FitSugar

Get Physical: Tandem Biking

FitSugar — Sat, 02 Jun 2007 02:30:00 -0700

When you bike with your man does he have trouble keeping up with you? Well, I have a solution - a tandem bike. If you are on the same bike there is no playing catch up.

There is a certain amount of teamwork involved, so it is great for those team building skills. You can share the bike with just about anyone - husband, friend or child, but just make sure the larger rider is up front steering. This is important for handling and balancing a much longer bike, and this rider is known as captain. The person riding in back isn't getting a free ride, they provide constant pedal power and are known as the stroker.

Now if you do choose to venture off on a bicycle built for two, know ahead of time the communication between cyclists is very important. Since the stroker cannot see the road, it is the captain's job to warn the stroker of upcoming bumps in the road. The stroker must also leave the steering to the captain. Tandem biking is really equal part trust exercise and part fun. Definitely a little give and take.

If you are interested call up a local bike shop and see if they rent tandem bikes. Then make a date, make a picnic and head out on the road. Be sure to wear helmets (unlike the couple in the photo)!!!!

Get Physical: Quadribent Side-by-Side Recumbent Bike

FitSugar — Sat, 18 Aug 2007 03:30:00 -0700

When I have to get somewhere on my bike, I love traveling solo. When I'm going for a long, scenic bike ride for exercise, I must have someone with me, for conversation, and for safety.

If you love the ease and comfort of riding a recumbent bike, you've got to check out this 2-person quadribent side-by-side recumbent bike. Talk about riding together. This tandem recumbent bike is so much better than the kinds that are one right in back of the other. With this quadribent, you can sit right next to your friend, pedal away while being able to have a conversation and seeing each other.

The 4-wheeled design makes this super stable and the recumbent position allows your head to be up, to eliminate neck, shoulder and lower back pain. Co-Captain steering allows either rider to pilot the vehicle and the dual-drive allows people with different physical abilities to ride together with either rider generating from 0 to 100% of the power. This way you can pedal together, or take turns if one of you gets tired. If you are riding with your child, you can do all the work.

You can either buy this quadribent from Blackbirdbikes.com ($1,949) or if you already own 2 separate recumbent bikes, you can buy a conversion kit ($649) to attach them. If you don't want to spend that much moolah, you might be able to rent one from your local bike shop, or buy a used one. Either way, this bike is a whole lot of fun.

Register For Your Wedding the Healthy Way

FitSugar — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 10:15:00 -0700

It's never too early to get in shape for your wedding, but you also can't be blamed for thinking about the wedding gifts right off the bat. You can go the traditional route and register for home and kitchen items, or you can mix it up with some fitness-related finds, from tandem bikes to gym memberships.

I was actually surprised to find a number of online retailers that let you register for fitness-related gifts. Even if you're already married or not getting hitched anytime soon, these make great gift ideas for any fit newlyweds on your list. To see what I've come up with, read more.

Yoga and Pilates Gear: Alternative online retailer Gaiam has a gift registry where you can choose from yoga gear and DVDs, as well as Pilates accessories and exercise balls.
At-Home Fitness Equipment: Through Amazon's wedding registry, you can register for items like treadmills, dumbbells, and other gym equipment for your new love nest.
Outdoorsy Options: Hiking and camping enthusiasts should check out the gift registry at REI, where you can shop for everything from climbing and cycling gear to tandem kayaks.

Did any of you register for fitness-related wedding gifts? If so I'd love to hear your stories. To see all of our wedding coverage, check out IDoSugar.com.

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Get Physical: Go Pedal Boating

FitSugar — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 03:00:00 -0700

Pedaling for exercise isn't limited to just biking. You can pedal around a lake with your boo in a rented pedal boat. The two of you can work your legs and burn some calories, too. It is a fun workout and being out on the water is sure to have a calming effect on both of you. It's just as easy as pedaling a bike, but you sit side by side so you both have a nice view (unlike a tandem bike).The seating arrangement is more conversational as well. If your workout makes you sweat, you can just jump into a the lake to cool off. You'll still be burning calories and toning your muscles while swimming and treading water. If you live near a lake or are visiting one this Summer, renting a pedal boat is fairly inexpensive (less than $40 for three hours), but it's totally worth it. Just make sure you have enough energy to pedal back to shore!

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