FitSugar

Workout on Your Honeymoon, Seriously

FitSugar — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 14:30:00 -0700

Welcome to our last installment of Wedding Season on the Sugar Network! This week we are celebrating the final phase of the wedding celebration - the honeymoon. Now, I know a lot of you are reading the title laughing, but I am being totally serious here.

The thing is that you (and your new hubby) have been working hard to get those toned bodies for the wedding -- You may have even found that you actually enjoy [gasp] working out and how good you feel from it. Since the honeymoon is supposed to be a time where you feel your best, happy and relaxed, think about squeezing in a few workouts. So, if you're actually considering leaving your hotel room while on your honeymoon, here are few tips on how to fit a workout in:

I am not saying wake up at 5:00 am every morning, but if you ever have any down time then hit the gym at the hotel. Most resorts these days have amazing fitness centers that are worth 30 minutes of your time. A good resource to use while looking for a hotel with a good fitness center is AthleticMindedTraveler, because the folks over there have scoured hotels gyms nationwide.
Some hotels will even offer group fitness activities like water aerobics, sunrise hikes and even standard fitness classes like spinning.
If you're near the beach, how about a sunset jog or stroll on the beach with your man? Not only is it romantic, but running and walking on sand are great ways to work your leg muscles.
Speaking of the beach, snorkeling and scuba diving are fabulous ways to be active and see some amazing things under the sea.
Not into swimming with the fish, kayaking and canoeing are great ways to spend some time together as newlyweds while seeing the water from above.
For those of you that love to run, think about doing something totally different such as sight jogging - a jogging tour. Depending on where you're going, ask your concierge about availability.
While we're on the subject of the concierge -- If sight jogging is not your style, but you would be interested in something else along those lines, ask the concierge available options. He should be able to give you many suggestions for different types of things you can do to see the area while burning a few calories along the way.

Fit's Tips: If working out just isn't on your agenda, an hour of sex could burn about 250 calories (for an 130 pound woman).

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Wedding Day Workout

FitSugar — Tue, 05 Jun 2007 17:15:00 -0700

Most grooms participate in some sport or athletic activity (golf, soccer, football, etc) on the morning of their wedding day. This is how they ease the tension and I must say the grooms have it right - the name of the game here is stress relief, not last minute weight loss. Come the day of, or even weekend of, your wedding, hopefully you've already done your best from an exercise perspective and one last workout will not do much in terms of dropping pounds. However, what it may do is calm you down, especially if you're feeling any last minute stress or jitters.

The problem is that most brides do not have enough time to feed themselves the day of their wedding, let alone time to fit in a workout or group activity. However, if you have been working out on a regular basis for a year (or even six months) up until your big day, you've probably noticed that working out is a great stress reliever and mood booster -- Two things you might need at this point. So, think about trying and finding a way to fit it in with these three tips:

Stick to your routine: If your body is used to going on a two mile run every Saturday morning, then try to fit it in. Maybe you switch the run to a Friday morning, instead of Saturday, but I am sure you'll feel great when it's done and you'll be ready to hit the ground running (literally and figuratively). Invite your out-of-towner pals, or even get your husband-to-be (only on jogs the day before, that is), to join you. This is a great time to actually have a conversation with them/him before (or during) all the commotion that is your wedding weekend.

Yoga: Get all your maids together for a pre hair and make-up yoga session. Not only will you (and all your girls) feel great from getting a little workout in, you'll also feel more relaxed and ready for your close-ups.

Stretching: If you can find the time to fit in anything, at the very least, do a little stretching when you wake up the morning of your big day. Pay more attention to your lower body as most brides are on their feet (in high heels, might I add) the entire day of their wedding.

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Flirty Girl Fitness Opens in Chicago

FitSugar — Mon, 30 Apr 2007 12:30:00 -0700

Chicago’s very first women-only health and fitness lifestyle facility featuring classes that focus on empowerment for women will open this May.

Ellipticals, treadmills and stationary bikes will be replaced with brass dance poles, leather lap dancing chairs, a Coyote Ugly dance bar and a large lounge area at Flirty Girl Fitness. A few of the unique classes being offered include Pole Dancing, Striptease Aerobics, Chair Dancing and Hula Hoop’Lah. Not into the pole thing? You can also kick butt with Hottie Body Boxing and Flirty Fight Club classes which include boxing bags and pink boxing gloves! A Flirty Girl Fitness Membership is $120 per month and includes unlimited classes. For non-members a Drop-In Class is $20 a class and 6-Week Session Classes vary from $150-$185. Saturday Workshops are $40. Along with these classes, the club will also feature over 31 total classes, a Coyote Ugly Bar, Nike boutique and Health Café, Spa and private parties.

Perhaps a bachelorette party? Their specialty is a Luxury Bachelorette Party Package, which includes class instruction for the bride-to-be and her guests, cocktails, fine catering, makeovers, manicures, and gift bags that include a digital photo album of the evening for the bride-to-be. Then the whole party is whisked off in a limo to the hottest clubs in town with VIP access especially arranged for them by Flirty Girl Fitness.

Not in the Chicago area? Then check out Sheila Kelley's S-Factor for a different kind of pole aerobics.

A Bachelorette Party that Burns Calories, Not Brain Cells

FitSugar — Mon, 14 May 2007 07:30:00 -0700

Some bachelorette parties go a little something like this: Gather. Drink. Pile into limo. Stop at bar with penis straws and sashes saying things like "Miss Bride to Be". Male stripper does a dance. Random dude at the bar buys everyone shots. Pile back into the limo. Maid of honor to be tosses her cookies out the window while crying. Blackout. Wake up feeling like crap. The end.

I don't know about you, but this is not always my idea of a good time. How about trying something different for your (or your best friend's) bachelorette party. I'm thinking Sheila Kelley's S Factor...

Led by an instructor, an S Factor Bachelorette Party is a totally creative way to celebrate a bride-to-be. The two-hour party is designed with fun in mind, yet still provides the gentle, rigorous workout that the S Factor is famous for. The first part of the party consists of a luxurious warm-up that takes students through all S Factor movements and positions learned in the regular classes. Depending on the size of the party, everyone will learn the first part of a lap dance routine and a beginning pole trick or two. The best part is, the bride-to-be will learn a full-on lap dance routine that she will perform for her friends (and later her husband-to-be). The cost for an S Factor Bachelorette Party is $550 (for up to 10 women). For more information and to book a party, go to SFactor.com.

Fit's Tip: Party hardy after you've burned off some calories -- Especially since food or drink are not allowed and, due to safety regulations, alcoholic beverages should not be consumed before or during the party.

Stick to Healthy Eating, Even at Your Bridal Shower

FitSugar — Wed, 16 May 2007 02:30:00 -0700

Now that you're engaged you're going to be attending a lot of parties in your honor: Engagement parties, showers, bachelorette parties, etc. Nothing can kill healthy eating like a wedding shower complete with a plate full of potato salad and cake.

To make sure you don't overindulge this wedding season, here are a few tips to keep you from stressing over eating at parties:

Don't show up on an empty stomach. Have a little something healthy at home, this way you won't feel the need to stuff your face upon your first sighting of the buffet table.
Have a say. Chances are the person planning the party may ask what kinds of foods you'd like to have there. Ask for healthy options as well as typical party fare.
Make sure you eat. I know this one seems obvious, but everyone wants to talk to the bride and sometimes it's hard to get a bite in. Chances are your body is already running on low fuel as it is and the last thing you want is to get sick because you're not getting enough nutrients. Can't break away from Auntie Emily telling you about her bunions? Ask a good friend or mom to fill a plate for you with lots of healthy (and yummy) stuff.
Drinking can be your worst enemy. I'm not saying don't drink, but drink in moderation at these parties. A drunk bride can be a little unsightly, not to mention the added calories you'll be getting from that 4th vodka tonic.
Party games anyone? Parties do not have to only consist of drinking and eating. Ask the planner to plan activities that get everyone moving and burning off a little of that ganache. Pin the veil on the bride anyone?
Don't be too hard on yourself. This one is important! These parties are meant to be fun. If you splurge and have a few extra pieces of cake, it's OK...besides you didn't want to be rude, now did you? Just promise yourself you'll hit the gym for an extra 5 minutes the next day.

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Newsletter - Week 31

FitSugar — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 17:34:54 -0700

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Welcome To Week 31

Your Baby: Eye-Opening Developments

The third trimester is a time of rapid growth -- for you and your baby. You might gain a great deal of weight -- and for good reason. Only 31 weeks, your baby weighs in at about 3 pounds 5 ounces (1590 g), and measures over 18 inches (46 cm) tall. Thanks to the deposits of white fat underneath the skin, the baby's color is changing from red to pink. At this point, the baby's irises dilate and contract in response to light, and his fingernails may extend to the end of the hands.

The organs are also in a growth period. Don't worry: Even if your lungs (and heart) make you feel breathless when you climb a flight of stairs or walk around the block, your womb mate is getting plenty of oxygen from your placenta.

Your Body: Planning For The Birth

Most first-time moms have mixed emotions and endless questions when it comes to labor and delivery. You may wonder how you will know when you're having a contraction, or when you should go to the hospital. You may be worried about what you can take for the pain. One of the easiest ways to get answers and ease your fears is to arm yourself with knowledge: Read books on childbirth, take notes during your childbirth education class, consult your health care practitioner, and ask friends and family to share their experiences.

Many women put together a birth plan to delineate their wishes for labor and delivery. It’s probably better to think about your “birth preferences,” because the inherent unpredictability of labor and birth makes it hard to have a plan.

So what’s to prefer? Births are a little like weddings – you’ve probably been to weddings that you think are lovely and tasteful and elegant, and you’ve been to others that you thought were vulgar and tacky. But the bride and groom chose to spend their day with that cake, those flowers, and that DJ – and it was right for them. Similarly, some women want to have a birth without any pain medicine and minimal medical intervention, and want to hold and bond with their baby immediately after birth, amniotic fluid and all. Other mothers would happily have an epidural placed before the first contraction, and would like their baby washed, with lots of soap, diapered, and dressed before touching him or her for the first time. Within the realm of what’s safe, there are lots of different “right” ways to have a birth. You and your partner should think about what works best for you.

The following are some of the key issues to think about what your preferences are, then ask your practitioner or talk to the hospital to learn about general policies. Discuss the risks and benefits of the various options. You may have to fill out specific forms or releases concerning many of these items ahead of time.

How do you feel about using medication for pain relief in labor? Do you want to try to go without pain medicine, or would you prefer to have anesthesia as early as possible?
Would you like to be able to labor in a tub or shower, if one is available at your chosen birthing center or hospital?
Is there anything you want to bring to the hospital? Check the hospital's guidelines about video cameras, music, pillows, lights, etc. Some hospitals may have rules regarding video taping the birth.
Who do you want to be present during labor? During delivery? Is there anyone you specifically want kept out of the room?
What is the role of your coach?
Is there a particular delivery position or procedure you would like follow? How do you feel about the use of stirrups to brace your legs? If you do not want to use stirrups, who will be with you to help hold your legs when you push?
Would you like to have a mirror in the room when you are pushing, so you can watch your baby emerge?
Do you have strong feelings about assisted delivery methods (forceps, vacuum extraction) or cesarean delivery?
Would you like to avoid an episiotomy, if possible?
If you have a cesarean, would you like your partner or coach to be present during the surgery?
Who do you want to cut the umbilical cord?
Do you want to hold your baby immediately after birth, or do you want her washed and swaddled before you meet her for the first time?
Do you have specific desires about a bonding period with the baby after birth?
Do you have strong feelings about receiving a routine IV to replenish your fluids?
Are you planning to breast feed? If so, how do you feel about having your baby stay in your room after delivery? Would you like to avoid pacifiers or supplements, unless ordered by your baby’s pediatrician?
Do you want anyone from the hospital to help you with breastfeeding, or to explain bottle-feeding or other baby care issues?
Do you want a male baby to be circumcised?

Some other issues routinely come up in books and web sites about birthing plans, but are rarely used at hospitals today. Check with your health care provider to make sure, but generally, you won’t be offered an enema, nor will your pubic area be shaved, unless you specifically request it.

On A Different Note: Every Bite Counts

To ensure that you and your little one are strong and stay healthy, follow the guidelines of this Nutritional Food Pyramid for Pregnancy. It will help you feel good and will help your baby grow great!

Weekly Tip

A lot of moms and dads-to-be wonder if and when they will bond with their baby. An easy way to welcome and connect with your future arrival is to write a letter beforehand. Share your feelings about the pregnancy and about becoming a parent. Regale him with things friends or family have said or done, what you would do the same or differently if you could do it all over again. You can use it as a time to reflect on the past seven plus months and to relish the time left.

Review Date:
2/6/2007
Reviewed By:
Douglas A. Levine, MD, Gynecology Service, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is an independent audit to verify that A.D.A.M. follows rigorous standards of quality and accountability. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial policy, editorial process and privacy policy. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).

A.D.A.M. Copyright

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997-2009 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

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Pregnancy Center Links

Creating a Birthing Plan

FitSugar — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 17:34:52 -0700

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Creating a Birthing Plan

A birthing plan simply outlines and clarifies your preferences for labor and delivery. The process of thinking through your options and discussing them with your doctor beforehand is much more important than actually showing up at the hospital with an itemized list. Your coach or partner can help make sure your wishes, where possible, are carried out on the delivery day.

Keep in mind that a birthing plan describes an "ideal" scenario. In fact, it’s probably best to think about birth preferences, rather than a concrete plan. You should be willing to be flexible -- you may change your mind about certain things when you are actually in labor, or your health care provider may feel that steps are medically appropriate even though they are not what you would have preferred.

The following are some of the key issues -- think about your preferences, then talk to your practitioner or the hospital to learn about general policies. Discuss the risks and benefits of the various options. You may have to fill out specific forms or releases concerning many of these items ahead of time.

How do you feel about using medication for pain relief in labor? Do you want to try to go without pain medicine, or would you prefer to have anesthesia as early as possible? (Read more.)
Would you like to be able to labor in a tub or shower, if one is available at your chosen birthing center or hospital?
Is there anything you want to bring to the hospital? Check the hospital's guidelines about videocameras, music, pillows, lights, etc. Some hospitals have rules regarding video taping the birth.
Who do you want to be present during labor? During delivery? Is there anyone you specifically want kept out of the room?
What is the role of your coach?
Is there a particular delivery position or procedure you would like to follow? How do you feel about the use of stirrups to brace your legs? If you do not want to use stirrups, who will be with you to help hold your legs when you push?
Would you like to have a mirror in the room when you are pushing, so you can watch your baby emerge?
Do you have strong feelings about assisted delivery methods (forceps, vacuum extraction) or cesarean delivery?
If you have a cesarean, would you like your partner or coach to be present during the surgery?
Who do you want to cut the umbilical cord?
Do you want to hold your baby immediately after birth, or do you want her washed and swaddled before you meet her for the first time?
Do you have specific desires about a bonding period with the baby after birth?
Do you have strong feelings about receiving a routine IV to replenish your fluids?
Are you planning to breastfeed? If so, how do you feel about having your baby stay in your room after delivery? Would you like to avoid pacifiers or supplements, unless ordered by your baby’s pediatrician?
Do you want anyone from the hospital to help you with breastfeeding, or to explain bottlefeeding or other babycare issues?
Do you want a male baby to be circumcised?

There are other issues besides those listed here. As you continue to read about labor and delivery and talk to others who have gone through it before (especially if you can talk to women who have delivered at the same hospital), you will gain a better understanding of where you stand on the issues.

Don't feel like you need to have a strong position on all of these topics. While women and their partners are, in general, more active in the decision-making process than they were in the past, many women still rely heavily on their practitioner and other attending staff to guide them through the process.

Review Date:
1/16/2007
Reviewed By:
Douglas A. Levine, MD, Gynecology Service, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

A.D.A.M. Copyright

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Pregnancy Center Links

Planning for Baby's Arrival

FitSugar — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 17:34:51 -0700

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Your due date is getting closer - and the excitement and anxiety you are feeling about bringing your new baby home is growing every day. To be prepared ahead of time, you should tour the birthing facility and take childbirth education classes. This will give you information about what to expect on the big day, what to bring, and what to have ready for your new baby.

Action Steps And Things To Consider

For Fun

Many methods have been used over the years to predict whether the baby will be a girl or a boy. You may encounter some of these "old wives tales" over the course of your pregnancy. Even though they don't have a scientific basis, they can be fun to consider!

Place your wedding band on a piece of string. Hold the string over your abdomen with the ring working like a pendulum. If it swings side to side it's a boy. If it swings in circles it's a girl.
If you carry high, it's a girl. If you carry low, it's a boy.
If the baby has a rapid heartbeat, it's a boy. If the heartbeat is slower, it's a girl.
If you prefer to rest on your left side while resting, it's a boy. If you prefer lying on your right side, it's a girl.

Review Date:
2/20/2007
Reviewed By:
Douglas A. Levine, MD, Gynecology Service, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

A.D.A.M. Copyright

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