FitSugar

Do You Take Back-to-Back Exercise Classes on the Weekend?

Leta Shy — Sat, 16 Jul 2011 03:02:55 PDT

A group of friends and I decided to make this weekend a fitness-focused one, so armed with a few coupons and new student deals, we're trying out a few exercise classes around town. Between dance class and Bar Method, it can be a lot to cram into two short days, so one of my friends suggested a schedule that will have us taking classes back-to-back on both Saturday and Sunday.

As much as I wanted to see what these classes are like, at first I wasn't sure if I want to spend that much time inside when I could be enjoying the outdoors or running errands. Not only that, I was worried that scheduling classes one right after the other would leave me sore and out of breath. So I compromised by agreeing to a yoga class followed by a dance class - not too intense, so we'd still be able to enjoy ourselves.

What about you? Are you such a fan of exercise classes that you want to take as many as you can on the weekend, or would you rather get class over with so you can do other things in your day?

Do You Wear Your Workout Clothes Around on the Weekends?

Leta Shy — Sat, 02 Jul 2011 03:08:59 PDT

While at brunch over the weekend with my friend, we noticed there were lots of women walking around, shopping, and grabbing coffee in yoga outfits. They looked put together yet comfortable, and we started talking about whether or not we would wear our workout clothes while hanging out on the weekends.

I'm not one to step out in sweats, but lately I've been running after-gym errands in my workout get-up and I can understand the appeal. I like that I don't have to waste time getting ready again in the locker room, and when I'm in my running shoes I can get my shopping done faster anyway. As comfy as they are, though, I wouldn't grab an exercise outfit to put on if I weren't coming from a workout (although it could be a good motivator for scheduling one later!).

What about you: do you live in your workout wear on the weekend, or are they strictly for exercise only?

How Many Days Do You Work Out on the Weekend?

FitSugar — Sat, 26 Jun 2010 03:00:02 PDT

I try to get in at least one good workout every weekend, either by taking a lengthy bike ride, going for a day hike or climbing outing, or sweating it out in a two-hour yoga class that my studio offers on Saturday mornings.

How about you? Are weekends part of your workout routine, or are they days to chill and rest?

Are Weekends Days to Exercise or Rest?

FitSugar — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 03:30:50 PST

I'm one of those people who likes to exercise consistently through the week. I don't push myself Monday through Friday just so I can rest on the weekends, because I actually love working out on Saturday and Sunday. Since I'm not in a rush to get to work, I can take my time and plan a long workout or exercise with my fam. What about you?

Get Physical: Tandem Biking

FitSugar — Sat, 02 Jun 2007 02:30:00 PDT

When you bike with your man does he have trouble keeping up with you? Well, I have a solution - a tandem bike. If you are on the same bike there is no playing catch up.

There is a certain amount of teamwork involved, so it is great for those team building skills. You can share the bike with just about anyone - husband, friend or child, but just make sure the larger rider is up front steering. This is important for handling and balancing a much longer bike, and this rider is known as captain. The person riding in back isn't getting a free ride, they provide constant pedal power and are known as the stroker.

Now if you do choose to venture off on a bicycle built for two, know ahead of time the communication between cyclists is very important. Since the stroker cannot see the road, it is the captain's job to warn the stroker of upcoming bumps in the road. The stroker must also leave the steering to the captain. Tandem biking is really equal part trust exercise and part fun. Definitely a little give and take.

If you are interested call up a local bike shop and see if they rent tandem bikes. Then make a date, make a picnic and head out on the road. Be sure to wear helmets (unlike the couple in the photo)!!!!

6 Beach Workouts For a Sunny Memorial Day Weekend

Leta Shy — Wed, 23 May 2012 15:52:50 PDT

Hopefully this weekend will involve some fun in the sun, but that doesn't have to be limited to sipping a frozen cocktail on a deck chair. To get you inspired for an outdoor sweat session, we've rounded up some fun fitness routines for the beach - check off your daily workout for the day while enjoying the sun!

Fit and fast: Got 12 minutes? Do this simple CrossFit circuit workout as hard as you can. Bonus: after the intense session, all you have to do is take a dip in the sea!
Leg up: Want to tone legs and thighs? This leg workout from a FitSugar reader helps save your knees from too many squats - and you can do the moves while laying out in the sun.
On the ball: If you happen to have an exercise ball handy, this Kerri Walsh-approved full-body workout will get you in pro-athlete shape.

More beach workouts to inspire you after the break!

Back on Track: Commit to 20-Minute Workouts This Week

Leta Shy — Mon, 14 May 2012 12:33:52 PDT

We all know how important it is to exercise, but one weekend getaway or a lingering illness can knock away our good intentions. When it comes to getting back on track, don't feel daunted by the thought of jumping back on the fitness bandwagon. It can be as simple as spending 20 minutes a day making sure you sweat, says a new study.

This recent study found that just 20 minutes of exercise each day boosts metabolism. Great news since 20 minutes is the perfect amount of time to fit in a workout when your fitness regimen has been derailed - you can still work your entire body without having to devote hours you may not have in your busy schedule.

The convenience of a shorter workout can also help you stick to an exercise routine when you're feeling unmotivated. Instead of taking too much on at once, spread your workout routine into 20-minute daily chunks throughout the week; this can be the difference between meeting your health-related goals and feeling like you never have enough time to get back into your fitness groove. Ready to work out every day this week? Map out your weekly routines with our 20-minute indoor and outdoor workout ideas.

Weekend Workout: Arms, Abs, and Booty on the Ball

FitSugar — Sun, 13 Mar 2011 03:05:46 PDT

If you're pressed for time and can't fit in a long workout, you can still effectively tone your upper body, core, and tush. Grab an exercise ball and do 20 reps of each exercise, and cycle through the routine three times.

Push-Ups With Tuck Crunch

Crunches on an Exercise Ball

Plank Booty Leg Lifts

Itching for more short workouts? Check out these Weekend Workouts to learn how to tone other areas of your body.

Weekend Workout: Push-Up Variations

FitSugar — Sat, 16 Apr 2011 03:05:40 PDT

Who doesn't want sexy, sculpted arms, shoulders, and an upper back they're proud to bare? Push-ups are one exercise sure to give you the results you're after. Although basic push-ups are effective, there's no need to keep it simple. Try these three variations to work your upper body in new and challenging ways. If these push-ups are too difficult to do with your legs straight, rest your knees on the floor. Each of these exercises works one side at a time. Complete 10 reps of each variation (five on each side) for a total of 30 push-ups.

Elevated Push-Up

One Elbow In, One Elbow Out

Spider-Man Push-Up

Itching for more short workouts? Check out these Weekend Workouts to learn how to tone other areas of your body.

In Honor of the Kentucky Derby, 4 Exercises That Celebrate the Horse

Leta Shy — Wed, 02 May 2012 09:45:36 PDT

The Kentucky Derby is this weekend, which means lots of Southern-style celebrations surrounding a horse race that'll be over before you can blink. But donning a wide-brimmed, fully decked out hat and imbibing mint juleps isn't the only way to pay homage to the all-American event. Why not celebrate the Kentucky Derby with a few equine exercises too? Here are four exercises that are inspired by the horse!

Horse stance: This basic martial arts pose is called the horse stance because it mimics the position you get into when you ride a horse. Holding the wide stance while bending your knees works your quads, so it's the perfect simple exercise to strengthen your legs (try this slight variation if you want to incorporate it into a yoga sequence).
Horse-riding pose: Also called a high lunge or equestrian, this straightforward yoga pose is perfect for the beginner. The pose stretches your legs and arms as you move into a lunge and hold, which makes it a great hip-opening and leg-strengthening exercise.
Horse pose: For a more challenging yoga pose, try horse pose, also called Vatayanasana. This intermediate-to-advanced yoga pose involves moving from standing and other positions with one leg in lotus, so it helps open your hips and strengthen your legs.
Horse biting tail: This kneeling twist exercise works your abs and torso. Begin on all fours and twist from one side to the other, like you're going after your own tail.

Source: Flickr User si_si_ay