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What's Your Favorite Spring Sport to Watch on TV?

FitSugar — Sat, 03 May 2008 02:30:00 -0700

In the world of professional sports, Spring offers a mixture of playoffs and opening games. And if you're into watching sports on TV, you must be a happy little camper. There are basketball playoffs, hockey playoffs, baseball is just starting to gear up, and there's golf on the weekends. Seeing sports on TV gets me excited to play a few games myself. So I was wondering . . .

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Spring Sports: Burn It Up Outside

FitSugar — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 05:30:00 -0700

It finally feels like Spring has arrived and we can all finally exercise outside. Spring weather inspires so many outdoor activities and lucky for us they are calorie burners too. Check out how many calories my favorite Spring activities burn. The amounts are based on a 130-pound woman.

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What Spring Activity Are You Most Looking Forward To?

FitSugar — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 02:00:00 -0700

Spring is in the air. Birds are chirping, bugs are buzzing, and the air smells of fresh flowers. I'm so looking forward to being outside without having to bundle up.

Hiking is one of my favorite things to do when the weather warms up, because I love being out in nature and noticing all the signs of Spring. Not to mention, going uphill is a great workout for my buns and thighs. So tell me . . .

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Celebrate Spring: Go Fly a Kite

FitSugar — Sat, 22 Mar 2008 03:00:00 -0700

It is officially Spring (even though in some parts of the country it might not feel like it) and I think a great way to celebrate the season change is flying a kite. Since March comes in like a lion, getting a kite in the air is a way to take advantage of all that blustery wind.

I am not going to lie to you, flying a kite is not the most strenuous workout, but rather something a little more Zen. Holding a kite string and enjoying the fresh air can be therapeutic and downright meditative. However, you can burn about 100 calories with 20 minutes of kite flying. Plus, you do get a little upper body workout if the wind is really blowing. If the day is calm then you can get some sprints into your day while you attempt to get your kite aloft.

Do you have the song "Let's Go Fly a Kite" going through your head. I sure do. Do you know what movie that song is from? Tell me in the comments section below.

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5 Things: Tennis Form Fundamentals

FitSugar — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 09:30:00 -0700

With Spring almost here and the days getting longer, I can't wait to hit the courts for some after-work tennis action. Tennis is definitely one of those sports (like golf) that you can play for years and still learn new things every time you take a lesson. In fact, veteran tennis players continue to take lessons to maximize their games and perfect their form.

I've already given you some tips for novices, but even experts can use reminders from time to time about some of the basic fundamentals of tennis form. To see my five tennis essentials, read more

Sometimes tennis pros can sound like broken records repeating these tips, but no matter how many times I play, I still need to be reminded!

Get your racquet back. Repeat this to yourself like a mantra every time you take a shot. It makes you pause and get ready before hitting, and it will put more power behind your shot.
Set yourself. Even if you're running to get a shot, put the brakes on and stop before hitting the ball. It's easier to be accurate and maintain your form when you're not swinging mid-run.
Get down. When hitting a basic ground stroke (a forehand or backhand), lower your body by squatting just slightly in order to get under the ball and stay down through the shot. Since you swing low to high, this will ensure you're not hitting the ball wildly upward.
Keep your eye on the ball. It sounds like common sense, but often we forget to keep our eyes on the ball when hitting volleys and serves. Remember, it's just as important to look up at the ball when tossing for a serve.
Follow through. This may be the single most important way to ensure the ball goes where you want it to go - that is, in bounds, not out! Meet the ball in front of your body, then make a full swing around. On a forehand, this means catching the racquet in your other hand; with backhands, you should end up with the racquet over your shoulder.

Got some more tennis essentials to share? Tell me in the comments!

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It's Ultimate Frisbee Time

FitSugar — Thu, 26 Apr 2007 10:15:00 -0700

Warmer weather always makes we want to go for a nice long walk in the park. I always see college kids, running around barefoot, and tossing around a frisbee.

Some ladies are causal frisbee tossers, and others take the game much more seriously. Ultimate Frisbee has taken this carefree pastime to a whole other competitive level.

It's like a whole bunch of sports rolled into one. You play on a field similar to one used for football. It requires the athletic endurance of soccer, and the quick thinking and passing of basketball. It's played by 2 teams of 7 players.

In order to score a point, you need to catch the frisbee in the other team's end zone (kind of like football). You can run around unless you have control of the frisbee, then you need to stay put until you pass it.

If you want to play, you can always get a bunch of your buddies together for a friendly game, but you could also join a club, team, or game in your area.

Want to see the 10 rules of Ultimate Frisbee? Then read more

Here are the rules:

The field is rectangular, with endzones at each end. A regulation field is 70 yards by 40 yards, with endzones 25 yards deep.
Each point begins with both teams lining up on the front of their respective endzone line. The defense throws ("pulls") the frisbee to the offense.
Each time the offense completes a pass in the defense's endzone, the offense scores a point. Play is initiated after each score.
The disc may be advanced in any direction by completing a pass to a teammate. Players may not run with the frisbee. The person with the disc ("thrower") has ten seconds to throw the frisbee. The defender guarding the thrower ("marker") counts out the stall count.

When a pass in not completed (e.g. out of bounds, drop, block, interception), the defense immediately takes possession of the frisbee and becomes the offense.
Players not in the game may replace players in the game after a score and during an injury timeout.
No physical contact is allowed between players. Picks and screens are also prohibited. A foul occurs when contact is made.
When a player initiates contact on another player a foul occurs. When a foul disrupts possession, the play resumes as if the possession was retained. If the player committing the foul disagrees with the foul call, the play is redone.
Players are responsible for their own foul and line calls. Players resolve their own disputes )there are no referees).
Ultimate Frisbee stresses sportsmanship and fair play. Competitive play is encouraged, but never at the expense of respect between players, adherence to the rules, and the basic joy of play.

Spring Skiing and Riding

FitSugar — Wed, 11 Apr 2007 14:30:00 -0700

I know snow is a weird topic to bring up now, but in certain parts of the world, spring hasn't quite sprung. Many of the mountains are still covered in snow, so this weekend might be the last time to snap on your skis or board and hit the slopes.

For some, spring skiing and riding is better than winter skiing because there has been tons of snowfall, the skies are clearer, and the air is warmer. There's nothing more exhilarating than flying down the mountain in a t-shirt.

Here are some tips to keep you safe and happy:

Get some spring clothes. I know this seems obvious, but if you wear your heavy winter coat, snowpants, mittens, and base layers, you'll overheat and sweat profusely. This will make your clothes wet, and that will inevitably make you cold and uncomfortable.

Get yourself a lightweight waterproof jacket to wear over a thin fleece jacket and short-sleeved wicking shirt. You can probably ditch the base layers altogether, and some people just wear lightweight mudpants instead of bulky snowpants.

If you have glove liners, you can use them, or get yourself some lightweight mittens. Also, get yourself a cute spring hat - no need for one that's fleece-lined.

Want to hear the other tips? Then read more

Wear thinner socks. You don't want your feet to sweat because then you could get some nasty blisters.
Wear protective sunglasses. Not only is the sun's reflection on the snow blinding, but it can also damage your eyes.
Wear sweatproof sunscreen. Since your skin has been covered all winter long, you want to protect your sensitive skin from getting burned by the bright spring sun. Apply sunscreen to your face and arms before you head out. That way, when you start to get hot and peel layers, your arms will already be lubed up.
Get your skis or board tuned up for spring. A spring wax will make your ride much smoother.
Be extra careful. The snow might not be as deep, and certain areas may have melted down. Be on the lookout for exposed rocks, baby trees, and sticks.
Bring a backpack. Whether you keep it in the lodge or on your back, when you get hot, you'll want a place to stuff all your extra layers. Pack an extra long-sleeve and short-sleeve shirt and socks just in case the ones you're wearing get wet.

If you have any other tips, feel free to share them below!

Spring Biking Tips: Get Your Bike Tuned Up

FitSugar — Fri, 23 Mar 2007 10:15:00 -0700

Now that the weather is getting warm I bet you're itching to get outside into the fresh air. Biking is one of my favorite ways to exercise outdoors.

Now is the time to get your bike tuned-up, so it'll be all ready come riding season. Keep your bike in tip top shape so it can help you get into tip top shape, too.

You can tune up your bike yourself if you don't mind getting dirty, but taking it to a professional bike shop might be easier for you. Shops usually offer basic tune-ups for around $40-80, depending on where you live and what needs to be done to your bike.

Want to know what a bike tune up entails? Then read more

They'll:

Clean your bike - keeping your bike clean will extend the life of its parts.
Check Your Wheels - the hubs, axles, locknuts, rims, and tires will be inspected and replaced if damaged.
Check Your Drive Train System - the chains, gears, derailer (also spelled derailleurs - this is what shifts the gears), and pedals will be inspected, replaced if damaged, and lubricated if necessary.
Check the Steering System - every part of the handle bars including the fork (the piece that holds the front tire), the headset (above the fork), and stem (above the headset) will be inspected for damage, loose locknuts, and proper alignment.
Check Brake System - the brakes, brake pads, nuts and bolts will be inspected for damage and replaced if necessary.
Check Overall appearance - The entire frame, seat, and extra mounted accessories (like water bottle holders) are checked for stability and damage.

All this makes for happy riding!!!!!

Fab Worthy: Miu Miu's Daisy Print Clogs

FabSugarUK — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 06:00:28 -0700

Miu Miu's Spring '10 collection has had an overwhelming response with many celebs sporting pieces from the collection and the footwear being lusted after everywhere. I am a particular fan of chunky heels so you can imagine how excited I was when I saw the new season designs. Clogs are making a comeback for Spring and they're more stylish than ever. Alexa Chung has already snapped up Chanel's version, but it's Miu Miu's printed designs which have left me weak at the knees. This pair of daisy print clogs (£310) are one of the few styles still available (the cat version have sold out), so, if you're interested, you'd better act fast.

The Week in Pictures

TresSugar — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 08:00:48 -0800

This week we kicked off the month of March - which means Spring is almost here! But in Paris a different season got all the attention thanks to Fall Fashion Week, which would have us believe that we will soon sport mustaches. But so much more happened this week while we counted down the days until tomorrow's Academy Awards. Check out the photos that prove it.

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