FitSugar

Flattering Fitness Tops That Hide a Pooch

Jenny Sugar — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 12:25:41 PST

Whether you overdid it with late-night snacking, or you're in the awkward early weeks of pregnancy where it just looks like you did, slipping on a skintight exercise top doesn't inspire. If a softer middle makes you feel self-conscious, here are eight fashionable options to keep your belly hidden.

5 Pink and Red Products That'll Get Your Heart Pounding

Leta Shy — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 03:44:31 PST

It's almost Valentine's Day, so chances are that everywhere you look you see red or pink. If you love the bright, energizing colors, time to incorporate the happy hues in your workout gear as well. After all, it's also American Heart Month - what better way to a healthy heart than with a few new pieces of exercise clothing to keep you motivated to work out? Here are five pink and red products that'll get your heart racing!

Gear Review: Lululemon No Limit Top

Jenny Sugar — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 15:07:07 PST

I don't usually get very fancy with my yoga clothes. A fitted tank with a built-in sports bra is my usual go-to top. It keeps my girls covered and in place, and the fitted body stays put when I go upside down. But some days ~~you ate too many cookies~~ you just don't feel like wearing something tight. You could sport a loose shirt but it doesn't offer the most flattering look, and as soon as you start moving, it can end up exposing your belly even more than a tight tank. Enter the Lululemon No Limit Tank ($64). Sexy is the first word I thought when I saw it, but when I tried it in a yoga class, functional was the second.

Keep reading to hear more details about this unique Lululemon tank.

Love Your Lower Half: Your Go-To Wardrobe and Workout

Fitness Magazine — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 04:15:16 PST

We are excited to share one of our fave stories from Fitness Magazine here on FitSugar!

We've been thinking a lot about our backsides the past few months here at Fitness, as our team put together part one of our "Body Lab" to help you get a butt that defies gravity (see the February issue for more!).

While we work hard in the gym to sculpt a better behind, we don't complain when we get a little help from a particularly flattering pair of pants. The minute we slipped on the GapFit gFast Color Binding Leggings ($60, gap.com), we fell in love with their comfy fit and cute colors. And after testing them out in a strength class at David Barton Gym to celebrate GapFit's new line, we knew they would be mainstays in our workout wardrobes. The fabric is just thick enough for cool morning runs, but doesn't feel too heavy for the gym.

If you're feeling a bit timid about rocking these leggings, add these three moves from David Barton Gym trainer Meka to your workout three times each week, and soon you'll be loving your rear view! Get the details on these booty-toning exercises after the break.

Fit For February: Must Haves

FitSugar — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 14:54:06 PST

Well, January went by quickly, didn't it? With February here, we're picking gear that'll keep us on track with all of the healthy resolutions we made last month. We've got new gear to motivate us to get our butts into the gym but still keep us warm during those chilly outdoor workouts.

Best Practices: Extend the Life of Your Workout Wear

Jenny Sugar — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 16:37:43 PST

You splurged on $70 capris, but since they make such a difference in the way you feel during workouts, you'll never go back to cheapo clothes again. Because you've shelled out a lot of dough for these items, it's best to know how to take care of your workout clothes so they'll last. Always check the label or the brand's website for care instructions, and to answer a few common concerns about washing wicking-wear, we spoke to a few of our fave brands to get the skinny on the matter.

Go With Cold
We spoke with Zobha, Lululemon, and SmartWool, and they all agree: wash your technical and wool workout garments in cold water. No need to hand wash either! Just drop your clothes into the machine. But Lululemon adds "avoid washing with fluffy clothing (i.e. big cotton sweatshirts)" so your favorite leggings don't end up with a bunch of unwanted lint as decoration.

Say No to Bleach and Fabric Softeners
Bleach does not play nice with technical fabrics, so these brands say to avoid it. When it comes to your woolens, SmartWool recommends avoiding fabric softeners "because they coat the merino wool fibers and reduce the fibers' ability to naturally manage moisture and regulate your body temperature."

To Tumble Dry or Not
When it comes to drying your gear, all these brands agree: it's perfectly acceptable to tumble dry your clothes on low. Lululemon does provide the caveat that "hanging to dry will help prolong the life of the garment." I find using the dryer helps lessen the stink factor that affects some of my workout wear. Plus it saves time - I hate when I grab a pair of air-drying capris for my morning workout and they're still damp.

If you have more questions on washing your fave pieces of gear, read up on how to wash workout clothes for more tips.

Enter to Win a $500 Under Armour Gift Card

FitSugar — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 14:43:34 PST

It's the New Year and time to get back on track, jump-start your January, and get fit for 2012. We've dedicated the month of January to helping you set your path for the rest of the year. Each week we've broken down different fitness fundamentals, and we're ending the month by focusing on all-around healthy living. And we're giving away amazing prizes to help you meet your goals for the year.

This week we're giving away apparel from Under Armour - perfect for every workout, from yoga and Pilates to kickboxing and boot camps. Enter below and you could be one of two lucky winners to receive a $500 gift card to Under Armour!

This giveaway has ended.

Check us out on Facebook where we will be keeping our own fitness diary and providing tips, advice, recipes, and workouts for all of our fans. If you're craving more fitness gear and goodies, enter our Asics giveaway for a year's supply of Asics running shoes and our KIND Healthy Snacks and Magimix giveaway for a year's supply KIND Healthy Snacks and a Magimix Food Processor. Good luck!

Tools of the Trade: Gear For Healthy Living

FitSugar — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 19:47:33 PST

Smart tools and sweet gear help keep the pieces of a healthy lifestyle intact. From what you put on your plate to the quality of your sleep, we've rounded up our favorite things that help staying on the healthy path more manageable. Plus new gadgets always inspire! If you're feeling your healthy resolve waning as January winds to a close, take a look and see what little things might help you keep on keeping on!

There are only a few days left to enter our Get Fit For 2012 giveaways with prizes to jump-start your January: a year's worth of sneakers from Asics, a $500 gift card for Under Armour, a new food processor from Magimix, and KIND snacks for a year!

Be Your Best at Every Workout With the Right Prep

Leta Shy — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 15:49:17 PST

When it comes to exercising, the more you do it, the better you get at it - as in, you become stronger, faster, or more flexible, and not only that, you are able to exercise longer (and losing inches isn't anything to sneeze at either). But no matter how long you've been committed to fitness, make sure you know how to prep to be your best at every workout.

A plan: You've suited up, stuffed your bag in your gym locker, and made your way to the floor only to think, "I wonder what I should do today?" Don't waste your time with an ineffectual workout or halfhearted commitment. Figure out an exercise plan before you start with our tips on how to build a workout routine.

A happy belly: Cramping or a grumbling stomach can make a workout a complete misery. Keep your stomach happy by fueling up with a small snack before you exercise or by giving yourself a few hours to digest a big meal before working out. Find out which foods you should be eating (and when) before you work out.

Read on for more ways to be your best at every workout.

Baby It's Cold Outside: Winter Running Beanies

Michele Foley — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 13:22:58 PST

If a little cold, snow, and ice isn't going to keep you from running outside, make sure that you're properly dressed. An essential part of any good Winter running ensemble is a beanie - and not just any old beanie. Since it's a tricky thing to be sweating out in the freezing cold, you are going to need something to keep you both warm and dry, like the Smartwool Beanie ($25) (a favorite of FitSugar editor, Jenny). Not your style? Keep reading to see five more excellent picks for Winter running beanies.