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How to Keep Black Friday From Making You Black and Blue

FitSugar — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 03:30:00 -0800

Standing in line on the busiest shopping day of the year can really test your patience, and back, and legs, and feet . . .

Here are a few things to try to make standing in line bearable:

Keep your weight evenly balanced on both feet. Standing with all of your weight on one leg with your hip jutting out might look cool and seem like an energy saver, but it can really tweak your back, your hips, and your knees. Especially if you are carrying a heavy purse or already loaded down with bags.
Bend and straighten your knees a bit to make sure that you are not locking your knees, which decreases circulation to your lower legs and grinds the knee joints — ouch!
When you're frustrated that the sales clerk can’t seem to get the total right for the person way at the head of the line — breathe. Take a deep breath and let it go. Remember — oxygen is free.
Put all your bags down and stretch out your back by rounding your lower spine. Remember: Pulling your abs in increases the stretch. You don’t have to make this a big, conspicuous motion. Just big enough to move the spine around a bit so it doesn’t get overtaxed. (Speaking of which — I wish I lived in a state with no sales tax on clothes. But that is another can of worms.)

Happy shopping!

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Spring Fit Tip: Park and Shop

FitSugar — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 12:30:00 -0700

Are you guys sick of me talking about how Spring is nearly here? I can't stop; I love Spring. Last weekend it was just gorgeous in my neck of the woods and I decided to do a little shopping around town. Instead of getting in our car in between each place (what I do when it's cold out), I opted to park in a central location and walk from place to place. If I acquired bags then I'd walk back to the car, drop the bags off, and continue on my way. By the end of our little shopping excursion, I felt great. Sure it takes a little longer but I wasn't in a hurry. Not only was the sun shining, but I was on my feet moving around all day while getting all my errands done (and not using a lot of gas). What could be better? Try it out next time you're shopping and it's nice out.

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Don't Shop 'til You Drop: Ergo Shopping

FitSugar — Fri, 23 Nov 2007 03:00:00 -0800

Standing in line on the busiest shopping day of the year can really test your patience, and back, and legs, and feet….

Here are a few things to try to make standing in line bearable:

Keep your weight evenly balanced on both feet. Standing with all of your weight on one leg, with your hip jutting out, may look cool and seem like an energy saver, but it can really tweak your back, your hips, and your knees. Especially if you are carrying a big, heavy purse.
Do mini pliés. Bend and straighten your knees a bit to make sure that you are not locking your knees, which decreases circulation to your lower legs and grinds the knee joints – ouch.
Breathe: When you’re frustrated that the sales clerk can’t seem to get the total right for the person way up at the head of the line – breathe. Take a deep breath and let it go. Remember: oxygen is always free.
Stretch when you can. Put all your bags down and stretch out your back by rounding your lower spine. Remember pulling your abs in increases the stretch. You don’t have to make it a big motion. Just big enough to move the spine around a bit so it doesn’t get over taxed. (Speaking of which – I wish I lived in a state with no sales tax on clothes, but that is another can of worms.)
Sensible Shoes: If your feet are not happy, then you won't be happy. So wear some sensible shoes.

Happy shopping!

Next time, you are shopping try these tips to get a mini-workout (and burn more calories) while you shop:

If possible, don't get a cart. Opt for baskets to work your arms. If you only need to use one basket, alternate a few minutes on each arm. Bonus points if you can accomplish this at Sam's, Costco or Ikea.
When clothes shopping, hold onto your stuff until you try it on in the dressing room. It's definitely tempting to let the salesperson get a fitting room started for you, but your arms will get a much better workout if you don't. Plus, then you are more able to keep track on how much you are stocking up. Bonus points if you do this while using that $500 gift certificate to your favorite store you just got.
When standing in the checkout line, do some heel raises (which is when you go from your flat foot to your tippy toe, 20 or so times) to work your calves. You'll get even more of a workout if you're holding a basket (or armful) full of goods. Bonus points if the check out line is really long.
Don't be tempted by the parking spot right in front of the door. Park so that you actually have to walk a little to and from your car. Bonus points if the parking lot is completely empty.
If you're food shopping in a city. Carry your own groceries home. It is definitely easy just to pay the delivery fee, but imagine the mini-workout you'll get by lugging the goods home on your own. Bonus points if you live in a walk-up.