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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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Amanda Peet: So in Love

FitSugar — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 07:00:17 -0800

Amanda Peet is undoubtedly feeling great. She's starring in the number one film in the country, and in the December issue of Self the actress shares that nothing brings her more joy than hanging at home with her hubby and baby girl. In fact, the actress credits her husband, screenwriter David Benioff, as being her healthiest habit. Oh, true love!

The 37-year-old actress is not without her envies, though - she wants "boobs, a gentle six-pack, and a perky butt." And when it comes down to it, she secretly wishes for a bod like Gisele Bündchen's or Jennifer Aniston's. Outside of a little admiration, especially since Peet strives to live a life full of balance and a lot of laughs.

To hear Peet's take on health, read more.

Amanda is a big fan of moderation:

"To me, staying healthy means doing everything in moderation. Eat a lot of greens, but in moderation. Exercise, but in moderation. Drink wine, but in moderation. Sleep as much as you can. And have people around you who are very funny."

At the end of the day it all comes back to love for Peet, who says that her 2-year-old daughter is the reason why she stays healthy.

"I do feel like it's important for her to have me be as healthy as I can be. So, you know, I don't want her to have horrible eating habits. I don't want her to never exercise. But obviously I'd much rather have her play a sport than have a gym membership before she's 20. I mean there are kids in LA who go to the gym and they have a trainer. I'm like, Play a sport!"

Check out more shots of the hot mama and visit lilsugar to read more about Amanda on mothering. Also, see lots more photos, quotes on Self.com.

View 5 Photos ›

When Winter Rolls In, Don't Give Up on Working Out

FitSugar — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 13:30:52 -0800

It isn't hard to explain why our workouts get a little lackadaisical when Winter rolls in - 'cause, baby, it's cold outside - and it's pretty understandable that a lot of us lose our motivation to get outdoors for a run or a bike ride. So, how actually do people who work out through the Winter do it? An article from The New York Times reveals exactly that - and how some people manage to get up "the high activation energy" required to stay committed to fitness during the bitter Winter months.

Turns out, if you're new to fitness, you're more likely to give into a little workout hiatus when it gets colder and darker out. According to Janet Buckworth, an exercise physiologist at Ohio State University, it's the opposite for exercise veterans. “If you are beyond the point that you are learning how to exercise, you can’t imagine not running in bad weather,” she says. In fact, some exercise enthusiasts relish the challenge of an outdoor workout in Winter, even going on "epic" bike rides during snow storms and blizzards.

Regardless, you don't have to be an extremist to keep up a Winter workout routine. The key? Just get into something you could really stick with long-term. Choose a form of exercise that you're excited to do, and can keep up when Winter arrives. Group classes are great, and Buckworth recommends finding something you can do indoors, getting a friend to go with you, and even something as simple as updating your playlist with music you love to keep exercise fun and help you stay committed to your fitness regime.

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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Healthy Eating Tip: Don't Eliminate, Elaborate!

FitSugar — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 15:00:14 -0800

When approaching health and fitness, many of us have the mentality that less is more. While this may be a healthy perspective to avoid overeating and practice portion control, a restrictive diet can wreak havoc on your mood and leave you wondering whether there’s anything out there you can eat. Instead, alter your state of mind: rather than thinking about what foods to cut out, start to think of your daily menu as a chance to add great-tasting, healthy options. Challenge yourself to make the most of your mealtime and see just how many creative and good-for-you foods you can include in your daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner routine.

To get creative, I like to take a cue from vegan menus. Let me start by saying that I am not vegan. I love poultry and seafood, but each time I decide to dine vegan, I’m always amazed by the variety on the menu. Every item is loaded with healthful, delicious ingredients that remind me to think outside the box the next time I’m planning a meal.

To get creative meal ideas, just read more.

Craving lasagna or a baked potato? Don’t deprive yourself these treats, simply reimagine them and treat yourself to a healthier version. An eggplant stacks is a great alternative to cheesy lasagna, and using fresh herbs, crumbled tofu, and fresh red pepper means it’s loaded with bold flavors and good-for-you ingredients. A baked sweet potato is another great option – and a great way to satisfy your craving for starch. Plus they are one of the healthiest vegetables around, since they contain vitamin C, potassium, fiber, and fewer calories than your regular potatoes. Even small changes like these can be big steps toward a healthier attitude and a healthier you.

To get creative ideas from your fellow FitSugar readers, check out their healthy food swap ideas.