FitSugar

Gear Review: Puma TP Tights

FitSugar — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 10:00:00 -0800

I'm always on the lookout for breathable running pants, and Puma's TP 3/4-length tights ($45) are a valuable addition to my collection. They're so light that the pants feel like a second skin, and so effective at keeping me dry that I've worn them during a sweaty elliptical workout, an outside run, and a spin class (when my bike shorts were still in the dirty clothes pile) - just in the last couple weeks.

Besides being extremely breathable, I love the inner drawstring that allows you to adjust the tightness around your waist, instead of an elastic waistband that can dig into your skin. The pants are fitted to right below the knee and the overall fit is surprisingly flattering. If you want to take your pants on a run, there's a key pocket on the back (below the waistband) and cool reflective design at the back of each knee - it's effective for a nighttime run, but the interesting design makes them unassuming reflectors and wearable for any workout.

To see if these lightweight tights came through the washing machine in one piece, just read more.
I was pleased when my pants came out of the wash undamaged; just be sure to hang them dry to maintain the quality. If you're on the hunt for something to keep you dry during your sweaty workouts, I recommend investing in these tights. My tip: The pants definitely run big, so order one size down to ensure your tights aren't baggy.

Fit for December: Must Haves

FitSugar — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 10:15:00 -0800

They say the holiday season is the most wonderful time of the year, but I must add that it generally isn't the healthiest. Here are a few things I think will help you stay happy, fit, and healthy in December.

REI Power Stretch Tights ($70)	Hands2Go: Alcohol Free Anti-bacterial Hand Sanitizer ($3.50)
Juice Beauty SPF 15 Tinted Lip Moisturizers ($15)	Peppermint	Single Leg Squats

If you want to see why these are my December must haves just read more

REI Power Stretch Tights ($70): Come winter and snow time, you want a pair of toasty pants you can wear for a variety of activities, and these Stretch Tights by REI will take you on a run through wintry streets and to the slopes as a great base layer. Made with Polartec fabric that stretches four directions to ensure ease of motion, they have a moisture-wicking velour fleece to keep you dry on the inside and a smooth nylon outer face that sheds light rain and wind. I love that they come with an unobtrusive zippered side pocket.
Hands2Go Antibacterial Hand Sanitizer ($3.50): Keep your hands germ free with this alcohol-free hand sanitizer. Not only does it kill 99 percent of bacteria, but it also moisturizes with a blend of aloe vera, chamomile, and lavender extracts.
Tinted lip balm with sunscreen: Just because it is cold outside doesn't mean the sun cannot do damage. I love this trio of lip moisturizers with mineral tint for color and SPF 15 by Juice Beauty ($15). There is a color for every occasion. I would definitely slip one if these into the zippered pocket of my REI running tights!
Peppermint: This herb is more than candy-cane flavoring; peppermint is considered by many to be the world's oldest medicine. Peppermint has been shown to help decrease symptoms of irritable bowl syndrome. It can also help relieve cold symptoms by working as a decongestant and expectorant. Warm yourself with a cup of peppermint tea.
Single-Leg Squats: Skiing season officially starts in December (here's hoping for a good snow year in the Sierras) and you need to start conditioning for the slopes now, if not yesterday! Single-leg squats are the exercise to get your thighs mountain ready. Start with six reps on each leg, for two sets.

Get Your Butt in Gear: Sahalie Running Tights

FitSugar — Wed, 31 Oct 2007 02:30:00 -0700

Somedays we all need a little support, and I am not talking about a shoulder to cry on. I am talking about supporting the joints and muscles of your legs that get taxed by your many activities. These Running Tights ($79.50) by Sahalie are engineered to support your weary bones so you can get out and run. Designed with patented support panels strategically placed to provide added protection, support and warmth for your muscles and knees. These tights are beneficial for the well trained athlete as well as the weekend warriors. Not only do these tights create support for running, but are useful for skiing and cycling as well. Made of a CoolMax polyester/Lycra spandex blend, they are great at wicking and machine washable as well!

Buy them in either all black or with gray accents directly from Sahalie.

Gear Review: EMS Power Stretch Tights - Warm and on Sale!

FitSugar — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 03:00:00 -0800

So your Fall running tights aren't quite cutting it in the cold weather. You need to kick it up a notch with slightly warmer, wind-resistant pants. I just got a pair of these Power Stretch Tights from EMS and they're my new favorite thing. I went running while visiting a friend and even though it was 20° F, these pants kept me toasty warm. The design is fitted so they hug your body and support your muscles, but they're stretchy too, so you can move freely. The interior has a thin layer of soft comfy fleece and the outer layer is smooth, so after a few washings, they still look brand new. The waistband is elastic, so it stays put, and there's a small zippered pocket in the back for money or an ID. The best part about these pants is that they're wind-resistant, so even when the wind is blowing, your legs stay protected from the cold. Another great thing? They're on sale for $55 - down from $69. If you're committed to running in the cold, these pants are a must.

Low Back Pain? Try Stretching Your Hip Flexors

FitSugar — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 03:38:51 -0700

After doing a sprint interval workout, my running buddy complained that sprinting often made her low back feel tight. I had a notion that her psoas might be tight. This muscle is a major hip flexor and it attaches to the low spinal vertebrae. When the psoas gets short and tight from activities like sprinting, it can yank on the vertebrae, creating a sensation of tightness. The good news is that stretching out the hip flexors can alleviate a lot of lower back pain. Once you are warm, and especially after a run or sprinting session, you should stretch your psoas.

Learn two ways to stretch your psoas.

You Asked: Three Running Questions

FitSugar — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 08:00:00 -0700

You're asking and I'm answering . . .

In the past week I have received three questions from folks returning to running. It is great that Sugar users are getting turned on to running, and I thought I would tackle all three questions at once. Here goes . . .

Dear Fit,
I have patched things up with my relationship with running, and am back at it. I've noticed that now that I'm running longer distances, I am getting some chafing from my arm rubbing against my tank top. How can I prevent chafing during long distance runs? Because ouch, it hurts!
- Chafed and Unhappy About It

Chafing can be an annoying problem, especially as you increase your mileage. The best advice is to lubricate the areas that are rubbing with Vaseline or a runner-specific product like Body Glide, which contains no petroleum products. If you do get sores from chafing, use an antibiotic cream to treat the area. Be sure to wear a tight-fitting shirt that is smooth and wicks, too.

Dear FitSugar,
What should I eat for breakfast before my next 5k? My first race I ate my normal breakfast, which was way too much and I got sick.
- Granola With Skim Milk and OJ

To see some thoughts on pre-race meals, just read more.
The pre-race meal can be tricky, and my best advice to you is to experiment because every runner is so different. For me, if the start time is late enough, I have an espresso with a splash of milk, instant oatmeal, and a banana. For you, my pre-race meal would probably be too much. You should eat a little bit of something easily digestible. A good rule of thumb is: the softer the food, the easier it is to digest. Also, I think it's prudent to avoid acidic drinks like OJ. Bananas are a popular pre-race food, as is peanut butter toast, or a protein bar. Avid racer TeamSugar likes the low-sugar protein bar by Detour. It is best to eat at least two hours before the race as well. Eat slowly and chew your food well. Good luck!

Hey Fit,
I am starting running again after a long time off, but the outside of my hips end up very sore and stiff following a run. Do you know of any stretch or anything else I can do to reduce that?
- Hurtin' Hips

It sounds like your hip flexors are tight. I think you should walk for part of your cool down, since this gives a nice active stretch for the hip flexors and can work out the kinks. Check out these three hip flexor stretches and do them after you run. Think about running from your pelvis, too. This will make the backs of your legs work more and even out the workout load.

Have any more suggestions for these three issues? Leave them in the comments section below.

Source

You Asked: Burning Lungs From Running in the Cold

FitSugar — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 05:50:49 -0800

Hi Fit,
I recently started running outdoors and am really enjoying it. It's started to cool off, and breathing in the cold air really burns my throat and lungs when I jog. Is there anything that can be done to prevent this?
- Winter Runner

Ahhh, the cold weather is moving in, and I give you credit for continuing your outdoor runs even though the temps have dropped. Running in the crisp air can be so exhilarating to your body and your mind, but your lungs are another story. I have some ideas about how to make your respiratory system happier, though, so continue reading

Stretch It: Shin and Ankle Stretch

FitSugar — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 07:00:20 -0800

After long bike rides, my shins and the tops of my feet are often tight. All that flexing of my ankle and pulling up on the pedals to maximize my stroke takes its toll on this part of my body. Once I slip off my stiff cycling shoes, this is the first stretch I do.

Here's how:

Cross your left ankle over your right with your toes pointed to the right.
Bend your right knee to increase the stretch for the top of the left foot.
Hold for 15 to 30 seconds then straighten the right knee; repeat before switching sides.

This is a great stretch post-run as well. Try it. You'll like it.

Cold Weather Tip: Warm up Indoors

FitSugar — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 15:00:00 -0700

I don't know about you but working out in the cold can sometimes be uncomfortable because it makes my muscles extra tight. What helps me is to warm up inside before heading out into the chilly weather.

Before a run or bike ride, I do about 5-10 minutes of light cardio inside. Jogging in place, jumping rope, or going up and down my stairs is just enough activity to loosen up my body and get my blood pumping. When I get outside, it's less of a shock to my system. If you'd rather do your warm-up exercises outside, a hot shower is another great way to loosen up your muscles before a cold weather workout.

You Asked: Stretch For Sciatica

FitSugar — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 05:50:08 -0700

Hey Fit,
I've been having issues with my sciatic nerve lately, I was wondering if you could post some stretches and/or yoga poses that would help with sciatica? Thanks!
- Hitting a Nerve

I feel your pain. The sciatic nerve, when pinched or pressed, can cause tingling and numbness down the back of the leg. The pain can come from a nerve root being pinched in the lower spinal column - mostly at the last vertabra (lumbar 5) and the sacrum. Pain can also come from a tight piriformis muscle, since the nerve runs through this deep booty muscle. If you are experiencing sciatica from a degenerative or herniated disc, you should see an orthopedist to get a diagnosis and a recommendation for a physical therapist. When it comes to lower back injuries due to nerve compression, strengthening your core is elemental to getting rid of the tingling pain. It is important to strengthen your abs and spinal muscles in a way that won't compromise your injury further.

I do have two safe stretches to share with you. Learn them when you read more.

I have found this piriformis stretch to be safe and effective with Pilates clients experiencing sciatica. I call it the figure four, but it is a simplified variation of the yoga pose pigeon.

Lie on your back with both legs in the air. Place your right ankle on your thigh above your left knee. See the shape of the number four? It is there, just upside down.
Reach your right hand through the open space created by your right leg and grab your left hand that is reaching around the outside of your left thigh. Slowly bend your left knee. You should feel a stretch on the outside of your right hip. Hold for 30 seconds.

Another stretch that can relieve tension caused by an unhappy sciatic nerve is this simple hamstring stretch.

Lie on your back, bend your right knee and place right foot on the floor.
Raise your left leg as high as you can keeping your pelvis square (don't raise your left hip toward your ear).
Hold your lower thigh or place a strap over the arch or ball of your foot. Flex your foot to stretch your calf too.
Hold for 30 seconds, then switch legs.