FitSugar

Get the Bod: Fergie's Legs

FitSugar — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 12:00:57 -0800

Fergie sure does love her legs, and with good reason - the singer has incredibly toned, leaned gams that give the illusion of being much longer than they really are. Lean legs don't come without hard work, though. Fergie definitely spends time in the gym and is often seen outside running. On top of that, she sticks to a healthy diet. Even when Fergie put on pounds for the movie Nine, she was still looking pretty fabulous. Trainer Mike Ryan recently shared with Us Magazine how we can achieve the kind of legs Fergie has.

Source: Getty

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Goddess Body Wants You to Try Hoopnotica

OnSugar Blog — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 15:00:12 -0800

Check out this Hoopnotica workout video from Onsugar blog Goddessbody.

When was the last time you picked up a hula hoop? It might be time to revisit this childhood game - it could help you stay fit!

Watch as ACE Fitness's Jessica Matthews picks up a hula hoop for the first time with local hooping instructor Valentina "Unity" Martin. Learn how to get started finding your first hoop and a local class, then watch as Valentina demonstrates what you can expect to learn as a beginner in addition to progressions as you become advanced. Visit YourHoop.com for custom hoops.

For more fun fitness videos, start following Goddessbody or start your own OnSugar blog. Maybe we'll post your story here on FitSugar!

Get Over the Hump Day: You in Motion

FitSugar — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 12:00:53 -0800

Whatever your fitness goals are, being healthy means staying on the move. For some that's daily workouts on the treadmill or the elliptical. Others opt for bike rides, hikes, or laps in the swimming pool. And the rest of us might be practicing yoga, dancing, or resistance training. Whatever activity it is, keep on moving! Remember that all of this hard work you're doing equals more than just burned calories and lost pounds. Your heart is getting stronger, your endurance is building, and your body is getting some nice tone. That's why this week's challenge for the Get Fit For 2010 giveaway is to keep a fitness journal and blog about it in the Get Fit For 2010 community group.

Since there's nothing quite like a body in motion, I want to see you in action. This week's extra credit assignment is to make a photo gallery of your workouts, or better yet, make a video and upload it into a blog post in the Get Fit group. The best part is that this extra credit assignment earns you two entries into this week's drawing for a $100 Nike gift card, as well as the drawing for our fabulous grand prize.

Don't worry if you've never made a gallery. It's simple and here are some easy-to-follow directions on how to do it. I can't wait to see, and I mean that literally, what you're all doing. Check out the workout I did on Monday!

If at First You Don't Succeed . . .

FitSugar — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 11:15:45 -0800

How's everyone doing with their 2010 fitness health goals so far? Based on all the inspiring posts in our Get Fit For 2010 community group, it seems like most of you are right on track. But don't get discouraged if you're struggling a bit. It's hard making these kinds of lifestyle changes, but over time you won't even have to think about it - all of these new, healthy habits you're developing will be second nature to you in no time.

One of the biggest gripes I hear from people who are trying to get in shape is how much they hate exercising. When I ask why, they say that it's boring, uninspiring, or that they hate forcing themselves to do something they dislike. Here's the thing, I empathize with what they are saying.

For me, it's important to love what I do, even when it comes to being active. I have a friend who hated working out until she discovered boxing, and now she practically lives in the ring. Same thing goes for another friend who dreaded going to her Hatha yoga classes. But before she gave up on yoga altogether, she let her coworker convince her to try Bikram. Three years later, she's going to Bikram yoga five times a week.

I really believe that there is something out there for everyone. Some people love being gym rats, while others have to be outdoors. Some people like to work out alone, while others need social interaction to keep them motivated. If you haven't found an activity yet that makes you want to work out, experiment. Don't give up too easily either. It wasn't until my third Vinyasa flow class that I realized how much I loved the practice. Once you find that special something that makes you want to get up and go, you won't even consider it a workout anymore, it's just your life.

Resistance Is Fruitful

FitSugar — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 09:00:03 -0800

This Christmas I was excited about all the fitness-related gifts I received, especially a new resistance band kit. It's been raining a lot lately, and as a result I haven't been able to ride my bike to the gym as much as I'd like. It's a bummer, but using my resistance bands at home has kept me from going nuts. I use them to tone and strengthen as well as stretch. And even though it's not exactly the same as getting to my yoga class or climbing gym, it works the same areas of my body - hips, thighs, arms, back, you name it, it works it!

What's great about a resistance band is how inexpensive it is - you can easily find a good one for under $10 or a three-piece set for around $30. They're small and store easily, making them ideal for traveling or tucking away in a desk drawer at work. And depending on your level of strength, there's one for everyone - from light to super heavy tension and everything in between.

Read why I think you should learn to love resistance bands when you read more.

Besides using them in place of free weights for strengthening specific muscle groups (think bicep and hammer curls), I also make exercises more challenging by incorporating a band into them. Squats, push-ups, and lunges become even more challenging with the addition of a resistance band.

You'll find that when using resistance bands, it's easier to target smaller muscles and also mimic real-life sports scenarios. Because the bands offer tension in all directions, you can use them to mirror the movements you make in your sport and strengthen those muscle groups.

I know that many of you want to tone and strengthen your bodies as part of your goals in our Get Fit For 2010 challenge. If you don't already have a resistance band for yourself, go out and get one: I promise that you'll see results!

Speak Up: What Do You Nosh on After Working Out?

FitSugar — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 10:00:50 -0800

After working out, it's important to eat something. Your body needs to replenish itself and repair any muscle damage, which occurs when you strength train. It's also important not to wait too long to eat. Try having a snack within 45 minutes of your workout - your muscles are more responsive to insulin and your body can process carbs more efficiently immediately after a workout.

After the gym I always try to eat a snack or meal that's high in carbs, low in fat, and contains protein. My favorite post-gym snacks are a big salad, eggs, or a healthy turkey sandwich. In a pinch, I'll eat an apple to hold me over until dinner. Many experts suggest chocolate milk is the perfect post-workout snack. Russell Brand - fiance to Katy Perry - opts for a liquid snack post-workout. This week, he was seen leaving the gym in some seriously sporty socks with what I'm hoping is a nutritious protein shake.

How about you - what's your post-workout snack or meal?

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Cardio Workout: Beginner Treadmill

FitSugar — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 05:50:00 -0800

Are you returning to running in 2010? Did you vow to start running as a healthy resolution? I created a beginner treadmill workout to help get you started. Running on a treadmill during the inclement weather of Winter is a fine way to get into the sport. I am a firm believer in easing into your relationship with running since you need to give your body time to adjust to the physical demands. Mixing walking and running is a great way to get your heart rate up while priming your body for distance and speed. I have made a 40-minute walking/running workout, and if you're new to running you should certainly check it out.

Take a look at the workout when you read more.

For a printable version that you can take with you to the gym, click here. As always, if this workout is too hard or too easy, feel free to decrease or increase the speed. I would keep the incline set to 1.0 because this helps prevent shin splints. Try to do this workout three times in one week. The following week, after warming up for the first 10 minutes, run for three minutes and walk for three minutes, keeping the last two segments at two minutes each, then cool down with walking. Try it. You just may get hooked on running.

FitSugar Exclusive: 5-Factor Workout by Harley Pasternak

FitSugar — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 05:50:33 -0800

I always thought three was the magic number, but for celeb trainer Harley Pasternak there is magic in the number five. His 5-Factor philosophy of diet and fitness has helped Hollywood darlings from Jessica Simpson and Eva Mendes get fit. Although he currently works with Vanessa Williams and Alicia Keys, Pasternak will be accompanying Lady Gaga on tour. He's bringing snacks as well as workouts to keep the diva in shape while on the road.

We know you're busy too, so we asked Harley to create a holiday time-saver workout for FitSugar readers. His 30-minute workout gets your heart rate up and works your legs and abs - two areas I always want to tone. To check out his workout keep reading.

Beyonce's Trainer Reveals 5-Minute Preparty "Body Blast"

FitSugar — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 05:50:29 -0800

When I'm totally wrapped up in Thanksgiving cooking, prepping, organizing, shopping (need I go on?), there's hardly a fighting chance that I'll make it to the gym for a full-on workout. Usually, I'll try to squeeze in a set of push-ups while prepping dinner preparation, or an early morning yoga session, if I can. So, I was excited to see Marco Borges, the trainer credited with whipping Beyonce, husband Jay-Z, and Gwen Stefani into tip-top shape, sharing an easy and no-equipment-needed workout with US Weekly. Here are the five moves he suggests to give yourself an all-over body-blasting workout (even if you only have five minutes to spare before your guests arrive):

Jumping Plies: I call these jumping squats, but it doesn't matter what you call them as long as you do them. Here's how: stand with your feet just a bit wider than shoulder-width apart, abs pulled in tight, and bend your knees, lowering your body till your thighs are parallel to the floor and jump straight into the air. Return to starting position and repeat for one minute.

Reverse Lunges: Standing with feet shoulder-width apart, step back into a lunge and repeat on the opposite side, alternating for one minute. Be sure that abs remain tight throughout, working your core and maintaining your balance and posture.

Push-Ups: According to Marco, "The push-up is quite possibly one of the simplest and best body weight movements targeting the muscles of the chest, arms, shoulders and core." Do as many classic push-ups, or moderated position push-ups from your knees, as you can for a full one minute, making sure to maintain proper form and bring your chest as close to the floor as you can before pushing back to starting plank position.

For the rest of Marco's workout, keep reading

David Kirsch's Boot Camp Circuit Workout

FitSugar — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 04:30:34 -0800

We are headed straight for the ultimate day of American indulgence, Thanksgiving, which if followed by a month of festivities closing out the year. New York based trainer David Kirsch created a workout to help FitSugar readers stay on track this holiday season. He's helped Heidi Klum bounce back post baby, so he can definitely help us all tone up. David's circuit boot camp is intense, fun, and sure to burn calories. Here's how to follow the workout.

Instructions: Work through the entire circuit doing 15 to 20 reps of each exercise. Then repeat entire circuit twice more for a total of three sets. Your goal is to complete three full sets in 45 minutes. Props needed: a set of three- to five-pound dumbbells, a four- to six-pound medicine ball, and an exercise ball to fit your height.

Click here for the PDF of the workout, then print it.
Source: WireImage

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