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Yoga Moves That Get the Glutes

Michele Bell — Mon, 29 Nov 2010 04:30:21 PST

Pancake, flat, saggy, and plentiful are a few words often used to describe a derriere in need. But taut, perky, and firm would be preferable when talking about your own. If you are hoping to tighten up your tush, try out these yoga moves. You'll notice the lift after just a few weeks.

Warrior 3 is a great pose for toning the back side. The glute muscles lift that leg up and hold it so it remains parallel to the floor. You will use the glute meds, muscles on the side of the pelvis, to stabilize you too - that's the beauty of one-legged poses. Start the slideshow to see five more booty-ful poses.

Fit Picks: Sporty and Stylish Two-Pieces

FitSugar — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 07:00:09 PDT

Bikinis aren't just for celebrities (don't forget to vote in our bracket). Sporty gals can sport two-pieces too. Last week I gave you a wealth of one-pieces suitable for sports and style, and this week, I've found a ton of great two-pieces that will let you stay active while also looking fashionable.

From classic swimmers like those from TYR and Speedo to edgier designs like this Puma Tide Side Hipster Bottom ($30) and Double Strap Halter Top ($33), here are my favorite two-piece swimsuits for Summer sports.

Fit Picks: Sporty and Stylish One-Pieces

FitSugar — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 05:50:57 PDT

Summer sports and string bikinis go together like suntan oil and water, but just because you're an active beach-goer doesn't mean you can't sport a cute suit. Whether you're a serious swimmer or triathlete or just the type who'd rather work out than lay out at the beach, you'll need a swimsuit that won't go flying off every time you move.

Though the racerback Speedo is a classic choice, today's waterbabes can choose from tons of stylish yet sporty one-piece swimsuits, like this Athleta Bra Cup Twistini One Piece ($80). Or, if you want something truly unique, you can even design your own. Below, you'll find my favorite one-piece swimsuits that are both sporty and stylish, and check back later for my recommendations on two-pieces.

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How to Choose the Fittest Flops

FitSugar — Mon, 07 Jun 2010 14:00:12 PDT

If you're a fan of flip-flops, choose your Summer shoes carefully. I've already gone over the many reasons why flip-flops are bad for your feet: they strain your arches, make your tendons work overtime, and lack ankle support, leading to possible injury.

But that doesn't mean you have to ditch the flips entirely. Just look for a more structured sandal with heel cups and sculpted arches that will keep your feet stable. Simply put, "The less flip in your flop, the better it is for your feet and legs," said Justin Shroyer, an assistant professor of kinesiology at the University of Louisiana-Lafayette who studied more than 100 flip-flop wearers.

Sandals with heel indentations and arch support will allow you to walk more naturally, rather than straining your toes to keep the sandals from falling off. I was impressed with FitFlops, which may or may not tone your backside but offer far more support than regular flip-flops.

Still, Shroyer warns that flip-flops shouldn't be worn on long walks. Think of the Summer shoe as more of a transitional accessory that you wear from house to pool or car to beach. Do you have any supportive flip-flops to recommend?

Cool or Not: Topshop Designing Cycling Gear

FitSugar — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 09:00:00 PDT

After invading New York retail, Topshop is now invading the world of cycling gear. According to the UK Telegraph, this week the fashion-forward retailer is releasing a line of biking shorts, jackets, and accessories for female cyclists. The edgy, brightly colored goods were designed by Cyclodelic and will be available in the UK. British safety experts caution that hats and headscarves are no substitute for helmets, but I'm loving the bags in particular. Would you pick this stuff up?

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Danskin Yoga Gear Goes Organic

FitSugar — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 13:00:00 PST

You try to eat organic, but do you dress organic? Organic cotton is becoming increasingly popular among eco-minded types, since it's grown without the
large amounts of pesticides that bathe conventional cotton - about 1/3 of a pound of chemicals per one cotton t-shirt! Organic cotton is better for the environment and our health.

So since I've been happy with the Danskin clothes I've been testing out lately, I was delighted to see that the gear brand is getting into organic cotton. Perfect for yoga and Pilates, all of the Danskin Prima Organics are constructed from organic cotton with nontoxic dyes. For details on the line,

The cotton-jersey fabric on these pieces looks like that of a high-quality t-shirt, so at first I was afraid it might ride up or chafe. But it actually feels much lighter on the skin; it breathes well and wears nicely. The only complaint I have is that it feels like it might lose its shape over time, but it's tough to tell after just one wear and one washing. Here's a look at the line.

Double V-Neck Jersey Tank Top ($52) This casual tank provides plenty of coverage and has a built-in bra that stays put perfectly.
Y-Back Jersey Tank Top ($48) Soft and stretchy, this basic form-fitting top is nice and long for ample coverage.
Long-Sleeve Hooded Top ($52) Like the tank top, this hoodie has a nice long silhouette, and it's cozy without being bulky.
Interlock Bootleg Pant ($56) These stretchy slim pants are great for stretching and even cold-weather jogs.
Interlock Crop Pant ($50) The cropped, wide-band pants were incredibly flattering and fell nicely on my legs.

Review: Danskin X-Training Jacket

FitSugar — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 12:45:13 PDT

The weather is starting cool, considerably in some parts, and that means wearing more layers - sometimes even indoors. I don't like feeling cold, but so many sweaters, jackets, and hoodies are just too bulky, so I have been looking for something form-fitting, cozy, and thin. I put on my new Danskin X-Training Jacket ($76) a couple of days ago and have yet to take it off.

It meets all my requirements and then some. It's perfect for typing in my shady house and walking the dog. The fabric is super soft: The jacket feels good on, and my husband loves hugging me when I am wearing it. Since I am wearing it all the time, that is a good thing.

For more details on the jacket, just

The jacket is form-fitting without being tight, and it has a dual zipper so you can unzip at both ends. The side pockets are zippered, too, which makes this a great outer layer if you are on the go. I also love the back stash pocket, which fastens with Velcro, it's very helpful for carrying bags when hiking to clean up anything my dog Bonnie might leave on the trail. I also like the iPod port that goes from the front left pocket inside the jacket and out the collar - this feature would be handy for a run. Although there is a bit of reflective detailing on the jacket, it's not enough make you super visible if you are running at night. But I appreciate that the jacket is long and covers most of my bum. I am definitely wearing this under my ski jacket on cold mountain days once ski season starts.

Since I am trying not to buy black clothing - I have so much of it already - I got the jacket in purple, aka "prism." It also comes in pink (snapdragon), black, and pale green (arctic). You can order directly from Danskin.

If $75 seems like a lot for a jacket, I rationalized my purchase this way: Since I can wear it inside, I won't have to turn on the heat for a while, and when I do, I won't have to crank it because I will be so cozy in my Danskin jacket. Check out the other colors and the collar iPod port below.

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Get Your Butt in Gear: Danskin Now at Walmart

FitSugar — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 09:00:00 PDT

I've been reevaluating my budget these days and it's no surprise that my fitness and health habits can be pretty costly. In an effort to save cash but still be able to keep myself motivated I've been on the hunt for cute, and cheap, workout clothes. A friend of mine was telling me that she's gotten a few workout clothes from Walmart, so I did a little investigating. I am loving the Danskin Now knit boot-cut pants ($10) and women's piped scooped tank ($6). Both come in a cute variety of colors and at $16 for the set, you're definitely not blowing the budget, even if you get a few pairs.

Get Your Butt in Gear: Trendy Tennis Clothes

FitSugar — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 09:00:00 PDT

Have you heard? Tennis is trendy. Ticket sales are up for the US Open, and participation in the sport increased 18.7 percent last year. As a result, sales of tennis clothes are also on the rise. In the US, tennis apparel rung up $294.6 million in sales last year; Reebok's US tennis revenue alone is up 62 percent!

I certainly can't blame shoppers for snatching up cute clothes for one of the most fashionable sports. If you play tennis, or even if you don't, you're in luck, because there's more choice now than ever. Of course, I love an excuse to wear cute tennis dresses and skirts. Nike and Adidas are churning out especially stylish styles lately; right now I'm eying this Nike Paris Tennis Dress ($100). Inspired by Maria Sharapova, it's a fashionable blend of feminine and sporty. See the rest of my picks when you

Get Your Butt in Gear: Team Speedo USA Collection

FitSugar — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 13:00:00 PDT

Before we all came down with Michael Phelps fever, I told you about the Speedo LZR Racer, hailed as the world's fastest swimsuit. If you've been watching the Olympics, by now you are intimately familiar with the $550 full-body suit that all the swimmers are wearing.

If you want an LZR of your very own, you'll have to wait until October, but you can preorder one now on Speedo's website. The aquawoman one piece comes in three styles: the High Neck Bodyskin ($550), the Recordbreaker Kneeskin ($425), and Recordbreaker Bodyskin ($475). If only we could get a sassy stars and stripes version like Natalie Coughlin's.

Speedo also has a fun selection of other Team USA gear, most of which is a lot more colorful and a lot less serious. Even if you aren't a swimmer, wouldn't you love to get your butt into these USA Terry Shorts ($24)? Take a look at some of my favorite finds below.

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