What Size Dumbbell Do You Use the Most?


Updated 05/21/09 5:07 PM · Posted by FitSugar · 58 comments

What Size Dumbbell Do You Use the Most?

When it comes to strength training, I'm a big fan of using dumbbells. They're inexpensive, small, easy to use at home, and are so effective at toning your muscles. I have a few sets of different size weights for doing a variety of exercises, but I tend to use my eight-pounders for most exercises. What about you? Source What Size Dumbbell Do You Use the Most? One to three pounds. Read more

Get in Gear: Reebok Adjustable Weights


Updated 01/21/08 7:50 AM · Posted by FitSugar · 12 comments

Reebok Speed Pac Adjustable Weights

While I love having gym equipment at home, my one complaint is all the space it takes up. Since I don't have a designated fitness room, I try to buy things that can be easily hidden. So instead of having several pairs of bulky hand-weights, think about investing in adjustable dumbbells. The Speed Pac ($46) gives you an entire set of weights in one, all you have to do is select your desired Read more

Get in Gear: PlateMates


Updated 08/13/07 12:04 AM · Posted by FitSugar · 1 comment

Get in Gear:  PlateMates

If you're looking to tone up this summer, using dumbbells is a great way to get results. I've noticed that for certain exercises, like bicep curls, I can use a heavier weight, but since I have a torn rotator cuff, I need a lighter weight when doing side dumbbell raises. I've discovered something that has solved my problem. Instead of buying tons of different sets of weights, check out Read more

Build Your Own Home Gym


Updated 01/22/08 3:36 PM · Posted by FitSugar · 9 comments

Build Your Own Home Gym

I am always telling you guys about great and new gadgets (useful and not) for working out at home. If you're looking to start your own home gym here is what you may want to include. The starred items are essentials, whereas the others are just bonuses but great if you have an entire room (and budget) dedicated to a gym. Ball* Exercise Band* (Think about getting a door attachment Read more

Lift Freely


Updated 12/20/06 11:00 AM · Posted by FitSugar · 0 comments

Lift Freely

Free weights are great for so many reasons and I am here to tell you why. Free weights save time since they are all so very versatile, and you can work many body parts using the same weight. That way you don't waste time walking from machine to machine. Plus once you get comfortable with a routine you can buy weights for your home making your strength training routine super convenient. You Read more

Jackie Warner's Calorie-Blasting Power Pyramid Workout


Updated 05/26/12 2:55 PM · Posted by · 6 comments

Jackie Warner Workout

Work your entire body pyramid-style with celeb trainer Jackie Warner in just 10 minutes. Each time-saving exercise combines two moves, making the workout efficient and effective. To build strength and torch calories, you'll work your muscles to exhaustion. Grab some dumbbells and get ready to work out with Jackie. Looking for more? Tone your upper body in 10 with this workout for sexy sculpted Read more

4 Reasons to Add an Exercise Ball to Your Home Gym


Updated 05/22/12 2:00 PM · Posted by · 0 comments

Ways to Use an Exercise Ball

The exercise ball may occupy a lot of room in your home gym, but it's one versatile piece of equipment. Find out how to get the most out of your exercise ball below. A healthier seat: Ditch your normal seat on the couch and sit on an exercise ball instead. Using a ball to sit helps correct your posture, tones your abs, and encourages you to stretch, all of which sounds a lot better than the Read more

3 Mistakes You're Making When Using Dumbbells


Updated 03/30/12 12:10 AM · Posted by · 0 comments

How to Use Dumbbells Correctly

Dumbbells are one of the most widely used pieces of exercise equipment, and for good reason. They're affordable enough to have in a home gym, easy to handle, and can be used to strengthen every muscle in the body. The next time you pick up a pair, avoid these lifting mistakes. Using the Same Pair For Every Move Why it's bad: Not all muscles have the same strength. Lifting too light a weight Read more

Get Lifted: How to Do an Overhead Press Correctly


Updated 05/09/12 3:50 PM · Posted by · 0 comments

How to Do a Standing Overhead Press With Dumbbells

Yes, it's almost tank top and bikini season, which means that bare arms will be the norm for the months ahead. If you want to sculpt shapely shoulders and toned arms, learn how to incorporate the overhead press into your workout routine. Proper form: You can do an overhead press using dumbbells, barbells, or resistance bands. The following are tips on how to do a standing overhead press using Read more

Torch Calories and Tone With This Circuit Workout


Updated 05/25/12 2:01 PM · Posted by · 0 comments

Full-Body Circuit Workout From Equinox Trainer

What's not to love about circuit training? Combining heart-pumping elements of cardio with strength-training moves means you torch calories while toning muscles. It's just so efficient. Here's a fun yet challenging circuit workout I did recently with my Equinox trainer Lauren. The workout has you performing each exercise for a minute, which means you need to keep a stopwatch handy, but you have Read more