FitSugar

Get Your Butt in Gear: Gretchen Bleiler For Oakley

FitSugar — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 14:30:00 -0800

January is just around the corner, and that means it's time to play in the snow. Are you mountain ready? If you're in need of fresh gear, check out the new collection that snowboarding superstar Gretchen Bleiler designed for Oakley - and you thought they only made sunglasses.

Known for her crazy trick the inverted crippler, Bleiler designed a collection that mixes wild and tame. A jacket she calls The Mane features a faux fur trimmed hood and comes in three colors, one a bright yellow that suggests a lion abstracted. The collection includes basic jackets and pants, all with small details that give them style and flair. The jackets and pants are cut to flatter the female form, and many items are made with recycled polyester. At $250 to $300, the price range might be as steep as the mountains you ride, but style wedded with comfort and warmth is always priceless.

To see more of the collection, read more.

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Fit Find Follow Up: Cute Ski Outfit

FitSugar — Tue, 16 Jan 2007 15:20:56 -0800

A few days ago I asked you to help me Fit Find some cute mountain wear since I need pants and a jacket for my winter sports.

cgmaetc found some great gear for snowboarding. I really dig the helmet/iPod combination.

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As always, Moni B found some great gear.

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These clothes make me wish I was on the mountain right now!

If the term "Fit Find" is new to you, check out geeksugar's explanation on how to bookmark your favorite things on the web.

Get Your Butt in Gear: Eesa Base Layers

FitSugar — Wed, 06 Dec 2006 03:30:00 -0800

Eesa clothing is a fairly new brand that brings performance clothing that snowboarders can wear from lift-to-lounge.

Eesa's theory is that no one wants to wear base layer gear because it looks better in the gym than apres ski. On the flip side, if you wear your favorite hoody, you're probably wet and smelly due to perspiration when you hit the ski lodge (or a night cap) after a long day on the slopes.
The Ruckers ($75) will definitely have you feeling good and fitting in among the snowboarding pros on (and off) the slopes.

Eesa strives to blend moisture wicking, anti-microbial and quick drying technologies into tops that look good even when you step off the hill. Pretty cool? Shop for Eesa online here.

Now Is the Time to Get Ready For the Slopes

FitSugar — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 08:00:41 -0800

Even though we're in the middle of Fall and I've yet to see any real signs of snow, experts say now is the time to get your butt in gear for Winter sports. Days on the slopes can be long and require a good amount of endurance, especially if you're the type who likes to visit the mountains for an extended weekend or even longer.

Veteran Winter Olympic athletes like ski racer Daron Rahlves and snowboarder Elena Hight recommend doing specific training for Winter sports six to eight weeks before the season starts. They say the key to lasting all day, weekend, or week on the slopes is to work on flexibility, strength, and cardio. A good mix of this will ensure you can snowboard from sunup to sundown. Being in tip-top shape will also help cut down on injuries.

An article in the San Francisco Chronicle asked a group of Winter Olympians and trainers their advice on getting in shape for Winter sports. Here's some of their advice.

Stretch for 15-20 minutes every day or do 10 minutes of sun salutations. Skiers should focus on their lower bodies, while snowboarders should focus on their upper and lower areas.
Two to three times a week, focus on strength training with emphasis on your quads, hamstrings, and core muscles. Keeping your legs and core strong helps with balance and endurance, and helps cut down on ACL injuries. If you can, use kettlebells and also make sure to do tons of squats, leg curls, and lunges.
Do some sort of aerobic activity for at least 15 minutes every day, keeping your heart rate elevated the entire time.

Sounds doable to me. Who's hungry for powder?

Speak Up: What's the Most Expensive Piece of Fitness Gear You Own?

FitSugar — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 13:00:00 -0800

Sometimes living a healthy lifestyle isn't cheap. You can end up spending hundreds of dollars on exercise equipment, heart rate monitors, sneakers, iPods, bicycles, a snowboard, or skis. Tell me, what's the most expensive piece of fitness gear you've ever bought?

Headed to the Mountain? Dealing With Crowded Slopes

FitSugar — Thu, 14 Feb 2008 02:00:00 -0800

Since President's Day is coming up, many of you may be planning a weekend away in the mountains. Three-day weekends are great for skiing and snowboarding, but since everyone else thinks so too, you may be dealing with crowded slopes. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

It's best to bring your own gear since renting can take a long time when there are tons of people. Either bring your own, or you can rent skis, poles, and boots at a gear store before you head out on your trip.
Carpool. If you're going with a bunch of friends, try to pack all of you and your gear into one car. Finding a parking spot at the mountain can be impossible.
Ski at your level. If you're new to skiing or riding, don't attempt a black diamond just yet. Stick to the easier trails with your fellow out of control and slow beginners. It'll help prevent injuring you or some other unsuspecting skier.
Wear a helmet. The more people on the mountain, the more chance for a collision.
Dress warmly. You'll get cold standing around waiting in lines for the lifts, so make sure your head, ears, neck, and hands are bundled up. Hand warmers tucked in your boots and mittens are a great idea.
Pack your own snacks and meals. Not only will it be much cheaper and healthier for you, but you won't waste time waiting to get your food. Bring your own water too. Use a Camelbak water bottle so you can stay hydrated on and off the mountain.

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Women Are NOT Small Men

FitSugar — Tue, 02 Jan 2007 13:05:36 -0800

When I'm looking to gear up for outdoor sports and fun, I've found a lot of gear to be geared towards men. I've even had someone at a shop (a guy I might add) tell me "just buy it in men's size small - it'll probably fit you." No thanks. These aren't men's sports, so why would I wear men's clothes?

Check out outdoor DIVAS. Their shops are 100% devoted towards the active woman, offering superior quality gear and apparel designed exclusively for a woman's body and needs.

They also run women only classes to introduce women to new activities and challenges in a supportive and non-competitive environment.

Their goal is to help women feel as comfortable and confident as possible, and to enjoy their time outdoors.

If you ski, snowboard, run, hike, paddle, cycle, camp, swim, snowshoe, or just love being outside, you can check out their store in Boulder, Colorado or visit their online shop.

Want to see what you can find at outdoor Divas? Then read more

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Get Your Butt in Gear: Lole Alex Pant

FitSugar — Tue, 27 Nov 2007 02:30:00 -0800

Snow sports season is officially here as many mountains finally received a bit of snow. I have been gearing up mentally and physically for skiing and snowboarding, but I also have been looking to gear up fashionably too.

I love these Lole Alex Ski Pants ($180) because they are functional just as much as fashionable on the slopes. These snow pants allow for maximum movement for when you're thrashing down the slopes, as well as breathability for when you're lugging your board or skis around the mountain. For those of us less skilled in snow sports, their water repellent feature keeps you dry through spill after spill - on the slopes and off. Buy them here.

Ease Sore Muscles After a Day on the Mountain

FitSugar — Fri, 21 Dec 2007 02:30:00 -0800

Ski season is just kicking into gear, and the first day on the mountain might leave you exhilarated, but sore. Very sore! You went skiing. Here are a few suggestions of ways to ease the aprés ski pain:

If you have access to a hot tub, take full advantage and sit in it for about 20 minutes. If you don't have that luxury, a hot bath or shower feels amazing too. You can also apply a heating bad to tight muscles. Heat brings blood to the area, which helps loosen the tissue so your muscles can relax.
Massage tight areas or better yet, pay a professional or have a kind friend do it for you.
Don't just sit there. Try to stretch your tight quads, hamstrings, hips, lower back, calves and anywhere else you feel tight. Doing light exercise like walking may help to ease aches too.
If a certain area is extremely swollen, or you have a chronic injury such as knee pain or a pulled hamstring, place an ice pack on the area for no more than 20 minutes. It'll reduce swollen tissue and numb the pain.
If you're really in bad shape, don't be afraid to pop some OTC meds such as Ibuprofen. It'll help reduce swelling and soreness.

Fit's Tips: If you're just starting out the season skiing or snowboarding, take it easy. Start off with a few half days to get your body used to it, and when you're ready, go for the full days.

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Get in Gear: Boarding for Breast Cancer Watch

FitSugar — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 03:00:00 -0700

If you're a snowboarder, then you're probably getting excited that boarding season is quickly approaching. This means that not only are you going to need to start training in the gym, you're also going to want to check out all the cool new gear available this year.

One of my favorite board sport watch companies, Nixon, is supporting Breast Cancer Awareness Month with this Boarding for Breast Cancer Vega Watch ($59.95). This oversized bracelet watch features polycarbonate stretch links and a stainless steel case and square face. It's pink, so you can still show off your girly side as you thrash down the mountain. Two dollars from every pink Vega watch sold goes to Boarding for Breast Cancer!