FitSugar

Favorite Excuse For Not Doing Yoga: I'm NOT Flexible

FitSugar — Tue, 25 Sep 2007 08:45:00 -0700

When people find out that I teach Pilates and yoga, they often immediately disclose the reasons they don't practice either exercise form. I hear this excuse most often, "I could never do yoga, I'm so inflexible. I can't even touch my toes."

This is not the first time I've heard this excuse, and I actually love that people confess this to me. It gives me a chance to explain that inflexibility is not an excuse, but rather a reason to do yoga.

Most people aren't naturally flexible, but doing yoga can increase your flexibility almost immediately. Even after just a few classes, you will begin to notice a change in your body. You just have to get over that mental block that tells you you can't do it, and you just have to try.

If you can commit to a couple of classes every week, I guarantee that your muscles will become longer and suppler. That's what is so great about yoga. Our bodies were made to move, and your muscles crave it. Not only does yoga relax your mind and reduce stress, but the increased flexibility you'll feel can alleviate chronic pain and prevent injury.

So go ahead and take a yoga class. It's like with any new thing you try, whether it be playing an instrument or running a marathon. That amazing sense of pride and accomplishment you feel can only come when you witness yourself improving. No one is instantly great in the beginning, but as you practice, you'll get better and better.

Source

Ethinyl estradiol/norgestimate (By mouth)

admin — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 20:10:35 -0700

Overview

Introduction
Brand Name(s)
When This Medicine Should Not Be Used
How to Use This Medicine
How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Warnings While Using This Medicine
Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Introduction

Ethinyl Estradiol (ETH-in-il es-tra-DYE-ole), Norgestimate (nor-JES-ti-mate)

Prevents pregnancy and treats acne. This medicine is an oral contraceptive (birth control pill).

Brand Name(s)

Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo, TriNessa, Tri-Sprintec 28, Ortho Tri-Cyclen, Sprintec, MonoNessa, Tri-Previfem, Ortho-Cyclen, Previfem, Tri-Sprintec, TriNessa 28, Trinessa

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to ethinyl estradiol or norgestimate. Do not use this medicine if you are pregnant. You should not use this medicine if you have migraine headaches, heart disease, liver disease, or unusual vaginal bleeding. You should not use this medicine if you have breast cancer, liver cancer, or cancer of the uterus. Do not use this medicine if you have ever had a stroke or problems with blood clots.

How to Use This Medicine

Tablet

Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
This medicine comes with patient instructions. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
The schedule you follow for taking this medicine is different from the schedule for most other birth control pills.
Unless your doctor tells you to use a different schedule, start taking this medicine on the first Sunday after your menstrual period starts. If your period starts on a Sunday, start taking this medicine on that day. Then continue taking one pill each day in the order they appear in the package.
It is best to take your pill at the same time every day. Birth control pills work best when there is no more than 24 hours between doses. It is very important that you take this medicine on schedule every day.

If a dose is missed:

If you miss one active pill, take it as soon as you can. Then take your next pill at the regular time. This means you may take two pills in one day.
If you miss two active pills, take two pills as soon as you can. Then take two pills on the next day. Then go back to your regular schedule of taking one pill every day. Use another kind of birth control until you have been taking active pills for seven days in a row.
If you miss three or more active pills, do not take the pills you missed. Go back to taking one pill every day, starting with the pill for the day you remember. For example, you may forget or miss taking your pills on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. If this happens, take your Thursday pill (do not take the three you missed) and continue with your regular schedule. Use another kind of birth control until you have been taking active pills for seven days in a row.
If you miss any inactive pills (green colored pill), throw away the missed pills and go back to your regular schedule.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any leftover medicine after you have finished your treatment. You will also need to throw away old medicine after the expiration date has passed.
Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Make sure your doctor knows if you are using barbiturates, carbamazepine (Tegretol®), phenylbutazone, phenytoin (Dilantin®), or rifampin (Rifadin®, Rifamate®). Tell your doctor if you are using ampicillin, griseofulvin, tetracyclines, or topiramate.
Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using St. John's wort.

Warnings While Using This Medicine

Using this medicine while you are pregnant can harm your unborn baby. Use an effective form of birth control to keep from getting pregnant. If you think you have become pregnant while using the medicine, tell your doctor right away.
Make sure your doctor knows if you are breast feeding. Tell your doctor if you are under the age of 15 years old.
Make sure your doctor knows if you have diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol or triglycerides in your blood, or obesity.
This medicine may increase your risk for heart attack, stroke, blood clots, and some forms of cancer. This risk is higher if you are over 35 years old or if you smoke. Talk to your doctor about this risk.
Make sure any doctor or dentist who treats you knows that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect the results of certain medical tests.
Your doctor will need to check your progress at regular visits while you are using this medicine. Be sure to keep all appointments.
Your doctor will need to check your blood or urine at regular visits while you are using this medicine. Be sure to keep all appointments.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
Chest pain, shortness of breath, or coughing up blood.
Decrease in how much or how often you urinate.
Irregular or missed menstrual period.
Numbness or weakness in your arm or leg, or on one side of your body.
Pain in your lower leg (calf).
Rapid weight gain.
Sudden or severe headache, problems with vision, speech, or walking.
Swelling in your hands, feet, or ankles.
Yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

Acne or mild skin rash.
Breast tenderness.
Contact lens discomfort.
Darkening of your skin.
Excessive growth of hair on your chin and lips.
Loss of hair.
Mild nausea or vomiting.

Review Date: 8/4/2008

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is an independent audit to verify that A.D.A.M. follows rigorous standards of quality and accountability. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial policy, editorial process and privacy policy. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).

A.D.A.M. Copyright

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997-2009 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

adam.com

Source Doc: 45_5369

I Tried It: Shape's "Drop 10 Pounds This Month" Circuit Workout

FitSugar — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 10:00:00 -0700

I like to head to the gym with a plan of action so I don't unconsciously skip some difficult exercise that I have not yet learned to love. I printed out Shape magazine's workout and headed to the gym.

The workout, from the article Drop 10 Pounds This Month, promised to burn 400 calories in 30 minutes. How could I pass up the opportunity to burn that many calories while strength training?

The circuit workout was created by Eric Von Frohlich, founder of RoadFit, and it is full of moves to improve balance, power, agility, flexibility, strength, and aerobic fitness. To see how the workout worked out for me, read more.

I really enjoyed this workout and felt pleasantly worked afterward, with sore hamstrings for a couple of days - that's a good thing in my book. For reasons unknown to me, the online printable version begins with exercise number two, so I decided to warm up with five minutes of cardio on an elliptical in lieu of exercise one. I was then only able to go through the workout two times due to time constraints (picking up my daughter from ballet), when it is recommended that you do the workout three to four times. Doing the eight-exercise circuit straight through the first time required a bit of reading to learn the moves. After resting the recommended three minutes between reps of the entire circuit, the second round went much faster.

In the 25 minutes I was able to devote to working out, including the five-minute elliptical warmup, I burned 200 calories. I am quite certain with two other rounds of the circuit I could have gotten close to burning 400. I love the plyometric moves, like jumping lunges, mixed with souped-up squats. Now that I know the routine, I will definitely be doing it again. This workout requires a medicine ball and a step - two things easily found at the gym, but not at my house. Try it and tell me how many calories you burn.

Fit Tip: Try Pilates at Least Once

FitSugar — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 11:00:00 -0700

While I was doing bicep curls at the gym yesterday, I was reminded of how great Pilates is. Why, you may ask? Because so many Pilates fundamentals extend to other activities, so you can exercise better no matter what you're doing.

If you've never taken a Pilates class, I urge you to try it at least once so that you can apply the lessons to the rest of your fitness routine. For instance, Pilates focuses a great deal on breathing and control, both of which come in handy when strength training. The more you control your movements, the less prone you are to injury.

Even more useful is learning to suck in your abs (engage your deep abs), concentate on your core, and keep your spine neutral. This not only protects your back and improves posture but also helps build your ab muscles. After dabbling in Pilates, you'll learn that sucking in your abs during just about any activity - from weightlifting to canoing - can help you tighten your tummy and protect your back.

So give it a shot and see what you learn. Who knows? You may even find a new workout you love. Are you a Pilates fan? If so, tell me what it's taught you.

Fit Finding Follow Up: Tea to Try

FitSugar — Fri, 02 Feb 2007 17:30:00 -0800

Tea was one of the trends YumSugar spotted at the Fancy Food Show. I was so inspired that I asked you all to Fit Find your favorite tea for me to try.

Here's a few I think sound really tasty:

View 3 Photos ›

Thanks:crispet1, scratch5, and DesignRchic for all of the suggestions.

You should definitely check out all of the teas.

If the term "Fit Find" is new to you, please read and watch geeksugar's excellent explanation of our bookmarking system. It will get you started and you will be bookmarking all over the internet.

What's Keeping You From Trying Yoga?

FitSugar — Wed, 24 Jan 2007 12:15:00 -0800

Hmmm...I really want to know. Why haven't you tried yoga yet?

You can vote and then tell me all about it in Fit's Yoga Stretch and Tell Group. It's a place where we can share stories, tips, questions, and celebrations - all about yoga.

Ever Try a "Crazy" Fitness Product That Actually Worked?

FitSugar — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 03:47:47 -0800

When I came across the "Snuggie Sauna" as a possible weight loss tool, which claims it can help you burn 600 calories in only 15 minutes, I maintained the same stance I usually reserve for products that seem too good to be true - they probably are.

So, it's been my fitness philosophy that the best weight loss results come the old-fashioned way, eating right and working hard. Still, I've definitely had some friends who buy into a quick fix every now and then - some who claim they've seen results using the portable thigh toner, and even the ab toning belt. So, tell me, have you ever had any luck with an unconventional weight loss or fitness product that actually delivered on its promise? Or are you inclined to stick to the basics when it comes to your fitness?

Oral contraceptives (By mouth)

admin — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 20:02:00 -0700

Overview

Introduction
Brand Name(s)
When This Medicine Should Not Be Used
How to Use This Medicine
How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Warnings While Using This Medicine
Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Introduction

Prevents pregnancy. Oral contraceptives are birth control pills.

Brand Name(s)

Yasmin, Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo, TriNessa, Tri-Sprintec 28, Aviane, Low-Ogestrel 28, Apri, Necon 1/35, Ortho Tri-Cyclen, Sprintec, Ovcon 35, Levora-28, Microgestin Fe 1/20, Necon 0.5/35, Microgestin Fe 1.5/30

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to oral contraceptives, or if you are pregnant. Do not use this medicine if you have breast cancer, cancer of the uterus, diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, or a history of blood clots, heart attack, or stroke. Do not use this medicine if you have problems with your liver (such as liver tumor), jaundice (yellowish eyes or skin), certain types of headaches, unusual vaginal bleeding, or if you are having a surgery that needs bedrest.

How to Use This Medicine

Tablet, Chewable Tablet, Coated Tablet

Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
This medicine comes with patient instructions. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
You may take this medicine with food to lessen stomach upset.
Keep your pills in the container you receive from the pharmacy. Take the pills in the order they appear in the container.
Take your pill at the same time every day. Swallow the tablet whole. Do not crush, break, or chew it.
If you are using the chewable tablets, you may chew the tablet completely before swallowing. Drink a full glass (8 ounces) of water right after swallowing.

If a dose is missed:

If one dose is missed: Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Take 2 tablets if you do not remember until the next day. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you need to USE ANOTHER KIND OF BIRTH CONTROL until your period begins.
If you miss more than one dose, read and follow the instructions on the package about missing doses carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you need more information.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any leftover medicine after you have finished your treatment. You will also need to throw away old medicine after the expiration date has passed.
Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Make sure your doctor knows if you are using antibiotics (such as ampicillin, rifampin, tetracycline, Omnipen®, Rimactane®) or antifungals (such as griseofulvin, Grifulvin V®), medicine for seizures (such as phenobarbital, phenylbutazone, phenytoin, carbamazepine, felbamate, oxcarbazepine, topiramate, primidone, Luminal®, Dilantin®, Tegretol®, Felbatol®, Trileptal®, Topamax®, Mysoline®), modafinil (Provigil®), or medicine to treat HIV or AIDS (such as ritonavir, Norvir®).
Tell your doctor if you are also using St. John's Wort, atorvastatin (Lipitor®), vitamin C (ascorbic acid), acetaminophen (Tylenol®), itraconazole (Sporanox®), ketoconazole (Nizoral®), cyclosporine (Gengraf®, Neoral®, Sandimmune®), prednisolone (Delta Cortef®, Prelone®), theophylline (Theo-Dur®, Slo-Phyllin®, Gyrocaps®), temazepam (Restoril®), morphine (Astramorph PF®, Duramorph®, Avinza®, MS Contin®, Roxanol®), or salicylic acid.

Warnings While Using This Medicine

Although you are using this medicine to prevent pregnancy, you should know that using this medicine while you are pregnant could harm the unborn baby. If you think you have become pregnant while using the medicine, tell your doctor right away.
Use a different kind of birth control during the first 3 weeks of oral contraceptive use to make sure you are protected from pregnancy.
Make sure your doctor knows if you are breastfeeding, or if you have lupus, edema (fluid retention), seizure disorder, asthma, migraine headaches, or a history of depression. Tell your doctor if have breast lumps, high cholesterol, gallbladder disease, liver disease, kidney disease, or irregular monthly periods.
This medicine will not protect you from getting HIV/AIDS or other sexually transmitted diseases. If this is a concern for you, talk with your doctor.
If you smoke while using birth control pills, you increase your risk of having a heart attack, stroke, or blood clot. Your risk is even higher if you are over age 35, if you have diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or if you are overweight. Talk with your doctor about ways to stop smoking. Keep your diabetes under control. Ask your doctor about diet and exercise to control your weight and blood cholesterol level.
Make sure any doctor or dentist who treats you knows that you are using this medicine. You may need to stop using this medicine several days before having surgery or medical tests.
Check with your eye doctor if you wear contact lenses and you have vision problems or eye discomfort.
You should see your doctor on a regular basis (every 6 months or 1 year) while taking birth control pills.
If you miss two periods in a row, call your doctor for a pregnancy test before you take any more pills.
It is best to wait 2 or 3 months after stopping birth control pills before you try to get pregnant.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
Chest pain, shortness of breath, or coughing up blood.
Heavy vaginal bleeding.
Irregular or missed menstrual period.
Lumps in breast.
Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, pain in your upper stomach.
Numbness or weakness in your arm or leg, or on one side of your body.
Pain in your lower leg (calf).
Rapid weight gain.
Sudden or severe headache, problems with vision, speech, or walking.
Swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet.
Yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

Bloated feeling.
Breast tenderness, pain, swelling, or discharge.
Changes in appetite.
Contact lens discomfort.
Depression or mood changes.
Mild headache.
Mild skin rash or itching, or change in skin color.
Sensitivity to sunlight.
Stomach cramps.
Tiredness.
Vaginal spotting or light bleeding, itching, or discharge.
Weight changes.

Review Date: 8/4/2008

A.D.A.M. Copyright

adam.com

Source Doc: 45_4756

Beyonce's Trainer Reveals 5-Minute Preparty "Body Blast"

FitSugar — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 05:50:29 -0800

When I'm totally wrapped up in Thanksgiving cooking, prepping, organizing, shopping (need I go on?), there's hardly a fighting chance that I'll make it to the gym for a full-on workout. Usually, I'll try to squeeze in a set of push-ups while prepping dinner preparation, or an early morning yoga session, if I can. So, I was excited to see Marco Borges, the trainer credited with whipping Beyonce, husband Jay-Z, and Gwen Stefani into tip-top shape, sharing an easy and no-equipment-needed workout with US Weekly. Here are the five moves he suggests to give yourself an all-over body-blasting workout (even if you only have five minutes to spare before your guests arrive):

Jumping Plies: I call these jumping squats, but it doesn't matter what you call them as long as you do them. Here's how: stand with your feet just a bit wider than shoulder-width apart, abs pulled in tight, and bend your knees, lowering your body till your thighs are parallel to the floor and jump straight into the air. Return to starting position and repeat for one minute.

Reverse Lunges: Standing with feet shoulder-width apart, step back into a lunge and repeat on the opposite side, alternating for one minute. Be sure that abs remain tight throughout, working your core and maintaining your balance and posture.

Push-Ups: According to Marco, "The push-up is quite possibly one of the simplest and best body weight movements targeting the muscles of the chest, arms, shoulders and core." Do as many classic push-ups, or moderated position push-ups from your knees, as you can for a full one minute, making sure to maintain proper form and bring your chest as close to the floor as you can before pushing back to starting plank position.

For the rest of Marco's workout, keep reading

Test Your Knowledge of Fad Diets

FitSugar — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 09:00:08 -0800

It seems like every day a new diet makes the news. Some of these fads can sound promising because they're veiled in medical and health jargon or carry the backing of a celebrity or doctor. But reading between the lines reveals that regardless of the details, these diets are generally not healthy because they lack balance and are very restrictive.

Many of them are just plain kooky too - it's as if they're trying to outweird one another. How well do you know your trendy diets? Take my quiz and find out.

Take the quiz