FitSugar

Come Inside For Cardio: 7 Treadmill Workouts For All Levels

Michele Foley — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 19:59:02 PST

While there's nothing quite like running outdoors, frosty temps can make it impossible to do. For those freezing days, there's the trusty treadmill. Whether you are a beginner runner or advanced, we've got the perfect treadmill workout for you. From a treadmill workout that mimics running up and down San Francisco hills to another that has you ascending a mountain, you'll swear you're actually running outside.

Getting Started: If you're new to running, try our 40-minute beginner treadmill workout. The workout combines walking and running to get your heart rate up while also priming your body for distance and speed. If you feel like the workout is too easy or hard, play around with the speed, but be sure to give your body time to adjust to the physical demands of running for the first time.
Woggle Workout: Once you're feeling a bit more comfortable on the treadmill, give this wogging workout a chance. This 60-minute workout alternates between walking briskly, jogging, and running slowly; plan to burn around 300 calories.
Pyramid Intervals: Keep boredom at bay with this pyramid interval treadmill workout. By changing your running speed every minute, you'll also be winning the war against weight gain.

See the more advanced, calorie-busting treadmill workouts after the break!

Celebs Who Hit the Trails For Hiking Fun

Heather Dale — Sun, 02 Oct 2011 05:15:31 PDT

Are you ringing in the Fall season by lacing up your hiking shoes and taking to the trails? Hiking is not only a great cardiovascular workout, but it can also be very relaxing since it puts you back in touch with Mother Nature . . . you can't help but take in the peaceful sights and sounds! The following celebrities know a thing or two about the benefits of hiking - check out this slideshow to see who they are!

Source: Flynet

Take a Hike! (With These Fall Hiking Gear Essentials)

Michele Foley — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 02:03:41 PDT

Fall is one of the best times to go hiking. Temperatures are perfect, and the changing flora make for some pretty inspiring views. Head to the mountains, hills, or forest and spend the day - or weekend - hiking. But before you hit that trail, make sure you've got all of these Fall hiking gear essentials.

An OnSugar Blogger Gets Ready For a Family Trip to Yosemite

OnSugar Blog — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 02:29:36 PDT

How did you spend your long weekend? OnSugar blogger houseofanais spent it hiking in Yosemite - with two-year-old twins, no less! She shares how she prepped for her hike.

I recently was asked to test Lifefactory's ecological water bottle made out of glass and covered by a cute silicone sleeve (many people might know this brand better for their glass bottles for feeding babies). I was really excited since so many celebrities such as Jessica Alba and Reese Witherspoon have been spotted using this bottle out and about in LA. Obviously it was heavier than a plastic bottle, but not much more than a metal one. What was great about it, is the fact that glass keeps the water tasting good all day long - unlike plastic bottles. So far I have been very happy with the bottle, but the big test is going to be this weekend when the family hits Yosemite and weather might soar to 100 degrees.

Gear That Every Hiking Backpack Needs

Michele Foley — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 12:24:00 PDT

With cooler temps on the way, early Fall is one of the best times to go hiking. Whether it's two miles or 20, you'll want to make sure that your backpack is filled with all the essentials. From protecting your skin to protecting yourself against a serious emergency, here's everything you should have in your pack before hitting the trail.

Water - When hiking, do not let yourself get dehydrated! Carry a big water bottle or, better yet, a Camelbak. A Camelbak generally allows for more water and makes it easier to get a drink than having to fish for your bottle. Camelbak reservoir pouches fit right inside a pack, and a tube from the pouch runs out toward your shoulder. To get a drink of water, bite down on the end of the tube and suck. What's great is that Camelbak pouches double as backpacks, meaning you'll have room for all of your other goods, too!
Sunscreen - When spending a full day hiking, one application of sunscreen won't be enough. Make sure to follow the specific guidelines on the sunscreen bottle to know how often to reapply. Keep in mind that if it's hot out, you'll want to apply sunscreen more frequently since you'll likely be sweating it off. For maximum protection, buy a broad spectrum SPF 30 sunscreen with a water-resistant formula.

See the rest of the items - including one that may save your life - after the break!

5 Must Dos For Hiking in the Rain

Michele Foley — Thu, 11 Aug 2011 02:34:10 PDT

Even in the Summer, rain happens; but, don't let that stop you from going on a hike. With some careful planning and the proper gear, you'll be set to enjoy a hike in the rain wherever you may be. Always check the weather before heading out, and if rain seems imminent, follow these simple hiking tips to keep you safe and dry.

Wear waterproof and moisture-wicking clothing - Having a top layer of waterproof clothing is essential when hiking in the rain. A good waterproof jacket and pair of pants are what will keep you from being a cold, weighted down, soggy mess. To keep warm, wear a layer of moisture-wicking clothing under your waterproof gear. I'm a fan of a wool; in the off chance that your bottom layer gets wet, wool dries fast, and even when wet, it will keep you warm. To keep your head and face dry, pick a jacket with a hood or wear a wide-brimmed hat. When buying hiking gear, make sure the label reads waterproof - you'll end up soaked if you hike in gear that is merely water-resistant.
Wear waterproof shoes that have sticky rubber soles - Given that you'll be splashing around on wet trails and walking through puddles and small creeks, you want to wear shoes that will keep your feet dry. Look for hiking, approach, or trail running shoes that are waterproof and have sticky rubber soles. A specialized sticky rubber sole helps add extra grip to the bottom of your shoe, which proves especially helpful in uneven terrain.

See more tips on hiking in the rain after the break!

All the Right Gear For Summer Hikes

Heather Dale — Tue, 12 Jul 2011 15:36:05 PDT

Take to the hiking trails this Summer with the proper shoes, equipment, and apparel to help make your day - or night - excursion as effortless and enjoyable as possible. Just as it's a good idea to have the proper gear for Spring, hiking enthusiasts should also keep a stash of items suited for Summer hikes. Here are some great products to help keep you cool, comfortable, and hydrated while trekking through different terrains over the next couple of months.

Clockwise from top left: Black Diamond Spot Headlamp ($40), Columbia Omni Shade Sun Goddess Booney ($20), Patagonia Borderless Short ($48), Klean Kanteen Stainless Steel Water Bottle ($18), Guyot Squishy Bowl and Cup Set ($15), Brooks Cascadia 6 ($110), Feel Goodz Flip-Flops ($25), Thorlo CoolMax Light Hiker Socks ($16), ASICS Abby Shimmel Tank Top ($35), CamelBak Vantage 35 Hydration Pack ($149).

Strengthen and Tone With These Fun-in-the-Sun Workouts

Leta Shy — Thu, 30 Jun 2011 00:06:48 PDT

Does the upcoming long holiday weekend have you excited about having fun in the sun? After a Spring of "getting bikini-ready" workouts, now's the time to enjoy what the season has to offer while maintaining your strength-training regimen. No matter which body part you are looking to strengthen and tone, check out these Summer sports that'll work specific parts of your body!

Source: Flickr User Tom Walter

Urban Hikes Are Hikes, Too!

FitSugar — Mon, 20 Jun 2011 00:01:00 PDT

Enjoying nature and getting outdoors doesn’t mean you have to hop in the car to drive to your favorite hiking destination. Urban hiking can be just as vigorous and adventurous as trail hiking, so be sure to bring the same essentials with you: water, snacks, layers, an ID, and some cash - just in case.

Whether you map out a trail or wander with no destination in mind, be sure to mix up the terrain in order to get a better workout. Also, be sure to take advantage of the wide sidewalks - take your baby stroller with you or hold hands with your honey. Keep a lookout for cars and always have your eyes open for hidden gems you might otherwise overlook. Have fun urban hiking!

Click on the city nearest you for a custom hiking guide.

San Francisco Los Angeles Seattle

Chicago Boston New York

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

Jenny Sugar — Tue, 14 Jun 2011 09:56:20 PDT

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 into any naked people, stop right here!"

Ever since it opened in the Spring of 2010, the trails have been a big success. Even the town's mayor says it's "the latest attraction," giving hikers the chance to experience the "bodily freedom" only nude hiking can offer. Even Switzerland may hop on the hiking-in-the-buff bandwagon, although the issue is still under legislative review.

It may not surprise you to hear that the nudists hitting the trails are mostly men. I guess hiking au naturel for the ladies wouldn't be the safest idea.

I'm not about to strip down to my hiking boots and sunglasses and hit the woodsy trails just yet. My first thought is, "Geez, I'd go through way more bottles of sunscreen!" And what about bugs, thorns, and poison ivy? I would be so worried a pesky little tick would find its way into my personal business. Not to mention, hiking is a huge sweat fest. Not wearing any clothes would surely result in some chafing. If you're carrying a backpack, it can't feel too good rubbing on your bare skin. And worse, what if you fell on your bare bum? It all sounds pretty uncomfortable to me, but nude hikers say "hiking with clothes is too constrictive and they like the freedom of going without garments."