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.

From the Fit Community: Leave Your Phone at Home When You Work Out

Fit Community — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 02:25:08 PST

FitSugar reader JessicaSmithTV wants you to know: you're hurting your workout when you bring your cell phone into the equation. She shared her three reasons you should stay cell phone-free at the gym in our 10 Pounds Down! community group.

1. It’s hurting your workout (and could cause you to get hurt)

If you can text or talk on the phone during any part of your workout, you aren’t working hard enough. Exercise requires a mind/body connection (yes, even the time you spend on the treadmill) and your cell phone seriously disrupts the communication signals between your mind and your body.

Even if you think you are the most talented texter, or multitasker to ever walk the earth, don’t kid yourself - many studies have shown cell phone distraction as even worse than being drunk – so if you wouldn’t run that mile, take that spin class or do Pilates totally wasted, then your phone shouldn’t be out during your workout. Not paying attention during exercise is dangerous and can cause you to hurt yourself - in a big way. Not to mention, it slows you down! Even if you stop to text in between exercises, you are slowing down your flow - and your heart rate. Not a good way to get results.

Read more reasons for keeping your cell phone at home after the break.

Savvy Links: 12 Best Cities For High-Paying Jobs

SavvySugar — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 10:35:30 PST

The 12 best cities for high-paying jobs - Kiplinger
How to de-stress financially in 2012 - HuffPost Women
Turn clutter into decor and storage solutions - Real Simple
Why inflation isn't as bad as you think - Wise Bread
Factors new home owners tend to forget - Budgets Are Sexy
Play this game to get richer in 2012 - Daily Worth
7 easy ways to save on kids' clothing - LearnVest
Are the investments you made years ago still right for you? - Bucks

5 Inexpensive Ways to Relax

FitSugar — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 19:07:49 PST

Holidays stressing you out? Spa treatments and therapeutic massages are great ways to relax, but with all the gifts you're buying for those on your list, you might feel so guilty about spending the money on yourself that you skip the treatments altogether. During the high-stress time of the holiday season, many of us need relief now more than ever. Thankfully there are plenty of cheap and easy ways to relax and relieve the tension.

Source: Thinkstock

5 Festive Ways to Find Intimacy During the Holidays

Annie Scudder — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 14:55:56 PST

"Getting through the holidays isn't always easy, especially when it comes to your relationship," admits sexual health expert Dr. Hilda Hutcherson. Despite the challenges, the director of the Center for Sexual Health at Columbia University and co-author of the new Seasons of Love ebook believes the holidays actually provide an opportunity to improve your relationship. We caught up with Dr. Hutcherson, and she gave us five tips for turning the stressful season into a sensual one. Here they are:

Make time for date nights. "Just as you set aside time on your calendar for a cookie swap and office party, reserve at least two nights just for you and your partner," advises Dr. Hutcherson. And she suggests letting Winter inspire your date ideas. "Take a walk to admire the decorations in your neighborhood and keep warm with a cup of hot chocolate," she says, or "grab an hour or two and go ice-skating at a local rink."
Use sexy stocking stuffers. "Who says toys are just for kids?" Dr. Hutcherson asked us. She thinks we should spice up our stockings. "For the more tame, grab massage oil and some candles; they will not only set the mood for more romance, but a soothing rubdown can ease even the most tense of partners." As for the adventurous givers, "a vibrator is sure to get her engine revving and rid her mind of any Yuletide blues. Looking to fall somewhere in between? Take it up a notch with an arousal gel to heighten sexual pleasure and sensitivity, like the new K-Y Date Night Packs."
Make sexolutions. "We take the time to focus on our finances, waistline, and jobs come Jan. 1," says Dr. Hutcherson, "but why not our relationships?" Her tip for making them last: "Take small steps and gradually build up to a great result. For instance, don't make a promise to have more or better sex, be more specific - have sex once a week, try out a new position once a month, enjoy a date night twice per month."

Keep reading for two more sensual suggestions from Dr. Hutcherson.

Simple Tips to Reduce Workday Stress

Michele Foley — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 01:16:46 PDT

Sometimes a "case of the Mondays" can follow us well into the work week. Looming deadlines, pressure from the boss, and a hectic day of meetings are enough to frazzle the calmest individual. Before you let stress take control of an otherwise productive workday, follow these tips for stopping stress before it takes full hold.

Eat yourself to calm: While fatty junk foods may seem like the cure to your hectic day, these indulgences will only have you experiencing the crash-and-burn effect of a sugar high. Instead of reaching for things like chips or candy, eat one of these healthy foods proven to fight stress. Good-for-you items like nuts, oranges, spinach, and fish all contain nutrients that will ward off workday pressures. If a sweet treat is the only way you'll be able to survive the day, choose dark chocolate. A recent study shows that eating a small amount of dark chocolate can reduce stress levels. Along these same lines, give yourself a break and eat lunch away from your desk. Getting out of the office may be just what you need to relax.
Schedule a lunchtime workout: An easy way to blow off steam during your workday is to exercise. If the idea of leaving work to hit the gym only causes stress levels to rise, follow these timesaving tips for a midday workout and check out this quick beauty routine for the locker room. Numerous studies have shown that exercise is a sure-fire way to boost endorphins. You'll return to work happier, calmer, and energized.

See the rest of the tips after the break!

De-Stress Out With These Five Tips

FitSugar — Tue, 12 Jul 2011 14:09:38 PDT

Stress makes the body and the mind tense and can inspire a flood of unhealthy decisions. While exercising definitely helps alleviate stress, we've pulled together five more ways to help you cool your jets.

Tackle the To-Do List
The more we put off the items on our to-do list, the longer the list grows, and the more it contributes to elevated stress levels. Schedule a “Blitz Day” to knock out all those items you’ve been avoiding. Rise early in the morning and spend the entire day knocking out the items on your list. Your stress will be lower as you cross items off, but more importantly, you’ll realize just how effective and industrious you can be when you apply the full force of your will to accomplish things.

Turn Off After Work
Turning off electronics gives you more time to be active and also gives you more time to focus on the relationships in your life. To make this more of a priority, when work is over for the day, turn the computer off. Leave your phone at home when you are out with friends for the night. And even though it may sound crazy in this day and age, you'll find it liberating.

See more ways to tackle stress.

5 Ways to Prevent a Cold This Weekend

Jenny Sugar — Sat, 12 Nov 2011 03:06:10 PST

I love the crisp, colder weather of Autumn, but I hate that it also signals the start of cold and flu season. There are plenty of things you can do throughout your day to prevent catching a cold, but here are five things you should keep in mind specifically on weekends.

Don't Overdo It on the Booze
I don't blame you for wanting to de-stress from your crazy work week by letting loose with a drink but be mindful of how much you're kicking back. Heavy alcohol consumption doesn't do your immune system any good, and also dehydrates you body. It's OK to relax with a glass of wine or a cocktail, but one should be your limit. Sip water with your alcoholic bevvy to stay hydrated (since that also prevents colds), and don't let alcohol tempt you to smoke socially (smokers are more prone to getting sick).

Take Time to Chill
Weekends tend to be for catching up on errands you didn't get to all week, but all that running around is sure to run down your immune system. Take time each day to relax whether it's by sleeping in, getting to bed a little early, lounging on the couch with a good book, or taking a stroll with a friend.

Keep reading for three more ways to prevent catching a cold on the weekend.

Don't Let These Minor Annoyances Ruin Your Workout

Leta Shy — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 14:43:46 PST

Some days you're just feeling out of sorts. And while you may not be super sick or nursing a serious injury, that feeling can be the perfect excuse when you want to skip your workout in favor of something less strenuous - like, say, a DVR session on the couch. Before you use those excuses, here are some ways to keep those minor daily annoyances from affecting your routine.

You're constantly tired: Fatigue can get the best of you, especially when it's time to exercise. It can be a lot easier to think that resting your body is a better option - and sometimes, taking a day to rest can be the best option. Most of the time, however, exercise is just what you need to feel both energized and to have a good night's sleep afterward. And if you find yourself staying up too late or battling with insomnia, here are more ways to help you destress and go to sleep.

Your back aches: It can be easy to think that you should just live with minor aches and pains, but what seem minor can be preventing you from wanting to be active. Instead of powering through those minor pains throughout the day, incorporate some preventative and relieving exercises to help your back feel its best. Yoga has been proven to relieve back pain; here are yoga poses for lower back pain, and some back and shoulder strengthening exercises that will prevent imbalances that lead to aches.

Read on for more remedies for antiworkout annoyances.

Work Your Abs With Yoga!

FitSugar — Fri, 16 Sep 2011 15:42:16 PDT

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?