FitSugar

Ommmm my back hurts...

FitSugar — Fri, 03 Nov 2006 13:30:00 PST

A mini meditation quiz:

Which meditation principle suits you?

Meditation is quiet "me" time.
Meditation is a time to take 15 minutes to truly relax.
Meditation is feeling the om.
Meditation is my back aching after sitting for only 10 minutes. Leaving me with some pain and no om.

If you answered yes to #4 but love to meditate, the Salubrion Meditation Chair is the answer for you. The L-100 meditation seat provides proper back support so you can achieve proper meditation. Salubrion states:

The L-100 Salubrion Seat™ provides exceptional support for floor sitting, assisting in proper back alignment and lumbar curve for superior comfort. At a slightly elevated state, the user benefits from increased blood flow to the legs and greater relaxation. Deeper and longer meditation sessions are achievable due to the elimination of distracting aches, pains, and fatigue.

Omazing!

Buy it here for $48.95.

Dispel These Common Complaints and Start a Love Affair With Running

Jenny Sugar — Wed, 02 May 2012 02:27:29 PDT

You want to love running, you do, but every time you head out for a run, you end up hating it even more. Check out some of the most common complaints below, and find out how you can turn your relationship with running around for the better.

"My Knee, My Back, My Feet - Everything Hurts"
Pounding the pavement is not easy on the body, and one reason for aches and pains is poor running form. Here's a body checklist to make sure you're running properly and efficiently. Sneakers that are old or unsupportive can also lead to joint pain, so here are tips to help you find the perfect pair of running shoes. Be sure to replace shoes every few hundred miles or every few months (whichever comes first). Also, don't run every day - including other types of exercise is a must in preventing repetitive stress injuries.

"It's Boring"
Running is the definition of repetition, so if you're on a treadmill, make it more exciting by watching your favorite TV show, listening to a new audiobook or CD, running next to a chatty friend (just make sure to keep your gaze forward), or "racing" an unknowing treadmill runner. If none of that seems appealing, bring your runs outdoors. The beach or the woods are full of natural obstacles to keep you on your toes, and the fresh air and scenery are sure to lift your spirits. Choose a different location every time to keep workouts exciting, and bring your dog along. It's also fun to track your workouts using a heart rate monitor, GPS watch, or an inexpensive running app like one of these.

Keep reading to find out how to deal with other running complaints.

What to Pack in Your Bridal Beauty Survival Kit

BellaSugar — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 05:00:00 PDT

Even the most prepared bride can encounter beauty mishaps on her wedding day. But you've spent so much time getting ready; it would be a shame to not be prepared in case something goes awry. So consider arranging a bridal survival kit to pack with you for the ceremony and reception. It should contain everything you need for wedding day minidisasters, from preaisle jitters to runny mascara and stained dresses. Spread the items among your bridesmaids so you'll never be without your tools in a clutch. To see what to have on hand to be prepared for every outcome, just keep reading.

A Body Check That Won't Hurt: Tips For Proper Running Form

Jenny Sugar — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 10:49:36 PDT

Running is all about stepping one foot in front of the other. Sounds easy enough, right? But if your running form is incorrect, you'll end up with aches, strains, and injuries that could prevent you from lacing up your sneaks at all. Make sure to avoid these running-form mistakes the next time you hit the treadmill, trail, or pavement.

Head: It sometimes feels good to close your eyes and relax your chin toward your chest, but don't keep your head down (or tilt your head up) for long periods of time. Prevent neck strain and encourage an open throat for easy breathing by keeping your head stacked over your spine. Correct head position also encourages a straight, upright stance, which makes you a more efficient runner.
Shoulders: Without even realizing it, you may be running with your upper back and shoulders tensed up toward your ears. (And you wonder why you have a pounding headache or aching neck.) Every so often, take a nice deep breath in and as you exhale, relax your upper torso and actively roll your shoulders back and down toward your pelvis. Do a self-check to make sure your shoulders are stacked over the hips. Hunching the upper body forward not only makes it difficult to breathe, it also puts pressure on your lower back.

I'm just getting started so keep reading to find out what the rest of your body shouldn't be doing while running.

Helpful Hints to Recover After a Long-Distance Run

Lizzie Fuhr — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 01:35:54 PDT

With all things related to the Boston Marathon on our brain, there's no better time to share a few ways to recover from long-distance runs. Here are a few quick tips for recovering after a long-distance run, whether you're feeling motivated by the main event in Boston or you're an avid runner in need of a refresher.

Give your bod a break. After being pushed to its limits, your body is in need of some serious rest and relaxation. As soon as you can handle it after your run, try to take an ice bath to help all your sore aches and pains. Getting a massage is a great way to treat your body right too. If you can't give up running for a few days, when you head out, be sure keep things really easy and light (if you've just completed a marathon, you should take a break from running for at least three days to help prevent injury).
Eat and drink the right things. After a big run or race, it's crucial to continue with a healthy diet. You need to build your muscles back up with foods that are packed with protein and good, healthy carbs. Look to these foods for runners if you're in need of some good ideas, inspiration, or just foodie knowledge on what will help you recover. In addition, as soon as you finish your race - and for a few days after - drink lots of fluids to replenish what you lost during your big race.

Learn more tips after the break.

Prego and on the Run: Round Ligament Pain

FitSugar — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 19:14:36 PDT

If you used to run regularly before there was a little bundle of joy growing inside you, doctors think it's safe to continue with your running routine while pregnant. You should def get the OK from your OB though, and once you do, you may find it helps with some common pregnancy symptoms such as constipation, leg cramps, lower back pain, and fatigue. Yeah, being with child is fun!

Running with a bun in the oven is much harder than running solo. You get winded more easily, your muscles tire quicker, and since your body is changing so much, you may experience some aches and pains. In my fifth month of pregnancy with a "popped" belly, I experienced aching in my lower belly that felt like the muscles were overstretching. This pain is known as round ligament pain and it's really common for pregos in their second trimester.

Keep reading to find out if it's harmful to your baby or if it means you should give up running.

Yoga No-Nos For Pregos

Jenny Sugar — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 10:33:23 PDT

Fun issues like nausea, fatigue, shortness of breath, and the need to hit the ladies' room - three different times during a workout! - makes it difficult to keep up with a regular exercise routine when pregnant. If you're expecting, taking up yoga (or continuing to go) is wonderful because not only does it alleviate some of these annoying discomforts, your body will stay strong and flexible. No prenatal yoga class offered in your area? Take a regular class, but be sure to avoid the following during your practice.

Deep forward bends: Folding forward can compress blood vessels and nerves that connect to your uterus. Keep things flowing by separating your legs like in this Wide-Legged Forward Bend to make space at the top of the thighs.
Deep twists: This can also decrease circulation, so always twist in an open position as in this pose, not deeply across the knee.
Lying on your back: Once you hit the second trimester, avoid lying on your back for extended periods of time (as in Savasana). The increased weight of your uterus interferes with the flow of blood and nutrients to your developing baby. It can also aggravate lower back pain, heartburn, and elevate blood pressure. Use blocks and bolsters to prop your torso up instead of lying flat, and whenever possible find ways to stretch the same muscles while you're standing, sitting, on your hands and knees, or when lying on your side.
Poses that work your abs: As your belly expands, it's difficult to support the weight with your rectus abdominus (the muscles you see when someone has a six-pack), so you use your obliques (ab muscles on the side of your belly). Overly-strong obliques can pull your abdominal muscles apart, causing a condition known as diastasis. Avoid risk by skipping poses that target your core, especially your obliques - worry about getting your abs back in shape after the baby arrives.

Keep reading for more prenatal yoga no-nos.

31 Days of Spring Cleaning: Get Ergonomic

Kristy Korcz — Sat, 31 Mar 2012 06:26:21 PDT

Sitting for hours in front of your computer - whether you're at an office or working from home - is bad enough, but throw in the poorly positioned monitor, a chair that's not supporting your back, and a desk that's too small for your stature, and you have a cocktail for body aches and pains. Check with your HR department to see what kinds of ergonomic assessment services are available to you so you can get your desk in tip-top shape. Working from home? No sweat - let this Osha ergonomic evaluation checklist help you set up a healthy home office.

Keep up with all of our Spring cleaning tech tips here or at our 31 Days of Spring Cleaning Pinterest board!

Source: Flickr user jpoesen

Alessandra Ambrosio's Secret to a Feel-Good Pregnancy: Staying Fit

Jenny Sugar — Wed, 28 Mar 2012 15:47:23 PDT

Victoria's Secret model Alessandra Ambrosio is loving the third trimester of her second pregnancy and has no complaints. Without experiencing the usual discomforts of pregnancy, she told People magazine, "I feel really good. I love this pregnancy. It's been really easy. I haven't gotten really nauseous or anything." The VS Angel's secret to feeling great is keeping up with her fitness routine. She says,

"I've been very active. I've been exercising. I've been going for walks and doing yoga. Playing with my daughter all the time gets me in good shape I guess."

Alessandra practices yoga to stay in shape while she's modeling, but it's also an excellent way to stay strong, limber, and calm when you're a momma-to-be. While it's so important for an expectant woman to stay active during her pregnancy, here are some things to keep in mind during each trimester to ensure your fitness routine promotes a stress- and injury-free pregnancy.

First Trimester
Even if you were exercising regularly before becoming prego, it's important to get the OK from your doctor or midwife before continuing. If running, swimming, biking, hiking, strength training, and doing yoga were part of your routine, go ahead and continue those workouts, just modify the intensity as needed. Now is not the time to do anything new or more intense fitness-wise (it's best to wait till after baby to start training for that marathon). Avoid contact sports or activities that put you at risk for falling such as rock climbing or horseback riding.

Early pregnancy symptoms such as nausea, sore breasts, extreme fatigue, the need to hit the bathroom more often, and hunger cravings can get in the way of your workouts, but it's important to listen to your body. This might mean walking instead of jogging, taking more breaks, snacking during workouts, or taking entire days off to nap instead. Your body is busy at work growing that little one, so don't worry about toning down your routine. Most women start to feel better in the second trimester, so look forward to working out more regularly then.

Continue reading to find out tips for exercising in the second and third trimesters.

5 Things You Should Never Do During a Workout

Jenny Sugar — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 11:27:58 PDT

There are many things you shouldn't do before a workout, such as cold stretching (learn more prewrokout no-nos here). To make the most of your actual workout, here are a handful of things to avoid while getting your sweat on.

Exercise on an empty stomach: Used as a common weight-loss technique, exercising on an empty stomach can actually prevent weight loss. Without fuel in your system, calories burned will come from muscle instead of fat. Eat before your sweat session and it'll provide energy for your workout, boost your metabolism, and studies show you'll consume fewer calories throughout the day.
Gulp water: Preventing dehydration is a must, so do drink water throughout your workout, especially in the heat. Sip between about one to six ounces every 15 to 20 minutes. Gulping down larger amounts of water at a time can not only cause stomach cramps, but could cause hyponatremia, also called water intoxication. Overhydrating can lead to low amounts of sodium in the body, causing dizziness, cramps, slurred speech, and nausea. Stick to drinking small amounts of water during regular workouts, and during intense workouts or those longer than an hour, sip on a sports drink to replace lost electrolytes.

Keep reading to find out three more things you shouldn't do during a workout.