What's the Deal With Heart Rate Recovery?


Updated 01/24/08 4:45 PM · Posted by FitSugar · 7 comments

What's the Deal With Heart Rate Recovery?

What does Heart Rate Recovery mean and should I be testing myself? The time it takes for the heart rate to return to normal after exercise is called Heart Rate Recovery and studies have found that this number can help determine your risk of heart attack and cardiovascular disease. Simply put: the healthier a person's heart is, the quicker it returns to its normal beat — the less healthy the Read more

Another Reason to Exercise: Stress Reduction


Updated 07/14/07 11:35 AM · Posted by FitSugar · 2 comments

Another Reason to Exercise: Stress Reduction

It is no real news that exercise helps reduce stress. I am a living proof of that fact. Scientists are continuing to study the relationship between stress reduction and exercise. In a recent study participants had their blood drawn before and after completing two really frustrating tasks. The stress induced heart damaging chemicals spiked 5 times higher in the least fit subjects. The fit Read more

Why Running Isn't Helping You Lose Weight


Updated 05/11/12 11:35 AM · Posted by · 0 comments

Why Running Doesn't Help With Weight Loss

You started running months ago, yet every time you hop on the scale, you're let down by the results. What gives? While running does burn mega calories, here are some reasons you may not be seeing the weight-loss results you're after. Postrun Pig-Outs Burning tons of calories can cause a famished feeling afterward, but it's important to fuel wisely. Choose junk food as your recovery food and not Read more

From Total Body to High Intensity: Elliptical Workouts For All


Updated 03/04/12 4:34 AM · Posted by FitSugar · 2 comments

Elliptical Workouts For All Levels

The elliptical is a mainstay in the gym for good reason: it's easy on the joints and provides a great cardio and total-body workout. But the elliptical can also get pretty boring and repetitive. Instead of spending a mindless 30 minutes on the elliptical machine, maximize your time by doing one of these eight workouts. Whether you're a beginner, looking for a high-intensity interval workout, or Read more

Super Quick One-Minute Interval Exercise Ideas


Updated 02/16/12 9:11 PM · Posted by · 2 comments

20-Minute Interval Workout Ideas

If 30 minutes of continuous cardio activity is too strenuous for you or you can't commit to the time frame, researchers in Canada have found that a 20-minute workout consisting of one-minute intervals followed by one minute of recovery is an effective method for improving your overall health and fitness level. To experiment with the concept yourself, complete a one-minute interval at 90 percent Read more

Keep Your Post-Gym Trek Sweat-Free


Updated 12/02/11 2:25 AM · Posted by · 0 comments

How to Stay Sweat-Free After the Gym

There's nothing worse than heating up at the gym only to be met by frosty cold temps outside when you're done. If you're not making a pit stop in the locker room to get street-ready, you're met with a problem: you're too hot and sweaty to brave the cold outdoor air without feeling uncomfortable. If you're skipping the shower at the gym, here are two simple reminders to make sure your next trek Read more

3 Warning Signs You Might Be Exercising Too Much


Updated 06/23/11 1:37 PM · Posted by · 2 comments

How Much Exercise Is Too Much?

We are pumped to share one of our fave stories from Self here on FitSugar! If you're anything like me, your workout waves come in (short) fits and starts. At least you're doing something — that's how I rationalize it. On the downside, that may mean that you get overzealous during exercise phases.  It's great to keep moving, but overshooting your fitness level — or even hitting the gym Read more

7 Reasons to Try Interval Training


Updated 06/16/11 2:41 PM · Posted by FitSugar · 3 comments

Why Do Intervals?

Interval training is the ultimate fitness mashup, blending the speeds of both the tortoise and the hare. The benefits of this workout — pushing your pace, then slowing down to recover just so you can push your pace again — will certainly motivate you to play with your speed. If you haven't already added them to your cardio workouts, here are seven benefits of interval training. Whittle your Read more

DrSugar on Dealing With an Unplanned Cesarean Birth


Updated 03/24/11 4:03 PM · Posted by DrSugar · 12 comments

Details on Unplanned Cesarean Section

DrSugar is in the house! And this week she's discussing how to deal with an unplanned cesarean birth based on her own experience. Hello to all the readers out there! After a six-week hiatus, I’m back after having a beautiful baby boy and ready to answer your questions! However, this week, I’d like to share my birth story, which includes an unplanned cesarean section, so I will be offering Read more

Cardio Workout: Treadmill Intervals


Updated 03/06/12 7:27 AM · Posted by FitSugar · 2 comments

Interval Workout For Treadmill With Walking and Running

There are a thousand and one ways to work out on a treadmill, but my favorite is intervals. Changing your pace every few minutes busts through the boredom often associated with indoor running, and once you set your pace on the treadmill it's difficult to cheat. In this workout the set speed pushes you beyond my comfort zone with a gradual build, and the minute recovery is just long enough to Read more