If you're looking for a gentler inversion alternative than Wheel Pose, Bridge (Sanskrit name: Setu Bandha Sarvangasana) should be your go-to. While my favorite — and least favorite! — poses are constantly evolving, I have always been partial to this beautiful heart-opening pose. The reason? Although it's very active and energizing, there's also something relaxing and calming about Bridge. Read more

One moment of overextending yourself can lead to years of physical therapy and doctors visits to help keep your sports-related back pain at bay. Trainers and physical therapists constantly remind us to keep the abs engaged when completing any exercise, but to really strengthen your entire trunk, you must work it beyond the gym. Since most of us sit at a desk most hours of our waking day, our Read more

With all the New Year's resolutions floating around, if "trying yoga" is on your list, you're probably wondering where the best place to practice is. With yoga's increased popularity, just about every gym offers yoga classes on their schedule in between Body Pump and Spinning, but there are also studios on every corner that teach yoga exclusively. Keep reading to find out which place you'd prefer Read more

Your first yoga classes can be pretty overwhelming. There's a different vibe than other exercise regimens, and there's literally a whole new language talking you through the experience. While you're contorting your body into a new crazy pretzel, or trying to focus inward to calm your mind, the last thing you want to worry about is the definition of a word your teacher keeps on throwing out Read more

If you're a runner, cyclist, skier, rider, climber, swimmer, or have a Type A, high-energy, can't-sit-still kind of personality, sign yourself up for Ashtanga yoga. This type of yoga is challenging, quick-paced, and just the thing to open your tight hamstrings, hips, and shoulders. Before heading to your first class, here are some things you should know. It's Hot I'm not talking Bikram-yoga hot, Read more

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 Read more

With the explosion of striptease, pole dancing, and high-heeled workouts, you can’t help but wonder if sporting stilettos actually tones your body. I love the sense of confidence I feel when stomping through the streets in a new pair of heels. But should we listen to our podiatrists and chiropractors when they warn us to stray away from our pumps? Check out the benefits of heels, and share what Read more

Backbending poses open your heart, both figuratively and literally. While Full Wheel is probably the most well-known backbend, it's also one of the most challenging. This variation of Half Wheel will increase flexibility in your spine and shoulders while also toning your thighs. Sanskrit Name: Eka Pada Setu Bandha Sarvangasana English Translation: One-Legged Half Wheel Keep reading to Read more

Backbending poses open your heart, both figuratively and literally. While Full Wheel is probably the most well-known backbend, it's also one of the most challenging. This variation of Half Wheel will increase flexibility in your spine and shoulders while also toning your thighs. Sanskrit Name: Eka Pada Setu Bandha Sarvangasana English Translation: One-Legged Half Wheel Keep reading to Read more