Gear Review: Ibex Wicking Clothes


Updated 09/28/09 7:24 PM · Posted by FitSugar · 6 comments

Gear Review: Ibex Wicking Clothes

If you're looking for some new wicking gear, then you've got to check out the Balance Seamless Collection made by Ibex. Made from sustainable merino wool and a hint of Spandex, these base layers are soft, stretchy, and flattering. With cooler temperatures heading our way, it is time to think about layering for outdoor exercise. Pictured on the left is the Balance Sports Top ($59). It has a Read more

Winter Sports: It's All About the Layers


Updated 12/17/07 5:00 PM · Posted by FitSugar · 4 comments

Winter Sports: It's All About the Layers

With Winter comes a wide variety of snow sports like cross-country skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, as well as the unique challenge of Winter running. I hope that you are not under the delusion that just because it's cold outside, you are not going to sweat. Sweating and Winter don't mix! Once your clothes are wet, they stay wet and that will make you cold. Plus if you pile on too many layers, Read more

Get Your Butt in Gear: Smartwool Training Beanie


Updated 11/07/07 10:30 AM · Posted by FitSugar · 6 comments

Get Your Butt in Gear: Smartwool Training Beanie

If you love working out in the cool Fall weather, but you don't want your noggin to freeze off, you need a thin hat that'll insulate your head but also wick moisture away from your skin if you start to get sweaty. Merino wool is a great natural material to wear while working out because it pulls sweat away from your skin while it's still in vapor form (body steam). That means your head won't get Read more

Wicking Socks All Active Women Need


Updated 10/17/07 10:41 AM · Posted by FitSugar · 4 comments

Wicking Socks All Active Women Need

Your feet take a lot of abuse from all the pounding, stomping, kicking and leaping you do. It is a fact that if you are on the move, your feet are too. This means they get hot. This means they get sweaty. All that extra moisture can cause some nasty blisters. Cotton socks stay wet, so you need socks made out of merino wool, which wicks. The wool pulls moisture away from your skin, keeping your Read more

Wool Socks - These are Darn Tough


Updated 02/06/07 10:16 PM · Posted by FitSugar · 2 comments

Wool Socks - These are Darn Tough

Merino wool really is the way to go when it comes to active wear, and socks are no exception. I just found this sock company named Darn Tough. They're a small company - they make all of their socks in their mill in Northfield, VT. Their socks are made with a combination of warm and breathable merino wool, and soft and strong Coolmax fibers. They insulate to keep you warm, and the wool is great Read more

How to Manage Sweat During Your Workout


Updated 05/20/12 3:10 PM · Posted by · 0 comments

How to Combat Sweat During a Workout

I love a workout that makes me sweat — it means I'm helping my heart stay healthy and burning calories at the same time. But a sweaty workout does have its downside. Here's how to manage your sweat while you work out. Save your pores: You know to towel off after a particularly grueling workout, but it's also important to have a clean face before you start your workout; sweating through dirt Read more

Best Practices: Extend the Life of Your Workout Wear


Updated 02/01/12 4:40 PM · Posted by · 0 comments

How to Make Expensive Fitness Clothes Last

You splurged on $70 capris, but since they make such a difference in the way you feel during workouts, you'll never go back to cheapo clothes again. Because you've shelled out a lot of dough for these items, it's best to know how to take care of your workout clothes so they'll last. Always check the label or the brand's website for care instructions, and to answer a few common concerns about Read more

The Facts on Eco-Friendly Fitness Fabrics


Updated 04/20/11 2:15 AM · Posted by · 0 comments

Bamboo, Organic Cotton, and Other Sustainable Fabric Facts

It's almost Earth Day, so chances are you've been hearing the word "eco" so much that it almost loses its meaning. But when you shop consciously, it's about more than just reading a label. Knowing how your fitness wear is made and where it comes from can be just as important as sourcing your meal at a restaurant. The good news is that finding an eco-friendly fabric can also enhance your workout; Read more

Not Feeling It? How to Motivate Yourself For a Winter Run


Updated 12/21/11 11:53 AM · Posted by · 0 comments

How to Motivate For a Winter Run

It's 20 degrees, the sky is dull and gray, and you're shivering inside just thinking about gearing up for an outdoor run. No wonder you're having a hard time motivating yourself. When a chilly Winter's day is the hurdle keeping you from going running, here are some ways to inspire a cold-weather workout. Warm up your clothes: Pop your sports bra, shirts, pants, and even your socks in the dryer Read more

How I Convinced My Hubby Not to Hate Running


Updated 12/05/11 12:23 PM · Posted by · 0 comments

How to Get Your Partner to Like Running

My husband loves his bike and he loves his skis, but he's never been much of a slip-on-your-sneaks-and-go-for-a-run kind of guy. That is until now. Wooed him with gear: To replace his cotton tube socks, sweatpants, and high school t-shirts, I got him some wicking socks, real running pants, and merino wool shirts. He was amazed that after a run there were no blisters or chafing from his loose Read more