FitSugar -- Healthy, happy you.

Stop Hating Exercise and Start Loving It: Part III

FitSugar — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 04:00:00 -0700

Recently I asked you guys to tell me all the things you dislike about exercising so that we can find ways to turn that hate into love. One thing that came up a lot is, "I don't like to sweat."

It's time to change your views on sweating. A lot of people think that excessive sweating makes them look unfit. Try and erase this thought from your brain: Sweating during exercise is a sign of an efficient cooler, which is a good thing. Don't apologize for sweating. Don't make excuses for sweating like, "It's unusually hot in here." Everyone sweats - I get just as sweaty as the next girl, not the mention the fact that my face turns bright red whenever I workout, so you're in good company. Now, don't go getting all worried that if you're not sweating a lot people will think you're unfit. In the end, everyone sweats at different rates.

Keep in mind that sweat is temporary. One of my favorite parts about exercising is the shower that comes afterwards. It's a time to wash off the sweat and reflect on the great things you've just done for yourself. A good idea would be to load up on wicking gear, which are clothes that wick moisture away from your body, so the sweat does not sit on your skin as long. Just like your bod, clothes are washable. Sweat is a lot easier to get rid of than the extra pounds and possible diseases brought on by skipping exercise for so long.

Still against it? You don't have to sweat at the gym to get moving. Find alternatives such as walking a few miles at a pace that won't make you break out into a sweat. Take a leisurely bike ride on Saturday afternoon. Take a Tai Chi or Qigong class. Walk down the stairs instead of taking the elevator. Swim, there's no sweating involved there.

Sweat, much like all other unpleasant bodily functions, happens. Just because I don't like to cry doesn't mean I am going to shy away from watching The Notebook one more time. Sometimes you have to take the good with the bad, even if the bad involves pit stains.

Get Your Butt in Gear: Marika Roll Down Short

FitSugar — Thu, 19 Jul 2007 03:00:00 -0700

Summer is the time to show off those legs that you've been working so hard at achieving. Even if you're not at your goal just yet, a cute pair of workout shorts never did anyone any harm.

I am loving these Roll Down Shorts ($32.00) from Marika. They are tight so they won't be bunching up while running or giving peep shows during crunches. The fabric wicks so you'll be staying dry while running, doing yoga or just lounging around the house. I love that they roll down at the waist because this means you get to pick how low you want them to sit. Buy them directly from Marika.com.

Get Your Butt in Gear: Patagonia Summer Wear

FitSugar — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 02:30:00 -0700

I love Patagonia's gear because everything I have from them is well made and comfortable. I know it can get a little pricey but they have a great idea behind their clothing recycling program and I like supporting companies who support the environment. Here are two pieces for summer that caught my eye recently:

I am in love with this W's Sleeveless Gal-Tee ($35.00) because the super soft jersey knit fabric of the Sleeveless Gal-Tee manages moisture and dries quickly to keep you cool. However, it looks and feels like smooth, soft cotton and resists pilling. The sleeveless design emphasizes shoulder and back motion making it ideal for rock climbing, yoga and days when you're lifting weights. Buy it directly from Patagonia.com.

Pair it with these ultra stretchy jersey-knit W's Morning Glory Capris ($55.00) to keep moisture away from your skin and dry fast. The interior is smooth and skin-friendly (i.e., no chaffing). The fit is very motion friendly and is also enhanced with 5" vents on the back of each flared leg to keep cool. Buy them directly from Patagonia.com.

Get Your Butt in Gear: NiteSweatz Workout Thong

FitSugar — Thu, 24 May 2007 02:00:00 -0700

I grew up hearing that thongs are not good for, ahem, down there. I don't really want to get into details but it has something to do with a lethal combo of yeast, and moisture. This meant sleeping and working out in a thong were a big no-no.

NiteSweatz ($16.00) thong is for anyone who has feared the thong while working out. The silky blend of fabrics coupled with moisture wicking and anti-microbial properties, make these undies pretty fashionable while still being totally functional. This means you can still be pantyline free, even at the gym. Buy one (or three) today from NiteSweatz.com.

A Wicking Bra

FitSugar — Wed, 21 Mar 2007 17:30:00 -0700

In my earlier post on bacne (acne on the back) I suggested wearing a sports bra that was good at wicking away the sweat from the body. Well here's my new favorite bra that is wicked awesome at wicking - the Trilogy Bra by Title Nine Sports.

Fabricated from three different types of fabrics, hence the name, engineered to wick the sweat away from your skin. The back and straps of this pull-over bra are made of mesh to provide maximum breathability. The body of the bra is wicking polyester that is lined (this is the part I love - a sports bra with lining, who knew!!!??!!!) with power nylon mesh. While that sounds like it might be uncomfortable or itchy, it is not. The lining keeps the girls and the cleavage dry (another place sweat can pool and create a breakouts). Plus I find the bra quite supportive.

It comes in brown (aka Cocoa), as well as green (aka Herbal Garden) and blue (Moon Stone). The poetry of the color names just cracks me up. My Trilogy Bra is green.

Order one directly from Title Nine's website. Happy cool, wicked, supported running to ya.

Wool Socks - These are Darn Tough

FitSugar — Tue, 06 Feb 2007 13:00:00 -0800

Merino wool really is the way to go when it comes to active wear, and socks are no exception. I just found this sock company named Darn Tough. They're a small company - they make all of their socks in their mill in Northfield, VT.

Their socks are made with a combination of warm and breathable merino wool, and soft and strong Coolmax fibers. They insulate to keep you warm, and the wool is great at wicking moisture away from your foot when you sweat.

Plus, they're on-mountain socks to cover your entire calf and shin, keeping them warm and cushioned from the pressure of your ski boots.

These socks, although made from wool, aren't the slightest bit itchy. They also make shorter socks for running and hiking.

I'm a huge fan of Darn Tough (as are a ton of other people) mostly because they make one awesome, comfy and durable sock, but also because I like to support smaller companies. Find a pair nearest you and I'm sure you'll agree.

Wicked Awesome Wicking

FitSugar — Fri, 08 Dec 2006 11:58:08 -0800

Do you get blisters when you work out? Sweat can soften your skin, which will make you more prone to blisters when your foot rubs against your shoes. Then the friction can tear softer skin and cause blisters -- Ouch!

A sock that keeps your foot drier will help to prevent blisters from forming. Socks with wicking will help to wick (or draw) the moisture away from your foot to keep your tootsies dry and blister free.

I like: Patagonia's Lightweight Endurance Ankle Socks ($14.50) are lightweight and airy, with enough ankle coverage to stop the sock from slipping in the shoe. Buy them here.

Or you can try: Nike's AirMax 360 Dri-Fit Tab Sock ($7). Dri-FIT properties wick away moisture for rapid evaporation and cooler, drier wear and Air Max technology cushions feet against impact. Buy them here.

Fit's Tip: If you're blister prone then pre-treat problem areas. So say you always get blisters on your heels, pad them with moleskin prior to working out.