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What's the Deal With Ladder Golf?

FitSugar — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 14:30:00 -0700

Backyard games are a way of making a BBQ fun, instead of sedentary. To keep yourself from lounging with beer bottle in hand, you should investigate Ladder Golf ($100), aka Blongo. The word golfis a little misleading because there are no clubs or holes involved in Ladder Golf, and sorry, no golf carts either. It's a game of hand-eye coordination, but I'd explain it more as a glorified tossing game, similar to horseshoes.

For Blongo, there are two goals (that look like laundry drying racks) and two teams. The game is played in rounds and each player on the team alternates throwing three bolas (also called BlongoBalls), which are short nylon ropes with a golf ball attached to either end. Each team's objective is to toss the bolas in such a way that the BlongoBall gets stuck on a ladder rung. Points are determined by which rung your bola hangs from, and the team that reaches an exact score of 21 is the winner. Check out laddergolf.com for the official set of rules and etiquette.

OK, so I admit that this game involves about as much action as a game of Bocce Ball or Croquet, but at least you're tossing a ball-like thing instead of tossing chips into your mouth. Plus any kind of game that gets you on your feet is good in my opinion.

If you want to see this game in action then read more.

Have any of you ever played Ladder Golf? Tell us what you think in the comments section below.

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What's the Deal With Cornhole?

FitSugar — Tue, 20 May 2008 12:00:00 -0700

You may have noticed it at the beach, your cousin's barbecue, or the graduation party you went to last weekend. It may just look like adults playing bean bag toss, but it's more than that: It's cornhole.

Cornhole has been, dare I say, sweeping the nation, and it makes a great Memorial Day activity because it's generally pretty portable and basically anyone can play. A cornhole set consists of two boards with a hole in them, placed about 30 feet apart, and eight bags filled with corn kernels. The basic object of the game is to get a bag into the hole, though points are awarded for just getting a bag on top of the board. You can buy cornhole sets at most major sporting goods stores or online (the one pictured is pricey at $200, but you can get them for less). It's not the most active of all backyard games, but it does get you up and moving.

Yes, I agree, it sounds a lot like bean bag toss for adults, but I know from personal experience that calling it bean bag toss does not sit well with serious cornhole players. For simple steps on how to play, just read more.
Here's how to play:

You'll need 2 teams of 2 people each. (Or two teams with one person on each team.)
Set up the cornhole boards 27ft / 9yds from front to front.
You need a total of 8 bags. 4 bags for each team.
It doesn't really matter which side you or your teammate stand, as long as you're throwing to different boards.
Flip a coin to determine which team goes first.
Start throwing one bag at a time. Opponents alternate throws each time.
The team that collects the most points after each round, throws first next round. If the score is tied or there is no score after the round, then the throw alternates teams from the previous round.
Scoring:
Each bag on the board's surface counts as one point.
Each bag in the board's hole counts as three points.
After each round, subtract the number of points from the team with the fewest points from the score of the team with the most points. The resulting number is the score that goes to the tally.
The game is over when the first team's tally reaches 21 points. You do not have to win by any number of points, nor does it matter if you go over 21.
11-0 is a skunk.

So get a set and start practicing for this year's barbecue. Are you already a cornhole fan? Tell us below.

Get in Gear: Wiffle Balls Come in PINK!!!

FitSugar — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 15:45:00 -0700

Over the weekend I was suggesting that you get out and play a fun (and possibly slightly competitive) game of wiffle ball. Well, I just had to tell you about something I found that will make it even better!

Pink wiffle balls! How awesome is that? Not only are they prettier than plain old white balls, (and won't show dirt as easily) but they send women and young girls the very important message that sports are NOT just for men.

I am a full supporter in any product that encourages females to play team sports. They'll learn how to work with others, challenge themselves individually, and most importantly will see how important it is to move and use their bodies everyday. Plus these are cheap too, only $3.97 for 6 through Dick's Sporting Goods. I'm loving these pink wiffle balls!

Try Kung Fu Without Getting Hurt

FitSugar — Wed, 05 Sep 2007 11:00:00 -0700

I love watching the Kung Fu Master compete against the Yogi. Since I know how to do yoga, I've always wanted to try Kung Fu. Truthfully I haven't yet because: 1) I don't like hurting other people, and 2) more importantly, I fear getting hurt myself. Now I don't have to worry.

Check out this Kung Fu game for the PlayStation 2, unveiled at the IFO 2007 (it's a big tech convention) in China. The woman says "it's a Kung Fu Wii," but she's not exactly "up" on the whole gaming scene. What's cool is that there are sensors on your wrists and ankles that let you punch and kick, and work your heart and your muscles completely, but you never come in contact with an actual human being.

The only way you'll get hurt is if you accidentally kick the wall or punch an unsuspecting passerby. The Nintendo Wii may have boxing but it doesn't have a Kung Fu game. Of course, the game hasn't hit the stores yet, but check out this video and tell me what you think.

Get Physical: A Hilarious Game of Badminton

FitSugar — Sat, 16 Jun 2007 03:00:00 -0700

I don't know what it is about playing badminton, but that game is just so funny to me. I love the dinky racquets, the flimsy net and of course the shuttlecock (I call it a birdy) - it seems to have a mind of its own!

The game is pretty simple. All you need is 1 net, 1 birdy, 2-4 rackets, and 2-4 players. After you set the net up, you try hitting the birdy over the net, and your opponent hits it back to you.

Badminton is actually an Olympic Sport, so there are specific rules that go along with the game. I think it's more fun to see how many times we can volley back and forth before the birdy touches the ground.

This game is great for all ages since it's easy and fun, there isn't much equipment, and you don't have to worry about seriously getting injured. It does require some hand-eye coordination skills, moderate leaping, acute agility, and lightning speed to run and hit the birdy over the net. I'll tell you though - I end up working my core muscles more than anything from falling to the ground and laughing so hard, but that's just me.

Fit's Tips: You can purchase a badminton set (Amazon, $24.95) that comes with a carrying case so you can bring it along the next time you go to the beach, park, or a BBQ. That way you can fit in a little exercise in between all the eating and drinking.

Want to see a picture of the badminton set? Then read more

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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.

Just Released: Three Fitness Video Games For the Wii

FitSugar — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 03:00:47 -0700

Confession: I love playing video games - I especially love them on the Wii because I get to move, jump, and shake myself into a tizzy. Three fitness games were released for the Wii this last week and even though it's not like doing the real deal outside, the games are a fun way to burn calories and whip your bod into shape.

Nintendo Wii Fit Plus ($20) Wii Fit Plus is Nintendo's follow-up to the popular Wii Fit. There are new exercises, balance board games, and strength and yoga activities, as well as targeted exercise routines for things like reducing tummy fat and toning your figure. A great improvement is the addition of a calorie counter - after you complete each exercise the game tells you how many calories you've burned.

To hear about the other two games, continue reading.

Speak Up: What Are Your Pre-Workout Rituals?

FitSugar — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 12:00:07 -0700

Athletes do some kooky things before a big game: former Red Sox player Wade Boggs would eat chicken before every game, and during the 1998 World Cup, Laurent Blanc would kiss the head of his goalkeeper before each kickoff.

I might not be a professional athlete but I have my own little rituals before heading out on a big hike or climb. I fill up at least three water bottles and make a small tower of rocks at the beginning of my trail. Building a little rock tower is something I did when hiking with my family and I've just continued on the tradition.

Do any of you have rituals or superstitions you subscribe to before a big race or challenging exercise? Do you do them out of habit or does it calm your jitters? Let's hear from you!

Hotflash the Menopause Game

FitSugar — Fri, 18 May 2007 17:15:00 -0700

When it comes to board games, Monopoly just doesn't always make the cut.

Enter Hotflash the Menopause game ($29.98), a hilarious way to have fun with a not so fun topic. There are spots you can land along the game called Raging Hormones where you’ll discover some little known facts about women, your body, perimenopause and lots of other stuff. When you land on a HotFlash!, you’ll have a chance to act a little goofy or ask your friends about some deep, dark secret like “Have you ever had a one-night stand?” Be sure to avoid PMS Purgatory, and be careful not to go down the Fallopian Tubes. They’ll take you backwards through Weepy Way, Lustless Lane, Bitchy Boulevard, Insomnia Aisle and The Forgetful Forest. Whether you're menopausal or not, you'll be sure to crack up playing this unique game.

Think Girl Talk (ah, remember that game) mixed with CandyLand but for grown-ups. Fun, eh? Buy it directly from HotflashGame.com.

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Game Time: ProForm 20.0 CrossTrainer Elliptical

FitSugar — Wed, 28 Mar 2007 08:45:00 -0700

Now I am not really a big video gamer, but combine video games and exercising and now you've got my attention.

This is why I am loving the new ProForm 20.0 CrossTrainer Elliptical ($799.00). Not only is it a great elliptical for your personal use, but the console features 2 interactive games. Using the dual game controllers on the elliptical arms, you can play the Fat Blocker game or the Calorie Destroyer game during your workout. The best part? The harder you exercise, the greater advantage you will have over the computer you're playing against! The console keeps track of the four highest scores for each game - so you and your husband can try and knock off each other's scores each time one of you works out.

Plug your iPod or other MP3 player into the console and play your music or media files through the built-in speakers. This could be the most entertaining piece of cardio equipment ever!

Not enough for you? The machine also features large, super gel grip pedals that allow you a number of different foot positions for greater comfort and stability. Trust me, anyone who has ever lost her footing on an elliptical machine can attest to how fabulous an idea that is. Buy it directly from the ProForm site.

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