Prehab: Strengthen Your Ankles


Updated 06/01/10 7:50 PM · Posted by FitSugar · 6 comments

Prevent Twisted Ankles With These Strengthening and Mobility Exercises

From trail running to flip-flops, warmer weather can be rough on your ankles. Ironically, sticking to softer surfaces like grass and dirt to be kinder to your knees can also be perilous for the ankle joint. The best way to prevent aching ankles — or worse, a sprain — is to strengthen them. Here's how: Balance blindfolded: In bare feet, stand with your right shoulder close to a wall. Lift Read more

Barre Workouts are Expensive! Try This At-Home Alternative Instead


Updated 05/24/12 8:43 AM · Posted by · 0 comments

At-Home Barre Workout Ideas

We are pumped to share one of our favorite stories from Self here on FitSugar! Barre classes may make you easy on the eyes, but at $20 or more a pop, they're definitely not easy on the wallet. Rather than take a second job to pay for our latest fitness addiction, we turned to Beverly Hill-based Cardio Barre instructor Stacey Bosworth to get the inside scoop on scoring a long, lean dancer's body 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

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

What Not to Do in Warrior 1


Updated 03/30/12 4:45 PM · Posted by · 0 comments

Tips For Warrior 1 Yoga Pose

If you practice yoga, you've probably spent a decent amount of time holding the majestic standing pose Warrior 1. The pose tones the legs and tush, opens tight hip flexors, and strengthens the shoulders. The next time you step onto your mat, make sure you're avoiding these Warrior 1 mistakes that could lead to pain or injury. Short Stance Why it's bad: Doing Warrior 1 with a short stance places Read more

What You Shouldn't Put on Before Yoga Class


Updated 03/16/12 2:22 PM · Posted by · 4 comments

What You Shouldn't Wear to Yoga Class

Black leggings? Check. Cute tank top? Check. These are musts when it comes to taking a yoga class, but aside from these clothes you shouldn't wear to yoga class, check this list to find out what else you shouldn't put on. Lotion: Slathering on hand lotion is something we do every day, but be careful not to put it on right before a yoga class. As soon as you begin to sweat, your hands will 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

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

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