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Fitness Gear for Your Yard

FitSugar — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 04:30:00 -0700

There are thousands of ways to play outside in the Summer months. Here are some fitness gear and games for your yard or a park BBQ that may not burn as many calories as going for an hour long bike ride, but they're fun for the whole family.
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Spring Running: Transitioning From the Treadmill to the Road

FitSugar — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 03:47:49 -0800

With Spring just around the corner, now is the time to turn off that treadmill and hit the open road. But keep in mind that running indoors is pretty different than pounding the sidewalk. When you run outside you lose the assistance of the treadmill pulling your legs backward, which means your body has to work harder and strike surfaces with more energy. Here are some tips to make the transition smoother for you.

Start gradually. Ease into outdoor runs by only running outside once a week when starting out - stick to the treadmill for the rest of the week. Add one new outdoor run to your regimen each week and decrease the number of treadmill runs you do. Be patient with your body and realize that this transition period can take up to two months.
Go slowly. Run at a slower pace than you're used to running on the treadmill. This will help your body get used to unpredictable road surfaces, wind resistance, and the challenge of propelling yourself forward off of solid ground.

To see the rest of our tips, read more.

Shorter is better. When starting out, reduce the distance of your runs. I know the fresh air will inspire you to get out there in full force but you don't want to risk injuring yourself.
Keep those kicks. Don't head out in a new pair of Spring running shoes just yet. Since breaking in a set of new sneaks takes time, let your feet get accustomed to road running before having to adjust to a new pair of shoes.
Go for a soft landing. If you can, start off on a dirt trail or a spongy outdoor track; these surfaces offer more cushioning than pavement and are gentler on the joints. For the same reasons, stick to flat surfaces in the beginning, then gradually add in hills.
Better safe than sorry. Practice caution and start off by running when it's light out. If you're venturing far from home, run with a buddy, an ID, and a cellphone for safety. Also, don't forget the sunscreen and any other protective gear you'll need in the elements. If running at night is unavoidable, be sure to follow our night running tips.
Stretch out. Just like you do after a run on the treadmill, stretch after your outdoor run.

Get Your Butt in Gear: Isotope Jacket

FitSugar — Thu, 08 Mar 2007 03:30:00 -0800

Spring is approaching fast and that means so are the April showers (ugh), which means my outdoor runs are about to get a little messier.

I've been on the hunt for a jacket that I can keep in my desk at work so I can continue my lunch break runs, even if it starts raining unexpectedly. I am happy I've found The Isotope ($89.95), a fully waterproof and breathable jacket. It's made from a featherweight Nanolite material that's fully seam-taped for a ton of protection. What's more? A medium weighs a mere 4.8 ounces! Stow it in your gym bag, purse or even in your desk and the four fun colors (Sun, Spa Blue, Hibiscus and Citron) are perfect for spring. I especially love that the Isotope has two zippered hand pockets, one of which you can stuff the entire jacket into. How cool is that? Visit SierraDesigns.com for more information on where you can buy it.

Two Winter Running Essentials

FitSugar — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 12:00:22 -0800

If a little cold, snow, and ice won't keep you from running outside, then I'm with you. Nothing beats Winter running, because it feels so good to breathe in the cool, crisp air. Plus you hardly ever have to worry about overheating, like you do in the Summer. You do need to outfit yourself with some quality gear in order to stay warm and dry. Here are two essentials I don't head outside for a run without.

For my noggin, I'm in love with the Smartwool Basic Cuffed Beanie ($25). Your head loses a lot of heat, so you need to keep it warm while running in the Winter air. Wear a hat that's too thick or warm, and you'll end up sweating and your head will freeze. On the other hand, if you wear a hat that's too thin, you'll end up with a cold head, and for me, that translates to a headache. This Smartwool Beanie, made of a double layer of merino wool, is thick enough to warm your head and ears, but the wool wicks moisture away from your scalp and forehead in case you start to sweat. If you get really hot, this hat is so flexible, you can easily ball it up and stuff it in your pocket. Not a fan of purple? It also comes in other colors: black, white, and stripes.

Check out my new favorite running mittens when you read more.

I used to wear lightweight fleece-lined running gloves from Outdoor Research, but on super chilly days, I'd end up balling my hands up inside to keep my fingers warm. Then I discovered that OR makes lightweight mittens. They sent me a pair of PL 400 Mitts ($35) to try, and as soon as I slipped then on, my hands instantly felt warm and cozy. They're lined with a double layer of fleece, so they're extra warm for bitterly cold days. These mitts are actually meant to be liners for ski or snowboarding mittens, but they work great on their own for Winter running. My hands stayed completely toasty, and toward the end of my run, my palms even started to sweat a little. So I took them off and used the hand clips to attach the mittens to each other so they wouldn't get lost. I love the handy loops sewn to the opening of each mitten to make them easier to pull on. Another great feature is that the outer palm of each mitten and thumb has silicone grippy stuff on it, so you can easily pick up your iPod if it falls or hold on to your dog's leash.

All you Winter runners out there will love these two pieces of gear. If you're struggling with the simple act of staying warm and dry, these two essentials have got you covered. Love running no matter the weather? Then join RunningSugar our community group dedicated to running.

Get Your Vitamin H: Outdoor Hockey

FitSugar — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 03:00:26 -0800

I spent three days deep in hockey country of the twin cities of Minnesota. In those three days I was inundated with hockey - starting with a late night viewing of the movie Miracle about the 1980 gold-winning Olympic team, followed by cheering for my nephew in a game of pee-wee hockey, and culminating in playing a game of hockey with kids ages 5 to 45. Yes, when you're skating outside on a rink made in the local park by flooding a baseball field, you become a kid again.

With light snow falling, I played my first pickup game of hockey and gosh-oh-gee it was fun. Playing hockey is a workout that I like to call intervals on ice. It is serious anaerobic training as you sprint between the goals, switching between defense and offense. It is a scrappy game, but important to follow the no checking rule, especially when playing against men a foot taller and children a foot shorter than yourself, as was my case.

The thrill of chasing a puck on ice makes time fly by as you burn plenty of calories. Dressing in layers is key; once you start moving you're going to want to peel the top layers off and I recommend base layers with wicking properties because you will sweat. If you have padding or gear I recommend it, since falling is a common issue with beginner players and ice is not so soft. I also think a helmet is a good idea - protect your noggin from a hit on the ice. The day after the game, I was sore in my forearms and low back, so make sure to stretch out your wrists and do some spinal twists post game.

If you live in a wintry place, outdoor hockey is a great way to exercise and it's cheap. You don't have to pay any rink fees. Any hockey players out there?

Winterize Your Workout: Snowshoe Running

FitSugar — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 09:00:09 -0800

If you vowed to have a treadmill-free Winter, you're not alone - many die-hard runners bundle up and continue to run outside, even when it's below 30° F. The challenge isn't so much the cold and the wind since there's gear for that, but issues arise when you live in a Winter wonderland covered in snow. You can't exactly put on your waterproof sneaks and run in a foot or more of white stuff without ending up with soaked feet. That's where snowshoe running comes into play. Just like regular snowshoeing, the special flat shoes you wear over your sneakers allow you to stomp on top of snow. The metal cleats on the bottom give you traction on slippery ice and hills.

Snowshoe running is much more challenging than regular running because of the added resistance of the snow and the slightly increased weight of your feet. Just like when you first started running, ease into snowshoe running. Walk at first and gradually add intervals of running. As your body becomes stronger, you'll be able to run in the snow for 30 minutes or whatever your goal time is. I would not recommend running with regular snowshoes, though, as these are bigger and more likely to break under the added pressure. Many companies make snowshoes specifically designed for running, so check out my picks below.

Work It, Martha!

FitSugar — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 04:30:25 -0800

I'm loving this clip of Martha Stewart going completely outside of her box by doing a pole dancing workout with S Factor founder, Sheila Kelley. Check out this clip as the domestic diva gets down and gyrates her hips in full workout gear. Despite not being able to slide upside down on the pole, Martha did finish with an impressive leg lift.

If you've ever wanted to try a pole dancing workout but were too afraid, you've got no excuse now. If Martha can do it, so can you. In her own words: "She's got me on the pole. Woo-hoo!"

Is one of your fitness goals for 2010 to step out of your fitness comfort zone? Are you ready to work with a pole?

Strap on Snowshoes and Burn More Than 400 Calories!

FitSugar — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 12:00:18 -0800

Winter can be brutal for sun-loving people who love to exercise outdoors. When the snow falls and the temperature drops, sunshiny forms of exercise may be tough, if not impossible. That doesn't mean you can't burn it up outside though - you just have to learn to love a Winter sport. One of my favorites is snowshoeing because it's fairly inexpensive, as easy as walking, as challenging as running, and it's a way to appreciate the beauty of Old Man Winter. In an hour of stomping around in the snow, you'll burn 433 calories. Here's how to get started.

Rent a pair of snowshoes from a nearby gear shop, which will probably cost less than $20 a day. Bring along the Winter boots you plan on wearing, so you can get a proper fit. You may want to rent poles as well to help you navigate up and down steep terrain.
When you head out, dress in layers. Wear wicking baselayers close to your skin, waterproof snowpants, a fleece midweight layer on top, and a waterproof softshell over that. Mittens, warm socks, and a hat are a must. Don't wear too much because snowshoeing is tough work and you don't want to overheat.
If you have woods in your area or a hike you're used to doing in the Summer, you can snowshoe there. If you don't know where to go, ask around for good spots. You may want to go to a resort that offers cross-country trails, which are perfect for beginner snowshoers.

For the rest of the tips keep reading

Checklist For Running Below 30 Degrees

FitSugar — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 13:30:06 -0800

I'm vowing to have a treadmill-free Winter, which means braving the cold, wind, ice, and snow. Winter running has just as many challenges as running in extreme heat, but with the right gear, you'll stay warm, dry, and comfortable. Here's what to wear before heading out in weather that's below 30° F.

Start off with a wicking bra and a wicking tank.
Pull on a long-sleeved midweight baselayer shirt made from either nonitchy merino wool or polyester.
Slip on wicking socks that go up to your knee to keep your calves warm. I use lightweight ski socks.
Wear warm running tights on your legs.
Over the long-sleeve shirt, wear a fitted wind-stopping softshell.
Running gloves or liners will protect your hands.
Definitely wear a hat, but make sure it's lightweight so your head doesn't get too sweaty.
On cold days, I also wear a fleece neck warmer. Not only will it keep your neck and chin warm, but it'll prevent burning lungs.
Facial sunscreen and lip balm with SPF is also a must, as are sunglasses to protect your eyes, since sun reflecting off the white snow can be blinding.
Of course, you'll need some good running sneakers. I'm loving these Pearl Izumi Trail Runners. Wearing gaiters over your calves will keep your ankles and legs dry when the snow is deep.
When it's icy, slip on a set of Yaktrax Pro on your sneaks to give you more traction and prevent slipping.

If you've been running outside this Winter, share your thoughts, advice, and pics in the RunningSugar community group.

Gear Review: Pearl Izumi SyncroSeek III WRX Trail Runners

FitSugar — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 09:00:21 -0800

For hardcore runners who won't let a little snow stop them from running outside, you need a waterproof sneaker that has a rugged sole. I tested out these Pearl Izumi SyncroSeek III WRX trail runners ($120), and was floored by how much I loved them.

Even in 20° F temps my feet stayed toasty warm, and after a 40-minute run through snow-covered woods trails, these shoes were completely dry. The upper part of the shoe is actually one seamless piece with the tongue attached, so no wind or wetness had any chance of getting to my feet. The rugged soles gave me incredible grip, even on slippery hills and uneven terrain. I really liked the way the shoe felt rigid and sturdy on my feet, which gave me a feeling of stability and strength. Another plus? I hardly felt like I was wearing anything since these trail runners are so lightweight. Although these retail for $120, I found them for $80 here.

If you've never tried Pearl Izumi sneakers on your tootsies, you're really missing out. Check out more pics below.

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These Pearl Izumi trail runners definitely get a hearty double thumbs-up in my opinion. If you've used gear that you want others to know about, share it in the Good Gear/Bad Gear community group.