FitSugar

Spring Training: 5 Routines to Start This Season

PetSugar — Wed, 07 Mar 2012 12:30:00 PST

Things are really heating up - the weather, that is - so use rising temps as an excuse to create a doggie athlete routine for Spring. I've come up with five activities to start a fitness plan, so find inspiration and get started now!

Source: Flickr User Emery_Way

No-Diet, No-Exercise Keys to Weight Loss

Leta Shy — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 10:18:00 PST

No matter how you slice it, the key to weight loss is a combination of maintaining a healthy diet and an exercise regimen. But making just a few lifestyle changes can also be an important step in finding your way to your weight-loss goals, and they have nothing to do with calorie counting or joining a gym. Read on for a few no-diet, no-exercise ways to give your healthy lifestyle a boost!

Fit, Famous, and Pregnant

Heather Dale — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 15:41:52 PDT

Contrary to popular belief, regular exercise is encouraged by doctors for expecting moms because it can help a woman stay healthy and alleviate some of the discomforts like stiffness, back pain, leg cramping, or constipation. I love how the following famous females are staying active during their pregnancy but not overdoing it. Let's see who they are!

Weight Loss Fact or Fiction: Are These Beliefs True?

Leta Shy — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 15:42:17 PDT

Losing weight is hard enough in itself, but then you have to navigate all the info out there. Whether it's a tip from a friend or a news about the latest diet, there are lots of things to believe, and it can be easy to become confused. We've gathered up five common beliefs about weight loss and separated fact from fiction. Read on to see what they are!

5 To-Dos Before Your Next Workout

Leta Shy — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 01:31:44 PDT

You know what (and what not) to do after a workout, but do you know how to prepare for one? Don't set yourself up for failure by not adequately preparing before you begin your sweat session. Read our five must dos before heading to your next workout!

Trick Yourself Into an Exercising Routine With These Tips

Leta Shy — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 03:07:23 PDT

Most of us have experienced it: we make excuse after excuse for not going on a run or hitting the gym, but once we actually finish our workout, we think, "That wasn't so bad!" For many, the hardest part of maintaining a regular exercise routine is motivating yourself to start exercising. There are so many things that get in the way - sleeping through alarms, extra-long doctor's appointment, or deadlines at work can keep us from staying motivated in order to make a once-off workout a regular routine.

If you are looking to start or maintain an exercise routine but haven't been able to stay on track, it may help to think small. Here are a few tips for tricking yourself into exercising more and creating an exercise routine.

Have a standing date with a workout buddy. Busy schedules mean some friends can get the shaft. If you feel like you need a little more quality time with a bestie, try setting up dates that only involve something active so you can socialize while you work out. Associating the weekly workout with something fun may keep you from dreading it.
Vow to do one active thing each day. Does the idea of booking it to the gym every day sound daunting? Start off small by making little goals for yourself each day. Whether it's taking a walking break every few hours or rounding up the family for an easy weekend hike, start making goals that sounds fun and easy to do so you can ease yourself into an exercise routine.

Read on for more tips for tricking yourself into exercising more!

Free iPad Apps Bring the Gym to You

Heather Dale — Thu, 28 Jul 2011 00:29:04 PDT

Can't make it to the gym? Don't sweat it (or do sweat it), because the iPad lets you bring the trainer home. There are tons of free iPad apps that will help you with fitness goals - some of them even offer video tutorials of various exercises, so if you like following the instruction from a teacher, these will be perfect for you. Surf the web with your iPad, read books on your iPad, and now use your iPad as a personal - and portable - trainer!

Why You Should Be Exercising (It's Not Just About Weight)

Leta Shy — Fri, 15 Jul 2011 02:35:38 PDT

With Summer and its warm-weather fashion parade in full force, it can be easy to stress out about working out in order to feel confident in the season's newest bikinis. But there are many more reasons to exercise that have nothing to do with your waistline. A regular workout routine is essential for feeling your best as well. Here are a few more reminders of how good for you that daily workout routine really is.

Increase your energy. No, that five-mile run isn't going to wear you out. On the contrary, research has shown that the more you exercise, the more energy you have. So if you find yourself feeling sluggish in the heat or can't keep your eyes open when the afternoon hits, try adding a few exercises to your routine.

More reasons to exercise that have nothing to do with your weight after the break.

Why Your Face Turns Beet Red During Exercise

Jenny Sugar — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 00:02:02 PDT

Dear Fit,
I've been running outside since the Spring, but now that it's in the 80s here, [and] when I get back from my run, my face looks unnaturally bright red. It really scared me when I caught a glimpse of myself in our front hall mirror. I feel OK during and after my run, but is this bad for me? Is this a sign that I'm dehydrated or working too hard? I don't want to give up my outdoor runs because I'm training for a half marathon in the Fall and I can't afford a gym membership or treadmill. Thanks for your help!
-Red Hot and Bothered

I'm fair-skinned so I can totally relate to the postworkout beet-red face. I've even had people stop me while walking home from my run to ask if I was OK. I guess it can be kind of scary to see someone all sweaty and abnormally flushed. Keep reading to find out what causes it and if it's reason to worry.

Calories Burned With 15 Minutes of Exercise: Summer Edition

Jenny Sugar — Tue, 21 Jun 2011 14:29:01 PDT

Summer weather inspires me to exercise outside, even though some days it's super hot and humid. I usually work out early in the morning when temps are the lowest, and if I'm done by 8:30 a.m., I usually beat the heat. Not only do I love not having to wear a lot of clothes, but there are also so many different ways to move your body, you'll never get bored.

With busy Summer schedules and the sometimes unbearable heat and humidity, 15 minutes may be all you can spare (or bear). It may feel like a short time, but some exercise is always better than none at all. Check out how many calories you'll burn in your mini-workout. All stats are based on a 130-pound woman.

Running at a pace of 6 mph (10-minute miles): 148 calories
Walking at a pace of 4 mph (15-minute miles): 59 calories
Biking at a moderate pace of 13 mph: 118 calories
Mountain biking: 126 calories
Stretching/light yoga: 59 calories
Swimming laps at a moderate pace: 118 calories
Snorkeling: 74 calories

Not seeing your favorite Summer activity? Keep reading to find out how many calories you burn in 15 minutes of hiking, tennis, or playing Frisbee.