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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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.

Miley Cyrus Slips Into a Bikini For a Relaxing Malibu Day With Shirtless Liam Hemsworth

Katie Henry — Sat, 15 Oct 2011 09:15:04 PDT

Miley Cyrus wore a bikini Thursday to hit the beach with her boyfriend, Liam Hemsworth, in Malibu. Earlier this Summer, Miley and Liam went jet skiing in another two-piece during a trip to Michigan. During their latest loved-up afternoon, the couple snapped photos, dipped their toes in the chilly Pacific waters, and lounged casually on the sand. Miley's special outing with Liam comes just after she took a trip to Haiti. She visited the struggling country last weekend on behalf of the Starkey Hearing Foundation, and during her stay in Port au Prince, she aided doctors and volunteers with fitting Haitians with hearing aids. Back in the states, Miley's family got the exciting news that her brother Trace Cyrus is engaged to Brenda Song. He shared their news by tweeting, "I am very excited to say, last week I asked my girlfriend Brenda Song to marry me and she said yes! We are both very excited to be engaged!"

Madonna Hits the Water With Boyfriend Brahim and Bikini-Clad Lourdes!

Allie Merriam — Mon, 29 Aug 2011 06:10:53 PDT

Madonna was back on a jet ski yesterday for more fun in the Mediterranean with her kids Mercy and Lourdes, as well as her boyfriend, Brahim. Lourdes Leon was in a bikini for their latest day on the water, just as she was last week, though this time it seemed she had a guy pal there to hang out and jet ski with. Madonna and her crew have moved to the South of France, where they're staying at the Eden Roc Hotel in Antibes, following a stay on the Basque coast. She's due to show off her movie WE at the Toronto Film Festival, but first up will be a stop in Italy. Madonna will also premiere the biopic about Wallis Simpson and Prince Edward on Sept. 1 during the Venice Film Festival.

Madonna Hits Eden Roc With Boyfriend Brahim and Bikini-Clad Lourdes

Molly Goodson — Fri, 26 Aug 2011 09:10:28 PDT

Madonna hopped onto a jet-ski with her 24-year-old boyfriend, Brahim, outside the Hotel du Cap Eden Roc off the coast of Antibes, France, yesterday. She's on vacation with her guy and her three kids, Lourdes, David, and Mercy. Madonna kept her fair skin covered up, but Lourdes slipped into a bikini to play in the water with friends. Last night, Madonna and Brahim headed off for a romantic date night at The Colombe d'Or. Madonna turned 53 last week, so the getaway is perfectly timed for a birthday celebration. While she is not expected to make the trip back to LA this weekend, Madonna's VMA performance legacy will surely still be felt at Sunday's show during the tribute to her one-time kissing partner Britney Spears. Next up for Madonna? She's expected at the Toronto Film Festival where her directorial debut WE will premiere, and she and Lourdes are also looking to keep expanding their Material Girl line.

Calories Burned With 15 Minutes of Exercise: Summer Edition

Jenny Sugar — Tue, 21 Jun 2011 14:29:01 PDT

Summer weather inspires me to exercise outside, even though some days it's super hot and humid. I usually work out early in the morning when temps are the lowest, and if I'm done by 8:30 a.m., I usually beat the heat. Not only do I love not having to wear a lot of clothes, but there are also so many different ways to move your body, you'll never get bored.

With busy Summer schedules and the sometimes unbearable heat and humidity, 15 minutes may be all you can spare (or bear). It may feel like a short time, but some exercise is always better than none at all. Check out how many calories you'll burn in your mini-workout. All stats are based on a 130-pound woman.

Running at a pace of 6 mph (10-minute miles): 148 calories
Walking at a pace of 4 mph (15-minute miles): 59 calories
Biking at a moderate pace of 13 mph: 118 calories
Mountain biking: 126 calories
Stretching/light yoga: 59 calories
Swimming laps at a moderate pace: 118 calories
Snorkeling: 74 calories

Not seeing your favorite Summer activity? Keep reading to find out how many calories you burn in 15 minutes of hiking, tennis, or playing Frisbee.