FitSugar

Take It to the Gym: Printable Love Handle Workout

FitSugar — Fri, 09 Feb 2007 15:23:24 PST

I know not everyone likes to do ab work next to his or her laptop. I know I am unique in this case. For all of you that go to the gym and want a little guidance (not from your iPod - but a tangible piece of paper) here is a print out version of the Love Handles workout. Now you can really take it with you where ever you choose to exercise.

Pilates Twist: 10 sets

Keep reaching energy out the top of your head.
Twist with just the ribs, not the pelvis.

Can Can: 10 sets

Really pull your navel to your spine as you straighten your legs

Twisted Crunch: 10 times, each side

Make sure to lift both of your shoulders evenly off the floor

Side Plank and Thread the Needle: 3 times each

Really lift the pelvis up
Press the hand firmly into the ground
Scoop though your abs to "thread the needle"

Dumbbell Side Bends, 10 sets

Make sure to bend just to the side, not forward or backward.

How to Adjust Your Tax Withholding

Kiplinger — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 16:14:10 PST

We're thrilled to present this smart Kiplinger story here on Savvy!

Political theater over whether or not to extend the 2% payroll tax holiday has overshadowed the fact that most workers can do more to reduce the amount of tax withheld from their paychecks than anything cooked up in Washington.

The power-to-the-people ploy? Using a W-4 form to put an end to overwithholding from your paychecks. First, let's set the stage. Even as anti-Washington sentiment rises to a fever pitch, most middle-class Americans continue to allow the government to claim more than its share every single payday. The proof: In 2011, 109 million of the 145 million individual tax returns filed called for refunds. That's 75%. The average refund last year: $2,913. That's significantly more than even the highest-paid worker gets from a 2% payroll tax holiday.

Yes, we love our tax refunds. But we ask this simple question of those of you who get refunds year after year: Doesn't it make more sense to get your money when you earn it?

If you agree with us that the answer is a resounding "yes," we have good news. Unlike stubbornly high unemployment, it's easy to fix overwithholding. All you have to do is file a revised Form W-4 with your employer. The information on that little form determines how much federal income tax is withheld from your checks. The more "allowances" you claim on the W-4, the less income tax will be withheld.

Read on for more.

Predict the Oscar Winners and Win an iPad 2 and Prada Case!

BuzzSugar — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 11:57:30 PST

Dazzling, talented stars aren't the only ones who have a chance to win big on Feb. 26 at the Oscars. Predict who you think will take home statuettes, and if you are on the money, you could win a fabulous iPad 2 16GB Wi-Fi and a gorgeous Prada case!

It's easy to enter:

Step 1: Create or log in to your PopSugar account. To become a member, register now for free. (You need to be logged in before you fill out the ballot).

Step 2: Click here to fill out your predictions and submit your ballot. Keep your fingers crossed on Feb. 26, because if you predict the highest number of Oscar winners, you could take away a gorgeous iPad 2 and Prada case!

Pretty easy, huh? Let's see if you've got what it takes to make the most accurate Oscar predictions!

To see the official rules, click here.

Channing Tatum and Jenna Dewan Celebrate His Big Weekend With a Kiss

Lauren Turner — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 10:12:16 PST

Channing Tatum planted a sweet kiss on Jenna Dewan's nose while they waited for a flight at LAX yesterday. The couple were headed to NYC, where Jenna has already gotten in on the Fashion Week fun with a stop by Rachel Roy's presentation. It was a big weekend for Channing since his The Vow was number one at the box office after an impressive opening against Safe House and Journey 2: The Mysterious Island. Jenna showed support for her man on Twitter, saying "And congrats to my love Channing Tatum on a RECORD BREAKING box office weekend! Amazing!" If you haven't seen the movie yet, make sure to check out reviews for The Vow! Channing will be back on the big screen next month, when his remake of 21 Jump Street with Jonah Hill hits theaters.

5 Strange Ways Chocolate Keeps You Healthy

Prevention — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 04:02:26 PST

We are excited to share one of our fave stories from Prevention here on FitSugar!

This sweet treat may also boost brainpower, help you relax, and more!
By Mara Betsch, Prevention

Show your heart some love this Valentine’s Day by nibbling a few chocolates - and making them a regular treat throughout the year. A recent study found that those consuming the highest levels of chocolate had a 37 percent reduction in cardiovascular disease and a 29 percent reduction in stroke compared to those with lower chocolate intakes.

Though experts are quick to clarify that we should stick to moderate consumption of high-calorie chocolates, it’s hard to deny the cold, hard facts that chocolate can be a healthy addition to our diets.

Seven Surprising Ways to Sharpen Your Mind

Hundreds of studies have shown that dark chocolate is packed with antioxidants that promote heart health and may prevent many cardiovascular-related conditions, but we’ve dug up five more surprising health benefits. Read on for five new ways to justify your chocolate craving.

1. Chocolate May Help You With Math
Flavonols, compounds in chocolate with antioxidantlike properties, are thought to improve circulation, including blood flow to the brain. A 2009 study asked participants to count backward in groups of three from a number between 800 and 999. After drinking hot cocoa filled with flavonols, the participants were able to do calculations more quickly and accurately and were less likely to feel tired or mentally drained.

Learn a four more things chocolate can do for you after the break.

How To: Get Your iPad Ready For Resale

Kristy Korcz — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 11:48:28 PST

If the rumors are true, the iPad 3 should be announced in March. If you're ready to upgrade from your first-gen iPad or iPad 2, now's the time to start thinking about selling. But before you post a listing on Craigslist or eBay, get all your ducks in a row first. Here's a few tips on how to prep your gadget for resale, and get top dollar for your efforts.

Back up your data and do a clean sweep - First thing's first - make sure you connect your iPad to iTunes and back up all of your data. You'll be able to sync it with your new iPad after you bring it home. And just like a computer, before you sell your old tablet, you'll want to wipe it clean of any sensitive information, apps, and contact lists. Erasing all of your content and settings (go to Settings > General > Reset > Erase All Content and Settings) is great, but go ahead and perform a full restore in iTunes as well.
Polish the exterior - Cleaning your old iPad is kind of like cleaning your LCD monitor - you don't want to use any harsh chemicals or, even more damaging, water. Using a tried-and-tested cleaner like iKlear ($30) will ensure you won't damage your iPad's sensitive bits. Use the included microfiber cloth (or one of your own) and shine that baby up.

To see the rest of my list, including tips on how to get your gadget sold quickly online, just keep reading.

See Robert Pattinson as a 19th Century Heartbreaker in the Bel Ami Poster

Shannon Vestal — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 12:07:17 PST

Robert Pattinson will play literary lover boy and social climber Georges Duroy in Bel Ami, and the poster for the film shows off the actor in the middle of a number of women who fall under his gaze in the drama. Uma Thurman, Kristin Scott Thomas, and Christina Ricci flank the dapper actor, dressed in his finest Parisian suit (perfect for seducing anyone who crosses his path).

The film is set for release on Mar. 2, and you can see a larger version of the poster after the jump.

Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson Talks About His Mesmerizing Pecs and Teenage Hijinx

Katie Henry — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 01:42:00 PST

Giant butterflies, miniature elephants, and hidden ruins spring to life in 3D form in Journey 2: The Mysterious Island. Returning for the sequel Josh Hutcherson shares the big screen with newcomers to the franchise Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson and Vanessa Hudgens. I sat down with Dwayne at a recent press day in Honolulu where he shared what it was like shooting on location in Hawaii, where he grew up, and how he mesmerizes ladies with his rock solid pecs. Muscles were a hot topic with "The Rock" who also filled me in on his number one fitness tip. Check out our interview and catch Journey 2: The Mysterious Island in theaters on February 10.

Robert Downey Jr. and His Wife Welcome Baby Exton Elias!

Lauren Turner — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 12:40:54 PST

RDJ and his wife Susan welcome a son! - People
Do the Patriots players' wives have problems with Gisele? - Lainey Gossip
Modern Family stars celebrate the Prop 8 ruling - HuffPost Entertainment
Listen to Brandy and Monica's musical reunion - D-Listed
Thandie Netwon hits the red carpet in a bright blue one-shoulder number - JustJared
Whitney Port scores a new TV gig - Insider
Stacy Keibler parties in Vegas without George Clooney - Zap2it
Unrealistic onscreen couples like Emma Stone and Jonah Hill - The Frisky
Why is Maria Menounos wearing a bikini outside in NYC? - Hollywood Tuna
RHOBH's Taylor Armstrong defends her new book - The Daily Beast
Lindsay Lohan poses for Terry Richardson - TooFab
Are Zac Efron and Lily Collins dating? - Pink Is the New Blog
The latest star to admit a crush on Ryan Gosling - The Superficial
Kim Kardashian isn't looking to date a football player - Amy Grindhouse

iWant: Hatch & Co Skinny iPad 2 Case

Kristy Korcz — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 10:42:54 PST

It's not often that I crave a keyboard for my iPad 2, but this hot white leather Hatch & Co Skinny iPad 2 Case ($75) is hard to resist.

This ultrathin case comes with a Bluetooth touch keyboard (no buttons, just slim raised edges), smart keys to control volume and language, and a smart cover so your iPad goes to sleep when you're done working as to save the battery. The case's battery lasts up to two weeks on its own (six weeks on standby), so you won't have to worry about constantly finding an outlet.

It's a hot little number, and one that I could definitely see myself toting on work trips. Get a better look for yourself in the gallery!