FitSugar

Ride the Wake: Wakeboarding

FitSugar — Mon, 09 Jul 2007 09:30:00 PDT

Wakeboarding is like snowboarding on water. If you have experience with surfing, water skiing, snowboarding, or skateboarding, you'll have to try wakeboarding. It's one of those sports that you can really get into if you like to work on cool tricks. Why is it called "wakeboarding?" The wake is the wave that the motorboat's engine kicks up behind the boat as the boat moves forward. It's a little rockier than still lake water, and that's what makes it fun to ride.

Basically it's a lot like water skiing, where a rider gets towed behind a motorboat, but instead of facing forward, the rider is sideways. This is a little bit obvious because of its name, but another major difference is you ride on a board not a pair of skis. This makes doing flips and spins easier since both your feet are attached to the board (instead of being separated on 2 skis). People don't really do tricks on water skis unless they're using trick skis that are shorter and have no fins.

All you need is a big open lake, a motorboat, a life jacket, a tow line (the rope you hold onto), a wakeboard, a driver, and someone else in the boat to watch the rider. This person's job is very important - they let the driver know if the rider has let go of the tow line, and point out where they are floating in the water (sometimes it's tough to see the bobbing person).

You don't have to have any water skiing experience in order to wakeboard, just like you don't have to ski before you snowboard. I definitely recommend taking a lesson so you can learn some basic skills, like getting up since this can be the hardest part. Like with everything, practice is the key.

You've got to check out this video of a woman using a trampoline to practice her wakeboard tricks, so

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Get Moving and Say I Do: Ways to Incorporate Fitness Into Your Wedding

Jenny Sugar — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 12:45:11 PDT

Fitness fanatics have a tough time separating workouts from life, so why should their wedding be any different? Here are some ways to bring an active lifestyle into your big day.

Send out fitness-themed save-the-date cards with you and your partner doing something active, like standing on surfboards with a sign that says, "Water you waiting for? Put this date on your calendar!" Or use a play on words like, "Jenny's finally running away with Mike." You can also design your invitations with exercise in mind. Have them look like a poster advertising a race or use illustrations that depict your favorite sport, such as golf balls and clubs.
If your wedding is going to be over a long weekend, plan activities that'll get folks moving. Hire a yoga instructor to teach a class; plan a scenic bike ride, morning run, or woodsy walk; or play a friendly game of beach volleyball (just make sure the bride's face stays far away from the ball).

Keep reading for more fitness ideas for your wedding.

6 Things About Prince Harry's Rumored Girlfriend Mollie King

Tara Block — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 10:00:00 PDT

Most eligible bachelor no more? There are rumors that Prince Harry is dating Mollie King, a 24-year-old Brit pop singer (who has an uncanny resemblance to Sienna Miller). Apparently, Mollie and Harry have been friends since first meeting at the Asprey World Class Cup in 2010, and they were spotted karaoking together at London's Bunga Bunga club last week. Here are five things to know about the woman who may have stolen Harry's heart:

In February, she ended a nearly one-year relationship with Brit model David Gandy. He's best known for showing off his body in the steamy Dolce & Gabbana ad for "Light Blue."
Mollie is best known for being in girl group The Saturdays. Before that she was in another girl group Fallen Angelz, which competed on The X Factor.
She had a successful skiing career that she gave up to pursue singing, and she enjoys jet skiing and water skiing.
She's opened up about struggling in school due to her dyslexia.
She plays the acoustic guitar in addition to singing and songwriting.
According to Mollie's band bio, Carrie Bradshaw is her idol.

Yoga No-Nos For Pregos

Jenny Sugar — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 10:33:23 PDT

Fun issues like nausea, fatigue, shortness of breath, and the need to hit the ladies' room - three different times during a workout! - makes it difficult to keep up with a regular exercise routine when pregnant. If you're expecting, taking up yoga (or continuing to go) is wonderful because not only does it alleviate some of these annoying discomforts, your body will stay strong and flexible. No prenatal yoga class offered in your area? Take a regular class, but be sure to avoid the following during your practice.

Deep forward bends: Folding forward can compress blood vessels and nerves that connect to your uterus. Keep things flowing by separating your legs like in this Wide-Legged Forward Bend to make space at the top of the thighs.
Deep twists: This can also decrease circulation, so always twist in an open position as in this pose, not deeply across the knee.
Lying on your back: Once you hit the second trimester, avoid lying on your back for extended periods of time (as in Savasana). The increased weight of your uterus interferes with the flow of blood and nutrients to your developing baby. It can also aggravate lower back pain, heartburn, and elevate blood pressure. Use blocks and bolsters to prop your torso up instead of lying flat, and whenever possible find ways to stretch the same muscles while you're standing, sitting, on your hands and knees, or when lying on your side.
Poses that work your abs: As your belly expands, it's difficult to support the weight with your rectus abdominus (the muscles you see when someone has a six-pack), so you use your obliques (ab muscles on the side of your belly). Overly-strong obliques can pull your abdominal muscles apart, causing a condition known as diastasis. Avoid risk by skipping poses that target your core, especially your obliques - worry about getting your abs back in shape after the baby arrives.

Keep reading for more prenatal yoga no-nos.

Jay-Z and Beyoncé Stop to Snap Pictures on Their St. Barts Vacation

Lauren Turner — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 15:20:21 PDT

Jay-Z and Beyoncé Knowles hopped out of their car on the side of the road in St. Barts yesterday. Beyoncé had her camera in hand to take a snap of Jay-Z before passing it off to her bodyguard and posing alongside her husband. Beyoncé and Jay-Z have been in the Caribbean since the weekend, when they were spotted boarding a boat with their daughter Blue. The 3-month-old didn't join them for a trip to the beach on Monday, though, giving Jay-Z and Beyoncé a chance to lounge in the sand and dip in the water. Beyoncé wore a swimsuit for the afternoon, but covered up with a top to go for a ride on a jet ski.

Julianne Hough Works Out in a Bikini While Ryan Seacrest Jet-Skis Shirtless

Lauren Turner — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 10:59:49 PST

Julianne Hough and Ryan Seacrest had a fun afternoon in the St. Barts sun on Tuesday. She joined shirtless Ryan Seacrest for a round of jet-skiing, which ended when he fell off into the water. Next, Julianne wore a bikini for a workout on a stationary bike. The couple continued their relaxing Caribbean day with a walk on the beach, where they ran into pals Rachel Zoe and Rodger Berman. Julianne, Ryan, Rachel, and Rodger moved their party to a nearby house for picture taking and champagne.

Ryan's relaxing getaway comes ahead of a busy time of year. He has award season duties on top of his regular radio show and producing gigs, but he may not be returning to his American Idol spot. Ryan's American Idol contract is up, and after 11 seasons with the series, he could be replaced as host. We may still see him on the small screen, though, since there are rumors that he might join the cast of Today.

Cross-Country Skiing Tips For Newbies

Jenny Sugar — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 22:51:18 PST

Downhill skiing is a blast, but if you're not in the mood to race against frigid winds or deal with crazy crowded lift lines, try cross-country skiing this Winter. It may not be speedy, but cross-country skiing will tone your upper and lower body, give you a great cardio workout, and burn almost 500 calories in one hour!

Like snowshoeing, cross-country is more social than downhill skiing since conversations aren't limited to just time riding the lift. You get to slush along snow-covered trails and gab while taking in the breathtaking scenery. Plus, there is no expensive lift ticket needed. Some find cross-country more comfortable than downhill skiing because the boots are more flexible and the skis lightweight. Ready to get started? Here are some tips for newbies.

First, find some cross-country trails. Some downhill-ski resorts have groomed trails, but also check out nature centers or parks where you hike in the Summer. You might have to pay a fee (around $15 to $30) to use the grounds. Don't be shy about asking the staff to point you toward the easier trails.
Rent boots, skis, and poles at the place where you're skiing, but if this isn't possible, rent equipment the day before from a gear store; rentals are about $15 a day.
Definitely head out with someone who has some cross-country skiing experience or take a lesson to learn the basic techniques for moving, slowing down, stopping, and getting up hills.

Keep reading for more beginner cross-country ski tips.

Why You Should Hydrate Up During Winter Months

Anna Monette Roberts — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 14:43:45 PST

Colder Winter months can sometimes make you neglect your daily water intake. You might assume you need less water than you do during Summer because you don't feel parched and aren't sweating like you do in warmer weather. Not true! Here are three reasons to keep your water cup filled during Winter.

Hydrate Despite the Chill
You need to drink the same amount of water year round - and maybe even more in the Winter. Even though it feels like you aren't sweating as much as you do during the Summer, your body still loses a lot of water during the Winter from day-to-day activities like breathing, staying warm, and urinating. Read more on calculating your recommended daily water intake here.

Winter activities like skiing, sledding, and even snowball fights can also lead to dehydration. Know the signs of dehydration so you can respond accordingly. If you are experiencing dizziness, headaches, constipation, or dark eye circles, quickly guzzle up some water.

H20 Beauty
Dry, nippy weather can leave skin cracked and flaky, but water does promote skin circulation and can help plump up your skin. While applying a hydrating moisturizer can help make skin smooth and supple, adequate water consumption is key for flake-free skin.

Keep reading for the health reasons to keep water handy in Winter.

George Clooney's Girlfriend Stacy Keibler Goes Jet Skiing in a Bikini

Lauren Turner — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 20:07:21 PST

Stacy Keibler spent Thanksgiving Day on a Jet Ski in Mexico. She wore a pink striped bikini for the ocean excursion, though her current flame, George Clooney, didn't join her on the water since he recently underwent elbow surgery. George and Stacy have vacationed in Cabo multiple times since they went public with their relationship, including a trip at the beginning of the month and a visit for Stacy's birthday in October. This time, the couple are enjoying the holiday week in Mexico with friends Cindy Crawford and Rande Gerber as well as Molly Sims and her new husband, Scott Stuber. Cindy and Rande hit the beach this afternoon, while Molly was spotted tanning yesterday.

Yoga Class Fears (and How to Overcome Them)

Jenny Sugar — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 03:06:14 PST

As one of yoga's biggest fans, I'm always trying to persuade newbies to try a class. Whether you suffer from pain, stress, or you just want to get in shape for ski season, I'm convinced yoga is the answer. The problem is, some people are afraid to try yoga. Here are some popular yoga class fears and how to get over them.

"I'm worried I'll pass gas in class"
A valid fear, but at some point, all those twists and bends are bound to get things moving, and just about everyone I know has passed gas in class once or twice. Other students are very adult about it by pretending nothing happened. There are a few things you can do to prevent this possible embarrassment. Avoid eating gas-producing and high-fiber foods like beans, broccoli, and apples before class, and finish eating one to two hours before you head to the studio so your body has time to digest. If you know certain positions are bound to result in a loud outburst, move into them slowly. You can also choose classes that are highly populated or involve loud music so if you do let one go, it will be less obvious.

Keep reading to see what other fears keep people from trying a yoga class.