FitSugar

Diet Tip: Hang Mirrors Where You Eat

FitSugar — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 10:00:00 -0700

When it comes to losing weight, we all find different tricks that help motivate us to reach our goals. Some may seem a little bizarre, but it doesn't mean they don't work. Here's a weird one for you. Hang a mirror in your kitchen or dining room, on the wall opposite your chair. That way you can watch yourself during mealtimes, and studies show that it can reduce your desire to overeat. People in the study actually ended up eating one-third less food than those with no mirror.

This little tip isn't meant to make you obsessed about food or feel bad about yourself. Think of it instead as a friendly reminder of your weight-loss goals. A mirror will help heighten your awareness of what you look like, and what positive changes you're making in regards to food.

Speak Up: Mirrors in Fitness Classes?

FitSugar — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 12:00:00 -0700

If you belong to a gym that offers fitness classes or you take classes at a yoga, martial arts, or dance studio, there's a good chance that one side of the room is covered in wall-to-wall mirrors.

Now I'm all for using mirrors to check my form and alignment while lifting weights or doing strength-training moves, but what do you think about having a huge mirror opposite you for an entire class? Do you like seeing yourself or being able to see others? Or is it too much of a distraction? Does it make you feel self-conscious, or does it inspire you to work harder?

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Lift Tip: Check Your Form Regularly

FitSugar — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 03:00:00 -0800

You've been working out with hand weights for a while now, and no doubt you had perfect form when you first learned your favorite exercises.

Ahhh. . . but repetition is a slippery slope and often when we repeat exercises, we slowly stop paying attention to form. Over time, bad habits have a way of working themselves into your routine. This being said, it is a good idea to check your form every once in a while. There's no need to watch yourself every time you do your bicep curls or side arm raises, but once every few week or so, watch yourself in a mirror to make sure you're keeping up with that perfect form.

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Do You Like Working Out in Front of a Mirror?

FitSugar — Tue, 24 Apr 2007 12:30:00 -0700

I have to say that sometimes I LOVE doing yoga or lifting weights in front of a mirror - it's a great way to check for proper technique and alignment.

Mirrors can also be a way for women to obsess about how they look (or how they don't look), so I feel like it adds to issues of low self-esteem and poor body image.

What do you think?

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Fittingly Mad: Skinny Dressing Room Mirrors

FitSugar — Sun, 26 Oct 2008 06:04:00 -0700

I don't know too many people who enjoy trying on clothes in dressing rooms. Not only is it annoying that sizing varies so much from store to store, but the ginormous mirror and bright lights are utterly unforgiving. You can end up spending more time criticizing your imperfections than checking out the clothes! Store designers must know the emotional pain we endure in those tiny rooms, and that's why they designed skinny mirrors.

You know the ones I'm talking about, where you try on that skintight pair of jeans and your booty never looked so good. You think, "Wow, those squats are really working." Then when you get home and try them on again, they just don't look the same. Somehow your tiny bum has expanded in the 20 minutes it took to drive home.

I'm sure stores think we owe them a huge thank you for making our dressing room experiences more pleasant, but ultimately it's a huge disappointment. I don't need some stupid mirror making me look thinner than I really am. What do you think about them? Are you psyched with what you see, or do you think this deception is just a marketing ploy to get you to spend more money?

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Partner Yoga Pose: Mirrored Hero Pose

FitSugar — Fri, 30 May 2008 14:30:00 -0700

Looking for a way to stretch your quads and get an intense upper-back stretch? Then give Mirrored Hero a try. It's really easy to do and feels so good, especially if you hold the pose for a while.

For a detailed explanation of how to do this partner yoga pose read more.

Both partners sit on the ground in Hero pose, with their knees a couple inches apart. If they can, they separate their feet and sit flat on the ground, in between their heels.
Now each partner extends her right hand and clasps onto her partner's right hand. Then they reach their left hands underneath their right and clasp hands.
Each partner should focus on drawing their shoulders down as they lean back, tucking their chin in. The more each partner gently pulls back, the greater the stretch in their upper back and quads.
They stay like this for at least five breaths and then they move their torsos back to an upright position.
Each partner releases their left hands and then they join them above their clasped right hands. They repeat the stretch for five more breaths, and then release.

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Weigh In: Flirtatious Guy at the Gym

FitSugar — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 03:00:02 -0800

This FitSugar reader needs some advice about an overly friendly guy at her gym.

Dear Fit,
I joined a gym last Winter because my New Year's resolution was to lose 40 pounds. I'm halfway to my goal, and am really proud of myself. I definitely notice a big change when I try on clothes or look in the mirror, and it seems there's a guy at my gym who has noticed too. I've been heading to the gym after work three times a week for the past 10 months, and recently this guy I've seen ever since I joined has been approaching me. He compliments me, saying things like, "looking good today," or "your arms look really ripped in that tank top." Don't get me wrong - the attention is actually really nice since I never had anything like that when I was heavier, but it's a little creepy. I'm not attracted to this guy at all, and it kind of pisses me off that as soon as I lose weight, I'm worth the friendly smiles and sweet words. Really, I'm at the gym for one purpose only, so how can I get this guy off my back without seeming like a total bitch?
-Annoyed Annie

If you have any experience with this or any suggestions, please share them below.

Game Review: Your Shape For Wii

FitSugar — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 05:50:08 -0800

There's a new fitness game in town and it's ready to work you out and make you sweat. Your Shape ($69), a new Wii game by Ubisoft, makes Jenny McCarthy your workout coach and training buddy so you don't have to sweat it out alone.

The game comes with a camera that you perch on your TV; it captures your image and plays it on your TV so you move with a reflection of yourself, like looking in a mirror. The camera also monitors your movements, and if you slack off, Jenny will let you know - she also gives you praise when you make a correction. Who couldn't use an ego boost mid-workout?

To learn more about the game, continue reading.

Gear Review: Kuru Shoes

FitSugar — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 13:30:00 -0700

It's important to be kind to your feet. If you don't treat them right then you can end up with foot, knee, or back pain. One way you can take care of your tootsies is with supportive footwear. You buy sturdy and cushioned sneakers for running, so why not treat your feet to the same love when you're not at the gym? I've just discovered Kuru shoes, the only footwear with ergonomic midsoles. Their philosophy is that your foot isn't flat, so why should your shoe be? The inside is curved, mirroring the shape of your heel, and when you walk, the supportive feeling is like nothing I've ever experienced.

To hear more about these shoes, find out how much a pair costs, and see some more pics read more.

My husband and I both have a pair of the Chicanes ($90), and instantly noticed the difference the first moment we slipped them on. These shoes are lightweight, water resistant, and have a rugged sole, so they were perfect for hiking and walking the hills around the city (that's why they're a little dirty in the photos). The best way to describe how they feel is comfortable yet supportive, and it was amazing that both our feet felt great after walking the trails for a couple hours. These shoes look less sporty than other trail shoes I've had, so that's also a plus. They come in many styles to fit your taste, and the price is pretty reasonable for a shoe that feels molded to your foot. If you have issues with foot pain or finding the right shoe, definitely check out Kuru shoes.

View 12 Photos ›

Looking for more advice on fitness gear? Then check out the Good Gear/Bad Gear group.

Lifting Tip: Relax the Muscles That Aren't Working

FitSugar — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 15:00:02 -0700

When I see people strength training at the gym, and working hard to lift a heavy weight or do those last few strenuous reps, it's hard not to notice their face scrunching up. If this sounds like you, the next time you lift, remember to relax the muscles that aren't involved in the exercise. It's the muscles in the face, neck, and shoulders that are most often engaged when they don't need to be. Tensing your jaw or shrugging your shoulders up to your ears won't make you any stronger. If you're working that hard that you can't help engage other parts of your body, then maybe the exercise you're doing is too difficult for your ability, or the weight you're lifting is too heavy. It may not seem like a big deal, but it all relates to having improper form, and that can lead to injury, which is a huge deal.

To make sure you're keeping your body relaxed except for the muscles you're targeting, ask a friend to watch you or look at yourself in a mirror.