Get on the Ball: Calf Raises


Updated 12/10/08 12:40 PM · Posted by FitSugar · 3 comments

Get on the Ball: Calf Raises

There are tons of exercises that work your booty and thighs, but what about your calves? It's important to tone these muscles because not only do they look sexy in your gym shorts, but strong calves will help you run faster and tackle hills with ease. Here's an exercise that you can even do while at your desk. All you need is an exercise ball or chair, and a light set of dumbbells. To learn how Read more

Attention, Brides: If You're Wearing Heels on Your Big Day, Read These Tips


Updated 04/25/12 2:30 AM · Posted by · 0 comments

Tips For Wearing Heels on Wedding Day

For many brides, the perfect wedding-day outfit includes a jaw-dropping white gown and a princess-worthy pair of heels. But if you're donning a pair of pumps for your big day, make sure you read these tips to keep your feet happy and healthy. Stretches and exercises are important: Wearing heels too often can lead to different ailments, like bad posture, bunions, and tendinitis (not to mention Read more

4 Relatively Discreet Exercises to Do While You Wait


Updated 02/21/12 8:35 PM · Posted by · 0 comments

Exercises You Can Do in Public

We spend a lot of time waiting in line, at the doctor's office, or for a dinner reservation, to name a few. But that doesn't mean time waiting should be time wasted. Strengthen your muscles with only the slightest disturbance to your neighbors. Here are four relatively discreet exercises you can do when standing around in public (with little or no embarrassment!). Lower-body barre moves: Barre Read more

Essential Exercises For Your Lower Body


Updated 03/07/12 11:40 AM · Posted by · 3 comments

How to Do Basic Lower-Body Exercises

As Summer nears, our thoughts turn to what's underneath those layers of Winter clothes. If you're looking to tone your backside and legs before bikini season, here are five essential lower-body moves fundamental to any workout. And don't worry — you can do them anywhere! The squat: That burning in your upper thighs as you hold a squat tells you just how great this move is for lower body Read more

How to Deal With Spring Running and Shin Splints


Updated 04/09/12 7:04 AM · Posted by FitSugar · 25 comments

Running and Shin Splints

When Spring weather hits, many runners can't wait to wave goodbye to the treadmill and head to the open road. All that fresh air and gorgeous scenery gives the sense of freedom, but it can also cause a painful sensation in the front of the lower legs. Shin splints are a common ailment for runners switching from the treadmill to the road, and if a runner doesn't take certain precautions, that pain Read more

Improve Your Running With Squats


Updated 02/28/12 12:25 PM · Posted by · 0 comments

Why Runners Should Do Squats

Don't skip out on strength training just because you think running is the ultimate form of exercise. Building a little muscle should be part of every runner's cross-training fitness routine. Squats, a classic lower-body move, is great for runners for these four reasons. Prevent knee injuries: Knee pain is one of the most common injuries runners face. Aside from wearing supportive sneakers and Read more

High Heels Can Give You Barbie Feet


Updated 01/26/12 12:45 PM · Posted by · 0 comments

Study Shows High Heels Damage Leg Muscles

High heels. You either love them or hate them, but you can't deny they are chic. We love the height boost and illusion of longer legs they offer, but we do realize they're not the best things for our feet. Unfortunately, recent research shows that these lovely shoes may be worse than previously thought. In a study of longtime high heel wearers, published in the Journal of Applied Physiology, Read more

From the Community: the Best Exercise You Aren't Doing


Updated 01/23/12 10:28 AM · Posted by · 1 comment

Heel and Foot Stretches For Injury Prevention

FitSugar community member (and fitness instructor) livinginthin has shared a how-to on an overlooked exercise that everyone should be doing. Running, cycling, squatting, jumping, curling, crunches, and lunging — you do it all, right? Well, the one move you aren’t doing is probably the one that can keep you doing all those things (and more), pain and injury-free for a lifetime. What is it? Read more

RX For Shin Splints: Ice Massage


Updated 01/20/12 12:07 PM · Posted by · 0 comments

Treat Shin Splints With Ice Massage

Shin splints are the bane of many new runners. The tight calves that accompany mileage increases can spell pain for the lower leg. If running causes any discomfort, take time off to allow your shin splints to heal. But you need not sit idle on the sidelines while you recuperate: ice massages help, too. A serious runner, my Equinox trainer reminded me of the healing combo of ice and massage to Read more