FitSugar

Get Physical: A Hilarious Game of Badminton

FitSugar — Sat, 16 Jun 2007 03:00:00 -0700

I don't know what it is about playing badminton, but that game is just so funny to me. I love the dinky racquets, the flimsy net and of course the shuttlecock (I call it a birdy) - it seems to have a mind of its own!

The game is pretty simple. All you need is 1 net, 1 birdy, 2-4 rackets, and 2-4 players. After you set the net up, you try hitting the birdy over the net, and your opponent hits it back to you.

Badminton is actually an Olympic Sport, so there are specific rules that go along with the game. I think it's more fun to see how many times we can volley back and forth before the birdy touches the ground.

This game is great for all ages since it's easy and fun, there isn't much equipment, and you don't have to worry about seriously getting injured. It does require some hand-eye coordination skills, moderate leaping, acute agility, and lightning speed to run and hit the birdy over the net. I'll tell you though - I end up working my core muscles more than anything from falling to the ground and laughing so hard, but that's just me.

Fit's Tips: You can purchase a badminton set (Amazon, $24.95) that comes with a carrying case so you can bring it along the next time you go to the beach, park, or a BBQ. That way you can fit in a little exercise in between all the eating and drinking.

Want to see a picture of the badminton set? Then read more

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What to Expect From Your First Tennis Lesson

FitSugar — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 12:00:35 -0700

Welcome back to Tennis 101, where I'm offering tips to get you started playing tennis just in time for the 2009 US Open. You may be wondering: if I've never played tennis before, do I really need to take a lesson?

Though it's not required, taking a private lesson or attending a group clinic for beginners is the best way to start your tennis career. We may not all be as lucky as the girls in the photo, getting tips from professional tennis players Cara Black and Liezel Huber. But a good teaching pro will be able to hit the ball right to you, for whatever shot you are practicing. They can also offer detailed feedback on exactly what you're doing wrong. Even your best tennis-playing friends probably aren't that good.

To find out what to expect from your first tennis lesson, read more.

Decide if you want to take a private lesson or a group clinic. You'll get to hit a lot more balls in a private lesson, but it will also be more exhausting. A group lesson is a good option if you're on a budget; just find one that matches your skill level.
Wear comfortable clothes, such as shorts or a tennis skirt, and appropriate shoes. You should bring a racket but you won't need your own balls.
The pro will start by teaching a few tennis basics, like how to properly grip your racket.
You'll probably learn how to hit a forehand first, followed by a backhand, and you'll practice them over and over.
Hitting a tennis ball is much harder than it looks on TV, so don't get frustrated if at first you swing at a lot of air.
Also, tennis lessons are tiring. If you're taking a private lesson, don't be afraid to ask for a break; it's your time, and the pro will be happy to oblige.
The pro will quickly be able to tell you how to improve your swing, so listen to the feedback.
In a private or group lesson, you're going to hit a lot of balls. Pros will often pause and ask you to move stray balls off the court that could cause someone to trip.
At the end of the lesson - and sometimes during breaks - you're expected to help the pro pick up all the balls!

Have you ever taken a tennis lesson? If so, what surprised you about it?

Tennis 101: How to Score

FitSugar — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 10:00:03 -0700

Welcome back to Tennis 101. While Maria Sharapova is showing us how it's done during this week's riveting US Open tournament, I'm offering a primer for the rest of us.

Now that you know what to expect from your first lesson and how to behave on the court, it's time to tackle the more complicated stuff: scoring a tennis match. I'm not going to deny that learning how to keep score can be confusing at first. But once you learn the basics, it's actually pretty simple. Here's what you need to know to get started scoring in singles.

The Framework

Each tennis match is made up of two to three sets. To win a set, you must win at least six games.
The games are scored starting at "love" (or zero) and going up to 40, but that's actually just four points. From love, the first point is 15, then 30, then 40, then game point, which wins the game.

For the details on games, sets, and matches, read more.

Starting the Game

To determine who serves first, you flip a coin or (more likely) spin a racket. Whoever wins the toss gets to decide one of four things: that she wants to serve first, that she wants to receive first, which side of the court she wants to start on (in which case, the opponent chooses who serves first), or that she wants to leave the choices up to her opponent.
Whoever starts serving continues to serve until that game is over. Then the serve moves to the other player.
You serve from behind the baseline, starting on the right-hand side of the court, anywhere between the singles sideline and the center mark on the court.

Scoring the Game

Before serving, you should announce the score, with your score first, then your opponent's. So if you have zero and your opponent has 30, say "love-30."
Every time you serve, you get two tries. The serve must go over the net, land in the service box opposite you, and bounce once before your opponent returns it.
If it doesn't land in the service box, you take a second serve. If the second serve also misses, then you lose the point.
If your serve grazes the net but still lands in the service box, the serve doesn't count, and you must take that serve over. This is called a "let."
If your serve goes in and the opponent returns it, you continue hitting back and forth until someone hits the ball into the net, hits it out of bounds, or misses a shot. If that person is you, then your opponent gets a point. If it's your opponent who hits it into the net/out of bounds/misses a shot, then you get the point.
Whoever is serving continues serving until the score reaches 40, calling out the score before every serve.
If the score is tied at 40 ("40-all"), that is "deuce," which is essentially another word for tie. To break the tie, someone must win two points in a row. If you are serving at deuce and you win the next point, then you say "my ad," which means "my advantage." If your opponent wins, it goes back to deuce, and someone again must win by two points in a row. Yes, this could go on forever.
Once the game is over, the other person serves. After odd-numbered games (so after game one, game three, game five) you switch sides on the court.

Scoring a Set

Before the first serve in each new game, whoever is serving announces the score in sets. Say your score first, then your opponent's. So if you won the first set, you would say "1-0."
To complete a set, someone must win six games; the first person to win six games wins the set.
However, as with "deuce," you must win a set by at least two games. So, if the score is 6-5, the person with 5 must win by two games. If the score ties at 6-6, you play a tiebreaker.

Scoring the Match

The whole shebang is called a match. The match is determined by the best two out of three sets. So if you win two sets, you win. If you each win a set, then you play a third set to determine the winner.

Healthy Dose Link Time

FitSugar — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 11:00:51 -0700

Enjoy the last of Summer corn with a healthy souffle - Shape
Keep the hotness going with the short shorts workout - Vital Juice
Weight loss helps a British woman discover her breast lump - That's Fit
Soothing a sweet tooth with Yoplait Delights Parfait - Daily Spark
What's your biggest post-workout beauty pet peeve? - Fit Bottomed Girls
Would you delete Facebook photos after losing lots of weight? - Shape Up
Jordin Sparks grabs a racket at Arthur Ashe Kids Day - Fit Celeb
How do you kick a candy habit? - Healthy Bites

Fit Gift Guide: The Tennis Pro

FitSugar — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 03:00:00 -0800

If you have a tennis-lovin' lady in your family or circle of friends, she'll appreciate a tennis-related gift for the holidays. Not only are these functional, but they're also fun.

Whak Sak Mocha Tennis Bag: Fashionable yet practical, this tennis bag has a place for two rackets, your cellphone, wallet, snacks, and even a detachable insulated cooler to keep your water cold.
Adidas Women's Response Court Skort: I love the stylish pleated design, but the shorts underneath make it sporty. Comes in white or glacier (shown).
Penn Pink Championship Extra Duty Tennis Balls: Twelve balls for $12. What a deal. Not only is the pink color fun and a change of pace from the usual yellow balls, but they also benefit the American Cancer Society.

Source

Healthy living

admin — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 18:55:43 -0700

Illustrations

Exercise 30 minutes a day

Exercise with friends

Exercise - a powerful tool

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Alternative Names

Healthy habits

Information

While maintaining good health habits cannot guarantee a longer life, it can certainly improve the quality of your life. A few simple things, if practiced regularly, can help reduce your risk of illness and enrich your life:

Get regular exercise and control your weight.
Don't smoke or abuse drugs.
Do not drink a lot of alcohol. Avoid alcohol completely if you have a history of alcoholism.
Eat a balanced and healthy diet.
Take care of your teeth.
Manage high blood pressure.
Follow good safety practices.

EXERCISE

Exercise is a key factor in staying healthy. Exercise strengthens the bones, heart, and lungs, tones muscles, improves vitality, relieves depression, and helps you sleep better.

If you are just starting an exercise program and have any pre-existing conditions, such as obesity, hypertension, or diabetes, ask your doctor about an exercise stress test. This test will help you establish safe limits for your exercise program.

Tips for healthy exercise:

Begin exercising gradually, perhaps with brisk walking. Don't expect to "get into shape" overnight. Your fitness should start to improve within 3 months, provided you maintain a consistent regimen.
You should work hard enough to sweat during each exercise period, but not so hard that you cannot carry on a conversation.
Plan an exercise routine that lasts 20 - 30 minutes, and perform the workout at least 3 - 5 days a week. Include stretching before and after your exercise. This will help avoid injury. Remember to start slowly and listen to your body. If it hurts badly, then you are probably overdoing it.
Aerobic exercises strengthen the heart and lungs and should be part of the fitness routine. Examples of good aerobic exercises include walking, running, jogging, swimming, cross-country skiing, rowing, rope skipping, dancing, racket sports, and cycling. For the biggest benefit, aerobic exercise must be sustained for at least a 10- to 12-minute period.
Strength and flexibility exercises are important and help you maintain your ability to do daily activites and maintain balance as you grow older.

Adjustments in exercise programs need to be made for children, pregnant women, the elderly, patients who are obese or disabled, and heart-attack survivors. Programs should also be modified for high altitudes and extreme hot or cold conditions.

See: Physical activity

SMOKING

Cigarette smoking is the single most preventable cause of premature death in the United States, and more than 400,000 Americans die each year from cigarette smoking. One out of every five deaths annually is either directly or indirectly caused by smoking.

Secondhand cigarette smoke exposure causes approximately 3,000 lung cancer deaths in adult nonsmokers in the United States each year. Studies have also linked secondhand smoke with heart disease.

The serious diseases most frequently caused by smoking are:

Angina
Chronic bronchitis
Emphysema
Heart attack
Leg pain as a result of blockages in lower extremity arteries (claudication)
Lung cancer (the risk for smokers is 10 times greater than for nonsmokers)
Stroke (the risk for smokers is almost 3 times greater than for nonsmokers)

It is never too late to quit smoking. Two years after stopping, your risk of heart attack returns to average and there your lung cancer risk drops by about a third. After 10 years of not smoking, your risk for lung cancer returns to near normal.

See: Smoking and smokeless tobacco

ALCOHOL USE

Consumption of alcohol gradually depresses brain function. Emotions, thought processes, and judgment are first to be affected by alcohol consumption. With continued drinking, motor control becomes impaired, causing slurred speech, slower reactions, and poor balance. Both increased body fat and drinking on an empty stomach speed the rate of alcohol intoxication.

See also: Alcoholism and alcohol use

The diseases most frequently caused by alcoholism are:

Acute and chronic pancreatitis
Bleeding esophageal varices
Cancer of larynx, esophagus, stomach and pancreas
Cardiomyopathy
Cirrhosis of the liver
Hepatitis
Impotence
Mallory-Weiss tear
Menstrual irregularity
Sleep disorders
Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome

Do not drink alcohol when you are pregnant. Fetal alcohol syndrome is the most common known cause of mental retardation.

Parents should talk to their children about the dangerous effects of alcohol. Establish trusting communication with your children so that sensitive issues can be discussed. Don't allow your children to be guided completely by their peers. Children need firm and loving guidance.

See: Alcoholism - support group

DRUG USE AND ABUSE

Everybody reacts differently to medications. Always tell your doctor about the drugs you are taking, including over-the-counter medications and vitamins.

Drug interactions can have serious health consequences. Elderly people should be particularly careful about drug interactions with multiple medications, and should closely monitor this situation if it applies. Carry a list of your current medications, especially when going to different doctors for the treatment of different problems.

Avoid drinking alcohol while on medications -- this combination can be very dangerous, particularly with tranquilizers or painkillers.

Mothers-to-be should avoid taking any unprescribed drug during pregnancy -- especially during the first trimester, when the fetus is very sensitive to drugs in the mother's body. If you have been taking any drugs just before becoming pregnant, inform your doctor.

Always take medication as prescribed. Taking any drug in a manner other than as intended or in quantities other than directed is considered drug abuse. Abuse and addiction are not just associated with illegal "street" drugs. Legal drugs such as laxatives, painkillers, nasal sprays, diet pills, and cough medicines can also be misused, resulting in serious health problems.

Addiction is defined as compulsive use of a substance despite continued negative consequences. Simply needing a drug (like a painkiller or antidepressant) and taking it as prescribed is not addiction.

The signs and symptoms of addiction are different for each person but may include:

Agitation
Bloodshot eyes
Dazed appearance
Excessive sweating
Flushed skin
Insomnia
Persistent running nose
Personality changes
Unexplained weight loss
Unpredictable moods

Signs of drug abuse in teenagers may include: apathy, temper tantrums, missing school, sloppy dress, lack of interest in school, excessive demands for privacy, secrecy, and a change in type of friends. However, some teens in trouble may show none of these symptoms.

See: Drug abuse

DEALING WITH STRESS

Stress is normal. It can be a great motivator, and in small amounts can even improve health. However, excessive stress can cause headaches, sleeping problems, stomach problems, mood problems, and more.

Learn to recognize the things most likely to cause stress in your life. You may not be able to avoid all of them, but knowing the source of your stress can help you feel more "in control." The more control you feel you have over your life, the less damaging the stress.

See: Stress and anxiety

OBESITY

Obesity is serious health concern. It adds stress to the heart, bones, and muscles. and increases the risk for high blood pressure, stroke, varicose veins, breast cancer, and gallbladder disease.

Overeating, an unhealthy diet, and a lack of physical activity can lead to obesity. Your family history also plays a role.

See: Obesity

DIET

As a general rule, you should choose foods that are low in saturated and trans fat, and low in cholesterol. Also limit your intake of sugar, salt (sodium), and alcohol. Eat more fiber, which can be found in fruits, vegetables, beans, whole grain products, and nuts.

See: Balanced diet

TOOTH CARE

Good dental hygiene is essential in preserving your teeth for a lifetime. It is important for children to start young with good dental habits. Proper hygiene should include:

Daily flossing and twice-daily brushing of the teeth
Use of fluoride toothpaste
Regular dental checkups
Limiting sugar intake
Using a toothbrush with soft bristles (replace the toothbrush with a new one as soon as the bristles become bent)
Having the dentist instruct you on proper brushing and flossing techniques
Being aware that "tartar-controlled" toothpastes have little or no effect on tartar below the gum line and, therefore, will not provide a safeguard against gum disease

Review Date: 5/18/2007

Reviewed By: Benjamin W. Van Voorhees, MD, MPH, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Pediatrics and Psychiatry, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is an independent audit to verify that A.D.A.M. follows rigorous standards of quality and accountability. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial policy, editorial process and privacy policy. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).

A.D.A.M. Copyright

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997-2009 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

adam.com

Source Doc: 1_002393

Get Your Butt in Gear: Tennis Dress

FitSugar — Thu, 22 Mar 2007 09:30:00 -0700

Spring is here and it's time for making love... not that kind of love, I am talking tennis here (geez, get your mind out of the gutter). One of my favorite things about spring is all the opportunity for spending time outside, which means it's time to dust off the 'ole tennis racket.

Problem is that while my racket does not seem to go out of style, my tennis clothes sure do. This is why I am loving the Tennis Dress ($160.00) from adidas by Stella McCartney. The tailoring of the dress is pretty classic, and the A-line shape lets you serve (and look) like a pro. The feminine tie around the waist makes this dress cute enough to sport at your post match victory drinks. What's more? The dress is made from Adidas's ClimaLite fabric, which pulls sweat away from the skin to the outer fabric face for quick evaporation, enhancing the body’s natural temperature regulation. Buy it in white or seed pearl (pictured) directly from ShopAdidas.com.

Get in Gear: Cute Tennis Racquet Case

FitSugar — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 14:30:00 -0800

When it comes to tennis accessories, there is not a whole lot of flare. Leave it to my girl FabSugar to tip me off on some tennis gear with something to say.

This is why I am loving this tongue-and-cheek tennis racquet carrying case ($30). This adorable green case with white lettering will fit all standard rackets. Buy it here.

Now if I can only get that song out of my head . . .

Tips for Novice Tennis Players

FitSugar — Tue, 26 Jun 2007 17:15:00 -0700

Tennis is a great way to get moving this summer. However, if you're new to the sport then you know first hand that not knowing how to play very well can make for a frustrating afternoon. Everyone has to start somewhere, so here are a few tips that will hopefully ease the frustration and help you stick with it.

Take lessons, even if you're not a first time player. Aside from learning a few tips and tricks, one of the best things about taking a lesson is that the coach can help you break the bad habits you may have picked up (bad grip, bad swing, etc) along the way.
Play "no out-of-bounds". This may seem crazy to tennis pros, but the game can get a little frustrating when a newbie hits the ball out-of-bounds every time she swings, which means the game never really gets going. So in the beginning, play with a "no out-of-bounds" rule to actually get some volley time in. Still not going smoothly? Then until you get the hang of it, think about allowing the ball to bounce more than once.
Practice makes good, not perfect. Tennis is one of those games where, unless you're André Agassi, you'll have good times and then you'll have times where you're embarrassed to be on the court. This is normal. It happens to everyone. Keep on practicing.
Get good equipment, but not the most pricey. All you really need to play tennis is a decent all around racket and some average tennis balls. Tennis gear can get quite expensive and there is no need to splurge before you've even decided if you like the sport. If you find that you love tennis, then you can splurge on the convenient bag, pink tennis balls and cute tennis dress.
Bring a lot of balls. If there is one thing I can tell you before heading to the court on your new tennis endeavors it is to bring a lot of balls along. Nothing is more frustrating than only having one or two balls that you have to retrieve every one or two minutes.

Source

Sneakers: How Do I Choose?

FitSugar — Fri, 06 Apr 2007 13:30:00 -0700

When buying sneakers, it can be overwhelming because there are so many different kinds to choose from.

At your favorite athletic store, you'll find sneakers for:

Walking: These sneakers have a good amount of cushioning and are great for people who power walk, or who walk to get to work. They are lightweight and offer excellent arch support.

Running: These are lighter than other sneakers, and provide more cushion and support for you since you'll be pounding on them pretty hard with each step you take. They also offer shock absorbers, so it puts less pressure on your joints. You can find ones that are higher in the ankles to offer even more stability. You can walk, jog, run, or do aerobics in these.

Cross-training: These offer a good amount of support for low-impact exercise. You can lift weights, walk, and take a cardio class with these, but I wouldn't buy them if you're planning on doing a lot of running.

Casual: These are usually adorable, colorful, and stylish, but unfortunately not very supportive. Wear these to do some shopping, for a casual walk in the park, for lifting weights, or just to hang out in. These won't offer much support for high-impact exercise.

Basketball Shoes: These have special soles that won't mark up the court floor.

Tennis Shoes: While you could wear running sneaks or cross-trainers, tennis shoes provide more support for the contact side-to-side movements required to play racket-based sports.

Fit's Tips: Different brands of sneakers are suited for different feet. Whether you have high or low arches, narrow or wide feet, you MUST try out the sneaker before you buy it. Most stores have treadmills you can use so if you're buying running sneakers, you've got to RUN in them. I always run 1/4 mile in a sneaker to make sure it's not rubbing too high on my ankle, or squishing my toes.