FitSugar

Fatguy Shirts: Cool or Not?

FitSugar — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 14:30:00 -0700

As the name suggests, Fatguy Shirts are mostly aimed at men, but some of these designs (and there are many) clearly have women in mind. On the one hand, I'm all for embracing a healthy body image, but most of these tees just seem mean. What do you think? Would you be proud to wear any of these? Do you find them refreshing or irresponsible?

Get Your Butt in Gear: we pilates clothing

FitSugar — Mon, 09 Apr 2007 14:30:00 -0700

I love supporting companies with the for women by women mentality -- There needs to be more companies like that if you ask me.

This is why I want to tell you about we pilates clothing, a cute, simple and comfortable (that's important) line of gear. The company got started rather simply as well: After a Pilates workout, two women were inspired to create the perfect life style line that could take them from their devoted practice to also running around town. Who is the woman that wears we pilates clothing? She is a businesswoman, a mom, and a professional. I can definitely relate, can't you?

To see more pics of the line and to find out where you can buy it, read more

Besides the fact that we pilates is run by women, I also like this line because while there are lots of fancy-schmancy clothing lines out there, sometimes you just want to throw on a soft cotton tee and go about your day. The stuff really is soft (I am feeling it right now) and it's priced right ($24-$36). Look for we pilates clothing in Pilates studios near you or you can buy online at wepilates.com.

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Fittingly Mad: Wear a Shirt at the Gym Ladies

FitSugar — Sat, 31 Mar 2007 02:30:00 -0700

I don't know if this bothers you, but there is something I need to get off my chest (pun intended)...

Ladies, I love that you are proud of your body and all, but please put on a shirt at the gym. A sports bra, bra being the key word here, is not an acceptable shirt at the gym. I am not just being a picky prude here, but a shirt is a way to keep sweat at bay. Nothing grosses me out more than the ladies who are at the gym for hours, mind you, sweating up a storm and rubbing on everything in their reach. Most weight machines require some type of upper body contact, not to mention the gross factor a sweaty, shirtless gym goer can add to the floor mats while doing abs. No one ever wipes down those mats either... but don't even get me started on that.

If you're proud of your figure, then more power to you. I am all for prancing around in your sports bra on an outside jog (with sunscreen, of course), just don't do it at the gym.

Thanks.

Techy Shirt

FitSugar — Fri, 26 Jan 2007 11:00:00 -0800

Love to run with music but you're not into wearing your iPod or MP3 player on your arm?

SyncWear has made this PodWear ProActive tee. It has a special 3-in-1 Trinity side pocket. There are two inner pockets: one that snugly hugs your iPod Nano or MP3 player, and another one for car keys. There's also an outer pocket for your excess headphone wires or anything you might like to tuck away.

There are loops on the right side, both under and above your shoulder, to keep the headphone wires close to you. I know when I run with my iPod, I'm always snagging the wire and pulling out my headphones and this system solves that annoying problem.

Made of 100% polyester, the shirts are lightweight and dry quickly. They are fitted and come in Black, Navy, Black w/navy trim, or Red for $33.99.

Fit's Tips: If this seems like a great idea, you may also like these clothes from Mari Dade.

Run Before Your Feast: Turkey Trot

FitSugar — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 08:00:31 -0800

My new Thanksgiving motto is, "Burn your pie to earn your pie." And that's burn as in calories. According to Runner's World, the amount of calories burned running a 5k is quite similar to the calories found in a slice of pumpkin pie. I thought that little comparison might inspire you to sign up for a Thanksgiving Day race, aka a Turkey Trot.

Many running clubs host these events in neighborhoods and suburbs not considered typical race venues. High school cross country teams also sponsor these fun runs as fundraising events. And let me tell you, not only are they fun, but they're a great way to start your day.

You can find an event near you at Active.com. If you're lucky, you might even get a cool race t-shirt like these from my last two fun runs on T-day. And don't forget to join the RunningSugar Group, where hard-core runners and newbies dish about the delights of running. Tell me, are you racing on T-day?

What Do You Wear While Running in Traffic?

Fit Community — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 03:47:38 -0700

Here's a great question kerry520 asked on RunningSugar.

Recently, I've gone neon. I felt like I was taken by surprise by a few cars on my autumn runs. Maybe it was a combination of the iPod or the changing trees? (I guess with all the foliage etc. its harder to see runners?) Anyway, I started running in this Nathan hi-visibility running vest, and I have to say . . . I feel much safer. I might look like a dork in neon, but I'd rather be safe. I've also got some high tech shirts that I run in which are day-glo orange, but obviously you can't run in the same shirt all the time, so this fits over my additional clothes as the weather gets colder. I also bought a hi-vis fleece hat from Carhartt which I cannot wait to bust out when the weather gets colder! What do you wear to ensure visibility?

Have more to say about running? Join the conversation at RunningSugar. Have a post you want to see featured on FitSugar? Private message me here to pitch your ideas. I can't wait to hear them.

Hardcore Runners Remove Their Toenails, Permanently

FitSugar — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 10:00:01 -0700

For marathoners, crossing the finish line comes with battle scars - sore muscles, sunburn, sore nipples, and the impressive yet painful bruised toenails. Even though their feet are protected by socks and cushioned sneaks, the repetitive banging against the front of a runner's shoe causes bleeding under the nails, and can sometimes cause nails to just fall off. When these damaged nails do grow back, they don't adhere as well to the skin, becoming an ongoing problem for serial marathoners. To see a photo of what I am talking about visit the RuningSugar group.

To solve this tender problem, about five percent of hardcore long-distance runners have their toenails surgically removed by a podiatrist. If the procedure sounds agonizing to you, it's actually much worse than you imagine. Either acid is poured over the nail bed to melt the nail, or the nail is pulled off the toe. Yikes! For those interested, Dr. Lisa Bliss, winner of the 2007 Badwater Ultramarathon, a 135-mile race in Death Valley, documented her surgery so runners would know what to expect. Warning - it's not for those who faint easily at the sight of blood or needles.

To see what podiatrists have to say about this procedure, just keep reading.

Pearl Izumi Gets Technical

FitSugar — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 13:30:06 -0700

Pearl Izumi ruffled some feathers with its ad campaign pitting runner against joggers, but regardless they make amazing biking gear. Recently, the company released clothing made with four technical fabrics designed to reduce drag, regulate body temperature, and address the problems of moisture. They sent me a few items to check out, which meant a couple of bike rides and a spin class over the course of a few days - any excuse to hop on my bike.

The fabric used to construct P.R.O. Octane Shorts ($225) feels more luxurious than anything I have ever worn for a workout. These lightweight shorts feel great on as well. The technical fabric used in their construction is designed to keep a rider cool during a hot competition. In the hot spin I took wearing them, they did just that. Honestly, the price of these shorts indicates they are truly made for elite high mileage riders or serious competitors. I hope to wear them soon for a distance ride, but don't think I would ever drop that much dough on shorts.

To read about the other two more affordable items, just read more.

The W's Transfer Short Sleeve Baselayer ($50) worked well on a cold, yet sweaty ride. My core stayed warm and dry as I powered up hills and sped down the descents. It's made with Pearl Izumi trademarked Minerale fabric, a polyester fortified with carbon based minerals to improve wicking and keep the stink out of the shirt. After a three hour, sweaty ride the smelled only a little bit and the small amount of smell washed out easily. A short sleeve base layer for Autumn biking worked well for me. This shirt is seriously lightweight and tailored to fit the female form.

My favorite piece is the P.R.O. Barrier Lite Jacket ($95.00). A solid windbreaker can save you on a cold and blustery ride, and this windbreaker did just that. Should the sun come out and the wind dies down, this jacket packs down small to easily fit in a the back pocket of a biking jersey. I am impressed with how thin the material was yet how much wind protection it offered. This jacket might be pricey, but as long as it is not raining I think I can wear it all year long. I would wear it to run too.

All three items are available at the Pearl Izumi website. Look for them at your local bike shop too.

Do You Find This Breast Cancer Awareness Ad Offensive?

FitSugar — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 07:00:47 -0700

I've seen a bunch of provocative Breast Cancer Awareness ads this month. Some of the more eye-raising slogans splashed strategically across t-shirts include: Save the Ta Tas, Hope For Hooters, and Save 2nd Base. None of these come close to the viral ad campaign featuring MTV DJ Aliya-Jasmine Sovan walking poolside in a bikini as the camera zooms in on her bouncing breasts. The video is titled Save the Boobs and contains a brief PSA at the very end of the video.

I'm still deciding if this is an effective campaign in getting people to think seriously about the issue. What do you think after seeing it?

Speak Up: Men Exercising Shirtless

FitSugar — Sun, 15 Feb 2009 03:00:00 -0800

It's completely legal for a guy to tromp around topless, whether at the beach or a public pool, and I've seen many guys peeling their sweaty shirts off while running in the neighborhood or playing b-ball at the community park. Maybe they do it because they're overheated, or trying to impress people with their pumped-up pecs, but I'm wondering how you ladies feel about it. Does it make you uncomfortable, disgust you, entertain you? Maybe your answer changes depending on what the guy looks like underneath his shirt. Or maybe you think there should be a blanket rule about men going topless in certain situations like at a gym or yoga studio. Should everyone remain covered, even women with sports bras? I'm sure you have some strong opinions, so share them in the comment section below.

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