FitSugar

David Kirsch's Boot Camp Circuit Workout

FitSugar — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 04:30:34 -0800

We are headed straight for the ultimate day of American indulgence, Thanksgiving, which if followed by a month of festivities closing out the year. New York based trainer David Kirsch created a workout to help FitSugar readers stay on track this holiday season. He's helped Heidi Klum bounce back post baby, so he can definitely help us all tone up. David's circuit boot camp is intense, fun, and sure to burn calories. Here's how to follow the workout.

Instructions: Work through the entire circuit doing 15 to 20 reps of each exercise. Then repeat entire circuit twice more for a total of three sets. Your goal is to complete three full sets in 45 minutes. Props needed: a set of three- to five-pound dumbbells, a four- to six-pound medicine ball, and an exercise ball to fit your height.
Source: WireImage

View Slideshow ›

Weekend Workout: Three Moves for a Healthy Back

FitSugar — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 04:30:25 -0800

You may not be able to see it, but that doesn't mean your should neglect it. I am talking about your back. A strong back is an essential part of a strong core, and it can help you maintain proper posture and prevent pain. Grab a mat and give these three moves a try that will strengthen and increase flexibility in your back. Repeat all three exercises for a total of three rounds.

Cat Cow

Superman Booty Lifts

Camel Against the Wall

Still itching for more mini-workouts? Check out these Weekend Workouts to learn how to tone other areas of your body.

Serena Williams Named Woman of the Year

FitSugar — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 03:30:37 -0800

Looks like having a potty mouth won't hurt you too much. Serena Williams is one of 11 outstanding ladies Glamour magazine has chosen for its Women of the Year issue.

Glamour cites Williams's competitive spirit and drive as a testament to her success, even in the face of hardships like the tragic murder of her sister Yetunde and her rise through the rankings after suffering injuries in 2006. This year it all came full circle for Williams when she captured the Wimbledon victory against her sister, Venus - whom she credits as being a major force in motivating her to work the hardest and become the best.

Besides her Wimbledon victory, Williams has 11 Grand Slam titles, two Olympic gold medals, and has earned more prize money than any female athlete in history. But her trophies and bank account aren't the only reason Glamour thinks Williams is tops. Between winning matches, she's managed to start her own clothing line, pen an autobiography, and open a school in Kenya through her Serena Williams Foundation.

Who else did Glamour name as Women of the Year? Some of the other notables Williams holds court with are Michelle Obama, Maria Shriver, Rihanna, and poet Maya Angelou.

Pass Gym Time With Healthy Competition

FitSugar — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 10:30:59 -0800

Watching TV, listening to music, and perusing magazines are all great ways to pass the time when you're on a cardio machine, but even those can get boring. They also require a bit of attention, compromising a good workout - you can't turn pages while doing sprint intervals. When you need a little motivation, utilize your fellow gym-goers and compete with a stranger. While on the treadmill, look for someone near you who is clearly working it, and try to run a little faster or stay on the machine a little longer than that unsuspecting runner. When they end their run and you're still going, get ready for the sweet taste of victory. This works on a bike, elliptical, or in the pool. While it's helpful to use someone else's drive to push yourself, just make sure you also listen to your body and don't exceed your personal limits.

Run Before Your Feast: Turkey Trot

FitSugar — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 08:00:31 -0800

My new Thanksgiving motto is, "Burn your pie to earn your pie." And that's burn as in calories. According to Runner's World, the amount of calories burned running a 5k is quite similar to the calories found in a slice of pumpkin pie. I thought that little comparison might inspire you to sign up for a Thanksgiving Day race, aka a Turkey Trot.

Many running clubs host these events in neighborhoods and suburbs not considered typical race venues. High school cross country teams also sponsor these fun runs as fundraising events. And let me tell you, not only are they fun, but they're a great way to start your day.

You can find an event near you at Active.com. If you're lucky, you might even get a cool race t-shirt like these from my last two fun runs on T-day. And don't forget to join the RunningSugar Group, where hard-core runners and newbies dish about the delights of running. Tell me, are you racing on T-day?

You Asked: Jackie Warner's New Project

FitSugar — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 05:50:18 -0800

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?

Do You Use Your Gym Membership?

FitSugar — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 04:30:24 -0800

Signing up for a gym membership is one way to help you get in shape. The hardest part, though, is motivating yourself to actually go. So tell me . . .

DVD Review: Daily Energy - Vinyasa Flow Yoga

FitSugar — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 03:00:50 -0800

It's no lie that Shiva Rea is one of my yoga idols. Considered one of the best Vinyasa yoga instructors due to her calming energy and challenging sequences of postures, Shiva has created a new DVD. You know I was excited to try it.

Titled Daily Energy - Vinyasa Flow Yoga ($20), the new video contains seven 20-minute sessions to encourage a little time on the mat every day. Shiva believes a little daily yoga is more beneficial than occasional long and intense practices. The DVD is as flexible as its creator - you can practice for 20 minutes or longer by combining a few sequences for a longer yoga session. She has also created pre-set practices for you to experiment with if you're looking for longer combinations, with some practices being grounding and relaxing and others uplifting and energetic. Depending on your mood, you can choose which session will benefit you for the day.

I love that the video includes short yoga workouts, so you can always fit in a quick, yet complete practice. It's so much better than popping in a full-length video and following along for only part of the series. This video is great to do after a run or bike ride. The unique and fluid sequences strengthened my arms, core, and legs, but also gave me a good stretch. Shiva never lets me down and is always coming up with challenging variations of postures I've never seen before. Beginners and seasoned yogis will both love this DVD.

To see a clip of this video, read more.

Online Sale Alert: Lucy One-Day Anniversary Sale

FitSugar — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 16:00:54 -0800

When it comes to fitness wear, I love Lucy. This sporty company is celebrating its 10-year anniversary, not with cake but with a one-day sale. All day Friday, Nov. 6, you can save 30 percent on all regularly priced merchandise. Just print this coupon and head to your local Lucy store (here is the store locator ) or if you're more of an online shopper us this code: HAPPY BIRTHDAY.

Here are few items I have my eyes on:

View 5 Photos ›

Work It Girl: Reverse Arch Stretch

FitSugar — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 15:00:58 -0800

Constantly hovering over your keyboard, with your shoulders hunched over not only contributes to terrible posture, but can be a real pain in the neck and back. I know this stretch looks a little provocative and is reminiscent of FlashDance, but it is the antidote to a day of blogging.

Sit on the edge of your chair. Reach your hands behind you and hold on to the back of the chair.
Inhale and press your chest forward, arching your spine. If it feels comfortable, let your head fall back slightly to open through the front of the neck.
Continue to breathe, feeling the front of your body open up as you extend backwards.
Hold this position for 30 seconds or as long as you want. Then slowly lift your head back up, straighten your spine, and release the chair.

Try it and tell me what you think.