FitSugar

Strike a Yoga Pose: Fish

FitSugar — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 14:30:15 PDT

After a weekend of swimming in a lake and jumping in a pool, I was starting to feel like I should have gills instead of lungs. My legs and hips were feeling it, too. To get my body back into a relaxed and balanced state, I did a few stretches and yoga poses that have me in tune and ready to roll on my own two land legs. Incidentally, it was the Matsyasana that may have supplied the most rejuvenation.

Sanskrit Name: Matsyasana
English Translation: Fish Pose
Also Called: Balancing Lotus
If you're in need of a rejuvenating chest opener, come check out how to do it!

Stretch It: Upper-Back Camel Against the Wall

FitSugar — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 14:30:00 PDT

Backbends feel so invigorating, but doing a full backbend requires so much energy and upper-body strength that sometimes I need a less-intense stretch. This is a variation of the Yoga pose Camel, and it utilizes a wall to help you bring the stretch more into your chest, shoulders, and upper back. It feels so different than doing it on your own.

To give this one a go

Stretch It: Chest Opener Against the Wall

FitSugar — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 13:15:00 PDT

I don't know anyone who couldn't use a good stretch in their chest and shoulders. This stretch is great because it allows you to focus on one side at a time, plus you can do it anywhere there's a wall or pole. If you sit and type all day, or if you commute long distances you have to try this chest-opening stretch. It certainly perks me up after blogging all day.

To find out how to do this,

Partner Yoga Pose: Triple Hill

FitSugar — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 16:05:00 PDT

I love when I can find ways to stretch my shoulders, chest, and back since swimming and working at a desk all day can make them so tight. This partner yoga pose called Triple Hill gets its name from the two humps your bums make and the tall "hill" bump your arms make. It's a great total-body stretch like Downward Facing Dog, but since you're standing up and leaning against a partner, you'll get more of an intense stretch in your upper back, shoulders, and hamstrings.

Keep reading to find out how to get into this partner yoga pose.[break]

Stand facing your partner about a foot apart.

Raise your hands overhead so you can touch your palms to

Stretch It: Pec Stretch

FitSugar — Thu, 24 May 2007 03:15:00 PDT

We all spend so much time crouched in front of computers it is no wonder we have tight chests and arms. Well this short (just 2 moves!!!) stretching series is great for opening up your chest and stretching out your arms.

Hold for 3 - 5 breaths

Clasp your hands behind your back keeping your elbows straight.
Actively open your shoulders and squeeze your shoulder blades together.
To increase the stretch, look up.

Interested in seeing how to increase the stretch? Then

Hold for 3 - 5 breaths

Keeping your hands behind you, bend forward to significantly increase the stretch.
Try to raise your arms as high as you can, if your shoulders are really tight that might prove difficult but try anyway. Let gravity take over while you breathe.
Keep your weight evenly balanced between your toes and your heels.

In both variations, you are primarily stretching your pec major and your biceps. REMEMBER, never force a stretch!!!

Stretch It: Sleeping Shoulder Stretch

FitSugar — Mon, 22 Jan 2007 12:15:17 PST

People are always asking me "What's a great way to open your shoulders?" Have I got the stretch for you . . .

Start in a seated position on your mat with your legs extended straight out in front of you.
Bring one arm at a time behind your back so your fingertips are facing away from you.
Begin to walk your hands further away from your head, trying (if you can) to keep your arms and hands in a straight line behind your shoulders.
Go as far as you feel comfortable and hold for 5 or 10 breaths (or longer if you love it).
SLOWLY walk your hands back in - come to lie down on your back, hugging both knees into your chest and wrapping your arms around your shins to release your lower back and your shoulders.

Intense, isn't it? Intensely amazing, I think.

Open Your Heart: 10 Heart-Opening Stretches

Jenny Sugar — Sun, 12 Feb 2012 22:15:17 PST

I can hear Madonna in my head singing "Open Your Heart," and in my mind's eye see her doing her yoga moves on stage. Why not celebrate Valentine's Day and American Heart Month with a little bit of yogic love? Physically stretching the muscles in your chest, shoulders, and belly can create a deep emotional release helping you to appreciate and honor of yourself and your loved ones. These poses also bring a feeling of lightness and contentment. Try these 10 heart-opening stretches to make you feel positively blissful.

Source: Thinkstock

Overdid It on the Chili, Wings, and Beer? How to Get Heartburn Relief

Jenny Sugar — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 04:12:08 PST

In terms of calories consumed in one day, the Super Bowl Sunday spread is only bested by the Thanksgiving feast. Being that the game comes but once a year, many sports fans go all out, consuming a variety of spicy snacks - chili, buffalo wings, salsa - along with beer, pizza, and dips. All that food can lead to digestive disaster. If you're suffering from heartburn, here's how to get relief.

Let loose: Loosen up your clothing if it's fitted. The compression around your chest and stomach can make heartburn symptoms worse.
Put down the bottle: Stop drinking alcohol, carbonated beverages, and drinks containing caffeine like coffee and Coca-Cola ASAP. Don't reach for a cooling glass of milk either. It's a myth that milk relieves heartburn. It may feel good at first, but can actually worsen symptoms. Sip water instead.
Chuck the wings: Avoid eating any more spicy or greasy foods, foods that contain pepper, and acidic foods such as oranges, tomatoes, and vinegar. Chocolate, mint, ketchup, and mustard are also common heartburn triggers, so avoid eating these as well.
Grab a stick: Of gum, that is. Chew gum to increase saliva production, helping to neutralize stomach acid.

Keep reading for more ways to get immediate heartburn relief.

Got Two Left Feet? Let Zumba Help You Find the Beat

Self — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 04:12:19 PST

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

If you're anything like me, Zumba has always held a certain allure, but the very idea of dancing in front of a roomful of people sounds about as appealing as doing my taxes or making a spur-of-the-moment appointment at the DMV. I'm not just painfully shy about busting a move but hopelessly uncoordinated in the booty-shaking department.

So after years of avoiding Zumba for fear of embarrassing myself, I decided it was time to stop being a wallflower and start working up a sweat. "I used to be a very shy person but I have learned that everything in life is about attitude," says Gisella Ferreira, a Zumba instructor at the Brasil Brasil Cultural Center in Los Angeles. "Having a positive attitude makes all the difference, so go with an open mind and let yourself enjoy the party!"

As for doing the actual dance steps, Ferreira is quick to point out that literally anybody can follow along with a little practice. "I see new Zumba students every day that have never danced in their lives and are able to dance through the whole class," she says. "Zumba is a world dance fitness party. It's easy to do, effective, and totally exhilarating." If that's not enough motivation, Ferreira says Zumba burns between 500 and 800 calories per class and targets "glutes, thighs, calves, abdominals, core, pectorals, biceps, and triceps."

Ready to get this party started? Add this five-move sequence to your regular workout routine four days a week and, before you know it, you'll be dancing in the streets. Read on for the workout.

How to Organize Your Beauty Products

Real Beauty — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 05:00:00 PST

We're happy to present this article from one of our favorite sites, Real Beauty.

If you have to dig though drawers and rummage through an overstuffed makeup bag to get ready every morning, then it's time to bring order to your beauty stash.

For more great tips check out: How to Clean Out Your Makeup Bag.

These expert tips will help you de-clutter your loot and streamline your storage space. See what they are now.