Get Wow Arms With This Yoga Sequence


Updated 01/31/12 10:04 PM · Posted by FitSugar · 8 comments

Yoga Poses to Tone Upper Body

Who doesn't want strong, sculpted, shapely arms? I'll tell you that all the strength training exercises in the world never got me better results than when I started doing yoga regularly. Since many of the poses require you to hold your own body weight in unique positions, you end up working your muscles more effectively. Give this sequence a try and you're sure to get the toned arms and upper 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

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

Strike a Yoga Pose: Fierce


Updated 05/22/12 12:49 PM · Posted by FitSugar · 2 comments

How to Do Fierce Pose in Yoga, Also Called Chair Pose

After learning Ashtanga Yoga's Sun Salutation A, it's time to learn the poses in Sun Salutation B. It begins with a pose called Fierce, which may look easy but is a killer move for your thighs and glutes when done correctly. It also strengthens your core and stretches your calves, so it's an essential move for runners and high-heel wearers alike. Sanskrit Name: Utkatasana English Translation: 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

In Honor of the Kentucky Derby, 4 Exercises That Celebrate the Horse


Updated 05/02/12 9:55 AM · Posted by · 0 comments

Horse Pose, Horse Stance, and Other Exercises in Honor of the Kentucky Derby

The Kentucky Derby is this weekend, which means lots of Southern-style celebrations surrounding a horse race that'll be over before you can blink. But donning a wide-brimmed, fully decked out hat and imbibing mint juleps isn't the only way to pay homage to the all-American event.  Why not celebrate the Kentucky Derby with a few equine exercises too? Here are four exercises that are inspired by 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

Headstand? Ugh. How to Stop Hating Inversions


Updated 04/25/12 3:20 PM · Posted by · 0 comments

Tips For Doing Inversions in Yoga

As beings who walk with their heads stacked over their feet, it's no surprise that going upside down in your yoga class scares the om out of you. Fear of falling, neck or other pains, and the sheer oddness of seeing the world from a whole new perspective can make inversions lowest on your list of faves. If you get upset whenever your teacher suggests headstands, forearm stands, or handstands, Read more

3 Leg Stretches Runners Should Do Daily


Updated 04/20/12 11:09 AM · Posted by · 0 comments

Running Stretches For Tight Hamstrings and Hips

I don't think I've ever met a runner who doesn't suffer from tight hips, hamstrings, or a lower back. The receptive movements and strengthening aspect of running can cause tight muscles that need extra attention. Of course you should never skip the stretching session after a run, but here are three lower-body stretches you should do every day — even on the days you don't run. Open Lizard What Read more

Posture Perfect: Standing Reverse Fly With Exercise Band


Updated 05/25/12 2:07 PM · Posted by · 0 comments

Improve Your Posture and Look Thinner With the Reverse Fly

Rounded shoulders and bad posture have the unfortunate effect of making us all look heavier than we really are, especially in the midsection. If you spend hours hunched over a computer, you need to combat the inevitable slouch so you can rock your bikini at the beach or wow your wedding guests as you walk down the aisle. Having good posture can really make you look 10 pounds thinner! So try this Read more