That's Fit http://www.thatsfit.com That's Fit http://www.thatsfit.com/media/feedlogo.gif That's Fit http://www.thatsfit.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/Sculpt Yourself a Star Bodyhttp://www.thatsfit.com/2009/10/30/sculpt-yourself-a-star-body/http://www.thatsfit.com/2009/10/30/sculpt-yourself-a-star-body/http://www.thatsfit.com/2009/10/30/sculpt-yourself-a-star-body/#commentsFiled under:

jennifer garner

Photo: Gabriel Bouys, Getty Images

While some stars are airbrushed on the covers of magazines, other celebrities work hard for their sculpted bodies. CafeMom shares a few secrets of celebrity trainers so that you, too, can rock a hot red-carpet bod.

Check out the featured CafeMom video (via Self.com) to zero in on your abs, arms, thighs and butts in the privacy of your own home -- and with no high-tech special equipment. Hand weights and/or resistance tubing is all you should need. Add to your regular workout routine 10 reps of each exercise, and do two sets. Who knows, you might end up resembling the likes of Jennifer Garner, Jessica Biel and Jennifer Lopez.

And then there's Michelle Obama -- now, she could teach you a thing or two about getting fit.

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]]>absarmsbuttscafemomcelebritiescelebrityexpire-images:2010-10-30jennifer garnerjennifer lopezJenniferGarnerJenniferLopezjessica bielJessicaBielmichelle obamaMichelleObamasculpted bodiesSculptedBodiesstarstarsthighsJacki DonaldsonFri, 30 Oct 2009 10:00:00 ESTSugar: Halloween Candy Isn't Your Biggest Problemhttp://www.thatsfit.com/2009/10/29/halloween-candy-eating-less-sugar/http://www.thatsfit.com/2009/10/29/halloween-candy-eating-less-sugar/http://www.thatsfit.com/2009/10/29/halloween-candy-eating-less-sugar/#commentsFiled under:

sugar cereal

Photo: Getty Images

Americans are consuming way too much sugar -- about 22 teaspoons a day, to be exact. Since The American Heart Association suggests consuming no more than 100 calories of sugar a day (that's six teaspoons), FitSugar offers some tips for lightening up on the sweet stuff. Even though Halloween may not be the easiest time to lighten up on sugar, the bulk of our fructose and sucrose intake actually comes from our regular diet and beverage choices.

Cut back slowly, they say, and start with weening yourself off the sugar you add to foods. No more spoonfuls in your coffee and less on your cereal, OK? It's also not a bad idea to choose your daily sugar vice -- allow yourself one bowl of ice cream after dinner, but don't indulge during the rest of the day. Watch out for natural sugars, too, like brown sugar and molasses. And steer clear of liquid sugars -- one 12-ounce can of Coke has a whopping 40 grams of sugar!

We know, it's hard to cut back on something so yummy -- sugar is addictive, after all, but maybe this book can help.

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]]>fitsugarhalloween candyHalloweenCandyice creamIceCreamnatural sugarNaturalSugarsugarsweetsweetsJacki DonaldsonThu, 29 Oct 2009 10:00:00 ESTHyp-Yoga: Lose Weight and Gain Peacehttp://www.thatsfit.com/2009/10/28/hyp-yoga-lose-weight-and-gain-peace/http://www.thatsfit.com/2009/10/28/hyp-yoga-lose-weight-and-gain-peace/http://www.thatsfit.com/2009/10/28/hyp-yoga-lose-weight-and-gain-peace/#commentsFiled under:

yoga

Photo: Getty Images

Hyp-Yoga is emerging on the fitness scene as a way of losing weight while gaining peace, and That's Fit.ca had the chance to chat with Carly Cummings, co-founder of the practice, which is basically a blend of hypnosis and yoga.

Cummings, a yoga teacher and hypnotherapist, started the program in 2006 with her mom, after she realized how merging hypnosis and yoga yielded such great results. She's seen people lose huge amounts of weight, and claims it can help everyone from triathletes to people with pain management and prenatal needs.

Yoga makes up about 45 minutes of a one-hour session, and the last 15 minutes is focused on hypnosis with a focus on healthier living. Imagine a big class full of students, with everyone working on their own issues. That's how it works. Some folks -- it's mostly women who attend -- have given up French fries cold turkey after just one session. If that's enough to motivate you, Cummings shares a hyp-yoga move you can try at home.

Find out how you can also breathe for a better workout.

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]]>hyp-yogathatsfit.caJacki DonaldsonWed, 28 Oct 2009 10:00:00 ESTTed Trashed Junk Food to Lose 60 Poundshttp://www.thatsfit.com/2009/10/26/ted-quit-eating-junk-to-lose-60-pounds/http://www.thatsfit.com/2009/10/26/ted-quit-eating-junk-to-lose-60-pounds/http://www.thatsfit.com/2009/10/26/ted-quit-eating-junk-to-lose-60-pounds/#commentsFiled under: ,

Be inspired by our That's Fit Success Stories. Then motivate others by submitting your own. Share how you've transformed your body through diet and exercise by sending us an e-mail at successstories [AT] thatsfit [DOT] com.

Ted Hebert, Before

Ted Hebert, Before
Photo: Ted Hebert

Name: Ted Hebert

Age: 35

Height: 5 feet 10 inches

Before weight: 211

How I gained it: I was always skinny growing up, even in my teens when I began to eat junk all the time. A normal lunch was two double cheeseburgers, six chicken nuggets, a large shake and a pie. Dinner was usually more of the same or canned spaghetti and meatballs. I also ate candy bars, chips and ice cream all the time. I never put on a pound because I was young and active. In 1995, I weighed 140 pounds, and was actually a little underweight. Then, I got engaged, settled down and became very sedentary. My day consisted of sitting at a desk with a bag of chips and a couple of candy bars. Then, I would eat drive-through junk for lunch. My wife is a fabulous cook, and would make wonderful lasagna, stuffed shells, etc. for dinner every night. In between all of that, I would down about two liters of soda every day. Exercise was something other people did, not me. Sit on the couch watching TV is what I did.

My sedentary, lazy lifestyle, combined with just awful eating habits, packed the pounds on pretty quick. Even though I knew I had gained weight, I was in denial. I kept telling myself everyone gets heavier as they get older. I told myself that for 13 years!

Breaking point: The breaking point for me was being sick all the time. Before I got heavy, I rarely even caught a cold, but during the last few years, I caught nasty colds all the time, and the flu would whack me at least a couple of times a year. In February of 2008, I had a terrible flu that I couldn't shake, so I went to see a doctor. On the way into the doctor's office, the nurse weighed me on the super-accurate medical scale. I could not believe what I weighed: 211 pounds! I stand 5 feet 10 inches tall, so that was way too heavy.

At that moment, it clicked. The thought of heart attack, stroke, diabetes, clogged arteries and possibly leaving my kids with no father ran through my head. Even though I knew for years I was overweight, I finally decided to do something about it. I also felt that if my body was in better shape I wouldn't get sick so often.

I realized I needed to change my attitude about food and exercise. I looked at the wrapper after eating a greasy burger, and saw all that fatty grease. It's pretty disgusting. Would you lick the grease off a burger wrapper? Heck no. So, why eat all the fat and grease in the burger?

Continue reading Ted Trashed Junk Food to Lose 60 Pounds

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]]>junkfoodsubwaysuccess-storiested hebertTedHebertJacki DonaldsonMon, 26 Oct 2009 10:00:00 ESTTai Chi for a Relaxing Calorie Burnhttp://www.thatsfit.com/2009/10/23/tai-chi-for-a-relaxing-calorie-burn/http://www.thatsfit.com/2009/10/23/tai-chi-for-a-relaxing-calorie-burn/http://www.thatsfit.com/2009/10/23/tai-chi-for-a-relaxing-calorie-burn/#commentsFiled under:

tai chi

Photo: Getty Images

If your schedule is crazy and your stress level is sky-high, finding the time to work out might be way off your radar. But here's something that can help: Tai Chi.

Tai Chi offers a double-whammy benefit, says CafeMom -- find a spot in your schedule for it, and Tai Chi will help you burn calories and reduce stress!

You'll want to move slowly and gracefully as you practice your moves, kind of like you're in water. Make sure you breathe through your nose, completely fill your lungs as you inhale and visualize releasing tension as you exhale -- just like you see in this video.

Then, consider this soothing and slimming workout -- Qigong.

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]]>cafemomcalorie burnCalorieBurntai chiTaiChiJacki DonaldsonFri, 23 Oct 2009 09:00:00 ESTRunning Checklist for Good Formhttp://www.thatsfit.com/2009/10/22/running-good-form/http://www.thatsfit.com/2009/10/22/running-good-form/http://www.thatsfit.com/2009/10/22/running-good-form/#commentsFiled under:

running

Photo: Getty Images

If you think running is as simple as throwing on some sneakers and putting one foot in front of the other, you're wrong. To succeed at the run, you've got to invest in technique, just as you would with sports like swimming, golf or tennis. FitSugar knows the drill and shares a great checklist for scoring a good stride and preventing injury.

Lower Body. You'll want to land mid-foot, not on your heel, which can slow you down and jar the body. Relax your ankles and pick up your feet rather than pushing the ground away, which can tire muscles quickly. Shorten your stride for happier knees, and lean forward from your ankles, not your waist.

Upper Body. First, engage your lower abs -- feel them deep, about two inches below your belly button, and pull them toward your spine. Lift your ribcage up and forward to support your torso, and relax your hands (pretend you're holding an egg). Get those arms swinging -- forward and back, not across the body -- and make sure your elbows are at 90 degrees. Finally, let your shoulders fall (exhale deeply, and they will fall away from your ears), and look straight ahead, not at the ground -- looking down closes your throat and makes breathing more difficult.

This is just a start. AOL Health offers some great inspiration for running, too.

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]]>fitsugarrunning checklistRunningChecklistJacki DonaldsonThu, 22 Oct 2009 10:00:00 ESTGet Fit With the Super Sethttp://www.thatsfit.com/2009/10/21/get-fit-with-the-super-set/http://www.thatsfit.com/2009/10/21/get-fit-with-the-super-set/http://www.thatsfit.com/2009/10/21/get-fit-with-the-super-set/#commentsFiled under:

jumping rope

Photo: Getty Images

Wouldn't you love to find a quick workout that delivered great results? Well, fitness instructor and registered holistic nutritionist Sarah Brown of That's Fit.ca might have just what you need. She calls it the Sarah Super Set, and it's a full-body workout that incorporates jumping rope in between exercises that work each muscle group.

The Super Set is a workout you can do at home, and all you need is an exercise mat, a skipping rope and a barbell with clips and plates of various sizes.

Exercises include squats, dead lifts, chest presses, dead rows, bicep curls, tricep extensions, abdominal bicycles and stretching -- three sets of 15 reps for each one, with 30-60 seconds of jumping rope in between each one. If you're really crunched for time, you can cut it down to two sets of 20 reps, but don't skimp on the jumping, because it's key -- just ask Madonna.

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]]>full body workoutFullBodyWorkoutthatsfit.caJacki DonaldsonWed, 21 Oct 2009 10:00:00 ESTRoseann Lost 90 When She Turned 30http://www.thatsfit.com/2009/10/19/roseann-lost-90-when-she-turned-30/http://www.thatsfit.com/2009/10/19/roseann-lost-90-when-she-turned-30/http://www.thatsfit.com/2009/10/19/roseann-lost-90-when-she-turned-30/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Be inspired by our That's Fit Success Stories. Then motivate others by submitting your own. Share how you've transformed your body through diet and exercise by sending us an e-mail at successstories [AT] thatsfit [DOT] com.

Roseann Dashkowitz, before

Roseann Dashkowitz, Before
Photo: Roseann Dashkowitz

Name: Roseann Dashkowitz

Age: 47

Height: 5 feet 10 inches

Before weight: 240

How I gained it: Growing up in the '60s, eating nutritional, low-fat foods was not a priority for most people, so fat-laden but wonderful homemade meals made up my childhood memories. Having two overweight parents meant that portion control was not important at all, and overeating was a very common thing at my house. Being one of the very few overweight kids in my entire school, my mom put me on my first diet when I was 10, and although the weight slipped right off, it was the beginning of a 20-year weight roller coaster for me. By the time I hit my teen years, I felt very unaccepted in my peer group, and of course, kids that age made sure I knew that I didn't belong. I walked in the door the first day of school of my senior year weighing in at a healthy 140 pounds, and I graduated nine months later at almost 240! I married at 24 and had twins exactly one year later. The next five years proved to be a time of extreme fluctuations in my weight, as I would starve myself, lose 70 pounds or so, and in a matter of months, gain it all back -- plus some. I had begun exercising, but just could not get a handle on how to keep the weight off.

Breaking point: Turning 30 made me realize I needed to make a life-long change. I began to see that my girls needed a mom to help them make good eating decisions, or they, too, would find themselves going through the same pain that I had. I was determined to lose the weight once and for all, and stop the yo-yo cycle.

Continue reading Roseann Lost 90 When She Turned 30

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]]>Roseann DashkowitzRoseannDashkowitzsuccess-storiesJacki DonaldsonMon, 19 Oct 2009 11:00:00 ESTBuild Your Body With a Broomhttp://www.thatsfit.com/2009/10/16/build-your-body-with-a-broom/http://www.thatsfit.com/2009/10/16/build-your-body-with-a-broom/http://www.thatsfit.com/2009/10/16/build-your-body-with-a-broom/#commentsFiled under:

broom

Photo: Getty Images

We keep telling you it's completely possible to get fit at home. CafeMom agrees, and suggests you grab a broom and get to work.

To tone your arms, back, butt, legs and more, get yourself a broom stick and try the Flutter Kick, Straight Arm Raise, Side Circle, Abs Dynamo, Twist Off and Sitting Pretty. The details are all right here, where CafeMom shares a video demonstration of each move.

When you're done with the broom, give this kitchen appliance workout a whirl.

House cleaning might count as exercise, too -- if you choose the right chores.

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]]>broomcafemomJacki DonaldsonFri, 16 Oct 2009 10:00:00 ESTEarbuds That Stay Puthttp://www.thatsfit.com/2009/10/15/earbuds-that-stay-put/http://www.thatsfit.com/2009/10/15/earbuds-that-stay-put/http://www.thatsfit.com/2009/10/15/earbuds-that-stay-put/#commentsFiled under:

running with earphones

Photo: Getty Images

If music is as essential to your workout as sneakers or a sports bra, then you've probably spent a fair amount of time hunting for the best earbuds, earphones, headphones, whatever it is you use.

It can be tough finding something with good function, fit and fashion, but FitSugar has found a winner in 2XL headphones.

2XL offers a few different models, depending on your needs (some wrap around the ear; some fit snugly inside), and there are lots of colors to choose from, too. Best of all, they're cheap, ringing in at only $10 to $15 a pair.

Need some workout tunes to motivate your moves? Try our That's Fit playlist.

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]]>2XLearbudsfitsugarJacki DonaldsonThu, 15 Oct 2009 10:00:00 ESTWeighted Shoes for a Better Calorie Burn?http://www.thatsfit.com/2009/10/14/weighted-shoes-for-a-better-calorie-burn/http://www.thatsfit.com/2009/10/14/weighted-shoes-for-a-better-calorie-burn/http://www.thatsfit.com/2009/10/14/weighted-shoes-for-a-better-calorie-burn/#commentsFiled under:

ngr shoe
Photo: ngrfit.com
A brisk run, a vigorous walk, a hilly bike ride or a sweaty gym session will all help you burn through a bunch of calories. Apparently, so can wearing a certain pair of shoes, reports That's Fit.ca.

NGR (No Gym Required) shoes are fitted with weighted midsoles, which means they might help you torch an extra 50 calories doing your everyday activities. They can tighten up your core and leg muscles, too.

Think this is a gimmick? That's Fit.ca talked with NGR founder Jennifer Cohen, who says it's not. "I launched them because [I thought] it would be easy for people to incorporate them into their lives as all you need to do is walk and you'll not only get a cardiovascular workout, but also the weight resistance that's necessary for a full fitness program."

Basically, they intensify whatever it is you're doing, and Cohen says that celebs Debra Messing and Courteney Cox have them. What results are you likely to see if you fork over about $190 for a pair? Toned legs and butt, and a stronger leaner you.

Like any fitness program, you should start slow with NGR shoes. Cohen advises beginning with 20 minutes a day and working your way up. When you're done working out, just remove the weights and these kicks can double as regular shoes.

If you prefer no shoes at all, take a look at the Vibram FiveFingers Shoes.

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]]>NGR shoesNgrShoesthats fit.caThatsFit.caweighted shoesWeightedShoesJacki DonaldsonWed, 14 Oct 2009 10:00:00 ESTJeanine Lost Weight to Get Healthy, Not Skinnyhttp://www.thatsfit.com/2009/10/12/jeanine-lost-weight-to-get-healthy-not-skinny/http://www.thatsfit.com/2009/10/12/jeanine-lost-weight-to-get-healthy-not-skinny/http://www.thatsfit.com/2009/10/12/jeanine-lost-weight-to-get-healthy-not-skinny/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Be inspired by our That's Fit Success Stories. Then motivate others by submitting your own. Share how you've transformed your body through diet and exercise by sending us an e-mail at successstories [AT] thatsfit [DOT] com.
Jeanine Slater, Before

Jeanine Slater, Before
Photo: Jeanine Slater


Name: Jeanine Slater

Age: 44

Height: 5 feet 6 inches

Before weight: 204

How I gained it: I began to gain weight while I was in college. I gained 25 pounds in four years, and despite numerous diets and exercise plans, I continued to pile on the pounds. Later, chronic depression and some poor life choices pulled me into a downward cycle of overeating and not exercising. I have struggled with my weight for most of my adult life.

Breaking point: By the summer of 2007, my weight had ballooned to more than 200 pounds, and I cringed every time I looked in the mirror. More important, my only sister had suffered a stroke earlier that year. I had lost other family members to heart disease, hypertension and diabetes and was desperate to save my own life.

Continue reading Jeanine Lost Weight to Get Healthy, Not Skinny

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]]>jeanine slaterJeanineSlatersuccess-storiesJacki DonaldsonMon, 12 Oct 2009 11:00:00 ESTSports Bras: Your Questions Answeredhttp://www.thatsfit.com/2009/10/09/sports-bras-your-questions-answered/http://www.thatsfit.com/2009/10/09/sports-bras-your-questions-answered/http://www.thatsfit.com/2009/10/09/sports-bras-your-questions-answered/#commentsFiled under:

girl with weights
Photo: Getty Images
A sports bra is an important piece of fitness equipment, and anyone who's worn a bad one knows you can't just grab and go when it comes to shopping for support. You've got to know a few things first, like how to measure, how tight, cups or no cups and when to get a new one. CafeMom has some answers.

Generally, you'll wear the same size sports bra as regular bra, but you might want to try it on to be sure. Your bra should allow you to breath, but you want it snug, too. And cups? It depends on the size of your breasts, but if you're a C-cup or larger, go for the extra support. And when the bra band starts riding up in the back, it's likely time for a new one.

Ready to shop? Start with finding the right type for your size.

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]]>cafemomsports braSportsBraJacki DonaldsonFri, 09 Oct 2009 10:00:00 ESTJessica Biel Will Climb Mt. Kilimanjarohttp://www.thatsfit.com/2009/10/08/jessica-biel-will-climb-mt-kilimanjaro/http://www.thatsfit.com/2009/10/08/jessica-biel-will-climb-mt-kilimanjaro/http://www.thatsfit.com/2009/10/08/jessica-biel-will-climb-mt-kilimanjaro/#commentsFiled under: ,

jessica biel
Photo: Bryan Bedder, Getty Images
Lots of celebs are running marathons for worthy causes -- Ryan Reynolds did it, and Edward Norton is training for one, too. Jessica Biel is also charity-minded, says FitSugar, but this star is taking a different path -- up a mountain. Yep, she'll climb Mt. Kilimanjaro (the tallest, free-standing mountain in the world) for the Summit on the Summit, a group dedicated to educating the public about the need for clean drinking water worldwide.

Why a mountain climb? "This is a basic human necessity that needs to be addressed now," says Biel. "[I want] to help any way I can in order to raise awareness toward the life-threatening clean-water crisis happening not only in Africa but around the world."

Think mountain climbing is too much to tackle? Let Zak York inspire you. After surviving childhood cancer, he took on Mount Whitney, the tallest mountain in the continental U.S., and he plans to do it again.

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]]>fitsugarJessica BielJessicaBielmt. kilimanjaroMt.KilimanjaroJacki DonaldsonThu, 08 Oct 2009 10:00:00 ESTTrain for the Cure in Short Timehttp://www.thatsfit.com/2009/10/07/train-for-the-cure-in-short-time/http://www.thatsfit.com/2009/10/07/train-for-the-cure-in-short-time/http://www.thatsfit.com/2009/10/07/train-for-the-cure-in-short-time/#commentsFiled under:

It's Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and folks everywhere are signing up to walk and run for the cure. Maybe you're one who's signed up with your office buddies to wear pink and take on a race -- but are you physically ready to log the miles? That's Fit.ca offers last-minute tips for getting to the finish line.

Training: Choose a combo of walking, running or both, with a pace that allows you to carry on a conversation.

Stretching: Stretch for 30 seconds to two minutes post-training to prevent cramping and soreness and increase flexibility.

Eating: Eat fresh fruit, vegetables, whole grains, essential fats and protein. Avoid sugar, processed foods, alcohol and caffeine.

Hydrating: Start with water first thing in the morning, and keep drinking throughout the day.

Resting: Got to bed no later than 10 p.m., and get at least seven to nine hours of sleep. Consider allowing for 24 hours of rest after a day of training.

And on race day? Keep drinking water, eat healthy, and if you can't do without an electrolyte drink, That's Fit.ca shares a recipe for a thirst quencher you can make at home. Just beware of commercial sports and energy drinks, they contain lots of empty calories and sugar.

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]]>breast cancerBreastCancerrunthats fit.caThatsFit.catrainJacki DonaldsonWed, 07 Oct 2009 10:00:00 ESTHealth Crisis Pushed Keith to Shed 200 Poundshttp://www.thatsfit.com/2009/10/05/health-crisis-pushed-keith-to-shed-200-pounds/http://www.thatsfit.com/2009/10/05/health-crisis-pushed-keith-to-shed-200-pounds/http://www.thatsfit.com/2009/10/05/health-crisis-pushed-keith-to-shed-200-pounds/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Be inspired by our That's Fit Success Stories. Then motivate others by submitting your own. Share how you've transformed your body through diet and exercise by sending us an e-mail at successstories [AT] thatsfit [DOT] com.

keith ahrens, before
Keith Ahrens, Before
Photo: Keith Ahrens
Name: Keith Ahrens

Age: 47

Height: 5 feet 10 inches

Before weight: 414

How I gained it: I had followed a no-exercise, sedentary lifestyle for many years. I was troubled with weight as an adolescent but became more fit in my college years. After graduating college, I began to put on the pounds. I ate whatever I wanted, in whatever quantities I wanted. Most of the time, the food choices were high in fat, sugar and carbs. The food choices I made were of little regard or complete disregard to their nutritional content. I had dieted on and off for 23 years, only to relapse and put on more weight each time.

Breaking point: At the age of 45, I weighed more than 414 pounds and suffered a remote silent heart attack that resulted in open-heart coronary artery bypass surgery. After surviving this critical surgery, I invested all of my efforts into getting healthy and losing weight without surgery. It took a life-or-death crisis for me to realize how important it is to make healthy choices.

Continue reading Health Crisis Pushed Keith to Shed 200 Pounds

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]]>keith ahrensKeithAhrenssuccess-storiesJacki DonaldsonMon, 05 Oct 2009 11:00:00 ESTWork Out for Freehttp://www.thatsfit.com/2009/10/02/work-out-for-free/http://www.thatsfit.com/2009/10/02/work-out-for-free/http://www.thatsfit.com/2009/10/02/work-out-for-free/#commentsFiled under:

yoga pose
Photo: Getty Images
Working out at home is a great way to get fit -- no gym memberships or expensive trainers necessary, just the great outdoors, your garage, even your living room floor. And don't think you need to shell out a load of cash on DVDs to whip your body into shape. CafeMom says there are free exercise videos all over the Internet.

CafeMom names Exercise TV as a favorite for videos featuring quality moves taught by certified fitness professionals. Whether you want rock-hard abs or a strong and sexy shape, you'll find plenty of inspirational tutorials here.

That's Fit blogger and certified Pilates instructor Lisa Johnson made the CafeMom cut, too, for this core-strengthening Pilates video. "She makes it look so easy and has such good form," says Cafe Cynthia.

You'll want to be careful when shopping for exercise videos online, though, because there's no way to tell for sure if "instructors" are certified or not, and you may end up with unsafe advice. Check with a fitness professional or your doctor if you have any doubts about the information streaming across your computer screen.

This treadmill workout is one you might want to avoid.

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]]>cafemomfreeinternetworkoutsJacki DonaldsonFri, 02 Oct 2009 10:00:00 ESTPalm Oil: Better Than Trans Fat?http://www.thatsfit.com/2009/10/01/palm-oil-better-than-trans-fat/http://www.thatsfit.com/2009/10/01/palm-oil-better-than-trans-fat/http://www.thatsfit.com/2009/10/01/palm-oil-better-than-trans-fat/#commentsFiled under:

food label
Make it your mission to read (and understand) food labels.
Photo: Getty Images
Partially hydrogenated oil is a diet no-no. And many companies are replacing this trans fat with palm oil. They say it's a healthier option. But is it? Not exactly, says FitSugar.

On food labels, you might see this ingredient listed as palm-fruit oil (from the fruit of the palm tree) or kernel oil (from the palm seed inside the fruit). Palm kernel oil is the worst of the two, with 86-percent saturated fat (50 percent of the fat in palm-fruit oil is saturated), but FitSugar says both of these oils should be limited. To protect your arteries and heart, look for foods made with canola or olive oils instead.

Another reason to stray from palm oil: Production of the stuff is leading to deforestation, which is driving orangutans toward extinction.

There's also coconut oil -- but is it any better for your body?

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]]>coconut oilCoconutOilfitsugarpalm oilPalmOiltrans fatTransFatJacki DonaldsonThu, 01 Oct 2009 10:00:00 ESTBounce Yourself Fit With a Mini Trampolinehttp://www.thatsfit.com/2009/09/30/bounce-yourself-fit-with-a-mini-trampoline/http://www.thatsfit.com/2009/09/30/bounce-yourself-fit-with-a-mini-trampoline/http://www.thatsfit.com/2009/09/30/bounce-yourself-fit-with-a-mini-trampoline/#commentsFiled under:

mini trampoline
Photo: Getty Images
You don't need a monster trampoline in your backyard to get fit. A mini will do just fine.

"Yes, the mini trampoline is a fantastic form of aerobic exercise that has numerous benefits such as improving coordination and overall muscle tone, speeding up metabolism and aiding cardiovascular and lymphatic circulation," says fitness instructor and registered holistic nutritionist Sarah Brown at That's Fit.ca.

Not only will the mini work your body, it might just reduce your stress, too. "You can put yourself in a trance-like state, which inspires a relaxed disposition in the hours you spend off your trampoline," says Brown, who offers some great tips for getting started. She also cautions that while the exercise is pretty safe and easy on joints, you should check with a doc before you get airborne.

Want to keep your feet on the ground? Try this AOL Health walking routine.

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]]>mini trampolineMiniTrampolinethatsfit.caJacki DonaldsonWed, 30 Sep 2009 10:00:00 ESTMichelle Obama in Best Shape Ever at 45http://www.thatsfit.com/2009/09/29/michelle-obama-in-best-shape-ever-at-45/http://www.thatsfit.com/2009/09/29/michelle-obama-in-best-shape-ever-at-45/http://www.thatsfit.com/2009/09/29/michelle-obama-in-best-shape-ever-at-45/#commentsFiled under: ,

Photo: Kwaku Alston
Not only is Michelle Obama fit after 40, the 45-year-old first lady is in better shape now than she's ever been. We believe it -- you have seen those arms, haven't you?

"I've had more time [to work out] as my kids have gotten older," Mrs. Obama shares in the November 2009 issue of Prevention magazine. "There was a period, actually right before the campaign started up, that I was really in tip-top shape. I was really there. And then my husband ran for president," she jokes.

Michelle is obviously weathering the presidency quite well, thanks to a smart diet that allows for some wiggle room. "I try to have no absolute no's," she says. "I love French fries, I like a good burger, and I like pie. And that's okay. I would be depressed if I felt I could never eat the things that I love."

Then there's her 4:30 a.m. exercise routine (she goes to bed by 10 p.m.), which is dedicated to Pilates, cardio, stretching and weights. Her favorite moves? "I enjoy arm exercises because you can see what it's hitting," she says. The girl is not kidding, and a very specific 9-minute arm workout has helped earn her those gorgeous guns. But it's head-to-toe training that does the whole body good. That, plus a healthy diet and lifestyle, of course.

For more on how this busy wife and mom stays in such great shape, click through the gallery below.
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How Michelle Obama Stays in Shape
By Kimberly Papa

To anyone who's seen Michelle Obama in one of her trademark sleeveless dresses one thing is clear: She's in great shape (those arms!).

The new First Lady has earned her fabulous figure by sticking to an impressive exercise routine. Find out what she does to stay fit and how she squeezes workouts into her busy life.
Emmanuel Dunand, AFP / Getty Images

How Michelle Obama Stays In Shape

    By Kimberly Papa

    To anyone who's seen Michelle Obama in one of her trademark sleeveless dresses one thing is clear: She's in great shape (those arms!).

    The new First Lady has earned her fabulous figure by sticking to an impressive exercise routine. Find out what she does to stay fit and how she squeezes workouts into her busy life.

    Emmanuel Dunand, AFP / Getty Images

    She makes exercise a priority

    "A proper diet and regular exercise have always been important to me, for both the physical and mental benefits," Mrs. Obama told Redbook. Speaking about her time on the campaign trail she said, "On the road, I talk to a lot of women about the importance of their well-being; we women often put ourselves last on our 'to do' lists, and we need to take better care of ourselves."

    M. Spencer Green, AP

    She sticks to a routine

    Michelle is devoted to carving out time for exercise. She told MomLogic that she goes to the gym three times a week, where she works out with a trainer for about an hour.

    Bauer-Griffin

    She's an early bird

    It's been reported that when the Obamas lived in Chicago, Michelle would join her friends for 4:30 am workouts at the gym.

    EyeWire

    She exercises to de-stress

    "Exercise is really important to me -- it's therapeutic. So if I'm ever feeling tense or stressed or like I'm about to have a meltdown, I'll put on my iPod and head to the gym," the First Lady told Marie Claire.

    Getty Images

    She stays focused

    Her friend Cheryl Rucker-Whitaker told O, The Oprah Magazine that Obama is "One of the women who leave you in the dust. She's a gladiator. She jumps rope 200 times without messing up. We talk in the beginning, but once the workout gets going, she is all business."

    Mark Wilson, Getty Images

    She makes exercise a family affair

    Mrs. Obama told Redbook magazine that her family spends time together doing outdoor activities, such as riding bikes and swimming. It's also been reported that when she can't get to the gym, she'll go for a run with her daughters, Malia and Sasha.

    Alex Brandon, AP

    She adds variety

    Michelle told USA Today that her workout routine includes a mix of cardio, free weights, hitting the treadmill and stair-walking.

    Getty Images

    Her hubby is her workout buddy

    While the First Family was visiting Hawaii in December, it was reported that Michelle and Barack headed to the Semper Fit Center on Marine Corps Base for a morning workout together.

    Getty Images

    She has a positive body image

    During an interview with People last summer, Michelle said that when she looks in the mirror she says she sees a healthy woman.

    Retna



Another one of Mrs. Obama's passions: Locally-grown foods.
Check out more of the First Lady's magazine covers.

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]]>expire-images:2010-9-29michelle obamaMichelleObamaprevention magazinePreventionMagazineJacki DonaldsonTue, 29 Sep 2009 16:00:00 EST