FitSugar

Get in Gear: Ultra Star Frisbees

FitSugar — Thu, 17 May 2007 02:00:00 -0700

You can't very well toss the disk around or play a game of Ultimate Frisbee without a Frisbee, can you?

Check out these Ultra Star Discs - they're The Official Disc of the Ultimate Players Association and the choice of teams worldwide. These have been the leading Frisbee sold and used since Ultimate Frisbee was introduced in 1981 (that's pretty impressive).

So what I'm saying is that these are state-of-the-art, top-notch Frisbees we're talking about here. Not only that, but they only cost $7.95. They come in black, red, white, or yellow.

Buy one from UltimateFrisbees.com.

It's Ultimate Frisbee Time

FitSugar — Thu, 26 Apr 2007 10:15:00 -0700

Warmer weather always makes we want to go for a nice long walk in the park. I always see college kids, running around barefoot, and tossing around a frisbee.

Some ladies are causal frisbee tossers, and others take the game much more seriously. Ultimate Frisbee has taken this carefree pastime to a whole other competitive level.

It's like a whole bunch of sports rolled into one. You play on a field similar to one used for football. It requires the athletic endurance of soccer, and the quick thinking and passing of basketball. It's played by 2 teams of 7 players.

In order to score a point, you need to catch the frisbee in the other team's end zone (kind of like football). You can run around unless you have control of the frisbee, then you need to stay put until you pass it.

If you want to play, you can always get a bunch of your buddies together for a friendly game, but you could also join a club, team, or game in your area.

Want to see the 10 rules of Ultimate Frisbee? Then read more

Here are the rules:

The field is rectangular, with endzones at each end. A regulation field is 70 yards by 40 yards, with endzones 25 yards deep.
Each point begins with both teams lining up on the front of their respective endzone line. The defense throws ("pulls") the frisbee to the offense.
Each time the offense completes a pass in the defense's endzone, the offense scores a point. Play is initiated after each score.
The disc may be advanced in any direction by completing a pass to a teammate. Players may not run with the frisbee. The person with the disc ("thrower") has ten seconds to throw the frisbee. The defender guarding the thrower ("marker") counts out the stall count.

When a pass in not completed (e.g. out of bounds, drop, block, interception), the defense immediately takes possession of the frisbee and becomes the offense.
Players not in the game may replace players in the game after a score and during an injury timeout.
No physical contact is allowed between players. Picks and screens are also prohibited. A foul occurs when contact is made.
When a player initiates contact on another player a foul occurs. When a foul disrupts possession, the play resumes as if the possession was retained. If the player committing the foul disagrees with the foul call, the play is redone.
Players are responsible for their own foul and line calls. Players resolve their own disputes )there are no referees).
Ultimate Frisbee stresses sportsmanship and fair play. Competitive play is encouraged, but never at the expense of respect between players, adherence to the rules, and the basic joy of play.

MTV's Ultimate Parkour Challenge

FitSugar — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 03:30:06 -0700

When I hear the word "Parkour," I immediately think of the season premiere of The Office, where Michael, Dwight, and Andy attempt to take up this extreme sport, meekly somersaulting over couches, barely hopping over cars, and falling into refrigerator boxes. It made me laugh out loud, but seeing real Parkour athletes in action makes my jaw drop. Their gravity-defying tricks, amazing strength, creative balance, and bold fearlessness will blow your mind. You can check out the best of the best because MTV is teaming up with World Freerunning & Parkour Federation (WFPF) to bring you the Ultimate Parkour Challenge. This hour-long special is bringing eight of the world's greatest Parkour athletes together for a little friendly competition.

The show airs on MTV, Thursday, Oct. 22. Here's a sneak peek of their amazing, gravity-defying tricks.

And if you missed The Office's rendition of "hardcore Parkour," see the video when you read more.

Recession Proof Your Fitness: David Kirsch's Free Ultimate Summer Slimdown

FitSugar — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 10:00:00 -0700

Memorial Day comes a bit early this year, which means we have a little over three weeks to get ready for opening beach day. While you are looking for a program to tighten your abs, celebrity trainer David Kirsch knows that times are tight. After training the likes of Heidi Klum and Anne Hathaway, David is sharing his Ultimate Summer Slimdown for free. Sign up today, since the program starts tomorrow. Kirsch has created an exercise plan designed to maximize fat and calorie burning. It is rigorous, but he will also supply you with a daily dose of motivation and healthy recipes to fuel your workouts.

I received a sneak peek at the program, so learn more about it when you read more.

The first sculpting workout is 45 minutes long and works every muscle. This workout is designed to keep your heart rate up while toning and using a medicine ball, an exercise ball, and hand weights. If you don't have those exercise accessories, get creative.

The moves look fun and challenging, like this plyometric exercise that almost reads like a haiku: sumo lunge with side kick and frog jump. You are asked to combine this workout with another 45 minutes of cardio. Signing up for the challenge is one thing, but David asks that you really dedicate the next three weeks to whipping yourself in shape with his workouts, recipes, and motivation.

Speaking of recipes, check out David's turkey lasagna.

David Kirsch's Turkey Lasagna
David Kirsch's Ultimate Summer Slimdown

Ingredients

Lasagna
½ small eggplant, cut lengthwise in ¼ inch slices
Pinch freshly ground pepper
Pinch cayenne pepper
½ small zucchini, cut lengthwise in ¼ inch slices
4 ounces ground turkey breast
¼ teaspoon ground coriander
½ cup *Marinara Sauce
1 teaspoon chopped fresh basil

Marinara Sauce
1 Vidalia onion, chopped
6 plum tomatoes, chopped
1 cup chopped canned tomatoes
½ cup fresh basil leaves, finely chopped

Directions
Lasagna:

Preheat oven to 400 F.
Lightly coat a nonstick cookie sheet with nonfat vegetable cooking spray. Place eggplant and zucchini slices on the sheet, cover with foil, and bake for about 15 minutes or until slices are soft. Remove from oven and set aside.
Heat a skillet over medium heat and coat with nonfat vegetable cooking spray. Place ground turkey, coriander, black pepper, and cayenne pepper in the skillet and sauté until brown-approximately 3 to 4 minutes.
Lasagna assembly: Lightly spray an ovenproof baking dish with nonfat vegetable cooking spray. Alternate layers of baked eggplant, ground turkey, marinara sauce, and baked zucchini. Top with marinara sauce. Repeat the process if necessary.
Bake for 15 minutes or until heated through.
Top with chopped fresh basil.

Marinara Sauce:

Heat a medium-sized, nonstick skillet over medium heat and coat with cooking spray. Add the onion and cook for 2-3 minutes, until softened. Add the plum tomatoes, canned tomatoes, and basil.
Simmer gently for 15 minutes. Let it cool and refrigerate for 3-5 days, or place in freezer until ready to use.

Print recipe with images | without images

What I want to know now is, are you signing up?

Need a Challenge? Step Up to the Nimbus Ultimate Wheel

FitSugar — Sun, 25 Jan 2009 03:00:00 -0800

You started with a tricycle, then you moved to a regular two-wheel bike. Learning to ride a unicycle seems like the next step, right? If you agree, then check out the Nimbus Ultimate Wheel ($90). It's a unique one-wheel ~~bike~~ cycle with no seat, so it's especially challenging for your balance. Since it has no handlebars, you'll end up working your core and upper body much more than you would on a regular ol' bike. Practicing riding this bike could help you with tons of other sports and activities that require balance, such as snowboarding, yoga, dance, and surfing.

Want to see someone give it a try? Then read more.

Man, this guy is really good (just ignore the pleather pants)!

Fitness Gadget: GoFit Ultimate ProGym

FitSugar — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 13:00:00 -0700

If you love to use dumbbells while strength training, you're going to love using resistance bands. Not only can you do the same exercises, but you'll work your muscles differently because you can move the band in every direction.

If you're in the market for some bands, check out this GoFit Ultimate ProGym. It comes with three different bands with 5-, 10-, and 15-pound tension, two ankle straps, a door anchor, and two handles. The best part is that it also comes with a DVD, so you can learn how to use all this great stuff to strengthen and tone every part of your body. I love that it comes with a little carrying bag, so you can bring it on vacation with you. OK, well maybe you won't, but at least you have the option.

Get in Gear: Ultimate Direction Access 2x

FitSugar — Wed, 11 Apr 2007 10:15:00 -0700

Especially now that the weather is getting warmer, it is really important to keep hydrated on long walks, runs or hikes. The problem is, most of us don't want to deal with carrying the water in our hands and a backpack does not always make for a comfortable outing.

The Ultimate Direction Access 2x ($27.95) water bottle carry features two
insulted bottle holsters and 20 oz. bottles, an ultra wicking hydrophilic interlock back panel for maximum ventilation with anti-microbial finish against skin and a zippered storage pocket. Which means you can bring a snack or pick me up (such as Sport Beans) along too. The pack is much less bulky than a lot of water bottle holsters out there, which means you'll be able to really go the distance.

Want it? Then buy it from RunningWarehouse.com. How much water should you be drinking anyway? Find out with the Fit Calculator.

FREE Sample Alert: Dove Ultimate Clear Deodorant

FitSugar — Mon, 09 Apr 2007 07:23:00 -0700

You know I love a FREE sample every once in a while, and I know you guys love them too!

This is why you should know that Dove is giving away free samples of their Ultimate Clear Deodorant on their website, Dove.com. All you have to do is go to the site, click on Free Sample link and fill out the information form along with a totally short survey (it literally takes about 30 secs) and voila, you're done.

You know why I especially love this? Samples of deodorant are fabulous to throw in your gym bag or keep in your desk drawer for emergencies.

It's True! We Really Do Crave Fatty Foods When We're Stressed

FitSugar — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 03:00:42 -0800

If your chocolate cravings are any indication, you may have already suspected that high-fat foods are a woman's go-to snack when stressed. Now there's evidence to confirm your suspicions - UCSF recently conducted a study to examine the relationship between eating habits and chronic stress.

Researchers surveyed 600 overweight or obese women regarding their diet and stress. Issues classified as chronic stressors included job dissatisfaction, financial worries (like inability to pay rent or mortgage), or dealing with an ailing loved one. The women dealing with these taxing personal issues reported a higher likelihood of being unable to control what they ate, and a tendency to eat more fattening foods. Chronically stressed women were also more likely to force themselves to keep a regimented, strict diet to control weight gain, even skipping meals. The downside is that it's hard to keep up a regimented program, and being stressed means a plan like this is bound to backfire - ultimately there's a breaking point, and we're more likely to overeat.

To learn more about stressed-out eating, just read more.

While this study may not offer any groundbreaking info, it does serve as a healthy reminder: Be conscious of when you're actually hungry, and remember, there is such a thing as emotional eating. Be more mindful of your mental health and how it affects your food choices, and make healthy eating a priority. If you need some creative, healthy snack alternatives, visit our Snack Attack group for ideas.

Class Act: Cardio Tai Boxing

FitSugar — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 09:00:13 -0800

I'm big on fitness classes, but tend to stick with Pilates, yoga, or something slower-paced - usually afraid that I won't be able to keep up with a class that requires any dance technique. My exercise solution came in the form of Crunch's Cardio Tai Box class - a class that gets you moving without a required-knowledge of dance choreography. All you need to know? How to punch and kick. Really.

In fact, once you master the basic kicks and three different kinds of punches, you'll easily catch on when the combinations are introduced - so don't psych yourself out if you can't keep up right away. The key throughout the workout is to focus on each individual action, fully extend your arms and legs for punches and kicks, and be conscious of your core - if you're flexing your abs throughout you'll notice improved balance and form that'll make leg extension easier for round-house and side-kicks.

To learn more about the class and see video, just read more.

Ultimately, you'll find that the high intensity that the class requires goes hand in hand with the kinds of moves you're doing - and throwing a few punches is sure to relieve stress or any aggression after a long day at work; it's hands-down my top choice for a workout to shake things up and re-energize mid-week. If you lag behind during round one, just go back and do it again, or pull aside your instructor after class to go over technique, this way, you'll be up to speed and blasting calories by round two in the cardio ring.