FitSugar

Inversion Issues: How to Remedy Common Shoulderstand Complaints

Jenny Sugar — Fri, 25 May 2012 00:14:27 PDT

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 endowed or carry extra weight in your belly, then gravity causes added pressure on the lungs and throat, making it tough to take in a deep breath. A supportive bra and fitted top can help, but if you still have trouble breathing, then changing how you do the pose will make a huge improvement. Instead of stacking your pelvis and feet directly over your shoulders, hinge at your hips slightly, pressing them away from your face so your feet extend slightly behind your head.

Still can't breathe? Try the Legs Up the Wall variation; rest your lower back on your mat or, to give your hips a little lift, rest your lower back on a folded-up blanket or flat bolster.

Continue reading to learn how to alleviate neck pain and feelings of imbalance while in Shoulderstand.

Yogini Kristin McGee Dishes on Bethenny Frankel's Fave Pose and Getting Ready For Beach Season

Lizzie Fuhr — Wed, 23 May 2012 00:36:21 PDT

I was lucky enough to take a class taught by Manhattan-based yoga teacher Kristin McGee right here in San Francisco! Although one busy lady, Kristin traveled across the country to teach Vinyasa Vibes (a new offering at The Sports Club/LA), a flow-based, powerful yoga sequence enhanced by music. The most musical part of the practice? During Savasana, the class culminated in a live sax solo by Grammy-nominated musician Dave Koz. After class, Kristin and I chatted about her yoga journey, getting ready for bikini season, and what it's like working with one of her famous clients, Bethenny Frankel.

FitSugar: Some of the moves in Vinyasa Vibes are Ashtanga-influenced. Is that what your yoga teacher training background was in?
Kristin McGee: My original background was really eclectic because I started in the early '90s. I started taking [yoga] at NYU; some of my very early teachers were Jivamukti teachers who did study Ashtanga. Then I did study with Richard Freedman for a while, who is pure Ashtanga, and Cyndi Lee at OM Yoga. I wanted to get deeper into Iyengar classes and get into the alignment and the detail. Now in my practice I want to get more into Pranayama, more of the breathing, and maybe take some more Kundalini classes. I just feel like it constantly evolves.

FS: The Vinyasa Vibes class has live music during final relaxation. Can you elaborate on the experience of live music and yoga combined?
KM: In yoga practice, it’s a very intimate, immediate place. It's almost like live theater or live music where it brings you right into the moment. Music is a universal language, just like our breath is a universal breath. I think the second we're in this surrounding, in this environment with that live music and the intimacy of a live class, it brings it all together in one beautiful experience.

FS: You’ve collaborated with Bethenny Frankel on some projects. What's her favorite pose?
KM: Bethenny’s all-time favorite pose is Straddle Forward Bend because she says it feels like the weight of the world is falling off of her shoulders. Someone like Bethenny Frankel has a million things going on, and I don’t know how she does it! But I think you also noticed it in the practice tonight. Right when we finally got to that Straddle Forward Hang, it was kind of just like, "Ugh! Such a release!" You feel like you could stay there for quite a while.

Keep reading for Kristin's favorite snack before class and how to get your body ready for Summer.

Strike a Yoga Pose: Fierce

FitSugar — Fri, 18 May 2012 19:28:00 PDT

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: Fierce Pose
Also Called: Chair Pose

Stand with your feet together in Mountain Pose. Bend your knees and lower your hips as you raise your arms overhead.
Focus on sitting back into your heels to relieve pressure from your knees and to target the thighs and glutes. Tuck your tailbone in and engage your abs, keeping your spine straight. Roll your shoulder blades back and down away from your ears to release any tension in the neck or upper body, and gaze up toward the ceiling.
Stay like this for five breaths.

Get Brooklyn Decker's Bikini Bod With Yoga

Zelana Montminy — Fri, 18 May 2012 11:59:22 PDT

Brooklyn Decker knows how to rock a bikini, and yoga plays a big part in her fitness routine. Tara Stiles, Brooklyn's yoga go-to, shared two poses that helped the blond bombshell get into swimsuit shape. Learn how to do the poses when you watch the video.

Victoria's Secret Model Erin Heatherton's "Golden Combination" For Staying in Bikini Shape

Zelana Montminy — Thu, 17 May 2012 11:38:00 PDT

Erin Heatherton is the face of VSX, the fitness line from Victoria's Secret. She models swimsuits for the company too, and with bikini season fast approaching, we sat down with the athletic model to learn her secrets for staying fit. Watch the video to learn what Erin considers the perfect workout and what she eats on cheat days.

Hip Openers and Hamstring Stretches For Expectant Moms

Jenny Sugar — Sat, 12 May 2012 19:08:26 PDT

Yoga is the perfect exercise for expectant mommas, not only to increase strength and flexibility, but it can also ease common pregnancy woes such as a sore lower back and heartburn. It can also help you hone your sense of balance, which is ever changing as your belly expands.

Here's a yoga sequence that incorporates standing poses to strengthen your lower body while increasing the flexibility in your hips and hamstrings. Complete the entire 12-pose sequence on one side and repeat again on the other. Be sure to ease into the poses since the hormone relaxin softens your joints and gives your muscles more elasticity. This makes it easier for you to stretch deeper than you ever could, increasing your risk for tearing a muscle.

*Remember to talk to your doc before starting any exercise program when pregnant.

Yoga Series For Runners

FitSugar — Fri, 11 May 2012 08:58:17 PDT

We love running and yoga. We actually find that these two forms of exercise are quite complementary. Yoga is perfect for stretching out all those muscles worked, and often overworked, while pounding the pavement. To ensure that your body can handle all the miles, Kimberly Fowler, founder of Yoga For Athletes, suggests adding these five yoga poses to your weekly fitness routine. This short series is great for lengthening shortened hamstrings and opening tight hips - both side effects of running. A little attention to your overworked muscles is a great form of injury prevention. And if you only have time for one stretch, Kim will tell you what to do. Press play and get ready to stretch.

Which Yoga Pose Would You Choose?

Jenny Sugar — Thu, 10 May 2012 14:39:41 PDT

Yoga is supposed to be about feeling open and blissful, but let's face it, some pretzel-like poses don't make us feel that way. It's only natural to prefer certain poses and despise others, but not everyone agrees. While you might be a huge fan of inversions, your best friend might be petrified to go upside down. Keep reading to vote on which yoga poses are your faves.

Energize Your Morning with 4 Wake-Up Moves

Self — Wed, 09 May 2012 04:28:59 PDT

We are pumped to share one of our favorite stories from Self here on FitSugar!

Can't get through your morning without your daily java fix? You're not alone. According to a survey conducted by the National Coffee Association, Americans spend an average of $164.71 on coffee per year. That's almost enough for a monthly car payment or a couple of weeks worth of groceries!

Want to wean yourself off of overdoing the caffeine without sacrificing your sanity? Then look no further than your local yoga studio. Warming up your body in the morning helps the natural release of endorphins, says Desiree Bartlett, a Los Angeles-based yoga instructor.

Not only does yoga do the body good, the energy you cultivate in a yoga class stays with you all day long. "There is a natural gauging of energy and we release old thoughts or judgments we no longer need," says Bartlett. "Through this practice of steadying the mind and observing the breath, the mind stays present, sharper and clearer because it is no longer reviewing the past or making to-do lists for the future."

Incorporate these four moves into your regular routine five days a week to start each day "with strength, clarity and a sense of empowerment." Desiree may have shot these on the beach (we're jealous!) but you can do them on your bedroom floor!

Get the moves after the break.

Don't Waste Your Dough on These Yogic Products

Jenny Sugar — Mon, 07 May 2012 15:05:58 PDT

Like running, yoga doesn't take a whole lot of fancy equipment. All you truly need are a good yoga mat and a comfortable outfit that keeps you covered and dry. But with yoga's growing popularity, it seems like more and more yoga-focused products are cropping up. Here are a few you could live without.

Round Yoga Mat
Unless you practice partner yoga, attend Mommy and Me classes, or go to a specific type of class where a round Mandala yoga mat is a necessity, save your $70. The extra mat circumference isn't necessary since most instructors teach using a traditional rectangular-shaped mat. Studio space is also tight, and it would be inconsiderate to take up so much room with a circular mat. If you do invest in one of these six-foot round mats, you can't use a basic yoga bag, so purchasing a square-shaped bag would be another investment you'd have to make. So although intriguing, a circular mat isn't worth the money.

Keep reading to find out what other yoga products aren't worth the dough.