FitSugar

Speak Up: What's Your Favorite Way to Exercise?

FitSugar — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 16:00:00 -0700

Exercise comes in all shapes and forms but it's the fun stuff that keeps us going in the end. For me, my favorite form of exercise is riding my bike. Sure running is good, swimming is relaxing, and I even like hitting the gym, but riding my bike is truly fun. Not only am I brought back to my days as a kid, but I love being outdoors and exploring new areas while burning calories. I know that bike riding is a favorite among many, but not all, so what is your favorite way to exercise? Speak up and share which exercise you actually look forward to doing. Hopefully, everyone's answers will inspire us all to find the joy in exercise.

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What is your FAVORITE exercise?

FitSugar — Tue, 16 Jan 2007 08:30:00 -0800

We all have exercises we do every time we workout - what is yours?

Favorite Form of Exercise: Running

FitSugar — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 10:00:00 -0800

I have found that folks either love running or they simply hate it. Running is, however, the easiest way to burn those calories up! All you really need are a pair of sneakers and you're good to go. You can do it anywhere and at any level. You can run on a treadmill, pavement, or trails. If you want you can sign up to race, which provides motivation to train as well as increase your speed.

A combination of these reasons must be why you all chose running as your favorite form of exercise. I, too, love to run and am happy we share this favorite. Let's go for a run!

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What Is Your Favorite Form of Exercise?

FitSugar — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 04:30:00 -0800

Exercise does the body good, but it is not a one-size-fits-all kind of thing. We all have our favorite way to work out, be it kick-boxing or t'ai chi. While we are rounding out our research on your favorites, I want to know how you prefer to work out.

What Is Your Favorite Form of Exercise?

FitSugar — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 13:30:00 -0800

When you think "workout" what kind of exercise do you imagine? Some of us are hard-core runners and others are serious about Pilates or yoga. Then there are aerobics, weight lifting, and biking. Since I have been asking you about many of your favorites, I am curious to know . . .

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Reality Check: Ashlee Isn't a No Carbs Kind of Girl

FitSugar — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 12:00:02 -0800

Even though she lives the So Cal lifestyle, Ashlee Simpson-Wentz told Women's Health that she doesn't starve herself for a Hollywood figure; she simply loves food, and one of her favorite feasts features Mexican fare. Once a week Ashlee and her hubby, Fall Out Boy bassist Pete Wentz, invite family and friends over for taco night. Ashlee told the mag that she's not afraid of cheese, eats cheeseburgers with ranch dressing, and indulges in French fries. But don't spread the rumor that she's eating for two, because she's not, and Ashlee shares that she's even slimmer than ever.

She boasts about devouring whatever she wants, doesn't deprive herself of the foods she craves, and still has such a great figure. To find out what she asys is her secret, read more.

Ashlee's secret weapon is Bronx Pilates! Her 1-year-old son is in her arms all day, and carrying around that extra weight has helped to really tone her arms.

Before she gave birth, Ashlee had gained 50 pounds, and her breasts were up to a size E when she was nursing. So once baby Bronx was two weeks old, she was ready to start losing the extra pounds. A home-delivery meal plan didn't work since she's a big eater. She says, "If I want a grilled cheese sandwich, I'll eat a grilled cheese sandwich." So she turned to exercise, and with the help of a personal trainer, the new mama set up a home gym and started circuit training. Four weeks later, Ashlee had lost half her baby weight. Her diligent workouts have definitely paid off. Of course, this young actress also has her youth and genes to thank. Though she looks amazing now, Ashlee dispels the notion that her bod was a result of Hollywood stress. She says, "I wasn't in a rush to get back to this body for anyone else. It was more like, 'I wanna look good [for me]? I wanna feel good.'"

Ashlee is feeling great and very appreciative of her family and all life has blessed her with. On top of a great career and a healthy son, her hubby is a great source of comfort and support. "Pete isn't worried about stretch marks, " she says, "He always makes me feel sexy."

The way she explains it, she doesn't really do anything currently to maintain her figure. Do you believe it?

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

FitSugar — Wed, 24 Oct 2007 12:30:00 -0700

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.

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Favorite Excuse for Not Working Out: My Baby

FitSugar — Wed, 08 Aug 2007 11:00:00 -0700

The transition to becoming a mom can really take a toll on your body, but you can bounce back and become a strong mom. Does your favorite excuse for NOT exercising involve being the parent of small children? Well here are some tips get you up and moving.

There are as many roadblocks to fitness as there are benefits to gain from fitness. So figuring out how to motivate yourself past your favorite excuse is beyond beneficial. So if your excuse is, "I'm too busy with my kids to workout," it is time to change your tune. I used that excuse for a while, but I soon realized if I wasn't "modeling" good health habits for my kids they would have no idea of the value of exercise. I didn't want to fall into the, "Do as I say not as I do" version of parenting.

Here are a few ideas to get you started thinking about how to fit in some exercise while hanging with your baby.

When you have a newborn

You can do tummy time with your baby. Get down on the floor and get active while your baby fusses over learning this new position.
Pack that baby up and go for a stroll since the fresh air is good for you and the baby.

Want to see what you should do when your baby starts moving? Then read more

When the baby starts crawling

Get down on all fours and explore with your child. You will work your arms and your legs as well as learn the value of sweeping the floor from first hand experience.
Carrying your child around like all the Hollywood mommas will definitely get your arms strong and toned. You know...babies can double as weights. Just make sure to alternate arms and keep your tummy pulled up and in to protect your back.

Toddler workout

Follow your new walker around and do what they do. Try to do it for 10 minutes. Granted his or her center of gravity is considerably lower so his or her up/down motions are easier. Toddlers also love, LOVE when you imitate them. It will be a nice bonding game as well as a strength training time for you.
The playground at any age even with tots can be quite a workout. Pushing the swing and the merry-go-round can work your arms and burn some calories. I like to add a squat between each push, as well as alternate arms.

So workout with your little ones and you will feel better when they start to work your patience.

Favorite Excuse for Not Working Out: I Can't Keep Up in Class

FitSugar — Wed, 18 Jul 2007 13:30:00 -0700

A lot of us have our favorite excuses for not working out, but if yours is: "I can't keep up in a class," then here are some tips for overcoming that issue:

Start with a beginner's class and work your way up.
Remember that everyone has to start somewhere and chances are that everyone in the class started out just like you, not having a clue what to do.
The teacher is there to help you and in most cases they will not scold you or make you leave the room if you are messing up. Boot camp instructors may be a bit more harsh, but that is just the nature of the class and is not something you should take personally.
Chances are the instructor will realize you are new and assist you when you need it and go easier on you than those that have been in the class every single day for the past two months. If it eases your worries, get there early and tell the instructor that you're new, but you're going to do your best to keep up.
There is nothing wrong with taking a breather every once in a while to catch your breath or just so you can get back on track.
Go with a friend who has also never done the class before, then you can fumble and laugh together.
Make a buddy at the class, someone who knows the drill. Chances are they will guide you when you need a little extra assistance.
Get a spot in front. I know the very last thing you want is to draw attention to yourself but being able to hear and see the instructor is an important key to learning the moves.

Have your own suggestions for keeping up with an exercise class? Then share them in the comments section below.

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Get on the Ball: Circling Plank

FitSugar — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 03:47:57 -0800

Plank is one of my favorite exercises because it really targets your upper body and core. Plus there are so many challenging variations such as plank jumping jacks and walking elbow plank, so you mix up your routine and never get bored. Here's another variation that will really work your lower abs, so grab an exercise ball and give it a try.

Music: "Faith I Do Believe" by Rusted Root

For detailed instructions on this move, keep reading