FitSugar

Another Reason to Get More Sleep: Performance

FitSugar — Tue, 19 Jun 2007 17:15:00 -0700

Your lack of sleep could be affecting your performance at the gym...

The amount of sleep a person gets affects his or her physical health, emotional well-being, mental abilities, productivity and now performance too. Studies have associated lack of sleep with serious health problems such as an increased risk of depression, obesity, cardiovascular disease and Type 2 diabetes.

According to new research presented at SLEEP 2007, athletes who get an extra amount of sleep are more likely to improve their performance in a game including faster sprint time and increased free-throws. Furthermore, athletes also reported increased energy and improved mood during practices and games, as well as a decreased level of fatigue.

What does this mean to you? Well, get more sleep, even if you're not an athlete. If you're overtired, you may not get as much out of your exercise routine as you should. Besides, no one ever said, "Gosh, I am too rested to workout today", now did she?

Fit's Tip: It is recommended that adults get between seven and eight hours of sleep each night. Don't have time? Then at the very least, try to fit in a nap during the day. Work isn't the issue, being a mom is? Then ask your husband to help you sleep an hour more tomorrow morning.

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Athletic Minded Traveler

FitSugar — Tue, 30 Jan 2007 15:15:00 -0800

How often has that “state of the art” gym turned out to be a closet-size room with a few old machines? No wonder it is a tough task to keep fit while on the road.

The creators of the Athletic Minded Traveler have become so frustrated with the cluelessness of the hotel and travel industry about the needs and desires of athletic-minded travelers that they decided to do something about it. Their mission is to uncover the best places for healthy-minded individuals to stay, workout, eat and enjoy while traveling. Like many good things, it is not free but definitely affordable as subscriptions to the site are only $2.95/month or $19.95/year -- well worth it if you're traveling in 2007. Check out the site for more information.

Male Athletes Struggling With Eating Disorders

FitSugar — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 09:00:00 -0800

A leaner body has advantages in some competitive sports, but it looks like some male athletes may be taking lean a little too far. Recent deaths among wrestlers attempting to make certain weight classes have raised awareness about eating disorders and male athletes. This issue is not just limited to wrestlers. Increasingly, doctors are seeing unhealthy eating disorders develop among cyclists, triathletes, and cross country skiers.

While training, athletes may lose weight and notice that their thinner bodies allow them to move faster. When competing, their sleekness may help them place higher, which can inspire them to want to lose even more weight. That's where dieting and training may become a dangerous mix. If a male athlete loses enough weight, he may become injured and his training will become over training, creating lackluster performance. Hopefully this negative cycle will convince the athlete to improve his nutritional habits. However, if he in fact does have an eating disorder, the athlete may come up with other reasons as to why his performance is lacking, denying his eating disorder. Professional treatment may be necessary to help these men learn the balance between being athletic and being healthy.

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All-American Girls: Do You Know Your Female Athletes?

FitSugar — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 08:07:59 -0700

As we gear up for the Fourth of July, let's take a moment to salute some of the country's most talented and fearless female athletes. These women have played ball, run track, and, in some cases, even tackled multiple sports. Do you know your all-American female athlete facts? Prove your patriotism by taking my quiz.

Take the quiz

Move it at Home: Yoga for Athletes

FitSugar — Fri, 24 Aug 2007 08:45:00 -0700

Have you ever heard of Kimberly Fowler? She's got quite the story. In 1982, she got hit by a car in a bike race that left her severely injured. A physical therapist introduced her to Iyengar Yoga, and it helped her to heal and realign her body, and she began competing as a triathlete again.

She is now the NIKE Yoga Spokeswoman and she trains all levels of athletes in her Yoga for Athletes and YAS (Yoga and Spinning) classes and workshops.

This DVD called YOGA for ATHLETES, is based on her knowledge and experience with sports and yoga. It's a practice combining the elements of Iyengar, Ashtanga, and Power Yoga. The sequencing of poses are carefully selected with the athlete in mind, to work your hips, hamstrings, core abdominals and upper body. She believes that these are the areas that athletes abuse and injure, so they need special attention.

I loved the difficulty of this DVD. It moved slowly, but you end up holding poses for a long time, which really challenges your muscles and your mind. The only thing I wasn't too keen on was the background rock music, which was easily remedied - I just shut off the sound on the DVD and pumped up my favorite Krishna Das CD.

This video is perfect for someone who likes to push themselves physically, and wants the benefits of yoga without the flowery spiritual stuff. I laughed out loud when I read the front cover that says: "Yoga is a Sport. No Chanting. No Granola. No Sanskrit." This DVD is all about moving, stretching and strengthening your body through the power of Yoga. Order it directly from the YAS website for $24.95.

Get Your Butt in Gear: Athlete Tee Says More

FitSugar — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 13:30:00 -0800

Looking for a gift that is more than just another tee?

This Nike Women's Athlete Tee ($28) - a limited-edition, short-sleeved classic Dri-Fit tee - says more than just athlete, it actually gives to athletes. One dollar from each tee sold goes directly to Let Me Play, an organization that supports female sports teams.

Buy one here.

Fitness Fanatics + Missed Cycles = Trouble

FitSugar — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 09:00:00 -0700

I don't know anyone who's thrilled to have her monthly visitor. The bloating, mood swings, and insane sugar cravings are far from a good time. Whether you like it or not though, getting your period is actually a good indication that your body is functioning as it should be. If your period stops, (and you're not preggers), it can be a big red flag that something is wrong. This condition is known as amenorrhea and it can be caused by depression, chronic illness, certain medications (like chemotherapy), or eating disorders. Fitness fanatics who exercise excessively may also notice Aunt Flo's disappearance. To learn more about this condition, known as athletic amenorrhea, take this little quiz.

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Take the quiz

Athlete's Foot: Keep it Off Your Feet

FitSugar — Fri, 16 Feb 2007 03:00:00 -0800

Ever since high school when we were forced to take freshmen swimming, I have been mortified of getting athlete's foot. It seemed that someone in the locker room always had it, making showering one frightening experience.

Nowadays I wear rubber flip-flops when I use the shower at my gym. Mainly out of fear but sometimes I wonder: Can the fungus permeate my thongs?

I have since found out that my fear is somewhat invalid. The fungus that causes athlete's foot lives (and thrives) in warm, moist places, making public showers picture perfect breeding grounds for the germ. Wearing flip-flops decreases your risk (phew), but it's also very important to wash your feet with soap. Once you wash your feet make sure to dry between your toes immediately after your shower so there are no warm, moist places for the fungus to live when you put your shoes on. Wear flip-flops every time you shower in a public place and be sure to wash and dry them off too. However should you get the infamous athlete's foot, it is not the end of the world since most drugstore treatments get rid of it pretty quickly.

Things to Think About When Buying Athletic Shoes

FitSugar — Fri, 12 Oct 2007 14:30:00 -0700

So you need to buy a new pair of sneakers for running, or maybe for soccer. Regardless of what activity you need the shoes for, here are some things to think about for choosing the best pair of sneakers:

Wear the appropriate shoes for the appropriate activity. If you're going to be running, it's not in your best interests to wear tennis sneakers. Even if the tennis shoe is cuter.
Get your foot measured. Our shoe sizes change over time, so make sure to have your foot measured from time to time.
Due to normal swelling in your feet throughout the day, shop for your shoes in the afternoon.
Leave the idea that you need to break a shoe in at home. If your athletic shoe does not feel comfortable in the store, don't buy it.
Shop around. There are lots of shoes to choose from and the first one you try may not always be the best even if it feels OK.
Take your own socks, the ones that you would wear with those shoes on your own.
Unfortunately, when it comes to athletic shoes you pay for what you get. So don't be afraid to pay a little extra for a nice pair of shoes.

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Test Your Knowledge: Athlete's Foot and Pools

FitSugar — Mon, 18 Jun 2007 11:00:00 -0700

Athlete's foot is no fun. Initially it causes the skin on your feet to peel, blister or turn red. Over time, the infection can cause the tissue on your feet to breakdown, soften, become soggy, itch, and have a foul odor. Gross, I know.

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You want to do all you can to prevent getting athlete's foot, so let's test your knowledge.