Latest Exercise Trend: Ramping


Updated 05/01/07 8:33 PM · Posted by FitSugar · 6 comments

Latest Exercise Trend: Ramping

I am always looking for a way to do something new, fitness wise. At one point, step aerobics was the latest thing, but that time has since come and gone. You'll still find step classes in almost every gym, but they are not nearly as popular as they once were. Enter Ramping. I know it sounds a little odd but ramping is very similar to step aerobics (in fact it was created by the very same person Read more

5 Solutions to Beginner Bike Commuting Problems


Updated 05/18/12 9:45 AM · Posted by · 0 comments

How to Start a Bike Commute

That fact that it's National Bike Month and the warmer Spring days may mean you have cycling on the brain. Whether you're participating in your city's Bike to Work program or you're starting a commuting routine, here are some solutions to your newbie concerns. I don't know my route: Finding a bike-friendly route is especially crucial if you're a cycling newbie, so before your actual commute, Read more

Bike On: How to Find Your Ideal RPM


Updated 05/03/12 3:20 PM · Posted by · 7 comments

How Fast Should I Pedal When Biking

May is National Bike Month, and we hope you're planning on pedaling. And when cruising on two wheels, to protect your knees and prevent leg fatigue while cycling, you need to pay attention to your pedaling speed! You calculate your pedaling speed through rpms — the revolutions per minute of your pedals. The magic number is 80 rpms. Between 60 to 80 rpms is considered ideal for your knees, but Read more

Dispel These Common Complaints and Start a Love Affair With Running


Updated 05/07/12 12:18 PM · Posted by · 0 comments

Common Running Complaints

You want to love running, you do, but every time you head out for a run, you end up hating it even more. Check out some of the most common complaints below, and find out how you can turn your relationship with running around for the better. "My Knee, My Back, My Feet — Everything Hurts" Pounding the pavement is not easy on the body, and one reason for aches and pains is poor running form. Read more

Know Your Basics: How to Do a Lunge


Updated 05/01/12 3:10 AM · Posted by · 0 comments

How to Do a Lunge

Lunges are a quintessential exercise; you can do them anywhere and the effects can be seen in no time, in the form of shapely, toned legs and backside (just in time for bikini season!). If you're planning on incorporating lunges into your routine, however, make sure you're not doing more harm than good. Find out how to do lunges correctly below. The basics: It's important to do lunges properly Read more

Get to Know Your Iliotibial Band


Updated 04/18/12 9:27 AM · Posted by · 7 comments

What Is the Iliotibial Band and Why Does It Cause Me Pain?

Many a runner has been sidelined by knee pain caused by the iliotibial band (aka the ITB). But knowing how to deal with this long band of fascia, which runs down the outside of the thigh from the pelvis to just below the shin, can help keep an injury at bay. Knowledge is power, and we want to help keep you on the road. First off, fascia is a stiff connective tissue (like tendons and ligaments) Read more

Posture Perfect: Standing Reverse Fly With Exercise Band


Updated 05/25/12 2:07 PM · Posted by · 0 comments

Improve Your Posture and Look Thinner With the Reverse Fly

Rounded shoulders and bad posture have the unfortunate effect of making us all look heavier than we really are, especially in the midsection. If you spend hours hunched over a computer, you need to combat the inevitable slouch so you can rock your bikini at the beach or wow your wedding guests as you walk down the aisle. Having good posture can really make you look 10 pounds thinner! So try this Read more

How to Deal With Spring Running and Shin Splints


Updated 04/09/12 7:04 AM · Posted by FitSugar · 25 comments

Running and Shin Splints

When Spring weather hits, many runners can't wait to wave goodbye to the treadmill and head to the open road. All that fresh air and gorgeous scenery gives the sense of freedom, but it can also cause a painful sensation in the front of the lower legs. Shin splints are a common ailment for runners switching from the treadmill to the road, and if a runner doesn't take certain precautions, that pain Read more

Essential Exercises For Your Lower Body


Updated 03/07/12 11:40 AM · Posted by · 3 comments

How to Do Basic Lower-Body Exercises

As Summer nears, our thoughts turn to what's underneath those layers of Winter clothes. If you're looking to tone your backside and legs before bikini season, here are five essential lower-body moves fundamental to any workout. And don't worry — you can do them anywhere! The squat: That burning in your upper thighs as you hold a squat tells you just how great this move is for lower body Read more

Improve Your Running With Squats


Updated 02/28/12 12:25 PM · Posted by · 0 comments

Why Runners Should Do Squats

Don't skip out on strength training just because you think running is the ultimate form of exercise. Building a little muscle should be part of every runner's cross-training fitness routine. Squats, a classic lower-body move, is great for runners for these four reasons. Prevent knee injuries: Knee pain is one of the most common injuries runners face. Aside from wearing supportive sneakers and Read more