FitSugar

Speak Up: How Do You Relax After a Workout?

FitSugar — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 10:00:44 -0800

Alanis Morissette has turned into a serious running junkie, competing in not one, but two marathons this season. In the January issue of Runner's World, the Grammy-award winning singer shares that running has become a lifestyle and credits it for making her healthier and happier.

After running the singer says she takes an ice bath - yowza! The frigid baths help calm the inflammation that results from a long run: "They say for every mile you should be a minute in ice, so I've been doing that. It's not too pleasant, but you get used to it. It's quick. In and out."

Besides ice baths, Morissette is a big fan of napping after her workouts. She likes to load up on a high glycemic meal and spend an hour knocked out on one of her many futons.

What's your favorite way to relax after a long workout?

Runner's World Shoe Finder

FitSugar — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 03:00:00 -0700

Looking for a new pair of sneakers can be overwhelming. There are so many different brands and styles, so how do you know which one is the best? Check out the Runner's World Shoe Finder for some help.

If you want to know how a specific sneaker rates, just type in the name. If you want to know which shoes they recommend for your type of foot, they'll give you a whole list of sneaks with a review of each one so you know what you're getting for your money. Speaking of money, if you don't want to spend more that $60 on your new sneaks, you can also get a list of shoes in your price range. Or maybe you're loyal to one brand of sneaker, so you can also check out how the different styles compare. I love this shoe finder - it's a great place to do some sneaker research.

5k's with 6 Kids: Ceci St. Geme Is One Fast Mother

FitSugar — Sun, 13 May 2007 02:00:00 -0700

I am always looking for inspiration and I found it recently in one fit and fast mom - Ceci St. Geme. Here's some interesting numbers on St. Geme:

17:30 - Her average 5k time, these days
6 - Number of kids she has - ages range from 8 to 19
44 - Her age
6 - Number of times she has appeared on the cover of Runner's World

Impressive, right?

Here's what she had to say in a recent interview with the folks at Runner's World:

"I run a 5-K, and I'm home by 10 a.m. A marathon and its training takes so much more time and energy."

"There's always the guilt factor when you take time for yourself, whether it's for running or photography or whatever. I definitely worry about dropping the ball with one of the kids, but I'd worry about that even if I didn't run. I'm more prone to think, I run, which makes me happy--and a happy mom equals happy kids."

"Cross-training doesn't really work for me. Running is really the only thing that prepares me for racing."

(on having had au pairs, baby-sitters, and housekeepers at various times)
"I realize I'm extremely lucky to be in the position I am," she says. "With six kids, I'd be doing laundry and cleaning all day if I didn't have some help."

So, my treat to myself this Mother's Day is going to be a nice long run. Just me, my iPod and the road. After I have digested my breakfast eaten in bed, of course!

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The Runaways: Guitars Make Girls Grow Up Fast

BuzzSugar — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 05:30:00 -0700

Picture this: it's 1975. The airwaves are dominated by the likes of David Bowie, The Eagles, and the Bee Gees. Then, seemingly out of nowhere, a rock group - made up entirely of teenage girls - explodes onto the scene. In no time they've signed a record deal and are touring Japan, singing to thousands of fans who can't get enough. Sounds like standard film fodder, but what rocks about The Runaways is that it all actually happened.

The film is truly about the band's front-runners, Joan Jett (Kristen Stewart) and Cherie Currie (Dakota Fanning). Joan is the mysterious, sexually ambiguous rhythm guitar player who just wants to be taken seriously as a rock musician. She approaches producer Kim Fowley (played to a T by Michael Shannon) outside of a club one night, and after an introduction to drummer Sandy West their girl group emerges. Across town, 16-year-old Cherie Currie is slowly starting to come into her own as a social outcast from a broken home. We get a glimpse of her star power as she writhes fearlessly on stage, embodying David Bowie for a high school talent show. She meets Joan and Kim in a club one night, and weeks later she's the blond bombshell, the lead singer, and the face of The Runaways.

To see which notes the movie hits and where it misses, just read more.

It's hard to believe that a story so chock-full of cliches could actually be based on history, but it's true: Joan Jett really did meet Fowler outside of a club, and he really did have a drummer already lined up. Their smash hit "Cherry Bomb" really was written on the spot for Cherie Currie when she came in for an audition. And, sadly, Currie really did spiral out of control and was all washed up by her 18th birthday.

Stewart holds her own in Joan Jett's shoes (and mullet, and leather), but it's Fanning who steals the show. Gone is the baby faced actress who was introduced to the world as Sean Penn's precocious four-year-old in I Am Sam, and in her place is a powerhouse performer. It's almost eerie watching Cherie come-of-age (and beyond) on the big screen knowing that Fanning has grown up in the spotlight herself. Fanning truly makes Cherie transform from an independent yet callow teenager into a pill-popping, corset-wearing rock diva. Fanning manages to push the limits of Cherie's attitude problems, but holds back before going over-the-top with the dramatics.

I was disappointed to see that Floria Sigismondi's direction often falls in line with the rock movie stereotypes. Once the girls hit the road, the band scenes felt like they could have come from any movie. We're hit with the classic dizzying camera angles set to music, supposedly exemplifying all that is rock and roll: a roller coaster ride representing the band's performances, use of mind-altering substances, and experimenting with sex. It's kind of a staple for a music biopic, but the "whirlwind rise to the top" scenes almost felt too fast-forwarded.

Still, it's a ride that's fun to be on. The girls live out a teenage fantasy of fame and rebellion (albeit a vision that ends too quickly), but watching as they scream and squirm and make trouble is the perfect fodder for a popcorn flick.

Photos courtesy of Apparition

Before Buying New Sneaks, Read Your Soles

FitSugar — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 10:00:55 -0800

Before buying a pair of new running sneaks (or stocking up on a few), you can learn a lot about the kind of runner you are and the needs of your feet by checking out the condition of your old sneakers. According to an article in the March issue of Runner's World, here are some things you should look for before sneaker shopping:

Heel alignment: Place your sneaks side by side on a flat surface and look at the heels, checking to see if your sneakers lean to the right or to the left. If they lean inward, it's a sign that you're an overpronator. If they lean outward, then you're an underpronator. Neither is a bad thing, but when looking for your next pair, you should find ones that support how you pronate.

For more details on what to watch out for, keep reading

Runner's World Beginner Program

FitSugar — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 10:15:00 -0800

If there is more than one way up the mountain, there is definitely more than one way to begin a running program. I am a fan of the Couch to 5k plan that Cool Running created that prepares you for a 5k in eight weeks, but what if you want a plan that gets you to the 5k mark a few weeks earlier? Runner's World has a plan that will get you up and running a 5k in as many weeks. The Beginner 5k Plan is a little more flexible and a little less structured. You start with 20 minutes of walking or cross training, so if you want to add a little running your first day out it is up to you to motivate yourself to pick up your pace. The plan does have you moving in some way, shape, or form six days a week and this consistency will definitely keep you on track.

Check out the plan here and get running! Don't let those lame Pearl Izumi ads keep you from hitting the streets.

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Runner's World Bra Finder

FitSugar — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 15:15:00 -0800

Shopping online is a time saver, but sizing some purchases can be a little confusing. Shopping online for a sports bra is one such challenge and it is nice to have a little advice on how to get a good fit.

Well over at Runner's World, you can find a handy Bra Tool. Enter measurements of your rib cage and bust and the tool will determine what size you should buy.

Fit's Tip: Although it seems like a good idea, do not buy a smaller size thinking you will get more support. A bra that is too tight can negatively affect your ability to breathe and compromise your running potential. Plus, tight bras can cause painful chafing.

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Fab Exclusive! Christian Cota, Fashion's Next Big Star (Is Already Working on a Lower Priced Line)

FabSugar — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 15:08:47 -0800

You may not be familiar with Mexican-born Christian Cota, but he's about to blow up. He always steps out of the black fashion box, experimenting with color, texture, and prints. And his Fall collection is a step beyond. Cota was inspired by cubism; he took his signature draping and reimagined it to bring us something more structured, more serious. Mineral tones reigned: ochre, crimson, purple, copper, lapis, onyx, and anthracite - cool metals and warm jewels. Socialite Lauren Santo Domingo serves as his stylist, and his presentation brought the whole Vogue crew to bid warm hellos, and oohs, and aahs.

Subtle, sparkling jewelry was by Monique Pean, recent CFDA Vogue Fashion Fund runner-up. And the lace-up, suede, open-toe booties were Aldo (sweet!). Oh, and do you recall Carrie Underwood wore him to this year's People Choice Awards? I talked to Cota about that, and here's more juice.

Your collection has such a variety or textures, fabrics, and silhouettes.

Very boxy, lean silhouettes, with interesting texture and color. And very body-conscious, lean-fitting silhouettes. I wanted to do daywear, so with this jacket I did a wool coating but added some glitz and lurex feel, which I love. I really believe in having color and shine. Usually I do a softer, drapey silhouette, and this season I wanted to explore something more angular. It can still be beautiful and feminine but a little tougher.

To read the rest of my interview and to see the full Fall collection, read more.

How did you team up with Lauren?

She was doing a shoot for Vogue. and it was in my showroom. I saw how she was working - she was on her knees, she was really working it - and I said OK, I want to work with you, and we've worked together three seasons now. And Lauren introduced me to the jewelry designer Monique Pean. These bracelets she's showing for the first time; she reworked some of her pieces for the show.

What's brewing in your world?

I actually have another collection I'm working on, in a lower price point. But for now I want to focus on getting into the stores I want and being true to who I am. On my website I am doing a bit of e-commerce; I select particular pieces to sell online, best sellers. I believe in growing that business more.

How did you feel when Carrie Underwood wore a dress of yours to the People's Choice Awards?

I was so excited because 1) she won, and 2) she got great reviews and response in it. I liked that it was a new style for her.

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Don't forget to check out all of our New York Fashion Week coverage and follow my Fashion Week adventures on Twitter!

Running Prehab: Toe Scrunch

FitSugar — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 07:00:00 -0800

Running can take a toll on your feet, but I have found a simple prehab exercise to keep your dogs strong so you can stay on the road. Amy Yoder Begley, training partner of my fave runner Kara Goucher, shared her healthy running secrets with Runner's World. In her arsenal of preventative tricks: the toe scrunch.

This simple exercise strengthens the foot and shin muscles helping to keep overuse injuries like plantar fasciitis at bay. I have been doing 25 a day on each foot; it takes under a minute to do. My feet have never felt better, especially after long runs.

To see toe scrunch in action, keep reading.

Home Away From Home: Kurland Hotel

CasaSugar — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 08:00:45 -0800

Looking for a getaway that will have you living the high life? Then hop a flight to South Africa and head to Plettenberg Bay, where the Kurland Hotel will have you playing polo, sipping brandy, and enjoying spa treatments in a gorgeous setting.

Kurland, which was renovated into a luxury hotel 10 years ago, has received many accolades, including a 2002 runner-up award for the prestigious Tatler Hotel of the Year. The hotel's look is homey and unique, thanks to furnishings sourced from family heirlooms and objets d’art discovered at international fairs such as Maison & Objet in Paris and Salone Internazionale del Mobile in Milan.

To learn more about this hotel, as well as to check out more photos, read more.

There really does seem to be something for everyone, from dolphin watching and beach combing in Plettenberg Bay to polo ponies and spa treatments on the hotel's grounds. In fact, the hotel's Plettenberg Bay Festive Season of Polo and Easter Polo Festival are helping to establish it as a force to be reckoned with in the world of polo.

Not so much into equine sports? Then take time to smell the roses in the hotel's historic rose gardens, or relax in the spa's private steam room, sauna room, therapy rooms, relaxation area, or plunge pool. Brides-to-be can also dream about holding their ceremony or reception on the hotel's beautiful grounds. Wedding ceremonies may be held in the hotel gardens, and catering is offered by the hotel's award-winning restaurant.

While flying halfway around the world to stay at a luxury hotel may not be in your budget at the moment, it is fun to take a peek at this gorgeous facility. See what's to love in the gallery below.

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