 a day.
Definitely head out with someone who has some cross-country skiing experience or take a lesson to learn the basic techniques for moving, slowing down, stopping, and getting up hills.

Keep reading for more beginner cross-country ski tips.

Why You Should Hydrate Up During Winter Months

Anna Monette Roberts — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 14:43:45 PST

Colder Winter months can sometimes make you neglect your daily water intake. You might assume you need less water than you do during Summer because you don't feel parched and aren't sweating like you do in warmer weather. Not true! Here are three reasons to keep your water cup filled during Winter.

Hydrate Despite the Chill
You need to drink the same amount of water year round - and maybe even more in the Winter. Even though it feels like you aren't sweating as much as you do during the Summer, your body still loses a lot of water during the Winter from day-to-day activities like breathing, staying warm, and urinating. Read more on calculating your recommended daily water intake here.

Winter activities like skiing, sledding, and even snowball fights can also lead to dehydration. Know the signs of dehydration so you can respond accordingly. If you are experiencing dizziness, headaches, constipation, or dark eye circles, quickly guzzle up some water.

H20 Beauty
Dry, nippy weather can leave skin cracked and flaky, but water does promote skin circulation and can help plump up your skin. While applying a hydrating moisturizer can help make skin smooth and supple, adequate water consumption is key for flake-free skin.

Keep reading for the health reasons to keep water handy in Winter.

George Clooney's Girlfriend Stacy Keibler Goes Jet Skiing in a Bikini

Lauren Turner — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 20:07:21 PST

Stacy Keibler spent Thanksgiving Day on a Jet Ski in Mexico. She wore a pink striped bikini for the ocean excursion, though her current flame, George Clooney, didn't join her on the water since he recently underwent elbow surgery. George and Stacy have vacationed in Cabo multiple times since they went public with their relationship, including a trip at the beginning of the month and a visit for Stacy's birthday in October. This time, the couple are enjoying the holiday week in Mexico with friends Cindy Crawford and Rande Gerber as well as Molly Sims and her new husband, Scott Stuber. Cindy and Rande hit the beach this afternoon, while Molly was spotted tanning yesterday.