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.

How's Your Short, Sweet and Complete Abs Test Case Going?

FitSugar — Tue, 06 Feb 2007 12:00:00 -0800

Hey all -

How's it going with the 4 minute ab workout? I've been questioning folks here to see what they think and they have noticed a couple of things.

First - The exercises have gotten a little bit easier.

Second - They do feel like their belly's are getting more toned.

Third - A couple of test case volunteers really hate the hip ups, but I love them so so all I can say is learn to love them too.

Please write in and tell me what you think and how your body feels.

Stay tuned for a video workout for toning your love handles just in time for Valentine's Day.

Here's the video if you haven't tried it already.

Short, Sweet and Complete Abdominal Workout Video

FitSugar — Mon, 29 Jan 2007 14:35:00 -0800

How about those abs? If you are bored with your ab routine, or if you neglect your middle, here's a workout for you to try.

This video is made for you to play while you do the exercise. Think of it as a quick little workout with a voice leading you along and a counter in the lower lefthand corner counting down your reps.

So don't just watch. Watch and do. Then be sure to work your abs at three days a week. Your belly will thank you for all the attention.

For a few tips, just read more

You want to make sure you are working your deep abs the entire time. So focus on pulling your navel to your spine.
To keep tension out of your neck when doing crunches, think of holding an orange between your chin and your chest. Don't juice the orange, but don't drop it either.
When performing toe taps and heel taps, keep the torso and pelvis totally still. Use your abs to do this.
Have fun with the Hip Ups, but remember to control the motion and really scoop out your low belly.
When twisting to work your obliques, isolate the movement to just the rib cage. Don't move your low back.

Test Case #2: Tone Your Love Handles - How's It Going

FitSugar — Mon, 01 Jan 2007 12:00:00 -0800

So it has been a week since the Love Handle workout. It is a "test case" and I want to know if you feel or see any results. Really, I do...do you have any questions or feedback? I really want to know.

This 4 minute workout is something that you can do every day, it is not like lifting weights where you are supposed to take a day off.

If you haven't started - you should try it. There is even a printable version for you to take to the gym with you (since not everybody works out in the living room with her or his laptop).

There is also a great Pilates based 4 minute abdominals routine for you to try too.

Coming soon - ARMS!!!! Tank top season is rapidly approaching.

Ask Casa: Help Me Choose Paint Colors

CasaSugar — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 08:00:19 -0800

Hi Casa,

My boyfriend and I are about to move into our first house and I couldn't be happier! I can't wait to get in there and start putting our touch on things! The only problem is that I am having a tough time picking a paint color for the living room.

A few years ago, I bought a set of three prints that I absolutely love. I want to hang them above the sofa in our new place, but I'm having a tough time finding the right paint color to highlight them. When we first bought the prints, our living room was white and they popped beautifully. But now I'm a little sick of white and want to add some color, but I'm not sure what direction to go. The living room in our new place opens onto the dining room, so whatever color we choose will have to continue into the dining room too.

Any suggestions?

Thanks for the help,
KatieMise

To see my suggestion for KatieMise, read more.

Hi Katie,

Great prints! I love them. This isn't a tough one. When choosing a wall color for a wall with artwork, my rule of thumb is always to choose a hue that's an accent in the art piece, but not the primary color. You should choose a complementary color, too. In this case, the background colors of two of your prints are a greenish-blue and a true blue, and in all three prints there is reddish detailing. So, I think a red or watermelon hue would really make your prints pop. Not only are they on the opposite side of the color wheel from those greens and blues, but reddish walls will make the red detailing in your prints pop!

I made a couple of mock-ups to give you an idea. But the best thing to do is head to your paint shop and grab a few samples in these colors, and then bring them home to see what works with your prints. Then, test the paint on your walls before you paint the whole thing. If a whole room in a red color is too much for you, you can always just paint an accent wall and then leave the rest of the walls white. I think it works with the artwork, too, because red is a really important color in Asian culture.

Hope this helps!

Cheers,

Casa

Are You a Fast Food Junkie?

YumSugar — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 05:50:07 -0800

In case you haven't been looped in, yesterday wasn't just Monday. It was also what some might argue to be the biggest food holiday of the year. No, not Thanksgiving; I'm talking about National Fast Food Day!

To celebrate the momentous occasion, I thought I'd test your knowledge of the drive-thru world. Have you been able to keep up with all of the newest offerings at your favorite fried franchises? Start playing to find out.

Question 1 of 8

Bacon & Cheese Angus Third Pounder

Say What? Runner Caster Semenya on Her New Life

TresSugar — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 04:00:13 -0800

"I know who I am. I can't change what [people] say. . . I am a fighter. I never give up. And I knew I was going to get better."

- South African sprinter Caster Semenya has opened up to the media, after officials at the International Association of Athletic Federations (IAAF) publicly called her sex into question this past August. The controversial sex test reportedly revealed that Caster is intersex, and next Friday the IAAF is set to rule on Caster's case. The organization could either ban Caster from competing, require her to undergo surgery, or allow her to compete as she is.

Food Section Sampler - Nov. 11, 2009

YumSugar — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 11:30:01 -0800

The sandwich chains of today are threatening the New Orleans tradition that is the po-boy. - New York Times
Kraft has officially launched a hostile bid to take over Cadbury. - Chicago Tribune
Putting frozen green bean brands to the test. - San Francisco Chronicle
A mixed case of peppery syrah makes for an ideal holiday gift. - Wall Street Journal
Is a Bon Appétit TV show in the works? - Los Angeles Times
Five essential kitchen tools to have on hand every Thanksgiving. - Washington Post
Dining at the restaurant where Julia Child had her first encounter with French cuisine. - Boston Globe

Source: Flickr User chadly

The Scoop: First H1N1 Cat Case Confirmed by AVMA

PetSugar — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 08:00:41 -0800

Following last week's case in Oregon where vets confirmed the first H1N1 transmission between a human and a pet ferret, the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) has confirmed that a 13-year-old, indoor-only cat in Iowa in fact has swine flu.

While it's uncommon for flu viruses (like the H3N8 for dogs) to jump between species, doctors at Lloyd Veterinary Medical Center at Iowa State University's College of Veterinary Medicine performed two sets of tests to find the feline was in fact infected. According to her owners, they had been sick with flu-like symptoms before noticing the cat was ill and, until recently, there was no reason to think cats could catch the 2009 swine flu. Kitty symptoms are primarily respiratory, which includes sneezing and teary eyes, as well as any unusual food refusal.

Get the CDC's tips for interacting with all pets (and people) when you read more.

As with humans, the CDC recommends:

Wash your hands frequently.
Cough or sneeze into elbows.
Discard any tissues out of reach of cats.
As hard as this is, be a little less affectionate with your animal (distance-wise) while you're ill.

Source: Flickr User theogeo

Link Time!

PopSugarUK — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 07:00:00 -0800

Jude Law's exes still love him - theFABlife
Robbie Williams is in Wonderland in his new video - Robbie's Twitter
Mitch Winehouse on Alex Reid: "body from Baywatch, face from Crimewatch" - LIV
Dannii was once forced to take an HIV test by a newspaper - Handbag
Jagger's daughter does Versace campaign! - Elle UK
Eva Mendes glitters at her premiere - InStyle UK
Lindsay's lawyers are preparing a case against her father - Cosmopolitan UK
Brad joins Beckham in the beard brigade - Hecklerspray
Sharon Osbourne's being rude about Susan Boyle - Holy Moly
Are celeb dads the new pushy mums? - Grazia
Win tickets to see Rihanna on November 16 - PopJustice