FitSugar

Swank Worthy: Krav Maga

FitSugar — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 13:30:00 -0800

On the red carpet yesterday, Oscar veteran Hilary Swank mentioned she was keeping fit with Krav Maga. The name sounds a little like a spell from the Harry Potter series, but the health and fitness nut seems to be expanding her workout repertoire.

Krav Maga is a form of self-defense used by the Israeli army, and "Krav Maga" translates literally from Hebrew to mean "contact combat." Let me tell you, it sounds intense, both mentally and physically. Krav Maga is described as a "practical and tactical system, which teaches how to prevent, deal, and overcome all kinds of violence and attacks." The classes seem extremely physical and are designed to create fatigue using stress drills that help students learn and react under adverse conditions. Sounds really fierce to me.

To see what Hilary has to say about it, just read more.

Hilary explains it like this:

You punch, you kick, you also learn how to get out of a choke hold. I love, love it.

Krav Maga academies are located internationally. If you are interested in studying this form of self-defense, you can find a school near you here. The studio near my house offers two classes for free so you can try it out before buying a class package. Taking a physically intense self-defense class like this sounds like a way to burn some serious calories and learn some important skills at the same time.

Have you tried Krav Maga? Tell me about in the comments section below.

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Get the Bod: Hilary Swank Believes in Moderation

FitSugar — Wed, 16 May 2007 08:45:00 -0700

Hilary Swank won me over in her role in Million Dollar Baby. When it comes to a fit and healthy body, any strong female who can box is top on my list of inspirational women.

When asked how she stays so healthy, she told Men's Fitness:

"Well, I think I'm really blessed with good genes because I really am a big eater. I really like food and food is life to me, but I kind of eat what I want and do it in moderation." I'm with you on that, Hilary. I feel disgusting if I eat a whole brownie sundae or entire bag of kettle corn on my own.

She also said, "If my body craves something I allow myself to have it." Hallelujah - a celeb that doesn't deprive herself of life's little sweet pleasures.

Since she works nonstop, she says "I have to have sustained energy so I understand about nutrition." She also takes vitamins and exercise is a huge part of her life. She said "it's a huge stress relief; it mentally makes me feel great. It gets my blood going, it gives me more energy, and it makes me think better."

What's her normal exercise routine? She goes running 2 or 3 times a week, and takes Pilates 3 days a week. She doesn't exercise everyday, she says, "I usually take 2 days off during the week."

OK, moderation, vitamins, and exercising about 5 times a week - sounds reasonable to me, Hilary. I think it's wonderful that she looks incredible by following principals of moderation and healthy living.

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Fittest Oscar Winner of the Past: Best Actress

FitSugar — Fri, 23 Feb 2007 09:04:53 -0800

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Celebs Like to Shake It

FitSugar — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 05:50:58 -0700

At first, the Power Plate seems like another gimmicky weight-loss product, but its website features endorsements from fit celebs like Madonna, Courteney Cox, and Hilary Swank. On top of that, it's used by over 60 college and pro sports teams, and the Police brought one with them on their reunion tour. That's some serious ~~celeb~~ street cred.

The secret behind the Power Plate is its vibrating plates. The manufacturer claims that if you stand on it for 10 minutes a day, three times a week, you'll lose weight, tone your body, and improve bone density. To really maximize the benefits of the machine, it's encouraged that you do the same exercises you would do on the floor - sit-ups, for example - on the Power Plate.

Cougar Town actress Cox says the Power Plate was essential in shaping her up for her new role: "The Power Plate machine has dramatically changed my workout. I know that every muscle in my body is being ignited in ways that you can't do with traditional training."

To see a video of Cox's trainer Michelle Lovett demonstrating the Power Plate, read more.

They call the technology behind the machine Acceleration Training: the vibrations transmit energy waves to the body that are able to contract muscles 25 to 50 times per second. This is suppose to help stimulate blood flow, work the muscles harder than ever before, and increase strength and flexibility.

Vibration training is not a new thing in the fitness world (remember the black rubber belts that used to go around the waist to shake off fat?), but it's been picking up steam especially as it garners more backing from the medical community and health professionals.

Studies done on the effects of vibration training show that if used properly, it's more beneficial at building lean muscle mass, improving weight loss, and increasing strength and speed than exercise regimens without vibration training. Researchers warn that the machines should not be used for more than 30 minutes a day due to health concerns about engaging the body in high-amplitude vibrations like back pain or blurred vision.

I remain a little skeptical, mostly because I can't get the Shake Weights infomercial out of my head, but my curiosity is piqued. My gym doesn't have a Power Plate yet, does yours? I'd love to hear what you think of this new workout.

Healthy Dose Link Time

FitSugar — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 11:00:00 -0700

Beyonce weighs in on gaining and losing for movie roles - That's Fit
Irradiation: promising or problematic? - Mark's Daily Apple
Tasty and healthy recipe: shrimp and chickpeas - YumSugar
Drink to your health with juice - Real Simple
The dos and don'ts of power napping - Vitamin G
Hilary Swank gains 30 pounds to play French woman? - Elastic Waist
Just 30 minutes of other people's smoke can harm you - Woman's Health

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Healthy Dose Link Time

FitSugar — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 13:00:00 -0700

High-Fructose Corn Syrup hires a PR agent to sweeten its rep – Elastic Waist
The bounce in your sports bra could power your iPod – That's Fit
Givenchy + JT = Photoshop? – Back in Skinny Jeans
Pool time exercise fun – Vital Juice Daily
Reading about cellulite while working out is a downer – The Weighting Game
Details on dinner with Hilary Swank's nutritionist – Margarita Shapes Up
Easy 100 calorie cuts – Shape

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Speak Up: Which Celebrities Inspire You to Work Out?

FitSugar — Thu, 15 May 2008 13:00:00 -0700

When it comes to getting the motivation to eat healthy and exercise regularly, people find motivation all over the place. Maybe you're inspired by an upcoming event like a vacation, or maybe you have health problems in your family you want to avoid, or you have a personal weight goal you want to achieve.

Seeing other people living healthy lifestyles, especially celebrities, can actually be inspirational. While I really appreciate not needing to worry how I will look in a bikini on film, I do find inspiration in celebs who take care of themselves because it makes them feel confident and full of energy. Jennifer Garner, Madonna, Ashlee Simpson, Sheryl Crow, Hayden Panettiere and Hilary Swank are a few of the celebs that inspire me on days when I don't feel like exercising. So tell me, which celebs inspire you to work out and be healthy?

Class Act: Ex Factor

FitSugar — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 15:00:00 -0800

Looking for a new class that gets you pumped - literally and figuratively - for Valentine's Day by taking out a little aggression on your ex?

Maybe you should check out Ex-Factor, a new class from Crunch. This Valentine’s Day, Crunch invites all victims of love to take out their postrelationship aggression in this intense boxing/kickboxing class. Bring in a picture of your ex to tape on a focus mitt and then you'll get paired up with another bitter boxer; you'll both get the opportunity to get even. While going Hilary Swank on your former flame's pics, you'll also burn calories and tone up. Heck, you may even meet a few other singles to hit happy hour with after class.

If you're not a Crunch member, it's okay since members and nonmembers are welcome. Check out Crunch for all class times and locations.

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Get in Gear: Pink Boxing Glove Keyring

FitSugar — Mon, 22 Oct 2007 02:30:00 -0700

I'll admit it, I'm not much of a boxer. I have dabbled in kick boxing a little, but I was never good with hitting other people, or even a lifeless punching bag for that matter. However since watching Hilary Swank kick butt in Million Dollar Baby, I have been totally impressed by how fit boxers can be.

Whether or not you're a boxer chick, you can still tell everyone you could kick butt (you know, if you really wanted to) with this adorable Everlast Pink Boxing Glove Keyring ($1.29). To me it says, "Yeah, I'm super fit and I like pink. Whatcha wanna make of it?" And for under two bucks, it's worth every penny.

A Week In Review: FitSugar Roundup

FitSugar — Sat, 19 May 2007 04:00:00 -0700

Want to accessorize like Fergie-Ferg? Then check out the Terminator FuelBelt. Will you be both hydrated and cool? Well, it depends on how your are using the word "cool."

Worried about sun damaging to your skin? Well, don't let your SPF 30 turn into SPF 20.

Have you heard the term TOFI? The acronym means Thin Outside Fat Inside - read more about this condition here.

Planning a bachelorette party? Well I've got some great alternative ideas you might be interested in: private yoga class, S Factor strip exercise class, a spa or a Mehndi party.

I am so impressed with Tyra Banks' workout these days. She isn't doing crunches; she's boxing!!!

If you are feeling stressed out, you might just need a good cry.

Interested in taking your workout outdoors? Try a Boot Camp.

I want to hear what you have to say about vertical workstations - a desk set above a TreadMill.

Speaking of TreadMills - have you seen this doggie TreadMill.

Interested to know how Hilary Swank stays looking so trim? Interestingly enough, she believes in moderation.

What do you hate most about going to the gyno? Tell me here.

Plagued by seasonal allergies? I got two ideas for you: eat local honey or try hot pepper nasal spray.

Tight hips? You must try the Double Pigeon. It's a great stretch.

Here are some ways to avoid foot pain caused by running.

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