FitSugar

Gifts For Active Snow Bunnies

FitSugar — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 10:00:32 -0800

Although snow may not be falling in your neck of the woods just yet, it's never too early to start thinking about all the people in your life who love playing in that fluffy white stuff.

If you have a friend or family member who's big into hitting the mountain, here are some gift ideas that are sure to keep her warm and happy. Although picking out ski or snowboard equipment is best left up to her, these items are sure to make wintertime even better.

Speak Up: What Gear Would Make the Perfect Home Gym?

FitSugar — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 13:30:19 -0700

Now that colder weather is moving in, exercising outdoors may not be that appealing. Working out at the gym is great, but all those people sharing equipment means germ central. Plus, wouldn't it be nice to have your own home gym you could use whenever you wanted, and not have to drive to?

If there was no limit on the amount of money you could spend, what equipment would you buy to make your ideal home gym?

Get Suspended While You Travel Like Mary J. Blige

FitSugar — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 08:00:00 -0700

When you're on the road you can't always get to a gym, but that doesn't mean you should throw in the towel when it comes to exercising. Do what Mary J. Blige does while traveling, and bring along a TRX suspension Home Training Kit ($170). It's a two-pound strap and handle weight-training system you can easily pack in your suitcase. Just attach it to a door or other sturdy base and you'll strengthen and tone your muscles by lifting and lowering your own body weight. Beverly Hills trainer Gregg Miele uses it to train both Mary and the fabulously fit Jennifer Lopez is also a fan.

They're not the only lovers of this piece of equipment. When she's not in the pool, Olympic swimmer Christine Magnuson uses TRX to strength train, since she doesn't always have access to a weight room. To see a video of how she uses the TRX, read more.

Looks fun, doesn't it?

Affordable Yoga Clothes Under $40

FitSugar — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 12:00:14 -0700

FitSugar reader TxYogi posted a question in the Yoga Stretch and Tell group. She asked: "I love the look and fit of yoga gear from lululemon and Hard Tails, but I just can't bring myself to pay so much for clothes I'll probably do nothing but sweat in. Can anyone recommend some great fitting and great looking yoga gear at reasonable prices?"

I am wearing two of my favorite items in the photo on the left and these pieces are actually each under $20 - proving that there are deals to be had. For the details on these items and more, check out this slideshow. If you have any suggestions, please be sure to share them here.

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Gear Review: 2XL Colorful Earbuds

FitSugar — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 13:30:51 -0700

Running with an iPod is as essential to me as a sports bra, but the earbuds that come with it won't stay in my ears unless I'm sitting still. If you have that issue too, then check out 2XL headphones. They have a few different models depending on your ear needs, but the best part is that they're really cheap - $10 to $15 a pair. They come in tons of color combinations so you can get a few pairs to match your fitness outfits and not break the bank.

To hear why I love these earbuds read more.

The earbuds on the right are called Groove ($15), and they're my fave for running since they wrap around the back of your ear and stay put even when doing sprinting intervals. I like that the speaker part just sits outside of the opening to your ear canal, because then I can hear my music, but can also hear what's going on around me - you know, in case a bear sneaks up behind me on the trail.

I also like the Spoke ($15) in-ear buds shown in the middle. Not only because they're metallic pink, but because they fit snugly inside my ears, and are perfect for strength training when I need to hear nothing but Christina Aguilera while doing squats thrusts. These buds come with three sets of changeable gels so you can get a comfortable fit no matter what size ears you have.

The earbuds on the left are called Ratio ($10), and they're just like the earbuds that come with your iPod. So if you prefer this model but are bored with the plain white ones you have, these come in seven different colors to suit your personality.

Check out all the color patterns below.

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Gear Review: Ibex Wicking Clothes

FitSugar — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 10:00:07 -0700

If you're looking for some new wicking gear, then you've got to check out the Balance Seamless Collection made by Ibex. Made from sustainable merino wool and a hint of Spandex, these base layers are soft, stretchy, and flattering. With cooler temperatures heading our way, it is time to think about layering for outdoor exercise.

Pictured on the left is the Balance Sports Top ($59). It has a built-in shelf bra that's great for A through C cup sizes, but only for medium- to low-impact sports. So I wore the Balance Support Bra ($69) underneath for a nice long run. Wearing a bra and top made of wicking material is incredibly comfortable because they pull sweat off your skin and let it breathe; I felt dry and fresh throughout my entire workout. I also love the racerback straps that stayed put on my shoulders. The fabric is seamless, so there weren't any irritating ridges rubbing on my skin. They both fit snugly and contour to your body, keeping everything tight and making you feel supported and strong.

Just when I thought I couldn't be more in love with this bra and top, I looked on the inside and noticed that these words were knitted in the material, "I am sick of four walls and a ceiling. I have a need for the sky. I have business with the grass." Talk about inspiration.

To hear more about the rest of the collection read more.

Check out the pics below to see what other tops and bottoms you can get made of this incredible wicking material. Most of them come in a few different colors so check out the Ibex website for more details. Wicking intimate base layers are a must if you're active because they can prevent rashes, chaffing, and yeast infections. I know these aren't cheap, but isn't your comfort worth it?

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If you want to hear more about fitness gear or share about gear you have, check out the Good Gear/Bad Gear Group.

New iPod Nano Has Built-In Pedometer

FitSugar — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 14:30:40 -0700

The iPod Nano makes it easy to pump up your workouts with music, and now a new version just came out that wants to encourage you to move even more. It has a built-in pedometer! Pretty sweet, huh? As you walk or jog, it counts your steps and tells you how many calories you've burned. Talk about motivation. You'll want to park at the far end of the parking lot just to increase the number of your daily steps. The screen is slightly larger than the older version (2.2 inches), making it easier to see and scroll through your music playlists when on the move. There's also a microphone, so you can record a grocery or to-do list while sweating it out.

Not only that, this new Nano also has an FM radio, so if you prefer listening to your favorite station while exercising, you can. I love that it has a built-in video camera too, so if you see a snake while trail running, you can prove it to your pals. It comes in nine bright colors to suit your taste and it's pretty reasonably priced - 8GB for $149 and 16GB for $179.

If you must have this new iPod Nano, you're in luck. It's available in stores now or you can order one online. I want one, do you?

Stay Fit by Packing These 8 Vacation Vitals

FitSugar — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 08:00:20 -0700

Just because you're traveling this Summer doesn't mean you have to leave your workouts behind. Pack some fitness gear and take it with you. Here are some things I have found that are small and lightweight, and will fit perfectly in your suitcase.

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Gear Review: Nike+ Sportband

FitSugar — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 09:00:26 -0700

I got my hands on the new Nike+ Sportband ($59) and was so psyched to start tracking my runs with it. Before you get started though, you need to download the Nike+ Sportband Utility software from the website. Then charge the Link (small black piece with the digital screen) by plugging it into your computer's USB port to charge, which takes about two hours.

If you don't have a pair of Nike+ sneakers, you'll need a holder for the sensor that sits on your laces. I use the weather-proof RunAway ($9). Once the sensor is attached to your shoe, plug the Link into the Sportband, and you're all set to go. Just hold down the top button for three seconds and it'll start recording your workout. Press the little side button and you can switch between seeing your time, distance, pace, and calories burned as you run. To end your workout, hold the top button for three seconds. Once your run is complete, the screen will go through the final stats of your run two times through.

To see if I liked the Sportband better than the Nike+ Sports Kit read more.

Using this Sportband is much easier than the Nike+ Sports Kit because you don't have to scroll through your iPod to start, pause, and end your workout. It's also easier to see your stats because the screen is right there on your wrist. If you don't work out with music, or don't own an iPod, then you'll like the Nike+ Sportband because no iPod is needed. I just wish there was a way to look at your recent history on the Sportband, like you can when using the Nike+ Sports Kit. With the Sportband, if you want to compare this run with previous runs, you'll just have to wait until you get home and plug it into your computer. Within minutes, the data of that run is automatically uploaded to the nikerunning.nike.com/nikeplus website, and then you can compare all your workout data online.

Overall, just like the Nike+ Sports Kit, I love how the Sportband offers an easy way to track your runs and your progress. It's twice as expensive as the Sports Kit ($29) though, so if you already own an iPod, you may want to save a little dough and stick with the Sports Kit.

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Fittingly Green: Armpocket For the iPhone

FitSugar — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 10:00:00 -0700

Since I recently got an iPhone, I was looking for a hands-free case to carry it in while I work out. When I found out this Sport 20 made by Armpocket ($30) was eco-friendly, made of bamboo and 100 percent recycled PET fabric (which is made from discarded plastic water bottles), I had to try it. This case instantly became my new favorite fitness accessory.

To find out the other reasons I love this case, and see some photos of it, read more.

The see-through screen on the front of the case allows you to control the touch screen without having to take the iPhone out of the case. So convenient. The strap is padded so it's comfy and resists slipping, and the Velcro ensures a snug fit. Even when I run, it doesn't shake around. The best feature, though, is that not only does it have a pocket for your iPod or iPhone, but there's another separate pocket behind that - perfect for holding tissues, money, keys, your phone, and a snack. There's a hole on the bottom for headphones, but I just use the speaker on the iPhone. Since the case sits on my upper arm, I can hear my tunes, while still staying aware of noises around me. It makes me feel very safe, especially when trail running. Cases are available in threes sizes: Aero 10 ($23), Sport 20 ($30), and Xtreme 30 ($36). It's affordable, practical, and green. Love it.

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