Sarah Scoop: Fitness

Work it Girl, Give it a Twirl

Posted by Sarah Alli, feature, Fitness 3:19 PM

Diet Danger {Diet Soda...not so diet}

Posted by Sarah Alli, beauty, feature, Fitness 9:44 AM

Getting in Shape the Outdoors Way

Posted by Sarah Fitness 3:05 PM

One thing I have vowed to do this fall is become more of the outdoors type. For starters I have realized that I am missing out on a lot of amazing things that the outdoors can offer such as: the sun rising or setting, catching fireflies at night, and the smell of fresh cut grass. I have also realized that since I am always in a bind for exercises to do, the outdoors is the perfect place to start. So, as I have decided to get in shape and become more outdoorsy I decided "hey! why not combine the two?" From that thought I went ahead and started searching all around the internet for fun ways to get exercise and enjoy the great outdoors. I am a little bias because Vermont is known for skiing and outdoor activities but here is the list that I have combined that can hopefully give those city-goers a way to enjoy the outdoors and get some awesome exercise.

1. Cycling - Really awesome for your whole body, and will give you a great workout in just 20 minutes. Since it is summer and fall you can ride outdoors but if you come to love it almost every gym offers cycling/spinning all year round - the perfect option for winter or that person that truly hates being outdoors. Cycling is also a great way to save gas and get exercise. It is hard work and will definitely make you sweat!

2. Hiking - Since it is up a mountain or steep trail this is an ideal workout for the legs. Obviously it will make your whole body feel pumped, but it will especially sculpt your legs like you won't believe.

3. Canoeing or Kayaking - Perfect for those that want sculpted arms. Your legs are doing much, but your arms will fill 100% different after just one canoeing trip down the river. Want more of a thrill? Try white-water rafting. Although I have yet to try it, it seems like such an adventure. Canoeing and white-water rafting are also a great way to spend time with someone you haven't seen in a while, or a significant other.

4. Running - An obvious choice but not seen enough outdoors, running is great way to get in shape and enjoy the fresh air. Ever heard of a runners high? Sometimes (especially after a run) I want to say that you haven't lived until you have experienced a runners high. It is one of the best feelings in the world. Note: If you decide you want to start running but aren't in shape, start by walking. You can get just about the same feeling from walking and you are saving your thighs, ankles and lungs a lot of immediate pain. Don't worry about taking it slow, it has even been shown that walking can be better for you.

5. Jumping Rope - Last but certainly not least is jump- roping. You did it as a kid in gym class, but don't think that you can't do it anymore. Jump- roping burns an insane amount of calories, can be done outdoors or indoors, and is really fun. You can jump rope like you did at recess with your school yard friends, or you can put on some music and jump rope to the beat.

There are just five ideas that will allow you to enjoy Mother Nature and get in shape. I know there are many more so what are some other ways you enjoy the outdoors and exercise?

Written By: Jordan

Losing Weight the Technological Way

Posted by Sarah Fitness 4:13 PM

Apple iPod touch 8 GB (2nd Generation--with iPhone OS 3.1 Software Installed) [NEWEST MODEL]

Losing weight is one of the biggest struggles that many Americans are put through. While more running and less ice cream will help one drop the pounds, people are struggling with doing one or the other. Yet, what if there was another way to lose weight? What if your smartphone or iPod was your ticket to dropping that last 20 pounds?

According to the New York Times that may be the case today. Many Americans are struggling with weight loss, but apps on the iPhone and Blackberry allow people to track how many calories they eat and how many calories they burn. As a result of people always having their phones them, it is an easy way to stay with a diet plan, and an even easier way to not have any excuse to cheat.

An inspiring story in the New York Time article explains just how these apps are really changing people's lives:

Dennis Dodge, 67, and his wife, Carolyn, 68, recently started using LoseIt to shed weight and control their diabetes. The retired couple, who live in Hampden, Me., tapped their age, weight and goals into their iPod Touches, and the app told them how many calories they should eat each day. Every day they record what they eat and how much they exercise.

The couple, who are using LoseIt as part of a diabetes program run by a local hospital, said they were intimidated at first by the technology but had found the app remarkably easy and even fun to use. “I am now more cognizant of my habits,” Mr. Dodge said.

Mrs. Dodge added: “With other diets you follow their regimen. With this, you set your own goal.”

Being able to do your diet your way is what America is about. It is easier, a sometimes cheaper, to follow your own workout regimen and eating plan. Thus why people love these apps. They will allow one to do what they want when they way. They allow America to stay independent.

Is technology going to start saving peoples lives? First is was the Wii Fit, and now you can lose anytime, anywhere with your cellular device or iPod. Is there anyway that technology can lower the obesity rate in America? Only time will tell, but for now we can just hope and continue to download these healthy apps.

Written By: Jordan