FitSugar

Pool Push-Ups

FitSugar — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 12:00:00 PDT

I feel like the most effective arm exercise in the world is the push-up and just because you are working out in a pool doesn't mean you have to skip them. Doesn't that make you happy? You can do a push-up variation using the side of the pool.

To learn how to do pool push-ups,

Here's how to use the edge of the pool to work your arms:

Place you hands on the side of the pool, just slightly wider than shoulder width apart. Your fingers should face forward.
On an exhale, push your self up like you are trying to exit the pool. Keep your shoulders away from your ears and don't lock your elbows. Don't forget to use your abs.
Inhale and slowly lower yourself back into the pool, stopping when your elbows are bent to 90 degrees.
Don't touch the bottom of the pool. If you are in the shallow end keep your knees bent so you don't jump to lessen the work of your arms.
Do two sets of 10 to 15 reps.

Fit's Tip: This is a great exercise for strengthening your arms to really power the "pull" of your freestyle stroke.

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First Look! The Victoria's Secret Ultimate Swim Catalog, Plus Bikini Styling Tips

Chi Diem Chau — Wed, 02 May 2012 16:58:31 PDT

Swim season is here and thanks to the Victoria's Secret newly released swim catalog, we're motivated to hit the gym - double time. Inside, you'll find Adriana Lima, Candice Swanepoel, Lily Aldridge, and more of the brand's famous faces (and svelte bodies) showing off a bevy of swimwear options, ranging from colorful floral and embellished bikinis to sexier cutout one-pieces. So before you hit the beach, pool, or waterfalls, click the slideshow to see almost 50 swimwear options, which you can now purchase online from Victoria's Secret, and read our quick bikini styling tips below.

Don't be afraid to mix and match your bikini tops and bottoms. Just make sure your color palette stays the same for a fun and flawless look. We love the idea of pairing a cute floral bottom with an embellished bohemian string bikini top for an eclectic, cool aesthetic.
If you're looking to add extra oomph to your chest - and don't like the feel of a push-up - opt for a ruffled bikini or bandeau top. We love this frilly white rendition paired with a double-string bikini bottom.
Accessorize your bikini look with fun jewelry. Just remember to choose effortless pieces, like these wrap bracelets and statement earrings, for a carefree look.

3 Proposed Renovations For Mitt Romney's La Jolla Hood Beach Home

Elka Karl — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 13:01:36 PDT

Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney purchased this San Diego beach home nearly four years ago for $12 million - an exorbitant buy for most anyone - but he wasn't satisfied with its lap pool, spa, generous 3,000-square-foot size, and patio overlooking the beach. He's been trying to push through a renovation - essentially a teardown - which would replace the house with a two-story, 11,000-square-foot home. While permits are still awaiting final approval, the project is expected to be approved. Keep reading for some details behind the proposed renovation, according to Politico.

Romney's cars will have their own separate elevator.
The basement alone will be 3,600 square feet.
The lap pool will be joined by an outdoor shower and an undisclosed water feature.

San Diego officials have expressed some concern over the mysterious water feature and its ability to properly drain. It may take years for the permits to be proposed, so neighbors don't have to worry about bulldozers invading their hood anytime soon.

Romney notes that the renovation is meant to accommodate his extended family. Still, it seems a bit over the top, don't you think? My extended family - which is by no means small - has often happily spent holidays together at a 2,000-square-foot house.

What do you think? Does this beach house need some sprucing up in the form of a nearly quadruple-size increase?

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From the Community: Everything You Need to Know About CrossFit

Fit Community — Wed, 28 Mar 2012 01:22:23 PDT

FitSugar reader meetcasey interviewed CrossFit expert Robert Sax, owner of the CrossFit Amped Gym, and posted the Q&A in our Get Fit For 2012 community group. Check out what Robert had to say about this rising fitness trend!

Meet the Expert: Robert Sax

Can you begin by telling us a little about yourself?

I am 27 years old and a Capricorn (yes, that’s the goat). I’m originally from Portland, ME (the first Portland), and I currently live in Bellevue, WA. I graduated from Springfield College in Massachusetts with a BS in exercise science. I own CrossFit Amped, coach during the day, fight crime at night, and occasionally put down an entire jar of fresh-grind almond butter. Mmmmmm, fat!

What is CrossFit?

Textbook definition: it is constantly varied functional movements executed at a high intensity. CliffsNotes version: constantly changing workouts that involve body weight movements, gymnastics, aerobic and anaerobic training, Olympic lifting, power lifting, strongman movements, and anything else my twisted mind can conjure up! It is a universally scalable platform for exercise that allows any man or woman of any age and ability level to participate. I have worked with every walk of life and haven’t been stumped yet. In fact, I am currently coaching two men who are deaf, which was a challenge at first because of the amount of detail needed to comprehend and apply to certain movement patterns. Now it is no problem. In fact, I’ve learned some sign language because of it!

Learn more about what a CrossFit workout is and how it can change your body after the break

Olympic Hopeful Jessica Hardy Shares Her Tips to Beat Workout Boredom

espnW — Sat, 17 Mar 2012 04:06:56 PDT

We are excited to share one of our fave stories from espnW here on FitSugar!

By Jessica Hardy

Jessica Hardy knew she wanted to be an Olympic swimmer at age 5, when her mom started taking her to the neighborhood pool in Long Beach, Calif. Now, more than 20 years later, she's a three-time world champion and a world record holder in the 50m and 100m breaststroke. Her next goal? Olympic gold in London.

Jessica will be blogging for espnW in the lead-up to this summer's London Olympics. Follow her journey on espnW.com and read her full blog entry here.

How I Fend Off Workout Boredom

1. Hit Instant Replay. When I need motivation at practice, I just picture my competitors inching past me from the side of my goggles. That mental image is enough to drive me.

A Bright Idea

2. Sing It, Sister. The last song I hear on the radio in my car before heading into practice always gets stuck in my head. I end up singing it the whole time, and you know what, it keeps me entertained - though my teammates don't always feel the same way.

Playing Hard Ball

3. Go into Detail. During a tough part of practice, I focus on technique with each stroke rather than when on earth the set is going to end. That little trick helps me get through it.

Keep reading for more boredom-busting tips.

6 Ways to Burn More Calories at the Gym

Jenny Sugar — Wed, 29 Feb 2012 17:12:10 PST

Who doesn't want to get a better workout in less time? Here are six ways to burn more calories the next time you hit the gym.

Do a few extra sets: One minute of push-ups burns eight calories and one minute of crunches also burns eight calories. Complete three extra sets of each and that's 48 extra calories burned.
Do five extra minutes of cardio: You'll burn an extra 56 calories on the elliptical, 52 calories on the bike, 34 calories in your cardio class, 49 calories on the treadmill, and 30 calories in the pool when you hang on for an extra five minutes.
Pick up your pace: When running for 30 minutes, you can burn 216 calories moving at 5 mph (12 minutes per mile) or you can increase your speed slightly to 6 mph (10 minutes per mile) and burn 270 calories. That's quite a difference that really adds up over time.
Pump up the incline: You know that you'll burn 270 calories after 30 minutes while running at a pace of 10 minutes per mile, but if you pump up the incline to five percent, you'll burn 363 calories!
Crawl in the pool: Doing freestyle for 30 minutes burns 297 calories, while the breaststroke burns slightly less at 270.
Get your yoga on: After a 60-minute Pilates class, you'll have burned 144 calories. Go for a more vigorous yoga class instead and you'll burn 269 calories.

*All calculations are based on a 130-pound woman.

4 Moves to Say Goodbye to Saddlebags

Self — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 04:54:13 PST

We are pumped to share one of our favorite stories from Self here on FitSugar!

If you're saddled with saddlebags, you probably think you got the short end of the family gene pool stick. But, lucky for you, those pesky fat deposits surrounding your hips, thighs, and butt are far easier to banish than, say, Great Aunt Hilda or your bossy big sister. "Saddlebags are largely determined by genetics, hormones, and age, but women can still affect the shape of their bodies through nutrition and exercise," says Rebekah Rotstein, a New York-based Pilates instructor who recently released the Pilates For Buff Bones DVD.

Not sure where to begin? Rotstein recommends utilizing large muscle groups rather than relying on spot training for fast results. "Pilates get results because it's a whole-body exercise program and works your muscles synergistically," she says. "Muscles aren't meant to function independently but as a team!"

Just remember to keep your expectations realistic. No workout in the world can turn you into Cameron Diaz overnight. "All women have padding at their hips, no matter how thin we are (even Diaz!)," says Rotstein. "It's what differentiates us from men and accentuates the curves you've got!"

To tone up those saddlebags fast, add these four moves to your regular workout routine. Check out the moves after the break.

The Pros and Cons of Being Friends With a Former Crush

TresSugar — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 02:00:20 PST

He used to make you feel weak in the knees, and then suddenly he's your . . . best friend? Whether it's an old crush that's resurfaced or a guy you've recently decided would fit better as a friend, a platonic relationship with someone you used to daydream about can be strange and difficult to navigate. Here are the pros and cons of becoming BFFs with a former crush:

The pros:

You're on his "forever" timeline. Girlfriends will come and go, but you'll be one of the lucky women in his life who lasts. Romantic relationships are special, of course, but one of friendship's major bonuses is its ability to endure. Not only will you be in the loop for major life events, you also won't have to worry about splitting up friends if you eventually break up.
A relationship that's all fun, no complications. Without the drama and pressure of intimacy, you'll be able to enjoy a friendship that's simple, straightforward, and carefree. No breakups, no makeups, and no friendly female competition - just two people who appreciate each other's company.
Single? He'll introduce you to other guys like him. Most men tend to hang out with other men who share the same qualities, so your best friend's social circle can become your dating pool. Plus, he'll be able to filter out the bad ones for you - since he cares about you, he'll be sure to hook you up with only his kindest, most loyal pals.

The cons:

There may still be feelings. (Cue the drama.) If you're single and realize that your crush hasn't quite faded, then you've officially moved out of simple friendship territory and into something messy. Keeping your feelings under wraps might make you crazy, but revealing them could ruin the relationship for good. It goes without saying, but if you're in a relationship and feelings resurface, it's time to step back and reevaluate.
Jealousy issues, part one. If he meets someone, you may start feeling pushed aside or left out - and vice versa. The third wheel problem can be tough to fix, so it's important to keep the communication lines open and be clear about any uncomfortable dynamics.
Jealousy issues, part two. Chances are, as best friends, you have some sort of chemistry - and significant others may start to envy the connection. Even worse? They may start to feel suspicious about the relationship and cause rifts in the friendship. Keep things cordial and build trust by creating separate friendships with each other's love interests.

The bottom line? Friendships between men and women are complicated - especially if you once thought of it as something more. Still that doesn't mean you need to pull the plug on a potential friend connection just because it started as an infatuation. If you stay honest with yourself and each other, friendship with a former crush can be fun and exciting.

What do you think? Ever been friends with a past crush?

From the Community: Trainer Tips For Exercising While Pregnant

OnSugar Blog — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 01:31:53 PST

OnSugar blogger Coach Lark Says encourages his pregnant clients to exercise while pregnant - safely, of course. He shares a few tips on how to exercise when pregnant below.

Here are some of the best reasons to exercise when you are pregnant, which I have gathered from a variety of sources.

Better psychological wellbeing
Reduced incidence of gestational diabetes
Decreased incidence of preclampsia
Reduced lower back pain
Improved weight management
Improved fetal development
Easier or shorter labor
Decreased risk of premature labor
Greatly reduced incidence of abdominal surgery during delivery

Of course, it’s important to modify your workout to accommodate and support the pregnancy. But that doesn’t mean you can’t work out as hard. Maintaining the workout intensity you had going into your pregnancy is exactly what you want to do. It’s not time to start a new program. It is time to work the core in three planes of motion to strengthen the abdominals for pushing during labor. When I work with expecting moms at my training facility at the Bentley Reserve in downtown San Francisco, I advise them according to the following parameters.

Read his tips after the break.

What's Prince Harry Been Up To in Cali? Poolside Gallantry

Annie Scudder — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 11:51:37 PDT

Prince Harry is in California for helicopter training, and he's already managed to have some fun. Last weekend, Harry was hanging by a swimming pool at the Andaz hotel in San Diego doing things that English princes do, like watching an England rugby match, when all of a sudden someone decided to throw fully clothed 23-year-old Lindsay Swagery into the pool.

Lindsay told the Sun "Prince Harry was the first to notice me when I got out and he wrapped his towel around me to keep me warm." Talk about the best possible outcome for getting pushed into a pool with all of your clothes on.

Harry probably felt a sense of empathy for the poor wet girl, after his whole Croatia incident. Remember Harry fell into a pool in a nightclub? Or maybe he jumped. Either way, Harry and Lindsay obviously had a connection, and the next night she met up with him and his friends, according to the Sun, for beer and shots. "He is probably the most charming man I'll ever meet," Lindsay confessed. Perhaps she was the brunette Harry was spotted partying with at the Andaz's nightclub.