Corbis How long should I do cardio if I am weight training that day?
Jason Merritt, Getty Images Giuliana Rancic didn’t end up with nearly 2 million Twitter followers by accident — she earned them by answering the questions people tweeted her and offering insider tips on diet, fitness, beauty and more. And although the “E! News” host absolutely loved sharing the information, trying to keep her answers to 140 characters got “out of hand,” she told us. And so Rancic’s new site, FabFitFun, was born. FabFitFun FabFitFun is a handy site filled with Rancic’s often Hollywood-based tips on fitness, health, diet, beauty and more. “But more importantly, it’s a free daily e-mail that goes out every single day,” Rancic said. “There’s everything from kettlebell workouts to an interview I just did with Lisa Ling — we like to throw in women we admire.” She’s especially excited to share her tips for snacks and hopes to clear up some of the mystery women face when trying to pick a diet-friendly bite to eat. “I have a lot of great snacks. I mean, you can Google ‘healthy snacks’ and read what comes up, but some of it’s processed and so many girls are on the run and working more than ever,” Rancic said. “If you can be a smart snacker during the day, you can keep your diet on track.” And just for That’s Fit readers, Rancic shared the three things she always has in her gym bag. First, the Alex Bottle, which she just got in a gift bag and loves because its unique design makes it easy to clean or customize. Then there’s her iPad, so she can run and read — with the font enlarged, of course. (Mostly biographies, in case you were wondering.) Third, she always has packets of eBoost, a B-12 powder that gives her energy for her workout. Rancic the Runner In addition to launching FabFitFun, Rancic has decided to train for her first marathon. However, the race is still being debated within the Rancic household. “I wanted to be really ambitious and do L.A., which is in March. [My husband] doesn’t think we can get ready for it,” Rancic said. She disagrees, however, based on the fact that she completed a half marathon with, quite literally, no training at all. “A few years ago, I was running five days a week, five or six miles. It was easy. But then I started going through IVF, and there wasn’t a day I’d ever go over three miles. I would maybe do three miles of walking and sprinting once a week,” she recalled. After running three miles a few days before the race, she realized it was going to be tough, but she got through the race by taking the pressure off herself and giving herself permission to stop and walk, even though it turned out not to be an issue. “I told my husband, ‘You know what? I’m a crazy Italian. I’m super determined. I’m going to make it to 26 miles.’ But he said, ‘Honey, there’s a big difference between 13 miles and 26.’ So, maybe Chicago,” said Rancic. The training shouldn’t be much of a problem for the Rancics — running together has become a time for them to chat and reconnect. “When we first started dating, we would talk [while running], then when we got married, we would have our iPod. Now, it’s funny — in the past year we’ve gotten back to just talking, and it’s really nice.” Fitness and Infertility Rancic has been quite candid about her struggles with infertility, from her doctor’s instruction to gain weight to having to go through two rounds of IVF treatments, the first of which resulted in a miscarriage and the second without pregnancy. We had to ask how Rancic’s plans to become a marathoner have affected that aspect of her life. “To be honest, we’re not trying any more. We’re not doing IVF, we’re not doing IUI, we’re taking a break. It’s a good time to get back to who I am,” Rancic said. “Thinking back on that 13-mile run, for the first time in a couple years, I felt like I was in control of my body again. I felt like for so long, my body had been turned over to medical labs and doctors and ultrasound machines. It was hideous. I felt like a lab rat,” she told us. “We went back for a second round of IVF, and sadly, it wasn’t successful, so we thought, ‘Let’s just take a break.’ And it’s been the greatest thing for our marriage. We’re so happy, and we’re having the best time.” She’s thrilled to be back in her exercise routine, too. “I’m in the shape I love to be in,” Rancic said. “I love to exercise. I love to eat healthy. Your body is all you’ve got; you’ve got to take good care of it. It’s really not as much about vanity as it is about feeling good. I like waking up healthy. I don’t like waking up feeling bloated, full, hungover. When I was taking the medicine [for IVF], the hormones were driving me crazy, and I was eating things I wouldn’t normally eat and I could never work out. And it was worth it, right? Because I’d have a baby in the end. And so, when it doesn’t work, you’re kind of over it for a little bit and excited to get back to who you are. “I really don’t know when this break is going to end, because it’s kind of going amazingly well,” she said. “If Bill and I get pregnant naturally, super! If we never have kids, it’s fine, too. We’ve got an amazing life together, and we’re family, with or without kids.” Rancic hopes that her attitude can help other women who feel like they need to be defined by marriage or having babies. “What defined me was working my ass off and getting to where I am and realizing that I did that by myself,” she said. “I didn’t sleep with anyone, I didn’t have a rich uncle in Hollywood, you know? I was just an immigrant chick from Naples, Italy, who just had a dream. I am complete because of that — anything from here is just a bonus.” Permalink | Email this | Comments
Trae Patton, NBC “The Biggest Loser” wasted no time introducing the new trainers on Tuesday, unveiling their identities before the opening credits. As we suspected, Cara Castronova and Brett Hoebel are “the unknowns,” and the trainers spoke about the experiences that led them to the show. Brett Hoebel has been in the fitness industry for almost 20 years and working in several forms of martial arts. “I’ve studied, I was a pre-med, there’s a science to training,” he said. “There’s no guesswork on anatomy, physiology, and kinesiology.” He also talked about being overweight as a teen. “It took a lot of blood, sweat, and tears,” he said. “That’s what I want to show the contestants.” Cara Castronova, who was ranked number two in the country in her weight class as a boxer and won two Golden Gloves in New York, has overcome her own life hardships. Her father, who taught her how to box, died when she was 14 and her mother passed away a few years ago after a car accident. “Having a hard life has made me stronger,” she said. “I’m here to bring back the figher in each and every one of them.” Neither of the new trainers discussed specific certifications or working with clients before joining the show. Do you think the new trainers are as good as Bob and Jillian? Do you think they’ll be as effective? What do you think about their qualifications? Permalink | Email this | Comments
There are hundreds of wonderful sites on healthy living to be seen all over the blogosphere. Here at Fit Links, we’ll introduce you to some that have caught our eye. Are junk food cravings ruining your January diet? Don’t let them — here are some healthy substitutions from Health.com. Crazy about cardio? FitSugar reveals which gym machine will give you the best workout. Once you’ve taken a break, it can be tough to get back into your fitness routine — thankfully, US News has some advice for getting back on the exercise wagon. Can you get fit after 40? You bet — Diet Blog explains why middle age is no excuse for not getting in shape. Fiber is an essential part of your diet, and you can amp up your intake with this flavorful, fiber-rich masala recipe. Read any good Tweets? Give us a shout on Twitter and let us know all about it! Permalink | Email this | Comments
Trae Patton, NBC Rulon Gardner is a true Olympian, taking home a gold in 2000 and a bronze in 2004 in Greco-Roman Wrestling. After he stepped away from the Olympics, he vowed to “never get on a scale again.” He changed gears to become a wrestling coach, opening a health club with his business partner, Justin (also his teammate on the show), and eating whatever he wanted. There were consequences to his new life, however. That’s Fit recently talked to Gardner about what led him to “The Biggest Loser” ranch and what he hopes to accomplish. That’s Fit: When did you realize you hit bottom? Rulon Gardner: My low point came when I was getting inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame. I had to get a new tuxedo, and they really don’t make ‘em that big. We went to the event, and then after, my wife and I got some fast food and she went to bed. I’m sitting there doing what I usually do, staying up late, watching TV and eating bad food. I’m watching the local news, and they had a clip of me and I didn’t recognize the person on TV. Then everything finally came through and my health was starting to become an issue and I said, “holy cow you are so unhealthy and you are so obese.” That’s when I reached out and contacted “The Biggest Loser.” TF: How bad was that first workout? RG: That first workout was so physical, so exhausting, it was brutal. I was trying to make my body run and sprint like I used to when I was 280 or 265 pounds, and it didn’t move the same way. Our trainers, they pushed us. We had three workouts a day mandatory and one that wasn’t mandatory, but ultimately, it was. I could function at walking and slowly running, but anything beyond that my body is not used to putting the stress of 470 pounds on one joint. My leg then was probably 100-plus pounds itself, and my leg said, “Sorry, you just hurt me,” and day one I had an injury. I pulled my quad. TF: How was it working with the new trainers? RG: At one point I said I can’t move and I can’t do this. At first they were pretty resistant to a person not doing the work because maybe we’re just big, fat and lazy. Then there was a meeting of the minds over the first two weeks of training with the medical staff because it was so physical and it was so hard and there were limitations of the body. The trainers said we’ll find an alternative for you and you can be 100 percent in the game and get to those fitness goals. .relatedLinksR{width:240px;border: 1px solid #CCCCCC;float:right;margin:10px 0 10px 10px;}.relatedLinksL{width:240px;border: 1px solid #CCCCCC;float:left;margin:10px 10px 10px 0;}.relatedLinksL a{text-decoration:none;font-weight:normal !important;color:#004173;}.relatedLinksR a{text-decoration:none;font-weight:normal !important;color:#004173;}.relatedListContainer ul{list-style-type:none;padding:0 10px;white-space:normal !important;}.relatedHeader {padding:10px 10px 0;}.relatedHeader h3{font-size:18px;color:#000000;border-bottom:1px dotted #CCCCCC;padding-bottom:4px;}.relatedHeader{font-size:18px;color:#000000;}.relatedListContainer ul li {background:url(“http://o.aolcdn.com/os/sphere/art/blue-icon”) no-repeat scroll 0 7px transparent;margin-bottom:3px;padding-left:10px;} Related Stories Clues to the New Trainers on “The Biggest Loser” Becoming a Biggest Loser TF: Why did you choose the new trainers over Bob and Jillian? RG: Ultimately it came down to a choice: Do you choose someone you know who is reliable, or do you go with the hungry dog who wants to get the bone. That one person is truly out there and wants to make a name for themselves and will put in more time and more effort. That’s why we went with the new trainers. We’re happy with the choice we made. TF: What’s it like being with Justin Pope on the show? RG: We grew up wrestling each other, and my only loss was to Justin. We never had a chance to wrestle after that, and I never lost again. Ultimately we ended up being business partners at our health club in Logan, Utah. He was at the club until midnight every night, and he’s a hard worker. Justin is a champion, and you watch this season and you can say, “Wow, this guy is strong.” I don’t carry the show; this is a team effort. Justin is one of the best. TF: How does being overweight affect your business as a health club owner? RG: If we’re going to be in a business where we promote a lifestyle of health and fitness we need to look the part. I’m gaining so much knowledge here at the ranch. It’s incredible, not just about picking Bob and Jillian’s brain but the knowledge about the types of food to eat and not to reward yourself with food. TF: Many people have you pegged as the favorite to win the show. How do you feel about it? RG: Just remember, people, I started at 474, and most previous winners lose more than 50 percent of their body weight. That puts me below my scratch weight. I’d have to weigh below the 265-280 that I was at in the Olympics. I haven’t seen that number since junior high. Gardner is looking forward to his life once he gets back from the ranch. He is close to obtaining his pilot’s license and wants to spend more time with his wife and start a family, which is something that his obesity had been interfering with before. Although he doesn’t think a win this season is realistic, he says if he did win, he’d put the money into his business and making it even stronger. Permalink | Email this | Comments
Nikolai Before Name: Nikolai Atkinson Age: 34 Height: 5 feet, 2 inches Before Weight: 169 pounds How I Gained It: I’ve always been passionate about fitness, so I never struggled with my weight, but then the unexpected happened. My weight gain began after I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia. This was a shock to me in every sense — suddenly I was being told I had a lifelong condition I knew little about, and I had no control over my health. My life became one medication after another coupled with so many painful tests. In less than a year, I had tried three different medications to help to ease the severe pain I was constantly having, but none were effective. To make matters worse, I had recently moved and didn’t have my familiar surroundings to comfort me emotionally. Breaking Point: Because of my condition, I went from training to be an amateur body builder to someone who was fat. I felt ugly on the inside, and I was very depressed. Having fibromyalgia meant I was often in pain, which made everyday life extremely difficult, let alone exercise. I especially hated not being able to interact with my kids as much as I wanted to. I did not have good coping skills, and the stress was unbearable. I spent much of my time feeling sorry for myself. Something had to change. I was beginning to hate the person I had become, so at the start of 2010, I decided that it was time for me to take control of my fibromyalgia and no longer allow it to control me. How I Lost It: Getting fit wasn’t new to me — I was already a member of Beachbody and had a P90X collection at home. But each and every day was such a struggle for me: I had to get up super early to exercise, and the soreness was, at times, unbearable. Eventually I quit the P90X workouts, but I didn’t stop exercising — I signed up for a boot camp class that kicked my butt and helped me start on my journey to success. I also heard about the Insanity workout from a Facebook friend of mine and decided to give it a try. It was worth it — hard is an understatement when it comes to this workout. This time, I didn’t let myself quit, and my sister and my cousin helped keep me motivated. Like me, everyone has setbacks and challenges to deal with. But there comes a point when you have to find what is important and start taking steps towards them. Positive affirmations are a must when it comes to being successful — that is why I don’t say I have “problems”; I say I have “challenges.” Getting fit has helped me face my condition — now when I’m in pain, I actually smile because it helps remind me that I am alive and still able to make changes. Nikolai Now My hard work paid off. I went from 169 pounds to 127 pounds, and my cholesterol went from 171 down to 150. This was a challenging process, but I knew it was possible. I can honestly say that I love myself now. I’ve even taken steps to become a fitness coach — I’m dedicated to saving the lives of those who are not healthy. I’ve even started my own Facebook fan page. Getting healthy is not just a physical change — one has to be mentally, spiritually and emotionally ready in order to see true success. It is so worth it — I’m now able to enjoy the time I spend with my kids. Remember, success is measured one day at a time and one step at a time. No matter how long it takes you, not quitting is all that matters. Know that regardless of your ailments, age, schedules and obstacles, you, too, can get healthy. You owe it to yourself! After Weight: 127 pounds After beginning her journey to health one year ago, Nikolai reached her goal weight in September 2010. Permalink | Email this | Comments
Houstonian Hotel, Club & Spa Winter getting you down? There’s no better pick-me-up than sunshine. Combine that with an array of fitness activities, and you’ve got the perfect prescription for dumping those blues. But where should you go? Check out these five fitness-oriented, fun-in-the-sun packages from warm-weather resorts: Hilton Hotels and Resorts Where: Caribbean and Latin American destinations The deal: Hilton wants to help you keep those New Year’s resolutions. Through its Get Fit Resolution package, you get seven nights’ accommodations, a personal trainer for the duration of your stay, fitness diary, healthy menu options, free fitness center access and a 50- to 60-minute relaxation massage. Rates (for double occupancy) range from $189 to $559 per night, depending on location. Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain Where: Scottsdale, Ariz. The deal: Feel like a world-class athlete when you sign up for the Triathlon Prep Package. (Even if you have no aspirations to compete in a triathlon, you’re still welcome!) The package, which starts at $1,788, includes three nights’ accommodations, a daily power breakfast, three days of training with Sanctuary’s expert team (each day will focus on a different activity — swimming, biking or running) with core training, nutritional evaluation and three different massages. .relatedLinksR{width:240px;border: 1px solid #CCCCCC;float:right;margin:10px 0 10px 10px;}.relatedLinksL{width:240px;border: 1px solid #CCCCCC;float:left;margin:10px 10px 10px 0;}.relatedLinksL a{text-decoration:none;font-weight:normal !important;color:#004173;}.relatedLinksR a{text-decoration:none;font-weight:normal !important;color:#004173;}.relatedListContainer ul{list-style-type:none;padding:0 10px;white-space:normal !important;}.relatedHeader {padding:10px 10px 0;}.relatedHeader h3{font-size:18px;color:#000000;border-bottom:1px dotted #CCCCCC;padding-bottom:4px;}.relatedHeader{font-size:18px;color:#000000;}.relatedListContainer ul li {background:url(“http://o.aolcdn.com/os/sphere/art/blue-icon”) no-repeat scroll 0 7px transparent;margin-bottom:3px;padding-left:10px;} More Fit Travel 6 Activities to Burn Calories in the Snow Five Great Places to Learn a New Water Sport Escape to a Boot Camp Retreat The Houstonian Hotel, Club & Spa Where: Houston, Texas The deal: Book the Girlfriends Getaway package ($305 per night) and you’ll get a little pampering to ease those active muscles. Your one-night stay includes choice of manicure or pedicure, 50-minute facial or Swedish massage and complimentary glass of wine during spa treatments. Plus, you get unlimited access to the Houstonian Fitness Club, where you’ll find a huge list of yoga, Pilates, cardio and dance classes. Mauna Lani Bay Hotel and Bungalows Where: Big Island of Hawaii The deal: Why not head to the home of the Ironman to whip that body into tip-top shape? Through the Iron-Fit Program, you’ll get use of a tri-road bike, personal trainer and sports massage every day. You can also take advantage of Mauna Lani’s fitness center, its 25-meter lap pool, a private beach for ocean swimming and nearby roads for cycling. Nightly rates start at $700, and a three-night minimum is required. Red Mountain Resort & Spa Where: St. George, Utah The deal: If you’re seeking warmth, look no further than this desert wellness spa, which is hosting a Fitness Bootcamp package that starts at $299 per person/per night (double occupancy). The seven-day program features daily guided morning hikes, three daily nutritious meals, unlimited fitness classes, healthy life classes, personal discovery activities, specialty boot camp classes, heart rate workshop (with a heart rate monitor you keep), 50-minute personal training session, and 50-minute Red Rockhikers massage. Dates for 2011 boot camps are March 20-27, May 15-22, June 19-26, September 18-25 and November 13-20. Permalink | Email this | Comments
Holly St. Lifer Four years ago, Theresa Volpe, a young mom with two daughters, knew she was out of shape. The only exercise she got was running after her kids, and as for her diet, “I ate whatever I wanted,” she said. But when she started feeling so fatigued she would tire from just washing her hair or carrying a laundry basket, she knew something was wrong. Two months later she suffered a massive heart attack. Although she had a family history of heart disease, she lay in the hospital thinking, “Why is this happening to me? I’m way too young.” Now 42-year-old Volpe does her half hour on the treadmill or stationary bike five days a week and has given up cholesterol-boosting no-no’s like cheese and ice cream in favor of a low-fat diet. “If I had it all to do over, I certainly would have eaten better and exercised,” she said. The fact that heart attack is the No. 1 killer among women just doesn’t register with us. Five hundred thousand women die of cardiovascular disease each year. Yet the image of an old man clutching his chest is what we visualize. Lori Anne Parker was driving home from her teaching job in July of 2009, when she felt a pain that started in her fingers then shot up her arm and into her chest. Later that night, she vomited. A man would have recognized these symptoms as a heart attack, but Parker assumed it was the flu. The following day when she felt her heart racing, she researched heart attack symptoms in women but still didn’t call her doctor. Too much caffeine, she thought. It wasn’t until four days later, when all of the symptoms returned, that she realized she had suffered a heart attack that night and was now having another one. She rushed to the hospital where doctors performed emergency triple bypass surgery. Parker, who is just 40 years old, is lucky to be alive. “I’ve been a hot yoga-practicing vegetarian for 20 years with no family history of heart disease or elevated cholesterol. I’ve never smoked. As a woman, I had worried about breast cancer but never about my heart,” said Parker, who is a painter from Whites Creek, Tenn. Both Parker and Volpe hope their stories will urge women to not just recognize their symptoms but also take immediate action. “It’s also important to understand that while staying fit and eating well is crucial to warding off heart attack risk, it doesn’t make you immune,” said Parker. Still, the American Heart Association reported that regular exercise reduces risk of coronary disease in women by up to 40 percent, and Parker credits her healthy lifestyle for her speedy recovery. In addition to yoga, she has since added treadmill walking to her fitness routinefour days a week and is mindful of squeezing in extra walking during the day, like by choosing the copy machine farthest from her desk, for instance. .relatedLinksR{width:240px;border: 1px solid #CCCCCC;float:right;margin:10px 0 10px 10px;}.relatedLinksL{width:240px;border: 1px solid #CCCCCC;float:left;margin:10px 10px 10px 0;}.relatedLinksL a{text-decoration:none;font-weight:normal !important;color:#004173;}.relatedLinksR a{text-decoration:none;font-weight:normal !important;color:#004173;}.relatedListContainer ul{list-style-type:none;padding:0 10px;white-space:normal !important;}.relatedHeader {padding:10px 10px 0;}.relatedHeader h3{font-size:18px;color:#000000;border-bottom:1px dotted #CCCCCC;padding-bottom:4px;}.relatedHeader{font-size:18px;color:#000000;}.relatedListContainer ul li {background:url(“http://o.aolcdn.com/os/sphere/art/blue-icon”) no-repeat scroll 0 7px transparent;margin-bottom:3px;padding-left:10px;} Related Stories What Are the Symptoms of Long Term Heart Disease? Heart Disease Symptoms in Women Not Always Clear: Susan’s Story If Mom or Dad Had Heart Disease, Your Risk Is Doubled Fitness Guidelines for a Healthy Heart Do at least 150 minutes per week of moderate or 75 minutes per week of vigorous exercise — or a combination of both intensities. Think: 30 minutes a day, five times a week. If you can’t fit that in, you can still get the benefits by dividing your time into two or three segments of 10 to 15 minutes per day. If you’re new to exercise, walking is the easiest way to get your body moving and burn calories. The American Heart Association also has a nutrition center to help you get your diet on a heart-healthy track. Know the Symptoms “Don’t discount classic men’s symptoms because you think women’s are different. Some are the same, such as chest pain, shortness of breath and sweating,” said Dr. Mary Ann Bauman, Go Red for Women spokesperson and medical director for Women’s Health and Community Relations at Integris Health in Oklahoma City. Other subtle symptoms include: Pain in the upper back and across shoulder blades Discomfort in the jaw and arm Nausea and vomiting Indigestion Weakness and fatigue “One major red flag for me is when a patient says she has noticed a significant difference in exercise tolerance. For example, she was able to walk a mile and now has to rest halfway through or she was able to walk all around the grocery store but now stops to rest and then continues,” added Bauman. Permalink | Email this | Comments
THESE PRODUCTS ARE NOT SOLD IN STORES! *This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Allergic reaction and/or side effects may occur. Please consult your physician before trying or taking any new nutritional product or supplement. Read our nutritional facts here to identify the ingredients.
THESE PRODUCTS ARE NOT SOLD IN STORES! *This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Allergic reaction and/or side effects may occur. Please consult your physician before trying or taking any new nutritional product or supplement. Read our nutritional facts here to identify the ingredients.
