FitSugar

Stop Hating Exercise and Start Loving It: Recap I-V

FitSugar — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 16:45:00 -0700

Recently we've been looking into the reasons we don't like exercise and trying to turn that dislike into like. Here is a recap, in case you missed any of them so far:

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Shaq's Big Challenge: Episode Three

FitSugar — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 14:30:00 -0700

Last night on Shaq's Big Challenge, we saw the trials and tribulations of working with kids.

This episode illustrated that kids are difficult to focus and are mainly interested in only doing "fun" things -- Sounds like a few adults I know. Shaq lead the students of Broward County School in a round of morning exercises (a 20 min morning exercise program he was trying to implement in schools). I was amazed and saddened by how uninterested the kids were to have Shaq at their school, half of them did not take the exercises seriously and the other half looked absolutely miserable.

Me? I would have been so excited to have Shaq at my school, that I would have been excited to touch my toes 20 times. Yet, a lot of people, adult and kids, find exercise so off - putting. Even my husband remarked that having to do exercises first thing in the morning at school "would suck." I really think this is because physical education has been put to the bottom of the list of importance. It's even proven in the fact that the school Shaq was working with decided to drop his exercise program out of fear they would look bad. Look bad for what? Emphasizing exercise and education?

On the plus side, we started to see the kids losing weight. Nothing too drastic, but 3-15 pounds each. I am so excited to see the kids in the end and it's nice to see them supporting each other in their weight loss efforts. Until next week...

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A Week In Review: FitSugar roundup

FitSugar — Sat, 07 Apr 2007 04:00:00 -0700

Before you eat too many pieces of Easter candy, you might want to read this breakdown of your favorite Easter candy.

Here are some suggestions on how to create a Healthier Easter basket.

Do you cheat at the gym?

Looking to get fierce? Try this yoga pose - fierce.

I am curious - Would you buy weight loss lip gloss? Vote on the poll and let me know what you think.

Gabby Reese has some words for you - grow up

Looking for a free and easy way to do a yoga class at home. Check out YogaToday for hour long classes.

Do you know how much sun you need to get your rays of Vitamin D? Take sunshine quiz and test your knowledge.

Confused if you have an allergy or a cold. Read this post on the symptoms hopefully it will clear things up for you (literally).

Looking for a new gym bag? Here are a couple of really cute bags by Nike.

Curious about the differences between running on a treadmill and running on the road? This post should clear it up.

Don't worry if fashion mags make you feel bad about yourself. They have that effect on everybody.

Here's a list of 8 ways to lasting weight loss.

Looking for some cardio inspiration? Here's a track workout with intervals to help you get your heart rate up.

A Week of the Happy Healthy You

FitSugar — Sat, 10 Mar 2007 09:30:00 -0800

Soon it will be spring, bringing warmer weather and capped sleeves. So check out the Starter Arms workout video. You can also print out this sheet to take with you to the gym.

If you get cramps when you are running, you should read this post on how to get rid of the stitch in your side.

Happy mom, Jennifer Garner loves cheese more than exercise.

While checking out iTunes this weekend, look for The Fitness Rocks pod cast by Dr. Monte. It is one of my favorites.

Here is a great yoga pose for you to try: 4 limbed staff pose. It is the weekend right? So you have some time to experiment with yoga.

Here are 5 things about caffeine for you to read before you vote on whether or not you consider caffeine a drug.

Interested in finding a new exercise class to take? Well Capoeira will kick your butt.

Do you know how much fiber you are supposed to eat in a day? Test your knowledge with this fiber quiz.

The Biggest Loser Recap

FitSugar — Thu, 30 Nov 2006 12:17:46 -0800

Last night on The Biggest Loser we saw Adrian (despite her whining and fussing) get kicked off the ranch. But there are two really great things that we can take from the episode:

The contestants had to pack the total number of weight they lost back onto their bodies and then run a mile -- so each contestant went back to weighing the same number they did when they came to the ranch. They were all amazed at how being overweight had hindered their lives in the past. Jaron, who has lost a total of 100 pounds since the start of the show, described it as if he was carrying around a small middle school sized kid for much of his life. The challenge really gave each one of them insight as to how much more energy they have (mentally and physically) with their weight loss.

Also, Adrian had only lost two pounds for the week, which made her very disappointed with herself. She was sad because she was at the same weight she was at in high school. She felt that she was stuck at that weight in the past and now felt stuck again at the ranch. She said she felt like she would always be the "fat girl." Interestingly enough, since leaving the ranch Adrian has gained weight. This proves how powerful our state of mind can be. When striving to reach a goal, it is so important to realize that no matter what you are doing, it is YOU that is important and that we can all do so much more than we give ourselves credit for.

Fit's Tip: Don't throw yourself a pity party, it never helps and it often slows your progress towards your goal.

The Biggest Loser Recap

FitSugar — Thu, 16 Nov 2006 11:30:00 -0800

Last night on The Biggest Loser, we all watched Marty, the sweet positive teacher Marty, get kicked off the ranch. Showing us that once again, the show is more than just helping people to lose weight, it's a game.

All that aside and before nice Marty got sent home, the contestants were rewarded for all their hard work with a makeover and photo-shoot from Prevention Magazine.

Rewarding yourself is a great idea for anyone who has been working really hard at something, but especially at getting in shape and/or eating right.

A lot of diet programs (like Body for Life) have one cheat day per week where you can eat whatever you like. However it doesn't have to be eating based (as that can be counterintuitive), it can be getting a new haircut or makeover or even buying yourself a fab find. These type of rewards definitely are great for someone getting in shape and wanting to show off their new self.

Fit's Tip: Maybe you're not needing a reward but you know someone that is, rewarding gifts are always nice...and the holidays are fast approaching!

"Biggest Loser" Recap: Losing Is Still Losing

FitSugar — Wed, 26 Sep 2007 11:00:00 -0700

My emotions went through the ringer once again during "The Biggest Loser" last night. The folks on the Red Team got to make a call home as the result of winning a challenge, which resulted in seeing grown men cry, which resulted in leaving me a blubbery mess. That is, however, not the point of this post.

Moving on.

The Red Team also had their very first victory at the weigh in and the Blue Team had their very first loss. The team decided to vote off Jerry [gasp], who was not only the oldest contestant in Biggest Loser history but also my favorite player. Bummer. iVillage interviewed Jerry after the show, so check out his parting words here. Oh, and while we're seeing what past contestants are up to, Sunny had lunch with Lezlye (last week's loser, er 'not' loser) - so check out Sunny's Shape Up Blog for the fun recap.

To see what I learned from The Biggest Loser this week, just read more

What I learned from The Biggest Loser this week: The contestants were not losing weight as rapidly as they did in the beginning. Sound familiar? Yes folks, even these guys hit plateaus. Bob, Jillian and Kim can work the tails off of the contestants, but they can't do anything about what is going on inside their bodies. In fact, through the course of the show we'll see them hit more than one point where they are not losing as many pounds as they would expect. This concept is something we all need to apply into our own struggles with different types of plateaus. We all have them and even if you have an amazing trainer telling you exactly what to do and eat, you'll still have points where you feel like you're running in place (and not because you are on the treadmill). Keep your eye on the ball and work through your plateaus because you will reach your goal.

And finally, Bob gave a great trainer tip about halfway through the show that we can all use. Here it is in case you missed it:

Do your normal weight routine on an unstable surface such as a bosu ball or as simply as standing on one leg. You'll engage muscles you didn't even know you had, and it's a great way to get a six-pack that you've always wanted.

What did you think of the show last night? Please share your thoughts in the comments section below.

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7 Days of FitSugar: Roundup

FitSugar — Sat, 31 Mar 2007 03:30:00 -0700

FitSugar has a lot to say about Sugar Network Engagement week.

Read this if you are confused about what setting to use on cardio equipment.

Do you like to bake? Do you like energy bars? Then read about Matisse and Jack's TrailBlaze bake-at-home energy bar mix. They are tasty!!!!

Learn the difference between moderate and high intensity training.

Are you planning your Passover meal? Or if you simply are a fan of almonds - you must try this Almond Macaroon recipe.

If you like dancing or Dancing with the Stars you need to check out this Cardio Dance Dancing with the Stars DVD.

Do you know how much caffeine is in your favorite drink? Take this caffeine quiz and test your knowledge.

If you're planning on going to Dunkin' Donuts anytime soon you should check out this breakdown of most of their menu options.

Looking to add push-ups to your workout routine? Read this post on push-ups to help get you started.

Tell me your favorite thing about the arrival of SPRING!!!!

Looking to get Hollywood Momma Arms?

Here are some tips on how to order when dining out on a diet.

Looking for cute gym shorts? Well, I've got many a pair for you to peruse.

Do you know how much water you should be drinking? This beverage guidance system will...guide you.

Biggest Loser Families Recap: Live Weigh-In Finale

FitSugar — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 11:00:00 -0800

After watching all the contestants sweat and cry almost every week this Fall on The Biggest Loser Families, we finally got to meet the biggest loser. The live finale show began with an exciting reveal, the host Alison Sweeny is pregnant, something my husband and I began wondering in the last couple of episodes. She was glowing, as were all the contestants.

The contestants all looked skinny (a few maybe too skinny) and fashionable. The first big "reveal" of the night was that America voted Heba out of the final three, even with Ed's pleas to keep his wife active in the contest. He's a likable dude and his entrance was definitely the most rock-n-roll - two thumbs up punch through the image of him from the show's first episode. Ed's got some style.

I am very proud of Jerry, the sickest contestant to ever join the game. He lost 30 percent of his weight and looked so alive. Amy P. beat her husband Phillip by a pound, but unfortunately lost the at-home prize to Heba. Heba won $100,000 for all her at-home hard work.

To see who won the title of the biggest loser as well as before and after shots off all the contestants, read more.

The energy of the crowd was infectious and the three finalists looked amazing. It was amazing to hear Vicky admit that advice from her once nemesis Phillip (remember how she cackled when he was voted of the show) helped her push through. On a group conference call, he reminded her to live in the moment, which I believe is sound advice for us all. Michelle, the youngest of the finalists, lost 110 pounds to win (when she only needed to lose 100) the biggest loser title and a quarter million dollars. She looked fabulous. Not only did she have age on her side (the younger you are the easier it is to lose weight), it appeared that her only job was to work out. We saw shots of both Ed and Vicky working and none of Michelle.

I am really happy she won. Are you? What did you think of the finale? Are you excited for the upcoming season of the Biggest Loser Couples?

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Biggest Loser Families Recap: The Final Four Hit the Track

FitSugar — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 10:59:59 -0800

This week's episode of Biggest Loser Families is all about looking back and moving on - often quite literally. For their challenge, the four remaining contestants come together at a racetrack - not the sort of track we're used to. Ali instructs Ed, Heba, Vicky, and Michelle to suit up by strapping on the amount of weight each contestant has lost; they then had to run the track, recalling what that weight felt like.

The racetrack runners also learn a lot about healthy eating this week and reflect on how far they've come. For the rest of the details and a video with some smart eating tips,read more.

In the track challenge, 11 pit stops signify the number of weeks the contestants have spent at the ranch, so they remove the appropriate amounts of weight along the way. Ed crosses the finish line first, winning $10,000 and a home-delivered meal plan for a year.

Speaking of meal plans, Bob spends some time talking about healthy eating with his team, reminding them that diet is key to not gaining weight back. The four watch their transformation videos to remind them how far they've come and then get a special delivery: a giant box full of the clothes they wore before they lost the weight. Looking to the future, the gang burns the clothes in a bonfire.

Despite winning the racetrack challenge, Ed discovers in the weigh-in that he has gained two pounds. Michelle, who starts the episode feeling rather bummed out, is thrilled to find out she has shed nine. As for who will end up on next week's live finale, that's up to the viewers: You can vote for the third finalist online now. Meanwhile, check out trainer Bob's tips for adding flavor without adding calories below.

Photos courtesy of NBC