FitSugar

What Do You Think About: Naked Gyms?

FitSugar — Mon, 26 Mar 2007 12:30:00 -0700

Okay, now I've heard of Naked Yoga, but a Naked Gym? Now that's news to me.

Well, in the Netherlands, the gym called Fitworld welcomed nudists to come to "Naked Sunday," where they could pedal, run and lift wearing only their birthday suits. During the rest of the week, patrons would continue their clothed workout.

Now, we all know the Netherlands has a reputation for its relaxed sexual attitude. This seems a little extreme for me, even if the nudist are following the rules and putting down towels before they sit on anything!!!!

What do you think?

Sitting Naked in the Locker Room, Not So Pretty

FitSugar — Fri, 15 Dec 2006 17:30:00 -0800

Today when I was at the gym I was totally inspired for a post because I was in shock by what was happening in the womens' locker room.

I recently read something about this but didn't believe anyone actually did it until today at the gym, where I saw not one but TWO, naked female culprits. Here is the thing, don't sit on anything in the locker room (benches, chairs, etc.) if you're naked. First of all it's just gross, but also because you don't know who else was sitting there naked before you -- so this means that whatever they might have had going on down there, including Herpes, could be passed on to you. Double gross.

I can only imagine what goes on inside the men's locker room.

Food Review: Bear Naked Chocolaty Cherry Granola Bar

FitSugar — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 03:00:22 -0700

Granola bars make great pre and post-workout snacks, so I always keep some in my gym bag to nosh on. Since variety is the spice of life, I like to try out news ones, and recently sampled some Bear Naked Grain-ola Bars.

Each bar is made with 15 to 17 grams of whole grains, with no hydrogenated oils, high fructose corn syrup, or preservatives. To find out what I thought of the Chocolaty Cherry flavor, keep reading

Hitting the Gym? Check Your Etiquette

FitSugar — Mon, 18 May 2009 03:30:00 -0700

The gym is a shared space where we sweat, work hard and relax. There are some important spoken and unspoken rules when it comes to working out with others, so please keep these in mind the next time you go to work out. Some of these are FitSugar readers' ideas.

"Don't go to the gym if you're sick." - jkat
Come clean. Your clothes should be washed and smelling fresh. Also, Spectra says, "Please wear deodorant at the gym, especially if you plan on getting really sweaty. "
AMP says "Please no perfume [or cologne] at the gym." The powerful smell could cause an allergic reaction in tight quarters.
Leave your cell phone in the car or locker room. If you're expecting a call, turn off the ringer and call the person back once you're away from other gym-goers. No one wants to here you gabbing away.
Don't be a hog. The equipment is there to share so be mindful of the time limits on cardio and weight machines. If you're training for a marathon and need the treadmill for more than an hour, hit the gym mid-day when it's not so crowded.
LesleyP825 also says, "You know what I hate? Hovering. Like if I'm on a machine in the middle of a set and someone is standing over you. Then when I get off they practically jump on top of me to use it. Have some patience!"

For more etiquette advice read more.

Don't stare. Aside from being rude, keep in mind that people aren't always looking to meet while they're sweating. If you're interested, talk to the person after the workout.
Get to classes at least five minutes early. It's nice to settle in and find your spot, and it ensures that you don't interrupt the class once it's already begun. If you're late, sneak in as quietly as possible.
"Don't chat to your friends during class." - syako
Clean off the equipment properly. Renees3 reminds us not to use the same towel you wiped up your sweaty face with to clean the machine. Use a clean towel or paper towel and cleaning spray offered by the gym to wipe down handles, buttons, and everything you touched to prevent passing on your germs.
"Don't leave your bags, jackets, towels, etc. where people can trip on them!" - millarci
"Please don't sit naked on the bench in the locker room. Seriously, for your sake and mine, put down a towel." - spider_pig

Source

10 Ways to Reward Yourself For Reaching Fitness Goals

FitSugar — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 05:53:58 -0700

I feel it is important to set fitness goals, but it's equally important to reward yourself once you reach them. After completing my first triathlon, I bought a new purse. If you need ideas for rewarding yourself, take a lesson from FitSugar readers and how they recognize their achievements.

"Going to the gym and working out is its own reward because it makes me feel so much better." - kclulu
"As I am losing the weight, I made a rewards list for each milestone. At 10 pounds, I bought myself hip scarves for belly dancing. At 20 pounds, I watched all five of the Best Picture nominees in February. At 30 pounds, I got an iPod Touch. And at 40 pounds, which is where I am now, I got a hula hoop and signed up for dance lessons. When I reach 50, I get to go on vacation." - tamaradulva
"When I reach a milestone, I reward myself by buying new gym clothes." -sandy82

To see the other ways FitSugar readers reward their fit and healthy efforts, read more.

"My fitness goal IS my reward! My boyfriend wants to go on a challenging week-long mountain trek later this year. It's been his dream since he was little, and I'm so touched that he wants me to go with him. I'm working out every day and strength training to get ready for it. Being able to do it with him, and actually enjoy it, is going to be the biggest gift to him and myself!" - Anonymous
"When I reached 50 pounds I went skydiving. It was awesome!" - elenaperez64
"New lingerie. It highlights everything I've done much much more than my usual clothing. It makes me feel very confident too. And my fiance is definitely not complaining." - LilyLyra
"I like to reward myself with something fitness related like a new HRM watch, personal training sessions, or Pilates sessions. This way, it gives me something active to look forward to and makes exercise the ultimate reward. Plus things like training or Pilates sessions help to break the boredom and give me an extra workout boost.
New clothes are always fun too." - Anonymous
"I don't usually reward myself for exercising goals actually. Thinking I look hotter naked is enough of a reward." - tlsgirl
"I agree that feeling and looking better is more than enough reward! But sometimes I promise myself new exercise clothes or equipment, because new things always get me excited about working out!" - sourcherry
"When I reach my weight goal . . . which will hopefully be in the next week or two . . . I'm eating a cheeseburger from my favorite spot!" - Anonymous

Fit Tip: Stretch in Bed Instead of Snoozing

FitSugar — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 13:00:00 -0700

When you're fast asleep in your cozy cave-like bedroom, it's tempting to hit the snooze button a couple times in order to catch up on a few more minutes of shut-eye. They're fragmented bits of sleep though since the sound of your alarm is constantly interrupting you. So instead of trying to get back to that dream where you embarrassingly showed up naked at the gym, use your time more wisely by stretching in bed. Stretch your hamstrings, your lower back, your abs, and your neck. It'll slowly wake you up from your deep slumber, and it'll invigorate your muscles so you'll feel ready to spring out of bed instead of having to drag yourself out of it.

Source

Speak Up: Getting Naked in the Locker Room

FitSugar — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 14:30:00 -0700

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

Go Naked and Wipe Up Germs

FitSugar — Tue, 27 Mar 2007 02:00:00 -0700

I am not always a germ-a-phone, really I'm not. However, when it comes to certain things I can't help but get a little nervous about the germs lurking on their surfaces.

Take gym equipment for example, and I am talking about a regular gym - not a naked gym. While I am sure everyone knows that they should wipe off a machine when you're done with it, hardly anyone does. It just grosses me out. I usually carry a few wipes around with me because the gym often runs out or they are out of the way and it's just easier if I have a few with me. Problem is, holding on to those chemical-laden wipes can really do a number on the skin on your hands, and since it's engagement week and all, no on wants dry looking hands. I have recently been using Method's go naked Surface Wipes ($4.00) at the gym and I love them! They are dye and perfume free, nontoxic and mild but effective. Your hands don't feel or smell from them yet you can wipe down the equipment as you go. Buy them directly from MethodHome.com or they're available at Target stores nationwide. Keep in mind, they are great for wiping down everything, like your desk, not just sweaty gym equipment.

Right now I throw a few in zip lock baggies to put in my gym bag, so I am keeping my fingers crossed that they come out with a travel pack soon!

Fittingly Mad: Towels at the Gym

FitSugar — Sat, 23 Jun 2007 03:00:00 -0700

Let me ask you a question: Do the complimentary towels at your gym feel more like a joke than a luxury? When signing up for a membership they always say, "Oh and we offer complimentary towel service for all our members," as if this club was the first to offer such a valuable commodity.

Why then, are they so dang hard? I understand that gyms need to practice good hygiene and use bleach, which can severely damage the fibers in the towels, but can't they figure out a system to make them just a little tiny bit softer? I am paying a pretty penny for this gym membership and all its amenities (i.e. free towels) and it would be nice if I could actually use them for once.

Why also, I ask you, must they only be large enough to cover about one square inch of my body? Unfortunately I am not one of those ladies who can walk around the locker room totally butt-naked. If you're one of those ladies, more power to you -- But me, I like to cover myself up. Problem is that covering myself up means taking three or four of those little towels and strategically placing them all over my body so it looks like I am gearing up for a toga party.

All I am asking for is a complimentary towel that I actually can use, because for once I would love to stop bringing my own towels, ones that don't feel like sandpaper and look like something my one year old niece would use, from home. If that is not going to happen can I get that $10 a month (that I am assuming is tacked on to the monthly charge) credited back to my account if I promise not to use a towel?

Thanks.

Healthy Dose Link Time!!!!!!!

FitSugar — Thu, 08 Feb 2007 12:05:55 -0800

Here's a few tips and news items I though you all might find helpful, interesting and healthful. Yep, another healthy dose of the web.

NetSweat explains how you can get a tax write off to lose weight.

Healthbolt gives you tips on how to avoid late night snacking.

vitabeat explains that veggies and fruit grown in adverse conditions might contain more antioxidants.

diet-blog reveals that sad movies make you eat more buttered popcorn than comedies. Another reason to watch more Will Ferrell movies.

Complete Running offers great tips for to avoid plantar fasciitis. Let me tell you - it is something to avoid.

Renee Gets Fit shares with us why the workout is more important than the shoes.

Starling Fitness shows you another way to keep your ears warm and listen to your tunes.

fitPod has a new free, hour long music mix for your next workout.

fitness fixation lists 5 exercises that she hopes don't follow the Dutch trend of naked day at the gym. And you all thought Naked Yoga was gross.

Back in Skinny Jeans reports that a kid is suing TrimSpa, Anna Nicole Smith's diet pill.

About: Pilates dispels the myth that Pilates is just like Yoga.

Fitness-Offline has some healthy weight loss tricks. Caution: Many involve exercise!!!!