FitSugar

Game Review: Your Shape For Wii

FitSugar — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 05:50:08 -0800

There's a new fitness game in town and it's ready to work you out and make you sweat. Your Shape ($69), a new Wii game by Ubisoft, makes Jenny McCarthy your workout coach and training buddy so you don't have to sweat it out alone.

The game comes with a camera that you perch on your TV; it captures your image and plays it on your TV so you move with a reflection of yourself, like looking in a mirror. The camera also monitors your movements, and if you slack off, Jenny will let you know - she also gives you praise when you make a correction. Who couldn't use an ego boost mid-workout?

To learn more about the game, continue reading.

Class Act: Cardio Tai Boxing

FitSugar — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 09:00:13 -0800

I'm big on fitness classes, but tend to stick with Pilates, yoga, or something slower-paced - usually afraid that I won't be able to keep up with a class that requires any dance technique. My exercise solution came in the form of Crunch's Cardio Tai Box class - a class that gets you moving without a required-knowledge of dance choreography. All you need to know? How to punch and kick. Really.

In fact, once you master the basic kicks and three different kinds of punches, you'll easily catch on when the combinations are introduced - so don't psych yourself out if you can't keep up right away. The key throughout the workout is to focus on each individual action, fully extend your arms and legs for punches and kicks, and be conscious of your core - if you're flexing your abs throughout you'll notice improved balance and form that'll make leg extension easier for round-house and side-kicks.

To learn more about the class and see video, just read more.

Ultimately, you'll find that the high intensity that the class requires goes hand in hand with the kinds of moves you're doing - and throwing a few punches is sure to relieve stress or any aggression after a long day at work; it's hands-down my top choice for a workout to shake things up and re-energize mid-week. If you lag behind during round one, just go back and do it again, or pull aside your instructor after class to go over technique, this way, you'll be up to speed and blasting calories by round two in the cardio ring.

Reasons to Try Mountain Biking

FitSugar — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 03:47:34 -0700

Road biking was my first taste of exercising on wheels. I loved the smooth terrain, how fast I could speed along, and how much distance I could cover, which made for great sightseeing. I never gave much thought to trying mountain biking, until my hubby persuaded me to go with him. I tell you, it's a completely different feeling riding on a woodsy trail than it is riding on the road. Here are some reasons you should give it a try.

It's the perfect time of year - the air is chilly so you won't overheat, there are no bugs, the ground is less muddy, and the foliage is gorgeous. It's a great way to celebrate Fall.
It's a major calorie burner. An hour of mountain biking burns over 500 calories.
You can forget about doing endless squats and lunges because mountain biking will effectively tone your thighs and booty. Since you have to pedal hard up steep hills, you really feel the burn in your lower body.
Once you purchase a mountain bike, cycling shoes, and a helmet, the trails are usually free, so it's a great way to stay fit during a time when we're all pinching pennies. Visit a bike shop and purchase an old model that stores are trying to get rid of, or check out Craigslist if you're on a budget.

To see why else you should start mountain biking read more.

It's a great alternative for people who say that running hurts their knees or back.
Since you're biking through narrow trails, over roots and rocks, dodging tree limbs and holes, you really tune your sense of balance. It also requires more awareness and quick thinking, so boredom just isn't an issue.
It's a great form of exercise you can do with a friend or whole group. Not only is there safety in numbers, but your pals can suggest new places to ride.
It's hardcore. I feel so tough after a ride in the woods because mountain biking is so challenging. I come home with scratches from branches, bruises from falling (since I'm a beginner), and mud on my legs. Aside from strengthening my body, my inner self feels stronger.

Tell me, have you ever tried mountain biking?

What's the Deal With Wearable Weights?

FitSugar — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 10:00:13 -0700

The magic pill to weight loss is a mirage in my opinion, but companies continue to design products to help you burn more calories and drop pounds. As if the seven shady weight loss products I recently posted about weren't enough, I just discovered Body Togs Wearable Weights.

At first I thought they were for strength training exercises instead of dumbbells or resistance bands. Since you didn't have to hold them, they seemed like a cool idea. But taking a closer look, these aren't meant for the gym - they're meant to be worn all day long to help boost the amount of calories you burn and tone your muscles while doing day-to-day activities. Tiny weights are evenly distributed around each sleeve, adding about one to three pounds to each limb, depending on the size you choose. You're supposed to wear these arm and calve sleeves under your clothes. I guess if it's hot that day, you just wear them to match your favorite dress. Aside from looking completely idiotic, they're very pricey ($55 to $59 a pair), and also a health risk. To find out why read more.

Performing strength training exercises that are specifically designed to target certain muscles are excellent for your body. When you use correct form, and the appropriate amount of weight, there is little risk of injury. On the other hand, carrying around extra weight on your arms and legs while going about your day may burn extra calories, but it will also increase your risk for a torn muscle or injury to your joint. Just like walking with dumbbells or ankle weight is a big no-no, you don't want to do regular activities while carrying weights because it puts too much stress on your body.

If you want to burn extra calories during your day, fit in an extra 30 minutes of cardio. If toning your muscles is your goal, it's more effective to use dumbbells, resistance bands, or weight machines and do actual exercises that are meant for strengthening your muscles. Setting aside time to exercise will not only produce better results, but it's a great way to relieve stress and give you the much-deserved break we all need during the day.

Guess the Celeb's Abs

FitSugar — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 04:30:04 -0700

Compared to the common Jane, celebs have the upper hand when it comes to fitness. Not only do they have the time and intense incentives to work out, but they also have the dough to hire personal trainers and personal chefs. But you have to agree that they look amazingly fit and healthy. Aside from having lean legs and toned arms, they also have knockout middles. Can you guess whose toned abs are pictured here?

Question 1 of 6

Which Hills star looks slim and pretty in polka dots?

Speak Up: How Do You Avoid Overeating at Barbecues?

FitSugar — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 10:03:34 -0700

Hot dogs and hamburgers are comfort foods of Summer, and I'm sure by now you've eaten your fair share at all the barbecues you've been frequenting. Aside from those staples, grilled corn smothered in butter, potato salad, chips and dip, and cold beer are also favorites. With all this irresistible food, I'm wondering, what are some tips you can suggest to fellow FitSugar readers to help avoid overeating at the next BBQ?

Talking With Amazing Race Winner Tammy Jih

FitSugar — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 12:00:00 -0700

When you're at the gym strength training, it's unlikely that you imagine yourself hauling a 50-pound block of cheese uphill or dead-lifting a pig on spit. However, if these fantasies entertain you, you should consider auditioning for The Amazing Race. I spoke with half the winning team from this season, Tammy Jih. She's a corporate lawyer in San Francisco and totally charming to boot. Not only do we live in the same town, but we both work out with the same trainer, Hannah, at Equinox - it's a small world. The Amazing Race is an intensely physical competition. Having never been athletic, Tammy started training in the pool once she knew she would be on the show. She didn't know really know how to swim and was certain there would be a water challenge. What she didn't know was that she would be swimming in Beijing, in the warm-up pool used by the Olympians, wearing a LZR suit. Learn what Tammy found to be the hardest challenge when you read more.

Aside from wearing a state-of-the-art swimsuit, the other fitness clothing Tammy swears by is lululemon. She told me

"I brought one pair of pants and one pair of capris that were both lululemon, but that material just works so well in the warm and the hot that I wore the capris under the long pants when I needed like a double layer . . . oh, it was cold! We went to Siberia . . . so it was cold!"

Unfortunately the challenge in Siberia involved running in underwear, and of course the challenge was filmed from behind. After going through so many challenges that pushed her emotionally as well as physically, this challenge was the hardest for her. She explains:

"I kept saying 'stop filming me from behind!' and I kept getting yelled at by the producers saying 'stop talking to the camera!' and I said, 'I don’t think you understand. No woman wants to see what they look like from behind in movement and in underwear!'"

In retrospect Tammy says she wished she had done more strength training before the show, but she still works out twice a week with Hannah and now she strength trains. She said, "Sometimes I imagine that we're still racing! When I'm running outside sometimes I'm imagining 'Oh! [Host of the show] Phil's going to be waiting for me, I better hurry up!'" The Amazing Race continues to inspire Tammy, even after she she won. Pretty cool, no? I probably won't be auditioning for the show anytime soon, but I am definitely going to watch next season. How about you?

Photo courtesy of CBS

Recession Stress Takes Its Toll on Your Teeth

FitSugar — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 08:00:00 -0700

The jaw is no stranger to stress, and reports of clenched jaws and teeth grinding are up.

Our country's economic woes are taking a toll on our teeth and more and more folks are clenching their jaws. Known scientifically as bruxism, clenching your jaw and grinding your teeth in your sleep can lead to serious dental damage: cracked teeth due to premature wearing of your chompers. No wonder the dental industry is growing during the recession. If you suffer from bruxism, you can recession-proof your smile with a mouth guard, and it is best to get one that is fabricated by your dentist to fit your mouth. While the $200 to $400 cost of a mouth guard may seem pricey, they are considerably cheaper than dental crowns used to cover cracked teeth.

Aside from the economic stress, which we can't really control, other factors that contribute to nocturnally clenching your jaw are in your power to change. Alcohol, caffeine, smoking, and poor sleep habits can all contribute to the problem. So cut back on your vices, and work on creating better sleep habits.

Source

You Asked: Sunscreen Without Oxybenzone

FitSugar — Thu, 28 May 2009 08:00:00 -0700

Hi Fit,
My grandmother spent much of Memorial weekend warning me about hidden health dangers, while ironically serving me cookie after cookie. Gram's main rant was against sunscreen containing oxybenzone. She said it was unsafe, but couldn't remember why. Can you tell me why I should avoid it and recommend sweatproof waterproof sunscreen that doesn't contain oxybenzone, and preferably won't clog my pores since I'm still somewhat prone to acne? Of course I would prefer a sunscreen that doesn't break the bank either. Thanks!
- Fair-Skinned Fun in the Sun

I bet your gram makes tasty cookies, and regarding sunscreen, she might be on to something. Learn about oxybenzone when you read more.

First off, oxybenzone is an organic chemical used in sunscreens to filter UV rays and is a penetration enhancer, helping other chemicals penetrate the skin. Last Spring the CDC released a study that 97 percent of Americans had oxybenzone in their blood. This widely used ingredient has been linked to allergies, hormone disruption, and cell damage. Aside from sunscreen, this chemical is used in moisturizers, lip balms, and lip sticks.

Since oxybenzone in an ingredients in well over 600 sunscreens, it can be a challenge to find ones that don't contain it. Here are a few options:

Natural Sun SPF 25 Sunscreen for Active Lifestyles by Aubrey Organics ($8.50/4 oz.): It is a broad spectrum sunscreen and although the label doesn't say it is water- or sweatproof, it is the brand's sunscreen for water activities.
Oat Protein Sunscreen SPF 30 by Kiss My Face ($13/4 oz.): Water-resistant and broad spectrum, this sunscreen uses the mineral titanium dioxide to block the sun's rays.
SPF 30 Sunscreen by Vanicream ($15/4 oz): This sunscreen is non-comedogenic, meaning it won't block your pores or cause blackheads. It is a broad spectrum sunscreen that contains titanium dioxide and zinc oxide.

It pays to read sunscreen labels and look for ones that use minerals to block the sun's rays, like titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. It can be difficult to find a sunscreen that is both non-comedogenic and waterproof. It might be well worth your money to invest in a sunscreen for just your face that covers both the requirements, and use a less expensive sunblock for the rest of your body. Do wear a protective hat that wicks when you're outside and active.

Source

Fitness Fashion Flash: Roxy Making Workout Gear

FitSugar — Mon, 18 May 2009 13:00:00 -0700

If you're a fan of the Roxy brand, known for surf inspired styles, you will be excited to know the company is launching an activewear line. Their affordable sport fashions will be arriving at stores in late May. Because it is Roxy, you can expect their fitness designs to feature bright, playful colors - lime green, fluorescent pink, canary yellow - found in their line of bikinis. Aside from a bold palette, the prints will feature stripes and over-sized flowers mixed with geometric shapes. Roxy's first season of fitness gear will feature 26 designs from tank tops with built-in bras to capris and running shorts. I suspect they will be perfect for running on the beach.

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