Grade Your Hikes


Updated 11/12/09 9:02 AM · Posted by FitSugar · 6 comments

Grading Hikes With the Yosemite Decimal System (YDS)

I love hiking in the Fall because of the beautiful scenery and perfect weather — the crisp air never leaves me too hot or too cold. On the weekends I often go on all-day or multi-day hikes in Yosemite valley or the Lake Tahoe region. Some of my friends equate hiking with a leisurely stroll through the woods, but anyone who hikes regularly knows this isn't always the case. Whether it's steep, Read more

Backpack in the Buff: Nudist Hiking Trails Are Germany's New Attraction


Updated 08/04/11 3:19 PM · Posted by · 6 comments

Nude Hiking Trails Debut in Germany

I've heard of nude beaches and swimming holes, naked yoga classes, and naked bike rides, but nude hiking? Now that's something new. If you're traveling to Europe anytime soon and you want to really feel one with nature, check out Germany's first hiking trail for nudists, near the town of Dankerode, about 200 miles southwest of Berlin. You'll see signs posted that say, "If you don't want to run Read more

Prewedding Workout With Fiancé: Take a Hike!


Updated 04/07/11 5:00 PM · Posted by FitSugar · 1 comment

Planning a Hiking Date

Hiking is a fun but challenging activity that's great to do with your fiancé. A day hitting the trail includes breathtaking views and up to 355 calories burned in just an hour! To set a hiking date, pack a picnic of your favorite healthy foods and set out to a scenic spot to celebrate the long hike you just endured. Not only will you be spending the day together in the beautiful outdoors, but Read more

Solo Hiking Tips I Learned Going to Half Dome and Back


Updated 05/02/11 3:40 PM · Posted by · 5 comments

Hiking Alone in Yosemite

Last weekend started out pretty typical: my boyfriend and I made the four-hour drive to Yosemite for a few days of climbing with friends. But what I wasn't counting on was sleeping in that first morning and missing my chance to climb. Left alone, I figured I might as well go for a hike. My original plan was to do a two-mile hike to the base of Vernal Falls — ha! Twelve hours and 17 miles later, Read more

Get Ready For Your Summer Hike With These Exercises


Updated 05/16/12 2:25 AM · Posted by · 0 comments

Exercises For Hiking

Memorial Day is approaching, and we've got warm weather on the brain, but it's not just about getting in shape for the beach. Hiking is a great cardio and muscle-building workout — and you can burn 180 calories in just 30 minutes. Hiking trails vary in difficulty, yet no matter where you go it's a common sight: once-enthusiastic hikers having to stop halfway through, too exhausted and out of Read more

No Time to Mix? The Healthiest Ready-to-Drink Cocktails


Updated 05/25/12 12:54 PM · Posted by · 0 comments

The Best Healthy Premade Bottled Cocktails

Since carting around multiple bottles, glassware, and fresh ingredients isn't always practical, here's a buying guide to the healthiest ready-to-drink (RTD) bottled cocktails. And while these won't taste as good as our homemade 150-calorie margarita recipe or when mixing alcohol into one our favorite all-natural cocktail mixes, RTD cocktails are a simple solution to drinking whether you're Read more

Pregnant Reese Witherspoon Takes on a Tennis Match


Updated 05/23/12 5:01 PM · Posted by · 1 comment

Pregnant Reese Witherspoon Playing Tennis Pictures

Reese Witherspoon hit the tennis court with friends in Brentwood, CA, this morning. She grabbed a racket for the workout session and showed off her pregnant belly in a fitted top — check out FitSugar's picks for comfortable maternity activewear. While Reese awaits the arrival of her third child, she's been spending time with family. She went for a hike with her kids, Ava and Deacon, and father, Read more

Reap the Benefits of Hiking This Season


Updated 06/23/11 3:56 AM · Posted by FitSugar · 2 comments

Reap the Benefits of Hiking This Season

We all know that regular exercise does a body good, but feeling restrained behind gym walls can leave you feeling burned out and unmotivated. To mix things up and add adventure to your workout, get outside and hike! Educate yourself on its amazing health benefits. Hiking lowers blood pressure by opening arteries and taking stress off the heart. Hiking reduces stress levels. Hiking is a great Read more

The Best Hiking Pants to Hit the Trail In This Spring


Updated 05/08/12 12:55 AM · Posted by · 0 comments

Best Hiking Pants For Women

A pair of basic black fitness capris will perform OK on a casual hike, but you're going to need something more specific when hitting the trail for a serious trek. Lightweight, moisture-wicking fabrics with built-in sun protection are something to scout out, as are stretchy materials that won't rip if you find yourself sliding down some rocks. While Earth tones are the default color of choice, Read more

Not Content to Lounge? Our Favorite Healthy Vacation Destinations


Updated 05/23/12 1:35 PM · Posted by · 0 comments

The Best Fitness and Health Hotels and Resorts

Vacations are meant for relaxing, but sitting around all day can get boring pretty quickly. Whether it's a morning yoga practice on the beach, a spectacular hike, or biking through wine country, choosing a fitness-minded hotel or resort definitely has its perks. Planning your own vacation? Consider one of these fit destinations in your decision — all of which have been tried, tested, and Read more