From the Community: Aerobic vs. Anaerobic Activity


Updated 04/02/12 2:40 AM · Posted by · 0 comments

The Difference Between Aerobic and Anaerobic

Not sure what the difference between aerobic and anaerobic activity is? In our Get Fit For 2012 group, FitSugar reader meetcasey explains what each term means and why we should be doing both. Aerobic exercise requires the body to utilize oxygen to create energy. With anaerobic exercise, the body creates energy without extra oxygen — your body relies on its natural chemicals to create Read more

Back to Basics: Anaerobic Training


Updated 05/29/08 3:11 PM · Posted by FitSugar · 4 comments

Back to Basics: Anaerobic Training

Anaerobic literally means "without oxygen." This doesn't mean the sensation of gasping for breath after you've climbed 15 flights of stairs; it is a little more complicated than that. It really just boils down to what fuel your muscles use to do whatever it is you are asking them to do. For contrast, let me explain aerobic training. When you go for a long run, oxygen is released to metabolize, Read more

5 Muscle Myths You Should Stop Believing


Updated 04/28/12 6:53 PM · Posted by · 0 comments

The Biggest Strength-Training Myths

Muscle building is an important component of any exercise routine, but are you strength training the right way? Here are five common myths about muscles, and why they aren't true. Heavy weights make you bulk up: It's a common belief: lifting heavy weights will have you looking more bodybuilder than long and lean. But in reality, your muscles won't get Ms. Olympia-sized from lifting a 20-pound Read more

From the Community: Everything You Need to Know About CrossFit


Updated 03/28/12 1:25 AM · Posted by · 0 comments

What Is CrossFit?

FitSugar reader meetcasey interviewed CrossFit expert Robert Sax, owner of the CrossFit Amped Gym, and posted the Q&A in our Get Fit For 2012 community group. Check out what Robert had to say about this rising fitness trend! Meet the Expert: Robert Sax Can you begin by telling us a little about yourself? I am 27 years old and a Capricorn (yes, that’s the goat). I’m originally from Read more

Jackie Warner's 5 Favorite Jump Rope Moves


Updated 03/21/12 4:06 PM · Posted by · 1 comment

Jackie Warner's Jump Rope Workout

We are pumped to share one of our favorite stories from Self here on FitSugar! Are you tired of jumping through hoops to keep your sweat sessions interesting? Instead of doing the same humdrum routine week after week, why not get a jump start on your next workout by jumping rope? Self reported in March that it's the #1 way to melt fat! "Jumping rope using my cardioacceleration technique will get Read more

Feel the Burn? Shake It Out!


Updated 10/14/11 11:50 AM · Posted by FitSugar · 3 comments

Lactic Acid Helps Fuel Muscles During a Workout

I hit a wall last year. I was working out a lot and eating well, but my body wasn't progressing. Whether it was doing that last pull-up, biking that last mile, or adding heavier weights to my routine, my muscles just gave up on me. This year as part of the Get Fit For 2010 challenge, I made it my goal to increase my strength and endurance. To accomplish my goal I've been doing a lot of interval Read more

From Total Body to High Intensity: Elliptical Workouts For All


Updated 03/04/12 4:34 AM · Posted by FitSugar · 2 comments

Elliptical Workouts For All Levels

The elliptical is a mainstay in the gym for good reason: it's easy on the joints and provides a great cardio and total-body workout. But the elliptical can also get pretty boring and repetitive. Instead of spending a mindless 30 minutes on the elliptical machine, maximize your time by doing one of these eight workouts. Whether you're a beginner, looking for a high-intensity interval workout, or Read more

Competing Works: How to Use That Edge in Everyday Workouts


Updated 09/20/11 1:16 PM · Posted by · 0 comments

Competition Helps Athletes Perform Better, Finds Studies

When your lungs are at their capacity, your legs are aching, and all you want to do is stop, you may think you can't possibly push yourself to perform better during your workout. But you may just need a little mental boost. In competition, your brain can give you that extra push to perform better, according to new studies as reported by the New York Times. The studies found that while our Read more

Why You Need to Add Jumping to Your Cardio Routine


Updated 09/07/11 12:22 PM · Posted by · 4 comments

How to Add Jumping to Your Fitness Routine

We are pumped to share one of our fave stories from Self here on FitSugar! Back in the day, when we played double-dutch on the playground (or some simpler incarnation of that), we hardly cared about the value of the workout.  All we cared about was having fun. It turns out that jumping offers a lot more than a good time: in fact, depending on the type of jumping exercise you choose, you can Read more

Cardio Workout: Elliptical Intervals Shrinking Recovery


Updated 03/02/12 6:58 AM · Posted by FitSugar · 3 comments

Interval Workout For Elliptical With Decreasing Recovery Periods

By now, we all hopefully know that interval training rocks. Whether you're running, rowing, or swimming, playing with speed has multiple benefits. One way to push the interval envelope is to decrease the amount of rest time between your bouts of sprinting. By shortening your recovery time, you're pushing your anaerobic threshold and strengthening your cardiovascular system. Plus it's fun to mix Read more