GeekSugar

The Canon DW-100: Portable DVD Burning Made Easy

GeekSugar — Sun, 25 Nov 2007 10:20:46 PST

Do you have hours of video footage that you wish you could easily transfer to DVD? Thanks to Canon and their new DW-100 DVD recorder, you can instantly burn your videos onto DVDs by simply connecting your video camera to this device. According to Akihabara News, this type of recorder is not new, although it is one of the first to record high-definition videos with AVCHD codec. You will also be able to plug the burner into any PC or MAC via a USB connection. Unfortunately you won't be able to pick one up before Christmas since they are set to be released in March 2008. No word on pricing just yet.

Easy Ways to Double Up on Workouts

Jenny Sugar — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 16:03:07 PST

Some days one workout just doesn't seem like enough. If you feel like getting in double the workouts, either to increase your calorie burn, to work different muscles, or just because you love exercising, here are some easy ways to make it happen.

Bike to your 90-minute yoga class.
Hit your gym's pool to swim laps for 30 minutes and take a Body Pump class afterward.
Go for a run outside or on the treadmill and then grab your dog (or a friend) and take a walk around the neighborhood.
Take a hike and every 20 minutes go through these six tree stretches.
Do a strengthening DVD in the morning and hit an evening spin class.
After Zumba, head home and do this Full-Body Circuit Workout With Weights.
Go through a strength training routine using an exercise ball and after dinner, head out for a night of dancing (or a dance party in your living room).
If there's snow, go snowshoeing or cross-country skiing and stretch in front of the fire when you get home.

Make sure doubling up on workouts doesn't leave you fatigued, unreasonably sore, or low in nutrients. You might need to increase your calorie intake, lower the intensity or duration of your workouts, and get more rest. Varying your workouts is also a must to avoid overuse injuries.

5 Reasons Your Workout Isn't Working

Shape — Thu, 24 Nov 2011 03:44:13 PST

We are excited to share one of our fave stories from Shape here on FitSugar.

Have you been working out consistently for months (maybe even years) and yet the scale is creeping up? Here are five ways your workout could be keeping you from losing weight, and what our experts recommend to start shedding pounds again:

1. Your workout routine is making you eat too much.
Is your workout causing you to use the "I burned it, I earned it," excuse when it comes to your diet? "Studies show that people tend to eat more calories when they take up exercise," says Michele Olson, Ph.D., professor of exercise science at Auburn University Montgomery, and creator of the Perfect Legs, Glutes & Abs DVD.

Think your 45-minute morning run was enough to burn off that slice of chocolate cake on the dessert menu? Consider this: the average, 140-pound woman burns about 476 calories (at a 10-minute mile pace) running for 45 minutes. The average restaurant dessert clocks in around 1,200 calories (or more), so even if you only eat half of a slice, you'd still easily eat away your run - and then some - in less than 10 minutes.

The solution: Make your workouts count by pairing them with a healthy diet that stays within the appropriate calorie range your body needs in order to lose or maintain your weight. Olson recommends writing down what you are eating to keep track of calories consumed, and then subtracting the calories you burned, for your true daily number.

See even more reasons why your workout isn't working after the break!

Can't Make It to the Gym? 3 Ways to Still Sweat It Out

Michele Foley — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 13:21:55 PST

Even when we have the best intentions, there are days when getting to the gym is impossible. Mostly because we're dealing with a crazy schedule that involves balancing other obligations or appointments. On days where getting to the gym is not an option, but neither is skipping out on a workout, you do have options. Check out three ways to exercise even on days when you have to skip the treadmill!

Pop in a DVD: On days where you miss a class or skip out on a strength training session, a fitness DVD is often the next best thing. There are a wide variety of workouts to choose from, and the instructors do their best to keep you motivated while also educating you on good form. Because a DVD workout is structured, you often get more out of it than you would when attempting to make your own at-home workout. Need inspiration? Then check out some of our favorite fitness DVDs.
Head outdoors: Whether you run, cycle, or hike, one of the easiest ways to compensate for a missed gym day is to head outside for your workout. If exercising outdoors isn't your ideal, remind yourself that it can help prevent colds and flu by strengthening your immune system. On top of that, avoiding the gym for a day isn't always a bad thing: a fitness center is one of the germiest places a person can encounter in their day-to-day routine. It's also likely that you'll burn more calories, too. Without the assistance of cardio equipment, your body will have to work harder during its workout.
Squeeze in fitness wherever you can: Whether you take the stairs at work, do squats in the most ordinary places, or walk around when taking a phone call, find as many ways as you can to move throughout the day. You might be surprised to see how many calories you can burn from just five minutes of exercise.

Healthy Dose Link Time: Michael Pollan Says Junk Food Is OK

Michele Foley — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 10:34:52 PST

Food guru Michael Pollan says eat all the junk food you want - Mind Body Green
10 moves away from a tighter, toned tush - Shape
Why mini meals may be the key to weight loss - Fit Bottomed Girls
DVD review: Beverly Hills trainer Mike Donavanik delivers Extreme Burn - Vital Juice
Don't deprive yourself! Healthy apple pie and cake recipes for the holidays - Health
Easy ways to avoid Winter weight gain this year - Self

8 Ways to Motivate and Get Off Your Cold Weather Butt

Self — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 04:08:54 PDT

We are pumped to share one of our fave stories from Self here on FitSugar!

I got chills. They're multiplying. But they're not of the Grease Lightening variety. It's getting cold (nearly 75 degrees in LA) and I'm starting to see visions of couches, heavy meals, hot chocolate and layered clothing (to hide the blubber!).

What? You need fat for warmth . . . supposedly.

Okay, fine. Better nip this cold weather slump in the bud before I settle down for a five-month Snuggie hibernation. Luckily, I have certified trainer and owner of new BIA Strong Body Studio Rebecca Black (not that Rebecca Black) to motivate me. And now so do you.

And Black knows a thing or two about weight loss. Not only does the Columbus, Ohio-based trainer help other people get in shape (while participating in bikini fitness competitions), but she also experienced her own weight loss transformation. "I lost about 40lbs," she explains. "But it took longer than it should have because I didn't know what I was doing and neither did my trainer."

As we all know, it's easy to fall into bad habits, especially as the winter months approach. "This is when people pack on the pounds, especially in the Midwest and on the East Coast," laments the trainer. "As soon as the temperature starts to drop, people become hermits: Instead of going to the gym, they watch TV. They're back to school and super busy. And it's football season, so there's tailgating. I even fall into that rut and I'm a trainer. If I don't want to get up at 5am and train people, why would my clients?"

Luckily, Black has certain tricks for getting people up and ready to exercise. Here are her top eight motivational tips after the break.

You Asked: Is It Harmful to Run Every Day?

Jenny Sugar — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 18:52:00 PDT

Dear Fit,
I'm trying to lose my last stubborn 10 pounds, and my regular workouts of running three days a week for 30 minutes just weren't doing the trick. So I decided to kick it up a notch and run every day. Now the scale is starting to budge slightly, which I'm happy about, but I'm wondering if it's bad for my body to run every single day with no days of rest?
- Daily Runner

It's great that you're working to move past your plateau, but keep reading to find out if it's harmful for your body to run everyday.

Quick Tip: It May Be Time to Increase Your Dumbbell Size

Leta Shy — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 00:38:03 PDT

You've stuck to your strength-training routine and have memorized every workout in your favorite exercise DVD. You've probably noticed changes in your body, including those uber-toned arms that you never thought you'd have. Now that you're getting stronger, here's a reminder that you may be ready to increase the weight of your dumbbells.

The right dumbbell weight for you will fatigue your muscles in eight to 12 reps - meaning you feel a burning sensation and feel like you can't lift your arm anymore. If you've been working out regularly, chances are your muscles have gotten stronger, so lifting the same weights that you used when you started strength training will be easier than it was when you started, and it will take longer for your muscles to fatigue.

So don't be afraid to step up your weights. You won't bulk up, but you will be able to work out more efficiently. If you're just starting out, here's a chart of typical dumbbell weights by exercise for beginners .

Straight From the Mouth of a Zumba Instructor: Tips For Class Newbies

Jenny Sugar — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 01:02:39 PDT

Want to know why Zumba is all the rage? Or are you already hooked on Zumba and want to know what it takes to teach a class? Our interview with Michele Schmidt, a certified Zumba instructor, answers all of your burning questions.

FitSugar: What is Zumba?
Michele Schmidt: Zumba is a fusion of Latin and international music combined with a heart-pumping cardio workout that's easy to follow and fun to do. It was founded in the '90s by Alberto "Beto" Perez, a fitness instructor from Columbia, when he forgot his music and improvised a traditional aerobics class with Latin music and moves that he grew up dancing to.

FS: What makes it such a great workout? Will it help a person lose weight?
MS: Zumba is an intense cardio workout, so it can help a person lose weight! Typically an hour long, classes include interval training and strengthening movements (like squats and lunges) to maximize your calorie and fat burn, as well as to improve overall body tone. Proper diet and nutrition is also an important part of any weight loss program - many Zumba teachers have said that "you can't out dance a bad diet!"

Learn beginner tips for your first Zumba class and how to become a Zumba instructor after the break!

Link Time - Alec Baldwin and John Krasinski's Rivalry Heats Up

BuzzSugar — Tue, 30 Aug 2011 13:42:17 PDT

Alec Baldwin burns down his house in his latest commercial with John Krasinski - PopWatch
Check out the latest movie poster of Hugh Jackman in Real Steel - Moviefone
Go behind the scenes for Glee's third season - Aol TV
Ryan Gosling flirts in a new Ides of March clip - Movieline
See which classic films are now available on DVD - Rotten Tomatoes
Get the scoop on a Pretty Little Liars newcomer with a Glee past - The Hollywood Reporter
Guess which Two and a Half Men alum is coming back to the show? - Zap2it
Will Anne Hathaway star in Les Miserables? - /Film
Pop culture influences the decor of Elle magazine's latest bash - CasaSugar