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Challenge Your Sense of Balance

FitSugar — Wed, 26 Sep 2007 09:30:00 PDT

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 all my attention and focus, that I am 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 amazing wave of relief and contentment.

Here are some of my favorite balancing poses. Some of them solely challenge your sense of balance, and others also challenge your strength and flexibility. Just click on the name of the pose to learn how to get into them.

Sanskrit Name: Bakasana English Translation: Crane Pose Also Called: Crow
Sanskrit Name: (beginner's) Vasisthasana English Translation: Sage Pose Also Called: Side Plank

Want to see the others? Then

Sanskrit Name: Bakasana English Translation: Half Moon Pose Also Called:
Sanskrit Name: Upavishta Konasana English Translation: Seated Angle Pose Also Called: Balancing Wide Legs
Sanskrit Name: Baddha Hasta Sirsasana B English Translation: Bound Hands Headstand Pose Also Called: Double Arm Headstand

Sanskrit Name: Pincha Mayurasana English Translation: Feathered Peacock Pose Also Called: Forearm Stand
Sanskrit Name: Garudasana English Translation: Eagle Pose Also Called: Eagle
Sanskrit name: Utthita Hasta Padangusthasana A English translation: Extended Hand to Big Toe Pose Also called: Standing Hand to Big Toe A

4 Moves to Say Goodbye to Saddlebags

Self — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 04:54:13 PST

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

If you're saddled with saddlebags, you probably think you got the short end of the family gene pool stick. But, lucky for you, those pesky fat deposits surrounding your hips, thighs, and butt are far easier to banish than, say, Great Aunt Hilda or your bossy big sister. "Saddlebags are largely determined by genetics, hormones, and age, but women can still affect the shape of their bodies through nutrition and exercise," says Rebekah Rotstein, a New York-based Pilates instructor who recently released the Pilates For Buff Bones DVD.

Not sure where to begin? Rotstein recommends utilizing large muscle groups rather than relying on spot training for fast results. "Pilates get results because it's a whole-body exercise program and works your muscles synergistically," she says. "Muscles aren't meant to function independently but as a team!"

Just remember to keep your expectations realistic. No workout in the world can turn you into Cameron Diaz overnight. "All women have padding at their hips, no matter how thin we are (even Diaz!)," says Rotstein. "It's what differentiates us from men and accentuates the curves you've got!"

To tone up those saddlebags fast, add these four moves to your regular workout routine. Check out the moves after the break.

Tips For a Pain-Free Triangle

Jenny Sugar — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 13:57:45 PDT

You can't go to a yoga class without the instructor leading you into the basic pose Triangle. This standing posture increases flexibility in your hamstrings, opens tight hips, and elongates the spine, but if this pose causes you discomfort or pain, here are some tips for relief.

Neck or Shoulder Pain:
Triangle pose is a subtle spinal twist, and gazing up at your lifted hand can cause major neck or shoulder pain, especially if you find twisting a challenge. I have a trick to help, but first you need to release all the tension from this area by shrugging your shoulders toward your ears, then actively releasing them toward your hips. Once your neck is relaxed, pull your hands away from each other and extend the crown of your head to take pressure off your neck. If you're still experiencing neck pain, turn your head and gaze at your bottom hand. If your shoulders still hurt, rest your lifted arm on your torso, or wrap it around your lower back to feel a nice opening in the chest.

To learn how to avoid leg or wrist pain when doing Triangle pose, keep reading.

Peep Club Monaco's Latest Fall Lookbook

Chi Diem Chau — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 14:38:16 PDT

For its latest lookbook, Club Monaco teamed up with Dazed & Confused magazine to create a '70s cool palette worn not just by models, but other fashion insiders as well. Fresh off of her runway appearance at Tibi's Spring showing, the Man Repeller's Leandra Medine made another model appearance in Club Monaco's Fall lookbook wearing a cute fringed skirt and cream jacket. Further proof that you don't need to have model proportions to look amazing in the brand's array of throwback-inspired wide-leg jeans, capes, pea coats, pleated skirts, cable knit sweaters, and lots of furry faux fur jackets. Before you check out the rest of the collection, read our three quick '70s-inspired style tips below:

A felt or wool floppy hat will add instant vintage flair to any Fall ensemble.
Pair wide-leg trousers with a romantic flowy top for a soft, '70s-inspired look.
Balance out a conservative midi-length skirt with a fun faux fur vest.

How to Push Past a Fitness Plateau: Get Unstable

Susi May — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 12:41:57 PDT

Once you've mastered the basic moves of strength training - like squats, lunges, and planks - gym time can become a little dull. Workouts creep by slowly due to boredom, and if you don't push yourself to the next level, you may find your fitness level stalling as you coast onto a plateau. When the going gets boring, it's time to get unstable.

Performing seemingly simple exercises on an unstable surface creates a whole new set of challenges for you to master. Fitness tools like the BOSU, balance pads (sponge-like pads, two to three inches thick), rocker boards, and exercise balls can help you work out harder by disrupting your sense of balance. If you're ready to experiment with instability, here are a few exercises my Equinox trainer has recently taught me.

Plank on the rocker board: There are a wide variety of rocker boards, but for this move the one we use looks like an over-sized skateboard with a cylindrical piece attached in the middle. I place my hands equidistant from the center and hold a plank, trying not to dip to either side. When that becomes somewhat easy, add alternating leg lifts. This move seemed impossible to me at first, but once you find the zone on the third set you feel a core master.
Hold the plank for 30 seconds; do 10 lifts on each leg.

Learn two more moves after the break.

Fall Shopping: Add a Dose of Sweetness With a Peter Pan Collar

Hannah Weil — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 04:00:00 PDT

To channel Fall's ladylike look, we're embracing boxy bags, midi-skirts, and most recently - sweet Peter Pan collars on our blouses, sweaters, and dresses. Unlike sharp menswear, these collars are soft, girlie, and hint at something a little more retro. We're pairing ours with everything from crisp skinny pants, wide-leg denim, and curve-hugging pencil skirts to balance the prim and proper feel. Of course, there are other ways to wear them - like on an edgier sheer LBD or leopard-print blouse, for instance. Click through to shop 10 of our favorite ways to wear the trend.

Summer Trend Alert: Long-Sleeve Minis

Brittney Stephens — Mon, 06 Jun 2011 12:23:53 PDT

When it comes to showing skin, balance is key - bare legs look best when paired with covered arms and shoulders, and if you're in the mood to show off some cleavage, a v-neck tank with wide-leg trousers is a smart bet. No piece shows more sophisticated restraint than the long-sleeve minidress, from the runway - check Balmain or Dolce and Gabbana - or the red carpet, where celebs like Beyoncé, Ana Beatriz Barros, and Brooklyn Decker let their legs do the talking in these statement making dresses. We've rounded up 15 of our top picks for the sexiest long-sleeve minis - so click through, shop, and get ready to strut your stuff.

How to Pull Off a Boxy Top

Brittney Stephens — Mon, 20 Jun 2011 03:33:09 PDT

Out of all the shirt styles to develop a crush on this season, we of course had to fall for the one that presents the biggest fashion conundrum - the boxy top. Designers like Rebecca Taylor, Yves Saint Laurent, and Jill Stuart showed them on the Spring runways, and our love affair began. They may seem a bit tricky to wear at first, but we've come up with a few easy, super-chic ways to blend this piece in seamlessly with the rest of your wardrobe. Check out our tips, then click through to see and shop our picks when you keep reading.

5 Must Dos For Hiking in the Rain

Michele Foley — Thu, 11 Aug 2011 02:34:10 PDT

Even in the Summer, rain happens; but, don't let that stop you from going on a hike. With some careful planning and the proper gear, you'll be set to enjoy a hike in the rain wherever you may be. Always check the weather before heading out, and if rain seems imminent, follow these simple hiking tips to keep you safe and dry.

Wear waterproof and moisture-wicking clothing - Having a top layer of waterproof clothing is essential when hiking in the rain. A good waterproof jacket and pair of pants are what will keep you from being a cold, weighted down, soggy mess. To keep warm, wear a layer of moisture-wicking clothing under your waterproof gear. I'm a fan of a wool; in the off chance that your bottom layer gets wet, wool dries fast, and even when wet, it will keep you warm. To keep your head and face dry, pick a jacket with a hood or wear a wide-brimmed hat. When buying hiking gear, make sure the label reads waterproof - you'll end up soaked if you hike in gear that is merely water-resistant.
Wear waterproof shoes that have sticky rubber soles - Given that you'll be splashing around on wet trails and walking through puddles and small creeks, you want to wear shoes that will keep your feet dry. Look for hiking, approach, or trail running shoes that are waterproof and have sticky rubber soles. A specialized sticky rubber sole helps add extra grip to the bottom of your shoe, which proves especially helpful in uneven terrain.

See more tips on hiking in the rain after the break!

Yoga Styles Decoded

Shape — Fri, 24 Jun 2011 13:34:24 PDT

We are excited to share one of our fave stories from Shape here on FitSugar.

Hatha Yoga

Origin: Introduced in 15th-century India by Hindu sage, Yogi Swatmarama, Hatha poses - Downward Facing Dog, Cobra, Eagle, and Wheel, for example - make up most yoga sequences practiced today.
Philosophy: The goal of Hatha yoga is to bridge the body and mind with the breath in a series of physical poses called asanas.
What to Expect: Prepare for a gentle routine that often includes Sun Salutations, balancing poses, forward bends, and back bends to work the body and focus the mind. These movements all lead up to the final relaxation - the blissful Savasana at the end of class.

Try it if…
… you want an easy-going class that will challenge without overwhelming.

Ashtanga Yoga

Origin: One of the oldest forms of yoga, Ashtanga yoga was first recorded in ancient Indian manuscripts, but brought to life by K. Pattabhi Jois, who has been teaching it since 1948. Ashtanga (which literally translates to eight-limbed yoga) is influenced by Patanjali's Yoga Sutras, a yogic guideline for a meaningful life.
Philosophy: The Ashtanga technique is concerned with linking breath and movement - also known as Vinyasa. The advanced practice utilizes the dristi (the gaze) and the bandhas (internal body locks), which assist in holding the challenging poses of the sequence.
What to Expect: Think of traditional Ashtanga as the zen form of yoga. You'll flow from pose to pose with your breath - no props, no music, and no self-help lecturing - staying present in the moment. You'll earn your Savasana, the final relaxation pose, with plenty of arm strengthening chaturangas, inversions, and other advanced poses.
Try it if…
… you're looking for an old-school, kick-ass practice that's rooted in tradition rather than trend.

See even more styles of yoga decoded after the break!