FitSugar

When Winter Rolls In, Don't Give Up on Working Out

FitSugar — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 13:30:52 -0800

It isn't hard to explain why our workouts get a little lackadaisical when Winter rolls in - 'cause, baby, it's cold outside - and it's pretty understandable that a lot of us lose our motivation to get outdoors for a run or a bike ride. So, how actually do people who work out through the Winter do it? An article from The New York Times reveals exactly that - and how some people manage to get up "the high activation energy" required to stay committed to fitness during the bitter Winter months.

Turns out, if you're new to fitness, you're more likely to give into a little workout hiatus when it gets colder and darker out. According to Janet Buckworth, an exercise physiologist at Ohio State University, it's the opposite for exercise veterans. “If you are beyond the point that you are learning how to exercise, you can’t imagine not running in bad weather,” she says. In fact, some exercise enthusiasts relish the challenge of an outdoor workout in Winter, even going on "epic" bike rides during snow storms and blizzards.

Regardless, you don't have to be an extremist to keep up a Winter workout routine. The key? Just get into something you could really stick with long-term. Choose a form of exercise that you're excited to do, and can keep up when Winter arrives. Group classes are great, and Buckworth recommends finding something you can do indoors, getting a friend to go with you, and even something as simple as updating your playlist with music you love to keep exercise fun and help you stay committed to your fitness regime.

Have You Ever Hung Up a Photo as Motivation?

FitSugar — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 09:00:00 -0800

I haven't yet cracked a copy of Andre Agassi's new tell-all, Open, but I have been reading reviews and can't help but be fascinated by the revelations about the tennis star, his equally talented wife, and his ex, Brooke Shields. I especially love this tidbit:

In preparation for her wedding to Agassi, Shields embarks on an exercise regimen and hangs an inspiration photo on the refrigerator door. The photo is of the woman who Shields thinks has perfect legs. The woman is Agassi’s future second wife, Steffi Graf.

Growing up, my mom often put a photo of her younger self on the fridge when she was trying to lose weight. Have you ever done anything like this?

Words That Move You . . .

FitSugar — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 15:00:18 -0700

The shortest film - clocking in at just over a minute - at Lunafest featured a history lesson on women's attire circa 1865, when the bicycle was invented.

"Let me tell you what I think of bicycling . . . I think it has done more to emancipate women than anything else in the world." - Susan B. Anthony

View 3 Photos ›

Find when the Lunafest comes to your town.

Film still from DIY: Emancipation

Gym Time: Pearls of Wisdom Covered in Sweat

FitSugar — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 13:43:01 -0700

At my house we have a saying, "Not trying is as bad as lying." It was created in response to hearing my girls say, "I can't do that" before even making an attempt. Today, my Equinox trainer Hannah busted me saying the exact same thing.

Hannah told me to jump up and catch a high bar on the cable pulley machine for hanging knee lifts. I said, "I can't do that." She shook her head; she wasn't buying my negative attitude and had me try until I caught the bar. When I jumped and finally grabbed the bar I felt like the strongest woman in the world.

To learn my other gym gaffe keep on reading.

Another Reason to Work Out With a Group

FitSugar — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 13:00:57 -0700

Exercising alone can be lonely, but it may actually feel more painful. New research found that when training together members of the Oxford crew team had higher pain thresholds. Misery loves company, even in the fitness world!

When paddling in a group, the rowers were able to tolerate twice as much pain than when rowing alone. I know rowing relies on intense synchrony, but there's no reason you can't tap into the group mentality during a group run or boot camp. I suggest scheduling at least one, if not more, group exercises weekly to help increase the intensity of your workouts. I know I bike farther and run faster when working out with my gal pals.

3 Ways to Make Sure You're Using Your Fitness Gear

FitSugar — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 05:50:42 -0700

It's great to keep fitness equipment at home, but the hardest part is getting motivated to use it. Here are three things you can do so they help burn calories instead of collecting dust.

Don't put equipment away. Many types of fitness gear can be folded up so they're out of your way, but if they're out of your sight like in your closet or under your bed, chances are you're less likely to set them up to use. So whatever you use the most, it's OK to tuck it in a corner so you don't trip and fall, but make sure it's still easily accessible.
Set up a small fitness area with all your equipment. Place a yoga mat in the corner for stretching, a set of dumbbells for strength training, and a stability ball for both stretching and strengthening. Seeing the equipment all set up is more inviting, so you're more likely to use it.
Buy equipment to complement the equipment you already have. If you're tired of your plain old resistance band, buy some accessories such as a door strap or ankle straps so you can mix up your routine. Or buy a fitness book or DVD to show you new ways to use the equipment you own. Put some spark back into your old favorites.

Do you have any other ideas? If so share them below.

Looking For Motivation: Use Your Imagination

FitSugar — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 14:30:24 -0700

We all hit slumps, when we either don't want to exercise or working out just doesn't feel as good as it used to. When you hit the wall, using your imagination can help motivate you to get up and get moving.

Imagining your workout, be it running or rowing, activates the same part of your brain as actually doing the activity. Jumping into your workout is considerably less difficult when you harness this visualization. Picture yourself barreling up the hills then skipping down the other side, and your motivation will soon follow. Mentally reviewing the technique of your sport can help work out the kinks that are causing your discomfort or hurting your performance. Use your brain and get moving.

Words That Move You . . .

FitSugar — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 14:00:24 -0700

"I don't love broccoli, and I don't love the treadmill, but I love the way I feel when I'm healthy and strong. It empowers me in all facets of my life. So remember, that although something may not be fun in the moment, remind yourself of the ultimate reward, and allow that to motivate you through the tough times. "

-Jillian Michaels

Need some more motivation? Check out all of my words that move you.

Get Motivated: Marathoning With Prosthetic Leg

FitSugar — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 14:30:53 -0700

In the evening when the couch gets too comfy, a little outside inspiration can be helpful. The story of Abdi Dhuhulow is just that. After reading his story on BBC News, I laced up my sneakers and went for a run. When fleeing fighting in his native Somalia as a young boy, a bullet struck his ankle. He fell from the truck, which then ran over his foot - crushing every bone. When he emigrated to the UK he underwent four surgeries in attempt to repair his wounds, which also included a fracture to his femur. In the end, his leg was amputated. After struggling to walk for 14 years, moving about with a prosthetic leg brought new found freedom and running. Of the experience of losing his leg, Abdi says, "Before this I could not even walk without crutches, but by losing my leg I felt I got my freedom back. Now with one leg I can run marathons."

To see his impressive race times, read more.

Although running at first was difficult, because the surrounding legs muscles were so weak. Determined to not be defined by his disability, eight months post-op he was able to run a mile in under seven minutes - with a prosthetic leg designed for walking, not running. When he upgraded to a better prosthetic leg designed for running, his race times increased: 19 minutes for a 5km, 40 minutes for a 10k, 1:30 for a half marathon, and a little over three hours for a marathon.

Reading the determination of others inspires me. Abdi's times are fast. I think he is amazing, and he motivates me to hit the pavement. What about you - are you inspired to run?

Speak Up: Jillian Michaels Sheds Light on Motivation, What's Yours?

FitSugar — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 14:30:38 -0700

I have said it before and I will say it again, celebrity trainer, Jillian Michaels is a bad ass. This motorcycle-riding fitness fanatic has helped so many people lose weight and get fit, so it's no wonder that she's often asked what the secret is to staying motivated. In a recent video posted on Self magazine's website, Jillian shared how to maintain your motivation to stick with your healthy lifestyle. She said:

The only person who can inspire you is you. So what you need to do is think about all the reasons that you want to change. What is it that you're looking for? Do you want to look hot in your bikini? Do you want to make your ex sorry that he cheated on you with your best friend? I mean, let's be honest. Whatever your reason is, whether it's really profound and you want to see your grandchildren graduate from college, or something a little more shallow like the things I mentioned earlier, there's no reason that's the wrong one.

I completely agree because being unique individuals, we're all inspired to be healthy by different reasons. So tell me, what motivates you to work out and eat right?