FitSugar

Get Physical: Massage Deck

FitSugar — Sat, 03 Feb 2007 05:45:00 PST

It's the weekend and we're all looking for a way to relax. Most of us also use the weekends to catch up with the significant other in our life, which is not always as relaxing as one would hope. This weekend, get physical (and relaxed) by giving each other massages. Worried that your massage skills are a little rusty?

Then you need to get The Massage Deck ($14.95) which features 50 easy to follow, beautifully illustrated methods for giving and receiving the perfect massage. Color coded by body region this portable deck includes detailed instructions for each technique, a reflexology card and suggested sequences for 20 and 60 minute massages. Learn how to soothe away stress and tension, relieve headaches and muscle pain as well as enjoy complete relaxation.

Also, you'll burn calories giving a massage as an 150 lb person who gives a 15 minute massage (while standing) will burn around 68 calories. Buy The Massage Deck online from Vickerey.

Everyday Activities That Make Your Allergies Worse

Jenny Sugar — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 01:45:18 PDT

Most of us are psyched for warmer weather, but allergy sufferers are cursing runny noses, congestion, red eyes, and itchy throats. You may not realize it, but here are the everyday things that can aggravate your symptoms.

Exercising outside is a no-brainer when temps start going up, but not so for those allergic to pollen. If you can't bear to skip outdoor workouts, try to exercise early in the morning when pollen counts are lowest. If you decide to exercise outside, be sure to wash your clothes to get rid of pollen and take a shower to rinse allergens out of your hair. If your allergies are really bad, invest in a gym membership or equipment for your home gym - exercising in the AC will make you breathe much easier.
Opening the window to get some fresh air? Don't you dare. Pollen and other allergens blow in where they come in contact with your eyes and nose. Keep the windows in your home, office, and car closed, and definitely don't use a window fan. If you're hot, turn up the air-conditioning.

Keep reading to find out other common things you're doing that can worsen allergies.

5 Ways to Make Fitness More Eco-Friendly

Michele Foley — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 11:38:05 PDT

With Earth Day a few days away, there's never been a better time to think about ways to green your fitness. Here are ways to tweak your daily habits just a little bit to do your part to reduce, recycle, and reuse.

Exercise outdoors: Skip the treadmill, stair climber, or stationary bike and go outside. You'll save money, reduce your consumption of energy and materials, and cut back on transportation usage and cost.
Make meals greener: There are several ways to make mealtime more eco-friendly. Save money and avoid wasteful to-go containers by packing lunch in reusable BPA-free containers; avoid produce that's high in pesticides and buy organic and local produce; and even if you're not a vegetarian, help the environment by cutting back on meat and having meat-free days once or twice a week.
Choose the right materials: When shopping for fitness gear, look for products made with recycled or renewable materials. Take it a step further and buy from companies that make a point to offset their carbon footprint.
Use less energy: Reducing how many things you turn on and switch off is a no-brainer, but use Earth Day as an excuse to really unplug. Reducing energy has its health benefits too: taking the stairs is a great way to burn calories, and turning off your computer or TV is a great way to destress and increase social interaction. Try biking to work, and if you can't get outdoors for your workout, rent fitness DVDs from the library.
DIY fitness gear: Cut way back on materials and production costs by doing it yourself! Make your own hand sanitizer, yoga mat cleaner, and produce wash and turn an old pair of jeans into a yoga mat bag.

Ways to De-Stress During the Workday and Other Savvy Hits of the Week!

Emily Co — Sun, 25 Mar 2012 03:05:00 PDT

Ways to de-stress during the workday.
Eight ideas to recharge your career this Spring!
Backing out of a trip? Here's how you can avoid cancellation fees.
Banish negative thoughts for good with these tips.
Really cool work-themed prints from Etsy.
Steps to take after a job interview.
DIYers, here's how to organize your craft materials.
Money and life lessons from a younger you.
Simple ways to get your bedroom in order.

Skip the Shots: Healthy Bachelorette Party Ideas

Michele Foley — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 15:37:53 PDT

If booze and male strippers don't sound like your idea of a good time, buck tradition by celebrating your bachelorette party in a healthy - but fun! - way instead. Here are a few ways to bond with your girlfriends while also burning calories along the way.

Say om: Gather up your mats and have a private yoga class; it's a great way to enjoy the company of your gal pals while also de-stressing. Add ayurvedic spa treatments or mehndi painting to the evening for a complete yogic theme. Then end the night with dinner at a nearby restaurant or opt to cook together in your own home.
A morning sweat session: If strength training is more your style, invite your friends to an outdoor bootcamp workout. You'll sweat and bond over push-ups and lunges, but don't forget to celebrate afterward! Once the workout is over, nurse sore muscles with a mimosa-filled brunch.

See even more ideas for a healthy bachelorette party after the break.

4 Healthy Solutions For When You're Too Busy

Leta Shy — Fri, 23 Mar 2012 11:42:04 PDT

When you're busy, staying on track with your diet and exercise routine is hard. But before you think it can't be done, here are four solutions to help fit a healthy lifestyle into your already packed schedule.

Be a healthy chef: A busy schedule means healthy eating can become a hassle. Cooking meals can take a long time, especially when grocery shopping is involved. But a little bit of prep goes a long way in the kitchen. Start by planning quick weeknight meals at the beginning of the week (here are a few fast healthy weekday dinner ideas), and then prep as much as you can by following these essential habits of a healthy home cook.

Know your routine: A 20-minute workout can turn into an hour-long ordeal if you don't know what you're doing. Instead of spending precious minutes searching for your favorite DVD or the link to that workout routine you read about online, keep your workout ideas organized and easily accessible. Collect all your printouts in a folder or binder, give away any DVDs that you don't use so you can easily peruse your collection, and bookmark your favorite sites for routines (check out our workout routine board on Pinterest for ideas!)

Prioritize and reorganize: Something's gotta give, and it can't always be your workout. If you find that you always skip the gym for something more pressing, you need to switch your schedule so that you can work out and tend to your afterwork obligations. That may mean having to wake up a little bit earlier to fit in a morning workout, or finding a gym that's close to your office for lunchtime sweat sessions.

Schedule a long session: Quick workout sessions are fine, but nothing beats the ability to sweat it out for as long as you'd like. If you feel like you're never able to spend enough time on your workout, make it a standing part of your week. Whether you get up early on the weekend or block out Thursday nights to exercise, you'll be able to de-stress and enjoy your workout without worrying about all the stuff you should be doing instead.

Sugar Shout Out: See J.Crew's Latest Wedding Collection

Brittney Stephens — Wed, 21 Mar 2012 23:55:32 PDT

13 Ways to De-Stress During the Workday

Laura Marie Given — Wed, 21 Mar 2012 13:15:13 PDT

It's natural for work to leave you a little stressed, but if you're a frazzled mess from nine to five, it's important to step back and relax. Not sure how to loosen up? From doodling to redecorating, here are 13 easy ways to de-stress during the workday:

Finish the tough stuff first. Try to get your most complicated tasks out of the way early in the day so that they're not looming over you for hours. Think of it as a "best for last" technique and you'll start to look forward to your afternoons.
Make exercise a priority. Whether it's a quick walk around the block or a full-on gym session during your lunch hour, moving your body is crucial for your sanity. Aim to stretch every hour, too, in an effort to clear your head.
Savor your snack. Rather than mindlessly munching on whatever snacks are handy, bring your favorite treat from home and take the time to relish every bite. Make it a healthy bite to really rev up your mood and energy.
Connect with a friend. Socializing is one of the easiest ways to distract yourself from everyday anxieties, so call up a pal to chat for a few minutes. Try to avoid any work-related venting and stick to fun, tension-free topics instead.
Congregate at the water cooler. It's important to engage with your co-workers on a day-to-day basis. Not only will kitchen small talk free up your mind for a few minutes, but it will also help you build positive relationships around the office.
Take five to do something lighthearted. Were you the type who doodled during class? For five (and only five) quick minutes, draw, catch up on Instagram, or browse Pinterest to improve your attitude and recharge your batteries.

Read on for more de-stress tips

3 Easy Yoga Moves to Tone Your Abs

Zelana Montminy — Fri, 02 Mar 2012 19:06:55 PST

We all know that yoga is a great way to de-stress, but the ancient practice can also help you tone your midsection. You can fire up your abs by simply rounding your spine as you move from downward dog into plank. Add a twist and you're working your obliques. Watch this video to learn three moves that target your abs while working your arms and booty, too. Can you tell that I love these exercises?

3 Simple Ways to Increase Your Happiness

Leta Shy — Mon, 27 Feb 2012 02:42:24 PST

The Winter blues can get the best of us sometimes. And stressful situations at home, school, or work can contribute to feeling down. To help, here are three simple lifestyle changes to up your happiness.

Up the intensity. Exercise releases feel-good endorphins, and no only that, it can help you sweat the stress away. If you're feeling frustrated or just down, you may feel better if you focus all that frustration into adding some intensity to your workouts. Mix up your yoga practice with some intense cardio intervals or take a class that leaves you drenched in sweat - you may find that you're in a better mood afterward.

Take time to de-stress. You constantly feel like you have to be "on," and you don't know when you'll ever be able to relax. If you don't take time for yourself, stress can get the best of you. Fortunately, there are many ways to relax and recharge that don't take a lot of time. From eating the right foods to taking a deep breath, here are four ways to de-stress.

Make time for connections. Emotional bonds are important for your happiness. Hanging out with your friends releases feel-good chemicals in your brain, which makes you feel happier. And let's not forget all the benefits of cuddling with your significant other!