FitSugar -- Healthy, happy you.

Get That Extra Push

FitSugar — Thu, 27 Dec 2007 13:30:00 -0800

Sick of doing the same one-size fits all DVD that is not only boring, but it's not pushing your body anymore? If so, you should definitely check out PUSH.tv.

PUSH.tv is a progressive DVD program where you get customized training sessions as you go along. This means as your life changes or your fitness goals change, so will your DVD — all you have to do is modify your DVD preferences online. I love that you are able to select your own trainer, area of focus, cardio, length of workout, music, and intensity level. It's also cool that the program takes into account if you already have any equipment at home or special conditions that need attention. The best part? My crush Bob Harper of The Biggest Loser is one of the trainers!

PUSH.tv is $25.00 per month. However, there is a one-time $4.95 shipping fee that is applied to the first month's shipment so the first month's charge, barring any state taxes that may apply, is $29.95. For more information and to get the first month free, check it out here.

Which BL Trainer Would You Want?

FitSugar — Tue, 25 Sep 2007 03:30:00 -0700

Another two hour episode of "The Biggest Loser" is on tonight and since you guys always mention that you forget to watch, let this post serve as a reminder to tune in tonight! In light of tonight's episode, I am curious which trainer would you rather have train you...Source

Which BL Trainer Would You Want?

Bob Harper

Kim Lyons

Jillian Michaels

Words That Move You...

FitSugar — Mon, 24 Sep 2007 16:30:00 -0700

As you all know, "The Biggest Loser" is one of my favorite TV shows, since it proves that people can make positive changes in their lives by exercising and eating right. Here's an encouraging reminder...

"Take charge of your life. Every day is a new day."

-Bob Harper fitness trainer for "The Biggest Loser"

It reminds us that these changes take time, but if we are patient, and we take care of ourselves each day, we can accomplish our goals.

If you need a little bit more inspiration, check out the video preview for this season's "The Biggest Loser". To see it

Biggest Loser Recap: The Black Team Joins the Game

FitSugar — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 10:15:00 -0700

The Biggest Loser, once again, was motivating and inspiring. It's always sad to see a player get voted off, but so the game goes. Lezlye, a Katrina Survivor, was sent home mostly due to not losing big numbers on the scale.

The Black team was revealed to the Blue and Red teams, and the Black team ended up with the greatest amount of pounds shed. I think a lesson is to be learned here is that you don't need a gym to still get a workout. The Black team had not stepped one foot in a gym, they worked out in the desert, doing things such as carrying sand bags up a sandy hill, yet they still lost the most weight. Sure, they had Jillian, but they still did it.

For me, this sort of reiterated that on those days when I absolutely do not feel like stepping foot in that gym, there are other ways I can still get a workout. Sometimes it may be even better because you don't limit yourself to the equipment in the confines of the gym, you have to force yourself to step outside the box.

Source

Biggest Loser Recap: The Season Premiere

FitSugar — Wed, 12 Sep 2007 10:15:00 -0700

The Biggest Loser Season Four premiered last night and I am already hooked. The format is a little different this year, but so far so good.

As always, the cast introductions were emotional and I was amazed at how hard the trainers work them from the start. Their results showed it too as weight loss numbers ranged from seven pounds to a whopping 31 pounds from Jerry, the oldest contestant (62 years) in Biggest Loser history. Amber was kicked off -- I am not attached to any of the contestants yet, so she seemed like the best choice since she was begging to go home on day one.

One of my favorite things about the show is that lessons about being healthy are promoted. The new host, Alison Sweeney, mentioned that watching the show is a weekly reminder for viewers that they too can get healthy. Sure tuning in every week is also great for ratings, but I am not kidding you, it's motivating.

Aside from that, here's what I learned from the Biggest Loser this week:

On figuring out if something is a protein: One simple theory is that, "If it had a mother it's protein."
On resisting the urge to snack: Keep sugar free gum around and grab that when you're feeling like nibbling on something.
On drinking too much soda: Cutting out soda from your daily diet could help you lose 8 pounds over the course of a year (without even stepping on a treadmill).
On the average American diet: An American eats an average of 16 pounds of french fries per year.

To see all the new contestants and to see which of my favorite fitness gadgets made their television debuts, just

Subway Fresh Fit Sweepstakes

FitSugar — Tue, 01 May 2007 10:15:00 -0700

Want to win a trip to train with Bob Harper from NBC's The Biggest Loser?

If so, then you should enter the Subway Fresh Fit Sweepstakes. All participants of the contest are automatically eligible to win one of two grand prizes that include a trip to Los Angeles for two people to train with PUSH.tv celebrity personal trainers, Bob Harper (who I love, by the way) or with Jessica Smith, nationally known certified personal trainer. Other winners could win a six-month memberships to PUSH.tv, a PowerPUSH DVD trio sets (DVD workout kits include two resistance bands, workout calendar, nutrition plan, magnet, and a sticker pack to keep track of progress.), Trek Bikes and SUBWAY FIT Evolution t-shirts. All you have to do is sign-up. Look around the site though as there is a lot of great information as well as 2-minutes videos from PUSH.tv.

I personally would love to get the chance to train with Bob, but if you win, I fully expect a signed sweatband from him as my thanks for telling you about the contest [hehe]. So sign up here.

How Did Ellen Look?

FitSugar — Mon, 26 Feb 2007 10:14:00 -0800

We've been following Ellen getting fit for The Oscars, so now that the big day has come and gone, how do you think she looked? (The first image is her on January 9th 2007 and the second was from last night.) Source

How Did Ellen Look?

Awesome! Definitely more toned.

The Same! I don't think she needed toning.

The Same! Bob wasted his time.

Less Fit! She must have been acting like she was working out.

Other. Tell us below.

Countdown to the Oscars: Get Fit with Ellen and Bob

FitSugar — Sat, 24 Feb 2007 08:30:00 -0800

On day 12 of my Countdown to The Oscars with Ellen and Bob, Bob is telling us about the importance of stretching post workout and he shows us some great ways to stretch. Not only is stretching good for your muscles, but it also is a great way to get the endorphins moving making you feel even better after all of your hard work.

That was the last workout guys because...The Oscars are coming, The Oscars are coming! Are you ready for tomorrow? Be sure to check out all of the other workouts with Ellen and Bob. I can't wait to see how amazing Ellen looks!

Don't forget, this is your last chance to cast your Oscar ballot on Buzz. You should do it because one Grand Prize winner will receive a Prada handbag, while the runners-up will get $50 to $500 gift cards from Sephora, The Apple Store and Neiman Marcus. So cool! Click here for official rules.

Countdown to the Oscars: Get Fit with Ellen and Bob

FitSugar — Fri, 23 Feb 2007 09:07:56 -0800

On day 11 of my Countdown to The Oscars with Ellen and Bob, Bob takes us through a range of exercises for the whole body. He starts with biceps, then ab work, then hamstring curls (I'm breathing heavy) and finally push ups on the ball. You're going to need a physio ball and some light dumbbells...

Bob really has given us some great ideas to take to the gym (or wherever you workout), so try them all out! You can always check out all the workouts by clicking here. Tomorrow is the last day of working out with Ellen and Bob, after all Sunday Ellen will be busy hosting The Oscars. Speaking of, did you cast your Oscar ballot on buzz? Did I mention that you should because there are prizes (good ones too) involved. Don't miss out, vote today!

Countdown to the Oscars: Get Fit with Ellen and Bob

FitSugar — Thu, 22 Feb 2007 04:04:17 -0800

On day 10 of my Countdown to The Oscars with Ellen and Bob Harper, Bob shows us some great moves to really work our lower abdominal muscles. Do the best you can but definitely don't push it; you can always work your way up to these exercises. If you have a partner, even better, then you can increase the movement and help work your obliques. Don't forget to finish off with some bicycles!

Rock hard abs here we come! Are you feeling toned yet? Definitely check out past workouts in my Countdown to The Oscars with Ellen and Bob. I can't wait to see Ellen on the red carpet this Sunday!

Did you cast your Oscar ballot yet? I would if I were you because one Grand Prize winner will receive a Prada handbag, while the runners-up will get $50 to $500 gift cards from Sephora, The Apple Store and Neiman Marcus. Sweet! Click here for official rules.

Countdown to the Oscars: Get Fit with Ellen and Bob

FitSugar — Wed, 21 Feb 2007 11:00:00 -0800

On day nine of my Countdown to The Oscars with Ellen and Bob, Bob takes us through a series of great exercises such as the Russian twist, knee pulls, crunches, side bends and pull ups. I love the idea of doing modified pull ups on the treadmill - Bob is so great!

Just like Bob says, keep moving - run around your house if you have to just don't stop. Can you believe we are already on day nine? The Oscars are approaching so fast and you must be getting fit by now! Check out the past workouts with Ellen and Bob. Don't forget that there is still time to cast your ballot for The Oscars on Buzz!

Countdown to the Oscars: Get Fit with Ellen and Bob

FitSugar — Tue, 20 Feb 2007 08:45:00 -0800

On day eight of my Countdown to The Oscars with Ellen and Bob, Bob shows us some great upper (cable tubing exercises) and lower (squats) body workouts. Bob suggests that if you are going to buy yourself some cables, go for the ones with the handles to make life a little easier. Can't afford a treadmill at home, go outside! Sidewalks are like free treadmills.

Phew, my body feels great after doing that! What about you? Check out all of the other workouts with Ellen and Bob. The Oscars are this Sunday! Have you cast your ballot on Buzz yet? You should because you can win prizes!

Countdown to the Oscars: Get Fit with Ellen and Bob

FitSugar — Mon, 19 Feb 2007 08:45:00 -0800

On day seven of FitSugar's Countdown to The Oscars with Ellen and Bob, Bob shows us cardio intervals so your body does not get used to your regular cardio routine. As always, Bob says to stay relaxed. I really love the idea of finishing with the squats on the TreadMill, it's just another great way to keep your heart rate up to burn those extra calories.

We're more than halfway through my Countdown to The Oscars with Ellen and Bob! You're doing great so come back tomorrow to learn more and if you've missed any of the workouts before this, check out all the past Countdown to The Oscars so far.

Countdown to the Oscars: Get Fit with Ellen and Bob

FitSugar — Sun, 18 Feb 2007 03:40:00 -0800

On day 6 of our Countdown to The Oscars with Ellen and Bob, Bob teaches us push-up mountain climbers. Try to do them for 45 seconds and if it seems too hard, then drop down onto your knees while doing them.

We are halfway through our Countdown to The Oscars with Ellen and Bob Harper. Check in tomorrow for day seven. Missed the other workouts, no worries, visit my other Countdown to The Oscars posts.

Countdown to the Oscars: Get Fit with Ellen and Bob

FitSugar — Sat, 17 Feb 2007 04:00:00 -0800

On day five of FitSugar's Countdown to the Oscars with Ellen and Bob, Bob shows us how to work our abs and core. You are going to need a light dumbbell (though you can do without it) and a physio ball.

Definitely try the balance exercise at the end because it is WAY harder than it looks!

Tomorrow is day six! Missed the previous days? Then check out all the Countdown to The Oscars posts this far.

Countdown to the Oscars: Get Fit with Ellen and Bob

FitSugar — Fri, 16 Feb 2007 07:30:00 -0800

On day four of FitSugar's Countdown to The Oscars with Ellen and Bob, Bob shows us a great exercise that combines working upper and lower body (great because working both burns more calories quicker). The overhead press with squat is especially tough if you try balancing on one leg.

Feel the burn guys! You're doing great so come back tomorrow to learn more and if you've missed any of the workouts before this, check out all the past Countdown to The Oscars so far.

Countdown to the Oscars: Get Fit with Ellen and Bob

FitSugar — Thu, 15 Feb 2007 07:30:00 -0800

On day three of FitSugar's Countdown to The Oscars with Ellen and Bob Harper, Bob shows us how to walk the plank.

Remember to relax your neck as much as you possibly can while doing plank exercises.

Come back tomorrow for day four of my Countdown to The Oscars with Ellen and trainer Bob Harper. Missed the other workouts? They are under Countdown to The Oscars in my "editor's picks" in the upper right hand corner of this page.

Countdown to the Oscars: Get Fit with Ellen and Bob

FitSugar — Wed, 14 Feb 2007 07:30:00 -0800

Today is day two of my Countdown to The Oscars. Today Ellen and Bob Harper do some physio ball core exercises.

These are great ways to work your core but you will be needing a physio ball for this video. Remember, just like Bob says, do each exercise for 45 seconds.

Come back tomorrow for day three of FitSugar's Countdown to The Oscars with Ellen and trainer Bob Harper. You can always go back if you missed yesterday's workout.

Countdown to the Oscars: Get Fit with Ellen and Bob

FitSugar — Tue, 13 Feb 2007 10:25:00 -0800

As you probably already know, the Oscars are coming up soon - February 25th and Ellen is the host. She wanted to get fit for the Oscars so she teamed up with trainer Bob Harper (from the Biggest Loser). Each day up until the Oscars, I am going to feature one video workout. Bob claims that if you follow along (keeping in mind a healthy, low calorie diet) you can expect to lose 10 pounds in 38 days (not by next weekend).

In the first video, Bob starts off the program with ways to eat healthy, since exercise and diet go hand in hand. He really does offer some great (and doable) tips. Keep watching because after the healthy eating segment, they start with the first few lower body workouts (twisting lunges, Romanian dead lifts, leg raises and knee tucks) for you to try.

Come back tomorrow for day two of FitSugar's Countdown to The Oscars with Ellen and trainer Bob Harper. Until then, definitely check out Ellen's gym site for more great tips and tidbits on getting Oscar ready with Ellen.