FitSugar

Old-School Workouts We Want to See on the Gym Schedule

Jenny Sugar — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 15:18:09 PDT

Fitness styles have had their ups and their downs, but just like striped leg warmers, all decent fitness trends need a comeback. Here are some workouts I wish would show up on my gym schedule again and be as cool now as they were back then.

Source: Thinkstock

10 Reasons to Love Step Aerobics

Michele Bell — Mon, 24 Jan 2011 12:45:18 PST

It may not be the hippest class to attend at the gym, but there are still many reasons why I love myself a good step aerobics class. While I'd like to say it's because I can don a Jane Fonda-esque spandex leotard; it's actually much more than that. The once über-popular workout fad of the '80s and '90s still wins my vote for these following reasons:

When the instructor turns on the stereo system, there are bound to be powerfully motivating tunes (old and new) to get you through the jumping, lunging, and grapevining.
Many teachers include some sort of dance (merengue or salsa) into the mix. I love a workout that encourages me to shake my groove thang.
It's like riding a bicycle. Even if you haven't been to a step class in five years, you'll quickly remember how to do the "L" step or a hamstring curl.
Since I don't always have time for lengthy workouts, I appreciate that most step classes are under an hour.
The music may get my mind going, but the exercise certainly gives my body a run for its money. At the end of these classes, you can't tell whether I've taken a shower or desperately need to.

Want to see the rest of my reasons and add your own two cents?

5 Fitness Trends That Deserve a Do-Over

FitSugar — Mon, 24 May 2010 05:50:47 PDT

After taking a few fitness lessons from Maid Marion, I started thinking about other old school activities that are due for a comeback. Besides, everything old becomes new again at some point, right? I'm keeping my fingers crossed that these activities are next in line for a rebirth. Badminton, anyone?

Latest Exercise Trend: Ramping

FitSugar — Tue, 01 May 2007 11:45:00 PDT

I am always looking for a way to do something new, fitness wise. At one point, step aerobics was the latest thing, but that time has since come and gone. You'll still find step classes in almost every gym, but they are not nearly as popular as they once were.

Enter Ramping. I know it sounds a little odd but ramping is very similar to step aerobics (in fact it was created by the very same person that created step aerobics) but it is requires a lot less impact on your joints because instead of stepping up onto a flat step or bench, you lunge on and off an adjustable-incline ramp (half-moon looking contraption pictured above) specifically designed for ramping. Ramping is great for really working your butt and hamstrings. Great for getting those legs short shorts ready this summer. Check out the ramping site online for more information as well as to find a class near you.

Fit Tip: Need to Remember Something? Go For a Run

Leta Shy — Wed, 09 May 2012 11:36:10 PDT

Have a pregraduation final or an upcoming important presentation to nail? It may help to take a step back from your notes and go for a run or a bike ride. A new lab study, reported in The New York Times has found that exercise can improve your memory and learning skills.

In the study, scientists fed a group of mice certain drugs that mimic muscle changes from exercise and compared them to sedentary mice. The mice who "exercised" ended up performing much better on memory and learning.

Previous studies have already found that exercise can make you smarter, but investigators in this lab test say that it could shed light on exactly how exercising affects your brain; they think that exercise releases an enzyme into your blood that travels to your brain, where it has an effect on learning and memory.

The researchers note that sustained aerobic exercise is most effective if you're trying to improve your smarts, since endurance cardio increases blood flow (although they also say that a good strength training session may be effective as well, but wasn't tested). Want more ideas to make you smarter in time for your big brain-testing event? Read our tips on what to eat to be smarter here.

5 Tricks to Get the Most Out of Your Outdoor Run

Shape — Thu, 03 May 2012 04:11:45 PDT

We are pumped to share one of our fave stories from Shape here on FitSugar. This week Shape turns to celebrity trainer Jay Cardiello for some help!

The weather is getting nice and you may have been bitten by the "run bug." To make the transition from indoor runs to the great outdoors seamless and safe, I compiled a list of my top five tricks to get the most out of your outdoor run. Whether you have had some success running on the treadmill, or you are completely new to outdoor running, there are two crucial factors that you must understand.

25 Most Deceiving Exercises (They Tone More Than You Think).

First, let's talk about a little guy named Newton. See, Newton has this law that states that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. Are you with me so far? Good. Well, with runners, the concern is what we run on. The harder the surface the greater the ground reaction force, which is basically the force exerted by the ground back onto the body (in this case, our little legs) that are in contact with it, is. To simplify this, surfaces like concrete and pavement will cause a greater reaction back into our joints and legs than an energy absorbing treadmill. This not only makes us work harder, but will tire us out faster and cause greater stress on our joints.

Are Your Workouts Causing Pain? How to Find Out.

Second, the treadmill is a flat belt that provides consistency with each step. There are no stones, traffic, or inclement weather activity that would cause you to be off balance or have to change your gait. Running outdoors forces the body to make constant small adjustments. That said, here is what’s going to make your outdoor run a successful one.

5 Unique Ways to Make the Most of Your Treadmill.

Learn how to make the most out of your outdoor runs after the break!

From the Fit Community: 3 Tips to Start Shaping Up For Swimsuit Season

Fit Community — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 02:33:47 PST

Bikini season will be here before you know it, so FitSugar reader JessicaSmithTV asked an expert for the best way to start shaping up. She posted her tips in our 10 Pounds Down! community group.

Well, it's official. The release of the 2012 swimsuit edition of Sports Illustrated marks the opening of bikini season! And even if you are still snuggled and warm hiding your bod in that turtleneck, the warmer weather will be here before you know it. So don't wait until you have a beach date to start shedding any excess winter weight. These three simple tips from fitness expert Kate Conti of The Sports Club/LA will have you melting away the extra pounds without major sacrifice, so you can strut your stuff in your swimsuit on the beach this year:

Number one: allow up to six to eight weeks for delivery

Yes, it may still be frosty outside, but you need plenty of time to allow yourself to get results. Don't rely on that Master Cleanse to do your dirty work the week before. Start today! "Give yourself plenty of time to get in shape," says Conti. "If you’ve been sitting around all winter, your body is not going to just snap back into shape in a couple of weeks. Give yourself about six to eight weeks of training before you expect to see any significant results. Your body will need that time to adapt to the added stress of exercise and make the appropriate physiological changes."

Keep reading for the rest of the tips.

Is Diet or Exercise Best for Losing Belly Fat?

Shape — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 04:57:45 PST

We are excited to share one of our fave stories from Shape here on FitSugar. This week Shape turns to nutritional consultant Mike Roussell, PhD, for some help!

Q: What's the best way to lose belly fat: diet or exercise?

A: You really need both, and here's why - losing fat (all kinds of fat, not just the belly fat that covers your lower abs) requires an energy deficit. At the end of the day, you need your body to realize that it didn't take in enough caloric currency to pay for your daily efforts, forcing it to tap into its energy savings account (stored fat). The greater this deficit, the more weight you will lose.

Diet and exercise can both help you create an energy deficit and lose weight, but I'm assuming you don't just want what works - you want what works best. What gives you the biggest return for the time you invest.

Find out why you can't just choose one or the other after the break!

Madonna Talks Underwear, Her "Bum," and Her New Album's "Happy" Sound After Globes Win

Molly Goodson — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 18:24:46 PST

Madonna took home the Golden Globe for her song "Masterpiece" from her movie W.E. at this evening's big show. She stepped backstage after her acceptance speech and was in great spirits, joking about everything from how she tones her famous behind to what she makes sure not to travel without. While talking about the sound of her upcoming album, Madonna showed off a few dance steps. Check out the quotes:

On her current fitness regime: "I’m not really doing Pilates anymore. I’m just dancing. You know, dance aerobics. I kind of do that, but the best thing for your bum is dancing."

On her first post-win call:"Well I’m probably not going to call anybody, I’m going back to my seat, but my daughter will be."

On her Globes dress: "I love it because I feel like I’m wearing chain mail and I’m ready to go to battle."

On beating Elton John: "I hope he speaks to me for the next couple of years. He’s known to get mad at me. He's brilliant and I adore him. He’ll win another award, so I don’t feel bad."

On what she never travels without: "My passport, a pair of tweezers."

Favorite things in her closet: "I'd say my fishnets, but I'm not wearing them tonight. My Victoria's Secret underpants."

On all her upcoming projects: "Well it took me three years to make this movie, and while I was making the movie all these things were pushing the train behind me saying, "What about me?" I do have a recording career to pay attention to. And I do have to pay my rent. Making a record was always on my mind, and then I was asked to do the Super Bowl, which is an honor but takes a lot of planning. Then it’s a tour."

On the sound of her new record: "Well I did a good majority of the record with Martin Solveig, who is a DJ/producer. His sound is really fresh. His music is happy, it puts a smile on your face and I hope my record does too. Also, it will be introspective and thoughtful. It’s a good combination of the light and the dark."

On what inspires her: "Life inspires me."

Healthy Dose Link Time

FitSugar — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 10:25:51 PDT

Is there something about your personality that leads to weight gain? - Shape
Tips for making the best out of the worst: guilt-free pizza - Self
Drop the mag! Intervals bust workout boredom better than reading - Carrots 'n' Cake
Going retro: why step aerobics rocks! - Fitnessista
Easy ways to glam up after working out - Prevention
Exercise linked to early menopause: what gives? - Blisstree