FitSugar

Strike a Yoga Pose: Balancing Sequence

FitSugar — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 05:30:00 PDT

If you want to strengthen your quads and challenge your sense of balance give this sequence a try.

Source

Love Your Lower Half: Your Go-To Wardrobe and Workout

Fitness Magazine — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 04:15:16 PST

We are excited to share one of our fave stories from Fitness Magazine here on FitSugar!

We've been thinking a lot about our backsides the past few months here at Fitness, as our team put together part one of our "Body Lab" to help you get a butt that defies gravity (see the February issue for more!).

While we work hard in the gym to sculpt a better behind, we don't complain when we get a little help from a particularly flattering pair of pants. The minute we slipped on the GapFit gFast Color Binding Leggings ($60, gap.com), we fell in love with their comfy fit and cute colors. And after testing them out in a strength class at David Barton Gym to celebrate GapFit's new line, we knew they would be mainstays in our workout wardrobes. The fabric is just thick enough for cool morning runs, but doesn't feel too heavy for the gym.

If you're feeling a bit timid about rocking these leggings, add these three moves from David Barton Gym trainer Meka to your workout three times each week, and soon you'll be loving your rear view! Get the details on these booty-toning exercises after the break.

The Vampire Diaries "Bringing Out the Dead": The Good, The Bad, and The Bloody

Marisa Tom — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 07:46:39 PST

After a week's worth of TVD reprieve, it's about time we got some answers - specifically, ones that have everything to do with our favorite Original vamp Elijah and then some. From the tragic twisted fate of Bill Forbes to the shocking discovery Elena makes at home, we're still trying to wrap our heads around everything that goes down. Meanwhile, Bonnie and her estranged mother Abby are tasked with opening the mysteriously sealed fifth coffin, and Damon and Stefan head to Klaus's sweet new pad for the ultimate dinner party showdown.

Like all things based in Mystic Falls, nothing is as it seems and nothing ever goes according to plan. Ready to review the good, the bad, and the bloody? Just keep reading.

Leg-Strengthening Yoga Sequence For Skiers and Riders

Jenny Sugar — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 14:47:25 PST

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

How to Master Scissor Legs Side Crow Pose

Jenny Sugar — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 13:23:43 PDT

Even if you've never done regular ol' Crow Pose, you can master this advanced variation of this arm balance with the right preparation. Yoga arm balances may look straight out of Cirque du Soleil and impossible, but breaking the poses down step by step can help you master them. Try out this sequence of yoga poses to stretch your hip flexors, increase the flexibility of your spine, and build your upper-body strength so the next time you hit the mat, you'll be able to do Scissor Legs Side Crow.

DVD Review: Shiva Rea A.M. Energy

Jenny Sugar — Thu, 16 Jun 2011 14:36:52 PDT

I've tried hundreds of yoga DVDs, and many of them I've only used once. Videos created by Shiva Rea are different though. Her calming energy, dynamic yoga sequences, creativity, and strength are inspirational. Her Creative Core + Upper Body video is my absolute favorite, but I also keep Fluid Power - Vinyasa Flow Yoga near my DVD player.

I have another DVD to add to my pile of faves: Shiva's A.M. Energy ($20). It begins with a short meditation and includes three 20-minute practices designed to "revive your body, mind, and soul at the start of each day." Plus, there's also a bonus 20-minute Heart Salutation practice from her video Radiant Heart Yoga. Here are my thoughts on the different segments.

Body Mandala: You gotta love Shiva Rea for having you do squats and yogic push-ups all within the first two and a half minutes. She then leads you through a series of poses designed to strengthen your upper body, core, legs, and buns (love the Sage variation!). The sequence is repeated once more with more advanced variations. The 20 minutes just flew by, and my entire body felt calm, open, and relaxed.

Keep reading to hear about the rest of the video.

Get Fit For Summer: Challenge 7, Tell Us How You Feel About Yoga

FitSugar — Wed, 25 May 2011 17:41:19 PDT

We know that bikini season is right around the corner, and to help you get fit for Summer we've created a series of weekly fitness and health challenges. To add a little incentive, throughout the rest of Spring we'll be awarding a weekly prize of a $100 New Balance gift card to participating readers. To be eligible to win, create a post in the Get Fit For Summer community group as each challenge comes up.

This week's challenge: Whether you love it or hate it, we want to know how you feel about yoga. Write a blog post explaining your feelings about the ancient practice in the Get Fit For Summer community group. If you're a yoga lover, wax poetic on your favorite pose or class. If yoga is not your thing, tell us what about it turns you off - we might be able to help (because we love it). Be sure to download and print out our full-body yoga flow sequence, then pull out your mat and give it a whirl.

Remember, by completing this challenge you will be entered into a random drawing for a $100 gift card from New Balance. Just be sure to complete the challenge by 11:59 p.m. PDT May 29 to enter. Need to know more? See the official rules here. Namaste!

Tummy-Toning Yoga Poses

Jenny Sugar — Fri, 03 Jun 2011 14:51:26 PDT

A strong core prevents back pain, improves your balance and posture, and hey - it looks pretty good in a bikini too. Try out this yoga sequence to tone your midsection just in time for the Summer.

Beyond the Basics: 5 Helpful Quad Stretches

Michele Foley — Thu, 26 May 2011 09:48:37 PDT

After a series of outdoor runs this week, I wasn't prepared for how on fire my quads would feel during today's yoga class. Going through the Warrior poses proved difficult, and by the time we moved into a variation of pigeon pose, I was breathing deeper than ever before. It was a good reminder that even though I always stretch after working out, I don't give enough attention to my quads - a much overworked and overlooked muscle group. Whether a runner, hiker, or cyclist, everyone can benefit from giving their quads a little extra love. Here are five stretches to get you started.

Standing Quad Stretch. This basic quad stretch is probably one you're already familiar with. It's great because you can do it almost anywhere - you don't need a lot of space or equipment because you can do it right where you're already standing. Make sure your knees are touching when you do this stretch and hold on each side for 20-30 seconds. And, if you can't balance, don't worry - just use the wall to support yourself.
Lying Side Quad Stretch. Sometimes during my yoga practice, or while I'm in bed, I'll do this stretch. It's a bit more relaxing, and you don't have to worry about falling over! Try it the next time you're watching TV.
Kneeling Quad Stretch. This stretch is a variation of the basic standing stretch, but the support of the wall will give it a bit more intensity. If you have bad knees this might not be the stretch for you - I recommend making a knee pad out of a small towel.
Double Quad Stretch. Take that kneeling stretch to the floor, and by doing so makes things a little more intense! The upside is that you'll be lying down, which is pretty relaxing.
Half Frog Pose. While many yoga poses challenge your muscles to work harder, many offer relief. Half Frog pose is a great one to do after a series of challenging standing poses like the Warrior Triangle sequence. It will be a deeper quad stretch than you might be used to, but it's well worth it. If Half Frog pose still feels like kid stuff, challenge yourself with Frog pose instead, which stretches both quads simultaneously.

Hip Openers and Hamstring Stretches For Expectant Moms

FitSugar — Tue, 22 Mar 2011 01:00:37 PDT

Yoga is great during pregnancy. Not only is it good strength and flexibility training, it can help you mentally and physically prepare for labor. Yoga also helps you hone your sense of balance, which is ever changing as your belly grows. 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 then switch to the other.

Remember to talk to your doc before starting an exercise program when pregnant. And be sure to ease into the poses since the hormone relaxin is making your joints loose.