Back to Basics: Sun Salutation A


Updated 12/17/10 10:40 AM · Posted by FitSugar · 0 comments

Back to Basics: Sun Salutation A

In honor of the Winter Solstice, I thought we could use a little light from the yoga world. So take a few minutes to pay attention to your breath and follow this Sun Salutation A sequence. The Sanskrit word for Sun Salutation is Surya Namaskar. Surya means "Sun," and "Namaskar" is a greeting of honor and respect to the divinity present in each one of us. In yoga studios across the world, many Read more

A Week of the Happy Healthy You: FitSugar Roundup


Updated 05/12/07 12:00 PM · Posted by FitSugar · 0 comments

A Week of the Happy Healthy You:  FitSugar Roundup

Want to get active? Then check out Get Active America to see if a gym near you is participating in open houses next weekend. Now that it is the weekend, why not try the Sun Salutation. The video will take you through the moves, and your body will feel great after a few repetitions. I want to know which celebrity diet you identify with the most. Do you know the importance of interval training Read more

Strike a Yoga Pose: Sun Salutation A


Updated 01/04/08 7:51 AM · Posted by FitSugar · 4 comments

Strike a Yoga Pose:  Sun Salutation A

We've finally learned all the poses that make up Sun Salutation A, so we can link them all together. The Sanskrit word for Sun Salutation is Surya Namaskar. Surya means "Sun," and "Namaskar" is a greeting of honor and respect to the divinity present in each one of us. In case you were curious, the word "Namaste" comes from the word "Namaskar," and is used as a greeting and a way to give 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

What to Expect (Beauty-Wise) When You're Expecting


Updated 05/23/12 4:31 PM · Posted by · 1 comment

What Beauty Is Safe and Unsafe For Pregnant Women

Moms-to-be, we salute you. Perhaps your body is changing, and you're not quite sure if your favorite beauty treatments are allowed. In honor of today's release of What to Expect When You're Expecting, we reached out to Dr. Lindsay Cruel, OB/GYN (also known as my dad) to debunk any pregnancy beauty myths. Find out your prenatal dos and don'ts when you read more. Read more

Celebrate Winter Solstice With Sun Salutation A


Updated 12/21/11 7:45 AM · Posted by FitSugar · 12 comments

Sun Salutation A Video to Celebrate Winter Solstice

Although it feels like we were just talking about bikini workouts and sunscreen, tomorrow is the first day of Winter — aka the Winter Solstice. You can celebrate by getting outside for a Winter run, cooking up a hearty pot of soup, or do like the yogis do: perform 108 Sun Salutations, a practice called Mala. The number 108 is considered sacred in Hindu and Buddhist belief systems, and it Read more

Fit Tip: Take Your Strength Training Routine Outside


Updated 05/08/12 2:20 PM · Posted by · 0 comments

Ways to Strength Train Outside

As soon as the hint of Summer comes along, I'm all about taking my workout outside. I'll admit, however, that for me, forgoing the gym for the great outdoors usually means I'm out for a run. Luckily, there are many ways I can take more than my cardio outside. Here are some ideas for enjoying the fresh air while you tone up and stretch out. Take a bootcamp class: Ready to get whipped into shape Read more

Salute the Sun: A Morning Yoga Playlist


Updated 04/18/12 1:25 AM · Posted by · 0 comments

Music For Sun Salutations

Sun Salutation can mark a beautiful, introspective time in your day, and I'm a huge fan of employing the help of some happy, sunny tunes to get me motivated and centered. Starting a day with even just 20 minutes on the mat can make a big difference in how you look at the world around you. If your morning practice is feeling a little tired — or like me, you've literally fallen asleep on your Read more

7 Ways to Get Stronger Arms in Yoga Class


Updated 04/10/12 10:18 AM · Posted by · 3 comments

How to Get Strong Arms in a Yoga Class

Practicing yoga is one of the best ways to relieve stress, but since you're holding yourself in challenging positions, it's also a killer workout for your upper body. Superstrong, sculpted arms not only look good in a strapless dress, but also enable you to do more advanced yoga poses. Here are some ways you can build a stronger upper body with yoga. Practice, practice, practice: Taking a class Read more

Get the Bod: Jennifer Aniston's Arms


Updated 02/16/12 12:44 PM · Posted by · 2 comments

Jennifer Aniston's Arm Workout With Mandy Ingber

The secret to Jennifer Aniston's sleek, toned arms, according to her yoga go-to Mandy Ingber, is the Sun Salute. A staple of every yoga class, the Sun Salute stretches and strengthens the shoulders, biceps, and triceps. It's also a great way to warm up before working out. Take a lesson from Mandy and learn the Sun Salute by watching this video. Read more