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.

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

3 Reasons You're Not Losing Weight at the Gym

Michele Foley — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 03:06:14 PDT

You go to the gym, work out, but you still aren't losing any weight. What gives? It's a frustrating scenario but not an impossible one to change. Here are three reasons you aren't losing weight at the gym and what to do about them.

You're Not Doing Enough (Intense) Cardio
Aerobic activity is the most efficient way to burn calories, so make sure you are consistent with cardio workouts. We recommend doing at least 30-45 minutes of cardio, three to four times a week. It's also important to pick the right kind of cardio workout. Studies show that faster-paced workouts help release fat-burning hormones in the body and that interval training is key to losing unwanted belly fat. Still not convinced that you should step up your gym workouts? A recent study said that a 45-minute vigorous workout gets three times the net calories burned compared to the same 45 minutes spent walking; it also increases metabolic rate for up to 14 hours post-workout. To melt away unwanted pounds, choose high-intensity workouts like intervals, running, boot camp, or spin.

Find out the other reasons you aren't losing weight after the break!

3 Reasons to Love Step-Ups

Susi May — Sat, 17 Sep 2011 03:15:39 PDT

If you're fickle with your gym routine, here's one move you should consider adding to most of your workouts: step-ups. The simple act of hauling your body up one step for 20 reps is great for your legs and your lungs. Here are my top three reasons to love this move.

Cardio: There's a reason step aerobics were so popular in the '90s; stepping up and onto something gets your heart rate climbing. Step-ups will help you burn more calories during strength training sessions, so add step-ups between sets of ab and arm work to keep your heart rate high.
Booty lift: Step-ups work your backside. In fact, celeb trainer Valerie Waters believes high step-ups are the perfect cure for a "droopy butt." You can grab a chair and do a set of high step-ups at home. I think they will lift your mood as they are lifting your derriere.
Hill climbing: If you run or bike, you know hills can be tough, but strength training helps. Step-ups mimic the action of running and biking preparing your muscles to climb. Consider step-ups part of your cross training.

Not convinced? Here are three variations of step-ups to try and see for yourself.

Straight From the Mouth of a Zumba Instructor: Tips For Class Newbies

Jenny Sugar — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 01:02:39 PDT

Want to know why Zumba is all the rage? Or are you already hooked on Zumba and want to know what it takes to teach a class? Our interview with Michele Schmidt, a certified Zumba instructor, answers all of your burning questions.

FitSugar: What is Zumba?
Michele Schmidt: Zumba is a fusion of Latin and international music combined with a heart-pumping cardio workout that's easy to follow and fun to do. It was founded in the '90s by Alberto "Beto" Perez, a fitness instructor from Columbia, when he forgot his music and improvised a traditional aerobics class with Latin music and moves that he grew up dancing to.

FS: What makes it such a great workout? Will it help a person lose weight?
MS: Zumba is an intense cardio workout, so it can help a person lose weight! Typically an hour long, classes include interval training and strengthening movements (like squats and lunges) to maximize your calorie and fat burn, as well as to improve overall body tone. Proper diet and nutrition is also an important part of any weight loss program - many Zumba teachers have said that "you can't out dance a bad diet!"

Learn beginner tips for your first Zumba class and how to become a Zumba instructor after the break!

The Britney Spears Femme Fatale Workout

Self — Wed, 06 Apr 2011 04:38:34 PDT

We are pumped to share one of our fave stories from Self here on FitSugar!

At long last (and after major hype), Britney Spears's Femme Fatale is out! Naturally, we took the pop princess's clubbiest album yet to the gym to find out what songs work during which parts of your workout.

"Till The World Ends"

It takes a solid minute for this Ke$ha-penned track to really get going, so use that time for some aerobic stretches to warm up your muscles. Try this: Stand with feet wider than hip-width apart, knees soft. Keeping hips stable, reach left arm overhead to right, and right arm across torso to left. Then reach right arm overhead to left, and left arm across to right. Next, bend forward from hips so torso is parallel to floor; repeat arm reaches. Then fold body completely forward and reach arms to front. Do sequence 20 times. To up your heart rate, add in jumping jacks or jump rope (you don't actually need a rope, just go through the motions!) for the next minute.

Keep reading to see the rest of the Britney Femme Fatale workout!