We are pumped to share one of our fave stories from Shape here on FitSugar. You've always heard that when it comes to building muscle mass, heavy weights are preferred over lighter weights. But a new study published in the Journal of Applied Physiology has found that isn't always the case. In fact, you can build just as much muscle by lifting lighter weights. If you do it right... 10 Health and Read more

Sometimes, you just can't beat that afternoon slump. Sitting at a desk all day can leave you feeling the opposite of energetic, especially around those postlunch hours when our bodies expend more energy digesting or we crash from the effects of our morning cup of coffee — and when that happens, don't think you can always rely on energy drinks. Besides their long list of unpronounceable Read more

We're happy to present this story from our friends at Allure: Track and field star Jessica Ennis, currently in training for the London 2012 Olympics, recently admitted that she always competes in a full face of makeup. And Ennis's explanation of her race ritual to The Daily Mail certainly makes sense: "I definitely think if I feel I look good, it makes me feel more confident," she told the Read more

Muscle building is an important component of any exercise routine, but are you strength training the right way? Here are five common myths about muscles, and why they aren't true. Heavy weights make you bulk up: It's a common belief: lifting heavy weights will have you looking more bodybuilder than long and lean. But in reality, your muscles won't get Ms. Olympia-sized from lifting a 20-pound Read more

Not sure what the difference between aerobic and anaerobic activity is? In our Get Fit For 2012 group, FitSugar reader meetcasey explains what each term means and why we should be doing both. Aerobic exercise requires the body to utilize oxygen to create energy. With anaerobic exercise, the body creates energy without extra oxygen — your body relies on its natural chemicals to create Read more

Dumbbells are one of the most widely used pieces of exercise equipment, and for good reason. They're affordable enough to have in a home gym, easy to handle, and can be used to strengthen every muscle in the body. The next time you pick up a pair, avoid these lifting mistakes. Using the Same Pair For Every Move Why it's bad: Not all muscles have the same strength. Lifting too light a weight Read more

You know that you should warm up no matter what, but if you ever wondered what exactly you should be doing, here are specific warm-ups for different kinds of workouts. Yoga: Think you don't need to warm up before yoga? Think again. Warming up before your class can help your performance and keep you from being sore the moment you stretch out into Downward Dog. Keep your wrists, shoulders, and Read more

The constant cycling of gaining and losing weight is a heavy load on your mind, but it also has very real repercussions on your body's ability to metabolize what you eat. With a new season upon us, there's no better time to set some healthy intentions and get the yo-yo out of your diet — I'm exhausted just thinking about it! Here are five tips to take to heart if you're ready to stop the Read more

We are pumped to share one of our fave stories from Shape here on FitSugar. This week Shape turns to nutritional consultant Mike Roussell, PhD, for some help! Q: Could my post-workout snack be making me fat? I've read that chocolate milk is a great post-workout drink, but is that still true if I just took a beginning Zumba class (or did a similar low-intensity workout)? 20 Foods That Can Ruin Read more