FitSugar

Do You Wear Undies When You Work Out?

FitSugar — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 10:15:00 -0800

When it comes to working out, some of us dress up and some of us dress down, but the remaining question would be what do you wear to the gym underneath your favorite workout wear? The great underwear and workout debate has filled many a locker room with chatter, with both the pro and con factions claiming comfort is the reason they go commando or wear undies. I am sure that this debate informed the advent of those high-tech wicking panties designed to keep your nether regions cool and dry while rocking your heart rate into your target zone.

So I was wondering . . .

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Get Your Butt in Gear: NiteSweatz Workout Thong

FitSugar — Thu, 24 May 2007 02:00:00 -0700

I grew up hearing that thongs are not good for, ahem, down there. I don't really want to get into details but it has something to do with a lethal combo of yeast, and moisture. This meant sleeping and working out in a thong were a big no-no.

NiteSweatz ($16.00) thong is for anyone who has feared the thong while working out. The silky blend of fabrics coupled with moisture wicking and anti-microbial properties, make these undies pretty fashionable while still being totally functional. This means you can still be pantyline free, even at the gym. Buy one (or three) today from NiteSweatz.com.

Take Care of Your Bikini Line

FitSugar — Thu, 10 May 2007 03:30:00 -0700

Everyone has a certain way that they deal with their bikini line. Whether you shave or wax, there's something we all have to deal with - IRRITATION!

Nobody talks much about how to take care of your bikini line once the hair is removed, but we all get itchy or painful red bumps. When the hair grows back, since it's curly and course, it can get stuck underneath the first few layers of your skin, causing ingrown hairs.

Here's how to prevent them:

Gently exfoliate daily - Get yourself a pair of loofah gloves, lather up with some moisturizing soap, and gently scrub your bikini line. They've got a rough texture to get rid of dead skin cells, but they're gentle enough to use every day. My fave are from The Body Shop ($7.00) because they have a little loop on each glove so you can hang them in the shower.
Wear loose-fitting undies - If the elastic on your underwear is making indentations on your skin, than it's way too tight. All that rubbing will irritate your sensitive skin, and cause more ingrown hairs.

Fit's Tips: Sometimes you may need to help get rid of an ingrown hair if it becomes too painful. Sterilize a pair of tweezers with some rubbing alcohol, and pluck the hair out. Wipe the area with some alcohol afterwards.

Do you all have any tips to share on this one? Let me know in the comments below.

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Get in Gear: Wicking Undies

FitSugar — Wed, 28 Mar 2007 10:15:00 -0700

Don't these just scream SPRING!? Are these too cute to be functional? Not for Patagonia. These are their Women's Active Hipsters.

I know when I'm working up a sweat, I hate that gross wet feeling I get (ladies - I KNOW you know what I'm talking about). Also, I hate dealing with my cotton undies that bunch and ride up when they get wet.

Well these are some high performance panties - They're breathable and made out of soft, moisture-wicking fabric, so you won't feel like you peed in your pants.

The waistband is extra-wide so that it stays put and hidden beneath lowrider running skirts, shorts, or pants. And the best part? There are no annoying seams to deal with.

For $18, you can get these cute undies from Patagonia in Blue Reef (as shown), Flamingo Pink, Sailboat Blue, White, or Black.

Air It Out?

FitSugar — Fri, 15 Dec 2006 07:30:00 -0800

When I was little, and I slept over at a friend's house, her mom was appalled that I wore underwear to bed. She said, "It's not good for you. You've got to let yourself air out."

Hmmm, well, the thing is, it's all about personal preference. Yes, it's true that wearing tight underwear at night can lock in moisture, especially if you get hot - and this could create a breeding ground for bacteria to grow, or yeast infections.

But if you've never had a problem with wearing underwear to bed, keep it up.

On the other hand, if you prefer going free, and like the feeling of rolling over and not having your undies go up your butt, continue to ditch those panties during bedtime.

Hygeia: Odor-Resistant Undies

FitSugar — Tue, 20 Feb 2007 10:15:00 -0800

I just came across Hygeia - underwear and tank tops made of fabric that is antibacterial, hypoallergenic, and latex-free.

Hygeia's 100% combed cotton fabric wicks perspiration and other body fluids off the skin. These body fluids which contain protein, serve as nutrients for the rapid growth of bacteria, fungi, and yeast that are present in the normal body flora.

Hygeia's active ingredient quickly and effectively inhibits the spread of the bacteria that comes in contact with its fabric, giving the underwear that "just washed" freshness, even after hours and hours of prolonged use. This is an important feature in undies for working out.

This underwear's fabric helps to minimize odor and prevents bacterial infections. Plus, they're machine washable and the long-lasting odor resistant properties remain active wash after wash.

Online, you can purchase camisoles, underwear, thongs, and tank tops - they all come in packs of 3 for about $20.

Healthy Dose Link Time

FitSugar — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 12:00:52 -0700

Three moves to slim your thighs - Shape
More on posted calorie counts and unchanging eating habits - That's Fit
Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes getting it on to get skinny - FitCeleb
What's your yogurt personality? - Fit Bottomed Girls
Running fashion dilemma: running shorts with built in underwear - Fresh Fitness Tips
Slim down your recipes with tips from celebrity chefs - Health
The skinny on exercising when sick - Daily Spark

Get Your Butt in Gear: Wicking Undies

FitSugar — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 03:30:00 -0800

When you work out, you get sweaty. Everywhere. Sweaty panties are just oh so uncomfortable. Also, dealing with cotton undies that bunch and ride all up in your business can be a pain too.

So I found some high performance panties from Patagonia. These hipsters, although $20 apiece, are totally worth the dough. You wouldn't wear a sports bra made of cotton so why would you wear cotton undies? These are made with a soft, breathable, moisture-wicking blend of nylon and spandex fabric, so you can work up a sweat and not feel like you peed in your pants.

The waistband is extra-wide, and they sit at your hips so you don't have to worry about them peeking out the top of your lowrider running skirt, shorts, or pants. And the best part? There are no annoying seams to deal with.

They come in tons of cute colors and designs. To see a close-up, click on the picture below.

View 8 Photos ›

Why Naked Yoga?

FitSugar — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 03:30:48 -0700

Honoring your body is an aspect of practicing yoga, and it's a powerful thing to connect your breath with your body's movements. Once you're in the groove, you feel strong, alive, and content. Some yoga devotees take this to a whole new level by practicing their asana completely free of clothes.

To find out why folks prefer to practice yoga in the buff, read more.

Practitioners of naked yoga explain the lack of clothes frees them from negative feelings about their bodies and allows them to be more accepting of their physical imperfections, like stretch marks, love handles, or cellulite. Others are nudists to begin with and feel more natural in their birthday suit, so practicing naked yoga seems more natural. Whatever the reason to strip and stretch, teachers and practitioners of naked yoga feel it's a way to find a deeper connection with yourself and the world around you. Plus, if you're naked, you don't have to worry about your gals falling out of your top in Down Dog, or wedgies from your underwear. Many classes are geared solely toward men or women, but co-ed classes are also offered. I like my yoga clothed, but to each her own.

Does this sound like something you'd want to try?

Talking With Amazing Race Winner Tammy Jih

FitSugar — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 12:00:00 -0700

When you're at the gym strength training, it's unlikely that you imagine yourself hauling a 50-pound block of cheese uphill or dead-lifting a pig on spit. However, if these fantasies entertain you, you should consider auditioning for The Amazing Race. I spoke with half the winning team from this season, Tammy Jih. She's a corporate lawyer in San Francisco and totally charming to boot. Not only do we live in the same town, but we both work out with the same trainer, Hannah, at Equinox - it's a small world. The Amazing Race is an intensely physical competition. Having never been athletic, Tammy started training in the pool once she knew she would be on the show. She didn't know really know how to swim and was certain there would be a water challenge. What she didn't know was that she would be swimming in Beijing, in the warm-up pool used by the Olympians, wearing a LZR suit. Learn what Tammy found to be the hardest challenge when you read more.

Aside from wearing a state-of-the-art swimsuit, the other fitness clothing Tammy swears by is lululemon. She told me

"I brought one pair of pants and one pair of capris that were both lululemon, but that material just works so well in the warm and the hot that I wore the capris under the long pants when I needed like a double layer . . . oh, it was cold! We went to Siberia . . . so it was cold!"

Unfortunately the challenge in Siberia involved running in underwear, and of course the challenge was filmed from behind. After going through so many challenges that pushed her emotionally as well as physically, this challenge was the hardest for her. She explains:

"I kept saying 'stop filming me from behind!' and I kept getting yelled at by the producers saying 'stop talking to the camera!' and I said, 'I don’t think you understand. No woman wants to see what they look like from behind in movement and in underwear!'"

In retrospect Tammy says she wished she had done more strength training before the show, but she still works out twice a week with Hannah and now she strength trains. She said, "Sometimes I imagine that we're still racing! When I'm running outside sometimes I'm imagining 'Oh! [Host of the show] Phil's going to be waiting for me, I better hurry up!'" The Amazing Race continues to inspire Tammy, even after she she won. Pretty cool, no? I probably won't be auditioning for the show anytime soon, but I am definitely going to watch next season. How about you?

Photo courtesy of CBS