FitSugar

Do You Prefer to Work Out Indoors or Outdoors?

FitSugar — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 09:30:00 -0700

Now that the weather is slowly turning to Spring some of us may be hitting the great outdoors again for our workouts, while others may opt to keep it inside. So which do you prefer?

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Where Do You Primarily Work Out?

FitSugar — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 03:00:00 -0800

I'm grateful that there are so many different ways you can exercise your body. We can run outside, use cardio machines, take dance classes, lift weights, learn Kung Fu, and use fitness DVDs. With all those options I was wondering, where do you usually exercise?

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Which do you find more difficult: running outside or on a treadmill?

FitSugar — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 07:30:00 -0700

I know a lot of you run. I like to run outside and on a treadmill - different forms for different moods. Some runners have really strong opinions when it comes to where they run. I am curious about you...

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Taking it To the Streets After Running On a Treadmill

FitSugar — Tue, 26 Jun 2007 10:15:00 -0700

It is that time of year when folks move their workouts outside since the weather is so dang nice. If you have been running indoors on a treadmilll and are looking to move your runs outside there are a few things to take into consideration.

The surface of the treadmill is more forgiving to your joints so suddenly shifting all your runs outside can be jarring to your ankles, knees and hips. Try just taking one run outside per week for 2 or 3 weeks. Then add one run outside every 2 weeks. If you are training for a road race it is really important to start planning ahead and hitting the streets.
Running outside will have to run against wind resistance and the elements, which in the summer means heat, which requires more energy to run at the same speed as on a treadmill.
Keeping your pace outside might feel really different since stride for stride, running on the road requires more energy output to propel your body forward since on a treadmill, you are keeping up with the treadmill as it moves under your feet. Plus, on a treadmill the machine keeps you running at a certain pace and now you will have to monitor your own pace. I suggest using a heart rate monitor to help you keep track of your heart rate and time.
The smooth, flat surface of a treadmill is very predictable. Running on roads or trails trains your neuromuscular system to deal with unpredictable terrain like hills, banked surfaces, trails and uneven surfaces. Chances are high you will be looking down much more when running outside, especially if you are trail running.

Have fun taking your running to the streets. Remember, when running outside you need to be more aware of your surroundings since people, dogs, bikes and cars might be out on the road or trail too.

Asthma and Winter Don't Mix

FitSugar — Mon, 18 Dec 2006 02:30:00 -0800

There's nothing fun about having asthma. Your chest gets tight, you can't catch a good breath, you have coughing attacks and you have to pump yourself silly with steroid inhalers and pills just so you can breathe.

But if you have asthma that's triggered by allergies, you may find that getting your heart rate up helps - all that huffing and puffing gets the mucus out of your lungs. Going for a run or bike ride outside does wonders because you're breathing in all that fresh air.

But now that it's winter, inhaling that freezing cold air is sure to throw you into an attack.

You may need to change up your routine and join a gym. Use the treadmill, elliptical or other cardio machines. Or check out a spinning class.

If the stagnant air at the stinky gym doesn't work for you, winter's a great opportunity to try hot yoga. The deep breathing and stretching will do wonders for your lungs. Plus you'll get to stretch out all those tight muscles you built up.

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Cold and Flu Tip: Get Outside at Least Once a Day

FitSugar — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 03:30:00 -0800

For many of you, wintry weather doesn't exactly inspire you to spend time outside. It's so nice to stay inside where it's warm, but remember that it's also cold and flu season. So give yourself a break from all those germs floating around, and make time to get outside at least once a day. Just bundle up and go for a long walk before work, run on your lunch breaks, or walk to your errands after work. If you wear the right gear, you'll be able to enjoy yourself, while giving your lungs a chance to inhale some much-needed fresh air. Keep in mind that being out in the cold doesn't cause colds and flu - but being inside with people and germs does.

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Do You Listen to Music When You Exercise Outside?

FitSugar — Fri, 29 Jun 2007 07:30:00 -0700

Sometimes, going for a run is just an excuse to listen to my favorite playlists on my iPod. The beat of the music keeps pushing me along and the lyrics entertain me. Other times, I like to run without music and listen to the birds chirping, my stride and my breath. I feel more aware of my surroundings too.

So I want to know...

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Get on the Ball: Saddlebag Busting Leg Lifts

FitSugar — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 09:32:08 -0800

If you're unhappy with the extra bit of padding on the sides of your thighs right by your bum, here's a move that can help smooth out your saddlebags, which I affectionately call my lower love handles. You can't spot-reduce the area, but toning sure does help.

To learn how to do this exercise, read more.

Come onto your knees and bring an exercise ball next to your right thigh. Rest your right arm on the outside of the ball and lean your weight into the ball. Now your right thigh is in a diagonal line.
Extend your left leg straight out and flex your foot. Balance your weight on both the ball and your right knee as you lift your left leg up toward the ceiling. Try to raise your left foot so it's as high as your hip.
Then with control, lower your leg so your toes barely touch the floor.
This counts as one rep. Complete three sets of 12 to 15 reps on this side and then repeat with the left leg.

5 Things For Safe Outdoor Workouts

FitSugar — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 07:00:31 -0700

Even though cold temps are moving in, some of you may still love sweating it out in the outdoors. Exercising outside is a great way to lift your spirits, is usually free, and prevents boredom, but you need to be especially aware of your safety. So here are some things you'll need for outdoor workouts.

Road ID ($20): This colorful fabric bracelet ID can be personalized with up to seven lines of text. Wear it on your wrist or attach it to your sneaker or jacket, and in case of an emergency, someone will know your name, where you live, and who to call.
Cell phone case: Whether I'm biking far away from home, or just running in my neighborhood, I always carry my cell phone in case I get hurt and need to call for help.

What else should you have on your outdoor workouts? To find out read more.

Airdrive Earphones ($60): I'm a big fan of listening to music while I work out, but it's not exactly safe to blast Fergie so loud you can't hear anything around you. These headphones sit just outside the opening of your ear, so you can hear your tunes, and also be aware of outside noises.
Reflective gear ($60) or lights ($15): Since the days are shorter, you may be exercising before the sun rises or after it has set, so you need gear that makes you more visible to drivers. They make all sorts of wearable reflective gear now, but when it's really dark, you may also want to sport a headlamp so not only can others see you, but you'll be able to see where you're going too.
Pepper spray ($10.50): If you work out in an unsafe neighborhood, or are in the woods and worried about animals attacking you, then pepper spray could save your life. This one has a handle so you can carry it easily, and it's ready to use instantly.

Pros and Cons of the Stationary Bike

FitSugar — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 03:47:21 -0700

I love riding my bike outside, but if it's raining or too dark out, the stationary bike is a great option for me. Since it may not be the most popular cardio machine at the gym, there's usually one available. Here are some pros and cons to think about when hopping on one.

Pros

Cons

Since you keep your stationary bike inside, you can always get in a workout no matter the weather or time of day.
You can't beat the safety factor. When biking indoors, you don't have to worry about cars, uneven terrain that could make you fall, or sharp objects that could pop your tire. And if you get tired, you can just hop off and end your workout, unlike when you're riding outside and still have to ride back home.

Riding a stationary bike burns fewer calories than running on a treadmill, since most of your weight is supported by the seat. You'll burn 148 calories on a stationary bike after 30 minutes, and will burn 236 calories on the treadmill for the same amount of time.
Biking doesn't offer the same bone-building benefits as high-impact running since you're sitting down.

To see the rest of the pros and cons, read more.

Pros

Cons

Stationary bikes are much cheaper than treadmills or ellipticals, and cost around $600 to $1,200. If you already own a bike, instead of buying a whole new stationary bike, you can attach it to a cycle trainer and ride it inside.
If you have knee or back pain, or need to lose a lot of weight, using a stationary bike is easier on your body than a treadmill, especially if it's a recumbent bike.
You don't have to wear a helmet, or be hyper-aware of your surroundings.
If you need motivation, you can take a spinning class.
Newer stationary bikes have a variety of programs so you can do interval workouts that replicate outdoor terrain even though you're inside.
The readout keeps track of your workout data including time, speed, distance, and calories burned, so you can monitor your progress.
It's easy to read a book or magazine on the stationary bike, which helps pass the time.

It only works your lower body, unlike machines that have handles, like the elliptical, that allow you to target your arms and upper back as well.
Stationary bikes that have readouts require power, so they're not as green as biking outdoors.
If you're training for a race, you'll be missing out on training in extreme temps, wind resistance, blaring sun, precipitation, and uneven surfaces.
It's easier to cheat on a stationary bike than on a real bike. You can lower the resistance, avoid hills, and peddle slowly.
Since the scene never changes inside, it can be so boring that you exercise for less time.
Sitting down on an uncomfortable seat makes for a sore tush.
The readout on the machine may not be accurate.

Remember, pros and cons aside, spin class is a great way to stay in biking shape during the inclement weather of Winter.