FitSugar

Favorite Excuse for Not Working Out: I'm Too Tired

FitSugar — Wed, 24 Oct 2007 12:30:00 PDT

We all have a favorite excuse for not working out. If yours is "I am just too tired," I have something to tell you. Exercise will give you energy. For reals!

When you are tired, it is difficult to remember how great you felt at the end of your last workout. Chances are really high you felt better post exercise than you did before, and you probably felt more relaxed too. Exercise promotes oxygen exchange, out with the stale air and in with the fresh. Motivate yourself with the carrot of the post exercise euphoria!

Exercise can help you sleep better, and a night of restful sleep will help you stay more energized the next day.

When I am feeling weary and therefore wary of exercise, I have to work through the mind games I play to talk myself out of exercising. Once I finally get moving, I find my energy is there and I am for a full workout. So fight the "too tired" excuse with the mantra "exercise to energize." It may be a little cheesy, but sometimes all it takes is two words to get me off the couch.

Source

6 Beach Workouts For a Sunny Memorial Day Weekend

Leta Shy — Wed, 23 May 2012 15:52:50 PDT

Hopefully this weekend will involve some fun in the sun, but that doesn't have to be limited to sipping a frozen cocktail on a deck chair. To get you inspired for an outdoor sweat session, we've rounded up some fun fitness routines for the beach - check off your daily workout for the day while enjoying the sun!

Fit and fast: Got 12 minutes? Do this simple CrossFit circuit workout as hard as you can. Bonus: after the intense session, all you have to do is take a dip in the sea!
Leg up: Want to tone legs and thighs? This leg workout from a FitSugar reader helps save your knees from too many squats - and you can do the moves while laying out in the sun.
On the ball: If you happen to have an exercise ball handy, this Kerri Walsh-approved full-body workout will get you in pro-athlete shape.

More beach workouts to inspire you after the break!

Long Commutes Are Detrimental to Your Health, Study Says

Jenny Sugar — Tue, 08 May 2012 11:14:05 PDT

Working a nine-to-fiver is mandatory for most people, and unfortunately, a long commute often comes with the territory. According to a study published today in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, those who travel 16 or more miles each way weigh more and have higher blood pressures than those with less than 10-mile commutes.

Of the almost 4,300 residents from Dallas and Austin involved in the study, researchers discovered that for every 10-mile increase in driving distance, the commuter's BMI (body mass index) rose .17 units. People with lengthy commutes are nine percent more likely to be obese, either because they didn't exercise as much, are eating fast food while driving, or they're not getting enough sleep because their long commute forces them to wake up early.

Weight isn't the only thing affected by a long drive to work. Spending that much time in the car, especially stuck in traffic, also makes a person tired, moody, and stressed out, which is one reason 52 percent of those in the study with a longer commute suffered from high blood pressure.

So what's a commuter to do? Quitting your job is obviously not an option, and if working at home part-time isn't feasible and neither is finding a job closer to where you live, keep reading to learn what commuters can do to avoid weight gain and other health issues.

How to Combat That Afternoon Slump

Leta Shy — Thu, 03 May 2012 13:40:46 PDT

Sometimes, you just can't beat that afternoon slump. Sitting at a desk all day can leave you feeling the opposite of energetic, especially around those postlunch hours when our bodies expend more energy digesting or we crash from the effects of our morning cup of coffee - and when that happens, don't think you can always rely on energy drinks. Besides their long list of unpronounceable ingredients, a new study has found that energy drinks contain high levels of citric acid, which can cause major tooth enamel erosion.

Luckily, even without the energy drinks you don't have to spend your nine-to-five dreading the inevitable urge to nap. Here are some ways for combating that afternoon slump.

Exercise in the morning. A good day begins with a good start. Exercising in the morning is beneficial for many reasons: you don't have to worry about scheduling a time later, and it's nice to be able to check something off your list before the day really begins. A morning sweat session is also good for keeping your energy levels up throughout the day, so if you find yourself hitting a wall in the afternoon, try moving your workout session to before work and see how you feel.
Take an afternoon walk. If you find yourself spending more time dozing and daydreaming than working in the afternoon, take a 10-minute break to rev up your body. Just walking around the office, chatting with co-workers, or taking a break to enjoy the sunshine outside can be all you need to give your body a recharge.

Still tired? Read on for more tips that'll keep you from taking a nap at your desk!

Make Hectic Days Manageable: 4 Tips For Fitting in Exercise

Leta Shy — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 16:17:50 PDT

You know that sitting too much can lead to serious health conditions, but when things get hectic you may think you don't have time to fit in a workout. If that's the case, here are four ways to spend your next busy day burning calories.

Wake up with a 10-minute workout: Nothing saves time more than a workout at home, so start your day with a total-body 10-minute workout - you'll burn calories, raise your heartbeat, and tone all over before you even have to take a shower. You don't even have to spend time making up your own circuit; follow along with celebrity trainers in our 10-minute Class FitSugar workouts here.

While you're waiting: Waiting in line is inevitable, so don't let all that time go to waste. Do a few of these discreet toning moves to continue to whip your body into shape while you wait.

Lunchtime workout: Your day may be packed, but sometimes that's just the time to duck into your gym for a quick workout. A midday workout can re-energize and refocus your mind, making you more efficient at performing afternoon tasks (and possibly freeing up your time!). To find out how to get in and out of the gym without delay, read our time-saving tips for fitting in a midday workout.

Relax and unwind: Keeping your muscles loose and flexible is key to an effective workout routine. Add a few of these sleep-inducing yoga poses before you go to bed in order to tone your muscles while relaxing your body and preparing yourself for bedtime.

For ideas on how to plan your workouts so you don't have to skip them, read more of our tips on how to exercise when you're busy here.

8 Signs You're Sleep Deprived

Leta Shy — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 19:45:22 PDT

Do you normally get enough sleep? Many people don't; in fact, a new study by the Centers for Disease Control, says that 30 percent of all workers in the United States are sleep deprived, meaning they get fewer than seven hours of quality sleep a night. That can put employees like drivers, warehouse workers, and health care providers at on-the-job risk, but even if you're just chained to your desk, chronic sleeplessness can still affect your health by increasing your risk of obesity, heart disease, and other conditions. So, how do you know you're sleep deprived? Here are eight signs you should be getting better sleep, from sleep experts and Prevention magazine.

You need an alarm to wake up.
You use the snooze button on your alarm more than twice.
You fall asleep in fewer than 10 minutes.
Simple decisions stump you.
You're still hungry after eating all day.
You keep coming down with colds.
Weird things make you cry.
You've become a klutz.

If this sounds like you during the workweek, read on for our advice on how to get a good night's sleep.

Three Ways to Improve Your Sleep

Sponsor — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 03:00:00 PDT

We've all had those nights full of restless tossing and turning. These sleepless nights can be caused by a variety of distractions and irritations, such as too much stress or not enough exercise. Whatever the reason may be, check out these three tips below for improving your sleep.

Make time for sleep. You schedule time for doctor's appointments, working out, and seeing friends; why not do the same with your sleep schedule? Start going to bed at a regular time and waking up at the same time every morning. By doing this, you will feel much more refreshed and energized.

It's time to sign off. While smartphones, computers, tablets, and televisions are an easy way to zone out and take your mind off of the day, they also keep you up late into the night. Disconnect from technology at least an hour before you go to bed and let your mind rest. You'll be surprised what a difference this makes.

Make sure you've got a good foundation. Good sleep starts with your mattress. Your bed should be comfortable and give you enough room to move around easily. If you're waking up with aches, it may be time to look into getting a new mattress.

Start improving your sleep today. Check out the Tempur-SIMPLICITY™ mattress that offers the essential Tempur-Pedic benefits, in comfort and contouring support, at a surprisingly affordable price. Find out more here.

Simple Tips on How to Stay Healthy All Day Long

Lizzie Fuhr — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 02:18:51 PDT

When striving to be healthy, a few everyday changes can make a world of difference to your body. Maybe you're just focused on a morning workout or staying away from the wrong activities before bed, but if you want to reboot your lifestyle for the long haul, you've got to commit to a healthy lifestyle all day long. Interested in what I mean? Read through these tips to help you keep your healthy living on track whether it's morning, noon, or night.

Morning

If a morning gym session fits your schedule best, then our early morning exercise tips are a must read. From laying out an outfit the night before to scheduling a session with a trainer, these tips can help kick off your day with an energetic bang.

We know that breakfast is the most important meal of the day! Whatever your dietary needs or time restrictions, we've got you covered. Start the morning with healthy whole-grain hot cereal recipes or low-sugar breakfast ideas or save some time in the morning with a healthy breakfast made the night before.

Think outside the box and mix up your standard morning beverage routine. Take your pick of these inventive drinks to boost your energy to get your head right for your commute and commitments.

Keep reading for tips to stay healthy during the afternoon and evening.

5 Tips to Feel Slimmer by Tomorrow

Laura Marie Given — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 01:19:29 PDT

Sometimes - especially during bikini season - plans come up at the last minute, and you wish you could feel thinner in a snap. While there aren't any instant fixes, there are definitely a few ways to feel leaner fast. If you're hoping to get slim quickly, follow these five steps to feel better by tomorrow:

Skip the salt: Avoid that puffy, bloated feeling by steering clear of the saltshaker. Feel like you're retaining water? Try these tips to cut down on salt and choose seasonal Spring foods that naturally detox. That swollen sensation will be gone in no time.
Catch plenty of z's: If you're tired and dragging, you won't have the drive to exercise. Sleep deprivation also stimulates the appetite - ever noticed that you eat more when you're worn out? Avoid an unnecessary binge and stay energized by crawling into bed a bit earlier and getting a good night's rest. To help you have a restful night, check out these tips for getting quality sleep.
Get moving: A good sweat session can definitely help your body detox, but on top of the physical benefits, there's the immediate post-workout confidence boost. Whether it's a quick walk or long jog, fitting in some exercise is a surefire way to feel leaner.
Sip some H2O: Water does wonders to beat belly bloat, so swap out sodas and sports drinks for a tall glass of H20. Looking for some extra flavor? Toss in some sliced fruit or fresh mint to give your slim-down drink better taste without too many calories.
Cook at home: When you dine out, it's tough to know exactly what's on your plate - not to mention the heaping portion sizes. Do your body a favor by stepping into your kitchen for a home-cooked meal. That way, you're sure of which ingredients are used, and it's easier to stick to smaller portions.

Healthy Dose Link Time: Facebook Linked to Eating Disorders

Michele Foley — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 11:44:03 PDT

How Facebook may be contributing to eating disorders - Newser
Partner up! Challenging exercises to do with a buddy - Real Simple
Still exhausted from your jam-packed weekend? Energizing moves to get you going - Self
Have firmer skin always and forever? It might indeed be possible - Health
St. Patrick's Day may be over, but you can still go green with these superfoods - Fitness
Get an inside peek at the wonderful world of AcroYogis - Yoga Journal
Charlize Theron goes on a yoga date . . . with her mom! - Fit Celeb
Spring has sprung! Learn what to plant in your edible garden - Vegetarian Times