Work it Girl: Chair Spinal Twist


Updated 02/25/11 4:52 PM · Posted by FitSugar · 4 comments

How to Do a Chair Spinal Twist

Take a break from working already! I love doing a spinal twist at my desk because it really loosens up my lower back and gives my eyes a rest. I try to do this every half hour or so. Push your chair slightly away from your desk and then sit down gazing forward. Bend your left knee and plant your foot on your chair - slip your shoes off if you're wearing heels. Reach your right arm up and Read more

Anything Wrong With Working Out First Thing in the Morning?


Updated 04/28/12 6:55 PM · Posted by FitSugar · 28 comments

Is It Bad to Exercise First Thing in the Morning?

With work and family responsibilities, and feeling drained in the evening from a long, busy day, often the only time you can squeeze in your workout is to set your alarm for four, five, or six in morning to sweat it out then. Early morning workouts are a great way to start the day and relieve any pre-work stress. Plus getting it done first thing in the morning means you don't have to worry about Read more

How to Prevent a Bad Running Day


Updated 01/26/12 4:43 PM · Posted by · 6 comments

How to Prevent a Bad Running Day

Some days I slip on my sports bra and sneaks and I feel so light and strong — like I could keep going and going. Other days it seems like my legs are trudging through mud. What gives? We can't prevent bad running days entirely, but here are a few things you can do in order to have more good days than bad. Get enough sleep the night before. Hit the hay early enough so you get seven to nine Read more

Old Dog, New Tricks: 8 Tips on Caring For Aging Pets


Updated 01/12/12 4:00 AM · Posted by · 0 comments

Tips on Caring For Aging Pets

As the parent of a 12-year-old Parson Russell Terrier, I've been fortunate to watch Lily age gracefully into her twilight years while maintaining much of her spunk and agility. But each day I encounter clear signals that she's achieved senior citizen status: the onset of cataracts makes her timid around now-blurry strangers, and bathroom breaks are a frequent necessity (or so our carpet has Read more

Flying With a Cold? Survival Tips While in the Air


Updated 01/03/12 10:32 AM · Posted by · 1 comment

Tips For Traveling With a Cold

I started the New Year with a cold that has knocked me right off my feet. I was fine staying home for the midnight countdown, but what I'm not looking forward to is having to board a plane with this bad bug — traveling when you're sick is the worst! If you need to fly and are suffering from a cold, here are some survival tips to help alleviate the annoying symptoms associated with being Read more

5 Healthy Breaks to Take Every Workday


Updated 12/21/11 2:45 AM · Posted by · 0 comments

Healthy Ways to Take a Break During the Work Day

If you're prone to sitting down most of the day at work, chances are you're often in need of a break. Here are five ways to keep your body feeling healthy and happy during those eight hours in your chair. Rest your eyes: Those pupils need a rest. Reduce eye strain by closing your eyes or looking away from your screen for a few seconds every 15 minutes. Here are more tips for keeping your eyes Read more

Tips For Summer Contact Lens Wearers


Updated 06/02/11 11:15 AM · Posted by · 0 comments

Tips For Summer Contact Lens Wearers

I wore bright magenta glasses from fourth grade until my 13th birthday when my dad took me to get my first pair of contact lenses. It felt so liberating not to have anything on my face and to still be able to see. I quickly realized that there's a lot of extra care that comes with being a contact lens wearer. Now that Summer has arrived, here are some helpful tips to keep your eyes protected and Read more

Allergies and Exercise: Prevent, Avoid, and Relieve Those Sniffles


Updated 05/20/11 9:10 AM · Posted by FitSugar · 0 comments

How to Exercise During Allergy Season

The chorus of sneezes and sniffles says it loud and clear: allergy season has arrived. But while warmer weather makes us want to lace up our shoes and hightail it outside, if you suffer from seasonal allergies doing so may make you miserable and unable to finish your workout. Here are some tips for preventing, avoiding, or relieving allergies during your exercise routine. Prevent: Before Read more

What's Making You Sneeze This Fall


Updated 10/14/11 11:51 AM · Posted by · 0 comments

Ragweed Causes Fall Allergies

Autumn may not officially begin for another couple of weeks, but Fall allergy season kicked off back in mid-August. The bummer is that this season lasts until the first frost. Spring sneezes are usually set off by pollen in trees, plants, and weeds, but the main Fall culprit is ragweed, although mold and dust mites may be tickling your nose too. And thanks to climate change, ragweed season is Read more

Quick Ways to Beat the Afternoon Slump


Updated 10/14/11 11:51 AM · Posted by · 2 comments

Quick Ways to Have More Energy at Work

It hits you quick, usually at 3 p.m. on the dot. You become fidgety, your brain starts to lose focus, and your eyes begin to droop. Sometimes, caffeine isn't enough to ward off the afternoon slump, so here are some quick ways you can regain your energy and focus, depending on how intense of a boost you need. Small: Using an acupressure technique, squeeze the webbed skin in between your thumb Read more