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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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.

How to Prevent a Bad Running Day

Jenny Sugar — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 21:56:02 PST

Some days I slip on my sports bra and sneaks and I feel so light and strong - like I could keep going and going. Other days it seems like my legs are trudging through mud. What gives? We can't prevent bad running days entirely, but here are a few things you can do in order to have more good days than bad.

Get enough sleep the night before. Hit the hay early enough so you get seven to nine hours of shut-eye.
Make sure you're hydrated. Not drinking the appropriate amount of water before and during your workout can lead to dizziness, headaches, decreased energy and performance, dry mouth, and cramps. A few hours before running, drink about 15 to 20 ounces. Drink another eight to 10 ounces 10 to 15 minutes before heading out.
Eat before your run. Remember that food is fuel. If you're not working out for five or so hours, enjoy a meal that contains protein, fat, and carbs. Several hours before a run, eat a meal that's under 500 calories. Thirty to 90 minutes before you head out, enjoy a carb-loaded low-fat snack. If you're working out first thing in the a.m., fuel up with easily digestible carbs that are low in fiber. Getting too much fiber can cause major cramps during your run.
Hit the ladies room. There's no need to carry unnecessary weight with you, so if you can relieve yourself before your run, you'll feel much lighter and will be less likely to experience belly aches.

See more tips after the break!

5 Things I Wish Someone Had Told Me Before I Started Running

Jenny Sugar — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 03:07:23 PST

When I first started running, I hated it. I suffered from blisters, unsupported bosoms, and irritated skin from seams, and it seemed insanely hard. I wish someone had sat me down and told me these basic tips and tricks to help smooth my transition from non-runner to runner. If you're just starting out on your own journey pounding the pavement or treadmill belt, here are things you should know about running.

It Gets Easier
As with most things, the more you do it, the easier it becomes. To strengthen your muscles, acclimate your heart and lungs, and increase your endurance, run at least three times a week. Start off with a doable distance such as two miles. Once that distance feels good, gradually increase your mileage. The key is to move at a comfortable pace for a reasonable amount of time. If you do too much too soon, you could end up with an injury or a deep hatred for the sport.

You Don't Have to Wear Two Sports Bras
If you're well-endowed, running can be painful. I wore two sports bras for the longest time because I couldn't find one that prevented the uncomfortable bounce. A cheap cotton sports bra from Target just won't do. You might have to spend $50 or more, but it's worth it when you only have to wear one bra you trust. Here are some sports bras to choose from.

Keep reading to find out other running tips for beginners.

Not Feeling It? How to Motivate Yourself For a Winter Run

Jenny Sugar — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 11:44:22 PST

It's 20 degrees, the sky is dull and gray, and you're shivering inside just thinking about gearing up for an outdoor run. No wonder you're having a hard time motivating yourself. When a chilly Winter's day is the hurdle keeping you from going running, here are some ways to inspire a cold-weather workout.

Warm up your clothes: Pop your sports bra, shirts, pants, and even your socks in the dryer for a couple minutes. Slipping on warm gear is sure to get rid of that chill you have when looking out your window into the cold.
Warm up yourself: Take a quick shower allowing the hot water to envelope your skin, being careful not to get your hair wet. It'll warm your body and get your muscles ready to move.
Warm up inside: Once you're dressed properly for a cold-weather workout, do your warm-up inside rather than outside. Run up and down the stairs, do jumping jacks or a round of push-ups, or whatever you need to do to get your heart rate up without getting sweaty. You'll feel warm and loosened up when you step out the door, and you can start running right away to stay warm. Here are warm-up ideas that can be done indoors (even in a small apartment space!).
Blast a tune that speaks to you: Whether it's Beyoncé, Adele, or Pitbull that lights a fire inside you, use your favorite upbeat song to get you psyched for a run. You can dance and scream lyrics as you slip on your sports bra and sneaks. This is a great technique when you're really not feeling a run because it can instantly flip a switch and help you head out the door fast. Continue the musical motivation by listening to a newly crafted running mix.

Need more inspiration? Keep reading for other ways to inspire a wintry run.

Get Outside! Cold-Weather Exercising Tips For Winter

Michele Foley — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 03:07:17 PST

Going for an outdoor run or bike ride when it's 40 degrees outside might not seem like your idea of a good time. The treadmill offers warmth, but exercising outdoors breaks up the monotony of the gym, increases calorie burn, and can also help performance increase. Follow these cold-weather tips for exercising outdoors, and you'll find that Winter workouts aren't as daunting as you think.

What to wear: Sure you'll work up a sweat, but it's important to dress warmly when exercising in cold weather. In the Winter, it's all about layers (like these cute long-sleeved tops). You also want to make sure that your bottom layer of clothing is moisture-wicking. To avoid overheating but still stay warm, dress like it's 20 degrees warmer than the true temperature outside. Here's a checklist of what to wear for cold-weather workouts.
How to warm up: It's important to warm up before any workout - outdoors or otherwise. It can be even harder to do in cold weather; muscles feel extra tight and the last thing you want to do is brave the elements. Get blood flowing and muscles loose by warming up indoors first. Here are warmup ideas that can be done indoors (even in a small apartment space!).

Keep reading to see more tips on exercising outdoors during the Winter!

Shoe Review: Mizuno Wave Rider 15

Leta Shy — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 17:14:21 PST

I'm a Mizuno fan - the company's roster of running shoes has something for every serious runner (or any type of runner who's serious about getting the right gear). So I was happy to test out the Wave Rider 15 ($115), the newest model in a line of shoes that has proven to be one of Mizuno's most popular since it was introduced 15 years ago.

I was a little wary about trying the Wave Riders, however, since the shoes are built for neutral runners and not those who over- or underpronate (I usually buy shoes for overpronators). And while the Wave Rider has enjoyed immense popularity, the Wave Rider 15s were my first encounter with the style, so I wasn't sure what to expect.

As soon as I unboxed the ruby red sneakers, though, my reservations started disappearing. My first thoughts were that even though they look substantial, they felt incredibly lightweight. The sole is relatively thick, but it doesn't interfere with the responsiveness of the shoe as you run. In fact, as I ran I felt more connected with the ground than I thought I would.

Read more about the Mizuno Waver Rider 15s after the break.

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!

Vacations: The Best Time to Try New Fitness Classes

Heather Dale — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 01:11:50 PST

Some may leave their gym shorts and running shoes at home when they jet off for a vacation, but FitSugar readers make it a point to sneak fitness into their schedules while traveling. And I commend you for doing so, because when you've got a mai tai in one hand and a gripping novel in the other, it can take a lot of willpower to head to the gym.

Working out while on vacation can actually be an exhilarating and rewarding experience - especially if you try a new class. Here's why trips afar are the best time to switch up your fitness routine