FitSugar

Green Exercise: Do the Stairs

FitSugar — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 02:00:00 PST

For many people, when the temperature turns chilly, running outside really is no longer an option. Joining a gym working out on cardio equipment is a viable option, but one of the reasons I love running outdoors is that it doesn't use electricity, so it keeps my carbon footprint just a little bit smaller.

How about using the stairs in your home, apartment or office building? It may seem a little silly at first, but it's really a great way to exercise your heart and lungs, and it tones and strengthens your lower body too.

Try these variations:

Walk up and down the stairs.
Sprint up and down the stairs.
Run up, walk down.
Walk up, run down.
Walk up the stairs, skipping every other step.
Do squat lunges (where you bend and then straighten your front knee) to strengthen your quads and bum.
Hold lunges to stretch your hip flexors.
Place your left leg on the ground at the bottom of the stairs, and your right heel on the third, fourth or fifth step (depending how flexible you are). Keep your right leg straight, fold your torso towards your right knee and stretch your right hamstring.

Fit's Tips: If you don't have stairs in your home, do the stairs during your lunch hour at your office.

Source

Dispel These Common Complaints and Start a Love Affair With Running

Jenny Sugar — Wed, 02 May 2012 02:27:29 PDT

You want to love running, you do, but every time you head out for a run, you end up hating it even more. Check out some of the most common complaints below, and find out how you can turn your relationship with running around for the better.

"My Knee, My Back, My Feet - Everything Hurts"
Pounding the pavement is not easy on the body, and one reason for aches and pains is poor running form. Here's a body checklist to make sure you're running properly and efficiently. Sneakers that are old or unsupportive can also lead to joint pain, so here are tips to help you find the perfect pair of running shoes. Be sure to replace shoes every few hundred miles or every few months (whichever comes first). Also, don't run every day - including other types of exercise is a must in preventing repetitive stress injuries.

"It's Boring"
Running is the definition of repetition, so if you're on a treadmill, make it more exciting by watching your favorite TV show, listening to a new audiobook or CD, running next to a chatty friend (just make sure to keep your gaze forward), or "racing" an unknowing treadmill runner. If none of that seems appealing, bring your runs outdoors. The beach or the woods are full of natural obstacles to keep you on your toes, and the fresh air and scenery are sure to lift your spirits. Choose a different location every time to keep workouts exciting, and bring your dog along. It's also fun to track your workouts using a heart rate monitor, GPS watch, or an inexpensive running app like one of these.

Keep reading to find out how to deal with other running complaints.

From the Community: Aerobic vs. Anaerobic Activity

Fit Community — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 02:39:22 PDT

Not sure what the difference between aerobic and anaerobic activity is? In our Get Fit For 2012 group, FitSugar reader meetcasey explains what each term means and why we should be doing both.

Aerobic exercise requires the body to utilize oxygen to create energy. With anaerobic exercise, the body creates energy without extra oxygen - your body relies on its natural chemicals to create energy.

Learn the benefits of each, after the break!

Gym-Free Bikini Workout: Simple Activities to Tone Up Before the Summer

Anna Monette Roberts — Thu, 08 Mar 2012 16:47:33 PST

Dieting and exercise are obvious choices to help slim and tone you up for bikini season, but there are easy tricks to sneak toning exercises into your daily life. Here are five easy ways to get a full-body workout, without stepping foot in the gym.

Carry your groceries: To target the arms, carry a basket when grocery shopping rather than pushing a cart. Walking with the heavy basket, shifting it from arm to arm, and reaching up and down for groceries makes this a dynamic weight-bearing exercise.
Keep things tight: Whether you are standing in the shower, blow-drying your hair, walking down the street, or sitting at your desk, activate your ab muscles. Your abs are never intended to relax, so challenge yourself to tighten your core all day, especially if you have any nagging back pain.

See more bikini tips.

5 Healthy Breaks to Take Every Workday

Leta Shy — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 02:43:48 PST

If you're prone to sitting down most of the day at work, chances are you're often in need of a break. Here are five ways to keep your body feeling healthy and happy during those eight hours in your chair.

Rest your eyes: Those pupils need a rest. Reduce eye strain by closing your eyes or looking away from your screen for a few seconds every 15 minutes. Here are more tips for keeping your eyes healthy when using a computer.
Do some desk stretches: Chair stretches energize and relieve tension. Get in the habit of stretching when you feel tense or notice your posture is failing. We've got lots of stretches you can do at your desk to relieve neck and shoulder tension.
Exercise with a purpose: Being deskbound for so long can make us forget that we should be moving more. Try taking a five-minute walking break every hour or so when you need to get things done - take the longer route to the kitchen or bathroom, or go up and down a few flights of stairs while you're brainstorming. It's a good way to combat the dangerous effects of sitting down for so long.
Take a noncoffee break: Warm up with a cup of green tea; it'll help fill up your stomach to curb cravings, and you'll be getting a lot more disease-fighting antioxidants than if you reach for the coffee pot.
Relax the wrists: If you've been feeling twinges of pain, cramps, or other discomfort while you type away, be sure to regularly stretch your wrists. Here are five stretches to do to help prevent carpal tunnel syndrome.

How to Beat the Summer Heat and Still Work Out

Jenny Sugar — Tue, 07 Jun 2011 10:06:19 PDT

With all this rain we've been having on the East Coast, I'm so psyched that warmer, sunny days are here. It's finally starting to feel like Summer! It's been a shock to my system though, exercise-wise. I've been so used to running in breezy temps between the 50s and 60s that hot and humid 80-degree temps feel overwhelming. Running, biking, hiking, even walking feels harder in the heat. Here are some tips that have helped me get through my Summer workouts.

Be flexible about when you work out. I've become obsessed with checking the weather, and I look to see when the temps are going to be the lowest that day. Sometimes it's early in the morning, and sometimes late in the evening, so I rearrange my schedule to fit in exercise during the coolest time of day. A plus about morning workouts is a lot of my neighbors are watering their lawns, so I run through their sprinklers to stay even cooler.
Invest in some wicking clothes. I used to wear cotton tank tops and shorts, but they'd get sweaty, cling to my skin, and make me feel hotter. Wicking clothes pull the moisture away from my skin, so I really do feel cooler. Wearing a hat to keep the hot sun off my head and face also helps - just make sure the hat is wicking too and breathes.
Take a cold shower. I know it seems a little odd to shower before a workout, but the cold water cools me down. I leave my hair wet and pop it in a bun, and when I head outside water drips down my face and neck and it feels so refreshing. If you have short hair, carry a water bottle with you and squeeze a little on top of your head whenever you need a little cooling boost.

Those aren't the only tips; keep reading.

How Stacy Keibler Got Those Killer Legs

Shape — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 04:16:35 PDT

We are excited to share one of our fave stories from Shape here on FitSugar.

Before she danced with the stars, romanced George Clooney and literally “wrestled” her way to stardom, Stacy Keibler had an impressive career as an actress and model. But, the 5’11 blonde beauty is perhaps best known for one of her most enviable assets: a great pair of legs. We all know that, genetics aside, it takes some hard work to get sculpted stems like Keibler’s. So, we went right to the source to find out exclusively how the former WWE diva keeps her legs looking so fab - her own personal fitness guru!

Get Keibler’s Killer Calves
"Juliet has a gift of hyper-focusing on each muscle to make them 'pop' perfectly, keeping my legs long and lean," says the 31-year old Keibler, of Juliet Kaska, her trusted personal trainer and a Hollywood heavyweight known for keeping a bevy of boldfaced names lean and mean. But in Stacy’s case, Kaska says, she can’t take all the credit. "Stacy was born with stunningly long, athletic-looking legs. But, my job is to work on sculpting them so that she has more muscle definition and shapely calves," Kaska says. "Most women avoid focusing on calves fearing it will cause them to bulk up and make legs appear thicker," she adds, "but with Stacy, it's the key to her gorgeous gams." And their routine starts with something ever so simple that you can do at home - take the stairs!

See the rest of Stacy's leg workout after the break!

8 Ways to Motivate and Get Off Your Cold Weather Butt

Self — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 04:08:54 PDT

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

I got chills. They're multiplying. But they're not of the Grease Lightening variety. It's getting cold (nearly 75 degrees in LA) and I'm starting to see visions of couches, heavy meals, hot chocolate and layered clothing (to hide the blubber!).

What? You need fat for warmth . . . supposedly.

Okay, fine. Better nip this cold weather slump in the bud before I settle down for a five-month Snuggie hibernation. Luckily, I have certified trainer and owner of new BIA Strong Body Studio Rebecca Black (not that Rebecca Black) to motivate me. And now so do you.

And Black knows a thing or two about weight loss. Not only does the Columbus, Ohio-based trainer help other people get in shape (while participating in bikini fitness competitions), but she also experienced her own weight loss transformation. "I lost about 40lbs," she explains. "But it took longer than it should have because I didn't know what I was doing and neither did my trainer."

As we all know, it's easy to fall into bad habits, especially as the winter months approach. "This is when people pack on the pounds, especially in the Midwest and on the East Coast," laments the trainer. "As soon as the temperature starts to drop, people become hermits: Instead of going to the gym, they watch TV. They're back to school and super busy. And it's football season, so there's tailgating. I even fall into that rut and I'm a trainer. If I don't want to get up at 5am and train people, why would my clients?"

Luckily, Black has certain tricks for getting people up and ready to exercise. Here are her top eight motivational tips after the break.

C&J Nutrition's Tips For Giving Up a Vice

Guest Writer — Fri, 25 Mar 2011 11:16:18 PDT

Not only is a nutritional counseling session with C&J Nutrition part of the grand prize for our Get Fit For 2011 giveaway, but the duo of registered dietitians want to help you catch up on your Get Fit For 2011 challenges. These gals have some great advice for giving up a vice, the 10th challenge of the contest. Here are their tips.

Very few people can quit a vice cold turkey. Most of us need some sort of ongoing support to stick with healthy changes until they're ingrained in our life enough to make them permanent. That support comes from many different places - co-workers, family, friends, etc. - but the most important source of support is YOU. Here are a few tips for helping yourself stick with the plan to give up a vice, both immediately and in the longterm.

Set goals that are challenging yet attainable. It feels great to meet a goal. It feels even better to struggle a bit and feel challenged and finally meet a goal. On the other hand, it doesn't do you any good to set a goal that is unrealistic for your life. Instead, set a goal that you can achieve but that will challenge you. In order to determine this, ask yourself what it would take on a daily basis to achieve your goal/give up your vice. If your list of daily activities to achieve the goal are things that are feasible with some effort, then it's challenging yet realistic. If your list gives you an ulcer because you're pretty sure you can't (or won't) do most of the things on it consistently, then it's probably not a realistic goal for you right now.
Make mini-goals and track them daily. What are the daily habits it will take to make your goal a reality? If you're giving up mindless snacking in front of the TV at night, the daily mini-goals might be: Making a list of things to do other than eating at night and checking it when you feel like snacking; doing exercises in between commercial breaks on TV; putting all food into cabinets and out of sight after a certain time; eating all snacks from a portioned out bowl - not straight from the container. Once you have your mini-goals solidified, write them down, visit them daily, and keep track of your achievements.

Keep reading for two more great tips!

Fit Over 40: Why Time Is Key (Even For Celebrities)

Self — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 04:22:42 PDT

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

Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Halle Berry . . . these days, when a 40-something woman steps out in a bikini, it makes news.

Turns out, there's a scientific explanation for why we're so fascinated by these lean, toned, impossibly supple bodies. In some ways, these apparent genetic wonders are defying the aging process.

"Once a man or woman gets beyond their 30s, they're in a situation where unless they are really proactive about what they do from an exercise standpoint as well as eating sensibly, they are going to lose some muscle tissue," says Cedric Bryant, Ph.D., FACSM, Chief Science Officer for The American Council on Exercise.

Read the rest of this post after the break!