FitSugar

Fitness Gear for Your Yard

FitSugar — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 04:30:00 PDT

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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Are You Trying a New Outdoor Activity This Summer?

Leta Shy — Sun, 20 May 2012 04:12:32 PDT

Spring is a time for new beginnings, and that can be especially true if you're gearing up to take advantage of the warm Summer days. Even better about being able to spend as much time outside as you want? It can spur you on to try a new sport or activity. There's so much to do if you want to burn calories, tone, and get your heart rate up while having fun, from hiking the trails to dusting off your old bike to taking scuba-diving lessons.

Does the advent of Summer have you excited to try out a new outdoor sport? Take our poll and tell us what it is below!

Celebrate Earth Day This Weekend With These Tips

Leta Shy — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 12:01:59 PDT

Earth Day is on Sunday. It’s a time to think about how our daily routines are impacting the environment, while also helping us remember that our resources are not infinite. If you'd like to green your life even more, here are some ways you can celebrate Earth Day this weekend:

Time to recycle: Have an old pair of running shoes that just aren't cutting it anymore, or a yoga mat that's seen its share of Downward Dogs? Before you chuck them away, read our guide on where to donate your used sneakers, yoga mats, clothes, and more, and spend some time this weekend culling and donating your fitness gear.

Shop smart: If you're stocking up this weekend at the grocery store, make smart decisions that will be good for you and the Earth. Don't forget your reusable bag, choose local, organic foods, and try to avoid products with too much packaging to shop eco-friendly. Read more tips for greening your grocery shopping here.

Green your fitness: This weekend, take advantage of the nice weather and move your workouts outside. You'll use fewer energy resources if you trade the treadmill for an outdoor run.

Shop sustainable: Besides donating old clothes for recycling, you can also take care to buy brands that are known for their eco-friendly practices. Many companies use recycled materials, sustainable fabrics, or resource-saving production practices to make high-quality fitness gear. Read our list of some eco-friendly fitness brands here, and shop our favorite eco finds here.

Check out more ideas to green your healthy routine here.

5 Ways to Make Fitness More Eco-Friendly

Michele Foley — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 11:38:05 PDT

With Earth Day a few days away, there's never been a better time to think about ways to green your fitness. Here are ways to tweak your daily habits just a little bit to do your part to reduce, recycle, and reuse.

Exercise outdoors: Skip the treadmill, stair climber, or stationary bike and go outside. You'll save money, reduce your consumption of energy and materials, and cut back on transportation usage and cost.
Make meals greener: There are several ways to make mealtime more eco-friendly. Save money and avoid wasteful to-go containers by packing lunch in reusable BPA-free containers; avoid produce that's high in pesticides and buy organic and local produce; and even if you're not a vegetarian, help the environment by cutting back on meat and having meat-free days once or twice a week.
Choose the right materials: When shopping for fitness gear, look for products made with recycled or renewable materials. Take it a step further and buy from companies that make a point to offset their carbon footprint.
Use less energy: Reducing how many things you turn on and switch off is a no-brainer, but use Earth Day as an excuse to really unplug. Reducing energy has its health benefits too: taking the stairs is a great way to burn calories, and turning off your computer or TV is a great way to destress and increase social interaction. Try biking to work, and if you can't get outdoors for your workout, rent fitness DVDs from the library.
DIY fitness gear: Cut way back on materials and production costs by doing it yourself! Make your own hand sanitizer, yoga mat cleaner, and produce wash and turn an old pair of jeans into a yoga mat bag.

5 Apps to Get Gardening This Weekend

Kelly Schwarze — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 06:30:41 PDT

When April showers aren't prepping May flowers, we can be found in the backyard flexing our green thumbs. Since we're no professionals in the world of gardening, digital resources are a must in learning which plants will thrive in a specific climate and how to produce vegetables worthy of a farmers market. Download one of these five apps this weekend to get your Spring gardening in gear.

Landscaper's Companion ($6) - Need to know how to grow just about anything under the sun? With facts on over 22,000 plants, this app is your gardening go-to. You won't want to hit the garden store without downloading this.
Home Outside Palette ($2) - Draft a dream backyard to rival those on the pages of the most beautiful gardening magazine. Plot sections of produce, deck space, hammocks, or quiet meditation gardens to turn a drab backyard into a relaxation center.

See how your garden can grow with three more green apps after the break.

Tips For Tackling Long Runs

FitSugar — Sat, 10 Mar 2012 19:37:21 PST

Many people sign up for races and marathons in the Summer, so Spring is the time to be training for them. If you're not used to running longer than three or four miles, here are some tips to help tackle longer distances.

Don't skimp on gear. Splurge on good wicking socks to prevent blisters, a durable and comfortable pair of sneaks, wicking clothes that are seamless to prevent irritation and chaffing, and a supportive sports bra. Good gear is so worth the extra dough.
Follow the 10 percent rule. The rule states: never increase your weekly mileage by more than 10 percent from the previous week. This means you want to gradually work up to that 18-mile run you have in your training schedule, rather than jumping right into it.
Slow down your pace. You may be used to running eight-minute miles when you run the three-mile loop in your neighborhood, but it'll be hard to keep up that pace when taking on a 10-mile run. As your body gets used to the increase in mileage, you can gradually begin to increase your speed.
Don't be afraid to take walking breaks. Longer distances mean you're on your feet for longer periods of time, so you'll notice your muscles becoming fatigued. Continuing to run with a tired body can lead to muscle damage or another injury. Allow your body time to build up endurance and have some time to recover by including short walking breaks at regular intervals.

Keep reading for more helpful tips on running long distances.

Love What You See on FitSugar? Follow Us on Pinterest!

Michele Foley — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 20:37:25 PST

Are you as inspired as we are by these photos (and want to know more about them)? Then follow FitSugar on Pinterest!

Reading FitSugar is just one way to get all your latest fitness tips, workouts, and healthy recipes on the daily, but we're also pinning up a storm over on Pinterest. Check out our boards to see all the inspirational, pretty things we're collecting from the web: motivational fitness ideas, inspiring recipes, and must-have gear, to name a few. We're hoping our picks will inspire you to hit the mat, get outside, or start mixing the latest low-cal cocktail at your next dinner party.

Now get set to follow the FitSugar Pinterest account!

Source: (never home)maker, Foodie Bride, mareadyphotography, lululemon

Reflective Gear to Keep Your Outdoor Runs Safe and Warm

Leta Shy — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 02:48:44 PDT

There may be more than a few good reasons to take your runs outside this Fall, but that doesn't mean that the shorter days and colder temps aren't going to make it harder for you to stay motivated. Before you hit the trails, make sure you stay safe and warm by bundling up in reflective gear that's perfect for low-visibility evenings. Here are five of our favorite cold-weather reflective tops and bottom made especially with the runner in mind!

Bikini-Clad Selena Gomez Snaps Pictures With Fans and Snacks on Fries Poolside

Lauren Turner — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 10:58:31 PST

Selena Gomez pulled on her jean shorts after spending Saturday poolside in Rio de Janeiro. She and a friend relaxed on lounge chairs, snacked on french fries, and met with fans during the sunny day. Selena's bikini time came during a break from her stage duties in Brazil, where she performed two shows over the weekend. She'll continue her tour with a stop in Argentina before wrapping things up in Uruguay next Saturday. Selena will soon switch gears from singing back to acting since her production company plans to develop the young adult book, The Sky Is Everywhere, for Selena to star in on the big screen. Meanwhile, Selena's boyfriend, Justin Bieber, is busy working on his new album in Miami and was spotted skateboarding shirtless outside of a studio on Friday night.

Bacteria Is Not Bliss: How to Keep Your Yoga Mat Clean and Germ-Free

Jenny Sugar — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 09:36:17 PST

We're knee-deep in cold and flu season and although practicing yoga is a great way to strengthen your muscles and your immune system, doing Child's Pose with your face pressed into a dirty, germy mat is a surefire way to sign yourself up for a case of the sicks. You can protect yourself by keeping your mat clean with these tips.

Bring a towel to class to absorb your sweat, and also wear long pants. The more sweat you can absorb and not allow to pool on your mat, the cleaner it will be.
Choose one side of your mat to practice on. That way, one side always stays clean and only the other side comes in contact with the germs on the floor.
Before you practice, be sure to wash your hands thoroughly to avoid passing germs onto your mat. Then after class, roll up your yoga mat and place it in a mat bag or tote to protect it from outside germs.

Don't let your mat make you sick. Keep reading for more essential tips to keep your mat germ-free.