Strengthen Your Ankles For the Chunky Shoes of Fall


Updated 07/11/11 6:01 PM · Posted by · 5 comments

Strengthen Your Ankles For the Chunky Shoes of Fall

I'm loving the sculptural look of this Fall's chunky footwear. But between the soaring heel heights and the substantial platforms, I worry that these styles might cause some nasty falls and possibly twist a few ankles too. While it's always sensible to take a break from your high heels and alternate with some fashionably sensible pairs, I say take some extra precautions and strengthen 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

Wee! A Total-Body Playground Circuit Workout


Updated 05/07/12 10:09 AM · Posted by · 0 comments

Playground Circuit Workout

Playgrounds aren't just for the kiddos. Why not use the equipment to do a little strength training after you run or bike ride through the park, or while your children are playing (might as well tone your tush rather than just sitting on it)? Check out this five-minute circuit workout to target your entire body from head to toe. For a full workout, repeat the circuit six times through for a total 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

Know Your Basics: How to Do a Lunge


Updated 05/01/12 3:10 AM · Posted by · 0 comments

How to Do a Lunge

Lunges are a quintessential exercise; you can do them anywhere and the effects can be seen in no time, in the form of shapely, toned legs and backside (just in time for bikini season!). If you're planning on incorporating lunges into your routine, however, make sure you're not doing more harm than good. Find out how to do lunges correctly below. The basics: It's important to do lunges properly Read more

How to Maximize Those Butt-Toning Squats


Updated 04/12/12 3:10 AM · Posted by · 0 comments

Tips For Doing Squats Effectively

If strong, sculpted legs are what you're after, you've got to become one with the squat. The basic exercise targets glutes, hamstrings, quads, and core, so incorporating it into your strength-training workouts is definitely worth your while. Here are some ways to get more bang for your butt — er, I mean buck — when doing squats. Focus on your heels: When doing a squat, make sure to shift Read more

Stretch Those Tight Hips and Lower Back


Updated 05/21/12 10:19 AM · Posted by FitSugar · 9 comments

Stretches to Relieve Lower Back Pain and Open Tight Hips

If you have the ever popular office job that involves sitting at a desk for eight hours a day, it can wreak havoc on your precious body creating tight hips and lower back pain. Many stretches for your hips also stretch out your lower back, so these poses are like two for the price of one. Butterfly Sit on the floor, bend both knees, and bring your feet together. Using your hands, open your feet Read more

Hervé Léger by Max Azria Fall 2012


Updated 02/11/12 7:49 PM · Posted by · 0 comments

Herve Leger by Max Azria Runway Fall 2012

Taking us beyond the label's bandage dress, Max Azria delivered his signature sexy with rich equestrian details and a new sense of strength for Fall. For every curve-conscious silhouette, the strapped bodices and gladiator-inspired footwear counter with militant, almost dominatrix-feeling toughness. If it takes a confident woman to pull off Léger's more typical body-con wear, for this season's Read more

What Not to Do in Wheel Pose


Updated 01/25/12 1:35 PM · Posted by · 0 comments

Tips For Backbend Wheel Pose

Doing Full Backbend, also known as Wheel pose, isn't exactly on the list of beginner moves. It's demanding both from a flexibility as well as a strength standpoint, so it's best to stick to Half Wheel, Camel, and other easier variations before trying your hand at Full Backbend. When you are ready, here are some things to keep in mind to ensure you're doing this heart-opening pose safely and Read more

From the Community: the Best Exercise You Aren't Doing


Updated 01/23/12 10:28 AM · Posted by · 1 comment

Heel and Foot Stretches For Injury Prevention

FitSugar community member (and fitness instructor) livinginthin has shared a how-to on an overlooked exercise that everyone should be doing. Running, cycling, squatting, jumping, curling, crunches, and lunging — you do it all, right? Well, the one move you aren’t doing is probably the one that can keep you doing all those things (and more), pain and injury-free for a lifetime. What is it? Read more