FitSugar

When to Watch: Gymnastics

FitSugar — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 12:00:00 PDT

After tonight's opening ceremonies for the Olympics, the competition starts almost immediately and gymnastics are no exception. The men's qualifying rounds start Saturday, and unfortunately Morgan Hamm will not be competing. Yesterday he joined his twin Paul, a gold medalist in 2004 games, on the injured list and is out due to an ankle injury. The men's gymnastic team will carry on and I am sure it will prove exciting.

When I asked a while back, you all were most fired up about gymnastics, I thought I would post the general schedule of those events so you can watch or at least set up your TiVo.

To see the schedule read more

An Everyday Athlete Is Still an Athlete

espnW — Fri, 18 May 2012 11:59:39 PDT

We are pumped to share one of our fave stories from espnW here on FitSugar!

By Risa Isard

On June 23, 1972, Title IX was signed into law, leveling the playing field for female athletes. To mark the 40th anniversary, espnW explore the impact of this landmark legislation.

You might not know me, but chances are you know someone like me. I'm that girl who grew up playing hoops in the driveway with my dad and brother every night after dinner. The one who played rec soccer for 10 years, starting out on a boys team. The one who persuaded her middle-school gym teacher to let her run the monthly timed mile against boys, then wrote her target time on her arm - in permanent marker. The one who took field day just a little too seriously.

The one who is thankful every day for Title IX.

Counting down the best of the past 40 years

Growing up, I wasn't an elite athlete, but I had passion to spare. I ran, jumped, threw, and kicked on a daily basis and eventually I found my calling in high school track and cross country. I was good (I earned seven varsity letters), but not good enough for the next level.

So when I arrived at Duke nearly four years ago, I found myself wondering something that had never crossed my mind before: was I still an athlete?

Answering that question was no easy task. As I read about various elite athletes, I recognized our shared pasts. Like gymnast Jordyn Wieber, I used to pull old cushions into the middle of the family room and do cartwheels, somersaults, and front handsprings. Like many WNBA stars, I was the only girl in neighborhood basketball games. I lacked their natural ability, but I came to realize that we are connected through dreams and experiences. We all began by thinking of ourselves as athletes and scheduling our lives around sports at a young age. That doesn't just go away.

Read on for more.

Olympic Pros Shawn Johnson, Natalie Coughlin, and Mia Hamm Share Their Healthy Snack Ideas

Leta Shy — Mon, 07 May 2012 14:25:59 PDT

Being an Olympic veteran means three things: you're a world-class athlete, you're used to hectic schedules, and you know how to travel smart. So who better to ask about how to stay healthy while being on the go than a few famous Olympic athletes? Whether you're snacking at home or need something to grab and go, here are recommendations from veteran Olympians Natalie Coughlin, Mia Hamm, and Shawn Johnson.

When traveling: It's all about "making sure you plan ahead and bring stuff with you, whether it's trail mix or an [energy] bar," soccer star Mia tells us. Gymnast Shawn recommends KIND bars because they are all natural and come in "fun flavors such as almond and coconut and apple cinnamon and pecan. They're surprisingly good," she tells ESPNw. Swimmer Natalie loves making her own energy bars - get her dried plum energy bar recipe here.

At home or work: Natalie is more than just a decorated Olympic swimmer; she's also an avid home cook and gardener. Natalie shared with YumSugar one of her favorite healthy snacks for Spring: "I love just having a really good baguette with good, high-quality butter (just a tiny bit of butter) and fresh sliced radishes with salt on top," she recommends. Shawn is all about snacking on veggies as well: she pairs peppers with hummus for a crunchy, filling snack.

Read on for more snack ideas from these famous Olympians!

Why FitSugar Readers Love Yoga

FitSugar — Wed, 25 May 2011 01:35:27 PDT

We love reading all the reasons why FitSugar readers love yoga! Here are some of the quotes our members posted in the Get Fit For Summer community group as part of the seventh challenge in the Get Fit For Summer giveaway. By doing so, they're eligible to win a $100 New Balance gift card!

lindsgiles - "I run a few half marathons each year and when it gets to training time I normally get super tight. I was limping around and having hip pain until I started incorporating yoga into my weekly workout routine . . . I have seen how it challenges my fitness as far as strength, balance, flexibility, and even cardio. I have started attending a hot yoga class each weekend and I love the heat and being able to get deeper into the poses."
Sarah10563 - "I am an avid outdoors runner, have a gym membership mainly for body pump classes, but I also joined a bikram yoga studio because I believe it is the spa treatment of exercise. It lets you push your body to a different kind of limit that running and other exercise can't achieve. Afterward I usually feel completely relaxed and a sort of high that is amazing."

Keep reading to see what other readers had to say!

Katie Holmes Takes Tom for a Cruise Around LA

Katie Henry — Tue, 06 Sep 2011 12:37:38 PDT

Tom Cruise hopped in the passenger seat as Katie Holmes drove their Mini Cooper home from an LA dance studio yesterday. Katie was rolling solo today, though, at an early-morning cardio session. Tom may be sticking with his Rock of Ages dance schedule, perhaps to keep up his six-pack abs, even though the musical recently wrapped production. Katie has also immersed herself in dance. Last month, she played the role of mentor and judge during a guest appearance on So You Think You Can Dance. Suri seems have inherited her dancing skills from Tom and Katie. Suri takes gymnastics and dance classes when she's not busy playing with dolls and shopping with Katie. Tom and Katie are sashaying into theaters with new films this holiday season. Katie's costarring with Adam Sandler in Jack and Jill, and Tom's taking his final curtain call as Ethan Hunt in Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol.

Exercise With the Fam Like Matt Damon

Jenny Sugar — Thu, 21 Jul 2011 01:25:00 PDT

Holy cuteness! Now I love Matt Damon even more for showing his loved ones how important it is to stay active by heading out for a family bike ride in Vancouver. When you get moving together, not only do your children learn that exercise in an important part of life, but it also encourages the grown-ups to fit exercise into their busy schedules.

Aside from renting bikes and touring around a new place, there are so many other ways you and your family can get out together and burn some calories.

If your kids are too young to walk, plop them in a jogging stroller, bike trailer, or backpack carrier and head out for a walk, run, ride, or hike. They'll feel calm watching the scenery whiz by, and you'll get in your workout.
Rent kayaks or canoes and paddle along a calm lake or river. It's a great way to avoid the, "Mom, I'm soooo hot," comments. If you get overheated, just jump in.
Put up a net in the backyard and keep volleyballs and a set of badminton rackets and birdies on hand. After dinner, head out for an impromptu game.

Keep reading for more fun family fitness ideas.