FitSugar

Noboarding: I Say Yes to the No, bindings that is

FitSugar — Mon, 05 Feb 2007 12:30:00 -0800

If you are a surfer in your heart and soul, nothing can compare to the freedom of gliding over ocean waves, with nothing but a board between you.

But in the winter, your only option is to snowboard, but the feeling of being locked into bindings that are attached to a board, isn't much like surfing at all. Until now.

Check out the noboard. No bindings. Nothing but you and your board. In order to stay on, you hold onto a rope that's attached to your board, which has a heavy duty, thermal-set, elastomeric pad. This just means that it's specifically designed to have outstanding grip and it's able to handle cold temperatures.

Noboarding allows you to use your body more freely, which obviously makes it much more difficult than regular snowboarding. Which was why it was created in the first place by the late and great Gregg Todd.

You can check out the Noboard short film (Yes to the No) coming to a town near you - the Banff Film Festival World Tour features this and other stunning short films on mountain themes that are like nothing you've ever seen.

Want to see a some photos and a video of noboarding? Then read more

View 4 Photos ›

Get in Gear: Jump Ropes

FitSugar — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 12:00:21 -0800

Whether you're an exercise newbie or a fitness buff, jumping rope is a great option for fun, quick, and effective cardio. Though a jump rope is one of the simplest pieces of equipment available, shopping for one isn't easy because they come in various lengths and the quality can differ depending on materials used.

You'll find that ropes differ in handle size and cord weight; I recommend staying away from ropes made of cloth or leather. Generally, beaded ropes are supposed to give you the best aerobic workout. Speed ropes are the lightest type of rope, but I've found they can be difficult to control when you're a new jumper. I prefer slightly heavier ropes made of plastic.

See some jump rope options and learn how to determine the proper length of your jump rope when you read more.

While standing on the center of the cord, the handle tips should reach your armpits. If the handles are up by your ears, the rope is too long for you! You can also jump with your rope to determine if it's the proper length: If the cord doesn't touch the floor, the rope is too short; if it lands in front of you, it's too long. All of the ropes featured below are adjustable, so you can shorten the ropes if needed.

Green Exercise: Try These Moves With a Jump Rope

FitSugar — Tue, 17 Apr 2007 09:00:00 -0700

I'm sure you all used a jump rope in your junior high gym class, and the idea of picking one up now may seem pretty lame. Let me just say that jumping rope is a great way to get your heart pumping, work on your coordination, your balance, and your agility. It also burns calories beautifully since you're moving your own body weight against gravity. Plus it tones your calves, thighs, back, abs, shoulders, arms, and bum. Jumping also helps to strengthen the bones in your lower body (which is so important for women). All that and it requires no electricity, so it's good for Mother Earth.

So now that you're anxious to start jumping, I have some moves for you to try, so read more.

Jump like you're jogging, with one foot at a time.
Hop on one foot for 10 seconds, then switch to the other foot for 10 seconds, and continue alternating.
Hop with one foot for 10 seconds, while raising your other knee up towards your chest (you have to squeeze it in as tight as you can so the rope doesn't get caught on your knee. You'll feel this move in your abs). Then do the other side.

There's so much more you can do with a jump rope. To see what else read more

Jump rope backwards (this takes coordination).
Move forward while jumping rope.
Jump rope as fast as you can for one minute, then slow down the pace for two minutes, and continue the pattern.
Cross your arms while jumping rope for 30 seconds to stretch your shoulders.
Practice jumping as high as you can and swinging the rope under your feet twice (three times if you're really good).
After you're done jumping, you can use the rope to stretch out your hamstrings. Lie flat on your back, and lift your right leg up into the air. Fold the jump rope in half and take the looped end and wrap it around the back of your ankle. Then pull the other ends of the rope towards you, keeping your right leg straight. After 30 or more seconds, gently release and do the other leg.

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Class Act: Punk Rope

FitSugar — Thu, 22 Mar 2007 12:30:00 -0700

I am always looking for ways to keep exercising interesting and it's not always been too easy but with the explosion of group classes, there are so many options.

My latest favorite is Punk Rope, a cross between third grade recess (double dutch y'all) and boot camp. Punk Rope combines conditioning drills, rope jumping and core and flexibility training for a very creative, effective, edgy workout. Been years since you picked up a jump rope? No worries, since rope jumping experience is not necessary for this class. Jump ropes are provided so that means one less thing to carry in your gym bag. Pig tails optional.

Right now Punk Rope is available at Healthworks, Boston's own group of women-only fitness centers. Don't live in the Boston area? Check your local gym for similar jump rope combo classes.

Get It Up - Your Heart Rate, That Is: Jumping Rope

FitSugar — Wed, 12 Sep 2007 04:00:00 -0700

Chances are high you jumped rope as a kid and here's a chance to workout with your inner child! Seriously, jumping rope is a great way to get some serious cardio action.

Here's a routine to try, it builds on itself and the changes up in time will keep you interested and your body guessing what is coming next. Timing yourself when you are jumping rope will motivate you to compete with the time. How many jumps can you jump in 30 seconds? See if you can top that number in the next round.

To see the workout, just read more.

Jump time in seconds	Rest time in seconds
:30	:60
:40	:60
:45	:45
:30	:30
:50	:60
:30	:30
:30	:30
:60	:45
:60	:45
:45	:60
:30	:60

Total Minutes - 16:35

Looking for a longer workout? Add some strength training and repeat the jump rope series.

If you don't have a jump rope, just substitute jumping jacks. Your cardiovascular system won't know the difference.

Fit's Tip: Jumping rope really works your calves so make sure to stretch them after doing a jump rope workout. Here's an easy calf stretch you can do anywhere - all you need is a wall.

Source

Travel Tip: Stash a Jump Rope in Your Trunk

FitSugar — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 12:30:00 -0800

It is not uncommon to be driving to your destination this holiday season, which means more time sitting in the car and less time walking or exercising.

One thing that I always make sure to have in my trunk for long car rides is a jump rope. My family tends to stop frequently while on road trips, so at each rest stop I like to do a mini jump-rope session (five minutes or so). Now that I have kids, I bring jump ropes for the girls too, so that they can burn some energy while mommy is burning calories. Plus, then I won't feel so bad indulging in a piece of pie (or two) once I get to my destination.

Fit's Tip: Jessica Simpson got great results from jumping rope, so it's worth a shot!

Source

Get Motivated: Jump Rope Video

FitSugar — Sun, 04 Nov 2007 02:00:00 -0800

Jumping rope is all the rage these days. It is a quick way to burn some calories! Sugar user EllaBella shared this great music video full of fanciful jump rope moves! I watched it and was so inspired. Hopefully it will get you moving too! So get out your jump ropes and practice your moves!

5 Reasons to Jump Rope

FitSugar — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 03:30:00 -0800

Very inexpensive, relatively easy, and extremely effective, jump roping is one of the best pieces of fitness equipment to have on hand. It takes up no room in your travel bag, and because it gets your heart rate up in no time, it's great for those times when you can only squeeze in a quick workout.

Men's Health shares my love for the jump rope and counted the ways in which it's awesome, although the magazine didn't include one of my favorite parts of jumping rope - it's so much fun! Here are five reasons why the guy's mag is a fan of jumping rope (I bet they think it's a blast, too).

Cost: A mere $15 or so will get you a jump rope that lasts for years. Compared to other cardio equipment, there's no contest in which gets the most bang-for-your-buck.
Portability: Inside, outside, on a flat roof, in your hotel room, on the backyard deck - you can jump rope anywhere that has high enough ceilings.

To see three more reasons jump roping is great, read more.

Strength gain: Jumping rope helps build bone-mineral density and makes your body stronger.
Improved coordination: The more often you jump, you'll notice you're able to jump longer without tripping. Setting your own jumping pace challenges your coordination.
Fat loss: Jumping recruits nearly every muscle and the efficient cardio exercise promotes fat loss.

Source

Jumping Rope For Fitness Fun!

FitSugar — Tue, 14 Aug 2007 09:30:00 -0700

Remember the summers of your youth, jumping rope on the sidewalk with your friends? Good fun mixed with good exercise that didn't even feel like exercise. I am here to say, it might just be time to put jumping rope back into your fitness routine. It is a major cardio workout with minor costs. Yep, jumping rope will definitely give you bang for your buck.

Here are a few tips from personal trainer to the stars Gunnar Peterson that I just found in his book The Workout.

Rope length: Standing in the middle of the rope, the handles should reach just below your shoulders. If not, adjust accordingly by winding around your hands or finding a longer rope.
Jump small: There is no need to jump more than 2 inches off the floor. Jumping higher puts more stress on your knees and actually burns fewer calories (talk about a lose/lose situation).
Variations: Mix up your jumping pattern to really keep you on your toes! Add jumping side to side in pattern like this will also work your inner and outer thighs:
- Jump center for 5 passes of the rope
- Jump to the left keeping your legs together, and then back to center on the next rope pass
- Stay in the center for a 5 jumps, then jump to the right.

You can purchase The Workout for $12.71 from Amazon.

Source

Get it Up--Your Heart Rate, That is: Jumping Rope

FitSugar — Wed, 15 Nov 2006 10:15:00 -0800

Back when I was a kid I was an avid participant (and by avid participant, I mean champion) of Jump Rope for the Heart... but that was then.

Once I started diversifying my cardio program I decided to pick up the old jump rope and give it a go, not nearly as easy at I remembered, but still lots of fun.

A few things to keep in mind:
Use your wrists to turn the rope and try to keep them as low as possible. Keep your back straight and your stomach pulled in. Always keep your head upright instead of looking at your feet, which you may really want to do at first. Also, a jump rope is very inexpensive and you can do it almost anywhere (bring it with you when you're traveling), which is always a good thing.

For an easy routine to get you (and your heart rate) jumping, read more

1:00-3:00 Warm up with a Rocking Skip-- This is more like jogging than jumping. Lead with left foot and bend your knees a little to absorb the shock.
3:00-5:00 Hop (1 inch off the ground) on both feet
5:00-6:00 Hop (1 inch off the ground) on right foot only
6:00-7:00 Hop (1 inch off the ground) on left foot only
7:00-10:00 Rocking Skip leading with right foot

Put the rope down and get on the elliptical or bike (or go for a run) for 20 minutes. Keep your heart rate in the fat burning zone.

Fit's Tip: When buying or adjusting a jump rope, stand with both feet in the center of the rope and pull up the ends. The handles should come to your armpits. If the routine above is too tough, cut the time down and make it a goal to work your way up to the full 10 minutes.

Jump time in seconds	Rest time in seconds
:30	:60
:40	:60
:45	:45
:30	:30
:50	:60
:30	:30
:30	:30
:60	:45
:60	:45
:45	:60
:30	:60

Jump time in seconds	Rest time in seconds
:30	:60
:40	:60
:45	:45
:30	:30
:50	:60
:30	:30
:30	:30
:60	:45
:60	:45
:45	:60
:30	:60

Jump time in seconds	Rest time in seconds
:30	:60
:40	:60
:45	:45
:30	:30
:50	:60
:30	:30
:30	:30
:60	:45
:60	:45
:45	:60
:30	:60