FitSugar -- Healthy, happy you.

DVD Review: Bollywood Burn

FitSugar — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 11:00:00 -0700

If you loved The Bollywood Dance Workout DVD, here's another one from Indian dance diva Hemalayaa with a pop-culture bend to it titled Bollywood Burn ($15). This video has three different dance segments, so you can do all three at one time (42 minutes total), or just choose one or two dances if you're pressed for time.

I've got to say that when the DVD started, I felt a little silly doing the moves. Also, Hemalayaa kept laughing uncontrollably, which was a little weird, but I must say that this workout was intense. I swear that my thighs were burning the entire time from the squat pulsing, and my heart was pumping from all the hopping and knee lifts. I liked that she alternated between a few minutes of intense dancing and a couple minutes of stretching. This workout seemed like new-age aerobics, and since I have loved aerobics since the '90s, I really enjoyed this workout. Once I got into the Bollywood groove, I found that this DVD was a really fun way to tone my entire body, especially my shoulders, thighs, and bum. I bet this would be really amazing to do in a class with a live band. Well for now I'll stick to this DVD. If you're looking for a new way to exercise, burn calories, and feel the burn in your quads and hips, I'd definitely order Bollywood Burn.

To see a clip of this DVD

Get in Gear: Yakkay Bike Helmets

FitSugar — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 10:00:00 -0700

Many folks still, though it boggles my mind as to why, refuse to wear a helmet when biking. Some are worried about messing up their hair on not looking like a fashionista while wearing a helmet. As my mom, and former R.N., always said, "A helmet is a lot more fashionable than a halo brace." But I digress . . .

For those looking for a helmet that's a little cooler, and pricier, than your average helmet try on a Yakkay for size. These smart helmets are basically a very simple, but safe, helmet fitted with a cool hat-like cover. Unfortunately the helmets seem to be only available overseas at the moment, but you can order one online for about $177 (or 120 Euros) plus shipping. I'm loving them — but my Specialized helmet seems to be working just fine for me right now. Maybe when they make their way stateside I'll invest in one for my days when I am cruising around town rather than working to get my heart rate up. What do you think?

DrSugar Answers: Losing Too Much Weight Running?

DrSugar — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 05:30:00 -0700

DrSugar is in the house and answering your questions.

Dear DrSugar,
I have a problem that might seem a little odd, but I am not dieting and I am losing too much weight. I am training for a marathon, and exercise daily about 2 hours Monday through Friday (running outside mixed with swimming, spin class, body pump, and running on Treadmill). My Saturday workout is always a long run, and my Sunday workout is a short run. I know I am not pregnant, but my last period was 5 months ago. Is this due to too much exercise? Other than the missing period, I feel strong and fine. And I eat healthy meals every 2 to 3 hours. Is this something that I need to worry about?
Running Rita

This is an interesting multi-faceted question. DrSugar and I decided we should both tackle this one. To read what DrSugar has to say about this, just

What's the Deal With Kerri Walsh's Shoulder Tape?

FitSugar — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 03:30:00 -0700

Watching Kerri Walsh and Misty May-Treanor kick some sand-covered butt has been a highlight of the Summer Olympics so far, and I'd love to see this dynamic duo go home with the gold. Meanwhile, I've been puzzling over the multicolored tape that Walsh has been wearing on her shoulder; sometimes it's black, sometimes it's blue, but clearly it's there for a reason.

I did a little research and discovered that this stuff is called Kinesio Tex Tape, and it's being used by a number of Olympians this year.

The therapeutic tape can be used for many different purposes, compressing muscles while allowing athletes to move freely. It helps relieve pain and also supports muscle and joint stability and performance. There are a number of different ways to apply it and use it, so you should do some research and/or talk to a professional before using Kinesio tape.

If you want to follow in Walsh's footsteps, you can buy a 2” x 16.4' roll of Kinesio Tex Gold Tape for $15. Better yet, until Aug. 31, you can get a deal: When you buy three or more rolls, you get one free — though the website warns that orders may be delayed due to increased demand from the Olympics!

If you've ever tried this stuff, I'd love to hear what you thought, so tell me below.

FitSugar -- Healthy, happy you.

DVD Review: Bollywood Burn

Get in Gear: Yakkay Bike Helmets

DrSugar Answers: Losing Too Much Weight Running?

What's the Deal With Kerri Walsh's Shoulder Tape?

Fit Tip: Don't Forget About the Rest of Your Body

Gear Review: Hyde Yoga Trieger Tank

Strike a Yoga Pose: One-Legged Inverted Staff Pose

What Popular Olympic Sport Would You Want to Try?

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Partner Yoga Pose: Supported Flying Arch

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Speak Up: What's Your Favorite Way to Exercise?

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Another Reason to Run: It Lengthens Your Life

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Fit Tip: Do Exercises You Hate

Get on the Ball: Opposite Limb Extensions

Do the Olympics Inspire You to Work Out?

Cardio: Fact or Fiction

Strike a Yoga Pose: Standing Half Bound Lotus

Fit Tip: Work Your Legs While Blow Drying Your Hair

Back on Track: Make a Fitness Date

Get Physical: Playground Workout

You Asked: Will Working Out at Night Make Falling Asleep Difficult?

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Try the "Awesome Dawesome" Workout

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Swim Tip: Make One of Your Laps All About Your Legs

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