FitSugar

Gifts For Active Snow Bunnies

FitSugar — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 10:00:32 -0800

Although snow may not be falling in your neck of the woods just yet, it's never too early to start thinking about all the people in your life who love playing in that fluffy white stuff.

If you have a friend or family member who's big into hitting the mountain, here are some gift ideas that are sure to keep her warm and happy. Although picking out ski or snowboard equipment is best left up to her, these items are sure to make wintertime even better.

You Asked: Burning Lungs From Running in the Cold

FitSugar — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 05:50:49 -0800

Hi Fit,
I recently started running outdoors and am really enjoying it. It's started to cool off, and breathing in the cold air really burns my throat and lungs when I jog. Is there anything that can be done to prevent this?
- Winter Runner

Ahhh, the cold weather is moving in, and I give you credit for continuing your outdoor runs even though the temps have dropped. Running in the crisp air can be so exhilarating to your body and your mind, but your lungs are another story. I have some ideas about how to make your respiratory system happier, though, so continue reading

When Winter Rolls In, Don't Give Up on Working Out

FitSugar — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 13:30:52 -0800

It isn't hard to explain why our workouts get a little lackadaisical when Winter rolls in - 'cause, baby, it's cold outside - and it's pretty understandable that a lot of us lose our motivation to get outdoors for a run or a bike ride. So, how actually do people who work out through the Winter do it? An article from The New York Times reveals exactly that - and how some people manage to get up "the high activation energy" required to stay committed to fitness during the bitter Winter months.

Turns out, if you're new to fitness, you're more likely to give into a little workout hiatus when it gets colder and darker out. According to Janet Buckworth, an exercise physiologist at Ohio State University, it's the opposite for exercise veterans. “If you are beyond the point that you are learning how to exercise, you can’t imagine not running in bad weather,” she says. In fact, some exercise enthusiasts relish the challenge of an outdoor workout in Winter, even going on "epic" bike rides during snow storms and blizzards.

Regardless, you don't have to be an extremist to keep up a Winter workout routine. The key? Just get into something you could really stick with long-term. Choose a form of exercise that you're excited to do, and can keep up when Winter arrives. Group classes are great, and Buckworth recommends finding something you can do indoors, getting a friend to go with you, and even something as simple as updating your playlist with music you love to keep exercise fun and help you stay committed to your fitness regime.

Cold Weather Tip: Warm up Indoors

FitSugar — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 15:00:00 -0700

I don't know about you but working out in the cold can sometimes be uncomfortable because it makes my muscles extra tight. What helps me is to warm up inside before heading out into the chilly weather.

Before a run or bike ride, I do about 5-10 minutes of light cardio inside. Jogging in place, jumping rope, or going up and down my stairs is just enough activity to loosen up my body and get my blood pumping. When I get outside, it's less of a shock to my system. If you'd rather do your warm-up exercises outside, a hot shower is another great way to loosen up your muscles before a cold weather workout.

Do You Change Your Fitness Routine During the Fall?

FitSugar — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 08:00:30 -0700

Fall spells cooler weather and shorter days. As the seasons change, I notice that I change up my fitness routine quite a bit too. I stay indoors more and will opt for the rowing machine over an early morning bike ride.

What's most interesting to me is that I make the effort to wake up extra early to work out in the morning. Something about leaving work in the freezing dark dampens my fitness spirit.

What about you - do the Fall and Winter months affect your fitness routine?

Winter and Carb Cravings

FitSugar — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 17:02:50 -0800

If you crave carbs during the short days of Winter, you are not alone. There seem to be a couple of physiological factors involved. Since there is less sunlight, due to shorter days, our bodies make less vitamin D (aka the sunshine vitamin). It helps keep your mood nice and sunny since it naturally boosts serotonin levels. Serotonin is the feel-good brain chemical that modulates mood, emotion, and sleep. Carbs provide a serotonin rush, so eating all that bread and pasta is a means of self-medicating with food sources. Exercise also creates serotonin, so don't skimp out on your workouts. You need them during these long nights of Winter to keep your spirits up!

Source

The Cold Weather Fat Craving Connection

FitSugar — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 13:00:00 -0800

Have you noticed chilly weather seems to turn many of us into something like a bear seeking fat before hibernating all Winter? I know the connection between cold weather and fatty foods isn't true for everyone, but many of you voted on this poll that you do indeed crave the fat when the temperature is low.

According to sports nutritionist Ryan Kohler temperatures below freezing can increase a person’s basic energy needs when compared to the amount of energy it takes to simply "exist" at room temperature, which is between 60 and 70 degrees F. In colder temperatures it takes more energy to keep the core temperature of the body stable. That makes sense, right?

Possibly a stronger factor in fatty-food craving is tradition and association - the mind is a powerful thing when it comes to cravings. After all, the Thanksgiving meal, which really seems to kick off the Winter season, at least mentally, is full of fatty, rich foods. Maybe it is the lack of sunlight combined with the cold that makes us crave comfort foods. Since fat, as an ingredient, tends to make food tastier and thereby more palatable. We associate fatty foods with cold weather.

I was craving fat like crazy, not that I live in a climate where temperatures get anywhere close to, let alone remain, below freezing. To combat my desire for ice cream I made sure to take my fish oil supplement daily and, anecdotally speaking, it totally helped. Do you take a fish oil supplement?

Source

To the Tropics For Scuba Diving or to a Snowy Mountain Resort?

FitSugar — Sun, 24 Feb 2008 02:00:00 -0800

As Winter drags on, I am having escapist fantasies. I am dreaming of a vacation that takes me out of my daily routine. Some days I think I'm ready for a week of scuba diving in the tropics. Other days, I am ready to head for the slopes for a week of skiing. A girl can dream, right?

I am curious about you. Would your dream vacation take you . . .

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Golf Practice in Cold Weather

FitSugar — Mon, 21 Jan 2008 02:30:00 -0800

Golf is a favored sport among some of us but those winter months can really take a toll on your game. Since I'm no golf pro (though I certainly try) I found some valuable information for keeping up your golf game during the cold months of winter from Suite101. Here are highlights:

Maintain Golf Fitness and Conditioning - Stretching is imperative to maintaining your golf physique. Areas to focus on include the arms, wrists, back, quads and calves. Stretching will aid in your flexibility as well as your endurance.
Practice/Work On Your Swing - Chris Cullen, Golf Specialist at Old Channel Trail Golf Course in Montague, Michigan, told Suite101 he suggests that golfers work with a weighted club like the Momentus Swing Trainer over the winter months.
Master Your Short Game - The short game can make or break your score, so be sure to work on your putt during those cold winter months.
Practice Driving - Many cities have heated driving ranges and/or indoor practice facilities.
Indoor Golf Centers - The popularity of golf simulators is growing. In fact, many indoor golf centers now offer winter leagues utilizing this technology.

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Do You Crave Fatty Foods When It Is Cold Outside?

FitSugar — Sun, 13 Jan 2008 03:30:00 -0800

When there is a Winter chill in the air, I crave fat. Milk fat mostly, like cheese and ice cream. The cravings are not limited to just dairy products, duck confit is often top of the list. Corn chips might do in a pinch.

What about you . . .

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