FitSugar

Your Favorite Olympic Moment of 2008

FitSugar — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 10:00:00 -0800

It may not be quite as exciting as winning eight gold medals, but Michael Phelps has won again - in FitSugar's best Olympic moment of 2008 poll. Though he was bested in the favorite Olympian poll by Shawn Johnson, his record-breaking moment garnered 40 percent of your votes, and the thrill of his victory was also the favorite of CitizenSugar readers.

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Favorite Gear of the Year: lululemon

FitSugar — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 14:30:00 -0800

When it comes to workout gear we all have our faves; though I suspect we are all a little more flexible about clothes than we are sneakers. This year Nike and lululemon were neck and neck, so I called it for lululemon.

I really like Nike's gear, but there's something about lululemon that just feels so right. They make the best sports bras for yoga and Pilates, and their pants are unbeatable for look, cut, and feel. The only downside is that their gear is pricey, but that could be manipulated into a motivational factor. Now if they would only get an online store . . .

My Top 10 Favorite Food Breakdowns

FitSugar — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 11:00:00 -0800

If you're trying to lose weight or maintain your current weight, watching your calorie intake is a must. It's tough, though, to know how many calories are in our favorite foods, and which ones are healthier choices. So check out my favorite food breakdowns of 2008 to help you make informed decisions when it comes to food.

To see the other five breakdowns read more.

Best Exercises: To Strengthen and Tone

FitSugar — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 05:30:00 -0800

Last year I told you about some great exercises you can do to strengthen and tone your muscles using resistance bands and dumbbells. Check out my top six favorite moves that target your arms, upper back, quads, and glutes.

Dumbbell Squats	Knee Lift With Reverse Row	Balancing Shoulder Press
Resistance Band Hammer Curls	Bridge Booty With Resistance Band	Push-Up With Resistance Band

These exercises together make a nice full body workout. Try them all and see.

David Beckham Is the Fittest of Them All

FitSugar — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 03:30:00 -0800

Up against some fierce competitors, David Beckham took the title of fittest male celebrity in 2008 with a generous lead, for the second year in a row! He was the only professional athlete included among the choices, but I felt his undeniable celebrity status and gig as a hot underwear model earned him a place in the poll.

Marathon runner Ryan Reynolds and triathlete Matthew McConaughey tied for second place, while buff 007 star Daniel Craig followed closely in third. It's always a pleasure to see these fit men getting active, and reassuring to know they, too, work hard for their defined abs and arms.

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Favorite Form of Cardio: Running

FitSugar — Sun, 28 Dec 2008 03:00:00 -0800

Doing cardio is something I've grown to love and crave. Running is my favorite way to get my heart rate up because it's practically free, you can do it anywhere, my buddies can join me, and it burns major calories. I also love that it gives me time to be alone to think. A bonus is that it tones my thighs and buns like nothing else.

When I asked about your favorite form of cardio, you agreed with me completely. You enjoy running, whether it be on foot or on a treadmill. You also enjoy using an elliptical, which I like to think of as a running substitute that is easy on the knees. Running is also your favorite form of exercise in general. It's inspiring to be part of this huge community of runners.

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6 of My Favorite Yoga Poses of 2008

FitSugar — Sat, 27 Dec 2008 03:15:00 -0800

I'm a big fan of yoga and every week, I bring you a new yoga pose to try. If one of your New Year's resolutions is to try this centering, calming, and toning form of exercise, here are six of my favorite poses you can try. Some are easy and relaxing, while others are challenging and require strength and balance.

Pigeon Twist	Standing Hand to Big Toe B	Side Crow
Bound Squat	Tripod Headstand	Extended Tabletop

In Case You Missed It: Healthy Recipes

FitSugar — Fri, 26 Dec 2008 02:50:00 -0800

Eating healthy doesn't just have to be about carrot sticks and granola bars. There are so many recipes out there that taste decadent and rich that you won't even realize what you're enjoying is good for you. So put down those boring rice cakes and give these recipes a try.

Eggplant Stacks	Broccoli Mushroom Leek Quiche	Baked Eggs in Tomato
Chai Spiced Polenta	Creamy Zucchini Boats	Almond Macaroons

Do you have a healthy snack or recipe to share? Then post it in the Lite'n it Up - Healthy Recipe Group and I might just feature it on FitSugar.

In Case You Missed It: 7 Dynamic Yoga Sequences

FitSugar — Wed, 24 Dec 2008 05:30:00 -0800

Yoga poses are great to do individually, but when you link them together, you create a fluid dance-like sequence that strengthens your body and energizes your mind. In case you missed them the first time around, here's a collection of my favorite yoga sequences.

View Slideshow ›

Your Favorite Gym in 2008

FitSugar — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 14:30:13 -0800

The results are in for this year's Favorite Gym, and the winner, with nearly 20 percent of the vote, is the good ol' YMCA!

The recession-friendly gym narrowly bested both the ultraposh Equinox chain and last year's winner, 24 Hour Fitness. Congrats to the Y for being FitSugar readers' fave in '08.