FitSugar

Get Physical: At Home Partner Circuits

FitSugar — Sun, 04 May 2008 02:30:00 -0700

Everyone has a bit more time on the weekends, so it should be easier to rope in a buddy to do alternating cardio circuits with you. Exercising with a friend can not only keep you on track, but it doubles the fun too. Here's how to create a circuit plan for you and your buddy.

Create a plan by picking a type, or types if you're so inclined, of cardio and a time limit – somewhere between two minutes and five minutes works best.
At home, I have an elliptical so we use it for our alternating cardio times (plus it acts as our timer), but you could use a wide variety of cardio elements to alternate with your strength training moves. Here are a few examples:
- Jumping rope (or pretending to if you don't have the rope).
- Running around the block, or to the corner and back.
- Step ups onto a stair, stool, or chair.
- Jumping jacks
- Climbing stairs

There's a bit more to planning, so read more.

Then you pick five to ten strength training moves:
- lunges
- squats
- push ups
- ab work
- burpees
- plank with reverse row
Put it all together. One person does cardio for the prescribed time and the other person does strength training moves for the same time period, and it is best to combine strength training moves so for a three minute period alternate between squats and push ups, or push ups and planks, or ab work and lunges. You get the picture.

Try it and see how it goes. Remember to be flexible in creating your joint workout so everybody's needs are met. That reminds me, don't forget to stretch either!

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FitSugar Full-Body Circuit Workout

FitSugar — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 14:30:00 -0800

I love a good circuit workout for many reasons. These workouts are great for strength training, but they also keep your heart rate up, helping burn up the calories while building muscles. This full-body circuit combines many exercises so you work your arms while toning your legs. Plus your core, abs, and back will all be challenged. And you can do this workout in the comfort of your living room.

Not only is an at-home workout excuse-proof, it is also recession-proof since it is free and will only cost you calories! Check out this full-body circuit workout that fits in your living room. It takes about 20 minutes to do, and for the workout all you need is a set of dumbbells between five and eight pounds. If you don't have weights, you can still give it a go.

Instructions: After warming up with light cardio for five minutes, repeat each three-exercise circuit twice, resting for 60 seconds after completing one rep of an entire circuit.

Find the printable version here.

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Reality Check: Ashlee Isn't a No Carbs Kind of Girl

FitSugar — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 12:00:02 -0800

Even though she lives the So Cal lifestyle, Ashlee Simpson-Wentz told Women's Health that she doesn't starve herself for a Hollywood figure; she simply loves food, and one of her favorite feasts features Mexican fare. Once a week Ashlee and her hubby, Fall Out Boy bassist Pete Wentz, invite family and friends over for taco night. Ashlee told the mag that she's not afraid of cheese, eats cheeseburgers with ranch dressing, and indulges in French fries. But don't spread the rumor that she's eating for two, because she's not, and Ashlee shares that she's even slimmer than ever.

She boasts about devouring whatever she wants, doesn't deprive herself of the foods she craves, and still has such a great figure. To find out what she asys is her secret, read more.

Ashlee's secret weapon is Bronx Pilates! Her 1-year-old son is in her arms all day, and carrying around that extra weight has helped to really tone her arms.

Before she gave birth, Ashlee had gained 50 pounds, and her breasts were up to a size E when she was nursing. So once baby Bronx was two weeks old, she was ready to start losing the extra pounds. A home-delivery meal plan didn't work since she's a big eater. She says, "If I want a grilled cheese sandwich, I'll eat a grilled cheese sandwich." So she turned to exercise, and with the help of a personal trainer, the new mama set up a home gym and started circuit training. Four weeks later, Ashlee had lost half her baby weight. Her diligent workouts have definitely paid off. Of course, this young actress also has her youth and genes to thank. Though she looks amazing now, Ashlee dispels the notion that her bod was a result of Hollywood stress. She says, "I wasn't in a rush to get back to this body for anyone else. It was more like, 'I wanna look good [for me]? I wanna feel good.'"

Ashlee is feeling great and very appreciative of her family and all life has blessed her with. On top of a great career and a healthy son, her hubby is a great source of comfort and support. "Pete isn't worried about stretch marks, " she says, "He always makes me feel sexy."

The way she explains it, she doesn't really do anything currently to maintain her figure. Do you believe it?

You Asked: How to Start Strength Training

FitSugar — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 09:00:43 -0700

Hi Fit!
I love going to the gym for cardio and I usually do about 40 minutes of the elliptical and bike. However, I'm ashamed to say I've only twice visited the weight room . . . and both those times I was too nervous and too clueless to stay for very long. The truth is, all of these weights and machines look great, but I don't know where to start! How can I finally enjoy the weight room and see some strength-training results?
Looking to Lift

Great job on doing regular cardio. I think it's great that you are looking to get over your fear of the weight room and start strength training. To learn my advice, read more.

If you want to use weight machines, the best place to start is with a session with a trainer from your gym. Many gyms offer one free session with a personal trainer to help gym members learn how to safely use the weight machines. Ask at the front desk next time you're at the gym. If they are not free, check out the price for one session so someone knowledgeable can teach you how to use the machines. You can also skip the machines and start learning strength-training moves with free weights like dumbbells or ones that require no equipment at all. There are many moves you can do in the comfort of your own home to build your confidence and strength before heading to the weight room. But let's not get ahead of ourselves; first let's take a moment to go over the basic concepts.

It is recommended that healthy adults do eight to 10 strength-training exercises using the major muscle groups on two non-consecutive days a week. To maximize strength development, added weight should be used for eight to 12 repetitions of each exercise, resulting in muscular fatigue. Doing two to three sets of eight to 12 reps will work your muscles even more. Strength training three times a week will also enhance your efforts even more.

In terms of major muscle groups, think of them this way: lower body (butt, front of legs, back of legs, calves, hips, and thighs), upper body (biceps, shoulders, back, chest, and back of arms), and abs (sides, upper, and lower). And do know that over time you will need to increase the amount of weight you work with to keep challenging yourself. Plus, every month to two months you should change your strength-training routine to keep your muscles guessing.

Here are two full-body circuit workouts that you should try: the FitSugar Circuit Workout (no props required) and the FitSugar Full-Body Circuit Workout (with dumbbells). Read through these posts explaining how to use gym equipment and machines.

Good luck!

3 Printable Workouts

FitSugar — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 03:30:00 -0800

If you normally go to the gym after work, your fitness routine might get a little jumbled and your weekends can easily become devoid of exercise. Internet to the rescue! Here are three workouts you can do easily in your home - two full body circuits, one with weights and one without, and a yoga sequence of nine poses to work your lower half. You will find a detailed explanation of the workouts in the top row, and directly below is a link to the printable PDF with easy to follow illustrations of the moves. Take advantage of your free time this weekend and workout.

Circuit Workout - No Weights Required	FitSugar Lower Body Yoga Series	Full-Body Circuit With Weights
Print It: FitSugar Circuit Workout - No Weights Required	Print It: FitSugar Lower Body Yoga Sequence	Print It: Full-Body Circuit With Weights

Work It at Home: Just You and a Deck of Cards

FitSugar — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 05:30:00 -0800

Mixing up your fitness routine keeps boredom at bay, and I have a total body workout that is all about variety. This at-home workout will have you sweating in no time and it's always challenging. All you need to get started is a deck of cards, so dig yours out of the junk drawer and get your move on.

The workout involves circuits of push-ups, sit-ups, and squat jumps, and the deck of cards keeps you guessing at the number of repetitions. Here's the gist: Flip over the first card. Let's say it's a 10. Your first circuit will be 10 push-ups, 10 sit-ups, and 10 squat jumps. Flip over the next card, and repeat the circuit but change the reps according to the number on the card.

To find out ways to make this workout more interesting and challenging, read more.

There's not much you can do to change the squat jumps, but there are endless possibilities when it comes to sit-ups and push-ups. Consider doing some push-ups more slowly, try the one elbow in, one elbow out variation, and maybe include the triple clap push-ups you've been working on. As for the sit-ups segment, any challenging abdominal exercise would be a great substitution for the traditional sit-up.

Don't feel like you need to tear through an entire deck of cards on your first try; in fact, half the deck is pretty intense. You may initially get through a fraction of the cards, but challenge yourself by adding another card or two each time you take on this workout.

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FitSugar Circuit Workout

FitSugar — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 05:30:00 -0800

One of my must haves for November is a circuit workout that you can do at home. Not only is an at-home workout excuse-proof, it is recession-proof since it is free and will only cost you calories! Check out this full body circuit workout that fits in your living room. It takes about 20 minutes to do, and other than a chair, it requires no props.

Instructions: After warming up with light cardio for five minutes, repeat each three-exercise circuit twice, resting for 60 seconds after completing one rep of an entire circuit.

Click here to download a PDF of the workout that you can print. It looks best printed in color and fits on one page. Hang the workout up on your fridge to remind yourself to work it!

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At Home Cardio Moves

FitSugar — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 14:13:12 -0800

Winter is upon us making it difficult to exercise outside. That is where the gym comes in handy, but if that is one expense you have trimmed from your budget, check out these at home cardio moves. They will get your heart pumping and lift your spirits even though it is cold and dreary outside.

Small sprints – Think of these like mini killers
Jumping jacks – A classic move known for elevating your heart rate
Jump rope – If you don't have a rope, jump with a pretend one
Skipping – This childish form of locomotion is great for your legs and heart rate
Mountain Climbers – Like running in place while in the plank position (for a description click here)

I have plenty more moves, so read more

Jumping Squats – Classic plyometric exercise to get your heart rate going and going
Jumping Lunges – Add some lift to your lunges and switch your legs in the air
Step ups – The higher the step/bench the more your legs will work
Squat Thrusts – I grew up calling these burpees and loving them
Shadow Boxing – Jab to the front and the side and keep your heart rate up by moving your arms

You can design a workout mixing up these elements. Alternate exercises every 30 to 60 seconds. Add some strength training moves and you'll have a circuit.

If you have an easy at home cardio move you'd like to share, tell us all about it in the comment section below.

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DVD Review: Tank Top Arms, Bikini Belly, Boy Shorts Bottom

FitSugar — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 04:00:00 -0800

In preparation for summer (yay!) I figured I'd check out a new DVD that was sent to me called, Tank Top Arms, Bikini Belly, Boy Shorts Bottom with Minna Lessig ($12.99). You start with a very aerobics oriented warm-up, that I've got to say, was pretty vigorous. It was nice to get right into it, though I couldn't help but think what the actual workout was going to be like if this was just the warm up.

I'm pretty picky when it comes to workout DVDs so to find out what I thought read more.

After the warm up you move into the tank top arm circuit, which includes exercises for the arms and upper body. This is followed by the bikini belly portion (core/abs), boy shorts bottom circuit (legs/booty), full body toning circuit (the toughest and my favorite portion), and cool down - each are broken into about 15 minute segments. You're going to need light and heavier dumbbells, or soup cans/water bottles if you don't have a set at home. With the exception of a few of them (I had to laugh at the shoulder shimmy, since I felt like I was shaking my boobs for the TV), most of the exercises presented are good standard exercises that you can incorporate into your gym routine - most are those that I already do on a regular basis.

I'm not sure how I feel about the instructor saying things like, "Come on, give it to me," as a form of encouragement, but the workout is really good if you can get past it. I suggest you break it up by doing one section on its own day along with some form of cardio. Also, be sure to start with a light weight and move to heavier weights as you get stronger. I highly suggest this DVD to someone looking to get in a good resistance workout without all the frills - I'll definitely be doing it again, and again.

Mini Circuits: A Quick Workout to Fit in Anytime

FitSugar — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 04:00:00 -0800

When I am running low on time during my workout, which I am a lot especially during the holidays, I like to do a mini-circuit workout so that I still feel like I am getting in some exercise but I am not spending hours doing it. I love the little combination below, because it really works the biggest muscles in your body.

Do each of the five exercises for about one minute with a little (12 seconds) rest in between each; complete the circuit two or three times.

Squats
Lunges
Push-ups
Bridges
Plank

One round will take you about 6 minutes and so doing it three times straight through will only be about 18 minutes - not too shabby for someone who thought she wasn't going to be able to fit in a workout today.

Fit's Tip: This circuit does not require any extra equipment (aside from a watch or clock) which means you can do it virtually anywhere, even in the guest bedroom you're calling home for a few days.

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