FitSugar -- Healthy, happy you.

Cool or Not: Fitness Boot Camp For Teens

FitSugar — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 13:15:00 -0800

The FitWit Foundation is focused on combating childhood obesity, but I'm wondering if its methods are both healthy and effective. CNN compares the nonprofit's six-week afterschool boot camp program to the Biggest Loser competition: While Biggest Loser rewards adults with large sums of money for meeting fitness goals, FitWit's competition rewards Atlanta Public School students with prizes like an iPod Nano. Each week, volunteers lead students (who aren't involved in organized sports) through three 60-minute sessions involving fitness instruction and physical health education, and participants do two at-home workouts between sessions. FitWit instructor Ben Thoele said, "After six weeks, all participants have an increased total fitness ability. We averaged over 40 percent improvement in total fitness in our first program last spring. It's common to have a participant double their fitness ability." I have no doubt participants leave the program with increased fitness levels, but I'm wondering if a six-week competition with prizes is the best way to influence kids to be healthy in the long-term. What do you think of the way the program is set up for students? Is it cool or not?Source

Cool or Not: Fitness Boot Camp For Teens

Cool!

Not cool!

Undecided — Please explain below.

Skinny Songs: Cool or Not?

FitSugar — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 14:30:00 -0800

Losing weight and living the healthy life is not always easy. In fact it can be downright difficult. A wide variety of inspirational sources is often helpful. Music is definitely a motivational tool for workouts, but Heidi Roizen has created motivational weight-loss songs for listening to anytime a dieter needs an extra boost. Her CD, titled Skinny Songs ($10 on iTunes), contains 10 songs with titles like "Skinny Jeans," "Thin!," and "The Incredible Shrinking Woman." She created "chick empowerment" songs to help her keep on track and to help her avoid temptations while dieting. You can listen to snippets of the songs on the Skinny Songs website.Here is a tasting of some of the lyrics: From "Skinny Jeans," which has a new country feel to it:"skinny jeans, skinny jeans, you’re still hanging ‘round
In the back of my closet and that’s bringin’ me down
this morning, I woke up, and made me a vow
skinny jeans, gonna get back, into you somehow"
and from "I'm a Hottie Now" kind of bluesy: "I’m a hottie now! (gimme something sexy)
I’m a hottie now! (something that barely fits me)
worked on my body, and I’m a hottie now!"
I think it is great that music with a weight-loss message has helped a lot dieters out there, but I for one don't think I would like to listen to a song about skinny jeans on a regular basis. But a musical earworm reminding you not to eat pie could come in handy. The songs do seem to emphasize the glamour of being thin rather than the health benefits that accompany weight loss, but who wants to rock out to song about LDL cholesterol? What do you think . . .Source

Skinny Songs: Cool or Not?

Cool!

Not Cool!

Undecided — Please explain below.

Digital Body Morphing Tool: Cool or Not?

FitSugar — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 14:30:00 -0800

When it comes to body image issues, it's safe to say that many of us have trouble accepting our bodies as they are. For every positive influence there seems to be one negative, which makes it even more difficult to believe that perfection is an unattainable and unproductive goal. Health should be the number-one concern when we're getting fit and making the best eating choices — but then again, we all have personal ideas of an ideal physical appearance. In a recent issue of Life and Style, the gossip mag showed side-by-side photos of Michelle Trachtenberg posing on a red carpet — they were the same photo, except one was a slimmed down image of the already trim actress. The magazine used a website called WeightView.com that allows users to upload pictures of themselves for free, and the site generates new versions of ourselves that can make us look up to 50 pounds thinner. I can see how viewing a slimmed-down version of oneself could be motivating for some people, but I can also see how these images could perpetuate dissatisfying body images in people who are perfectly healthy. What do you think? Is it a cool tool to help people get motivated? Or is it an uncool tool that could be harmful to the already fragile issue of body image?

Digital Body Morphing Tool: Cool or Not?

Cool!

Not cool!

Undecided — Please explain below.

Food Pyramid Lunch Box: Cool or Not?

FitSugar — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 14:30:00 -0800

I'm definitely psyched that the food pyramid I learned about in elementary school was redesigned, but it looks like some people are still into the old horizontal stripes model — hence this Nutritional Pyramid Lunch Box. It's designed to help people make healthier choices when it comes to figuring out how to choose the correct portions of grains, veggies, and protein. I'm actually surprised no one has thought of this before, but looking at the portions I think I might want more fruits and veggies than rice. Unfortunately, this lunch box is just in the early stages of production and not yet available for sale. I'm curious to know what you think . . .

Food Pyramid Lunch Box: Cool or Not?

Cool!

Not!

Undecided — Please explain below.

Surf Shelf: Cool or Not?

FitSugar — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 12:00:00 -0700

Many of us use the gym to escape from the office, but others skip it because they can't break away from their computers. Surf Shelf ($60) is a new gadget that enables you to use cardio equipment while using your laptop. It's an interesting concept that definitely left me feeling like, "Why didn't I think of that?" I know a lot of people (i.e. my husband) who would love to be able to surf the web while burning a few calories on the stationary bike. Personally, I think I would use it to watch DVDs or TV shows because I can't even focus on reading while doing cardio, let alone playing around on my computer. What do you guys think? Is the Surf Shelf a cool fitness gadget or not? Already know you love it? Buy it here.

Surf Shelf: Cool or Not?

Cool!

Not Cool!

Other — share below.

"Unfit Brit" in People Magazine: Cool or Not?

FitSugar — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 14:30:00 -0700

In a recent issue of People magazine, I came across an article titled "Britney Spears: Body Makeover." The write-up details Britney's weight-loss methods: returning to her gym-rat ways, giving up fast food, and healthy meals delivered to her door. For the past three months, she has been working with a trainer, doing a lot of cardio as well as lots of dancing. People declares that Brit is "back in the zone."While I think it is great to see press about Britney mending her ways and going healthy, but then there's the caption on the "before" photo? "An Unfit Brit." I wouldn't say she was unfit, just not as fit as before having two kids and a nervous breakdown; to me she this singer looks normal, healthy, and not underweight. Don't get me started about "Britney's New Body Checklist." It's like a grocery list, where they dissect her body into parts. Flat Tummy? Check. Toned Arms? Check. No Double Chin? Check. With articles like this, no wonder so many women have issues with their weight.What do you think? Is it cool to comment on how Britney's looking more fit and toned now? Or is it uncool to comment on how bad she looked before, when she looked normal?

"Unfit Brit" in People Magazine: Cool or Not?

Cool!

Not Cool!

Undecided — Please explain below.

French Warnings on Junk-Food Ads: Cool or Not?

FitSugar — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 14:30:00 -0700

French women have long been admired for their ability to eat the rich, high-calorie foods of their cuisine without becoming overweight. They have inspired diet tips and books. This moderate food culture might have more to do with the government than we thought because the French Parliament seems to be legislating the two extremes of current weight issues. Recently, they outlawed images of extreme thinness and they are considering taxing fattening foods like ~~french fries~~ pommes frites and hamburgers. A friend of mine recently visited France and saw health warnings scrolling on the bottom of television ads for junk food, and took a photo of her hotel TV, knowing I'd want to see. The text translates roughly to: "For your health, eat at least five fruits and veggies a day." These warnings are not just limited to TV ads; they can be heard on the radio and seen in print ads as well. The warning reminds me a bit of the warning labels on cigarettes. While I appreciate those labels, I am not quite sure they keep people from lighting up, but hopefully they get smokers thinking.So what do you think about these warning messages. Do you think they could help solve the obesity problem? Should we imitate our Gallic friends? Are these warnings . . .

French Warnings on Junk-Food Ads: Cool or Not?

Cool!

Not Cool!

Undecided — Please explain!

Fatguy Shirts: Cool or Not?

FitSugar — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 14:30:00 -0700

As the name suggests, Fatguy Shirts are mostly aimed at men, but some of these designs (and there are many) clearly have women in mind. On the one hand, I'm all for embracing a healthy body image, but most of these tees just seem mean. What do you think? Would you be proud to wear any of these? Do you find them refreshing or irresponsible?

Fatguy Shirts: Cool or Not?

Cool!

Not cool!

Undecided — Please explain!

Shape Up! Alarm Clock: Cool or Not

FitSugar — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 09:00:00 -0700

This hilarious Shape Up! Alarm Clock (price unavailable) has you hit the weights instead of hitting snooze. The dumbbell-shaped alarm buzzes until you've done 30 reps of bicep curls. I'm all for sneaking in strength training and morning workouts, but I don't think I'd enjoying exercising amid the incessant buzzing. What do you think?

Shape Up! Alarm Clock: Cool or Not

Cool!

Not Cool!

Other — I'll tell you below.

Calorie Counts on Chocolate: Cool or Not?

FitSugar — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 04:30:00 -0700

The flip-flopping of whether NY eateries have to post calorie counts on their menu boards has got a lot of people thinking about where and when we want to see how many calories we're taking in. A new concept has taken this idea literally by actually printing the calorie count right onto the chocolate bar, which means you'll see how many calories you're eating with each piece you break off. The idea is just that, an idea, and not yet available for purchase but it's still fascinating to think about. Me, I am not sure I'd want to know exactly how much each bite was costing me — seems to take the fun out of splurging on chocolate. Nonetheless, it's a cool idea. What do you guys think?Source

Calorie Counts on Chocolate: Cool or Not?

Cool!

Not Cool!

Other — share your thoughts below.

Dr. Cool and Dr. Hot Bags: Cool or Not?

FitSugar — Tue, 27 May 2008 04:30:00 -0700

Whether you're icing a sore knee or soothing menstrual cramps with a heating pad, we can all use a little bit of temperature treatment from time to time. These Dr. Cool and Dr. Hot Bags ($16 each) are a cheeky take on the usual ice pack and heating pad. Though they look like hospital IV bags, they're designed to be chilled in the fridge or heated in hot water to soothe your sore spots. I think they're cute and might actually be inspired to ice my injuries if I had one of these. What do you think?

Dr. Cool and Dr. Hot Bags: Cool or Not?

Cool!

Not Cool!

Undecided

A Striptease Bachelorette Party: Cool or Not?

FitSugar — Sun, 18 May 2008 03:00:00 -0700

There are plenty of ways to celebrate a bachelorette party. You could always skip the male stripper and have all your party guests learn some stripper moves of their own with striptease dance class. These days, stripper aerobics is super popular and could help prepare the bride to be for her wedding night, but would this type of party be going beyond some of the guests' comfort zone? Is pushing the sexy envelope a good thing to do for a bachelorette party? So what do you think . . .Source

A Striptease Bachelorette Party: Cool or Not?

Cool!

Not cool.

Undecided — please share below.

Polo Ralph Lauren Olympic Uniforms: Cool or Not?

FitSugar — Mon, 05 May 2008 11:00:00 -0700

It seems that everyone is gearing up for the Olympics this August, some more than others. My pal geeksugar found a first look at the new Olympic uniforms on Towleroad and I just had to share them with you. As you can probably tell, Polo Ralph Lauren has designed the official U.S. Olympic Team uniforms (for athletes to wear during the Opening and Closing ceremonies as well as "village wear" during the 2008 Olympics in Beijing) and I'm not sure how I feel about them. They just don't scream American athlete to me. Of course I'm dying to know what you guys think about the new uniforms, so cast your vote below.

Polo Ralph Lauren Olympic Uniforms: Cool or Not?

Cool

Not cool

Undecided — please share below

Aquatic Climbing Wall: Cool or Not?

FitSugar — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 13:30:00 -0700

This 10-foot Aquatic Climbing Wall ($8,000) combines two great warm-weather activities: rock climbing and swimming. It builds upper-body strength and takes the danger out of climbing, since if you fall, you just splash into the pool. If money weren't an object, would you go for a climb on this device?

Aquatic Climbing Wall: Cool or Not?

Cool!

Not Cool!

Undecided — Please share

Turn Signal Bicycling Jacket: Cool or Not?

FitSugar — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 13:30:00 -0700

This Turn Signal Biking Jacket, designed by Leah Buechley, uses wrist-mounted switches to activate LED arrows on the back. It's easier than using old-fashioned hand-turn signals, and the lights provide an added element of safety. Though it's not for sale — I think it's just a prototype — this could be a smart purchase for cyclists. What do you think? Source

Turn Signal Bicycling Jacket: Cool or Not?

Cool!

Not cool!

Undecided — Please share

Crave Control: Cool or Not?

FitSugar — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 03:30:00 -0800

You all have some great ideas for curbing cravings, and some of you even gave the tip of lighting fragrant candles. While I am not sure this would work for me, a new company is definitely playing off the same theory. Scentology's Crave Control ($24.99) is a time-released scent cue that is supposed to curb cravings for carbs (including chocolate, cake, and desserts) to help promote weight loss. The company claims that research has found that a vanilla scented patch curbed people's appetite for chocolate and induced a net weight loss of 2.5 lbs per person by reducing intake of sweets. Hum, I'm still skeptical, but I do love vanilla . . . ice cream, macaroons, Frappuccinos...

Crave Control: Cool or Not?

Cool.

Not Cool.

Undecided — tell us why below.

Guerilla Weight-Loss Ad Campaign: Cool or Not?

FitSugar — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 13:30:00 -0800

A recent guerrilla ad campaign has got folks in NYC a little up in arms. The Ad Council and the US Department of Health and Human Services placed tiny T-shirts in dryers throughout the city urging those doing their laundry to “shrink a few sizes.”The campaign, done by McCann Erickson, then sends the shirt finders to HHS’s Smallstep site, which takes it a bit further by encouraging those visiting to “shed those holiday pounds, reduce their risk for obesity, and lead a healthy lifestyle.”I am usually all for unique ad campaigns, but this ones doesn't really do it for me. What do you guys think?

Guerilla Weight-Loss Ad Campaign: Cool or Not?

Cool.

Not Cool.

Undecided — tell us below.

Selk'Bag: Cool or Not?

FitSugar — Mon, 21 Jan 2008 12:30:00 -0800

Bringing a whole new meaning to the term "body bag," the Selk'Bag is a sleepwear system. Yep, it is a sleeping bag/jumpsuit that makes camping, or just lounging on your couch with your heat off, more comfortable. Haven't you always wanted to be more mobile when stuffed in your sack? Making morning coffee by the campfire or before the heat in your apartment kicks in can now be super cozy. Available in the UK and online, the pajama sleeping bag, as I like to call it, comes with different temperature ratings, like all good sleeping bags do. The one pictured, which is also available in white (in case you really want to look like Frosty the snowman), red, and brown, is rated as comfortable to about 50º F (9.7º Celsius) and costs around $170 (not including shipping from the UK). While I think the idea of these bags are cool, I don't think I would ever actually buy one. What do you think?

Selk'Bag: Cool or Not?

Cool!

Not Cool!

Undecided.

Other – share the details below.

Cool or Not: Nude Yoga & Tai Chi DVD

FitSugar — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 14:30:00 -0800

I was perusing the fitness videos in Barnes & Noble and I came across this — Nude Yoga & Tai Chi. Hmmm . . . I know there's Naked Yoga classes out there, where yogis practice their asana nude because they think it is more natural and emotionally and physically freeing. So the response in the past from you all to the naked yoga was fairly negative. So I am thinking you'd probably be a little reluctant to attend a live nude class, but what about going naked with a video?

Cool or Not: Nude Yoga & Tai Chi DVD

Cool!

Not Cool!

Undecided

Fuze Slenderize Lip Gloss: Cool or Not?

FitSugar — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 03:30:00 -0800

Fuze, the weight loss beverage favored by Jessica Simpson, has expanded its market to lip gloss. Not just any old lip gloss mind you, it's FUZE Slenderize Guilt Free Lip Gloss ($18.50). Now this is not the first time we've seen weight loss lip gloss, but this is the first time we've seen one by FUZE. Too Faced, the manufacturers, claim this gloss is infused with the healthy, delicious fruit flavors and appetite curbing energy boasting ingredients found in FUZE Slenderize beverages. If you're interested, buy it here.Eh, I'll stick to healthy eating and hitting the gym. What about you?

Fuze Slenderize Lip Gloss: Cool or Not?

Cool!

Not Cool!

Undecided.

Other — tell us below.

The Return of Zubaz Pants: Cool or Not?

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

Everything old is new again, and fitness wear is not exempt. Earlier this year we saw the comeback of the unitard, and now hold your pants on 'cause Zubaz are on their way back. Yep, it is the return of the Hammer pants. Made by a Minneapolis-based company, the loud, yet comfy pants are available once again and at an affordable price. You too could sport zebra Zubaz for only $29, and they are available in a wide array of colors. As a child of the '80s, I say enough is enough. Some fashion trends should stay in the vault. What do you think?

The Return of Zubaz Pants: Cool or Not?

Cool!

Not Cool!

Undecided!

Other — tell me below.

Cool or Not: Sliver-Lined MRSA Resistant PJs

FitSugar — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 14:30:00 -0800

The super bug MRSA has been getting a lot of press lately. Once only found in hospitals, there have been more than a few cases of high-school athletes and school-age children coming down with and even dying from MRSA (a antibiotic resistant strand of staph bacteria). Nevertheless, the majority of cases do happen in hospitals. This was the inspiration behind the silver-lined pajamas, recently introduced in the UK. Before you start thinking, "Wow! I thought silver linings were just for clouds. That sounds so fancy" – let me clarify. The PJs are made with fabric that contains 2 percent silver, which is known as an infection-fighting element and will hopefully increase protection for open wounds (that is how MRSA gets into the blood stream). The pajamas are on sale now in London for about $100 a pair, but many feel that the public should not have to protect themselves from MRSA with silver PJs and that hospitals should be taking care of the problem.I don't know about you, but it sounds gimmicky to me. On the other hand, every little bit of protection could help. What do you think . . .Source

Cool or Not: Sliver-Lined MRSA Resistant PJs

Cool!

Not Cool!

Undecided. Tell me why below.

Ban on iPods for Running Races: Cool or Not?

FitSugar — Fri, 02 Nov 2007 03:30:00 -0700

Music is a great motivator, especially if you are running the long and lonely 26.2 miles of a marathon. The national organization that governs running, USA Track & Field, has banned the use of headphones and portable MP3 players, like my beloved Nano, at all official races. The ban was designed to ensure safety and to prevent runners motivated by the driving force of music from having a competitive edge. Some large marathons have threatened to disqualify runners for wearing headphones, but that did not happen at the recent Marine Corps Marathon last weekend in Washington, D.C. The NYC marathon strongly discourages headphones but will not enforce the ban.One of the issues at stake is insurance because rates rise substantially if race sponsors allow the use of headphones. Another issue is awareness (hearing other runners and announcements) and safety (listening to your own body). However, the face of the typical marathoner has changed drastically in the last 20 years. More and more "normal" folks are racing, and those regular joes often feel they need their music.So what do you think about that ban – is it cool or not?Source

Ban on iPods for Running Races: Cool or Not?

Cool!

Not Cool!

Undecided.

Other – tell me below.

Nozin Nasal Swabs: Prepared or Paranoid?

FitSugar — Thu, 01 Nov 2007 11:45:00 -0700

I'll be the first to admit that I am a little freaked out by germs, especially when on an airplane. I don't know why; maybe I saw Outbreak one too many times. Point is that I tend to get a little excited about gadgets that aim to keep me germ free so my heart kind of went pitter patter when I learned about Nozin Nasal Sanitizing Swabs ($9.95 for a pack of 10). Basically the swabs are Q-Tips preloaded with a germ killer made from a proprietary formula of pharmaceutical grade ethyl alcohol, natural ingredients and plant-based compounds known to have virucidal activity. Just a FYI, it's not an antibiotic so germs will not build resistance. I am seriously considering investing in a pack for holidays, which is going to involve spending hours and hours on planes for me. What do you guys think—are nasal swabs a sign of being prepared or over paranoid?

Nozin Nasal Swabs: Prepared or Paranoid?

Prepared

Paranoid

Other—tell us below

NekFIT iPod Holder: Cool or Not?

FitSugar — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 03:30:00 -0700

I am always looking for new ways to free my hands when I am working out, which is why when I came across NekFIT ($34), I was intrigued. After looking at it though, I am not sure it would solve all my issues as much as create more problems. I don't know about you guys, but my neck gets pretty sweaty after I've ran a few miles so I am not sure if having a plastic contraption holding on for dear life to the back of it would be a happy solution for me. Besides, I've already lost one iPod to sweat, and I'm not about to lose another.What do you guys think about the NekFIT?

NekFIT iPod Holder: Cool or Not?

Cool

Not Cool

Other—tell us below

Yoplait Lids for Lives Campaign: Cool or Not?

FitSugar — Tue, 23 Oct 2007 03:00:00 -0700

I am all for retail philanthropy. I buy (and giveaway) pink ribbon products with a portion of the proceeds going to breast cancer research and support. Truth is, that some purchases don't really add up to much of a donation for your breast cancer organization of choice; it just seems like you should give money directly to the source. The Yoplait Lids for Lives campaign definitely has its heart in the right place, but it seems a little more like a marketing tool than a fund raising project. All you have to do is eat Yoplait yogurt with a pink lid and save the lid. Wash the lid and flatten it. Put it in an envelope. Mail the lid or lids to El Paso, Texas. Then Yoplait will donate 10 cents for every lid you send in to the Susan G. Komen for a Cure foundation.I don't know about you, but I think I would like to just send the Susan G. Komen for a Cure a check directly. I guess if you already eat a lot of pink capped Yoplait yogurt this program makes sense. What do you think:

Yoplait Lids for Lives Campaign: Cool or Not?

Cool!

Not Cool!

Undecided.

Other — tell me below.

Bike Tire Skins: Cool or Not?

FitSugar — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 03:30:00 -0700

So you've just taken the plunge and bought yourself a sweet new ride. I am not talking about a gas guzzling ride, but the calorie burning eco-friendly ride. Problem is, your new bike seems a little boring. You can spice it up with SweetskinZ ($34 and up), new bike tires that are not only totally colorful during the day, but reflective at night as well.I am not sure I could pull it off. I feel it would be a lame attempt to reclaim my coolness on the streets, but you guys probably could. So what do you think?

Bike Tire Skins: Cool or Not?

Cool

Not cool

Undecided

Other - tell us below

Orthotebb Health Shoes: Cool or Not?

FitSugar — Wed, 03 Oct 2007 14:30:00 -0700

I am all for ergonomic shoes that gently guide the body into proper alignment and aid good posture. When I saw these clogs recently, my first thought was, "Oh my! These shoes are the love child of MBTs and Crocs. Yikes." While I love my MBTs, I am not sure how I feel about these Orthotebb Health Shoes, which are considerably more affordable than pricey MBTs. These clogs are only $59.95, and they come in many cheerful colors. Orthotebb also makes a flip-flop version as well as a boot, so you can optimize your footwear in any season. The Orthotebb website makes many healthful claims about these shoes, but my fashion sense makes me wary of this look. What do you think?

Orthotebb Health Shoes: Cool or Not?

Cool!

Not Cool!

Undecided.

Other - Tell me below!

Flip-Flops Socks: Cool or Not?

FitSugar — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 14:30:00 -0700

Are the cooler autumn temperatures keeping you from wearing your beloved flip-flops? If yes, you might want to consider slipping your feet into these Flip-flop socks ($12) by injinji. Yep, these split toe socks were designed especially to be worn with flip-flops. The split is strategically placed to accommodate the thong – the toe kind. I am just not loving the look since I have never been a socks with sandals gal. If I were these would be the socks for me since the cut would eliminate the annoyance of wadded up fabric between the toes. I'd love to hear what you think. Are they cool or not? If you think they are cool and want a pair – buy them from Sahalie.

Flip-Flops Socks: Cool or Not?

Cool!

Not Cool!

Undecided.

Other - Tell me below!

Alicia Silverstone PETA Ad: Cool or Not?

FitSugar — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 12:45:00 -0700

A very controversial commercial for PETA starring Alicia Silverstone has hit the airways recently and I am curious what you guys think.... PETADoes this video make you want to swear off meat? Check out this print ad.(A reminder: Whether you're a herbivore or carnivore, please be nice to each other in your comments.)Source

Alicia Silverstone PETA Ad: Cool or Not?

Cool!

Not Cool!

Undecided.

Other -- Tell us Below!