Strike a Yoga Pose: Balancing Star


Updated 04/24/12 6:19 AM · Posted by FitSugar · 0 comments

Balancing Star Yoga Pose Is a Cross Between Sage and Half Moon

Balancing poses mostly require a tremendous amount of focus, but this one, which is a creative cross between Sage and Half Moon, requires strength in your upper body and core as well. As challenging as it is, it's also a really fun pose to try, because it makes you feel so open, adventurous, and bold. Sanskrit Name: Utthita Ardha Chandrasana English Translation: Extended Half Moon Pose Read more

Strike a Yoga Pose: Down Dog Dancer


Updated 08/12/10 8:14 AM · Posted by FitSugar · 2 comments

How to Do Down Dog Dancer Pose

Balancing poses challenge our muscles as well as our minds. Some are harder than others, and if your back and hamstrings are flexible, you'll love this one, which is a combination of Downward Facing Dog and Dancer. Sanskrit Name: Adho Mukha Svana Natarajasana English Translation: Downward Facing Dog Dancer Pose To learn how to do this pose read more Read more

Strike a Yoga Pose: Eagle


Updated 07/12/10 1:19 PM · Posted by FitSugar · 2 comments

How to Do Eagle Pose

Many people take up yoga as a way to relax, reduce stress, and bring a sense of inner calmness. For me, balancing poses are the most effective at reducing the stresses of life because they require so much attention and focus that I'm forced to forget about everything else. Staying in the pose and not falling requires all your effort and concentration. Once you release the pose, you feel an Read more

Strike a Yoga Pose: Balancing Butterfly


Updated 09/22/11 7:57 AM · Posted by FitSugar · 3 comments

Strike a Yoga Pose: Balancing Butterfly

If you're a runner, chances are your feet could use some extra love. Here's a tranquil pose that will stretch your arches and toes like Toe Breaker stretch, but will also open your hips and challenge your sense of balance. To learn how to do this pose and see another variation read more Read more

Strike a Yoga Pose: Half Moon


Updated 05/17/12 11:52 AM · Posted by FitSugar · 0 comments

Strike a Yoga Pose: Half Moon

If you've all been practicing Open Triangle, you'll have no problem floating right into Half Moon. The poses are very similar in that they focus on elongating your spine and toning the core, but Half Moon will also challenge your sense of balance. Sanskrit Name: Ardha Chandrasana English Translation: Half Moon Pose To find out how to get into it read more Read more

Strike a Yoga Pose: Dancer


Updated 05/17/12 12:16 PM · Posted by FitSugar · 5 comments

Yoga Pose of the Week: Dancer

When you're new to yoga, balancing poses offer an excellent challenge. On your first attempt you may end up falling over, but once you learn to focus your drishti (your gaze), you'll be able to balance on one leg for a long, long time – or at least five breaths. The Dancer pose stretches your shoulders and chest, increases flexibility in your hips and spine, and is also an amazing hamstring Read more

Strike a Yoga Pose: Crow


Updated 02/28/12 9:47 PM · Posted by FitSugar · 13 comments

Yoga Pose of the Week: Crow

I love yoga poses that both challenge my sense of balance and work on my strength, like this one called Crow. I know it looks really hard, but once you break it down step by step and practice it a lot, you'll be flying like a crow in no time. Not only does it feel amazing to be balancing solely on your hands, but this pose really works your core and upper body, so it'll make you feel strong Read more

Strike a Yoga Pose: Headstand A and B


Updated 06/13/09 3:16 PM · Posted by FitSugar · 5 comments

Strike a Yoga Pose: Headstand A and B

Inversions are some of my favorite types of Yoga poses because I love how energized I feel getting blood circulating to my head. Plus overcoming the challenge of putting your head where your feet should be is quite satisfying. Talk about an ego boost. It should come as no surprise that inversions give you a new and interesting perspective on life. Since I have shown you all Bound Headstand A, Read more

Inversion Issues: How to Remedy Common Shoulderstand Complaints


Updated 05/25/12 10:05 AM · Posted by · 0 comments

Remedies For Common Shoulderstand Complaints

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 Read more

4 Reasons to Add an Exercise Ball to Your Home Gym


Updated 05/22/12 2:00 PM · Posted by · 0 comments

Ways to Use an Exercise Ball

The exercise ball may occupy a lot of room in your home gym, but it's one versatile piece of equipment. Find out how to get the most out of your exercise ball below. A healthier seat: Ditch your normal seat on the couch and sit on an exercise ball instead. Using a ball to sit helps correct your posture, tones your abs, and encourages you to stretch, all of which sounds a lot better than the Read more