FitSugar

Do You Feel Comfortable Changing in the Locker Room?

FitSugar — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 03:47:04 PST

Confession: I do not change in the locker room. I didn't feel comfortable doing it in high school gym and I still don't feel comfortable. I'm not the only one either: there are more than a few ladies at my gym who change in a bathroom stall or arrive dressed in the workout gear. Also, I've never seen anyone in my sauna without a towel around her.

I'm a little modest about getting naked in front of a bunch of strangers, but I know other women have different reasons for staying clothed. Some aren't comfortable with their bodies, others don't want to be judged, and some don't feel like their locker rooms are private enough. No one wants to be caught with their pants down as the door swings wide open to the gym floor!

What about you . . .

Locker Room Time-Savers

FitSugar — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 10:00:13 PDT

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

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 PDT

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.

Source

Fit Tip: Don't Lose Your Lock

FitSugar — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 02:30:00 PST

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.

Source

Locker Room Beauty Fixes in a Flash

FitSugar — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 08:00:00 PDT

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

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.

Source

4 Time-Saving Tips For a Healthy Lifestyle

Leta Shy — Thu, 24 May 2012 13:18:40 PDT

Summers can be incredibly busy - between shuttling kids to and from activities to planning and going on vacation, all the activities that come along with the season can leave you pressed for time. Luckily, we've got a few suggestions for how to maintain a healthy lifestyle, even if you've only got minutes to spare.

Total-body in 20: Breaking up your workout in just 10- or 20-minute increments ensures that you'll break a sweat and burn calories without having to devote too much time out of your day. Even more efficient is making sure that your workouts target all areas of your body. For short workouts that you can do anywhere, check out our fast full-body workouts.

Home cooking: It's easier to cook healthily if you've already done the legwork. Shop for produce and other groceries at the beginning of the week so you can plan every night's dinners - check out one of our healthy dinner plans for the week here. You can also store individual servings of smoothies or sauces (using an ice-cube tray!) in your freezer to have at hand while whipping up a meal.

Read on for more time-saving tips!

How to Select Dinnerware For Your Registry

Sara Yoo — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 11:30:01 PDT

The scanner gun is unholstered and a store full of kitchen delights spreads out in front of you. But before you pull that trigger, have you done your research? While wedding registries may seem like a green light to sign up for every dish, appliance, and throw pillow of your dreams, making smart list choices will help ensure that your generous guests buy the items you can really use . . . and eliminate the need to rent a storage locker to stockpile your new stuff.

First up, we're serving up some tips on how to select the best dinnerware for your needs and lifestyle. Those plates, bowls, and coffee cups may seem awfully plain next to that shiny chrome espresso machine, but you'll end up using them more frequently than virtually any other item in your kitchen cabinets, so you'd better love them for the long haul. Ready to dish on dinnerware? Just read on.

6 Things to Expect During a Facial

Jaime Richards — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 03:05:00 PDT

Going to the dermatologist's office can be quite intimate, but so can a trip to the esthetician, as well. While a doctor's office is more stark and sterile by design, a spa room is dark and soothing, making for an entirely different experience. So whether you're apprehensive about getting a facial or you're just looking for tips to get in the facial mindset, just keep reading to see how you can better prepare.

How to Wear Makeup While Working Out (If You Must)

Allure — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 04:42:16 PDT

We're happy to present this story from our friends at Allure:

Track and field star Jessica Ennis, currently in training for the London 2012 Olympics, recently admitted that she always competes in a full face of makeup. And Ennis's explanation of her race ritual to The Daily Mail certainly makes sense: "I definitely think if I feel I look good, it makes me feel more confident," she told the London paper.

Her story also made me wonder exactly what effect makeup could have on your complexion if you are really sweating up a storm. "Wearing makeup while working out can hinder some of the natural ways your skin adjusts to exertion, like sweating and dilating pores," says New York City dermatologist Erin Gilbert. "This can be a disaster as it often leads to clogged pores and breakouts." If you are like Ennis and feel the need to not go bare-faced, get her tips on how to protect your skin while you sweat:

Gym Bag Essential: Skinnyskinny Dry Shampoo

Heather Dale — Fri, 18 Mar 2011 10:24:32 PDT

I've got wavy, long, and thick wild tresses, which, needless to say, isn't the easiest to manage post-workout. I try my best to skip washing my hair every day to prevent damage, but I love the feeling of squeaky clean hair. Even when I attempt to just rinse my hair with water, I may throw in a bit of conditioner to make my hair smell like a bouquet of fresh flowers.

For those of you like me who want that clean fresh feeling (minus any oil) and hair that smells so good you want to eat it, I turn your attention to dry shampoo. We've already talked about Oscar Blandi's Dry Shampoo and now I'd like to introduce you to my latest pick - skinnyskinny's Organic Rose and Black Pepper Dry Shampoo ($32). What I love about this dry shampoo is the fact that it goes with all hair colors - brown, black, blond, you name it. Unlike other dry shampoos that don't blend very well into your hair, with skinnyskinny's version, a little on the scalp goes a long way. Although the color is white, all you have to do is run your fingers through your hair a few times and it will easily blend in. Other pros include its spicy/floral scent and the fact that it actually adds texture and volume to your hair. I kid you not, my hair sometimes looks better after using this product than if I were to wash and blow-dry it - go figure!