Healthy happy you.
When strength training, it may seem that if you use a heavier set of dumbbells, you can save time on your sessions. More weight means fewer reps, right? Well, not exactly. Form is more important than how much you can lift. So if you're struggling with 10-pound weights when doing your bicep curls, you'll end up hunching your back and pressing your hips forward, which could result in a pulled Read more
When it comes to strength training, whether you are lifting dumbbells or using machines, correct form is really important. It doesn't really matter if you can do bicep curls with 30-lb. weights if you're struggling and grunting and can't keep your back straight. Keeping proper form will not only prevent injuries, but it will help you to isolate the muscles you're trying to work in each Read more
One of the most common arm strengthening moves is the bicep curl. At any given point you can find someone doing bicep curls at the gym. Problem is, that at any given point you can also find someone doing them wrong by cheating. Let's identify a possible cause of the problem and figure out how to fix it... How to Identify a Cheater: Bending the upper body forward (or backward) at the waist makes Read more
Many people prefer hitting the treadmill to running outdoors, but if you're not careful, along with that toned tush you might end up with a stiff neck, resulting in a nagging headache. Follow these tips the next time you hop on the treadmill to prevent this common running woe. Keep Your Gaze Forward One gym perk is its televisions, which allow you to catch up on the news or your favorite TV Read more
More so than running outside, I find myself tensing up when it comes to running on the treadmill. And when I look down the row of machines, I see the same thing — runners leaning forward, hunching their shoulders, or running too close to the top of the treadmill. The same running form issues are common no matter if you're running inside or outside, but I've found that the pulling motion of the Read more
The rowing machine can be intimidating, but once you get the hang of it, it's an effective way to spice up your cardio routine. But while the rowing machine, also called an ergometer, is a calorie buster (about 280 calories in 30 minutes for an 130-pound woman) and a good leg and core workout, improper form can lead to back injuries if you're not careful. Read on for our tips on proper rowing Read more
I grew up eating cardoons, or cardoni, every Spring; my grandmother would braise them, and I was always so fond of their artichokelike flavor. Because of this, I'm always surprised when people aren't familiar with the classically Italian vegetable. If you've ever come across them at the market and walked on by because you weren't sure what to do with them, think again: when cooked properly, Read more
Yes, it's almost tank top and bikini season, which means that bare arms will be the norm for the months ahead. If you want to sculpt shapely shoulders and toned arms, learn how to incorporate the overhead press into your workout routine. Proper form: You can do an overhead press using dumbbells, barbells, or resistance bands. The following are tips on how to do a standing overhead press using Read more
Indoor cycling classes are an amazing cardio workout, but if you don't know what you're doing, you'll walk away frustrated, or, even worse — injured. Compared to other group fitness classes, indoor cardio cycling is also a little harder to pick up on when trying it for the first time. After getting the lowdown on what to expect from your first class, follow these rules on things you should Read more
We are pumped to share one of our favorite stories from Self here on FitSugar! With spring in full swing, we've already said goodbye to the winter blues. But as you enjoy the milder weather and longer days, keep in mind that Memorial Day weekend is merely a month away — meaning it's almost time for bikinis and short shorts! So, is one month enough time to score your best body yet? It sure is, Read more
