FitSugar

Heat Exhaustion - Know the Symptoms

FitSugar — Wed, 06 Jun 2007 14:30:00 -0700

If you live in a warm climate, or a place where the summer gets pretty hot and humid, you could be at risk for heat exhaustion if you're not careful. Heat exhaustion can happen after exposure to high temps, which can make you sweat profusely and cause your body to overheat. You're at risk if you are working out in the sun, or in a poorly ventilated hot and humid room.

Here are the symptoms of heat exhaustion:

cold, clammy skin
dilated pupils
excessive sweating
dizziness, blurred vision, headache, or fainting
muscle cramps
weakness or fatigue
nausea or vomiting
signs of shock: rapid pulse, shallow breathing, unconsciousness

What should you do if you or someone you know is suffering from heat exhaustion? To find out read more

Get out of the sun and heat immediately.
Drink lots of water.
Remove excess clothing and loosen anything that is too tight around the neck or waist.
Take a cool shower or bath, or find some air-conditioning.
Lie on your back with your feet elevated.
If the person you are with becomes unconscious, seek medical attention ASAP!

Fit's Tips: To prevent heat exhaustion in the first place, avoid staying outside in extreme temperatures for long periods of time. If you find yourself in the heat, drink tons of cool water and go swimming to keep your body temperature from getting too high. If you love exercising outside in the summer, try working out early in the morning or later in the evening when the air is cooler.

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Fittingly Mad: Showing Too Much Skin While Exercising

FitSugar — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 03:30:09 -0800

When I taught yoga this week, I was surprised to see a new male student show up in not much clothing. He was wearing the teeniest, tiniest, tightest shorts I've ever seen. I was like, "Um, this is not a naked yoga class!"

This isn't the first time I've noticed men and women exercising and not wearing enough. A few instances while climbing, I've looked up the wall and seen way more than I bargained for. I'm no prude, but I do think there's an appropriate amount of clothes a person should wear in public. I'm not sure why people don't cover up. Are they hot? Because a few extra inches of shorts isn't going to make a person overheat. Are they showing off? Because tight pants and long-sleeve shirts show off enough.

This doesn't make me angry, but it definitely rubs me the wrong way. What about you? Are you OK with people wearing whatever they want, or do you think there should be some ground rules about appropriate workout attire?

Heated Running Vest: Cool or Not?

FitSugar — Sat, 23 Jan 2010 03:00:06 -0800

In the Winter months, exercising outdoors can seem like the last thing you want to do because of the frigid, biting temps. If you need a little warming up, check out this heated vest by Venture ($159). Made for active Winter folks, this rechargeable battery-powered vest is meant to keep you toasty without having to layer on tons of bulky clothes.

I know it's cold out there, but when you start moving around, your body heats up, so I'm wondering whether this heated vest will make you overheat. I guess you can just turn it off it that happens, but then is it worth the dough? What do you think? Is this a snow bunny's dream or is this heated vest overpriced and unnecessary?

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

Reasons to Try Mountain Biking

FitSugar — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 03:47:34 -0700

Road biking was my first taste of exercising on wheels. I loved the smooth terrain, how fast I could speed along, and how much distance I could cover, which made for great sightseeing. I never gave much thought to trying mountain biking, until my hubby persuaded me to go with him. I tell you, it's a completely different feeling riding on a woodsy trail than it is riding on the road. Here are some reasons you should give it a try.

It's the perfect time of year - the air is chilly so you won't overheat, there are no bugs, the ground is less muddy, and the foliage is gorgeous. It's a great way to celebrate Fall.
It's a major calorie burner. An hour of mountain biking burns over 500 calories.
You can forget about doing endless squats and lunges because mountain biking will effectively tone your thighs and booty. Since you have to pedal hard up steep hills, you really feel the burn in your lower body.
Once you purchase a mountain bike, cycling shoes, and a helmet, the trails are usually free, so it's a great way to stay fit during a time when we're all pinching pennies. Visit a bike shop and purchase an old model that stores are trying to get rid of, or check out Craigslist if you're on a budget.

To see why else you should start mountain biking read more.

It's a great alternative for people who say that running hurts their knees or back.
Since you're biking through narrow trails, over roots and rocks, dodging tree limbs and holes, you really tune your sense of balance. It also requires more awareness and quick thinking, so boredom just isn't an issue.
It's a great form of exercise you can do with a friend or whole group. Not only is there safety in numbers, but your pals can suggest new places to ride.
It's hardcore. I feel so tough after a ride in the woods because mountain biking is so challenging. I come home with scratches from branches, bruises from falling (since I'm a beginner), and mud on my legs. Aside from strengthening my body, my inner self feels stronger.

Tell me, have you ever tried mountain biking?

K9 Time: Exercising With Your Pooch

FitSugar — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 08:00:00 -0700

I love running with my dog, Bonnie, because it's a way for us to both get some exercise and fresh air, and I know I appreciate the company. It makes me feel a little safer when running alone, and it also makes the time go by faster. Before you lace up your running shoes and leash up your dog too, consider these pet exercise tips.

It's not good for puppies' developing muscles and bones to run consistently for long periods of time. Wait until your dog is at least one year old or more. If she is older or overweight, running may be too hard on her joints, so stick to walking.
Consider your dog's breed. If she is a Pug or other dog with a short nose, walking might be better than running to limit breathing difficulties. If your dog is a large breed such as a Standard Poodle, running long distances may be hard on her joints, so opt for short runs.
Build up your dog's endurance gradually. Start off with short intervals of alternating between walking and running. Even though your dog may want to keep going, you don't want to overexert her too quickly and risk an injury.

To see the other tips, read more.

Don't get frustrated if your dog has a hard time staying next to you, pulls on the leash, or stops constantly to smell things. Practice makes perfect, so be patient. It may take some time for her to get used to being on a short leash and running beside you at your pace.
Asphalt and concrete can be too hot for furry feet, and rocks and gravel may cause cuts. Monitor your dog’s pads for cracking and wear.
Dogs overheat easily, so avoid exercising in hot weather. Make sure to carry water with you or exercise near water so your pup can hydrate and cool off.
Dogs like routines, so if you establish a regular exercise time, you’ll never have to self-motivate. Your dog will beg you to get up and get going.

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You Asked: Why the Red Face When Running?

FitSugar — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 11:00:00 -0700

Hey FitSugar,
Per my New Year's resolution, I've started and managed to keep running in 2009. I used to run cross country and track in high school, about 10 years ago, but now I've noticed one big change - my face gets beet red when I run. It looks like a red mask. The redness stays just on my face and doesn't go down my neck or up into my scalp. Do you have any idea what is going on? Is there something I can do to prevent this or is it no big deal? Thanks in advance for your advice and help!
- Red Faced Runner

Having a pink flush to your face is a tell-tale sign that you've been working out, but it sounds like your skin flushes to a hue beyond pink. To see what's going on with your skin, read more.

When you work out, your body produces heat. One way that your body ensures it doesn't overheat is by sweating, of course. But your body also increases blood circulation to the skin's surfaces, so the heat can be radiated off - smart body. Warm, oxygenated blood rushes to your face, turning it that bright red color. It's receiving lots of healthy blood, bringing nutrients to your skin and carrying away toxins. In medical speak, this phenomenon is known as vasodilation. Drinking an adequate amount of water before and during exercise may help reduce the redness by ensuring you're hydrated enough to sweat to properly cool yourself down.

Your face turning red is really no big deal unless you are also experiencing dizziness, fatigue, or nausea, which indicate that you may be in danger of becoming overheated. If that's the case, stop exercising immediately and get out of the sun if you are running outside. Be sure to drink plenty of cool water, too.

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Chill Out: Anger Is Bad For the Heart

FitSugar — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 11:00:00 -0800

National Heart Health Month may be drawing to a close, but keeping your ticker healthy is daily affair. In fact, matters of the heart are affected by what goes on in your head; chronic negative emotions, like anger and stress, might damage the heart.

In a recent Yale University study, anger appeared to interfere with the electrical signals of heart patients. When the electrical signals of the heart become erratic, the heart can abruptly stop beating, leading to cardiac arrest. Emotional stress can tax the heart in the same fashion as physical stress, and in already vulnerable populations, this can lead to trouble. While the direct affects of anger on the heart in populations with healthy hearts has yet to be studied, this test helps us all understand the emotional connection between our emotional life and the health of our heart. If you tend to run a little hot-headed, now might be the time to learn how to cool off before you overheat your heart.

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Gear Review: Revenant Running Shoe by Under Armour

FitSugar — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 10:00:00 -0800

Known for its sturdy workout wear, Under Armour is adding shoes to its repertoire. I just took the stability sneaker, UA Revenant ($120), out for a couple of test runs, and I mean that literally. After wearing them around the house for some light cleaning, I wore them for a long jog on the road. They felt great. Supportive and well cushioned, the Revenant is designed to prevent overpronation, rolling too far to the inside of the foot, something I am prone to doing. I felt as if I could feel the shoes steering me toward the outside of the foot and I appreciated the help.

I also tested them on the treadmill and again they felt great. They fit really well, felt cushioned in all the right places, and my feet didn't overheat as they sometimes can when running indoors. Never having worn sneakers with pink on them, I will admit I like the feminine hot pink accents. The mesh fabric is gray, or as Under Armour refers to it, "smoked pearl," so the shoes are not glaring white.

You can purchase these running shoes directly from Under Armour. They run true to size. Or if you want to try them on, which I recommend when shopping for a new running shoe, check out the store locator.

Fit Gift Guide: Skiers and Riders

FitSugar — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 13:00:00 -0800

The snow's a fallin' in parts of the world, and that means skiers and riders are gearing up for some adventurous time in the snow. If there's a gal in your life who's big into hitting the mountain, here are some gift ideas that are sure to keep her warm and protected.

Salomon Ladies Temptress Jacket: The best part about this coat is that it has tons of zippered pockets to hold your wallet, keys, phone, tissues, and snacks. It's lightly insulated so once you start cruising, you won't overheat. There's also a goggle wipe and a holder for your ski pass. Since this is last year's model, it's cheaper, so you'll save some dough.
Smith Women's Anthem Goggles: Goggles are a must to protect your eyes from snow, ice, rain, tree branches, and the sun. These from Smith are made for a woman's facial features, and they're helmet compatible.
Burton Headphone Beanie: Whether you're zooming down the mountain on skis or a board, some people can't live without their tunes. This hat from Burton has speakers built in. Just plug the wire into your iPod and you're good to go.

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