FitSugar

Wedding Day Workout

FitSugar — Tue, 05 Jun 2007 17:15:00 -0700

Most grooms participate in some sport or athletic activity (golf, soccer, football, etc) on the morning of their wedding day. This is how they ease the tension and I must say the grooms have it right - the name of the game here is stress relief, not last minute weight loss. Come the day of, or even weekend of, your wedding, hopefully you've already done your best from an exercise perspective and one last workout will not do much in terms of dropping pounds. However, what it may do is calm you down, especially if you're feeling any last minute stress or jitters.

The problem is that most brides do not have enough time to feed themselves the day of their wedding, let alone time to fit in a workout or group activity. However, if you have been working out on a regular basis for a year (or even six months) up until your big day, you've probably noticed that working out is a great stress reliever and mood booster -- Two things you might need at this point. So, think about trying and finding a way to fit it in with these three tips:

Stick to your routine: If your body is used to going on a two mile run every Saturday morning, then try to fit it in. Maybe you switch the run to a Friday morning, instead of Saturday, but I am sure you'll feel great when it's done and you'll be ready to hit the ground running (literally and figuratively). Invite your out-of-towner pals, or even get your husband-to-be (only on jogs the day before, that is), to join you. This is a great time to actually have a conversation with them/him before (or during) all the commotion that is your wedding weekend.

Yoga: Get all your maids together for a pre hair and make-up yoga session. Not only will you (and all your girls) feel great from getting a little workout in, you'll also feel more relaxed and ready for your close-ups.

Stretching: If you can find the time to fit in anything, at the very least, do a little stretching when you wake up the morning of your big day. Pay more attention to your lower body as most brides are on their feet (in high heels, might I add) the entire day of their wedding.

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Take a Break from Wedding Planning: Workout!

FitSugar — Fri, 20 Apr 2007 14:30:00 -0700

If you're engaged and well into wedding planning then you're probably (or you're about to be) bombarded with a million things wedding related. Flowers, dress, food, venue, etc. One piece of advice: Take a workout break.

I know it sounds odd, but a good workout may be your only chance to get a moment for yourself to stop thinking about how much you have to do for the wedding. Turn your phone off, bring a good book or magazine that is NOT wedding related (such things do exist, I swear) and take that aggression out on a treadmill and pair of free weights. Feeling really overwhelmed? Maybe your fiancé is driving you up the wall with his lack of cooperation? Hit the punching bag for a few minutes. Taking a workout break will not only help tone you up before the big day, but it will give you some "you, the bride" time and you'll feel energized and ready to go for everything else that comes your way.

Get Wedding Dress Ready: Pre-Wedding Workouts

FitSugar — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 07:30:00 -0700

If you're looking to get fit for your big day then you might want to enlist some help. There are a lot of ways to do your pre-wedding training with programs designed with brides in mind. Just keep in mind, it's best to start any fitness training at least 4-6 weeks before the big day. So here are a few of my ideas:

The Wedding Boot Camp DVD ($109). This package of three workout DVDs, a Spri Exertube, a Spri Lex Loop, 12 months access to UNICUS Online, and the Wedding Boot Camp Nutritional Manual. Each DVD contains a different workout that should be done a different day of the week.
If you've already spent more than you'd like on your wedding and are looking for something free then check out current fitness magazines. I personally like Shape magazine's Total Body Wedding Workout that can be found online and printed out.

I've got a few more ideas so read more.

Call your gym or a local gym. Most are offering bridal workout programs and specials this time of year. Keep in mind that just because it doesn't say "bridal," or "wedding," doesn't mean it won't whip you into shape. A lot of full body programs and boot camps would do the trick, inquire at your gym or just look for regular boot camp programs near you. Just be sure to sign up with enough time to complete the program.
The Wedding Podcast Network has some Wedding Workout specific podcasts that give great tips from good personal trainers on getting wedding dress ready. Download them and listen to them on your way to the gym or before you start a workout to get motivated.
You can also use my own boot camp video. It's free. It's fun. And it's brought to you be me!

To see all of our wedding coverage, check out IDoSugar.com!

Don't Overdo When Getting Ready to Say "I Do"

FitSugar — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 03:30:00 -0700

While I told you that it's never too early to get in shape for your wedding, I also wanted to add a few words of caution: Keep the weight loss in check!

It seems that as the trend for lavish and expensive weddings grows, brides are putting more and more pressure on themselves to be "perfect" for their wedding days. While this concept of perfection includes a fancy gown and professionally done hair and makeup, it is starting to include a body that is "red carpet" worthy. And for that "look" many women feel they need to lose weight. A recent study published in the journal Appetite found that 70 percent of brides felt the need to lose at least 20 pounds. While most women used their engagements to start a healthy weight loss and fitness plan, 20 percent of the 272 women interviewed succumbed to extreme dieting and dangerous behaviors like taking up smoking and vomiting between meals. Other unhealthy behaviors these women participated in included: skipping meals, going on liquid diets, fasting, or taking laxatives or unprescribed diet pills and supplements.

As a reminder I would like to state again that getting in shape and losing weight is a lifestyle change, and it takes time, patience and hard work. A healthy and reasonable weight loss rate is losing a maximum of two pounds a week. So, if you are getting ready to say "I do" just make sure you don't "over do." It might also help to brush up on how to steer clear of fad diets. When setting your goals for getting wedding ready, just make sure they are reasonable. Enter your marriage strong and healthy so the vow, "In sickness and in health" will truly resonate.

To see all of our wedding season coverage, check out IDoSugar.com.

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It's Not Too Early to Get in Shape For Your Wedding

FitSugar — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 07:30:00 -0700

If you've recently gotten engaged or know that a wedding is in the distant future for you, it's never too early to start thinking about getting fit for the big day. Not only do you want to look your best, but it's great to get in the habit of living a healthy lifestyle before your wedding, so you'll have a long life to share with your partner.

Here are some things to start thinking about:

If you're looking to lose weight, you can meet with a dietitian. They can help you come up with a safe and healthy eating plan that will be nutritious and low in calories.
If you're looking to tone up specific areas of your body (like your upper arms and back) you can hire a personal trainer. They'll be able to show you exercises for each area you're concerned about.
You can also just do toning and strengthening exercises on your own. This Starter Arms video is a great routine that's sure to work every muscle in your upper body. Also, there are a lot of DVDs that you may enjoy.

What else can you start doing? To find out read more.

If you're looking to lose weight, you can start including more cardio in your routine. You can join a gym and use the cardio machines, and since the weather is getting warmer, you can walk, jog, hike, or ride your bike outside. To see results, you want to do at least 30 minutes of cardio at least three times a week.
Exercise with your partner. Not only will it keep you both healthy, but it's another way you can spend time together.

The great thing about all of these ideas is that not only will exercising regularly and eating more healthy help you get in shape for the big day, but you'll have more energy to plan the wedding - a pleasant side effect of working out.

To see all of our wedding coverage, check out IDoSugar.com.

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P.L.O.W. – Shiny Shiny Diamonds

FitSugar — Sat, 05 Apr 2008 04:00:00 -0700

To help wrap up engagement week, I thought I would make a playlist full of diamond songs, plus a tune by everyone's favorite Diamond – Neil, that's for you mom! It is a fairly mellow music mix but should still help you get your heart rate up. This playlist would be a great musical accompaniment for a stress relieving power walk or a planning walk, because why would you want to plan sitting down?

To hear the playlist just click the right arrow after you read more.

Total PLOW = 34:25

To see all of our wedding coverage, check out IDoSugar.com!

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A Week In Review: FitSugar roundup

FitSugar — Sat, 21 Apr 2007 04:00:00 -0700

Meatless Mondays are starting at my house this coming Monday.

Now that it is Saturday, you've got to try the booty workout. Here's the printable version for you to take to the gym.

Here is a new TreadMill workout for you to try next time you're at the gym. Or if you have one at home hop on and try it.

Speak Up and tell me what you listen to when you workout.

After splurging on Burberry golf accessoriesyou might just need some FREE golf lessons.

We all know fiber is an important part of our diet. But do you know if an apple or a pear has more fiber? You might also be interested in knowing how much fiber your favorite fruit has to offer.

Since it IS the weekend you have time to practice Sun Salutation B.

Monday was the Boston Marathon and Lidiya Grigoryeva won by finishing in 2 hours and 29 minutes. Jacob might have taken a little longer to cross the finish line, but his story is quite motivational.

The Sugar pages have been filled with wedding mania this week, but walking seems to be how Eva Longoria deals with her pre-wedding stress.

Just wondering if you have tried the Side Push Up. It is a great way to work your arms.

Flynet

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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Natalie Coughlin: From the Olympics to DWTS

FitSugar — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 05:50:41 -0700

Last season on Dancing With the Stars, we saw gold medal gymnast Shawn Johnson win gold, and this year we're watching Olympic swimmer Natalie Coughlin compete on land.

She made it through the first week, dancing a salsa with Alec Mazo and wowed us last night with her quick step. Although busy dancing and rehearsing, Natalie took time out of her day to answer a few questions on topics ranging from Pilates to her opinion on the ban on high-tech swimsuits.

To learn what Natalie has to say, just read more.

FitSugar: I have read that you do Pilates. How does this method of exercise help your swimming? Since it is somewhat dance-based, do you think it will help you on DWTS?
Natalie Coughlin: Pilates is an awesome cross-training exercise for any sport because it focuses on functional movement. It relies on strength along with flexibility, which is perfect for both swimming and dance. My two favorite pieces of equipment are the Balanced Body Exo Chair and Pilates Arc. I personally own both, and they make a nice addition to my home gym.

FS: I loved your "I'm a runner" piece in Runner's World. Do you still run regularly? Do you ever participate in road races? Were you able to run before your wedding ceremony?
NC: My first and only road race was the H2O Audio Surf Monkey last month, which was a 5K run on a mixture of sand, cobbled rock, and pier. It was so much fun, although I had no idea how to run on sand or cobbled rock! A few days before my wedding, I got a little overzealous with my running and ended up straining my right obliques, which forced me to take a bit of a break. Oops! I still love running, but I'm currently spending five to six-plus hours dancing every day, so I'm taking a break. I don't think it would be a good idea to add any unnecessary stress to my feet or legs.

FS:Your swimming career has spanned two Olympics, and you're planning to compete in 2012 - how do you maintain focus in training over those four-year periods?
NC: My focus is constantly evolving. I took three months off immediately following the Athens Games and returned to competition with a series of two-day meets throughout the world. The short format of the meets along with the world travel kept me motivated and interested in swimming. After Beijing, I needed a much longer break both mentally and physically because I have been competing for 21 years now! Dancing With the Stars is providing me with an amazing competitive outlet in something so different than my sport.

FSWhat's your favorite core exercise?
NC: I use the TRX suspension system for strength training and I absolutely love the atomic push-up because it's a killer exercise that works your entire core and upper body.

FS: Is your running playlist different from your swimming playlist? If so, how?
NC: Nope! They're usually the same, but it changes depending on my mood. It can be anything from pop, rock, alternative, to hip-hop . . . and H2O Audio's new Interval lets me listen to multiple playlists in the water or while I'm out on a run.

FS: Swimming can be hard on the skin and hair. What are your go-to beauty products postswim?
NC: Oh dear! I love products . . . Pureology for my hair, Kinesys sunscreen for my face/body preswimming, Palmer's Cocoa Butter for my body post-swimming, and Oil of Olay SPF 15 for my face.

FS: How do you feel about the ban on high-tech swimsuits?
NC: I think it's a good idea because our sport can now get back to the swimming and eliminate the distraction of "who are you wearing?" Eliminating zippers and legs is strange because both have been a part of many of the suits for over a decade. Either way, I'm happy.

From Walker to Runner: 8 Week Plan

FitSugar — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 12:00:00 -0700

So you've always wanted to take up running, but every time you've tried, you were exhausted after one minute. Not everyone is born to be a runner, and for most of us, it takes weeks of building up and training your body to get used to moving this way.

I believe any healthy person can go from being a walker to a runner, and this eight-week plan from Running.about.com can get you there. To take a peek at the weekly schedule read more.

	Mon	Tues	Wed	Thurs	Friday	Sat. or Sun.
Week 1	Walk 6 min., run 1 min. Repeat 3 times (total 21 min.)		Repeat Monday's workout		Repeat Monday's workout
Week 2	Walk 5 min., run 2 min. Repeat 4 times (total 28 min.)		Repeat Monday's workout		Repeat Monday's workout
Week 3	Walk 3 min., run 4 min. Repeat 4 times (total 28 min.)		Repeat Monday's workout		Repeat Monday's workout	Repeat Monday's workout
Week 4	Walk 2 min., run 5 min. Repeat 4 times (total 28 min.)		Repeat Monday's workout		Repeat Monday's workout	Repeat Monday's workout
Week 5	Walk 2 min., run 8 min. Repeat 3 times (total 30 min.)		Repeat Monday's workout		Repeat Monday's workout	Repeat Monday's workout
Week 6	Walk 2 min., run 9 min. Repeat 3 times (total 33 min.)		Repeat Monday's workout		Repeat Monday's workout	Repeat Monday's workout
Week 7	Walk 1 min., run 11 min. Repeat 3 times (total 36 min.)		Repeat Monday's workout		Repeat Monday's workout	Repeat Monday's workout
Week 8	Walk 5 min., run 20 min., walk 5 min. (total 30 min.)		Walk 5 min., run 23 min., walk 5 min. (total 33 min.)		Walk 5 min., run 26 min., walk 5 min. (total 36 min.)	Walk 5 min., run 30 min., walk 5 min. (total 40 min.)

Once you're up to running 30 minutes straight, try to stick with this four times a week.

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