FitSugar

Celebrate Moms With These Fit and Healthy Gifts

Jenny Sugar — Fri, 11 May 2012 11:05:50 PDT

Moms do so much to care for their families, so this Mother's Day show the moms in your life that you care about them, too, with a gift that inspires a fit and healthy life. Whether their children are young or all grown up, here's a list of gift ideas that'll give something back to the woman who gives so much.

Fit For May: Must Haves

Jenny Sugar — Wed, 09 May 2012 11:46:42 PDT

Spring is in full effect and we're definitely taking advantage. We've been hiking, swimming, and basically doing any other outdoor fitness activity you can throw at us. From the latest swimsuits to a water bottle that also doubles as a wine pack, check out which products have us excited to celebrate this string of warm weather!

The Best Hiking Pants to Hit the Trail In This Spring

Michele Foley — Tue, 08 May 2012 00:52:11 PDT

A pair of basic black fitness capris will perform OK on a casual hike, but you're going to need something more specific when hitting the trail for a serious trek. Lightweight, moisture-wicking fabrics with built-in sun protection are something to scout out, as are stretchy materials that won't rip if you find yourself sliding down some rocks. While Earth tones are the default color of choice, there is still a lot of variety to be had amongst hiking bottoms - keep reading to check out a few of the options!

Don't Waste Your Dough on These Yogic Products

Jenny Sugar — Mon, 07 May 2012 15:05:58 PDT

Like running, yoga doesn't take a whole lot of fancy equipment. All you truly need are a good yoga mat and a comfortable outfit that keeps you covered and dry. But with yoga's growing popularity, it seems like more and more yoga-focused products are cropping up. Here are a few you could live without.

Round Yoga Mat
Unless you practice partner yoga, attend Mommy and Me classes, or go to a specific type of class where a round Mandala yoga mat is a necessity, save your $70. The extra mat circumference isn't necessary since most instructors teach using a traditional rectangular-shaped mat. Studio space is also tight, and it would be inconsiderate to take up so much room with a circular mat. If you do invest in one of these six-foot round mats, you can't use a basic yoga bag, so purchasing a square-shaped bag would be another investment you'd have to make. So although intriguing, a circular mat isn't worth the money.

Keep reading to find out what other yoga products aren't worth the dough.

5 Fitness Essentials You Need This Spring

Zelana Montminy — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 11:34:38 PDT

Warmer, Spring weather is beginning to blow in so psych yourself up for the changing season with some new gear! Here are five fitness essentials sure to put a spring in your step as you take advantage of the longer days and higher temps.

5 Must-Have Essentials For Bike Commuters

Michele Foley — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 01:40:47 PDT

Riding your bike to work has a myriad of benefits: you'll burn calories, save money, and do your part for the environment. But it's a little more involved than just hopping on your bike and pedaling off into the distance. After you have your route mapped out, you'll need to make sure you've got the right gear to get you there.

Celebrate Mother Earth With These 27 Eco-Friendly Fitness Products

FitSugar — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 03:07:39 PDT

April 22 is Earth Day, and to celebrate, we're outfitting ourselves in some of the coolest eco-friendly fitness gear available. There's a lot of love for Mother Earth happening in this slideshow, from shoes made almost entirely of recycled plastic bottles to shirts produced by companies we love for their sustainable business practices. The next time you have to outfit yourself for a jaunt to the gym, make it even more worthwhile by investing in one of these eco-conscious items.

5 Places to Find Cute, Cheap Workout Clothes

Leta Shy — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 18:22:50 PDT

Having killer workout gear can help motivate you to stick with a routine, but that doesn't mean you have to invest in an all-Lululemon wardrobe. If you're looking for activewear that's cute, cheap, and somewhere in between a ratty old t-shirt and whole-paycheck performance wear, here are five inexpensive options.

Old Navy: The retailer known for cheap basics has an activewear line that also lays the foundation for your workout wardrobe. Old Navy workout clothes include colorful tanks and tees and basic black leggings and capris, all in material that's made for fitness, like compression fit and moisture-wicking material.
We like: Fold-Over Yoga Pants ($20)

Target: Target's C9 by Champion collection is one of my favorite low-cost options for many reasons. The simple staples are comfortable and made of a sweat-wicking cotton blend that never feels too tight, and the cuts, while looser, always look flattering. Not only that, but all the basics come in a wide range of colors - perfect for stocking up.
We like: C9 by Champion Power Workout Tee ($10)

Keep reading for more affordable workout clothes options after the break.

Gear Review: Adidas Adizero Rush Shoe

Leta Shy — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 02:13:42 PDT

If you're in the market for a minimalist running shoe, you may want to check out the new Adizero Rush running shoe from Adidas ($100). Each shoe clocks in at only 6.2 ounces but doesn't skimp on support. I recently tested a pair during my three-to-four-mile runs; here's what I thought of the line.

I'm a sucker for a minimalist shoe, but even I was surprised at just how lightweight the Adizero Rush felt. The largely mesh construction makes these shoes extra breathable, while the thinner soles and insoles make for a running-on-air feel. I felt connected with the road or treadmill with every step but without feeling like I was running without any support. The "sprint frame" construction of the soles supposedly offers support without the bulk, and I have to agree - as an overpronator, I always felt like I was getting the stability I needed while I ran. The shape of the shoe front also felt comfortable during my runs - having enough room to move my toes when I run has been key.

Read on to find out more about what I thought of the Adizero Rush after the break.

Go Green With Eco-Friendly Running Gear For Spring

Laura Marie Given — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 12:47:52 PDT

With these eco-friendly, recycled - and sometimes recyclable - running items, you can feel even better about working out. From shorts and shoes made with recycled materials to shirts featuring natural odor control, this fitness gear is a great way to go green. In honor of Earth Month, check out these eco-friendly running options to carry you through your Spring fitness routine.