FitSugar

Starter Arms: Exercise Video

FitSugar — Thu, 08 Mar 2007 12:00:00 -0800

Here is the third installment of the Test Case series: Starter Arms. This video is all about toning the upper arms to get you ready for springtime tank tops.

You will need a set of 5 to 8 pound dumbbells. If you don't have weights experiment with soup cans or full water bottles. Try to do this every other day for 2 weeks and see if your arm tone changes. Consider it an experiment or a challenge.

Some of the exercises are done with just one weight, but experiment and see if you can handle using both. Feel free to repeat the series once or twice.

Why not print this chart out to take these moves to the gym.

Print It: Starter Arms to Take to the Gym

FitSugar — Wed, 07 Mar 2007 12:00:00 -0800

Strength training is so important, plus doing this Starter Arms series will get your arms toned for spring time. Watch the video first then you can print out this printer friendly version to take with you to the gym.

All exercises have 10 reps. Each arm area is targeted 3 times. Feel free to repeat the sequence once or twice for a total of two or three rounds.

I recommend weights between 5 and 10 pounds for this series.

Exercise

Move 1

Move 2

Bicep Curls
Do's and Don'ts:

Move smoothly in both directions
Exhale as you bend your elbows, and engage your abs
Don't rock back onto your heels when you lift

Tricep Kick Backs
Do's and Don'ts:

Stand with your same leg back as arm that is working
Don't snap your elbow straight, keep the motion smooth
Pull your abs toward your belly button
Pause at the top of the motion to really work the triceps

There's a lot more exercises, so read more

Bent Over Rows Do's and Don'ts: Bend forward at your hips - do not round your low back Feel your shoulder blades squeeze together at the top of the motion By now you know I am going to say - engage your abs, so do it, already
Zipper Do's and Don'ts: Pull your abs up and in as you lift your arms - zipper your abs while you zipper your arms Don't raise your shoulders as you lift your arms Exhale as your raise your arms
Pulling the Bag Do's and Don'ts: This exercise is like pulling a bag of groceries into your chest - so this is a functional exercise for the biceps Exhale as you pull your arms into your chest Don't lean forward to meet the weight, pull it into your chest
Overhead Tricep Do's and Don'ts: Drop your chin down a little so you don't whack yourself in the head Your elbows will not get all the way to straight Exhale as you straighten your elbows
Arm Raises Do's and Don'ts: Exhale as you lift your arms up Don't raise your shoulders as you lift your arms Only raise your arms to shoulder height Make sure not to lean back as you lift your arms
Push Ups Do's and Don'ts: Exhale as you push the ground away to straighten your arms Use your core to support you - this way your shoulders will not get strained Really spread your fingers out wide and keep pressure in your finger tips - this keeps pressure out of your wrists Try these on your toes or your knees
Tricep Dips Do's and Don'ts: Finger tips point towards your pelvis Don't jam your elbows straight Make sure you are really bending and straightening your elbows, not just pumping your pelvis up and down

Engaged? Start Getting in Shape Now

FitSugar — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 11:00:00 -0700

Congratulations if you've recently gotten engaged. You have so many things to think about like the bridesmaid dresses, invitations, flowers, your rings, and the honeymoon. The most important thing though is to take care of yourself, making exercise a part of your regular routine. Not only will it help you look your best, but it's great to get in the habit of living a healthy lifestyle before your wedding, so you'll have a long life to share with your partner.

Here are some things to start thinking about:

If losing weight is your goal, meet with a dietitian. They can help you come up with a safe and healthy eating plan that will be nutritious and low in calories.
In order to lose weight, you'll also want to up your cardio. Join a gym and use the cardio machines, or take advantage of the warmer weather and walk, jog, hike, or ride your bike. To see results, you want to do at least 30 minutes of heart-pumping cardio at least three times a week.

What else can you do? Find out after you read more.

If toning up is your goal, hire a personal trainer to show you exercises that will target specific areas (like the backs of your arms).
Can't afford a personal trainer? Do toning and strengthening exercises on your own. This Starter Arms video is a great routine that's sure to work every muscle in your upper body.
If you're really serious about getting in shape and don't have much time before the big day, you may want to take the bridal boot camp approach. Go on a retreat, do an online program, or get some wedding workout DVDs.
Exercise with your partner. Not only will it keep you both healthy, but it's another way you can spend time together.

The great thing about all of these ideas is that not only will exercising regularly and eating more healthy help you get in shape for the big day, but you'll have less stress and more energy to plan the wedding - a pleasant side effect of working out.

For more wedding tips, check out all of the Sugar Network’s wedding coverage here.

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Guess How Much: Super Bowl Ads

SavvySugar — Sun, 01 Feb 2009 07:00:21 -0800

What recession? Despite the terrible economy, advertisers are shelling out big bucks for airtime during the Super Bowl. The commercial slots have always been coveted airtime, and the price is even higher this year than last. Go to your Super Bowl party armed with this conversation starter: How much are advertisers paying per second?

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Take the quiz

You Asked: How Can I Tone My Arms and Upper Back?

FitSugar — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 04:00:00 -0800

You're asking and I'm answering . . .

Hey Fit,

I'm in a wedding at the end of August. I feel pretty good about the way I look, but my arms always look bulky in wedding photos! I have access to equipment at the gym but was wondering if there are any general exercises that I could do without using weight machines.

- Bridesmaid to Be

Awesome question. Since summer is closer than we think, now's the time to start toning our arms and upper backs for tank tops and sleeveless dresses. There are definitely some great exercises you can do that don't require any machines. To find out what they are read more.

Push-ups are an oldie but goodie. They're great because they focus on toning the backs of your arms and your upper back. You can do "classic" push-ups with your legs straight, or you can do them with your knees on the ground. You can also do push-ups with your legs on a step or gym ball. The decline helps to add resistance making this push-up a bit more challenging. You can also try side push-ups for an extra challenge too.

Yoga poses also help to tone your arms and upper back and you don't need any equipment for them. They work because you're lifting your own body weight. Beginner's Sage works your shoulders and abs, Crow works your arms, and Wheel strengthens your back. If you like balancing poses, holding headstand for a while, even if your feet are leaning against a wall, really works your upper back and shoulders.

If you have a set of hand weights, doing Reverse Rows in Plank position is another great move. You'll really feel the burn in your upper back and triceps. You can also use your weights to follow along with this Starter Arms Video. It targets your upper arms, shoulders and upper back.

Fit's Tips: My friend Dear also has some great advice about how to pose for pictures. She says that if you're self-conscious about your arms, put one hand on your hip, or rest your arms slightly away from your body so they don't smush out and look wider than they really are.

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Debra Premieres Starter Wife, With Starter Wife Creator

Molly — Wed, 23 May 2007 15:44:18 -0700

Debra Messing was out looking nice (other than the dress) to celebrate the premiere of her new mini-series, Starter Wife. Also gracing the red carpet with her presence was Gigi Levangie (Grazer), who wrote the roman a clef, Starter Wife, on which the series is based. She was also on the arm of her maybe/maybe not ex-husband, movie producer Brian Grazer. Soooo, does that mean she wasn't a "starter wife" after all? Anyway, the show looks like it could be good summer fun. Plus, check back soon for our awesome Starter Wife Swag giveaway!! Yay! Free Stuff! Fun times.

To see more pics from the premiere, including Lucy Lawless, new mommy Marcia Cross, Jerry O'Connell and more just read more

View 17 Photos ›

Gigi Levangle, Brian Grazer, Becki Newton, Lucy Lawless, Marcia Cross, Fran Drescher, Jerry O'Connell, Anika Noni Rose, and Joely Fisher

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Varenicline (By mouth)

admin — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 20:13:22 -0700

Overview

Introduction
Brand Name(s)
When This Medicine Should Not Be Used
How to Use This Medicine
How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Warnings While Using This Medicine
Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Introduction

Varenicline (var-EN-i-kleen)

Helps you quit smoking.

Brand Name(s)

Chantix, Chantix Start Month Pak, Chantix Starter Pack

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to varenicline.

How to Use This Medicine

Tablet

Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Your dose may need to be changed several times in order to find out what works best for you. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
Tell your doctor when you intend to stop smoking. This medicine needs to be started one week before that date.
It is best to take this medicine after eating, and with a full glass of water.
Treatment with Chantix? usually lasts for 12 weeks. In some cases, an additional course of 12 weeks of treatment with Chantix? may be needed. Ask your doctor if you have questions.

If a dose is missed:

If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any leftover medicine after you have finished your treatment. You will also need to throw away old medicine after the expiration date has passed.
Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Make sure your doctor knows about all other medicines you are using. Some medicines may need to have their doses adjusted after you quit smoking. These may include theophylline (such as Theolair®), warfarin (such as Coumadin®), or insulin (such as Humulin®). Also tell your doctor if you are using other medicine or treatment to help you quit smoking.

Warnings While Using This Medicine

Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. This medicine should only be used if your doctor tells you to. Smoking can seriously harm your unborn child. Try to stop smoking without using medicine. This medicine is believed to be safer than smoking. However, the risks to your unborn child from the medicine are not fully known.
Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, or depression or other mental problems.
This medicine may cause some people to be agitated, irritable, or display other abnormal behaviors. It may also cause some people to have suicidal thoughts and tendencies or to become more depressed. If you or your caregiver notice any of these side effects, tell your doctor right away.
You will probably still want to smoke sometimes. Have a plan for coping with situations where you may be tempted to smoke. This medicine is only part of a complete program to quit smoking.
Make sure you know how quitting smoking with this medicine may affect you before you drive, use machines, or do anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert.
Talk to your doctor about side effects that bother you or that do not go away, such as nausea or sleep problems. Your doctor may want to decrease your dose of this medicine.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
Anxiety, confusion, depression, restlessness, or mood changes.
Change in how much or how often you urinate, trouble urinating.
Chest pain.
Fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeat.
Fever or chills.
Increased hunger or thirst.
Lightheadedness, dizziness, drowsiness, or fainting.
Lumps on your neck, armpit, or groin.
Numbness or weakness in your arm or leg, or on one side of your body.
Red or black stools.
Seeing or hearing things that are not really there.
Swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet.
Thoughts of hurting yourself or others.
Tremors or seizures.
Trouble breathing or swallowing.
Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

Back pain, joint pain, muscle pain, or muscle cramps.
Bleeding or swollen gums, or mouth sores.
Changes in appetite.
Changes in vision.
Dry mouth or dry eye.
Headache.
Heartburn (burning pain in the chest or throat).
Increased sweating.
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, stomach pain, or upset stomach.
Problems having sex.
Problems with hearing or balance.
Runny or stuffy nose, or nosebleeds.
Skin rash or itchiness.
Tiredness.
Trouble sleeping, or having unusual dreams.
Unusual or bad taste in your mouth.
Warmth or redness in your face, neck, arms, or upper chest.
Weight gain.

Review Date: 8/4/2008

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is an independent audit to verify that A.D.A.M. follows rigorous standards of quality and accountability. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial policy, editorial process and privacy policy. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).

A.D.A.M. Copyright

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997-2009 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

adam.com

Source Doc: 45_5574

Jessica Has Tickets to The Gun Show, Do You?

FitSugar — Wed, 05 Sep 2007 23:30:00 -0700

We've been watching Jessica transform into one hard body these days. Maybe it's from tugging around all that LV luggage, but I am pretty sure it has more to do with her new movie, workout regime, diet and trainer. The girl's definitely got curves; curves that I'd be willing to bet you could bounce a quarter off of. But seriously, I can't get over those arms!

So if, like me, you're totally inspired by Jessica's guns to get out and start pumping some iron, here are a few suggestions for toning up your own arms:

Push-ups. If you're new to push-ups, then stick with a basic push-up. If you're familiar with push-ups, try elevating your feet on an exercise ball.
Also, you can add the side push-up to your routine if you really want to spice it up.
Right now I am loving this Plank with Reverse Row.
Love planks? Then try the elbow and side planks.
Another great and fun workout for the arms is this boxing move.
One of my all time favorite arm exercises is the alternating hammer curl.
For a few arm moves in a row, be sure to check out the starter arms video.

So get to it ladies! With a little commitment, and healthy diet, you'll be well on your way to having arms like Jessica's. So, to see more pics of Jessica looking tone and trim, just read more

View 10 Photos ›

Bauer-Griffin

Get The Bod: Hollywood Momma's Baby Weights

FitSugar — Tue, 27 Mar 2007 11:00:00 -0700

Time and time again I get requests from you guys on wanting to know how to get the bodies of Hollywood's hottest mommies like Heidi Klum, Denise Richards and Gwen Stefani, among others.

Lately I have been seeing a trend among these hands on moms and that is: Using their kids as weights. Hollywood's moms have been ditching their strollers and opting for holding their kids instead, which is why I am not shocked that most of these ladies have some fab post pregnancy arms! Think about it, carrying around two 20 pound children (at the least) in either arm is a phenomenal way to get those guns smokin' hot. If you only have one toddler to lug around, like Gwen Stefani or Jennifer Garner, then switch arms every 5 minutes to give each arm an even workout.

Don't have a pair of toddlers? Check out my starter arms workout to get your arms toned for tank top season the old fashioned way.

There are more pics of hot Hollywood mommas toting their kids around, so read more

View 7 Photos ›

Flynet and Pacific Coast News

It's Not Too Early to Get in Shape For Your Wedding

FitSugar — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 07:30:00 -0700

If you've recently gotten engaged or know that a wedding is in the distant future for you, it's never too early to start thinking about getting fit for the big day. Not only do you want to look your best, but it's great to get in the habit of living a healthy lifestyle before your wedding, so you'll have a long life to share with your partner.

Here are some things to start thinking about:

If you're looking to lose weight, you can meet with a dietitian. They can help you come up with a safe and healthy eating plan that will be nutritious and low in calories.
If you're looking to tone up specific areas of your body (like your upper arms and back) you can hire a personal trainer. They'll be able to show you exercises for each area you're concerned about.
You can also just do toning and strengthening exercises on your own. This Starter Arms video is a great routine that's sure to work every muscle in your upper body. Also, there are a lot of DVDs that you may enjoy.

What else can you start doing? To find out read more.

If you're looking to lose weight, you can start including more cardio in your routine. You can join a gym and use the cardio machines, and since the weather is getting warmer, you can walk, jog, hike, or ride your bike outside. To see results, you want to do at least 30 minutes of cardio at least three times a week.
Exercise with your partner. Not only will it keep you both healthy, but it's another way you can spend time together.

The great thing about all of these ideas is that not only will exercising regularly and eating more healthy help you get in shape for the big day, but you'll have more energy to plan the wedding - a pleasant side effect of working out.

To see all of our wedding coverage, check out IDoSugar.com.

Source