http://www.fitsugar.com/ Healthy, happy you. en http://www.fitsugar.com/2447368 <p>Daylight savings is tonight and hooray for "falling back." It's so great to gain an hour of time this one day a year, so make the most of it. <span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/1/12981/44_2008/adf9de8fc2ea2f61_stretch.jpg" alt="" title="" class="right image xlarger" height="381" width="300"></span>Don't just go through your day as usual because you'll never even realize you received that extra 60 minutes. Since most people complain that they <a href="http://www.fitsugar.com/2339129" >don't have time to exercise</a>, my advice is to go out and do something physical for the entire hour. You'll feel proud of your efforts, and your mind will be energized and destressed. Here are some ideas:</p> <ul> <li><a href="http://www.fitsugar.com/tag/hiking" >Hike</a> some woodsy trails or up the nearest mountain: 355 calories</li> <li>Cruise around town for a leisurely Fall <a href="http://www.fitsugar.com/tags/biking" >bike ride</a>: 355 calories</li> <li>Take a <a href="http://www.fitsugar.com/2058873" >cardio class</a> at your gym: 414 calories</li> <li>Go for a light jog (12-minute miles) to work on your <a href="http://www.fitsugar.com/1649272" >endurance</a>: 473 calories</li> <li>Play a friendly game of soccer: 414 calories</li> <li>Do some much-needed <a href="http://www.fitsugar.com/tags/Stretch+It" >stretching</a> of your entire body: 236 calories</li> </ul> <p>Don't forget to change your clocks before you go to bed tonight. Daylight savings time officially ends at 2:00 a.m. Sunday morning, when we roll our clock back one hour.<br /> <a href="http://www.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.fitsugar.com/2447368#comment Daylight Savings Time Fit Tip Fitness Holiday Fit Tip Sat, 01 Nov 2008 04:45:00 -0700 FitSugar http://www.fitsugar.com/2447368 http://www.fitsugar.com/886304 <p><SPAN class="inline center"><IMG src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/users/1/12981/51_2007/post-meal-walk.jpg" alt="" title="" class="outline image preview" width="550" height="332"></SPAN><br /> The holidays are all about large extravagant meals full of tasty traditional foods that most of us are taking the opportunity to indulge in and enjoy. </p> <p>If you do eat a large meal high in fat, the best thing to do for yourself and your arteries is to <a href="http://www.healthywomen.org/resources/womenshealthinthenews/dbhealthnews/exercisetheantidoteforahighfatmeal" target="_blank">go for a 45-minute walk</a>. Even if you've put counting calories on the back burner during the holidays, you should still try to keep your health in mind. So invite your friends and family to join you — not only will you be doing something good for your health, but it's also a great way to catch up while getting some fresh air.</p> <p><a href="http://legacycreative.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.fitsugar.com/886304#comment christmas dinner Holiday Fit Tip Walking Tue, 25 Dec 2007 03:30:00 -0800 FitSugar http://www.fitsugar.com/886304 http://www.fitsugar.com/876125 <p>Holidays are a great time to get together with family and friends, to share laughter and memories, and to eat a <b>ton</b> of delicious decadent foods. Here are five easy ways to <a href="http://www.ediets.com/news/article.cfm/cmi_1296913/cid_3" target="_blank">burn 100 calories</a> around this time of year:</p> <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/users/1/12981/50_2007/v.jpg" alt="" title="" class="outline right image preview" height="402" width="300"></span> <ol> <li>Vacuum your entire house before your guests arrive for 25 minutes.</li> <li>Clean vigorously around the house for 30 minutes, scrubbing the shower and bathroom, washing the windows and floors, and sweeping the stairs.</li> <li>Iron your family's fancy party clothes so they look pressed and neat for 25 minutes.</li> <li>Crank up the holiday tunes and dance with your family and friends for 20 minutes.</li> <li>Take your dog, or just yourself for a brisk 15 minute walk.</li> </ol> <p>You've got to do all of this stuff anyway, right? Well, maybe not the ironing! Now you know at least, that all that hard work is burning calories too.</p> <p><a href="http://legacycreative.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.fitsugar.com/876125#comment 5 Things burn calories Holiday Fit Tip Tue, 25 Dec 2007 02:30:00 -0800 FitSugar http://www.fitsugar.com/876125 http://www.fitsugar.com/895810 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/users/1/12981/51_2007/carol.jpg" alt="" title="" class="outline right image preview" height="412" width="300"></span>I have been singing "Jingle Bells" nightly to my oldest daughter for almost three years. For some reason, she selected that particular holiday song as her lullaby. So you could say we are always felling the Christmas spirit. If you enjoy singing "Jingle Bells" and other Christmas carols, I am here to tell you there are many health benefits to lifting your voice up to sing.</p> <p><a href="http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0NAH/is_5_35/ai_n13659693" target="_blank">Singing </a> has been linked with lower heart rate, decreased blood pressure, and reduced stress. The regulated breathing associated with singing seems to help calm the body. With holiday stress (due to family, financial, time management or all of the above) mounting it might be a good idea to belt out a few Christmas tunes. </p> <p>You might want to take your show on the road and go caroling to neighbors' houses. It is always a great idea to <a href="http://fitsugar.com/840275" >reach out during the holidays</a>. If you are a more private singer, check out this <a href="http://fitsugar.com/855919" >all things winter </a> play list. You will surely find something to sing about!</p> <p>If you are feeling like singing about your health, but to the tune of a Christmas carol, check out <a href="http://fitsugar.com/91772" >12 Ways to Health</a>, lyrics by the CDC.</p> <p><a href="http://legacycreative.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.fitsugar.com/895810#comment Holiday Fit Tip sing for your health christmas carol Mon, 24 Dec 2007 03:00:00 -0800 FitSugar http://www.fitsugar.com/895810 http://www.fitsugar.com/886368 <p><SPAN class="inline left"><IMG src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/users/1/12981/51_2007/play-with-kids.jpg" alt="" title="" class="outline right image preview" width="250" height="270"></SPAN>The day before Christmas can be a hectic day for everyone involved in getting things ready for the big day. From wrapping last minute presents to finishing getting dinner all prepared, there is always a lot to do. Children can contribute to the chaos so volunteer to take the kids outside to burn some energy. Play games like tag and hide 'n seek, build a <a href="http://fitsugar.com/878946" >snowman and make snow angels</a> or just climb around the playground. Not only will you have fun, you'll have them out of the house for a little while (and hopefully get them tired so they sleep soundly through the night). What's more? You'll also get lots of exercise while you're at it, all without even stepping foot in a gym.</p> <p><a href="http://legacycreative.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.fitsugar.com/886368#comment christmas Holiday Fit Tip play with children Mon, 24 Dec 2007 02:30:00 -0800 FitSugar http://www.fitsugar.com/886368 http://www.fitsugar.com/876194 <p>If you're traveling for the holidays, that doesn't mean you should ditch exercise altogether. Unfortunately you can't always get to a gym, and it may be too chilly for you to work out outdoors. That's why I love doing yoga when I'm on the road because you can do it practically anywhere. <span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/users/1/12981/51_2007/yoga.jpg" alt="" title="" class="outline right image preview" height="431" width="300"></span>Plus it's quiet, so you can do it in your room without disturbing anyone, and it's also a great way to relieve stress (you know, in case you have any holiday stress).</p> <p>Here are some things you may need for your traveling yoga class:</p> <ol> <li>A <a href="http://fitsugar.com/676492" >lightweight mat</a>. You can fold it instead or rolling it, and place it on the bottom of your suitcase. They also make <a href="http://fitsugar.com/121762" >foldable yoga mats</a>. If you can't fit a mat, than you can always practice on a hardwood floor or carpet.</li> <li>Comfortable workout clothes.</li> <li>Your favorite <a href="http://fitsugar.com/tags/yoga%20dvd" >yoga DVD</a>.</li> <li>If you prefer doing your own flow of poses, pack some relaxing music instead.</li> <li>An <a href="http://fitsugar.com/287697" >eye pillow</a> to help you relax in <a href="http://fitsugar.com/727181" >Savasana</a> at the end of your practice.</li> </ol> <p><b>Fit's Tips:</b> If you do have a little free time, find out if there's a yoga studio in the area. I always love to try out new teachers and different kinds of yoga, so find out what their holiday schedule is to see if you can sneak in a class.</p> <p><a href="http://legacycreative.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.fitsugar.com/876194#comment Holiday Fit Tip on the road traveling Yoga Wed, 19 Dec 2007 14:30:00 -0800 FitSugar http://www.fitsugar.com/876194 http://www.fitsugar.com/888587 <p>This time of year, holiday parties are a plenty and with them come plenty of tempting foods and drinks. It is best to walk into a party with a game plan and here are some strategies to help.</p> <p><span class="inline center"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/users/1/12981/51_2007/buffet.jpg" alt="" title="" class="outline image preview" height="167" width="400"></span></p> <ul> <li>Never go to a party hungry. Meeting a buffet table with an empty stomach usually spells diet disaster. Have an apple and a handful of nuts before going out, this way you will not be starving when you start to party. </li> <li>Alternate your alcoholic beverages with sparkling water. This way you avoid not only calories, but a hangover as well. Champagne and wine have significantly fewer calories than egg nog and hot buttered rum.</li> <li>Fill your buffet plate with veggies. This way you will fill up on healthy foods. Look for veggies that are simply prepared and not smothered in butter or cheese. </li> <p>I have a few more tips based on experience. To learn from my mistakes just </p> <p><a href="http://www.fitsugar.com/888587">read more</a></p> http://www.fitsugar.com/888587#comment buffet strategies Dieting Holiday Fit Tip Wed, 19 Dec 2007 02:30:00 -0800 FitSugar http://www.fitsugar.com/888587 http://www.fitsugar.com/867646 <p>If you are working on a long term weight loss goal, the holiday season can pose quite a challenge. <span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/users/1/12981/50_2007/maintain.jpg" alt="" title="" class="outline right image preview" height="226" width="150"></span>Plentiful and ubiquitous sweets coupled with lack of time to workout can really put a wrench in your game plan. If during December you are not losing pounds in your normal fashion, focus on maintaining your weight instead. Which, in the season of sugarplums is a feat unto itself. </p> <p>By focusing on maintaining your weight, you can stop beating yourself up for a stagnant scale and see the steady scale as a feat of accomplishment. To maintain your weight is not to lose sight of your goals, but to give you a little mental space so you can enjoy a bite of the <a href="http://fitsugar.com/tag/gingerbread" >gingerbread houses</a> your coworkers made. The trick to maintaining is to take just a bite! </p> <p>Come January, we can and will all return to our scheduled programs with our regular gusto!</p> <p><a href="http://legacycreative.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.fitsugar.com/867646#comment Diet Tip Dieting Holiday Fit Tip maintain weight Mon, 17 Dec 2007 02:30:00 -0800 FitSugar http://www.fitsugar.com/867646 http://www.fitsugar.com/877102 <p>Most of us think that in order to reap all the benefits of exercise, we need to spend hours in the gym. Lucky for us this is just not the case. </p> <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/users/1/12981/50_2007/short-bursts.jpg" alt="" title="" class="outline right image preview" height="275" width="275"></span>Always keep in mind, but especially during this holiday season, that short bursts of exercise are good too. In fact, a study earlier this year found that anyone who is currently overweight, obese, or sedentary will <a href="http://fitsugar.com/258257" >benefit from just 10 minutes of cardio</a> a day. So while you are trying to figure out a way to fit in a workout during the holidays, don't obsess over how long you are working out, just focus on actually being able to get your body moving — a 10 minute <a href="http://fitsugar.com/tags/stretching" >stretch</a> while waiting for water to boil or a 10 minute <a href="http://fitsugar.com/390998" >power walk</a> after dinner will do wonders for your health and your holidays.</p> <p><a href="http://legacycreative.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.fitsugar.com/877102#comment 10 minutes Holiday Fit Tip short bursts of exercise Fri, 14 Dec 2007 09:30:00 -0800 FitSugar http://www.fitsugar.com/877102 http://www.fitsugar.com/872537 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/users/1/12981/50_2007/EN-fun-run.jpg" alt="" title="" class="outline right image preview" height="191" width="225"></span>So you say you're going to get fit in 2008, eh? How about jump starting your goal with a fun run/walk on New Year's Day? </p> <p>If you're going to be in the NYC area to celebrate the new year, then you may want to skip the crowds in Times Square and join the <a href="http://nyrr.org/races/2007/r1231x00.asp" target="_blank">Emerald Nuts Midnight Run</a> in Central Park. This four-mile fun run features a costume parade, dancing, and fireworks. It really is more of a party than a race, so you'll burn tons of calories while ringing in the new year. Sign up today, registration costs anywhere from $30&ndash;$55 (depending on who you are). Sounds like fun to me!</p> http://www.fitsugar.com/872537#comment emerald nuts fun run fun run Holiday Fit Tip new york road runners club race Thu, 13 Dec 2007 12:30:00 -0800 FitSugar http://www.fitsugar.com/872537 http://www.fitsugar.com/874216 <p>The holiday season is full of parties, and parties are full of various types of grog. Sugary fruit punches laced with rum and eggnog that should really just be called a saturated-fat bomb. One cup of <a href="http://www.calorie-count.com/calories/item/1057.html" target="_blank">eggnog</a> contains over 11 g. of saturated fat, as well as 343 calories.</p> <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/users/1/12981/50_2007/champagne.jpg" alt="" title="" class="outline right image preview" height="229" width="200"></span>Here are two suggestions to try as alternative to those standard Winter party drinks.</p> <ul> <li><b>Spritz it:</b> Simply add seltzer water to your glass of wine. This works with any color of wine — red, white, or rosé. Not only does it cut your caloric intake in half, but it also helps you avoid the dreaded hangover. </li> <li><b>Go bubbly:</b> Champagne is actually rather low in calories. One serving of this sparkling wine contains <a href="http://www.calorie-count.com/calories/item/71914.html" target="_blank">91 calories</a>. To make the drink more festive, add a cranberry, strawberry, or raspberry for color.</li> </ul> <p>If wine is not your thing, check out <a href="http://www.vitaljuicedaily.com/2007/12/12/low-cal-cocktails/" target="_blank">Vital Juice Daily's low-cal cocktail</a> ideas. </p> <p><a href="http://legacycreative.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.fitsugar.com/874216#comment alcohol eggnog alternatives Holiday Fit Tip Thu, 13 Dec 2007 11:45:00 -0800 FitSugar http://www.fitsugar.com/874216 http://www.fitsugar.com/872448 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/users/1/12981/50_2007/am-walk.jpg" alt="" title="" class="outline left image preview" height="251" width="250"></span>Since my trips to visit my family during the holidays are pretty short, it's hard for me to find a free minute to get away and work out without feeling guilty. One tip that works for me is to go for a walk or run (or even hit the gym if you have one accessible) first thing in the morning before everyone is up and ready to go. If I am running outside and everyone else is still eating breakfast and getting ready, I have no qualms about sneaking out for some much needed "me time."</p> <p><a href="http://legacycreative.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.fitsugar.com/872448#comment Fitness Holiday Fit Tip morning exercise Thu, 13 Dec 2007 02:30:00 -0800 FitSugar http://www.fitsugar.com/872448 http://www.fitsugar.com/869111 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/users/1/12981/50_2007/broccoli.jpg" alt="" title="" class="outline left image preview" height="200" width="200"></span>I belong to a mom's group that may as well be a gourmet club; every mom (and one dad) is an amazing cook. Needless to say, the day after our Christmas potluck, I had a food hangover. Every dish was not only tasty, but also oh so rich, even mine – bacon, provolone, and butternut squash baked penne pasta. </p> <p>In years past, I supplied the veggies. I usually prepare them simply and bring broccoli with lemon juice, olive oil, and salt, as well as green beans with a little olive oil and some pine nuts for texture. Crudité or a big green salad, lightly dressed of course, would be welcome additions to any buffet.</p> <p>Try bringing a veggie to bring to your next party; yes BYOV! I promise you, the other guests will eat them up! Tell in the comments section below what veggie you usually take to dinner parties.</p> <p><a href="http://legacycreative.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.fitsugar.com/869111#comment bring vegetables Holiday Fit Tip Tue, 11 Dec 2007 03:30:00 -0800 FitSugar http://www.fitsugar.com/869111 http://www.fitsugar.com/867644 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/users/1/12981/49_2007/running.jpg" alt="" title="" class="outline left image preview" height="232" width="150"></span>Let's face it: As the month of December progresses, there seems to be less and less time to work out. Instead of trying to fit in the various elements of your workout, try just being sport specific. If you run, make sure you have time for your regularly scheduled runs and if you can fit in some weight training, great. If not, it is OK to skip strength training for a couple of weeks. If you cycle, get on your bike and get three rides in a week. </p> <p>If you don't train for a specific sport, then aim for working out at least three times a week. Remember if you are pressed for time, <a href="http://fitsugar.com/827055" >adjust your workout</a> by shortening your routine, don't eliminate exercising altogether. </p> <p><a href="http://legacycreative.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.fitsugar.com/867644#comment Fitness Holiday Fit Tip sport specific training Mon, 10 Dec 2007 02:00:00 -0800 FitSugar http://www.fitsugar.com/867644 http://www.fitsugar.com/861537 <p>'Tis the season for Christmas trees, and why not cut your own and make getting the tree part of the adventure of Christmas? <span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/users/1/12981/49_2007/tree.jpg" alt="" title="" class="outline right image preview" height="246" width="250"></span>Heading to a Christmas tree farm is a fun way to get outside and get some exercise. Cutting and hauling your perfect fir will burn some calories too! For twenty minutes worth of effort, you will burn <a href="http://dftools.ivillage.com/healthtools/calc_cb.cfm" target="_blank">about 120 calories</a>. Here is a great website for finding and cutting your own tree: <a href="http://pickyourownchristmastree.org/" target="_blank">Pick Your Own Christmas Tree</a>. </p> <p>Now if cutting down a tree for the Christmas season is not your style, you can buy a live tree to plant later. Digging a big hole after Christmas will burn some calories too. Say your average Christmas tree is a little over six feet tall, it would probably take you about 40 minutes to plant it. According to the <a href="http://dftools.ivillage.com/healthtools/calc_cb.cfm" target="_blank">iVillage calorie calculator</a>, you would burn around 150 calories! </p> <p>Either way you go with your tree, you are going to have to get physical! Happy decorating.</p> <p><a href="http://legacycreative.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.fitsugar.com/861537#comment cut your own tree get physical Holiday Fit Tip Sat, 08 Dec 2007 03:30:00 -0800 FitSugar http://www.fitsugar.com/861537 http://www.fitsugar.com/845121 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/users/1/12981/49_2007/latkeketchup_0.jpg" alt="" title="" class="outline right image preview" height="225" width="300"></span>Since many of you are celebrating <a href="http://fitsugar.com/tags/hanukkah" >Hanukkah</a> this week, I wanted to share my latke favorite recipe with you. I know oil is a huge part of the tradition, but drenching potatoes in a ton of oil isn't exactly the healthiest thing for you, so check out this recipe. It doesn't involve any deep frying, and mixes grated carrots with the potatoes for a sweet and healthy twist. Plus a little color and you know I love orange!</p> <p>To see my recipe, </p> <p><a href="http://www.fitsugar.com/845121">read more</a></p> http://www.fitsugar.com/845121#comment Hanukkah Holiday Fit Tip potato latkes Fri, 07 Dec 2007 11:45:00 -0800 FitSugar http://www.fitsugar.com/845121 http://www.fitsugar.com/861493 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/users/1/12981/49_2007/healthy-holiday_0.jpg" alt="" title="" class="outline right image preview" height="378" width="275"></span>Since we are in the middle of holiday craziness and I've been giving you lots and lots of <a href="http://fitsugar.com/tags/holiday+fit+tip" >tips on how to stay healthy this holiday season</a>, I know it can get a little daunting. For me, there are five general rules that I have for myself during the holidays that I thought you'd like to know.</p> <ol> <li>Eat healthy when you can.</li> <li>Don't deny yourself your favorite holiday foods, just watch portions.</li> <li>Try to sleep seven to eight hours per night.</li> <li>You're not superwoman, so don't try to do it all.</li> <li>Exercise to burn off stress and calories.</li> </ol> <p>Do you have your own rules for yourself to keep in check and sane during the holidays? Share them in the comments section below.</p> <p><a href="http://legacycreative.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.fitsugar.com/861493#comment 5 Things Holiday Fit Tip Fri, 07 Dec 2007 07:30:00 -0800 FitSugar http://www.fitsugar.com/861493 http://www.fitsugar.com/854359 <p>Get in the spirit each holiday season at any one of the Arthritis Foundation's <a href="http://www.arthritis.org/jingle-bell-run.php" target="_blank">Jingle Bell Run/Walk for Arthritis</a>. Thousands of runners and walkers will hit the nation's pavements, pathways, and parks this Winter to raise money to help find a cure for the more than 46 million Americans, including 300,000 children, who have arthritis.<br /> <span class="inline center"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/users/1/12981/49_2007/jingle-bell_0.jpg" alt="" title="" class="outline image preview" height="177" width="332"></span><br /> Jingle Bell Run/Walk is a fun and festive way to kick off your holidays by helping others! Wear a holiday-themed costume or tie jingle bells to your shoelaces — this run is the definition of a fun run. Run or walk the five kilometer (3.2 miles) route and celebrate the season by giving gifts while losing pounds. Look for a <a href="http://www.arthritis.org/event-near-you-jbr.php" target="_blank">Jingle Bell Run/Walk happening near you</a> (registration is $20&ndash;$30).</p> http://www.fitsugar.com/854359#comment ACTivism arthritis foundation Holiday Fit Tip jingle bell run/walk Tue, 04 Dec 2007 10:15:00 -0800 FitSugar http://www.fitsugar.com/854359 http://www.fitsugar.com/848668 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/users/1/12981/48_2007/Tip-Trainer.jpg" alt="" title="" class="outline left image preview" height="250" width="250"></span>I know that with all the things you've got going on this holiday season, the last thing you need is another person to add to your <a href="http://fitsugar.com/tags/2007+holiday+gift+guide" >gift recipient list</a>. However, don't forget to tip your personal trainer. If you have no idea what to give, a good rule of thumb is to give the value of one session with him or her. If that seems a bit much, then try to come up with something more personal or homemade. In the end it's the thought that counts, but it is a good idea to turn those thoughts into something a little more tangible.</p> <p><a href="http://legacycreative.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.fitsugar.com/848668#comment Holiday Fit Tip tip trainer Mon, 03 Dec 2007 11:00:00 -0800 FitSugar http://www.fitsugar.com/848668 http://www.fitsugar.com/827055 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/users/1/12981/47_2007/juggling-act.jpg" alt="" title="" class="outline right image preview" height="482" width="275"></span>As the holidays roll around most of us are running around like crazy people trying to get everything done before the new year. In all the craziness, exercise tends to get dropped from the priority list and lost in the shuffle. </p> <p>I'll be the first to admit that it's going to be nearly impossible for me to spend as much time as I usually do in the gym during the holidays, but that does not mean I am going to cut it out altogether. If you're feeling the same, then just try to adjust appropriately. Instead of going the all-or-nothing route, reduce the frequency and/or duration of your exercises. Cutting your workout by as much as 50 percent is way better than cutting it altogether.</p> <p><a href="http://legacycreative.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.fitsugar.com/827055#comment adjust your workout Holiday Fit Tip Mon, 26 Nov 2007 08:45:00 -0800 FitSugar http://www.fitsugar.com/827055 http://www.fitsugar.com/821484 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/users/1/12981/46_2007/walk-and-talk.jpg" alt="" title="" class="outline left image preview" height="243" width="300"></span>Many of us travel for Thanksgiving either to see family or friends and there is a lot of catching up to do. I highly suggest playing the catch-up game while on the move. Don't just sit on the couch and gab, talk while you walk. You can plan a <a href="http://fitsugar.com/tags/hiking" >hike</a>, an <a href="http://fitsugar.com/736869" >urban hike</a>, or a casual stroll. Just get moving!</p> <p>You could also take this one step further (no pun intended) and make a gym date with friend. This way you can talk with your buddy on side-by-side ellipticals, burn some calories and get the good gossip, too.</p> <p><a href="http://legacycreative.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.fitsugar.com/821484#comment catch up while walking Holiday Fit Tip Tue, 20 Nov 2007 15:30:00 -0800 FitSugar http://www.fitsugar.com/821484 http://www.fitsugar.com/822095 <p>Since most of us are traveling this Thanksgiving, here are a few simple exercises you can do with your legs while sitting in a plane or car. </p> <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/users/1/12981/47_2007/sit.jpg" alt="" title="" class="outline right image preview" height="417" width="300"></span> <ul> <li>Sit up nice and tall and place your palms on the seat next to your thighs. Plant your left foot firmly on the ground and as you inhale lift your right knee up towards your chest. As you exhale, slowly lower your foot but don't let it touch the ground. Concentrate on keeping your spine long and making the movements slow and with control.</li> <li>Repeat this for a total of ten times, then lift your knee up and hold for five complete breaths, and then lower it to the ground.</li> <li>Repeat this sequence on the left side.</li> <li>Then lift and lower both knees together, ten times, then hold for five breaths, and then hug both knees into your chest to stretch out your lower back.</li> </ul> <p><a href="http://legacycreative.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.fitsugar.com/822095#comment chair exercise don't just sit there Holiday Fit Tip knees quads seated stretch Mon, 19 Nov 2007 14:30:00 -0800 FitSugar http://www.fitsugar.com/822095