FitSugar

Winter Exercise Tip: Head Into the Wind First

FitSugar — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 04:00:00 PST

A lot of us run in one direction for 15 minutes then turn around and run back for the remaining 15 minutes. For those of us who live in windy places, this means that half of our runs are done into the wind and the other half are done with the wind at our back.

When it's especially cold outside you need to protect yourself from the elements, so start your outdoor jogs by heading into the wind on the first leg. You'll be less likely to get over chilled (and even frostbitten) on the way back (when you're wet from sweat) if you end your workout with the wind at your back.

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How to Warm Up For Every Type of Workout

Leta Shy — Wed, 28 Mar 2012 13:16:18 PDT

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 back muscles loose with these four upper body warm-up ideas you should do before your next yoga class.

Running: Walking briskly or jogging is an easy way to warm up for your actual run. But if you want to warm up in a way that targets your muscles specifically, dynamic warm-ups are the way to go. These warm-ups raise your heart beat and loosen tight muscles while you perform the moves, making you primed to have a good run. Try this short dynamic warm-up before you go out for your run.

Find out more ways to warm up after the break.

The Vampire Diaries "Bringing Out the Dead": The Good, The Bad, and The Bloody

Marisa Tom — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 07:46:39 PST

After a week's worth of TVD reprieve, it's about time we got some answers - specifically, ones that have everything to do with our favorite Original vamp Elijah and then some. From the tragic twisted fate of Bill Forbes to the shocking discovery Elena makes at home, we're still trying to wrap our heads around everything that goes down. Meanwhile, Bonnie and her estranged mother Abby are tasked with opening the mysteriously sealed fifth coffin, and Damon and Stefan head to Klaus's sweet new pad for the ultimate dinner party showdown.

Like all things based in Mystic Falls, nothing is as it seems and nothing ever goes according to plan. Ready to review the good, the bad, and the bloody? Just keep reading.

Winter Running Woe: Numb Toes

Jenny Sugar — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 14:02:06 PST

If you'd rather skip a run than hit the treadmill, then there's no doubt you're continuing with your outdoor runs even through this brisk and snowy Winter weather. That doesn't mean you're not dealing with some discomfort along the way. I've given you some tips on how to beat burning lungs, but if it's your feet that are bothering you, here are some ways to avoid numb toes.

First, consider your socks. You can't get away with wearing the same thin, ankle-length wicking socks you sported in the warmer months. Splurge on some thicker knee-highs; socks made of wool will keep your feet warm and dry. Be sure your socks aren't too tight as that can cut off circulation (go up a size to be sure). You can also try compression socks to improve circulation in your feet and legs.

If you're already wearing thicker socks, you'll probably want to go up half a size in your sneaks to accommodate the extra fabric. If you don't, the snug fit of your shoe might be the sole cause of your tingling feeling. Choose sneakers designed for colder, wetter weather (think waterproof Gore-tex) to protect your toes from the snow. Tie your shoes slightly looser because as you warm up, your feet will swell, and too-tight laces can cause that annoying numb sensation.

Continue reading for more tips on avoiding numb feet.

Gear Review: Mizuno Breath Thermo Tights and Crew Top

Leta Shy — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 16:29:16 PST

San Francisco may not have arctic weather, but running in the Winter still calls for a few layers, or at least gear strategically designed to keep frosty temps at bay. Enter the newest offering from running company Mizuno: its Breath Thermo line of zip-up jackets, tops, and tights designed with snowy weather in mind.

Thin and lightweight, both the Mizuno Breath Thermo Layered Running Tights ($75) and the Mizuno Breath Thermo Running Crew ($60) have a secret - they're made of material that both absorbs sweat and converts it to warmth using the company's Breath Thermo technology, so you stay dry and warm at the same time.

Once the evening temps hit the 50s, I took these out for a spin. I loved the tights the instant I pulled them on; they felt cozy and soft without feeling constricting, and they have well-thought-out details, like zippered calves for easy on, easy off, a small back zippered pocket for cash and ID, and an inside pocket for a key. Also, the strategic stitching and seam design give the tights a flattering fit as well - an important aspect to consider when you're running around town in leggings!

Find out what I thought about the Breath Thermo crew top after the break.

6 Things I Always Do Before Heading Out For a Run

Jenny Sugar — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 12:18:35 PST

After noshing on a little preworkout snack I always do six things before heading outside for a run.

Check the weather: It may look like blue skies, but that can change any second, especially in Vermont. Before getting all layered up, I take a peek at my local forecast map to stay on the lookout for any precipitation or storms headed my way so I can dress accordingly or plan to run later.
Make sure my iPhone is charged: Since I love listening to music on speakerphone (it's safer than wearing earbuds), a charged iPhone is a must, but more importantly, I carry it with me on every outdoor run just in case I need to call for help (a morbid thought, I know, but better to be safe than sorry).
Hit the ladies room: Nothing is worse than that uncomfortable feeling of needing "to go" halfway through my run, so I always hit the loo one last time before heading out.

Continue reading to find out the other three things I always do before heading out for a run.

Intense Cardio For Those Who Hate the Treadmill

Leta Shy — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 02:41:31 PDT

I'm a fan of the treadmill, but I have many otherwise fitness-loving friends who'd rather do almost anything else than a 30-minute gym run. If you're the same, here are other ways to reap the same calorie-burning benefits without a seemingly boring run.

Try a different machine: Think your cardio only comes from the treadmill? Think again. Raise your heart rate with another machine at the gym. Try a spinning class to burn major calories, check out the row machine for an all-body workout, or go full-force on the elliptical. Each of these will burn major calories while being less hard on your legs and knees.

Intervals: Many people say they hate the treadmill because it's boring and don't think that they can run for a long time. High-intensity intervals help in both these cases. And you don't have to stick to the treadmill. Bundle up with your favorite cold-weather running gear and hit the trails, and alternate your vigorous runs with jogging.

More intense cardio ideas after the break.

How to Breathe When Running

Heather Dale — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 14:57:35 PDT

Ever wonder why some days you feel like an energizer bunny and can keep running and running, while other days your legs feel like lead and you have zero stamina? Certainly the amount of sleep you got the night before, stress levels, and diet play a role in how you perform during your runs, but how you regulate your breath during your jogging session also effects your energy levels. Here's how to power your muscles with fresh oxygen on each stride.

Learn to breathe deeply: Your lungs are just a bit smaller than your ribcage, but we all tend to use just the top third of the lung. One reason being that, like all muscles, the intercostals, which run between the ribs, can get tight and inflexible, limiting the expansiveness of your lungs. When you take a deep breath, you are expanding the lungs, pressing down the diaphragm, and causing your abdomen to expand as your lungs fill with air. Learning to breathe this way helps you take in lots of oxygen while running, preventing dizziness and nausea. With a little training and some stretching you can breathe to your full potential to increase your endurance. Cross-training with noncardio workouts like yoga and Pilates can also help you learn to breathe from your diaphragm. Here are some tips for how to conquer diaphragmatic breathing.

Here's what else you can do to control your breathing during runs.

Grey's Anatomy Rundown, "I Will Survive"

Becky Kirsch — Fri, 13 May 2011 05:22:01 PDT

Grey's Anatomy isn't exactly jam-packed with excitement this week, but there's plenty of setup for the drama to come in next week's season finale. The race for chief resident is nearing a close, and a handful of contenders are left out in the cold. Meanwhile, a bunch of the doctors contemplate making moves out of Seattle Grace, and at least two are out the door unless there are some shakeups.

The race is pretty much down to Meredith and Alex at this point, prompting Alex to make a dirty move toward his friend that should have some pretty huge consequences. Ready to discuss it all? Just

Out of nowhere, Jackson decides that he wants to drop out of Webber's diabetes trial, so that he can focus on his surgeries. It's a head scratcher that leaves Owen yelling at the young surgeon that he's a quitter and making a huge mistake. When the truth comes out that Jackson doesn't want his famous name attached to the project, since it could risk Webber's chances for a Harper Avery award, Owen commends Jackson's decision - but it's clear he's no longer a contender for chief. Jackson assures Lexie that he's fine with this because he's still got her as a girlfriend . . .
Or does he? After a few blissful weeks with Jackson, Lexie's eyes begin to wander to Mark yet again. She can blame it on the baby Bjorn all she wants, but it's clear that seeing Mark as a father is making Lexie reconsider her decision to leave him. The two share a loaded moment where Mark admits that he has "almost" everything he's ever wanted. Lexie's googly eyes don't go unnoticed by Jackson, but he manages to laugh it off and put an arm around his girlfriend. I'm not so sure that Jackson should be as confident as he is, though he and Lexie have really grown on me as a couple. I smell a big decision coming on from Lexie: Who do you think she'll choose?
Teddy and Henry are now at the phase of their friendship where they go for jogs looking every bit like a real (beautiful) couple - but she's still in denial about her feelings. Henry decides to man up and get a job, so he can stop mooching off her insurance, though his hopes for a real relationship appear to be too late. When he goes to proposition her, Teddy tells him that she's decided to head to Germany with Andrew. Despite what she says, her eyes practically beg Henry to ask her to stay, and she doesn't do a great job of her hiding her disappointment when Henry asks for a divorce to mask his sadness. This is Grey's after all though, so I'm expecting a big Hollywood season finale kiss for these two next weeks.
To amp up her game for chief resident, Cristina employs a two-part scheme: first, she withholds sex from Owen as to not "cloud his judgment" in making the important decision. Then, she goes behind Teddy's back and essentially hijacks a patient who just so happens to have a tree growing on his lung. It elicits a debate between April and Cristina about following protocol and the importance of the rules, and in the end, April tattles on Cristina. Cristina wins her surgery but she loses the war: Owen explains to her that she's not cut out to be a chief resident and that she should focus on being an excellent surgeon instead. Of course, Cristina doesn't respond well to this news, but in a few hours she's already giving the same spiel about "doing what you're good at" to Karev - and shows Owen she's over it with a big fat smooch.
Karev's been balls to the wall in his campaign for chief, and it's clearly starting to take a toll on him. He contemplates heading to Africa if he doesn't get the position, saying that he'll have nothing left to stick around for. His selfishness rubs Lucy the wrong way, and after careful consideration, Alex announces that he wants to stay and be with her. Too little, too late though - Lucy's already landed a new gig ~~on the Charlie's Angels reboot~~, and surprise! She's taking the job in Africa Alex passed up. I sympathize with Karev, but he's basically getting a taste of his own medicine here, so it's hard to feel too bad for him.
Though Alex is still essentially ignoring Meredith, she's got bigger things on her mind - like motherhood. Last week, she and Derek were all sunshine and rainbows about adopting baby Zola, but Mere starts second-guessing herself as the dream gets closer to reality. Even after rehashing a few of her brushes with death (what about the near-drowning after the Ferry crash?), Meredith still manages to make a good impression during her adoption agency. Unfortunately, the promo for next week insinuates that this happy little family has some serious obstacles ahead.
A dejected Alex heads to Joe's, where he fights back tears and downs a shot after shot. Cristina's still on a warpath, and she starts digging into Alex to forget about chief resident, because Meredith is better suited to the position than he is. At this point, it really is down to Alex and Mere, and a drunken Alex gives himself a leg up on the competition: he tells Owen that Meredith switched the charts in the Alzheimer's trial. This is a scummy move even for Alex; not only has Meredith been one of his only true friends, but he doesn't even know if she definitely would have gotten the position. Though I knew the secret wouldn't stay under wraps for long, my jaw still dropped when he mouths off.

Will Alex automatically be chief resident now, or does April still have a chance? Were you surprised at Alex's announcement? Do you think Derek will leave Mere for good? And most importantly: Cristina is pregnant! Discuss.

5 Ways Being a Mom Makes You Healthier

Jenny Sugar — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 12:41:37 PDT

Just because you had a baby (or two, or three), it doesn't mean your health and body automatically get pushed aside. There are many ways being a mother can actually improve how you take care of yourself, and here are just a few.

While prego, you change how you think about eating. It's no longer just about taste but about nourishing your growing baby. You think twice about skipping meals or eating cold pizza for breakfast. And if you're nursing, you want to eat healthy because whatever you eat passes into your breast milk.
After the baby is born, you exercise regularly to lose the baby weight, but all that working out also strengthens your muscles and immune system, makes your heart healthy, and helps you sleep better.
As a mom, you want to set a good example for your kids to live a healthy lifestyle. If they see you eating your broccoli and heading out for bike rides, they're more likely to grow up embracing the same healthy ways. Although the main reason you strive to be a positive role model is for the benefit of your kiddos, it ultimately helps you become healthier, too.
Outdoor time is essential for your kids, not only for the fresh air, but also for the change of scenery and the opportunity to get all their energy out. It encourages you to get outside, too, to go for walks, to pop them in their jogging stroller, to take family bike rides, or to just run around and play with them.
You love being a mom and watching your kids grow up. Since you want to be strong, healthy, and have enough energy to care for your children in the best way possible - and you also want to be around until they have kids of their own- you're inspired to take better care of yourself. Becoming a mom might help you quit smoking, get serious about losing weight, have your cholesterol checked, or even start training for a marathon.

How has being a mom made you a healthier person?