Open Your Heart: 10 Heart-Opening Stretches


Updated 02/13/12 4:38 PM · Posted by · 2 comments

Heart-Opening Yoga Stretches

I can hear Madonna in my head singing "Open Your Heart," and in my mind's eye see her doing her yoga moves on stage. Why not celebrate Valentine's Day and American Heart Month with a little bit of yogic love? Physically stretching the muscles in your chest, shoulders, and belly can create a deep emotional release helping you to appreciate and honor of yourself and your loved ones. These poses Read more

Partner Yoga Poses For Friends and Lovers


Updated 02/08/12 1:45 PM · Posted by FitSugar · 2 comments

Partner Yoga Pose Sequence

This Valentine's Day, forget the chocolate and flowers. Spend some time together connecting with your favorite person by doing some partner yoga. Move through this eight-posture sequence, and not only will you experience a deep stretch in your muscles, but you'll deepen the connection with your loved one as well. Source: AcroYoga and Flickr User lmpicard Read more

Essential Stretches For Tight Hips


Updated 02/08/12 11:58 AM · Posted by FitSugar · 3 comments

Basic Stretches For Tight Hips

Tight hips seem to be a common problem for almost everybody — from runners to cyclists, from deskbound bloggers to triathletes. Give this area a little extra love with this sequence of nine hip-opening stretches to increase your flexibility, reduce discomfort, and prevent injury. Try the series in the order listed here, or pick your faves to incorporate into your workout routine. Read more

6 Ways to Burn More Calories in Your Yoga Class


Updated 01/30/12 9:55 AM · Posted by · 0 comments

How to Burn More Calories in Yoga Class

Yoga classes aren't meant to be huge calorie-burners — increasing strength and flexibility and acquiring a sense of calmness and bliss, these are more the focus when moving through postures. You still burn calories, though, and with these tips, you can burn more the next time you hop on your mat. Source: Thinkstock Read more

Do You Love or Hate These Popular Yoga Poses?


Updated 02/07/12 2:59 AM · Posted by · 6 comments

Yoga Poses People Love or Hate

Pigeon is easily one of my top 10 favorite yoga poses, but my husband can't stand it — his tight hips scream to get out of pose. Here's a list of challenging yoga poses that people either love or hate. From backbends to inversions, tell us which ones you love, or love to skip. Read more

Leg-Strengthening Yoga Sequence For Skiers and Riders


Updated 01/21/12 8:13 AM · Posted by · 2 comments

Yoga Sequence to Strengthen the Legs and Core

Whether you click into skis or a snowboard, a strong yet flexible lower body will allow you to cruise down the mountain with control, helping you stay balanced rather than wiping out. This eight-posture lower body sequence focuses on strengthening the core, quads, and glutes, while opening the hamstrings and hips. Photos taken at Evolution Physical Therapy and Yoga Studio, Burlington, VT Read more

Fun and Challenging: Yoga Poses For Your Bucket List


Updated 01/13/12 11:36 AM · Posted by · 1 comment

Fun and Challenging Yoga Poses

Practicing yoga strengthens and tones your body like no other workout. It's also a calming, centering practice. But let's face it, if it wasn't fun, you wouldn't stick with it. Some poses have higher thrill factors; when you're in them, you can't help but crack a smile or giggle with delight. Here are 10 superfun yoga poses — from easiest to most challenging — that everyone should try at Read more

Standing Yoga Series For Strong and Sexy Legs


Updated 01/13/12 5:32 AM · Posted by FitSugar · 7 comments

Standing Yoga Sequence to Work Legs

Athletes of all kinds, from cyclists to skiers, benefit from strong legs. Toned legs not only look good, but they can help prevent injuries too. This dynamic yoga sequence flows between basic standing poses targeting your legs and booty while working your core and arms too. Complete all nine poses on the right side first, and then repeat on the left. Here is the printable version of the Read more

Postnatal Yoga Poses For New Moms


Updated 12/14/11 2:45 AM · Posted by · 0 comments

Postnatal Yoga Sequence For Sore Back and Tight Hips

After giving birth, a new mother not only has a beautiful bundle of sweetness to love, but she's usually left with a sore lower back, tight hips, and tense shoulders as well. Here's a relaxing and rejuvenating yoga sequence that's sure to bring relief. Read more