FitSugar

Sports and Cardio Faves

FitSugar — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 02:30:00 -0800

We all play favorites when it comes to sports and it looks like soccer is FitSugar's readers' favorite sport to play. This is especially cool since a recent study found that soccer beats running in weight loss as well as fun. There's a great camaraderie that develops in team sports and all volleyball fans were a little offended that volleyball was not a choice. Sorry for the omission, but I must say I am looking forward to watching women's beach volleyball at the upcoming Olympics.

On the other end of the workout spectrum, we all have a favorite cardio machine, and those machines sometimes seem like sporting events. Well, the votes are in and it looks like FitSugar readers are in love with the elliptical; it is so kind on the knees and going backwards ensures that you are targeting all parts of your legs. The trusty treadmill came in second place. The machine is a great way to run indoors and in a controlled environment.

Whether you get your heart rate up chasing a ball or climbing a StepMill, the important thing is that you're exercising!

And the Healthiest Celebrity of 2007 Is . . .

FitSugar — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 12:30:00 -0800

Despite the hefty competition, Jennifer Garner, claims the title of the healthiest celebrity of 2007. Even though you picked David Beckham as your favorite fit male and Jessica Biel as your favorite fit female, Garner definitely is the picture of good health. From constantly checking out the local farmers market, to doing weights with her trainer, to playing outside with her adorable daughter, she's one healthy mommy. I have high hopes for our favorite celebs in 2008 to be even healthier than they were in 2007.

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Favorite Celebrity Trainer: Jason Walsh

FitSugar — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 13:30:00 -0800

The year 2007 is officially over, but I need to tell you who won the FitSugar poll for fave celebrity trainer. Since Jessica Biel was voted favorite fit celebrity, it should come as no surprise that her trainer, Jason Walsh, was voted best celebrity trainer.

Jessica has gotten a lot of press for her fit bod and healthy lifestyle, but Walsh's impressive client list also includes Ben Affleck, Jennifer Garner, and Kate Beckinsale. He doesn't just work with Hollywood types: Jason also trains professional athletes, including football and baseball players, and he also trains women from the National Soccer League. All this work happens at Legacy, a private gym in West Los Angeles.

Just a few more stats on Jason:

He graduated from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a degree in Exercise and Sports Science.
He is sponsored by one of my favorite food companies, Kashi.
He is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) and Certified Personal Trainer through the National Strength and Conditioning Association, and those are some impressive credentials.

In Case You Missed It: FitSugar Exercise Videos

FitSugar — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 09:30:00 -0800

Now that the holiday season is officially over, you may be looking for some new ways to get exercise back in your life. Or if you did not falter during the party season here are a few FitSugar videos to help you spice up your exercise routine. Just in case you missed these quick and easy videos the first time around, here are five FitSugar exercise videos for you to try!

Short, Sweet and Complete Abs: Everyone should have a strong belly and this workout will get you strong. It works all abdominal muscle layers, get ready to work it!
Four Minute Booty Workout: The name pretty much says it all. Focusing on your back side for four minutes will pay off. Personally, I like doing two reps of this workout.
Mini Boot Camp: Work your entire body using this video with absolutely no props or accessories needed. Get ready for a bunch of exercises that work multiple body parts simultaneously with simple moves.
Starter Arms: It is always time to get to work on those arms. Swimsuit and tank top season are just around the corner and this video will help you get some sexy shoulders.
Tone Your Love Handles: A video dedicated to whittling your waist. While you really can't spot reduce you can spot tone. Full of twisting moves and ab variations, this video is four minutes of fun!

Favorite Way to Get It Up, Your Heart Rate That Is: Running

FitSugar — Mon, 31 Dec 2007 02:00:00 -0800

There are many ways to exercise and all facets of fitness are important: cardio, strength training, flexibility, as well as challenging your core. With so many different ways to get you heart rate up, I was curious about your favorite form of cardio. You all definitively chose running as your favorite form of exercise in general, over everything else. So it should really come as no surprise that running, be it on a track, treadmill, trail or the road, is your favorite form of cardio.

If you are not in love with running, today is the day to air your grievances. Tell us why running is not for you in the comments section below. I have all next year to try to convince you, otherwise!

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Despite Controversy, Nike Is Best Brand of 2007

FitSugar — Sun, 30 Dec 2007 02:00:00 -0800

Despite some of us being upset by Nike's price tag and marketing choices, the majority of you voted Nike as your favorite brand of gear for 2007.
Along with Nike, we love our Lululemon, especially their pants, despite the high price tag. Despite who is your favorite brand of gear, I've highlighted lots of great workout clothes so be sure to check them all out here. Keep your eye out for much more great gear to come in 2008!

Beckham Is Your Favorite Fit Male of 2007!

FitSugar — Sat, 29 Dec 2007 03:00:00 -0800

David Beckham won your hearts as your favorite fit male celeb of 2007 by a landslide. From playing soccer to playing with his boys, it's no wonder this British hottie is super fit.

Another fit Brit, Daniel Craig, took second place. What's with all the American men? Even though we're always seeing Matthew McConaughey doing something active with his shirt off, he still did not make the cut. Regardless of where they're from, it's nice to see a little eye candy from time to time, but to also know that men have to work to keep in shape too - maybe not as hard as us ladies, but a six-pack does not come from skipping the gym.

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In Case You Missed It: Get It Up

FitSugar — Fri, 28 Dec 2007 09:30:00 -0800

I've brought you a lot of great ideas for cardio routines in a feature I like to call Get It Up, Your Heart Rate That Is. I know most of you really enjoy these posts, so I wanted to make sure you all saw some of the more popular cardio workout routines. So here are the top Get It Ups for 2007:

Treadmill Mountain Hike - interval walking with big inclines.
StepMill Intervals - a interval program on the dreaded StepMill.
Arc Trainer - two minute intervals on the Arc Trainer.
Quick Elliptical - for when you're short on time.
Swimming Fun - swimming indoors is a great cardio activity in the cold winter.
Gym Triathlon - combines swimming, biking, and running in the gym.

If you have a Get It Up that you're especially fond of, please share it in the comments section below - I'd love to hear your feedback.

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24 Hour Best 2007

FitSugar — Fri, 28 Dec 2007 02:30:00 -0800

Whether it is a boutique gym or hotel gym, we all have our favorite gyms to head to.

You guys voted 24 Hour Fitness as the best gym of 2007. The YMCA was right up there, so it really was the battle of the large corporate gym versus the small community gym. 24 Hour is appealing due to its hours of operation and number of clubs nationwide, while the Y is kid friendly and cost effective.

Furthermore, since it was impossible to have every small gym in every small town across America, I couldn't have them as options but most of you nominated your own local gym as the best gym of 2007. Regardless of where you go, or if you even go to a gym, exercise is the key here so congrats to anyone who exercises at a gym or not.

In Case You Missed It: Yoga Posts

FitSugar — Thu, 27 Dec 2007 12:30:00 -0800

I love yoga because it is beneficial to your mind and body! Since I love it so much, I tend to write about it on a regular basis. Here are the highlights in case you missed them.

Naked Yoga: Would you practice in the nude at a yoga studio?

Yoga in Schools: A Good Idea?: Do you think yoga should be offered to kids in public school?

Yoga poses for Dysmenorrhea: Suffering from painful menstrual cramps? These may help.

Yoga and Pregnancy: Naomi Watts was practicing yoga while expecting because it can help to open your hips and relieve stress. Here are some great tips to keep in mind if you're pregnant and doing yoga.

Animals Did Yoga First: Priceless photos of animals in yoga poses.

Belly Aching? Try Some Yoga: Great poses to do after a big meal or if you're constipated.

Name That Asana - Want to Play? Check out this video where people on the street are shown a yoga photo and they have to guess what it's called.