FitSugar

Fit Tip: Drop and Give Me 10

FitSugar — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 12:00:45 -0800

When it comes to working out, I used to believe that it was all or nothing. I either had to fully commit to an hour at the gym or skip it altogether. Sometimes I'm busy, and to break it down to you, I don't always have an hour chunk in my day to work out. My guess is that it's probably the same for many others out there. Since they're running late for their yoga class, they skip it altogether. Since it's too cold to go for a run, they watch TV instead.

Instead of bowing out completely, use whatever extra minutes you might have to fit in exercise throughout your day. On days when I can't make it to the gym, I do a few sets of sit-ups or lunges in my bedroom or go for a 10-minute bike ride in my neighborhood. A friend of mine has been known to do a five-minute yoga sequence in her office. Whatever you choose, it's important for our physical and mental health to get moving - even if it's only for a few minutes at a time. What sort of miniworkouts will you do?

Tweet of the Day: Kristin Cavallari

FitSugar — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 07:00:00 -0800

Since I literally just got back from sweating it out at the gym, I am more than appreciating this Twitter conversation between Hills star Kristin Cavallari and her trainer, John Damon. I feel your pain, Kristin!

@KristinCav: I am so sore from working out with my trainer John Damon yesterday. He's the best though!!

@johndamon: Kristin, you are the best! Hardest worker in the gym. Great form, great attitude, and you always show up. You are a true champion!!!

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Do You Feel Comfortable Changing in the Locker Room?

FitSugar — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 03:47:04 -0800

Confession: I do not change in the locker room. I didn't feel comfortable doing it in high school gym and I still don't feel comfortable. I'm not the only one either: there are more than a few ladies at my gym who change in a bathroom stall or arrive dressed in the workout gear. Also, I've never seen anyone in my sauna without a towel around her.

I'm a little modest about getting naked in front of a bunch of strangers, but I know other women have different reasons for staying clothed. Some aren't comfortable with their bodies, others don't want to be judged, and some don't feel like their locker rooms are private enough. No one wants to be caught with their pants down as the door swings wide open to the gym floor!

What about you . . .

Are You Going on a Fitness Date For Valentine's Day?

FitSugar — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 10:00:41 -0800

I am super excited for this weekend to start. Instead of a fancy dinner or a box of chocolates, the mister and I are celebrating Valentine's Day by spending the weekend rock climbing in Yosemite. We're splurging a little though - instead of roughing it in a tent like we normally do, we've got a room booked at a nearby bed and breakfast and a couples massage scheduled for Saturday evening. I'm also excited because one of our friends is coming up on Sunday to go on a hike with us. Compared to past Valentine's Day celebrations, this year's will definitely be my most fitness-inspired.

It looks like I'm not the only one who likes to get closer to my beau by going on a fitness date. Anna Paquin spent some quality time with her costar and fiancé Stephen Moyer at the gym this week. (It looks like they're also on the celeb-lovin' Vita Coco kick!)

How about you?

Get Over the Hump Day: You in Motion

FitSugar — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 12:00:53 -0800

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 -0800

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.

Do You Work Out in the Rain?

FitSugar — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 03:47:36 -0800

For almost two weeks we've been getting a lot of rain where I live, which is pretty unusual. The first few nights were nice - the thunder and lightning were exciting, and I felt cozy bundled up inside. By the weekend I was over it. I couldn't go for a hike or a bike ride, and climbing was definitely out of the question.

Despite only heading to the gym and the yoga studio for my workouts, I did notice a very small number of runners and cyclists braving it in this weather. Some of them were decked out in head-to-toe weatherproof gear, while others didn't seem to care. Regardless of what they were wearing, I thought it was still very punk rock of them. These weren't pleasant afternoon showers I'm talking about - more like torrential downpours. Also, it was cold!

A menacing storm couldn't keep these folks from their workouts! Tell me . . .

Weigh In: My Boyfriend's Sabotaging My Healthy Habits

FitSugar — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 12:00:53 -0800

This FitSugar reader could use some advice on how to deal with her boyfriend.

Dear Fit,
I've always been committed to a healthy lifestyle, cooking with low-fat healthy ingredients, and making it a point to hit the gym four times a week. I always felt in shape and happy with my body, but, recently this all changed. I moved in with my boyfriend before the holidays, and he doesn't share my health or fitness goals at all. He rarely goes to the gym and eats whatever he wants, and while I knew this before we moved in, I didn't know how much his unhealthy habits would affect me. When I want to head to the gym after work, he sucks me in with compliments about my body and tells me I don't need to worry about working out because I look great already. At first I fell for all the flattery, but now it's getting old. On top of that, he loves to eat out or order in, and eats total junk food. It's always in the house, so I'm eating it non-stop, too. I was totally resolved to stick to my healthy routine before we moved in, but the reality is that it's not so easy. Every time we discuss it, he says he'll be more supportive, but when the time comes for me to workout, he's always trying to get me to stay and hang out. Even when we shop together, he influences all of my food purchases. I don't know what to do. I love him, but my health is important too. I don't want to break up or move out. How can I make this work?
- Gotta Get Back on Track

Can you help a fellow FitSugar reader out? Share your advice below.

Speak Up: What Do You Nosh on After Working Out?

FitSugar — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 10:00:50 -0800

After working out, it's important to eat something. Your body needs to replenish itself and repair any muscle damage, which occurs when you strength train. It's also important not to wait too long to eat. Try having a snack within 45 minutes of your workout - your muscles are more responsive to insulin and your body can process carbs more efficiently immediately after a workout.

After the gym I always try to eat a snack or meal that's high in carbs, low in fat, and contains protein. My favorite post-gym snacks are a big salad, eggs, or a healthy turkey sandwich. In a pinch, I'll eat an apple to hold me over until dinner. Many experts suggest chocolate milk is the perfect post-workout snack. Russell Brand - fiance to Katy Perry - opts for a liquid snack post-workout. This week, he was seen leaving the gym in some seriously sporty socks with what I'm hoping is a nutritious protein shake.

How about you - what's your post-workout snack or meal?

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Do You Work Out Even When Really Sore?

FitSugar — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 03:47:59 -0800

I spent a good portion of my Sunday bouldering in the gym. Time flew by and before I knew it, I had spent about four hours climbing up and down bouldering walls. I felt OK that evening, but the next day I was unbelievably sore.

I knew the soreness I was feeling wasn't anything to be alarmed about. Soreness is caused by microscopic tears in your muscle fibers - when your body rebuilds the damaged muscles, they become even stronger. To be honest, I was glad I felt a little worked. I focused on muscles that don't normally get my attention, and what I was feeling said that it paid off.

That night I had plans to hit the gym and possibly a yoga class, but given how sore my body was I debated skipping out altogether. Ultimately, a late night at the office and a forgotten gym bag kept me from going. When I got home, I soaked in a bath of epsom salts and decided on some light stretching instead.

How about you . . .