FitSugar

Work It Girl: One-Arm Assisted Wrist Stretch

FitSugar — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 08:00:00 PDT

The easy wrist stretch feels so good if your hands get sore from typing all day, and here's another stretch to add to your routine. Since you're focusing on each wrist individually, you can get a more intense stretch and it feels lovely.

For instructions on this stretch,

Work It Girl: Easy Wrist Stretches

FitSugar — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 03:30:00 PDT

If you work on a computer all day long, typing and mousing, you are at risk for developing carpal tunnel syndrome. One way to help prevent this painful overuse injury is to regularly take a break from work and stretch your wrists. Here is an easy stretch you should do often at your desk.

To find out how to do these two stretches,

Stretch It: Kneeling One-Handed Wrist Stretch

FitSugar — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 14:30:00 PDT

If you work at a desk typing and mousing all day, or you use your hands in other ways, I'm sure your wrists could use a break. This is one of my favorite wrist stretches. Just make sure to take your shoes off.

If you want to know how to do this stretch then

Work It Girl: Wrist Stretch

FitSugar — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 10:15:00 PST

If you spend the majority of your days at a computer typing and mousing, chances are your wrists are not loving it. It's so important to give them a rest, so try this wrist stretch at your desk. You can do it on any surface, even on the ground, so if your coworkers think stretching is weird you can try it at home.

Stand next to a desk or some other stable surface that is lower than your hips.
Turn your hands around so your fingers are pointing towards your body and place them on the desk.
Keep your back long, relax your shoulders away from your ears, and walk your feet back a little so you feel a nice stretch in the front of your wrists.
After five slow breaths, slowly peel your fingers and hands off the desk (after about 20 seconds), give your arms a little shake, and circle your hands in both directions.

Stretch It: 2 Wrist Stretches

FitSugar — Wed, 13 Jun 2007 02:30:00 PDT

I'm sorry to say, but our wrists are pretty weak. That's no insult - it's the truth! They're skinny and delicate, and they have tiny muscles. Plus people don't spend too much time doing wrist strengthening or flexibility exercises.

If you type a lot, play a musical instrument, or spend a lot of time balancing on your hands, you can end up with sore, overworked, or injured wrists. Here are some great stretches you can do to increase flexibility in your hands and wrists.

Sit on your heels and place your hands on your mat with your fingertips facing your knees. If this stretch feels too intense, lift your hips off your heels a little. Stay here for 5 deep breaths, or as long as you want.
Place your hands on the mat, palms facing up with your fingertips facing you. Now step your feet onto your palms, pressing your toes into your wrist creases. Don't worry about keeping your legs straight - this is a wrist stretch, not a hamstring stretch. Stay here for 5 deep breaths, or as long as you want.

I love how good these two stretches feel - my wrists feel so much more open after I do them. If my wrists get sore after blogging all day, or practicing Crow for too long, I always feel better after stretching them out.

5 Healthy Breaks to Take Every Workday

Leta Shy — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 02:43:48 PST

If you're prone to sitting down most of the day at work, chances are you're often in need of a break. Here are five ways to keep your body feeling healthy and happy during those eight hours in your chair.

Rest your eyes: Those pupils need a rest. Reduce eye strain by closing your eyes or looking away from your screen for a few seconds every 15 minutes. Here are more tips for keeping your eyes healthy when using a computer.
Do some desk stretches: Chair stretches energize and relieve tension. Get in the habit of stretching when you feel tense or notice your posture is failing. We've got lots of stretches you can do at your desk to relieve neck and shoulder tension.
Exercise with a purpose: Being deskbound for so long can make us forget that we should be moving more. Try taking a five-minute walking break every hour or so when you need to get things done - take the longer route to the kitchen or bathroom, or go up and down a few flights of stairs while you're brainstorming. It's a good way to combat the dangerous effects of sitting down for so long.
Take a noncoffee break: Warm up with a cup of green tea; it'll help fill up your stomach to curb cravings, and you'll be getting a lot more disease-fighting antioxidants than if you reach for the coffee pot.
Relax the wrists: If you've been feeling twinges of pain, cramps, or other discomfort while you type away, be sure to regularly stretch your wrists. Here are five stretches to do to help prevent carpal tunnel syndrome.

4 Desk Stretches to Relieve Neck and Shoulder Tension

Jenny Sugar — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 01:25:41 PST

Sitting at a desk for hours on end, staring at your computer screen, and scrunching your shoulders as you type can create a stiff neck and tense shoulders, or even a headache. Take a break and do these four stretches at your desk to offer some stress relief.

Behind the Back Neck Stretch: offers a deep stretch in the sides of your neck

Sitting on the edge of a sturdy chair, reach both hands behind your pelvis, and hold onto your left wrist with your right hand. Use your right hand to gently straighten your left arm and pull it away from you slightly. To increase the stretch in your neck, slowly lower your right ear toward your shoulder.
Stay here for 30 seconds and then switch sides.

Keep reading to learn how to do three more tension-relieving stretches at your desk.

Tips For a Pain-Free Triangle

Jenny Sugar — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 13:57:45 PDT

You can't go to a yoga class without the instructor leading you into the basic pose Triangle. This standing posture increases flexibility in your hamstrings, opens tight hips, and elongates the spine, but if this pose causes you discomfort or pain, here are some tips for relief.

Neck or Shoulder Pain:
Triangle pose is a subtle spinal twist, and gazing up at your lifted hand can cause major neck or shoulder pain, especially if you find twisting a challenge. I have a trick to help, but first you need to release all the tension from this area by shrugging your shoulders toward your ears, then actively releasing them toward your hips. Once your neck is relaxed, pull your hands away from each other and extend the crown of your head to take pressure off your neck. If you're still experiencing neck pain, turn your head and gaze at your bottom hand. If your shoulders still hurt, rest your lifted arm on your torso, or wrap it around your lower back to feel a nice opening in the chest.

To learn how to avoid leg or wrist pain when doing Triangle pose, keep reading.

Shower Stretches

FitSugar — Fri, 09 Mar 2007 04:00:00 PST

I love to stretch in the shower, it is one of those rare times when I get to slow down. I turn on the soothing hot water, light some candles, play some relaxing music, and let the warm steam envelop me.

There are a three stretches that I love to do in the shower, just because it feels so good to close my eyes and calm my mind. Plus, the steamy water does a wonderful job warming my muscles, so they're easier to stretch.

Come into a wide squat in the middle of your shower so you can feel the hot water gently pouring onto your lower back. Stay here for a minute or so, dropping your chin towards your chest and extending your arms out in front of you. It feels amazing, especially if your lower back bothers you.

Want to see the other two stretches? Then

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This stretch is for your neck. Stand so the back of your head is in the stream of water. Interlace your fingers and place your open palms on the back of your head. Gently and slowly press your head down, tilting your chin in towards your chest. It stretches the back of your neck and lengthens your spine.
To stretch out your shoulder and wrists, place your right palm on the front wall of the shower (away from the water). You want your fingertips facing to the right, feeling your wrist opening up. You can stay here or if you want to stretch it even more, walk your body towards the left, gazing over your left shoulder. Stay here for a minute or so and then switch to the left side. Let me know what you think or if you have any other ideas for shower stretches. Post your thoughts or pictures in the Yoga Stretch and Tell Group.

Boxing For Beginners: Notes to Prepare You For the Ring

Anna Monette Roberts — Fri, 30 Sep 2011 12:02:49 PDT

While working out at Crunch gym, I heard a woman hiyahing and turned to find her mightily kicking and punching her (padded) trainer. Her toes were taped, her mouthguard was in, and boy, her sweat glands were working. A rush of adrenaline combined with visions of Million Dollar Baby inspired me to talk to Crunch trainer Casey Mallo about what to expect as a beginner boxer and why you should consider putting on those puffy gloves.