FitSugar

Burn It Up in the Sun and Surf

FitSugar — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 05:30:00 -0700

I'm sure many of you are psyched that the weather is so warm so you can enjoy exercising outdoors, especially in the water. Just how many calories do Summer activities burn? Click the "Start" button to find out. All the calculations are based on a 130-pound woman.

Source

View Slideshow ›

10 Ways to Burn More Calories This Summer

FitSugar — Fri, 08 Jun 2007 03:00:00 -0700

This summer, take advantage of all the great ways you can burn a few more calories. Here are ten simple ways that you can burn a few more calories in just 30 minutes this summer:

*Based on a 130 lb. person for 30 minutes of activity.*
Activity	Calories Burned
Fishing	118
Frisbee	89
Horseback Riding	118
Mountain Biking	251
Rock Climbing	236
Snorkeling	148
Softball	148
Surfing	89
Water Skiing	177
Whitewater Rafting	148

The best part? You should have fun burning those extra calories. So pull out the sunscreen and bug spray and start moving this summer.

Source

Which Summer Water Activity Burns More Calories?

FitSugar — Tue, 19 Jun 2007 14:30:00 -0700

This summer most of us have more opportunities to do more outdoor activities than during the chilly days of winter. Personally I love being out on the water, but do you know which summer water sport burns more calories?

New Moon Star Nikki Reed Says Relationship Keeps Her Slim

FitSugar — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 11:00:49 -0800

If Kristen Stewart needs any help kicking her nicotine habit, she can look to her New Moon costar Nikki Reed for advice. In the last few months, Reed has given herself a bit of a lifestyle makeover, thanks in large part, as she told People, to her relationship with Greek shipping heir (and Paris Hilton ex) Paris Latsis.

Reed and Latsis have officially been out as a couple since Summer, which was the perfect time for Latsis to introduce Reed to all the outdoor sports he loves. The pair spent the season hiking, windsurfing, and water skiing, and as a result, Reed says, the pounds started dropping.

Besides having tons of fun, Reed was so inspired by her boyfriend's love of the outdoors that she became motivated to get into better shape. First things first, she quit smoking. Now Reed hits the gym for two hours a day and says that being active has made her "much happier."

Last week I shared with you some ways that your relationship might be making you fat, but keep in mind that as with Reed, relationships can have positive effects on health. I personally am healthier now that I'm with a partner who likes being active as much as I do. He and I love riding bikes, climbing, and going on long hikes together. Do any of you credit your relationship for making you healthier?

Summer Fit Tip: Stay Injury Free This Summer

FitSugar — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 03:00:00 -0700

From volleyball to water skiing to mountain biking, outdoor Summer activities are fun, but can cause major injury.

To avoid this there are three main precautions you can take to prevent injuries from our favorite outdoor recreational activities. They are:

"There are three Ps of prevention," Arlene I. Greenspan, a senior scientist at the CDC's National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, said. "These are preparation, planning and problem anticipation. If you follow some simple guidelines, you will decrease your risk for injury, and if an injury occurs, you will be better able to take care of it."

First, know your skill level and your limits, Greenspan said. Also, you need to have the right equipment, and you need to make sure that all the equipment is in good working order, she said. You also need to maintain a level of fitness.

"You want to plan what you are going to do. So, you want to make sure that other people know where you're going," Greenspan said. "In addition, you want to anticipate problems that could happen. You may want to bring a first-aid kit. You may want to bring a two-way radio."

This doesn't mean you can't have fun, just that it pays to be cautious. So if you've never stepped foot on a wake board, don't be trying to jump the wake your first time up.

Source

"ACT"ivism: Volunteer to Walk Dogs at a Pet Shelter

FitSugar — Tue, 12 Jun 2007 12:30:00 -0700

Looking for ways to burn a few extra calories this summer? One way to do that and put a smile on someone's face, or rather a wag in someone's tail, is to volunteer to walk dogs at a local pet shelter or rescue. A 130 pound person can burn about 177 calories just by walking a dog for an hour and imagine how happy you're making the dog who could be otherwise restricted to a confined space the majority of the day. To find a shelter or rescue group near you, just visit PetFinder.com.

Source

Shoe Review: Bern High Boot by Keen

FitSugar — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 09:00:45 -0700

The more active you are throughout your workday, the better. When folks wear comfy shoes to work, they walk more; let's face it, speed-walking for 30 minutes at lunch in stilettos is not a good time. That's why I'm on the hunt for stylish, yet comfortable shoes that promote getting up and moving around. With its low heel made of resilient rubber, I'm liking the Bern High Boot by Keen ($150). To see how these boots feel on the feet and if Fab approves of them, read more.

Since the familiar Mark Twain quote "The coldest Winter I ever spent was a Summer in San Francisco" is completely accurate, I had more than a few days this Summer to test out these boots. Not only are they comfortable and cozy, but Fab approved of them with only one criticism. She liked the buckles, a trend for Fall, and the whip stitching details. But she didn't like the extra rubber bump at the toe, which is unfortunately Keen's trademark. Made of leather and lined with faux shearling, these boots accommodate muscular calves, which can make finding tall boots difficult. The dark rubber sole cushions the feet nicely without leaving black marks everywhere. I walked all about when I wore the boots with no aches, pains, or blisters. If the shoes featured at Fashion Week look like they would traumatize your tootsies, check out these boots. You can buy them directly from Keen. They are available in black, light brown, and a dark red. Check out the details on the boots below.

View 4 Photos ›

Speak Up: Active Dream Vacation

FitSugar — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 11:00:04 -0700

I need a vacation as much as the next gal, but I must admit I have a hard time just lying on the beach. Even with a good book, I can only lounge for a day - max. My dream vacation is full of motion, and I have long dreamed about going on women-only surf safari.

After reading about the Women's Quest week-long bike tour of the wine country, which is practically in my backyard, I am thinking this could be my dream vacay. Biking through the rolling hills of Northern California, practicing yoga in the afternoons, and wine tastings for happy hour all sounds super sweet. Both adventure trips sound divine to me. As Summer begins to wind down, tell me your active dream vacation.

How Many Sports Bras Do You Own?

FitSugar — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 09:00:54 -0700

Let's face it, working out in the Summer is a very sweaty activity. If you don't do laundry every day - and really, who has time to - you need multiple sports bras if you work out regularly. My collection of support has grown over the years. I have a couple of favorites for running, and ones I like to wear for strength training or cycling. I now own a total of four quality sports bras, all of which I consider essential for my active life. What about you . . .

You Asked: The Heat Has Shortened My Runs

FitSugar — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 12:00:00 -0700

Dear Fit,

I always wanted to get into running and my New Year's resolution was to be able to run 30 minutes straight, four times a week. I've kept it up until the Summer sun and heat got the best of me. Now I can barely do 15 minutes and I'm exhausted. I tried pushing myself, thinking it'd just take some getting used to, but now during my runs I get headaches, stomach cramps, sweat uncontrollably, and a few times felt dizzy and nauseous. I don't want to give up on running outside since I'm training for a half-marathon this Fall. I also don't have access to a treadmill in an air-conditioned gym. Any tips?

-Overheated Heather

Being too hot to exercise the way you want to is so frustrating. I have some suggestions though so read more.

Summer is generally a hot time of year, but certain times of the day are hotter than others. Try to do your runs early in the morning or late in the evening when the sun is out of the sky. Stick to shady places like the woods, or breezy areas such as near the ocean or a lake. Make sure you hydrate before you head out and bring water with you to drink and pour on your body to help cool you off.

Wear a heart rate monitor to keep track of your heart rate. When exercising in the heat, your heart rate will rise in order to send more of your blood supply to your skin to cool it down. A heart rate monitor will allow you to keep track of the intensity of your workouts. This means you'll probably have to run at a slower pace, or even walk, which just means your normal run will take longer. If you don't want to compromise your pace, then break up your workouts. Do 15 minutes in the morning and 15 minutes at night. Or you can slowly train your body to acclimate to exercising in the heat. Gradually increase the duration of your runs until you're able to go for 30 minutes.

I must say that the most important thing to consider when running in heat and humidity is to listen to your body and not overdo it. Some of the symptoms you described above sound like they could turn into heat exhaustion, which means your runs will be doing more harm than good. In that case, think about using this time of year to cross train with cooler cardio activities such as swimming, kayaking, and water aerobics.