Fit Tip: Work One Sided


Updated 09/30/08 7:00 PM · Posted by FitSugar · 2 comments

Fit Tip: Work One Sided

As a Pilates instructor, my job was always to help people move more symmetrically so this fit tip is a little counterintuitive to me, but I love it anyway. Once a month, deconstruct your weight routine and work one side of your body at a time. Instead of doing your standing bicep curls or overhead presses simultaneously, split them up. Work the right arm for 10 reps and then the left side for Read more

Inversion Issues: How to Remedy Common Shoulderstand Complaints


Updated 05/25/12 10:05 AM · Posted by · 0 comments

Remedies For Common Shoulderstand Complaints

You're loving your yoga class from Half Moon to Pigeon Pose, but as soon as you get to Shoulderstand, you're less than psyched. Although a basic — challenging, but basic — pose, Shoulderstand can put you at risk of strain and injury when done incorrectly. Turn this pose into your favorite by checking out these common complaints and ways to remedy them. "I Can't Breathe" If you're well Read more

4 Reasons to Add an Exercise Ball to Your Home Gym


Updated 05/22/12 2:00 PM · Posted by · 0 comments

Ways to Use an Exercise Ball

The exercise ball may occupy a lot of room in your home gym, but it's one versatile piece of equipment. Find out how to get the most out of your exercise ball below. A healthier seat: Ditch your normal seat on the couch and sit on an exercise ball instead. Using a ball to sit helps correct your posture, tones your abs, and encourages you to stretch, all of which sounds a lot better than the Read more

Torch Calories and Tone With This Circuit Workout


Updated 05/25/12 2:01 PM · Posted by · 0 comments

Full-Body Circuit Workout From Equinox Trainer

What's not to love about circuit training? Combining heart-pumping elements of cardio with strength-training moves means you torch calories while toning muscles. It's just so efficient. Here's a fun yet challenging circuit workout I did recently with my Equinox trainer Lauren. The workout has you performing each exercise for a minute, which means you need to keep a stopwatch handy, but you have Read more

Energize Your Morning with 4 Wake-Up Moves


Updated 05/09/12 4:30 AM · Posted by · 0 comments

Energizing Morning Yoga Routine

We are pumped to share one of our favorite stories from Self here on FitSugar! Can't get through your morning without your daily java fix? You're not alone. According to a survey conducted by the National Coffee Association, Americans spend an average of $164.71 on coffee per year. That's almost enough for a monthly car payment or a couple of weeks worth of groceries! Want to wean yourself off Read more

Amp Up Your Workout With These Balance Exercises


Updated 05/03/12 2:40 AM · Posted by · 0 comments

Balance Exercises Using a Foam Pad

If you're looking to amp up your fitness routine, you need to get unstable. Performing classic single-leg exercises while standing on a foam pad, like the one pictured above by Aeromat, is simple way to do this. The squishy surface forces your core and legs to work harder, increasing your strength gains and caloric burn. Standing on the soft surface also strengthens your feet and ankles, which Read more

Know Your Basics: How to Do a Lunge


Updated 05/01/12 3:10 AM · Posted by · 0 comments

How to Do a Lunge

Lunges are a quintessential exercise; you can do them anywhere and the effects can be seen in no time, in the form of shapely, toned legs and backside (just in time for bikini season!). If you're planning on incorporating lunges into your routine, however, make sure you're not doing more harm than good. Find out how to do lunges correctly below. The basics: It's important to do lunges properly Read more

Learn to Love the VersaClimber With This Short Workout


Updated 04/30/12 9:20 AM · Posted by · 0 comments

What to Do on VersaClimber Cardio Machine

No doubt you've seen the VersaClimber at your gym — that tall piece of equipment, lurking in the corner behind the more popular cardio machines. But the VersaClimber's unpopularity is also its saving grace: there is never anyone using it, so you hop on it without a wait. Since the machine is often empty, you can also use it to add short bursts of cardio to your circuit training sets, just like Read more

5 Ways to Challenge Your Tree Pose


Updated 04/27/12 3:53 AM · Posted by · 0 comments

Tree Pose Variations For Arbor Day

In celebration of Arbor Day this Friday, I can't help but think about the peaceful and majestic Tree pose. If you've mastered the basic pose already, here are some ways to challenge your Tree. Arch: When doing the traditional Tree pose, balancing your torso straight over your standing leg allows you to stack your bones on top of each other to create a stable pose. Make balancing on one leg Read more

7 Workouts to Help Achieve a Toned, Tight Tummy


Updated 04/26/12 7:24 AM · Posted by · 0 comments

Ab Workouts to Tone the Stomach

It's getting hot out there, which means many of you are busting out the bathing suits, crop tops, and waist-skimming bottoms. If you're not quite ready to bare your midriff, we've got just the thing for you! Here are seven ab-focused workouts that'll have your tummy tight and toned by the time Summer rolls around. We are all about total-body workouts, but sometimes it's nice to give a little Read more