FitSugar

Minka Kelly Shares Her Heart-Healthy Fitness and Diet Tips

Fitness Magazine — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 04:02:38 PST

We are excited to share one of our fave stories from Fitness Magazine here on FitSugar!

Esquire magazine once named actress Minka Kelly the “sexiest woman alive," so walking in the Heart Truth’s Red Dress Fashion Show to raise awareness for women’s heart health should be a breeze, right? Not quite. “I’ve been nervous all week!” Kelly said when we got the chance to chat with her on her new ambassador title with Diet Coke. We caught up with the brunette bombshell hours before showtime to get the scoop on how she lives a heart-healthy lifestyle, the exercises she swears by, and more.

Tell us about your partnership with Diet Coke and Heart’s Truth Red Dress Fashion Show. What made you decide to get involved?

Before I started working with Diet Coke as an ambassador, I wasn’t even aware that heart disease is the number-one killer for women. I figured this would be a chance for me to use my voice and let other women know how important it is to eat right and exercise to keep your heart in good health.

How do you manage to stay in shape, especially with such a busy schedule?

I try to do yoga every morning at 7 a.m.; it’s good to get your workout out of the way early. I also work out with my trainer Gunnar Peterson two days a week on top of that. I owe him a lot of credit for the shape I’m in because I love to eat! I have to work out extra hard to balance my love for food out.

Keep reading to learn how Minka Kelly is trying defying gravity.

Love Your Lower Half: Your Go-To Wardrobe and Workout

Fitness Magazine — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 04:15:16 PST

We are excited to share one of our fave stories from Fitness Magazine here on FitSugar!

We've been thinking a lot about our backsides the past few months here at Fitness, as our team put together part one of our "Body Lab" to help you get a butt that defies gravity (see the February issue for more!).

While we work hard in the gym to sculpt a better behind, we don't complain when we get a little help from a particularly flattering pair of pants. The minute we slipped on the GapFit gFast Color Binding Leggings ($60, gap.com), we fell in love with their comfy fit and cute colors. And after testing them out in a strength class at David Barton Gym to celebrate GapFit's new line, we knew they would be mainstays in our workout wardrobes. The fabric is just thick enough for cool morning runs, but doesn't feel too heavy for the gym.

If you're feeling a bit timid about rocking these leggings, add these three moves from David Barton Gym trainer Meka to your workout three times each week, and soon you'll be loving your rear view! Get the details on these booty-toning exercises after the break.

How Stacy Keibler Gets Red-Carpet Ready

Fitness Magazine — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 04:37:17 PST

We are excited to share one of our fave stories from Fitness Magazine here on FitSugar!

Awards season is in full swing, and we can't help but wonder how these celebs manage to look so good. And what's a girl without access to expensive Hollywood trainers and stylists to do? We caught up with actress, model, and former wrestler Stacy Keibler (who looked stunning on the arm of boyfriend George Clooney at the SAG Awards!) to learn about the new game she uses at home to keep her svelte figure looking fabulous for the red carpet.

First of all, you look great! How often do you work out each week?

I always try to fit in some type of activity every day, but just like everyone else's schedules, some days are busier than others. I'm a big believer in being active no matter what, so even if I only have a few minutes to squeeze some moves in, it's better than nothing.

What are your go-to moves for those busy days?

I love lunges, especially because you don't need any equipment to do them. So no matter where you are, you have those to fall back on.

Keep reading more about Stacy's relationship to home workouts and George.

10 Tone-Up Tweaks to Get a Better Burn

Fitness Magazine — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 04:39:36 PST

We are excited to share one of our fave stories from Fitness Magazine here on FitSugar!

It happens to the best of us. Your gym routine becomes just that - a routine. Bust out of your plateau and burn more fat with these strength-training tweaks from the pros.

Make Every Day Your Best Burn Yet
Supercharge your gym routine by ditching the moves that have stopped delivering results and replacing them with ones that will challenge and build more muscle. Start with these total-body toning tips from some of our favorite trainers.

Arms: Change the Weight
Dumbbell curls are great for your arms, but unless you're changing up the sets and reps, your biceps will get accustomed to the level of stress you're placing on them, meaning you'll stop seeing the sculpting results. "Few people use the proper weight and even fewer graduate the amount of weight being used during arm exercises," says Richard Miller, owner and CEO of GymSource in New York City.

When you curl the same weight for a long period of time, your body send nutrients to the muscle you're working to help recover. If you pick up an eight-pound dumbbell every time, your muscles aren't experiencing varied stress and won't add new nutrient masses to that area, making your arms fall flat. Use this cheat sheet to know when it's time to step it up a notch:

You should feel fatigue at 15 reps or fewer. If you don't, add more weight.
Aim to increase weight by less than 10 percent. If you normally lift eight-pound weights, up it to 10 pounds, and so on.

See more helpful tips after the break!

Your Winter Workout Woes - Answered!

Fitness Magazine — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 04:09:05 PST

We are excited to share one of our fave stories from Fitness Magazine here on FitSugar!

Baby, it's cold outside! But for those of us training, sans gym membership, or just yearning for some fresh air, we can't let the chilly weather keep us from an outdoor workout. If you find your morning runs too cold, have achy joints, or just want to make it through a run without wiping out, we hear you! That's why we asked Dr. Scott Weiss, clinical director and owner of Bodhizone Physical Therapy, your burning cold-weather workout questions. Read on below to see how you can have a successful workout no matter what the weather.

The cold weather makes my joints hurt! What stretches can I do before a workout to stop constantly feeling sore?

If cold weather is making you sore, the worst thing to do is go and stretch since you're more likely to pull a muscle or tear some cartilage. In the cold weather, the key is total body warmth. Spend a little more time warming up, by adding 5 to 10 minutes to your normal warm-up routine. Stretching while your joints are warm will then enhance flexibility and range of motion while also reducing your chance of injury.

Sometimes when I go for a run in the Winter, my toes lose feeling. Why is this happening and how can I fix it?

Most of the time numb toes are a minor circulatory or footwear issue. Try making a fist with your toes, or do some calf raises to get the blood pumping. Once you get home, be sure to elevate your feet to relieve the pressure. If tingling persists, it could be something more serious (like frostbite), and you should contact a physician.

I'm terrified of black ice. What are some tips to avoid it?

Make sure you stay focused on the heel contact portion of the running cycle in icy conditions. Oftentimes, we don't think about how we are landing our feet, and if even slightly unbalanced while landing on ice, you risk falling. If you live in an especially icy area, consider trail shoes, which have a better grip.

Read on for more Winter workout solutions from Dr. Weiss.

More from FITNESS:

• Oops-Proof Your Workout

• Immunity-Boosting Tips to Stay Cold-Free This Winter

• Get the 2012 Best Body Ever Plan

Tricks for Stress-Free Travel

Fitness Magazine — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 09:52:52 PST

We are excited to share one of our fave stories from Fitness Magazine here on FitSugar!

John DiScala, or Johnny Jet, as road warriors know him, is no amateur when it comes to hitting the road. The Travel Channel expert has flown 127,467 miles this year alone! Since a day at the airport can be more exhausting than a day at the gym, we screened Johnny Jet for his secrets to book, fly, and sleep - minus the stress - just like an expert jet-setter.

Be flexible! "I just bought a ticket to Florida a couple days ago and only paid $168 because I left a few days earlier than planned (the 21st). You can sign up for airfare alerts to be notified when the best deals are available."
Go postal. "Ship bags and gifts ahead of time via FedEx or UPS ground, five to seven days before your trip, to make it affordable. If you do pack presents, don't wrap them, because there's a good chance the TSA will unwrap them."
But do come bearing goodies. "Bring a box of chocolates for the gate agents and flight attendants! You will get the best service and possibly even an upgrade."

Read on for more of Johnny's stress-free travel tricks.

More from FITNESS Magazine:

Healthy Travel Diet: The Best Food to Eat on the Road

Beat Stress, Weigh Less: Calorie-Burning Yoga Workout

Find Your Happy Weight

Stay Fit (and Sane) All Holiday Season With Alison Sweeney

Fitness Magazine — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 04:03:51 PST

We are excited to share one of our fave stories from Fitness Magazine here on FitSugar!

She has two kids, two jobs, one lofty fitness goal and a crazy holiday schedule ahead . . . how does Alison Sweeney do it? The host of The Biggest Loser and star of Days of Our Lives, who is currently training for the L.A. Marathon in March, has a few tricks to keep her life organized, manageable and healthy all at the same time. We recently spoke with Sweeney to snag some secrets and learn more about her relationship with Bob, Jillian, and this season's two new trainers, Dolvett Quince and Anna Kournikova.

How do you stay fit during the holidays?

It's really important to find a workout that you can do with no excuses (Get Sweeney's routine here!) And I keep track of my nutrition. With so many treats around, it's really easy to just pop brownies without thinking about it! You may not even be hungry. I also eat before going to parties so I'm less tempted when I get there and am satisfied with a smaller amount of the treats.

Do you and your family have any seasonal traditions?

We shop for gifts and pick out a tree together. When I was young, my parents always took me skiing in the Winter, which was really festive since I grew up in LA. It was so fun and exhausting - you're basically burning calories all day long! Now, when I'm skiing with my family, I take a picture at the top of the mountain and email it to my dad. I thank him daily for instilling this love of activity at an early age.

So you mentioned that you shop and travel - as a busy working mom of two, how do you stay connected and keep track of your to-buy lists and events this month?

There are so many distractions during the holidays, so I try to use technology to keep my family together. I use my Windows phone, which syncs with my computer, to keep track of my calendar and get photos texted to me. It's really family-oriented and you don't need a manual to understand it!

To learn about Sweeney's 2012 resolutions and get the scoop about the future of The Biggest Loser, keep reading.

More from FITNESS Magazine:

• Reality TV Workouts – Tested!

• You Can Do It! The Get Your Best Body Ever Plan

• Our Top 10 Thigh Exercises

Life as a Stuntwoman: A Sneak Peek Into Luci Romberg's Fit Career

Fitness Magazine — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 04:01:27 PST

We are excited to share one of our fave stories from Fitness Magazine here on FitSugar!

Whenever the latest blockbuster hits theaters, we rush to our seats to watch stars pounce from vehicle to vehicle, race through a collapsing building or barrel under a semi-truck. With all this action, we often forget that someone other than the superstar is actually performing these stunts. Sometimes celebs, like Tom Cruise, are fit enough to do their own moves, but most often a professional is called in for the job. Enter Luci "Steel" Romberg, a professional stuntwoman and freerunner, who has been in top films like Green Lantern, Zombieland and Terminator. We caught up with the super-fit daredevil to find out how you get into a less-than-mainstream career and what keeps her always coming back for more.

Most people don't think of "stuntwoman" when plotting out future careers. What made you pursue this path?

I was a gymnast all through college, and a national champion my senior year at Texas Woman's University. I was a kinesiology major, but there just wasn't really anything else I wanted to do. I could have been a professor, a physical therapist, a coach or a handful of other things with my degree, but none of them appealed to me. One day one of my teammates came back from acting in LA, and she just convinced me to give it a shot. When I first got there, I had no idea what being a stuntwoman actually entailed. I was just so pumped on the idea of it that I knew I had to at least give it a try. I've been lucky enough to stick around.

What's a typical day like when you're hired for a film?

There is no typical day. Sometimes it's really exciting and you're working right away, doing anything from falling down a flight of stairs to rolling under a semi-truck, and other days you spend the day waiting around to see if they're going to get to your segments. It's definitely exciting though, I love that I don't know what to expect when I go into work.

More about Luci after the break.

Be Thankful For a Fit Body!

Fitness Magazine — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 04:37:46 PST

We are excited to share one of our fave stories from Fitness Magazine here on FitSugar!

Besides gratitude, Thanksgiving is known for being all about food, family and (watching) football. But the team at DavidBartonGym (DBG) says that you can still enjoy the festivities while keeping up your fitness levels as well. How? Their experts claim that an intense resistance-based workout within two hours of a meal can help keep your metabolism humming.

So at their locations across the country, DBG trainers will be leading their members and family and friends of members through a complimentary "CARVED" class. It's designed to target all major muscle groups with heavy weights, multiple sets, and small intervals of active recovery.

Can't make it to a class or don't have a DBG near you? Or too crazed by cooking the turkey to fit in a full workout? Try these sample moves from the class at home, done in a row as a circuit, to get a similar effect.

Squats: Stand with feet shoulder-width apart and act like you are sitting in an imaginary chair: Bend knees 90 degrees and make sure your knees don't go past your toes. Return to start and repeat for one minute. (Hold dumbbells to make it harder.)
Lateral Raises: Hold one dumbbell in each hand with palms facing body and feet hip-width apart. Extend both arms out to your sides at shoulder level, keeping wrists and elbows straight but not locked. Return to start and repeat for one minute.

Read on for more moves to get a carved body for turkey day.

More from FITNESS Magazine:

• 5 Butt-Shaping Exercises

• You Can Do It! The Get Your Best Body Every Plan

• 9 Moves to Beat Belly Fat For Good

Motivation and Exercise Tricks From Fila's Fitness Ambassadors

Fitness Magazine — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 04:11:27 PST

We are excited to share one of our fave stories from Fitness Magazine here on FitSugar!

Here at FITNESS, we're big fans of non-traditional models getting the opportunity to do a little modeling (see here)! So Fila caught our eye with their new campaign involving women from across the country as their Body Toning System Ambassadors, who also modeled the apparel for ads for the brand. The six fit females are all unique, but all are extremely dedicated to taking care of their bodies and staying healthy.

We asked each of the ladies to share their choice workout move, top tip for staying motivated or favorite trick for sneaking in a workout when time is tight.

Get creative. "Try chair triceps dips in the kitchen while preparing food or do soup kitchen biceps curls in the grocery store." - Carla Birnberg, wife, mother, entrepreneur and blogger at MizFitOnline.com
Frame fitness right. "I see exercise almost like a 401(k) plan. If you invest in it, you will reap the rewards at retirement! I desire to be the best me, and exercise helps to ensure that I can fulfill that on the health front." - Qiana Martin, international soccer athlete, global soccer ambassador and owner of EatSoccer.com
Think twice. "If you feel like a snack, try doing lunges on your way to the kitchen so that you have time to think twice about what you are about to eat." - Kristy Petrillo, wife, entrepreneur and real estate agent

Read on for more fitness tips from Fila's Fitness Ambassadors.

More from FITNESS:

• The Face of FITNESS Cover Contest 2011

• What We Love About Our Bodies

• 12 Real Women's Swimsuit Confidence Boosters