FitSugar

Does Exercising Ever Mix With Honeymoons?

FitSugar — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 03:00:00 PDT

After the long haul of planning a fabulous wedding, it is time to relax on your honeymoon. But are relaxing and exercising mutually exclusive? If you're not taking an adventure honeymoon, would you (or did you) exercise on your honeymoon?

I did a lot of scuba diving, but I also did a lot of lounging on the beach. I am curious to know what you think, what you did on your honeymoon, or what you are planning or dreaming to do on your honeymoon of the future.

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Tips For Exercising in the Humidity

FitSugar — Wed, 08 Aug 2007 04:00:00 PDT

Some people really enjoy working out in the heat under the summer sun. The weather is inspiring as are the other people outside exercising in the heat with you. There is plenty to look at too.

Warm weather is wonderful, but you've got to be careful when the temperature and humidity levels get too high. Here are some tips when exercising in the humidity:

Check the heat-index level. This is the number that takes into consideration the temperature and the humidity to determine how hot it actually feels outside. Check out the chart below - If you are exercising and the temp is 85°F and rising, and the humidity is 65% or more, you could be in danger of heatstroke.

Stay hydrated. Dehydration caused by excessive sweating can lead to heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Drink fluids before, during, and after exercise even if you don't feel thirsty. Make sure to pack a water bottle with you while you're out - I like to fill mine with tons of ice and a little water. I put some cubes in my mouth and in my sports bra, and I make sure to take sips of ice water every 5-10 minutes.

To see the other important tips

Avoid direct sunlight. Wear a hat, or workout in shaded areas.
Wear loose-fitting, light-colored, and lightweight clothes.
Exercise at cooler times of the day, early in the morning or late at night.
Go easy. Whether you are running, biking, or hiking, slow down your pace and take intervals of rest and recovery.
Try to use water in your workout routine. Go kayaking, swimming, windsurfing, water skiing, or wakeboarding. You'll be using your muscles and getting your heart pumping, but you won't be staying cool.

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At What Point Did You Start Working Out?

FitSugar — Fri, 22 Jun 2007 07:30:00 PDT

I can remember the first time I ever hit the gym as clear as day. I was a freshman in college looking to beat the freshman fifteen at my university's fitness center. I had no idea how to use any of the machines and was absolutely terrified of the weight area. Since everyone else seemed look like they knew what they were doing, I've always wondered when they all first started working out. I never got around to polling the entire fitness center, so I am curious about you guys: When did you first start working out?

What Do You Think About While You're Working Out?

FitSugar — Mon, 14 May 2007 04:00:00 PDT

Get Addicted to Exercising

FitSugar — Tue, 17 Apr 2007 08:45:00 PDT

Once you start loving something, it's hard to go without it. You can become addicted to almost anything, so how about getting addicted to working out? Sounds odd, I know. Maybe 'addicted' is a bit too strong of a word to use, but you may be able to get to the point where you actually like exercising. These tips from eDiets.com give insight on how to make exercising part of your life (not something that takes away from what you already do):

Timing is everything. Work out at a time that fits your schedule. If you plan to hit the gym after work, but often stay late at the office or have social engagements, it's going to be hard to make your workout a regular part of your week. For most people, mornings are the most realistic time. If you can get up an hour earlier for one week, you might find that exercise wakes you up and energizes you for the rest of the day.
Seek convenience. Pick a gym that's close to the office, so swinging by in the morning or on the way home is super easy. Before you know it, your car will practically be steering itself there.

Addicted yet? If not, there are five more tips so

Make it a "given." If you do workout in the evenings, make sure your friends and family know that other engagements will have to wait until after your exercise time. The more you and everyone else in your life becomes accustomed to scheduling around your workout, the less likely you'll be to blow it off for other activities.
Think ahead. Half the battle is being organized. It doesn't take much. While you're packing your lunch or laying out your clothes for work the next day, be sure to pick out clean exercise clothes, pack your gym bag and fill up your water bottle so you can get up and go in a jiffy.
Talk it up. Decide that you're going to be that person in the office or around the neighborhood who is awe-inspiring for motivation. When co-workers start noticing your weight loss, tell them that you now exercise four to five times a week. Make it a character trait, a fact of life -- not just something you've been dabbling in lately. Hearing yourself describe your life in this way makes it real -- and will inspire you to keep it up.
Become an addict. The truth is, the "feel-good chemicals" released during high-intensity workouts can leave you craving exercise. If you can reach the point where you yearn for that fitness "high" the way someone might desire coffee, motivation will no longer be an issue.

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Only One in Seven of Us are Actually Trying

FitSugar — Tue, 10 Apr 2007 12:30:00 PDT

Just when I was starting to think that we, as a society, are finally starting to get the whole eat right and exercise thing; WebMD has to go and totally burst my bubble with new reports.

Apparently only one in seven U.S. adults reported regular physical activity along with consuming five servings of fruits and vegetables each day. What's more? The study may even overestimate actual healthy behaviors because it was based on subjects’ self-reports while research participants are known to routinely overestimate good behaviors and underestimate bad ones. Gabby Reese is right: Do something about it already! Reading FitSugar is a great motivation, but no one is going to shove fruits and veggies down your throat and you are the one that has to actually make yourself get up and exercise. Do it for yourself.

Write a contract up with yourself:
"I want to live longer so this week I am going to exercise at least three times and I am going to eat at least 5 servings of fruit and veggies per day.
If I do not meet this goal, my consequence is: [Insert your appropriate consequence here...Perhaps no Grey's this week].
If I do meet this goal, my reward is: [Insert your appropriate reward here...Perhaps a new pair of shoes]."

Sign it, make copies and put it on your fridge, your desk, where you keep your remote controls, on your nightstand, etc.

Fit Quiz: Which is Better to Drink While Exercising, Cold or Room Temp Water?

FitSugar — Tue, 20 Mar 2007 12:14:32 PDT

We all know that when exercising, it is great to drink water to keep hydrated but does the temperature matter? Which is better to drink while working out, cold or room temperature water?

Do You Want To Be Bootylicious?

FitSugar — Fri, 05 Jan 2007 11:30:00 PST

Beyonce is famed for her award winning music, thriving acting career and one hot, curvy bod. Maybe you can sing or act like her, but could you hula hoop like her...

It has been reported that Beyonce disclosed that one way she keeps such a hot bod is by hula hooping. I was skeptical so I researched hula hooping and it turns out that hula hooping is a great way to diversify your workout.

The Hula Hoop is one of the few ways to primarily target your troublesome middle area. With circular trunk movements, it directly works abdominal muscles, hips and waistlines. As a result, you gain a cardio and a strength workout. One minute of Hula Hooping can burn as many calories as running an eight-minute mile. Hula Hooping also promotes correct body alignment from the circular motions and proper posture in the upper body routines.

Interested? Buy a 3-lb Heavy Hoop ($49) online and check out Health.com's easy hula hoop workout.

Want to learn more about Beyonce? Check out Popsugar.com's latest sighting of her in In Style.

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Don't Let These Exercise Worries Put a Damper on Your Workout

Jenny Sugar — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 09:41:36 PST

One of the best reasons to slip on a sports bra and lace up a pair of sneaks is because working out makes us feel good. But worrying about common exercise concerns - many of them specific to women - can turn a sweat session into a stress session. Or even worse, allow these issues to completely prevent a workout. Well, we've got you covered. Here are some common exercise worries women share, and ways to move past them so you can enjoy your gym time.

Source: Thinkstock

Bring Sexy Back With This Quick Exercise

Zelana Montminy — Sun, 12 Feb 2012 11:56:49 PST

We tend to obsess about toning our abs, but strengthening the back is important for keeping the torso in balance. One of our fave core exercises, the superman works the back extensors, which run on either side of the spine, as well as the glutes. Press play and learn how to take care of your spine while strengthening your back.