FitSugar

Saddlebags Be Gone

FitSugar — Fri, 15 Feb 2008 02:30:00 -0800

We all have our problem spots that we would love to alter, from love handles at the waist to the dreaded saddlebags at the upper thigh. I sometimes refer to them as my "lower love handles" because I really don't like the word saddlebag. Gravity has a way of shaping our bodies as we age, but there are a few ways to battle those dreaded saddlebags. Check out these ideas.

I'm sorry to say, but there isn't one secret magic saddlebag erasing exercise out there. Along the same lines, doing exercises that only focus on your bun and thigh area won't work either. Instead, focus on losing weight overall. Doing cardio like running, biking, and using machines will help you burn calories so your entire body can become more lean.
Eat a healthy diet and watch your calories. Check out Fit's Calculator to see how many calories you should be consuming a day. Remember though, that your daily intake should never go below 1200 for women and 1800 for men.
Do strength training exercises to tone all your muscles. Definitely work on moves that target your hips and butt like lunges and squats, or check out this 4-Minute Booty Workout. Also, don't forget to tone your abs and upper body too. Toning all your body parts will make you stronger and leaner overall.
Don't waste your money on cellulite creams. I'm sorry to say, but they won't do much for your saddlebags.

Source

Biking: Bugs vs. Saddle Sore - Which Is Worse?

FitSugar — Sun, 29 Jul 2007 02:00:00 -0700

Have you been riding your bike a lot this summer? I have been inspired by the Tour de France, have you? There are some things about bike riding I do NOT enjoy. Aside from cars not sharing the road, what do you think is worse?

Source

Get Your Butt ON Gear: Terry Tri Gel Butterfly Saddle

FitSugar — Wed, 18 Jul 2007 02:30:00 -0700

When you are logging miles and miles on your bike, if your tush isn't happy - you're not happy. What you sit on when you ride can make or break your biking experience. That is why I love this saddle by Terry. It is designed for long, long distance riders and triathletes who put in lots of saddle time without taking breaks.

The seat is constructed from sculpted gel strategically placed for women, and they have widened the rear of the seat to accommodate the bones of a ladies rear. The butterfly seat is completely cut away through the nose and mid-section, making it flexible and comfortable against your lady business. Plus the leather smooth seat cover is perforated to increase breathability and to help reduce the slow build up of heat that can accompany those slow uphill climbs. This lightweight seat is handmade in Italy.

Take care of your booty while you ride with "gellissima" gel padding. This much "cush" for your tush will cost you though. Buy it for $110 directly from Terry.

Jessica Simpson Talks Shop, Body Shop That Is

FitSugar — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 11:00:00 -0700

We've all been watching as Jessica Simpson tones up using the 5 Factor and she looks great!

We're used to Jessica saying some off the wall things (chicken of the sea anyone?), People.com got the scoop on her recent interview with Harper's Bazaar where she seems to be making perfect sense:

On her butt: One thing that has changed is her body, as she prepares to join the Marines in her upcoming movie, Major Movie Star. "I've started with a trainer, Harley Pasternak," she says. "He's given me a butt, because I have white-girl syndrome. I have to do as many squats as I can to get a little booty. ... I have to be [diligent]. I'm a curvy girl. You don't want to see me not working out."

On her curves: But she's fine with her curves – and she thinks guys are too. She recalls attending a recent fashion party with her friend and hairstylist Ken Pavés and asking him, "Do you think the guys in here are all really looking at all those skinny girls and thinking, Wow, I want to get with her? Or are they looking at the girls with the curves and thinking, Yeah, I want to get with her!"

Simpson, for one, knows where she stands. "Curves are better," she says. "I don't get the whole rail thing. It's not good for your heart, it's not good for your mind; it's emotionally destructive, it really is."

Nice Jessica! I am very impressed with such positive body image messages coming from her. There are more pics of Jess looking fitter than ever at the airport, so read more

View 10 Photos ›

Pacific Coast News

Work it Girl: Seated Pigeon

FitSugar — Wed, 25 Apr 2007 07:30:00 -0700

Sitting at your desk for 8 hours a day is a great way to work towards tight hips. Fight back with this desk hip opener stretch.

This is just like doing Pigeon pose but instead of lying down, you're sitting up.

Bend your left knee and place your lower leg flat on the desk (make sure to clear a spot).

Lean your upper body forward a little and try to keep your spine long. You'll really feel this stretch in your left hip and butt. I love it!

Hang here for a few breaths or more if you love it, and then carefully switch sides.

If you really love this stretch, you can work while you do it!

CAUTION: Again, make sure your chair doesn't have wheels!

Which Part of Your Body do You LOVE to Show Off the Most?

FitSugar — Wed, 28 Mar 2007 07:30:00 -0700

Well, FabSugar inspired me with their poll called Which Body Part do You Try to Hide the Most?

I want to know, which part of your body do you LOVE to show off?

Amazing Glutes: These Glutes Were Made for Walking

FitSugar — Sun, 21 Jan 2007 08:00:00 -0800

This video brings new meaning to working your buns. Check this out.

Where's the Muscle?

FitSugar — Mon, 18 Dec 2006 07:30:00 -0800

So you've been doing tons of crunches to get rid of your gut, and you feel the difference. But you've got to press through a layer of flab to feel it. What gives?

Even if you do your ab work out every day, you're strengthening your belly, but not doing anything about the layer of fat above your washboard stomach.

The answer? To lose the fat you have to combine all those abdominal crunches with some cardio. Do 30-45 minutes at 70-80% of your maximum heart rate 3 times a week. Curious to know what your maximum heart rate is? Check out Fit's Calculator for the answer.

Burning calories, doing your crunches, and eating a sensible diet will have you seeing your fabulous abs in no time.

No Equipment Necessary: Lying Butt Lifts

FitSugar — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 11:00:00 -0700

Some of my favorite exercises are those that you can do anywhere, anytime, and without any extra equipment. This lying butt lift (aka lying butt bridge) is a fabulous way to work your booty and hamstrings, despite the fact that many people feel uncomfortable doing this move in a crowded gym. Here's how you do it:

Lie flat on your back on a mat with your knees bent and your arms at your sides. Feet should be hip distance apart.
Slowly raise your pelvis up toward the ceiling to a point where your body will be at a about a 40-45 degree angle relative to the floor.
At the top of the movement, be sure to really flex your butt for one second - try and make it a long second.
Now slowly return to the start position to complete one.
Do three sets of 12-15.

Fit's Tip: For a bigger burn, flex your butt for 5 seconds at the top of each move.

DVD Review: Crunch - Belly, Butt & Thighs Boot Camp

FitSugar — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 08:45:00 -0700

I'll be the first to say that the Crunch workout videos can be a bit much for me. The trainers can be just a bit too peppy and the music can be a bit too pop-ish for me. I will say, however, that I enjoyed Crunch - Belly, Butt & Thighs Boot Camp a lot.

This DVD is a very high-energy workout that is easy to follow and interesting to do (i.e. I was not bored after the first five minutes). In the 40 or so minutes that it takes to do the DVD, there is a good mix of cardio and sculpting - the cardio is fun and the sculpting is tough. The video focuses a good amount of time on lunges, more lunges, and squats so be prepared. My husband spent the majority of the time saying, "Wow, that looks hard" (as he sat on the couch and watched me sweat). The trainer, Teri Ann Krefting, comes off as motivating and strong, rather than the typical overly peppy and oddly skinny DVD instructor.

My only wish is that there were a bit more exercises for the arms, but I guess that's why it's called a belly, butt, and thigh boot camp, so it was to be expected. If you're looking for a fun way to work out your lower body then I highly recommend trying out this DVD. If you do, or if you've already tried it, share your comments below.

Fit's Tip: To really get in a good workout, think about supplementing the DVD with some extra cardio. I took a 15 minute jog after the DVD workout was over and felt great.