Try It: Hendrickson Massage


Updated 10/14/11 11:47 AM · Posted by FitSugar · 5 comments

Hendrickson Massage Is Great For Chronic Pain

I have had deep-tissue massages that have left serious bruises, but barely made a dent in my tight muscles. I have also had Swedish massages that felt like I was being tickled for 60 minutes no matter how many times I told the massage therapist to increase the pressure. Recently, I went to see a massage therapist who has studied the Hendrickson Method (formerly called orthopedic massage, but so Read more

Ways to Keep Knee Pain at Bay


Updated 01/26/12 6:50 PM · Posted by · 4 comments

What to Do to Prevent Knee Pain

When a good workout leaves my muscles sore, I know I'm getting stronger every day and revel in the pain. But when a long run leaves me with achy knees, I'm reminded that I'm getting a little bit older and a little more creaky. Unfortunately, my knees have been talking back a lot lately — just another reminder that as your age increases so does the amount of time you need to spend doing body Read more

4 Ways Pilates Makes Everything Better


Updated 10/20/11 10:48 AM · Posted by · 1 comment

Why You Should Do Pilates

Pilates has a rep as a girly exercise form that attracts ladies who lunch. Private sessions can be pricey, but mat classes will work your entire body. Originally called Contrology, the practice was actually developed to rehab injured soldiers after WW I — talk about functional fitness! After teaching the method for years (and rehabbing my own chronic back injury with it), I have decided Pilates Read more

Fitness Lessons From My Dancing Days


Updated 05/03/11 11:38 AM · Posted by · 2 comments

How Dancing Is Great For Fitness

Like almost every young girl, I loved ballet class. Unlike the majority of my peers, I didn't quit ballet in junior high but added the sparkle fingers of jazz and the barefoot freedom of modern to my class load. And I kept on dancing through college and my 20s — I earned money for rehearsing and performing and got to tour abroad — not a full-fledged professional, but sweet perks for doing Read more

The Difference Between a Good and Bad Burn


Updated 08/24/11 11:55 AM · Posted by · 0 comments

Healthy Burn vs. Painful Injury

In Something Borrowed, Rachel (Ginnifer Goodwin) is constantly competing with her best friend, Darcy (Kate Hudson). Remember the embarrassing club scene when Rachel tries to do a sensual dance move that she knows she isn't trained to do and pulls her adductor muscle (aka the inner thigh muscle near her hooha)? A similar lesson applies when you attend group classes — it's a fine line between Read more

Common Running Injuries and How to Avoid Them


Updated 06/30/11 8:05 AM · Posted by · 6 comments

Exercises to Prevent Common Running Injuries

Even with the longer days of the Summer months, I sometimes feel like there is so much training to do and so little time to pack it in. Upping your mileage certainly brings increased stamina, so you can "bring it" at your races, but it can also mean increased injury risk. Overuse injuries are the bane of any runner's well-laid training plans. And that is where some prehab comes into play. You can Read more

DrSugar Answers: Stiff Knees?


Updated 10/14/11 11:50 AM · Posted by FitSugar · 6 comments

Stiff Knees Mean Arthritis?

DrSugar is in the house! And she's answering your health-related questions. Dear Doc, I just turned 32 and boy are my joints feeling it. This aging thing is real. I run and bike regularly and try to add yoga into my workout schedule, but really only do it once a month. The problem is my knees — well, knee — my right one. If I keep it bent for a short period of time (five minutes or so), like Read more

How to Deal With a Sports Injury


Updated 10/14/11 11:50 AM · Posted by FitSugar · 5 comments

How to Deal With a Sports Injury

Many of you are excited to kick-start your Spring with some outdoor sports, but if you're a bit overzealous in your return to this active season, you may end up with an injury. The big question is, do you go see a doctor or treat it yourself? Dr. Thomas Best, a doctor and marathon runner told The New York Times, "Know how you typically recover. When you are not recovering as you typically do, Read more

5 Reasons You Have Back Pain


Updated 10/14/11 11:50 AM · Posted by FitSugar · 18 comments

Causes of Back Pain

Lower back pain is a common complaint, and if you suffer from it, the pain can make simple everyday activities like walking, taking the stairs, tying your shoes, and even sleeping unbearable. Although many people have chronic conditions or injuries that cause their discomfort, lifestyle choices may also be the culprit. Check out the list below and see if you can make some changes to prevent the Read more

DrSugar Answers: Birth Control and Trying to Conceive


Updated 10/14/11 11:50 AM · Posted by DrSugar · 20 comments

How Taking Birth Control Can Affect Trying to Conceive

DrSugar is in the house! And she's answering your health-related questions. DrSugar, I just read your post about getting off of the pill and having irregular periods afterward. I am thankful for your article as I had experienced two to three months of no period! I am looking to conceive possibly in the next three to four years and wondering if you were able to do so after being on the pill for Read more