FitSugar

Yoga Blocks Come in All Shapes and Sizes

Jenny Sugar — Mon, 25 Jul 2011 12:52:33 PDT

Yoga blocks aren't just for the injured or inflexible. Since these lightweight gems offer stability in both beginner poses like Triangle to more advanced moves like Forearm Stand, yogis of all abilities find blocks useful. Blocks help to deepen stretches and allow you to hold poses longer, helping to increase flexibility. If you're confused by all the different shapes and sizes, here's an explanation. So the next time you need a little support, you'll know which block to grab.

Green Your Fitness: 5 Eco-Friendly Companies Doing It the Right Way

Michele Foley — Mon, 25 Apr 2011 14:07:54 PDT

We're all for companies adding eco-friendly gear to their lines, but what makes us really happy is when a business really commits itself to the environment. Because, let's face it, caring about the planet involves much more than offering one organic shirt in your line. From where they source their materials to the kind of energy their buildings run on, here are five companies that we already love for their awesome athletic gear, but who impress us even more for the eco-friendly ways they run their business.

Conscious Shopping: Five Eco-Chic Pieces We Love!

Hannah Weil — Thu, 24 Mar 2011 12:21:10 PDT

Just further proof that eco-friendly shopping doesn't have to be hippie-dippy - we've rounded up five totally chic pieces with sustainable materials and a socially, environmentally conscious approach to fashion. From recycled metals and repurposed products come some very cool pieces - click through for the five on our wish list right now!

5 Yoga Bags For Bikram Yoga Enthusiasts

Heather Dale — Tue, 15 Mar 2011 04:00:05 PDT

Slipless towels for hot yoga? Check. But now that I have the perfect towel and mat, I need a fashionable bag that will effortlessly carry both. Fear not my fire breathing Bikram yogis, there are bags specifically designed to transport your mat, towel, and accessories to yoga class. I've rounded up some of my faves here. And if you're looking for a regular yoga mat bag that fits your unique style and personality, here are some colorful handmade yoga bags from Etsy that are sure to grab your attention.

Source: Flickr User lululemon athletica

Which Yoga Mat Is Your All-Time Favorite?

Leta Shy — Thu, 10 Feb 2011 00:30:09 PST

Since I've been studying the basics of yoga, I've been in the market for a yoga mat to call my own. While I have an old one that I bought while trying out yoga for the first time, I know it's time to invest in a durable mat that I can use for many years. So I've rounded up five popular mats that have graced the floors of countless studios across the world. Click through to see if your favorite one is included, and at the end vote on which one you think is the best!

Source: Thinkstock

Gear Review: Gaiam Core Balance Kit

FitSugar — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 12:00:29 PDT

Toned abs not only look amazing in a bathing suit, but they're also important because they make activities like running, biking, and swimming easier. Plus a strong core makes for better posture, too. If you've ever done strength training exercises on an exercise ball or Bosu, you know that the unsteady base forces you to engage other muscles aside from the ones you're trying to target. That's the idea behind using the balance pods in Gaiam's Core Balance Kit ($30).

To find out more about this kit and to see a video clip of how to use the balance pods, keep reading

Fit For April: Must Haves

FitSugar — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 07:00:06 PDT

I love the arrival of Spring, so April is one of my favorite times of year. It makes total sense that Earth Day falls during April, too. We all get to head outdoors for our workouts and celebrate everything that the planet has to offer. Our April picks are all about being fit, but in the most responsible way. You'll find gear that is made in sustainable ways using responsible materials, and it's my hope that you'll even be inspired to plant a tree or two!

DVD Review: Valerie Bertinelli - Losing It and Keeping Fit

FitSugar — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 03:47:59 PDT

Valerie Bertinelli dramatically transformed her body over the last couple of years, and to help others find success, she made a new fitness video, Valerie Bertinelli - Losing It and Keeping Fit ($15). It's led by her personal trainer Christopher Ross Lane, who has also trained Jillian Michaels.

This video includes two workouts: 20-minute Body Basics and 40-minute Keeping Fit. The first video, aimed at beginners, reviews basic strength-training moves as well as proper form. It's also a good workout if you're short on time, and let me tell you, the word "basic" doesn't mean easy. These challenging moves effectively target your glutes, quads, hamstrings, abs, upper back, and arms. You feel like you're joining Valerie in a private session with her trainer. The workout includes a lot of mat work like push-ups, Superman lifts, and reverse crunches, along with familiar moves like squats and lunges.

To hear about what I didn't like,

read more. The 40-minute routine contains both cardio and sculpting moves with and without dumbbells. Valerie puts in her two cents throughout the video, making comments like, "Oh I knew you were going to make this more challenging," and "Do we have to do the other side?" or "I'm going faster so I can get it over with," which I found this a little annoying. It gives the impression that she's lazy - not exactly a great way to motivate DVD watchers to work out. I do love Christopher's down-to-earth attitude though, and the way he gently pushes you to keep going, saying it feels good and will only make you stronger. Cranking up your own workout playlist would drown out Valerie's complaints, remedying the situation since the moves are easy to follow. I definitely felt worked from head to toe, a major plus, and I know Valerie was just trying to be funny, but I'd rather not hear her sarcastic remarks as I lunge, squat, and sweat.

Steal of the Day: Hourglass Ottoman

CasaSugar — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 14:00:00 PDT

Unless you're rolling in dough, spare seating is not something to spend a fortune on. The everyday gear should be your investment. So, it's a treat that the Gaiam Hourglass Ottoman ($60, reduced from $129) is on sale. Its sturdy metal frame makes it ideal seating for guests around your coffee table. The rest of the time, you can use it as a side table or a place to stack books. Better yet, lift up its removable lid and use it as storage year-round. Made from bacbac leaf, "a fast-growing, bark-like fiber used in thatched roofs," you can be reassured that your home is as organic as your grocery list.

Gear Review: The Wave

FitSugar — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 11:00:00 PST

If you prefer working out at home because it's cheap, private, and open 24-7 then you're going to love The Wave ($90). Created by The Firm, this workout accessory is similar to a Step, but it can be turned over and used like a BOSU to challenge your balance, so you get more bang for your buck.

The dual-action Wave comes with three DVDs - the first one illustrating basic maneuvers. The other two DVDs take you through fast-paced cardio workouts utilizing The Wave alone and with dumbbells. Since you're balancing on this rocking step, almost every exercise targets your lower and upper body, abs, and back simultaneously. You also get a fourth DVD called Express Abs, that focuses on using The Wave to tone your core muscles. To make this program even more effective, there's a Success Guide included that outlines diet tips and an exercise calender that maps out a month-long workout plan.

Watch a video clip of The Wave in action, when you

read more. I really love how easy The Wave is to use, and how challenging it makes basic exercises like squats and lunges. In just 30 minutes, my heart rate increased at a steady rate and I felt every major muscle working. By the end of my workout, my hips, thighs, and arms were burning in a good way. For $90, it's a great program for someone who wants to burn calories and tone muscles without having to leave their living room.