That's Fithttp://www.thatsfit.comThat's Fithttp://www.thatsfit.com/media/feedlogo.gifThat's Fithttp://www.thatsfit.comen-usCopyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only.Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/World Run Day 2009 is This Sunday!http://www.thatsfit.com/2009/11/06/world-run-day-2009-is-this-sunday/http://www.thatsfit.com/2009/11/06/world-run-day-2009-is-this-sunday/http://www.thatsfit.com/2009/11/06/world-run-day-2009-is-this-sunday/#commentsFiled under:

Photo: Ed Yourdon, Flickr

Lace up your running shoes and get ready to celebrate -- Sunday, November 8 is World Run Day 2009!

World Run Day was conceptualized in 1999 by veteran runner Bill McDermott, who told Active.com, "The idea was an international day of charity, built around running. I thought if we could just focus on one day, wouldn't that be great for all of us?" The first actual World Run Day was the following year, and after September 11, 2001, McDermott refocused his energy into the holiday to make it something people all over the world could take part in.

The idea of World Run Day is that, rather than having to run in a specific organized event to raise money for a cause, people can raise money and just go out for a run on their own. If you'd like to participate in a group event, Active.com has a list of World Run Day events near you.

A day just for running and helping charity that doesn't romanticize a marathon? Nobody can object to that!

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]]>charity runCharityRunracerun for charityRunForCharityrunningworld run dayworld run day eventsWorldRunDayWorldRunDayEventsKristen SeymourFri, 06 Nov 2009 17:00:00 ESTStreet Strider:The Biggest Loser's Next Great Workout?http://www.thatsfit.com/2009/11/06/street-strider-the-biggest-losers-next-great-workout/http://www.thatsfit.com/2009/11/06/street-strider-the-biggest-losers-next-great-workout/http://www.thatsfit.com/2009/11/06/street-strider-the-biggest-losers-next-great-workout/#commentsFiled under: ,



Fans of The Biggest Loser may have noticed an exotic addition to the show recently: The 2010 StreetStrider.

Like a cross between an elongated tricycle, a Razor scooter and a gym elliptical trainer, the StreetStider consists of a light frame with two small wheels in front and one large wheel in back. Riders stand on the ski-like platforms and stride their legs in a stretched out oval motion. The movement is part jogging, part cycling -- and part something completely new for an outdoor exercise machine.

If the Biggest Loser contestants are any indication, StreetStriding will be the next big fitness craze. They tested the machine behind the scenes for over two seasons, zipping around obstacle courses and pumping up hills. Although contestants had usually lost a good deal of weight before climbing aboard, most of them were still on the heftier side so Dave Kraus, the inventor and president of StreetStrider International, thinks their feedback was especially useful in helping in working out the kinks and perfecting the motion for the average person.

"We're really hoping to re-energize people of all shapes and sizes by providing them with a cutting edge product that's safe, rigorous and low impact," he says.

Continue reading Street Strider:The Biggest Loser's Next Great Workout?

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]]>biggest loserBiggestLoserelliptical trainersEllipticalTrainersfit-or-fictionliz-neporentstreet striderstreetstriderthe biggest loserTheBiggestLoserLiz NeporentFri, 06 Nov 2009 13:00:00 ESTHula-Hooping To Lose Weighthttp://www.thatsfit.com/2009/11/06/hula-hooping-to-lose-weight/http://www.thatsfit.com/2009/11/06/hula-hooping-to-lose-weight/http://www.thatsfit.com/2009/11/06/hula-hooping-to-lose-weight/#commentsFiled under:

Photo: Corbis

It might be an activity that's done more for fun than fitness, but make no mistake -- hula hooping can be quite a workout. In fact, as CafeMom recently posted, it can even be used to help you slim down.

You can tone your tummy with a Hoopilates class or pick up a hooping DVD that will show you the ins and outs of getting fit with the hula hoop. Make sure you're using a weighted one for an extra challenge, and check out these easy moves that can get you started. Keep in mind that you don't always have to use your hula hoop in the traditional manner -- it can be used to tone all your muscles, not just the abs.

So it's no wonder Hula Hooping is catching on all over the place -- even Michelle Obama is doing it!

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]]>CafeMomcafemom-mini-posthoopilateshoopinghooping dvdHoopingDvdhulahula hoophula hoopinghula hooping for weight lossHulaHoopHulaHoopingHulaHoopingForWeightLossmichelle obamaMichelleObamaweighted hoopWeightedHoopMartha EdwardsFri, 06 Nov 2009 10:00:00 ESTVO2 Maxhttp://www.thatsfit.com/2009/11/05/vo2-max/http://www.thatsfit.com/2009/11/05/vo2-max/http://www.thatsfit.com/2009/11/05/vo2-max/#commentsFiled under:

VO2 Max -- also known as maximal oxygen consumption, maximal oxygen uptake or aerobic capacity -- is a measure of the maximum oxygen capacity , or how much air an athlete can use. The name is a combination of volume (V) and oxygen (O2). VO2 Max is considered to be the most accurate indication of an individual's aerobic endurance and cardiovascular fitness.

Calculating VO2 Max is done in a controlled environment such as a sports performance laboratory. The athlete is required to perform an exercise at maximum effort, such as running on a treadmill, while their oxygen uptake is recorded. The point at which oxygen consumption levels out is known as the VO2 Max. Their values vary depending on gender and age -- values can typically range from 17.0 (very poor performance) to 60.0 (very superior performance.)

Your VO2 Max is largely determined by your genetics, but research indicates that you can increase it through training. The most effective method for increasing VO2 Max is by engaging in continuous exercise that raises the heart rate to at least 70 percent of your maximum rate for 20 to 60 minutes three times a week.

Once you know your VO2 Max, be sure to check out other highly recommended online calculators.

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]]>aerobic capacityAerobicCapacityairareobic enduranceAreobicEndurancecardiovascular fitnessCardiovascularFitnessendurancelungsmaximal oxygen consumptionmaximal oxygen uptakeMaximalOxygenConsumptionMaximalOxygenUptakemaximum oxygen uptakeMaximumOxygenUptakemolumeoxygensports performanceSportsPerformancevo2 maxVo2MaxvolumeMartha EdwardsThu, 05 Nov 2009 16:15:00 ESTGym Pet Peeves: What Drives You Crazy?http://www.thatsfit.com/2009/11/05/gym-pet-peeves-crazy-workout-habits/http://www.thatsfit.com/2009/11/05/gym-pet-peeves-crazy-workout-habits/http://www.thatsfit.com/2009/11/05/gym-pet-peeves-crazy-workout-habits/#commentsFiled under: ,

Keep track of the latest in diet and fitness Twitter trends and opinions with this weekly post. Not only will AOL Health's Twitter alias Healthpop and That's_Fit ask fitness-related questions and share the best responses with you, we'll scour the Twittersphere for the latest buzz on everything from good eats to exercise routines gone bad.
Hauling your cookies to the gym is tough enough without the added stress of irritating workout habits from other gym-goers. From awkward staring to uncleaned exercise equipment, see what gym and workout pet peeves drive the fine folks on Twitter a little bonkers.

acthealthy
acthealthy
acthealthy @Thats_Fit What are your biggest gym pet peeves? What drives you nuts when you are trying to work out? Hands down, bad form.
acthealthy
StaciAtTheGym
StaciAtTheGym @Thats_Fit my biggest gym pet peeve is when guys stop what they're doing to watch u. Stop it guys it's creepy.
acthealthy
BeccaHeisler
BeccaHeisler One of my all time biggest pet peeves is when people do not clean their machine at the gym when they're a done. SO GROSS.
acthealthy
TamaraKenyon
TamaraKenyon People who talk on their phones while at the gym annoy me.
acthealthy
minimarsh6
minimarsh6 pet peeve: when people wear gym clothes (wicking shirt, workout pants, sneakers) and heavy makeup with clearly NO intention of working out
Read any good Tweets? Give us a shout on Twitter and let us know all about it!

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]]>annoyingcrazyfitnessgymgym habitsGymHabitspet peevePetPeevetwitter-tipsworkoutworkout clothesWorkoutClothesAmanda YoungerThu, 05 Nov 2009 15:00:00 ESTPilates Exerciseshttp://www.thatsfit.com/2009/11/05/pilates-exercises/http://www.thatsfit.com/2009/11/05/pilates-exercises/http://www.thatsfit.com/2009/11/05/pilates-exercises/#commentsFiled under:

Pilates exercises are part of a fitness method started by Joseph Pilates in the early 1900s. This popular workout trend teaches awareness of breathing while focusing on the alignment of the spine. Pilates target back and abdominal -- or "core" muscles -- but is also effective for toning the legs, arms, shoulders and glutes.

The exercises are often performed on a piece of equipment called a reformer, but can also be done on a mat without equipment. During these Pilates classes, you'll perform non-weight bearing moves that use your body weight to tone your muscles. All Pilates exercises have numerous benefits, including increasing both strength and flexibility, while also improving lung capacity.

Pilates classes are available at most gyms. Still, finding the right instructor can be the key to success. Certified instructors will give clear and precises directions that focus on correct body positioning and breathing. It's the instructor's job to accurately demonstrate the exercises for you and to give you cues that make the movements easy to understand.

Pilates exercises are great for both beginners and advanced exercisers. Instructors should provide modifications for the exercises and offer some individual instruction to ensure you are performing the moves in a way that is both safe and effective. Injured students should be able to participate with these modifications, too.

Think Pilates might be right for you? Learn more about how Pilates gives the gain without the pain.

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]]>abdominalabdominalsbackCoreflexibilitylung capacityLungCapacitypilatespilates exercisesPilatesExercisesstrengthstretchingMelissa JoulwanThu, 05 Nov 2009 12:15:00 ESTValerie Bertinelli: Losing it and Keeping Fithttp://www.thatsfit.com/2009/11/05/valerie-bertinelli-losing-it-and-keeping-fit-dvd-review/http://www.thatsfit.com/2009/11/05/valerie-bertinelli-losing-it-and-keeping-fit-dvd-review/http://www.thatsfit.com/2009/11/05/valerie-bertinelli-losing-it-and-keeping-fit-dvd-review/#commentsFiled under: ,

Photo: gaiam.com

Valerie Bertinelli is a total inspiration. She worked hard, lost weight, and looks amazing. And now, she has a fitness DVD -- "Valerie Bertinelli: Losing it and Keeping Fit."

The DVD is divided into three sections: a 20-minute Level 1 workout, a 40-minute Level 2 workout, and then Bonus Features. Both workouts feature Bertinelli with celebrity personal trainer Christopher Ross Lane, who was instrumental in helping the actress sculpt her new body.

Obviously, the workouts worked for Bertinelli. But is this DVD right for you? I tested out both workouts to find out.

Continue reading Valerie Bertinelli: Losing it and Keeping Fit

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]]>celebrity fitnessCelebrityFitnessdvd-reviewsfitness dvdFitnessDvdvalerie bertinelliValerieBertinelliworkout dvdWorkoutDvdKristen SeymourThu, 05 Nov 2009 12:00:00 ESTHabits Healthy People Have in Commonhttp://www.thatsfit.com/2009/11/05/habits-healthy-people-have-in-common/http://www.thatsfit.com/2009/11/05/habits-healthy-people-have-in-common/http://www.thatsfit.com/2009/11/05/habits-healthy-people-have-in-common/#commentsFiled under:

massage

Photo: Nick J Webb, Flickr

Ever wonder what super-healthy people have in common? Turns out, many of them share the same habits.

Sure, some of them are obvious, like getting plenty of vitamin C and regularly exercising. We all know we should be doing that. But what about gargling? Or getting a massage? Did you have any idea these actions could help ward off sickness?

It turns out they can, and there's more surprising information where that came from. To learn how to incorporate new ways into your life, and to find out about more healthy habits, head on over to FitSugar for the full scoop! And don't forget to come back and let us know which of these healthy habits surprised you most.

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]]>healthyhealthy habitshealthy peopleHealthyHabitsHealthyPeoplemassageregular exerciseRegularExercisevitamin cVitaminCKristen SeymourThu, 05 Nov 2009 10:30:00 ESTStretches: Don't Forget Themhttp://www.thatsfit.com/2009/11/05/stretch-it-is-important/http://www.thatsfit.com/2009/11/05/stretch-it-is-important/http://www.thatsfit.com/2009/11/05/stretch-it-is-important/#commentsFiled under:

Think stretching is a waste of time? Don't -- it's an essential aspect of fitness.

Continue reading Stretches: Don't Forget Them

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]]>daily-fit-tipstretchesMartha EdwardsThu, 05 Nov 2009 09:00:00 ESTWeight Liftinghttp://www.thatsfit.com/2009/11/04/weight-lifting/http://www.thatsfit.com/2009/11/04/weight-lifting/http://www.thatsfit.com/2009/11/04/weight-lifting/#commentsFiled under:

You know that you need to add weight-lifting to your workout routine but you may not be sure which routine is best.

Just like any other time you start a fitness program, you'll want to start out slowly.

First, you'll need to start with one or two sets of eight to 12 repetitions. If you're older, injured or unsure of your strength you can do 10 to 15 reps with less weight. When you can lift a weight eight to 12 times and it gets harder to lift during the last rep, you'll want to add a little weight and decrease the reps.

Even if you're a seasoned weight-lifting veteran, alternating the workouts is key. You shouldn't do arm workouts and shoulders exercises on consecutive days. You should avoid working on legs consecutively, too. It's important to vary how you're focusing on strengthening different muscles. For instance, you may want to start by isolating the shoulders. At your gym you can do an overhead press, lateral raise or front raise to work on this body part. Start with two sets of eight to 12 repetitions.

Other parts of this workout might include strengthening the chest via the bench press, chest press machine or push-ups. You can work on your back as well in a seated row machine. To build your biceps you can work on bicep curls, hammer curls and concentration curls using hand weights. As for the triceps? You can do tricep extensions.

As you alternate days to work on your lower body, you can try squats, lunges, leg-press machines, deadlifts or calf raises. As for the abdominals, there are always crunches, oblique twists and pelvic tilts.

If you begin your weight training regimen at your health club, the fym should have staff to supervise and answer specific questions.

Now that you've got your weight-lifting routine set, check out That'sFit's cardio workouts.

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]]>absbicepsdeadliftsexercisefitnessgymhealth clublower bodyLowerBodylungessquatstricepsweight liftingweight lifting routinesweight trainingWeightLiftingweightsVicki SalemiWed, 04 Nov 2009 17:15:00 ESTYoga Journalhttp://www.thatsfit.com/2009/11/04/yoga-journal/http://www.thatsfit.com/2009/11/04/yoga-journal/http://www.thatsfit.com/2009/11/04/yoga-journal/#commentsFiled under:

Keeping a yoga journal can be a great extension of your yoga practice. Too often, we go through yoga without noticing the benefits the practice has on our minds and bodies.

If you decide to keep a yoga journal, you'll be able to track changes in your flexibility and strength. You'll also be able to better understand your state of mind before, during and after your practice.

Remember, yoga is about your improvement, not whether you're in better shape that the yogi next to you.Keeping a yoga journal might also encourage you to stay with yoga on difficult days -- just like keeping a food diary might help you adhere to your weight-loss plan.

To create a great yoga journal:
1. Sign up for a yoga class or get some yoga dvds.
2. Choose your journal. You can purchase a notebook specifically for writing about yoga or you can start a blog.
3. Pick a consistent time each day to write in your journal. This is your time, so make it sacred!
4. Journal away! If you love the written word, great! But don't feel like you have to write an essay. If you are more comfortable expressing yourself with drawings, sketch the poses you are currently practicing. Write about the way your practice makes you feel, both physically and emotionally.
5. Pause for reflection. Look over your journal from time to time. How has your practice evolved? How has your body changed since you started doing yoga? Has meditation become easier or more difficult? The journal will give you an accurate picture.
6. Keep at it! Yoga is not a race, and neither is journaling. If you enjoy both, though, you will continue to do it!

More Yoga Terms Defined from That's Fit:
Ashtana Yoga
Hatha Yoga
Kundalini Yoga
Power Yoga
Prenatal Yoga
Strengthen With Yoga
Yoga Benefits
 Yoga for Weight Loss

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]]>journaljournalingmeditationmind-bodymind-body connectionMind-bodyConnectionposesreflectionself improvementSelfImprovementyogayoga journalyoga posesyoga practiceRonnie KoenigWed, 04 Nov 2009 16:15:00 ESTFind the Right Music to Pump Up Your Workouthttp://www.thatsfit.com/2009/11/04/music-increases-endurance/http://www.thatsfit.com/2009/11/04/music-increases-endurance/http://www.thatsfit.com/2009/11/04/music-increases-endurance/#commentsFiled under:

Photo: Corbis


There are two exercise camps. The first is made up of people who take a Zen-like approach to working out, preferring to be left alone with their thoughts while pumping iron or hauling it on the treadmill. The second is for those who rely on steady beats of their favorite song to pull them through that last rep or mile. If you're a thoughtful exerciser, more power to you, but new research shows that jamming out while you're working out can actually increase your endurance.

Researchers found that syncing music tempo with your exercise pace can actually increase your work out efficiency. Running on a treadmill to a song that matches your cadence can result in a 10 percent reduction in perceived effort, which allows you to work out longer, reports LiveScience.

Additionally, a study published in the Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology found that running in time with a song that had 125 beats per minute (bpm) helped increase endurance by 15 percent.

Continue reading Find the Right Music to Pump Up Your Workout

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]]>bpmmusicworkout-musicworkout-playlistAshley NegliaWed, 04 Nov 2009 15:00:00 ESTBall Chairs Bounce Into Schoolshttp://www.thatsfit.com/2009/11/04/ball-chair-excercises-new-to-schools/http://www.thatsfit.com/2009/11/04/ball-chair-excercises-new-to-schools/http://www.thatsfit.com/2009/11/04/ball-chair-excercises-new-to-schools/#commentsFiled under:

ball chairs

Photo: WittFitt, LLC

Less students are slouching in their desks these days, they're sitting attentively upon colorful exercise balls. While many kids report trading a chair for a cushy ball is fun, classroom-designed ball chairs are really about improving learning, reports the Chicago Tribune. Perching atop a ball chair requires kids to constantly engage their core muscles, which is simultaneously turning on their pre-frontal cortex for better mental engagement and less impulsivity.

It's not just school children, either. In a study that looked at college students on exercise balls, the students overwhelmingly prefer a bouncy seat, they self-reported improved concentration and focus, according to a study done by John Kilbourne, a movement scientist at Grand Valley State University. You can bet primary, intermediate and middle school teachers are seeing this same effect or they wouldn't let a single ball chair roll into their classroom. Put your worry to rest about kids tossing their rubber chairs around the room -- they don't scrawl on their bodies with dry erase markers, either -- that's why there's a teacher in the room.

As the mother of an ever-moving, second grade boy, one of these bouncy balls would be a welcome addition at our dinner table. But kids aren't the only clients. Ball chair-seller WittFitt has seen a serious rise in sales the past few years, and their comprehensive sizing tool and personalized assistance can get you the right ball for your home or office. Beyond a standard stability ball with feet, WittFitt offers the Evolution Chair with a moving base, FitBALL Seating Disc and a FitBALL Chair.

If you're slouching right now, and sitting on a ball isn't appealing, perhaps you might try vibrating yourself straight.

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]]>ball chairBallChairEvolution ChairEvolutionChairexercise ball chairExerciseBallChairFitBALL ChairFitBALL Seating DiscFitballChairFitballSeatingDisciPostureLLCWittFittBev SklarWed, 04 Nov 2009 14:00:00 ESTThe Biggest Loser - Salad in the White Househttp://www.thatsfit.com/2009/11/04/the-biggest-loser-salad-in-the-white-house/http://www.thatsfit.com/2009/11/04/the-biggest-loser-salad-in-the-white-house/http://www.thatsfit.com/2009/11/04/the-biggest-loser-salad-in-the-white-house/#commentsFiled under: , ,

The Biggest Loser

Photo: NBC

Week 8 was active vacation time at "The Biggest Loser" as the final nine headed to Washington D.C. for a little Article I lobbying when they weren't burning calories around gardens, memorials and monuments. The fight against obesity in this country needs to be on our legislators' radar and Capitol Hill heard very personal pleas from contestants. Beyond strolling across an expansive White House lawn, keep reading for the full D.C. scoop on a great vacation workout, the pop challenge and whether or not they actually enjoyed that salad with President Obama.

No More Seat Extenders. On the flight out to D.C., Rudy realized he didn't need a seat belt extender anymore. Contestants were taking up one seat, not two. Daniel had seat belt tail to spare. Fitting comfortably on an airplane was a liberating and joyful moment for contestants. Their bodies are becoming noticeably slimmer, and just think how many more celebrations are ahead -- sliding behind the wheel of a car, sitting on a bus, buying clothes off the rack, tossing meds.

Best Politician Wins. In a creative pop challenge, contestants ran around D.C. attempting to convince the most people to join them for a workout with Bob and Jillian at the Washington Monument. Of course Allen ran to the firehouse, but he was beaten by one thanks to Liz's southern charm. Liz won an advantage in a later challenge for immunity and a healthy lunch -- yup, Subway -- for her supporters. The group workout was fantastic, with Bob loving the stage as Jillian mingled among the crowd picking on total strangers.

Continue reading The Biggest Loser - Salad in the White House

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]]>Biggest LoserBiggest Loser in Washington D.C.BiggestLoserBiggestLoserInWashingtonD.c.The Biggest Loserthe-biggest-loserTheBiggestLoserBev SklarWed, 04 Nov 2009 12:00:00 ESTExercise: Can You Workout Too Much?http://www.thatsfit.com/2009/11/04/exercise-or-workout-too-much/http://www.thatsfit.com/2009/11/04/exercise-or-workout-too-much/http://www.thatsfit.com/2009/11/04/exercise-or-workout-too-much/#commentsFiled under:

Regular exercise is a vital part of a healthy lifestyle, but is there such a thing as over-exercising? You bet -- and according to Sarah Brown, fitness expert for ThatsFit.ca, it's more common than you think. What's more, it can be harmful to your health.

If you think you might be guilty of over-exercising, ask yourself a few important questions. Do you seem to spend most of your free time at the gym? Have your sleep patterns changed? Do you seem to be more susceptible to illness than others? Do you suffer from more aches and pains than usual? If the answers to most of these are a yes, it could be your body's way of telling you to slow down.

Instead of working out more, work out better with tips from this celeb trainer.

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]]>celeb trainerCelebTrainerexercisegymgym ratgym ratsGymRatGymRatsover exercisingOverExercisingThatsFit.cathatsfitca-mini-postworkoutworkoutsMartha EdwardsWed, 04 Nov 2009 10:30:00 ESTMake Cycling Part of Your Commutehttp://www.thatsfit.com/2009/11/04/make-cycling-part-of-your-commute/http://www.thatsfit.com/2009/11/04/make-cycling-part-of-your-commute/http://www.thatsfit.com/2009/11/04/make-cycling-part-of-your-commute/#commentsFiled under:

Bikes aren't just for fitness - they're great for getting where you're going too!

Continue reading Make Cycling Part of Your Commute

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]]>bikebikingcyclingdaily-fit-tiplucy danzigerLucyDanzigerMartha EdwardsWed, 04 Nov 2009 09:00:00 ESTKeep the Weight Off, Hottest Antioxidants and Food Companies' Biggest Secretshttp://www.thatsfit.com/2009/11/03/keep-the-weight-off-hottest-antioxidants-food-companies-secrets/http://www.thatsfit.com/2009/11/03/keep-the-weight-off-hottest-antioxidants-food-companies-secrets/http://www.thatsfit.com/2009/11/03/keep-the-weight-off-hottest-antioxidants-food-companies-secrets/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Whether extra stress, sex (hey -- you were thinking it, too) or sick days is the reason you've lost a few extra pounds, our keep-the-weight-off guide will keep you looking slim in your loose-fitting clothes.

Are you making the most of your meals by filling up on the hottest antioxidants -- nutrients that can help you prevent wrinkles and grow shinier hair and stronger nails? Click through AOL Health's photo slide show of the best of the best nutritional powerhouses out there.

You may have realized your Kraft Mac and Cheese contains no real cheese, but did you know that Smucker's "100 percent fruit" label is anything but truthful? Ingredient secrets food companies don't want you to know.

We at That's Fit and AOL Health know you've got a lot going on in your lives besides staying in great shape, and we realize that more than just diet and exercise goes into feeling your best every day. That's why we're sharing some of the exciting reporting going on at AOL Health.

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]]>aol-healthingredientsmacaroni and cheeseMacaroniAndCheesenutritionsick daysSickDaysstressweight lossWeightLossAOL Health EditorsTue, 03 Nov 2009 17:00:00 ESTBOSU Traininghttp://www.thatsfit.com/2009/11/03/bosu-training/http://www.thatsfit.com/2009/11/03/bosu-training/http://www.thatsfit.com/2009/11/03/bosu-training/#commentsFiled under:

BOSU training stands for Both Sides Utilized, which means you can challenge yourself with numerous exercises on either side. Introduced to the fitness stage back in 2000, you've probably tripped over a BOSU ball in the gym by now. Let's take a look at the fitness power offered by this rubber, gel-filled half-dome perched upon a slab of molded plastic.

Countless moves targeting the glutes, hips, thighs, core and upper body can be performed ball-side-up, requiring focus because your balance will be challenged. BOSU is a functional training tool that stabilizes your core and improves your balance.

Your BOSU ball can also work as a weight bench. Just kneel on your BOSU for those one-armed rows or sit on top for incredible abs. That extra BOSU wobble works your body in new ways, putting sturdy floors to shame. Flip the BOSU over, grab the plastic handles and you're ready for a variety of strength exercises -- push-ups, planks and tilts. Even contestants over at "The Biggest Loser" have used the BOSU.

If you've got a BOSU on your holiday list, the BOSU Home Trainer system will cost you around $100. Or you could go with a BOSU Sport Balance Trainer costing anywhere from $60-$100, based on 45/55/65 cm sizes.

If you're interested in other great, low-cost ways to lose weight and love your body check out That's Fit's yoga section.

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]]>BOSUBOSU ballsBOSU Home TrainerBOSU Sport Balance TrainerBOSU trainingBosuBallsBosuHomeTrainerBosuSportBalanceTrainerBosuTrainingBev SklarTue, 03 Nov 2009 15:15:00 ESTMarathon Recoveryhttp://www.thatsfit.com/2009/11/03/marathon-recovery/http://www.thatsfit.com/2009/11/03/marathon-recovery/http://www.thatsfit.com/2009/11/03/marathon-recovery/#commentsFiled under:

Photo: jupiterimages

A typical marathon runner puts so much thought and planning into preparing for the race, yet gives little consideration to recovering from it. The physical and emotional challenges of running don't stop when you cross the finish line. Recovery from a marathon can take weeks, even months. And just like you have a strategy for every other aspect of the finishing the race, it's important to have a strategy for recovering from it, too. On the heels of the world's biggest marathon in New York City on Sunday, I thought I'd turn my attention from running preparation to recovery.

After a marathon, your muscles are depleted and inflamed, you've lost fluids and stiffness begins settling in almost immediately. Experts tend to agree that rehydrating with water until urine is pale yellow is the way to go. They also say that eating a meal with a mix of carbs, protein and sodium within an hour of finishing the race is crucial, as is eating small, frequent meals that day. Another important factor is fighting the urge to lie around, as walking around for at least 10 to 15 minutes every few hours the rest of race day will help ease muscle discomfort. But there's no way around it, the few days following the marathon are going to be tough. I decided to consult some other experts for their advice. Here, real marathoners share their best tips for getting through the pain and stiffness, and for beating post-marathon blues.

Continue reading Marathon Recovery

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]]>fit-runningmarathon recoverymarathon running recoverJennifer FieldsTue, 03 Nov 2009 15:00:00 ESTBeginners Yogahttp://www.thatsfit.com/2009/11/03/beginners-yoga/http://www.thatsfit.com/2009/11/03/beginners-yoga/http://www.thatsfit.com/2009/11/03/beginners-yoga/#commentsFiled under:

Intrigued by yoga but not quite sure where to start? After all, by now you've certainly heard the health benefits to the mind, body and soul but the question is, what's the 4-1-1 on beginners yoga?

Listen up, newbies. Firstly, as you begin, you'll need to figure out where to do it. Then, you'll need to know which class matches your fitness level. If your health club already offers yoga classes as part of your membership, you can test different classes there. If you scout out local classes in your neighborhood or rely on recommendations, you can expect to pay about $15 per class depending on where you live.

Although yoga instructors are not required to be certified, many are trained at yoga teaching schools. As you explore your options, it's key to find an instructor who has relevant teaching experience. In addition, if you have pre-existing medical conditions you may want to discuss yoga with your doctor before beginning. However, depending on your ailment doctors may have prescribed yoga as a holistic way to improve your health.

The beauty of yoga is you don't need to even be in shape to begin! You'll develop flexibility the more you practice.

Many new yogis begin with Hatha Yoga, during which you'll learn the basic poses at a relaxed pace. Once you've mastered that, you may want to move onto other classes like Iyengar Yoga which focuses on specific muscle alignments and holding poses for extended periods of time.

Most classes are 30 to 90 minutes long and don't require much equipment. All you really need is a yoga mat and some space to practice! Some beginners may prefer to start with an at-home workout courtesy of yoga DVDs. Although you won't have an expert giving you feedback, you may enjoy the privacy of getting used to the poses and moving at your own pace.

More Yoga Terms Defined from That's Fit:
Ashtana Yoga
Kundalini Yoga
Hatha Yoga
Power Yoga
Prenatal Yoga
Vinyasa Yoga
Yoga Benefits
Yoga For Strength Training

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]]>Beginners YogaHatha YogaIyengar YogaVicki SalemiTue, 03 Nov 2009 14:15:00 EST