FitSugar

Speak Up: What Do You Like About Group Fitness Classes?

FitSugar — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 13:30:00 PDT

When it comes to working out, I keep an eclectic mix going. Spinning, I like running and swimming by myself, but group classes like yoga, Pilates, and kickboxing are also some of my faves. Exercising in a group generally makes me work harder, especially when the energy of the class is high and the instructor is motivating. I also like knowing I will be done in an hour or an hour and half, it helps me plan for class and for afterwards. Plus, I like leaning new moves and getting feedback from the instructors about form. These are some of the reasons I like group classes. What about you? Tell me why you like group classes in the comments section below.

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Tips for Starting a New Fitness Class

FitSugar — Thu, 18 Oct 2007 04:00:00 PDT

When starting a new group exercise class, you should show up prepared to help make the class go as smoothly as possible so you can enjoy it and think about going back for round two.

Here are a few tips for being prepared for a new class:

Have an open mind. It's new and chances are it's going to be hard. Stick with it, and if you really hate the class, then it's alright to leave discreetly, but make sure that is your last resort.
Show up 5 to 10 minutes early. It's hard to jump into a class that's already begun, not to mention distracting for everyone else.
Bring water. Bring a big bottle of water since there may not be a water fountain close by.
Take off your good jewelry. One time I did a class where I had to do rounds of hitting the punching bag; the instructor was less than impressed when I had to pause to take off my rings and fasten them around my neck on my necklace.
Dress appropriately. Layers and clothing that move are always good for exercise classes. If you're going to be on your feet a lot (i.e. step classes, aerobics, boot camp) be sure to wear supportive sneakers.

Fit's Tip: The teacher's pet in me always likes to tell the instructor, "I am new to this, so bear with me." It just makes me feel a little more comfortable in hope that she won't pick on me or think I am slacking off.

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What Is Your Favorite Form of Cardio?

FitSugar — Wed, 05 Sep 2007 07:30:00 PDT

Doing cardio is a must to keep your heart and lungs healthy. It's also necessary if you are trying to lose a few pounds. There are so many different ways to get your energy up and your heart pumping, so I want to know...

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Yogatoday.com: Free Yoga Classes

FitSugar — Wed, 04 Apr 2007 03:00:00 PDT

What could be better than an invigorating yoga class everyday? How about if it were FREE?

Jennifer24 posted a wonderful suggestion in the Yoga Stretch and Tell Group called Yoga Workout Free!!!

She wanted to let us know about Yogatoday.com, a website that allows you to download 1-hour yoga classes that are absolutely FREE. They offer a new one everyday, so you'll never get bored. Experienced instructors lead the classes in the beautiful, inspiring setting of Jackson Hole, Wyoming.

Their intention is to make yoga accessible to everyone, everywhere. In our fast-paced, busy lives, yoga offers us a chance to slow down, relax, and reflect, which everyone can benefit from.

When you click on a video, you can watch the class immediately, or download it to your computer or iPod for later viewing. I love this idea, because a lot of people I know want to go to yoga classes regularly, but that can get really expensive. Plus, people might not have the time to physically go to a yoga class, and now they don't have to. They can follow along with the video anywhere, anytime, and not have to pay a penny.

The only downfall is that there are a bunch of commercials in the beginning of each video, but you can just fast forward right through them.

A couple of months ago I told you about Yogatoday.com, but I'm so glad Jennifer24 reminded us - thanks for sharing this wonderful tip. Everyone needs to know about free yoga classes.

24 Hour Fitness: Camp24

FitSugar — Mon, 12 Mar 2007 15:14:49 PDT

I wanted to give a shout out to 24 Hour Fitness and say thanks for sponsoring the pages of FitSugar. They even gave me a t-shirt and they would like to give you 10 free days of their group series classes. Talk about Spring Training. So, if you're looking for a group class that is a well rounded workout and fun, Camp24 is a great bet.

Camp24 is 24 Hour Fitness's answer to boot camp. Your trainer is the drill sergeant and you're there to do as he/she says (don't worry, it's not that scary). You can pace yourself, or go the limit in this ultimate circuit workout, though you'll definitely be encouraged to go the limit. Improved cardiovascular abilities, muscular strength and endurance are to be gained from this class that, I would say, is suitable for all levels. You'll be using dumbbells (you pick the weight), a step and a mat throughout the class. There are a lot of 3-minute interval circuits -- For example 3 minutes of jumping jacks, 3 minutes of bicep curls, 3 minutes of dips, etc.

I've got to say, I feel great! My arms feel fatigued which means they got a fabulous workout and I can't imagine how my booty is going to feel the next few days. My favorite part about Camp24 is that there is not much thinking involved; the trainer tells the class what to do and when to do it. You're not left wandering around the gym wondering what you should do next and how (and why), which can be a downfall for many of us. What's more? I was forced to work parts of my body that I often neglect (like my deltoids).

If you aren't a member of 24 Hour Fitness yet, don't worry; right now you can try it out for 10 days for FREE. To get your free 10-day pass, check out 24hourfitnessoffers.com.

Fit's Tip: If you're used to doing long cardio workouts, then you need to engage your arms as much as possible during the cardio intervals to really get that heart rate up.

Yoga: What's With the Om?

FitSugar — Thu, 08 Mar 2007 08:45:00 PST

I've been to many different yoga classes, from Kripalu to Ashtanga to Jivamukti, and they all have something in common. At the end the teacher always leads the class in chanting "Ommmm."

Om, actually pronounced "Aum," is an affirmation of the Divine Presence that is the universe and is similar to the Hebrew "Amen."

In the Hindu belief, Om is the sound that was made when the whole universe was created. Om is a "word of power," so chanting it before and after a yoga class is believed to produce a profound effect on the person chanting, and in the world.

The symbol to the right represents Om. In this Sanskrit letter the long lower curve represents the dream state, the upper curve stands for the waking state and the curve coming from the center symbolizes deep, dreamless sleep. The crescent shape stands for "maya", the veil of illusion, and the dot represents the transcendental state (beyond thinking).

When the individual spirit passes through the veil and goes beyond thinking, they are liberated from the three states, and achieve enlightenment. Whoa.

I don't necessarily think of "Om-ing" like that - that's just too transcendental for me. I like to focus on the more physical benefits, like the rhythmic pronunciation of chanting Om slows down the nervous system and calms the mind, like meditation. If the mind is relaxed, then it will help to decrease blood pressure, which will in turn improve heart health.

It is also good for relieving congestion or sinusitis. The vibrations created by chanting Om can help clear your sinuses and ward off infection.

Also, chanting Om collectively in a group gives you a wonderful sense of community.

Want to hear what Om sounds like? Then

read more I'd love to hear about your good and bad experiences having to do with chanting Om in class. Tell me about it in Yoga Stretch and Tell. At the studio where I go, we do something called Continuous Om-ing with a big group. At the end of class, we all sit up and the teacher starts saying "ommmm..." and other people join in when they are ready, and the whole group of us are following our own breath, Om-ing at different times so it sounds like one rolling beautiful sound, kind of like the Om playing up above. It's amazing and so relaxing to be a part of.

Kinds of Yoga

FitSugar — Mon, 05 Feb 2007 03:00:00 PST

Deciding to try out a yoga class is really exciting, but it can also be confusing since there are so many different types. Here's a brief explanation of some popular kinds of yoga:

Ashtanga - Hot, fast-paced, same series of poses every 1 1/2 hour class. This style is great for runners, bikers, or anyone looking to really move and strengthen your entire body.

Jivamukti - Physically challenging with a strong focus on spiritually. You'll chant, meditate, and learn about yogic philosophy in this class.

Anusara - Grounded in spirituality, the poses are heart-oriented. Instead of trying to control the body and mind from the outside, the poses originate from a deep creative and devotional feeling inside.

Iyengar - Deep emphasis on correct body alignment, with the use of props like straps, blocks, bolsters, chairs, and blankets.

Vinyasa - Poses flow from one to another in conjunction with the breath, like a choreographed dance. Music is usually played and the class moves quickly incorporating a whole range of poses.

Bikram - The hottest yoga by far - you complete a series of 26 postures, twice, in a room heated to 100 degrees.

Kripalu - A gentler class that's great if you're looking to relieve stress, relax, and spend a lot of time moving deeper into poses.

Do you have a favorite type of yoga that I didn't mention? I'd love to hear all about it at Yoga Stretch and Tell.

Free Yoga Classes

FitSugar — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 15:27:11 PST

Are you tired of doing the same yoga DVDs at home? Want to save a little money on yoga classes?

Yogatoday.com offers free daily yoga classes in high-definition, delivered straight through your computer.

Each episode is filmed in beautiful, breath-taking Jackson Hole, Wyoming. World class yoga instructors Adi Amar, Neesha Zollinger and Sarah Kline will take you through a session that focuses on strength building, flexibility, stamina, and meditation-in-motion.

They offer a new hour long class, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, keeping your work outs fresh and energizing.

Fit's Tips: Just make sure to plan ahead - the file transfer can take a couple of hours. A video archive is also available, so you can peruse which classes you'd like to download.

Class Act: Belly Dancing

FitSugar — Tue, 05 Dec 2006 09:15:00 PST

Belly Dancing is all about sensuality and celebrating the female body. It's fun, low-impact, and what other form of exercise encourages you to accessorize with jingley belts or flowy scarves to emphasize your movements?

Like other styles of dance, it's a wonderful form of exercise - you're having so much fun, you don't even realize you're working out. And I love anything that works the core muscles. Romantically and spiritually, a woman's core is her center of power. This style of dance gives you a way to honor your belly, when so often we feel self-conscious about it. Belly dance classes typically are filled with women, so you can feel more comfortable showing off your middle.

Fit's Tip: To find a belly dancing class in your area, call local dance studios or community centers. It might be called Middle Eastern Dance, Egyptian Dance, Arabic Dance, Tribal Dance, or Turkish Dance. Ask to make sure it's what you're looking for.

CLASS Act: Cardio Kickboxing

FitSugar — Fri, 01 Dec 2006 02:30:00 PST

This total body work out totally whips your butt. While listening to kick-ass dance music, you increase your stamina, coordination, balance, flexibility, and strength.

Cardio kickboxing takes from Martial Arts, boxing, and aerobics - but don't worry. It doesn't involve contact with an opponent. It's all you, baby.

Here's what to expect from a class:

You start off with 10-15 minutes of warm-up stretching, jump roping or push-ups. That's followed by a 30 minute kickboxing session complete with your fill of kicks, jabs, punches, ducks and knee strikes. Then you cool down and finish with stretching, which is super important to prevent injury.

The average class burns an astounding 400 calories. Plus, you'll learn self-defense moves to make you feel confident and empowered.

Fit's Tips: When looking for a class at your local gym, find an instructor who knows what they're doing - make sure they have a high-level belt in martial arts and are certified as a fitness instructor.