FitSugar

Locker Room Time-Savers

FitSugar — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 10:00:13 -0700

If you use your lunch hour to work fitness into your work day, saving time in the locker room is a must. Here are some tips to try.

If you can get away with it, wear a slip into an all-in-one sports top with built in bra so you don't have to hassle with layering. If you need the support, find a sports bra that opens with a hook and eye contraption because they are easier to get on and off. I like this one by Danskin.
Clear your gym bag of inessential items so you don't have dig around extra gear. I put my socks inside my shoes the night before so they're already together.
Avoid spending time unraveling iPod cords by investing in a cord keeper. I like the SmarterWrap cord manager ($4.99).
Instead of using a headband, put hair in a loose ponytail. This will preserve volume and eliminate time at the blow dryer post workout.

There are a few more time-saving tips for the locker room, so read more

Simplify your shower time and just soap up your body and use dry shampoo to freshen up hair.
Keep makeup in a see through case (or even Ziploc bag) so you can see what you're grabbing for and aren't left searching frantically for your eyeliner.
If possible, avoid the prime lunch rush and head to the gym a little earlier or later to avoid waiting in lines for the showers, hair dryers, etc.

Have any time saving tips ~~up your sleeve~~ in your gym bag? Please share them in the comments section below.

Speak Up: Getting Naked in the Locker Room

FitSugar — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 14:30:00 -0700

I would say that the locker room became an emotionally loaded issue during junior high or high school. Getting naked with a bunch of strangers is definitely not an American pastime. Other cultures take steam baths in public regularly and topless sunbathing is common all over Europe. It seems like FitSugar reader are split in how they feel about their bodies naked. I read Locker Room Diaries last Summer and I emailed the author, my blogging buddy Leslie, whenever I have a "partially clothed" conversation in the locker room.

After reading her book, I have noticed how different women approach changing and showering at the gym. So now I am wondering about how you all feel about getting naked in the locker room? Are you comfortable with it, or do you change at home? The showers at my gym are communal, and I have seen ladies wearing swimsuits while washing their hair as well as women shaving all sorts of hair in the shower. Do you shower at the gym? How about the sauna or the steam room? Speak up and tell me how you feel about getting naked in the locker room.

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Fit Tip: Don't Lose Your Lock

FitSugar — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 02:30:00 -0800

I used to forget my combination lock frequently when I went to the gym, and it drove me nuts. I'd have to either lug my bag around while I worked out or pay for one of the coin lockers. But, if you're frequently changing bags - maybe using a gym bag some days or just throwing your stuff into your purse another day - a lock is an easy thing to forget or, even worse, lose.

So I came up with a simple solution: I always kept my combination lock inside the toe of one of my running shoes. That way, even if I'm using a new bag or traveling or visiting a friend's gym, I always have my lock with my shoes. Of course, there is always the possibility that I could forget my shoes, too, but then I wouldn't be able to work out anyway! Do you have a trick for keeping up with your gym lock? If so, please share in the comments.

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Beach Reading Recommendation: Locker Room Diaries

FitSugar — Mon, 11 Jun 2007 08:45:00 -0700

Looking for a good book to read while kicking back on the beach. Well here's a book that should do the trick - Locker Room Diaries. It is, in some ways, an anthropological study of the culture of women's locker room, and I found it fascinating. The subtitle sums the book up well: The Naked Truth about Women, Body Image, and Re-imagining the "Perfect" Body. Author Leslie Goldman has a MPH, so professionally she's got the authority to write on the subject. As a woman that battled an eating disorder and came out the other side, she's got personal cred as well.

The book recounts the rituals of the gym locker room: the weigh-in, the steam room, the continual conversation women have with themselves and others about their bodies, most often what they hate and want to change. Goldman interviewed many women on body image, often wearing only a towel herself - in this setting the interviews are quite candid. The chapter on breasts titled "Booby Trapped," is especially enlightening on the relationship women have with their own breasts.

Other chapters are equally engaging on subjects like eating disorders, the pregnant body, waxing, steam room etiquette, and ethnicity and body image. This book would make an excellent beach read, since you can open it up and just start reading on any page, the subject matter just pulls you in.

It is now out in paperback and you can buy it from Barnes and Noble for $13.95. Or better yet, why not take a stroll to your local book store and see if they have it on their shelf. You will get some exercise, save on shipping and decrease your carbon foot print just a little bit too.

Locker Room Beauty Fixes in a Flash

FitSugar — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 08:00:00 -0700

I often love the way I look after a nice hard workout. The problem is that when I am working out at lunch, the "I've just sweat buckets" look doesn't always mesh with a post workout meeting with my boss.

Fitness Magazine consulted with workout diva Denise Austin on her own personal locker room beauty tips that make going from sweaty to sweet in minutes. Here are highlights:

Problem: Ponytail Crease
Fix: To prevent a ridge from forming mid-length, pull hair into a high ponytail and secure with a fabric holder instead of a tight elastic. "When you take hair down, it'll have extra volume," says Austin.
Problem: Flaky Skin
Fix: Avoid deodorant soap during your post-workout shower. Opt for a gentle body wash or simply rinse with water.

There are more easy tips so read more.

Problem: Flushed Cheeks
Fix: Tone down red cheeks with a blast of cool air from a blow-dryer, then apply moisturizer to soothe skin. "Skip foundation and let your natural rosy glow shine through," says Austin.
Problem: Melted Mascara
Fix: Remove smudges with a cleansing cloth. "Then curl lashes to revitalize the mascara that's still on," says Austin.

If you have a good locker room beauty tip, share it in the comments section below.

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Locker Room Time Savers

FitSugar — Thu, 01 Nov 2007 08:45:00 -0700

For those of us who sneak out of the office to get in a quick workout at lunch, anything that can cut time down in the locker room is helpful.

Forget layering sports bra and shirt, instead slip into an all-in-one sports top with built in bra.
Only pack the necessities in your bag so you're not left fumbling around to find your gear. I like to put my socks inside my shoes the night before so they're already together.
Avoid spending time unraveling iPod cords by investing in a cord keeper. I like the SmarterWrap cord manager ($4.99).
Instead of using a headband, put hair in a loose ponytail. This will preserve volume and eliminate time at the blow dryer post workout.
Take a "body shower" and use dry shampoo to freshen up hair.

There are a few more time saving tips for the locker room, so read more

Forget about fidgeting with bottles in the shower, wash your face and bod with the cleansing cloths. I like the ones by Dove.
Keep makeup in a see through case (or even ziplock bag) so you can see what you're grabbing for and aren't left searching frantically for your eyeliner.
If possible, avoid the prime lunch rush and head to the gym a little earlier or later to avoid waiting in lines for the showers, hair dryers, etc.

Source

Healthy Dose Link Time!!!!!!

FitSugar — Mon, 11 Jun 2007 13:30:00 -0700

fitPod's new mix is awesome. AfterBurn promises 30 plus minutes of musical motivation for your next workout. Downloads are FREE!!!

vita-beat reports that Tyson is recalling beef from Walmart Stores across the Southeast.

The City Gardener at Lime shares a cautionary, yet optimistic tale of gardening with toddler twins.

Back in Skinny Jeans has a great interview with Leslie Goldman author of Locker Room Diaries.

About: Yoga offers up Legs Up the Wall - Viparita Karani as an easy inversion in a restorative style. This is a great way to unwind on a hot day.

The Weighting Game offers up many ways to run like a girl. Yes, running skirts are part of the plan.

iFit&Healthy has the skinny on Denise Richard's diet and exercise regimen.

The Skinny Website celebrates with Rihanna as she receives “Celebrity Legs of a Goddess” Award.

About: Low Fat Cooking has a great recipe for Potato Spinach Frittata.

Health Bolt wants you to quit smoking too. Here is a great chart of what happens to your body if you quit smoking RIGHT NOW. You can print it yourself or buy a copy of the poster. Talk about motivation to quit.

That's Fit has some information on a new sugar substitute made from whey.

Complete Running shares a chart that illustrates how losing weight helps you run faster.

diet-blog reports that oolong tea can help with weight loss.

Sitting Naked in the Locker Room, Not So Pretty

FitSugar — Fri, 15 Dec 2006 17:30:00 -0800

Today when I was at the gym I was totally inspired for a post because I was in shock by what was happening in the womens' locker room.

I recently read something about this but didn't believe anyone actually did it until today at the gym, where I saw not one but TWO, naked female culprits. Here is the thing, don't sit on anything in the locker room (benches, chairs, etc.) if you're naked. First of all it's just gross, but also because you don't know who else was sitting there naked before you -- so this means that whatever they might have had going on down there, including Herpes, could be passed on to you. Double gross.

I can only imagine what goes on inside the men's locker room.

Healthy Dose Link Time

FitSugar — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 11:00:34 -0700

Plate up with these foods next time you're at a salad bar - Shape
Do you miss Nadal's biceps on the tennis court? - Social Workout
Huge Lips Skinny Hips: appetite-suppressing lip gloss? -
Learn Heidi Klum's favorite booty move - FitCeleb
How do you feel about stripping down in the locker room? - Vitamin G
Sweat while sightseeing and take a running tour of the Big Apple - Fresh Fitness Tips
Reasons to skip the antibacterial soap - The Weather Channel
Tips on keeping Boston Market diet friendly - Daily Spark

Hitting the Gym? Check Your Etiquette

FitSugar — Mon, 18 May 2009 03:30:00 -0700

The gym is a shared space where we sweat, work hard and relax. There are some important spoken and unspoken rules when it comes to working out with others, so please keep these in mind the next time you go to work out. Some of these are FitSugar readers' ideas.

"Don't go to the gym if you're sick." - jkat
Come clean. Your clothes should be washed and smelling fresh. Also, Spectra says, "Please wear deodorant at the gym, especially if you plan on getting really sweaty. "
AMP says "Please no perfume [or cologne] at the gym." The powerful smell could cause an allergic reaction in tight quarters.
Leave your cell phone in the car or locker room. If you're expecting a call, turn off the ringer and call the person back once you're away from other gym-goers. No one wants to here you gabbing away.
Don't be a hog. The equipment is there to share so be mindful of the time limits on cardio and weight machines. If you're training for a marathon and need the treadmill for more than an hour, hit the gym mid-day when it's not so crowded.
LesleyP825 also says, "You know what I hate? Hovering. Like if I'm on a machine in the middle of a set and someone is standing over you. Then when I get off they practically jump on top of me to use it. Have some patience!"

For more etiquette advice read more.

Don't stare. Aside from being rude, keep in mind that people aren't always looking to meet while they're sweating. If you're interested, talk to the person after the workout.
Get to classes at least five minutes early. It's nice to settle in and find your spot, and it ensures that you don't interrupt the class once it's already begun. If you're late, sneak in as quietly as possible.
"Don't chat to your friends during class." - syako
Clean off the equipment properly. Renees3 reminds us not to use the same towel you wiped up your sweaty face with to clean the machine. Use a clean towel or paper towel and cleaning spray offered by the gym to wipe down handles, buttons, and everything you touched to prevent passing on your germs.
"Don't leave your bags, jackets, towels, etc. where people can trip on them!" - millarci
"Please don't sit naked on the bench in the locker room. Seriously, for your sake and mine, put down a towel." - spider_pig

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