FitSugar

A Bachelorette Party that Burns Calories, Not Brain Cells

FitSugar — Mon, 14 May 2007 07:30:00 -0700

Some bachelorette parties go a little something like this: Gather. Drink. Pile into limo. Stop at bar with penis straws and sashes saying things like "Miss Bride to Be". Male stripper does a dance. Random dude at the bar buys everyone shots. Pile back into the limo. Maid of honor to be tosses her cookies out the window while crying. Blackout. Wake up feeling like crap. The end.

I don't know about you, but this is not always my idea of a good time. How about trying something different for your (or your best friend's) bachelorette party. I'm thinking Sheila Kelley's S Factor...

Led by an instructor, an S Factor Bachelorette Party is a totally creative way to celebrate a bride-to-be. The two-hour party is designed with fun in mind, yet still provides the gentle, rigorous workout that the S Factor is famous for. The first part of the party consists of a luxurious warm-up that takes students through all S Factor movements and positions learned in the regular classes. Depending on the size of the party, everyone will learn the first part of a lap dance routine and a beginning pole trick or two. The best part is, the bride-to-be will learn a full-on lap dance routine that she will perform for her friends (and later her husband-to-be). The cost for an S Factor Bachelorette Party is $550 (for up to 10 women). For more information and to book a party, go to SFactor.com.

Fit's Tip: Party hardy after you've burned off some calories -- Especially since food or drink are not allowed and, due to safety regulations, alcoholic beverages should not be consumed before or during the party.

Get the Bod: Kate Hudson

FitSugar — Fri, 16 Feb 2007 08:47:03 -0800

Kate Hudson went from Almost Famous to super famous and she has got a bod that speaks for itself.

To learn her secret, read more

*Us Weekly recently reported that after her breakup with ex Chris Robinson, Kate does the following to stay healthy:

Diet: "She eats smart, small portions," says a source close to the star. "She loves sushi, and eats very organic if she can, shopping at local farmers' markets."

Workout: Hudson regularly logs 45-minute runs and takes strip aerobics classes at Sheila Kelley's S-Factor in L.A. Her son, Ryder, 3, also keeps her on the go. Says the pal, "Just being a mom, she stays active."

I've always been a Kate fan and I am loving that she does not seem to be doing anything extreme post divorce and I'm even more pleased that she takes her role as a mom seriously. Go Kate!

View 4 Photos ›

[*Us Weekly, Issue 627]
Source

Sheila Kelley's S-Factor

FitSugar — Fri, 16 Mar 2007 10:16:22 -0700

Have you heard all the buzz about Sheila Kelley's S Factor yet?

After seeing photos of Lindsay Lohan heading to S Factor class, hearing Oprah rave about Sheila Kelley and knowing that Kate Hudson and Teri Hatcher have expressed their love for this class, I had to see what the excitement was all about for myself. So, I bashfully made my way over to an intro class to see. Walking into the studio was terrifying, to say the least, as I saw the two shiny poles flickering in the red hue of the lights...

Want to read the rest of my experience at Sheila Kelley's S Factor? Then, read more.

Turns out, my preconceived notions that I would be doing crude things against a pole in a room full of oversexed women were totally wrong! The class has a high focus on getting warmed up, stretching the hips and chest and just getting used to moving slowly and sensually rather than jumping right into the whole 'stripper' thing. The lights are turned down low. It's dark enough that you don't feel like anyone can possibly be watching you, but light enough that you can eyeball the instructor to see what the heck she is doing. The movement is slow and controlled and you'd be surprised at how much you work your abs. The end of the class is 'pole tricks' time and by that point I was ready to swing around the pole, just to see if I had it in me... and I sure did!

I had a fabulous time at my intro. I felt that my muscles got a workout and other women who were there for the same reasons as me, not because they were sexed up vixens looking to improve their skills, surrounded me. The whole thing was a lot of fun and boy, if I didn't know how to arch my back before I sure do now. S Factor is a great, and very unique workout for anyone looking to tone the muscles, firm the body, increase flexibility, promote weight loss and elevate energy levels.

The S Factor was designed by actress Sheila Kelley to achieve specific health benefits, including physical fitness and stress reduction, as well as to cultivate sensuality, self-confidence and a positive body image. Sheila Kelley describes the movement as:

“The S Factor is about women rediscovering their own shapes and their muscles, overtly, playfully and unabashedly. We’re teaching women a body language they’ve been told not to explore.”

Once you've completed the introduction you can start your explorations in a series of classes. Classes run in eight-week-long sessions and meet once a week for two hours. There are seven levels of S Factor, each level increasing in difficulty. You'll need to complete a session to move on to the next level. Each class in a session builds on the skills learned in the last class so students are encouraged to attend the classes in order.

Work It, Martha!

FitSugar — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 04:30:25 -0800

I'm loving this clip of Martha Stewart going completely outside of her box by doing a pole dancing workout with S Factor founder, Sheila Kelley. Check out this clip as the domestic diva gets down and gyrates her hips in full workout gear. Despite not being able to slide upside down on the pole, Martha did finish with an impressive leg lift.

If you've ever wanted to try a pole dancing workout but were too afraid, you've got no excuse now. If Martha can do it, so can you. In her own words: "She's got me on the pole. Woo-hoo!"

Is one of your fitness goals for 2010 to step out of your fitness comfort zone? Are you ready to work with a pole?

Stick to Healthy Eating, Even at Your Bridal Shower

FitSugar — Wed, 16 May 2007 02:30:00 -0700

Now that you're engaged you're going to be attending a lot of parties in your honor: Engagement parties, showers, bachelorette parties, etc. Nothing can kill healthy eating like a wedding shower complete with a plate full of potato salad and cake.

To make sure you don't overindulge this wedding season, here are a few tips to keep you from stressing over eating at parties:

Don't show up on an empty stomach. Have a little something healthy at home, this way you won't feel the need to stuff your face upon your first sighting of the buffet table.
Have a say. Chances are the person planning the party may ask what kinds of foods you'd like to have there. Ask for healthy options as well as typical party fare.
Make sure you eat. I know this one seems obvious, but everyone wants to talk to the bride and sometimes it's hard to get a bite in. Chances are your body is already running on low fuel as it is and the last thing you want is to get sick because you're not getting enough nutrients. Can't break away from Auntie Emily telling you about her bunions? Ask a good friend or mom to fill a plate for you with lots of healthy (and yummy) stuff.
Drinking can be your worst enemy. I'm not saying don't drink, but drink in moderation at these parties. A drunk bride can be a little unsightly, not to mention the added calories you'll be getting from that 4th vodka tonic.
Party games anyone? Parties do not have to only consist of drinking and eating. Ask the planner to plan activities that get everyone moving and burning off a little of that ganache. Pin the veil on the bride anyone?
Don't be too hard on yourself. This one is important! These parties are meant to be fun. If you splurge and have a few extra pieces of cake, it's OK...besides you didn't want to be rude, now did you? Just promise yourself you'll hit the gym for an extra 5 minutes the next day.

Source

Vertical Workout Video - YES, It Involves a Pole

FitSugar — Sun, 25 Mar 2007 03:00:00 -0700

I've been talking up the S Factor Workout and the free intro class, so I thought I would share this video I found. While it is not by Sheila Kelley, it is in the same vein. This is the UK version of the "S factor" (and the British accent makes it seem more classy and more naughty all at the same time). It is known as the "Vertical Dance." Now I know that the term "vertical dance" could imply standing and dancing (as opposed to the horizontal dance), but the word "vertical" stands for pole in this instance.

Check it out and watch the pole tricks...these are things you could learn taking the "S Factor" classes.

I do find it funny that "stripping" is never mentioned in this clip and I really can't think of another dance medium that uses poles. Maybe I'm being short sighted - you tell me.

Healthy Dose Link Time!!!!!!

FitSugar — Mon, 20 Aug 2007 12:30:00 -0700

Fitness Fixation knows how to beat the "lazy day syndrome." It is a virtual "get off your duff and workout" post!

iFit&Healthy has the skinny on Ben Affleck's weight loss.

girlawhirl is gaga for Champion’s O2Cool clothing line.

Mark's Daily Apple asks the painful question, "What weighs 200,000 pounds?" Check his site for the answer!

Leslie at The Weighting Game wants to know if you have the "S" Factor. Yep Sheila Kelley is bringing the "S" Factor to the windy city!

Check out real buzz for some encouraging words on getting back to the gym.

For an emotional read, check out Back In Skinny Jeans . Stephanie knows about the break-up diet.

LIME can tell you how to recycle anything. Don't throw away those goodies! Recycle them.

About: Yoga puts a twist on the Crow pose. Work your upper body and be a bird at the same time.

diet-blog shares great tips on how to maintain your healthy diet while out on the town!

Looking for motivation? Complete Running Network says go see Runners High. It's an inspirational documentary about Oakland teens training for a marathon.

For more motivation, download "Meteoric Flash" a seriously energetic music mix from fitPod.

Elastic Waist celebrates the heirloom tomato! Yum.

Speaking of all things "yum," YumSugar has some great tips on keeping your camping food cool.

The Skinny Website has some great shots of Jennifer Lopez in a bikini.

A Week In Review: FitSugar Roundup

FitSugar — Sat, 17 Mar 2007 12:00:00 -0700

Want to try Sheila Kelley's S factor class? Well you can check out the intro class for free!!!! The "S" could stand for sexy or sensual or stripping.

Since it is Saturday you have time to learn Upward Dog the next yoga pose in the sun salutation series.

Test your health knowledge on butter.

Get back to basics and study up on reverse lunges. They are so effective at toning the legs and behind. You can do this move anywhere...try it in your kitchen while you wait for tea water to boil.

Looking for a race to run? Here's a helpful site. Knowing there's a race to run might be the motivation you are looking for. I found a race in about 47 seconds.

Speaking of races...do you know who is more likely to get injured bewteen someone training for a marathon or a triathlon? Test your knowledge with this quiz.

If you're looking for a challenging yoga pose to try, you need to check out Standing Half-Bound Lotus. Sounds exotic doesn't it?

Looking for something green to eat instead of cabbage. Why not try asparagus?