FitSugar

Can You Be Both Overweight and Fit?

FitSugar — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 08:00:00 -0700

When it comes to heart problems, it has been assumed that it's OK to be a bit overweight as long as you exercise regularly. New research is challenging this notion and this new research shows that being active can decrease but not eliminate your risk of heart problems. A new study that followed 39,000 women over 11 years discovered that weight actually plays a significant role in heart health.

The women participating in the study were assessed by their level of activity as well as their Body Mass Index (BMI). Women who exercised moderately (brisk walking or jogging) for 30 minutes most days of the week were considered active, and those who exercised less were categorized as inactive. To see the results of the study, read more.

MSNBC reports the study's findings like this:

Compared with normal-weight active women, the risk for developing heart disease was 54 percent higher in overweight active women and 87 percent higher in obese active women. By contrast, it was 88 percent higher in overweight inactive women; and 2½ times greater in obese inactive women.

The study shows exercise helps overweight women decrease their risk of developing heart disease, but the extra weight still contributes to their overall risk. Maintaining a healthy weight is important since two out of five women over the age of 50 will have heart attacks or other cardiovascular problems, it's good to start thinking about this now. Exercising and eating a healthy diet, essentially making important lifestyle changes will help your heart and your overall health.

Fit's Tips: Thin doesn't necessarily equal healthy either. If you are thin and have a low BMI but also smoke, are inactive, or eat foods high in saturated fat, you may be increasing your risk for heart problems as well.

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When are You MORE Fit?

FitSugar — Fri, 05 Oct 2007 03:30:00 -0700

I know we've all got our minds on being fit, but I have to say, before I was in a committed relationship, I had much more time to focus on taking care of myself. I could go to health food stores, cook myself wholesome meals, and exercise whenever I wanted.

When I first started dating my now husband, I hate to admit it, but my fitness and health routine flew out the window. We were spending so much time together that I skipped working out, and spent more time eating out. I was so distracted with being in love that I lost my motivation.

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After a couple months we both realized that our new habits of not moving and ordering take-out were catching up with us, and together we decided to get fit and healthy again. I brought him to my favorite yoga class, and he got me into riding my bike again.

So what about you? Are you more fit when you're single or in a relationship?

Running: Treat Your Feet Right With Quality Sneakers

FitSugar — Thu, 09 Aug 2007 10:15:00 -0700

One of the reasons I love running is that it really requires no special gear. You just need a body and a desire to run. Then again, you might not need a racquet or clubs to go for a good jog, but I would suggest quality running shoes.

If you are taking up running, good quality running shoes can seriously make this habit stick. Old shoes, tennis shoes, cheap shoes often don't provide enough cushion to protect your feet, ankles, and knees which can lead to injuries and prevent you from learning to love running. Since shoes are really the only important gear needed for running, I wouldn't skimp on them. You don't need to pay out the nose for some newfangled shoe, but generally what you pay for is what you get. Expect to pay around $100. Which may sound like a lot, but can you really put a price on your knees? Plus, maybe the guilt of an expensive gear purchase will motivate you to run.

Look for a well cushioned shoe that fits your foot, matches your foot type and gait pattern. The best place to start this endeavor is a running store since they tend to employ people obsessed with running. Therefore they should be able to help you figure out your gait and point you toward the shoe for you. The American Council on Exercise recommends shoes with greater shock absorption for runners with high arches, which may make you more prone to ankle sprains. On the other hand (or foot I could say), if you have low arches look for a shoe with greater support and heel control. Here is a list of running shoes rated by the The American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine. It should help you figure out what brands could be good for your needs.

Fit's Tip: Buy a shoe that’s as wide as possible across the forefoot without slipping in the heel.

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Live Chat in 30 Minutes @ Noon PST

FitSugar — Mon, 05 Mar 2007 11:25:00 -0800

Since the Oscars are over, how about we chat about something else (even though I'll never stop talking about how amazing Pilobolus was).

I thought you might want to talk about models and how thin they are, since last week was National Eating Disorders Awareness Week.

We could also talk about cleaning your cans, sweating, your favorite sneakers, what reasons you have for not working out, or anything else that's on your mind.

Join me and other FitSugar readers in the chat room every Monday at noon PST - that's 3 pm for all you east coast folks.

Low Resting Heart Rate?

FitSugar — Tue, 09 Jan 2007 02:00:00 -0800

Have you noticed that since working out your resting heart rate is lower than it was? This is no cause for alarm as most athletes (yup, you're an athlete now) generally have low heart rates.

Runner's World gives us this analogy:

...consider a bricklayer lifting bricks. If his arm muscles are strong from lifting lots of bricks, he can move 10 bricks with each lift rather than just two or three. Similarly, if your heart muscle is strong thanks to running, it has a higher stroke volume, which means that it can pump more blood with each beat than an untrained heart. It can also pump the same amount of blood in a minute using fewer beats.

The average resting heart rate of adults is 60-100 beats per minute (bpm) while athletes are around 50-60 bpm. Other numbers to know: The infant/neonatal rate of heartbeat is 130-150 bpm, the toddler's is 100–130 bpm, the older child's is 90–110 bpm and the adolescent's is 80–100 bpm.

The worry would (and should) come in when a resting heart rate is lower than 30. However, even that can be completely normal (and usually is) if the athlete is totally healthy. The slow heart rate usually just indicates a strong heart. If you are concerned, it never hurts to consult a physician when dealing with your health.

Fit's Tip: The best time to determine your resting heart rate is when you first awaken in the morning or after sitting down and relaxing for at least 5 minutes. Get a heart rate monitor to monitor your heart while working out. Don't know your target heart rate? Check out the Fit Calculator to find out!

Working Out But Still Not Fit?

FitSugar — Thu, 21 Dec 2006 03:05:00 -0800

Many people have asked if they are considered healthy if they work out regularly even though they are still overweight.

To clarify, you can be overweight and still be fit. Problems come into play when the cause of being overweight is due to fat and not muscle. If you exercise and your extra weight is fat, you are at increased risk of having Type 2 diabetes, cancer and strokes.

Definitely do not get discouraged and stop exercising. Overweight folks are still benefiting from working out, they just need to start focusing on actually losing weight for good. This means a healthy diet should also be incorporated with any exercise programs.

Fit's Tip: Don't let the scale rule your life. Thin people can still be at risk for heart disease, especially if they smoke or eat a diet high in saturated fats.

10 Simple Fitness Tips

FitSugar — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 04:30:25 -0800

Time is a precious commodity, especially if you're trying to squeeze fitness into your days. Here are 10 simple fitness tips to help you maximize your workout.
Source: Getty

View Slideshow ›

FitSugar Roundup

FitSugar — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 05:50:03 -0800

You can go easy on the butter in your mashed potatoes when you use Yukon Gold spuds.
New Moon star Nikki Reed says hiking with her boyfriend is her fitness secret.
How well do you know the calorie counts of Starbucks's holiday drinks?
Worried about falling off the healthy wagon? Here are eight ways to get back on track.
I'm curious to know how many days a week you work out.
Ashlee Simpson-Wentz firmly believes in taco night and baby weights.
If you're starting to strength train, check out this guide to beginning weights for lifting.
Learn just how long you need to exercise in order to burn off a slice of T-day pumpkin pie.
I have some great gift ideas for the healthy cook in your life.
Learn a bit more about the fat-burning zone.

Ever Try a "Crazy" Fitness Product That Actually Worked?

FitSugar — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 03:47:47 -0800

When I came across the "Snuggie Sauna" as a possible weight loss tool, which claims it can help you burn 600 calories in only 15 minutes, I maintained the same stance I usually reserve for products that seem too good to be true - they probably are.

So, it's been my fitness philosophy that the best weight loss results come the old-fashioned way, eating right and working hard. Still, I've definitely had some friends who buy into a quick fix every now and then - some who claim they've seen results using the portable thigh toner, and even the ab toning belt. So, tell me, have you ever had any luck with an unconventional weight loss or fitness product that actually delivered on its promise? Or are you inclined to stick to the basics when it comes to your fitness?

Fitness Magazine's Top 100 Workout Songs

FitSugar — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 08:00:43 -0800

Tired of listening to the same old Britney Spears and Madonna songs while you work out? Fitness magazine interviewed top personal trainers to find out what songs pump them up while working out, and they came up with a list of the top 100 workout songs. To hear a little taste, read more.