Thigh Time: Heels vs. Toes


Updated 07/15/09 4:13 PM · Posted by FitSugar · 15 comments

How You Work Feet on Cardio Machines Affects Your Thighs

After tying our sneakers, most of us don't give much thought to our feet while working out, but how you use your feet affects how you work the muscles in your thighs. By changing your footing you can target the front or back of your thigh. When using an elliptical, a stationary bike, or a stair stepper, pressing with your toes works your quads more, while pressing with the heels targets your Read more

Barre Workouts are Expensive! Try This At-Home Alternative Instead


Updated 05/24/12 8:43 AM · Posted by · 0 comments

At-Home Barre Workout Ideas

We are pumped to share one of our favorite stories from Self here on FitSugar! Barre classes may make you easy on the eyes, but at $20 or more a pop, they're definitely not easy on the wallet. Rather than take a second job to pay for our latest fitness addiction, we turned to Beverly Hill-based Cardio Barre instructor Stacey Bosworth to get the inside scoop on scoring a long, lean dancer's body Read more

Overlooked and Underappreciated: How to Use the Rowing Machine


Updated 05/17/12 8:31 AM · Posted by · 24 comments

Tips For Using the Rowing Machine

The rowing machine can be intimidating, but once you get the hang of it, it's an effective way to spice up your cardio routine. But while the rowing machine, also called an ergometer, is a calorie buster (about 280 calories in 30 minutes for an 130-pound woman) and a good leg and core workout, improper form can lead to back injuries if you're not careful. Read on for our tips on proper rowing Read more

4 Coffee Break Tips to Boost Your Energy (It's Not Just About Caffeine!)


Updated 05/16/12 5:53 AM · Posted by · 0 comments

Reasons to Take an Afternoon Coffee Break

We are pumped to share one of our favorite stories from Self here on FitSugar! Are the words "coffee break" kind of an oxymoron to you? Probably so if you are just guzzling your grande while you are still at your desk and barely even looking up from your work. While it's true that caffeine can provide you with a jolt of energy, taking an actual break to enjoy your coffee could be the key to Read more

6 Tips For a More Intense Cardio Workout


Updated 04/04/12 1:25 AM · Posted by · 0 comments

Tips For Better Cardio Workout

Cardio workouts are important for heart health and are also a must do if you're trying to slim down. Whether you're running, swimming, hopping on a bike, or taking a cardio class, incorporate these six tips to get more out of your heart-pumping sessions. Include sprinting intervals: By alternating between a few minutes at a moderate pace and throwing in bursts at a faster pace, you'll burn more Read more

From the Community: Tank Top Arm Workout


Updated 05/12/12 3:50 PM · Posted by · 0 comments

Printable Arm Workout Poster

Reader FitFabCities has a tank top workout for you to do at home — all you need is a pair of weights! She shared it with us in our FitSugar Community. With Spring here and Summer around the corner, what could be better than a printable workout designed specifically to help you get tank top arms? I love this season's sleeveless tops and maxi dresses, but after a long Winter of sweaters and Read more

Fit Tip: Need to Remember Something? Go For a Run


Updated 05/09/12 11:40 AM · Posted by · 0 comments

How Exercise Makes You Smarter

Have a pregraduation final or an upcoming important presentation to nail? It may help to take a step back from your notes and go for a run or a bike ride. A new lab study, reported in The New York Times has found that exercise can improve your memory and learning skills. In the study, scientists fed a group of mice certain drugs that mimic muscle changes from exercise and compared them to Read more

Two No-Sweat Ways to Extend Your Life


Updated 05/08/12 4:50 PM · Posted by · 0 comments

How Staying Active Extends Your Life

Sometimes a healthy life isn't the easiest to live. It can be so hard to resist temptations in the form of desserts and comfy couches. And although regular exercise is one of the best ways to combat any bad effects from those temptations to prolong your life, it doesn't always have to be about getting in a strenuous, sweaty, heart-pumping workout. Here are two low-key ways to help you live a long Read more

6 Best Ways to Flatten Your Belly By Summer


Updated 05/11/12 3:00 PM · Posted by · 0 comments

How to Get a Flat Belly For Summer

We are pumped to share one of our fave stories from Prevention here on FitSugar! By the Editors of Prevention A toned, flat tummy is a goal many of us strive to achieve in time for bathing suit season, but endless crunches and ditching all your favorite foods until July 4th isn’t the right—or fun—way to do it. A sculpted core and trim tummy can be attained by incorporating small changes Read more

Gym Time: Elliptical Tips


Updated 03/11/11 5:03 PM · Posted by FitSugar · 12 comments

Gym Time: Elliptical Tips

Elliptical trainers are a gym favorite. Not only is this cardio machine joint friendly, but it is also super versatile. You can go forward and backward, work your arms and legs, or focus on your core. Here a some tips to get the most out of this machine and your next elliptical workout. If your focus is cardio: Focus on your strides per minute. SPM is the number of times your legs go around, a Read more