FitSugar

Partner Yoga Pose: Double Plow

FitSugar — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 14:30:00 PDT

If you're looking to increase flexibility in your spine and get an amazing neck stretch, Plow pose is just the thing. Sometimes doing it on your own can be a little too intense, so if you do this pose with a friend, you can help support the weight of each other's legs. There will also be less pressure on your neck so you can spend more time in this restorative position.

To find out how to do Double Plow,

Both partners lie on the floor with their heads touching. They extend their arms overhead and hold onto each other's shoulders.
Then they both raise their legs up towards the ceiling and use their ab strength to lift their hips off the ground, bringing their feet towards their partner's hips or ribs (depending on how flexible they are).
They stay like this for a few minutes, and when they're ready to come out, they hold onto each other's shoulders and use their core strength to gently lower their hips to the ground.

Strike a Yoga Pose: Plow

FitSugar — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 04:00:00 PDT

If you work all day at a desk, you're not doing your neck, shoulders, or lower back any favors. That's why I love doing poses that gently stretch these much forgotten about areas.

Plow looks really bizarre at first glance, but take it from me - it feels amazing. Not only does it give you an awesome stretch for the back of your neck, but it also stretches all the way from the top of your spine to your hamstrings.

Sanskrit Name: Halasana
English Translation: Plow

Want to hear how to get into this pose? Then

Begin lying flat on your back on a mat or rug. Place your arms by your sides, palms facing down.
Press firmly into your palms, bend your knees, and bring both legs over your head. If you can, straighten your knees and touch your toes to the ground.
Interlace your fingers and then gently rock your weight side to side a little so you can bring your shoulder blades closer together. Keep your head and neck still.
Think about bringing your hips over your shoulders, and lengthening your spine as much as possible. If it's difficult for you to take deep breaths (bigger breasted women may have this problem), just shift your hips away from your head a few inches.
Stay here for five or more breaths, and then you can slowly bend your knees and shift your hips down to the floor, hugging your knees into your chest. Stay here for a minute or so, letting your neck and spine adjust.

Inversion Issues: How to Remedy Common Shoulderstand Complaints

Jenny Sugar — Fri, 25 May 2012 00:14:27 PDT

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 endowed or carry extra weight in your belly, then gravity causes added pressure on the lungs and throat, making it tough to take in a deep breath. A supportive bra and fitted top can help, but if you still have trouble breathing, then changing how you do the pose will make a huge improvement. Instead of stacking your pelvis and feet directly over your shoulders, hinge at your hips slightly, pressing them away from your face so your feet extend slightly behind your head.

Still can't breathe? Try the Legs Up the Wall variation; rest your lower back on your mat or, to give your hips a little lift, rest your lower back on a folded-up blanket or flat bolster.

Continue reading to learn how to alleviate neck pain and feelings of imbalance while in Shoulderstand.

Zobha Yoga Panties Have You Covered

Susi May — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 16:54:01 PST

When it comes to working out, I sometimes suffer from the panty conundrum: basically to wear or not to wear undies under my leggings or shorts. I have learned that this answer varies from workout to workout. The authors of Run Like a Mother ask: why wear nonwicking cotton drawers under your running shorts with a wicking liner? But for yoga, Pilates, and strength training it's another story where you sometimes find yourself in compromising positions, like Plow pose, for instance.

Zobha, maker of quality yoga and Pilates wear, has come up with the perfect panty solution for these types of workout. The brand's laser-cut thongs ($16) and boy shorts ($18) provide the coverage you want without VPL (visible panty lines). Both seamless styles are made from wicking fabric but feature a cotton gusset for comfort. These undies stay in place during all sorts of movement too. I have found it best to hand wash these garments. Since these panties are on the pricier side, it's helpful that they do dry quickly making one pair enough if you work out regularly.

I prefer the boy shorts for strength training and the even more discreet thong for yoga. Stretch and lift with no apprehension - these panties have you covered. The boy short and the thong are also available in the more adventurous colors - hot pink and aqua. Find them online at Zobha.

Healthy Dose Link Time: Vegan Cheesecake For T-Day

FitSugar — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 10:35:10 PST

Get ready for T-day! Five-ingredient, vegan pumpkin cheesecake - Blisstree
Runners listen up: Pilates is perfect for injury prevention - Self
Go head over heels for Plow pose with these tips - Yoga Journal
Not lovin' your love handles? Celeb trainer tips to banish the muffin top - Shape
Awesome arm workout with a little ab work thrown in - Peanut Butter Fingers
Toning up vs. bulking up: get the facts on strength training - Fit Bottomed Girls
Kelly Osbourne can be quite blunt to her overweight friends. Surprised? - Fit Celeb
No time to cook? Easy, quick meals from The Biggest Loser - Prevention