FitSugar

Get Over the Hump Day: You in Motion

FitSugar — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 12:00:53 PST

Whatever your fitness goals are, being healthy means staying on the move. For some that's daily workouts on the treadmill or the elliptical. Others opt for bike rides, hikes, or laps in the swimming pool. And the rest of us might be practicing yoga, dancing, or resistance training. Whatever activity it is, keep on moving! Remember that all of this hard work you're doing equals more than just burned calories and lost pounds. Your heart is getting stronger, your endurance is building, and your body is getting some nice tone. That's why this week's challenge for the Get Fit For 2010 giveaway is to keep a fitness journal and blog about it in the Get Fit For 2010 community group.

Since there's nothing quite like a body in motion, I want to see you in action. This week's extra credit assignment is to make a photo gallery of your workouts, or better yet, make a video and upload it into a blog post in the Get Fit group. The best part is that this extra credit assignment earns you two entries into this week's drawing for a $100 Nike gift card, as well as the drawing for our fabulous grand prize.

Don't worry if you've never made a gallery. It's simple and here are some easy-to-follow directions on how to do it. I can't wait to see, and I mean that literally, what you're all doing. Check out the workout I did on Monday!

If at First You Don't Succeed . . .

FitSugar — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 11:15:45 PST

How's everyone doing with their 2010 fitness health goals so far? Based on all the inspiring posts in our Get Fit For 2010 community group, it seems like most of you are right on track. But don't get discouraged if you're struggling a bit. It's hard making these kinds of lifestyle changes, but over time you won't even have to think about it - all of these new, healthy habits you're developing will be second nature to you in no time.

One of the biggest gripes I hear from people who are trying to get in shape is how much they hate exercising. When I ask why, they say that it's boring, uninspiring, or that they hate forcing themselves to do something they dislike. Here's the thing, I empathize with what they are saying.

For me, it's important to love what I do, even when it comes to being active. I have a friend who hated working out until she discovered boxing, and now she practically lives in the ring. Same thing goes for another friend who dreaded going to her Hatha yoga classes. But before she gave up on yoga altogether, she let her coworker convince her to try Bikram. Three years later, she's going to Bikram yoga five times a week.

I really believe that there is something out there for everyone. Some people love being gym rats, while others have to be outdoors. Some people like to work out alone, while others need social interaction to keep them motivated. If you haven't found an activity yet that makes you want to work out, experiment. Don't give up too easily either. It wasn't until my third Vinyasa flow class that I realized how much I loved the practice. Once you find that special something that makes you want to get up and go, you won't even consider it a workout anymore, it's just your life.

Resistance Is Fruitful

FitSugar — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 09:00:03 PST

This Christmas I was excited about all the fitness-related gifts I received, especially a new resistance band kit. It's been raining a lot lately, and as a result I haven't been able to ride my bike to the gym as much as I'd like. It's a bummer, but using my resistance bands at home has kept me from going nuts. I use them to tone and strengthen as well as stretch. And even though it's not exactly the same as getting to my yoga class or climbing gym, it works the same areas of my body - hips, thighs, arms, back, you name it, it works it!

What's great about a resistance band is how inexpensive it is - you can easily find a good one for under $10 or a three-piece set for around $30. They're small and store easily, making them ideal for traveling or tucking away in a desk drawer at work. And depending on your level of strength, there's one for everyone - from light to super heavy tension and everything in between.

Read why I think you should learn to love resistance bands when you

You Asked: Jackie Warner's New Project

FitSugar — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 05:50:18 PST

After reading our review of Jackie Warner's fitness DVD Workout One-on-One Training, many of you expressed curiosity over the future of her hit Bravo series, Work Out. After making a call to Sky Sport Spa - Warner's gym - today, I was told the unfortunate news that the show won't be returning for a fourth season.

I was a bit bummed to hear this but then I remembered Warner has a new show in the works, Thintervention With Jackie Warner. Not only that, Bravo is still looking for real folks struggling with weight loss to cast in the series. Thintervention will feature Warner working with individuals in their day-to-day environments to give them a complete lifestyle overhaul.

Learn the details of this new weight-loss reality show when you

read more. A press release from Bravo breaks down the show's formula:

Each episode of the one hour series will feature a grueling workout with Warner pushing her clients to their emotional and physical limits, a therapy session to get to the root of their weight issues, and a life lesson in nutrition such as grocery shopping or surprise raids of their home kitchens.

Thintervention seems to be banking on the success of The Biggest Loser formula, and given Warner's no-BS attitude, I'm sure we'll see more than a few tears shed as the season goes on. What we won't see is all the drama in Warner's personal life and the lives of her trainers. Personally, I think the drama is what helped make Work Out such a hit among, viewers so it'll be interesting to see how her new show fares.

Are you excited about Thintervention, or do you want Work Out to come back?

If You Go Away For the Weekend, Do You Work Out?

FitSugar — Sat, 21 Jun 2008 03:30:00 PDT

I always try to exercise if I'm going away on a week long vacation. I like to maintain my regular workout schedule if I can. Weekends away are a different story though. If I only go away for Saturday and Sunday, I don't always plan to work out because I tend to be really busy. How about you?

Source

Why Does My Body Shake?

FitSugar — Fri, 09 Feb 2007 08:45:00 PST

Sometimes during certain exercises, my muscles quiver involuntarily, especially when I'm doing ab work. Does this happen to you?

Good news: That shaking means you're working and strengthening your muscles. But it's also a sign that the muscle is not accustomed to the demands you're putting on it.

The trembling indicates how the muscles grab and release one other as they lengthen and shorten during the exercise. But that action will become smoother, and the shaking will stop, once the muscles become more used to the activities you're doing.

Although the shaking isn't dangerous, the fact that you're putting extra demand on the muscles could result in some soreness the next day. The soreness reflects the fact that there's some muscle damage, but when the body repairs it, you come back fitter and stronger in the end, so it's a good thing.

Just think - If you do the exercise everyday then you will get stronger and shake less. Test that theory by doing the 4 minute short, sweet and complete ab routine everyday.

Fit's Tips: So don't overexert yourself too much. If you find yourself quivering from the start, take the intensity down a bit, and ease your muscles into working harder gradually.

Yet Another Excuse Not To Exercise

GiggleSugar — Fri, 05 Jan 2007 00:02:00 PST

So if pumping iron with Snoop Dog isn't quite your style, then how about gettin' your Garfield on instead? And yes, I realize that made absolutely no sense. What do you want me to say? We're talking about a cat-inspired workout here, folks. Throw me a freakin' bone...or a ball of yarn. Just make the video go away. It's really creeping meow-t. Ha!

The P.M. is where I am, how about you?

FitSugar — Wed, 06 Dec 2006 08:30:00 PST

Although most people like to exercise in the morning, claiming it is better than coffee, there is no evidence that it is better for you. I prefer to exercise around 3 p.m. when I generally feel like taking a nap. I do agree with the morning exercise folks – exercise is better than coffee.

Recently a neurologist from Northwestern University challenged the age old convention of "early to rise and early to run – get the exercise done.” Dr. Phyllis Zee believes the best time to work out is in the late afternoon, between 2 and 4 p.m., since that is when your muscle strength is at its peak and people are more alert and wake . Meaning you will be less likely to injure yourself. Your body temperature is also about 2 degrees higher so warming up should be easier too.

On the other hand, some health experts recommend exercising in the morning because the body's metabolism can get an early start at burning calories and sustain that higher metabolic rate during the hours after exercise.

Fit's take: Exercise is important and fitting it into your day, morning or afternoon, can be tough. Since there are advantages to working out at either time, I say go with your personal preference.

Sweaty and So in Love: Celebrity Couples Who Work Out Together

Leta Shy — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 17:13:14 PST

The couple that plays together, stays together, and the same seems to be true for these celebrity duos who work out together. Keeping fit is a high priority in Hollywood, and these celebrities definitely know how to go from significant other to workout buddy. Take a look at these couples that love to sweat as a pair, whether it's at the gym, on the hills, or on the road!

Sources: INFDaily.com and Bauer-Griffin Online

Tori Spelling Asks How Moms Squeeze in the Exercise

Tori Spelling — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 08:36:55 PST

We're excited to bring you a new post from mother and actress Tori Spelling! Every other week, we're bringing you the best parenting and lifestyle advice from ediTORIal by Tori Spelling, which is Tori's daily blog about everything from food and fashion to parenting and relationships. This week, Tori shares her thoughts on motherhood and exercise.

Last weekend, Liam had some observations about my footwear:

"Mama, what the heck are you wearing on your feet? Those are tennis shoes. I've never seen you wear those. You only wear regular shoes."

He's correct. The harsh realization that my 4-year-old is inadvertently pointing out that I haven't worked out in years. Oh well, ya gotta start someplace.

How do you busy mamas squeeze workouts into your crazy schedules?

More great articles from Tori Spelling:
Valentine's Day Creative Kids Crafts
Eco-Chic: My New Vintage Wood Floors
Home Sweet Hollywood Recap: The Season Finale
Palm Springs PicTORIal Part 1