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

Do You Work Out on Your Lunch Break?

Michele Foley — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 11:11:27 PST

The dark days of Winter have me skipping my usual afterwork gym session; emerging from a workout to pitch-black darkness and freezing temps doesn't appeal to me. To make up for it, I've been ramping up weekend workouts and fitting in gym sessions during my lunch breaks at work. It takes extra planning (and organizing) when it comes to my workday, but it's worth it to avoid the dark commute home. I also have to make sure I am speedy getting in and out of the locker room since every extra minute at the gym is one less minute I'm at my desk. To make sure I don't run over on time, I follow these timesaving tips for working out at lunch.

Gisele Bundchen Consoles Tom Brady Following Tough Super Bowl Loss

Molly Goodson — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 09:00:03 PST

Gisele Bundchen and Tom Brady met up and hugged as he stepped out the Patriots locker room after a difficult Super Bowl loss in Indiana on Sunday. Tom and his team lost to the NY Giants in a close game, which Gisele watched from a luxury box. Gisele apparently rushed down to comfort Tom at the end of the Super Bowl, and was even overheard defending his performance.

The Patriots were unable to pull out a win, despite Gisele's now-famous email asking for best wishes from friends and family on "Tommy's" big day. Even so, he gets to come home to a happy personal life with Gisele and his two adorable sons. Hopefully now that the season is over they'll find time for a romantic getaway, considering how much they love hitting the beach and we've seen how much all-star quarterback Tom also enjoys a waterslide.

Be Your Best at Every Workout With the Right Prep

Leta Shy — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 15:49:17 PST

When it comes to exercising, the more you do it, the better you get at it - as in, you become stronger, faster, or more flexible, and not only that, you are able to exercise longer (and losing inches isn't anything to sneeze at either). But no matter how long you've been committed to fitness, make sure you know how to prep to be your best at every workout.

A plan: You've suited up, stuffed your bag in your gym locker, and made your way to the floor only to think, "I wonder what I should do today?" Don't waste your time with an ineffectual workout or halfhearted commitment. Figure out an exercise plan before you start with our tips on how to build a workout routine.

A happy belly: Cramping or a grumbling stomach can make a workout a complete misery. Keep your stomach happy by fueling up with a small snack before you exercise or by giving yourself a few hours to digest a big meal before working out. Find out which foods you should be eating (and when) before you work out.

Read on for more ways to be your best at every workout.

Fit Tip: Explore Your Gym During Off-Peak Hours

Leta Shy — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 02:18:57 PST

If you've signed up for a new gym this year, figuring out how things work, from treadmill etiquette to the location of the foam rollers, can be a bit overwhelming. Tack on an overcrowded locker room and intimidating-looking machines, and it may want you to skip a workout.

Instead of skipping out on exercising altogether, figure out your gym's dynamics when it's less crowded. Find a time when it's slow, like earlier in the morning, later at night, or on the weekends, and use the time to figure out how to work all of the machines or where all the props are for class or to just stop and think so you can figure out your own gym-going preferences. Not having a crowd of people around you can even help you feel more confident while doing exercises, especially if you are feeling self-conscious about how well you're mastering a new set of moves.

Whether or not you are going to the gym when it's overcrowded or during off-peak hours, here are some gym etiquette rules that you should be following.

Gym rats, do you have any more advice to give for newbies?

For Newbies and Gym Rats Alike: Best Practices of Gym Etiquette

Michele Foley — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 03:06:52 PST

Going to the gym is more than just walking in and jumping on a treadmill: there's etiquette to follow. With so many of you making good on your New Year's resolutions and hitting the gym this month, make sure these gym-going tips are fresh in your mind.

Gyms are ridiculously busy in January. Check out our tips for navigating when yours is overcrowded.
No one wants to get sick from exercising. Protect yourself from the germiest spots in the gym. And do your part by always wiping down machines before you use them.
Nervous about taking a fitness class? Why it's important to tell the instructor you're a newbie, spy on a class before you go, and always stay for the stretch.
Know the ins and outs of navigating the machines: it's important to be able to deal with treadmill hogs, but if that doesn't work, try one of these underused pieces of cardio equipment instead.
Even when you're worried about time, there are ways to fit in a workout. Here are ways to maximize a treadmill workout and save time when strength training. When you're done, make sure to follow our time-saving makeup routine for the locker room - no one will even guess you just worked out!
Make sure to know how to act when you're there. From weight room etiquette to dealing with unsolicited advice, always be on your best behavior.
Gym mishaps? No problem, we've got you covered! Here are the 10 biggest mistakes you're making at the gym. No sports bra or socks? Still not a problem. How to deal with gym wardrobe fails.