Do You Stretch Before Working Out?


Updated 07/08/11 5:13 PM · Posted by · 3 comments

Is It OK to Stretch Before Working Out ?

During my high school track days, no runs would start without first a team stretch. We performed all the stretching staples to help relax and release our quads, hamstrings, and upper-body muscles, and only then after would we be allowed to hit the track. Back then, we were told to do stretches in order to warm up our muscles and get them ready to hit the ground running. Now when I run, I Read more

Another Reason to Stretch: It Makes You Stronger


Updated 11/05/07 3:30 PM · Posted by FitSugar · 11 comments

Another Reason to Stretch: It Makes You Stronger

I have been preaching the merits of stretching for years, and now I have another reason to add to my familiar sermon. A recent study showed that it might actually make people stronger and increase their endurance. It is believed that stretching works muscles in a similar fashion as strength training, but on a much smaller scale. Researchers suspect that stretching stimulates cells in the same way Read more

4 Coffee Break Tips to Boost Your Energy (It's Not Just About Caffeine!)


Updated 05/16/12 5:53 AM · Posted by · 0 comments

Reasons to Take an Afternoon Coffee Break

We are pumped to share one of our favorite stories from Self here on FitSugar! Are the words "coffee break" kind of an oxymoron to you? Probably so if you are just guzzling your grande while you are still at your desk and barely even looking up from your work. While it's true that caffeine can provide you with a jolt of energy, taking an actual break to enjoy your coffee could be the key to Read more

How to Wear Hair Baubles on Every Length


Updated 05/08/12 6:00 AM · Posted by · 0 comments

How to Wear Hair Accessories and Headbands

Accessories designer Colette Malouf believes anyone can benefit from the enhancement of a hair accessory, no matter the length of your strands. Not only can these types of ornaments add color, but they provide high fashion, decorative elements, as well. From ponytail holders, combs, clips, flowers, and barrettes, the list of hair baubles is endless. See Malouf's tips for wearing them well when Read more

How to Combat That Afternoon Slump


Updated 05/03/12 1:50 PM · Posted by · 3 comments

How to Stay Energized in the Afternoon

Sometimes, you just can't beat that afternoon slump. Sitting at a desk all day can leave you feeling the opposite of energetic, especially around those postlunch hours when our bodies expend more energy digesting or we crash from the effects of our morning cup of coffee — and when that happens, don't think you can always rely on energy drinks. Besides their long list of unpronounceable Read more

11 Things Hiring Managers Won’t Tell You


Updated 04/29/12 8:23 PM · Posted by · 3 comments

Expert Career Tips

Ever want to read your interviewer's mind? LearnVest shares a couple of secrets hiring managers don't want you to know. The next time you walk into an interview, consider the following: Your wedding or engagement ring? Can and may be used against you. Those photos of kids on a hiring manager's desk? They may not actually be the manager's children — but the photo is designed to get you talking Read more

How to Begin a New Outdoor Cardio Routine


Updated 04/16/12 4:45 PM · Posted by · 0 comments

How to Start an Outdoor Exercise Routine

Has the warm weather gotten you inspired to start a new outdoor cardio routine? Whether you've set your eyes on running, biking, or swimming, here are some things to remember before you begin. Biking Investing in a bike is exciting — once you find the perfect one for you, you'll be inspired to explore your town, take a long weekend bike ride, maybe even commute to work! But the process of Read more

5 Things You May Be Overlooking at Your Gym


Updated 04/11/12 5:00 PM · Posted by · 0 comments

Common Gym Perks You May Be Overlooking

Location and machine availability may be the biggest reasons why you chose your gym, but there's more to be had with your membership. Get the most out of the hundreds of dollars you're spending with this list of extras you may be overlooking at the gym. Workout props: Maybe you only use the machines, but don't ignore the props lying all over the gym floor. Things like battle ropes (those thick Read more

4 Tips For a Stronger Triangle Pose


Updated 04/06/12 12:22 PM · Posted by · 1 comment

How to Do a Better Triangle Pose

If you're feeling tight in the hips or side body, Triangle Pose (Utthita Trikonasana) should be your go-to pose. It's part of the primary series in ashtanga, and I always relish the moment when I know it's coming up in the sequence: it's perfect for giving much-needed love to muscle groups that tend to get overlooked. If you want to take this pose to the next level in your practice, here are four Read more

5 Ways to Make Your Day a Little Healthier


Updated 04/05/12 3:10 AM · Posted by · 0 comments

Ways to Be Healthy Without Exercise

You know you need to exercise and eat right to look and feel your best, but those two things are easier said than done. It helps to break things up, like with these simple steps to make your day a little healthier. Resist the pastry case: You know that you need to eat breakfast to boost your metabolism and keep you revved up for the day, but that doesn't mean you should spring for the baked Read more