FitSugar

Gwyneth Paltrow's New Year's Booty Workout

FitSugar — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 03:30:00 -0800

While Gwyneth Paltrow and I tend to be on different pages regarding detox diets, her dedication to fitness is something I fully support. She has been keeping the world posted with her newsletter, and in her latest one Gwyneth shares the "New Year's butt" workout recommended by her trainer, Tracy Anderson. Gwyneth says, "It’s really hard. But do it like she says to do it and I swear that in 10 days you will see your butt change shape."

Tracy sent a video of the workout that she filmed from her hotel room, and a chair is the only equipment needed. There are several variations in the sequence and Tracy instructs her client to begin with 20 or 30 repetitions of each exercise per leg, which seems like a well-rounded (though slightly time-consuming) booty workout. She recommends working up to 50 reps and adding one-pound ankle weights for more challenge. View Gwyneth's newsletter to see the video and follow the link she provides if you want to download the workout onto your iPod.

Get it Up, Your Heart Rate That Is: Treadmill Series

FitSugar — Wed, 22 Aug 2007 07:30:00 -0700

Looking for something new to do on the treadmill that will get your heart rate up but not leave you feeling so bored? Try this fun interval walk/run workout the next time you're at the gym.

00:00-05:00 Warm-up, Walk 3.0 mph, Incline 1
05:00-10:00 Run 5.0 mph, Incline 1
10:00-15:00 Walk 3.5 mph, Incline 12
15:00-20:00 Run 5.5 mph, Incline 1
20:00-25:00 Walk 3.5 mph, Incline 12
25:00-30:00 Run 6.0 mph, Incline 1
30:00-35:00 Walk 3.5 mph, Incline 12
35:00-40:00 Cool-down, Walk 3.0 mph, Incline 1

Let me know what you think. The incline walking is a sure way for working that booty, which is always good. Does the above workout look too hard for your fitness level? Then for a slightly more beginner version, just read more

00:00-05:00 Warm-up, Walk 2.0 mph, Incline 1
05:00-10:00 Run 5.0 mph, Incline 1
10:00-15:00 Walk 2.5 mph, Incline 9
15:00-20:00 Run 5.0 mph, Incline 1
20:00-25:00 Walk 2.5 mph, Incline 9
25:00-30:00 Run 5.0 mph, Incline 1
30:00-35:00 Walk 2.5 mph, Incline 9
35:00-40:00 Cool-down, Walk 2.0 mph, Incline 1

Want to see other cardio workout ideas? Check out all my heart pumping routines here.
Source

A Week In Review: FitSugar roundup

FitSugar — Sat, 21 Apr 2007 04:00:00 -0700

Meatless Mondays are starting at my house this coming Monday.

Now that it is Saturday, you've got to try the booty workout. Here's the printable version for you to take to the gym.

Here is a new TreadMill workout for you to try next time you're at the gym. Or if you have one at home hop on and try it.

Speak Up and tell me what you listen to when you workout.

After splurging on Burberry golf accessoriesyou might just need some FREE golf lessons.

We all know fiber is an important part of our diet. But do you know if an apple or a pear has more fiber? You might also be interested in knowing how much fiber your favorite fruit has to offer.

Since it IS the weekend you have time to practice Sun Salutation B.

Monday was the Boston Marathon and Lidiya Grigoryeva won by finishing in 2 hours and 29 minutes. Jacob might have taken a little longer to cross the finish line, but his story is quite motivational.

The Sugar pages have been filled with wedding mania this week, but walking seems to be how Eva Longoria deals with her pre-wedding stress.

Just wondering if you have tried the Side Push Up. It is a great way to work your arms.

Flynet

Take It to the Gym: Printable Booty Workout

FitSugar — Wed, 18 Apr 2007 08:45:00 -0700

Working the booty is always a great thing to do, plus it is great prep for the upcoming swimsuit season. Watch the video first then you can print out this printer friendly version to take with you to the gym.

Kicks
(10 reps each leg)
Do's and Don'ts

Keep elbows directly under your knees
Start with your toes on the ground and your foot flexed
Do not allow your back to arch, just use the glute to lift your leg
Keep abs engaged - this exercise works your core too.

Donkey Kicks
(10 small pulses each leg)
Do's and Don'ts

Keep your knee pointed down towards the floor
Keep the motion small and concentrated
Use your abdominals to stabilize - pull them away from the floor

There's more, so read more

Charlie Chaplin (20 pointed feet, 20 flexed) Do's and Don'ts Do 20 small clicks of the heels with toes pointed Then do 20 small clicks of the heels with feet flexed Keep knees straight and move from the upper inner thigh Keep your abs up and lifted - your hand under your belly is there to remind you to pull the abs up and away from the floor
Bridge with Pulses (10 small pulses) Do's and Don'ts Keep your legs parallel (try this with a small ball or pillow between your knees Place your heels close to your pelvis to work the glutes more
Bridge with kicks (5 reps each leg) Do's and Don'ts Work the glute of the foot that is in on the ground - this will help steady the pelvis Don't lower just until it is even with the other knee - use control Flex the foot as you lower the leg, reach through that heel
Raise the leg with a pointed foot
Squats on 3 Levels (10 pulses on each level) Do's and Don'ts Really stick your booty out - DO NOT tuck your pelvis under Feel like you are sitting back in a chair You should be able to see your toes, because you are keeping your weight in your heels to fire up the glutes Do ten squats, then lower your bum for 10 more, then go even lower for the last 10 For more details on squats - check out You Don't Know Squat
Plié Squats (10 slow pulses) Do's and Don'ts Open your legs super wide, so when you bend your knees they are right over your toes Spiral your thigh bones away from each other to open your knees - they should be in line with your big toe Pulse up from your sits bones squeezing together
Pulsing Lunges (10 pulses each leg) Do's and Don'ts: Ideally, both knees should be at 90 degrees Do not push with the back leg, initiate the pulse from the glute of the front leg Use weights to increase the difficulty of the exercise

Weekend Workout: Get Off Your Booty and Work It

FitSugar — Sat, 30 May 2009 03:00:00 -0700

Now that warmer weather has come for good, you're probably sporting shorts, skirts, and teeny bikini bottoms to beat the heat. If you're looking to tone up your tush, here are three must-do moves to get your booty in shape.

Dumbbell
Squats

Elevated
Leg Lift

Knee Lift With
Reverse Row

If that wasn't enough for you, click here for more Weekend Workouts.

4 minute Booty Workout Video

FitSugar — Tue, 17 Apr 2007 10:19:21 -0700

Springtime is upon us and so are mini skirts and hot pants. Swimsuit season is just around the corner, so it is time to start toning the booty area. For me, a toned backside is really great for all season, but soon we will be showing more of it so let's get down to business.

Here is a 4 minute exercise video for you to try.

I will have the printable gym version ready for you all tomorrow, since I have never seen someone working out with a laptop at the gym.

Here are a few tips:

Use a soft mat when performing the first 3 exercises - be nice to your knees.
In Charlie Chaplin really pull your abs away from the floor and your hand. This will help keep your low back muscles relaxed to ensure more work in your glutes - which is what we want, right?
Bridge with your legs in parallel (heels in line with sits bones) and your heels close to your booty (this will make the hamstrings work less and the glutes more). You can use a small ball or a pillow between your knees to get the inner thighs more active too.
Read this post You don't know SQUAT for more on the technique of Squats.
For Plié Squats and Lunges remember to not tuck your pelvis under and you'll be golden.

REMEMBER: If a move hurts or feels weird, try the motion smaller. If the move still feels weird, stop and try it again in a couple of days.

Click here for: Take it to the Gym -Print out of the video.

Tips For Cleaning the Yard Without Breaking Your Back

FitSugar — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 14:30:53 -0800

The cool temps of Fall mean yard work for me. How about you? There are piles of fallen leaves to rake, and I also like to plant colorful flowers to brighten up the upcoming rainy Winter.

I'm sure many of you are knee-deep in yard work as well, and while it's a great way to burn some calories, you want to do it safely so you don't end up injuring your bod. Here are some tips.

Purchase a lightweight rake made out of plastic instead of metal. The plastic glides more easily on the grass compared to the metal, making less effort needed on your part.
When raking, keep your core stable and upright, and use your arms to pull the leaves toward you instead of hunching over. It'll tone your upper body and prevent pain in your back and neck.
If you have woods on your property, rake leaves into small piles that you carry away on a tarp. Don't try to pull too much at once, as that's a good way to strain a muscle. If you have to bag your leaves, bend your knees out to the sides and squat down to pick up piles instead of bending at your waist. This will work your booty and also prevent lower back pain.
If you have heavy things like tree stumps and rocks to clear off your lawn, use a wheelbarrow instead of carrying them yourself.
Bring a bottle of water outside and drink often. Even though you may not be at your gym, it's still a good workout.
Take breaks often. No need to do all three hours of lawn work at once. Do 20 minutes and then stretch for five. Also know when to call it a day. You can always do more yard work tomorrow.

Weekend Workout: Three Moves for a Healthy Back

FitSugar — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 04:30:25 -0800

You may not be able to see it, but that doesn't mean your should neglect it. I am talking about your back. A strong back is an essential part of a strong core, and it can help you maintain proper posture and prevent pain. Grab a mat and give these three moves a try that will strengthen and increase flexibility in your back. Repeat all three exercises for a total of three rounds.

Cat Cow

Superman Booty Lifts

Camel Against the Wall

Still itching for more mini-workouts? Check out these Weekend Workouts to learn how to tone other areas of your body.

Print It: Elliptical Incline Booty Workout

FitSugar — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 02:00:00 -0800

Time	Resistance	Incline	SPM*
0:00-2:30	3.0	5.0	110-130
2:30-5:00	5.0	7.0	120-130
5:00-10:00	9.0	11.0	130-140
10:00-15:00	9.0	13.0	130-140
15:00-20:00	9.0	15:00	130-140
20:00-25:00	11.0	15.0	120-130 / Go BACKWARD
25:00-30:00	9.00	15.0	130-140 / Go FORWARD
30:00-32:30	5.0	5.0	120-130
32:30-35:00	3.0	5.0	120-130

*SPM = Strides Per Minute

Pros and Cons of the Elliptical

FitSugar — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 05:50:09 -0700

Since running is one of my favorite forms of cardio, I'm a big fan of the treadmill when I can't get outside for a run. I'm also big into the elliptical, and by the looks of my gym, it appears tons of other people are too. While it's a popular piece of gym equipment for so many reasons, there are also some disadvantages to using one. Check out the chart below to see if an elliptical is the right machine for you.

Pros	Cons
The circular motion and the fact that you're not pounding your feet down with each step is easier on your knees than running outside on concrete or on a treadmill. The platforms for your feet are always free of rocks, trash, dog poo, and ice, so you can count on where you're stepping to be safe and clean.	Although using an elliptical is less impact on your joints, it also requires less effort, so people complain that it's too easy. Since your feet need to stay on those little platforms, you feel like you have less control over your movements, and it's less natural for someone who's used to running.

To see the rest of the pros and cons, read more.

Pros

Cons

You control the pace by moving your legs slower or faster.
By increasing the resistance of the foot pedals you can make your workout more challenging for your legs and booty. You can also pedal backward to focus on working your backside.
You can also get an arm and upper back workout by adjusting the tension of the handles.
Since you're inside, you can watch TV to beat boredom.
The readout keeps track of your workout data including time, speed, distance, and calories burned, so you can monitor your progress.
Whether it's a torrential downpour outside or it's nighttime, you can always get in your workout.
It's a safe way to burn calories if you're afraid to exercise outside in your neighborhood.

Since you're in control of how fast your legs are moving, it's easier to slack off as compared to using a treadmill, which keeps the same pace.
Since they're a one-size-fits-all kind of machine, someone who's got a naturally shorter stride may end up hyper-extending their knees, which could lead to injury.
If you don't belong to a gym, ellipticals aren't cheap and you'll end up spending around $2,000 for a good one.
Just like any other piece of cardio equipment, the repetition of doing the same thing over again can be so boring that you cut your workout short.
The readout on the machine may not be accurate.
Ellipticals require electricity, so they're not exactly the greenest type of exercise. Plus, if there's a power outage, you can't work out.

Source: Flickr User Jill Clardy