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Strike a Yoga Pose: Compass

FitSugar — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 08:00:00 -0700

All you runners and bikers out there, I know you're always in need of a good hamstring stretch. Here's one that allows you to concentrate on one leg at a time, and will also open your hips and shoulders.

Sanskrit Name: Parivrtta Surya Yantrasana
English Translation: Revolved Compass Pose
Also Called: Compass

To learn how to do this pose read more.

Sit at the top of your mat with your legs straight in front of you. Bend your right knee and hold onto it with your left hand. Press your knee back behind you as far as you can and place your right hand underneath your right leg, planting your palm firmly on the right corner of your mat.
From here, straighten your right leg as much as you can by taking your right arm overhead, and straighten that as well. Turn your head to the left and gaze toward the ceiling. Work on straightening your spine and leaning back slightly to increase the stretch in your right hamstring and left side of the body.
Hold for five breaths, then bend your right leg and arm and release your right leg back to the floor. Then repeat this pose with the left leg.

Whether you're new to yoga or have been practicing for a while, check out FitSugar's Yoga Stretch and Tell Group. It's a place where you can get info about the latest yoga clothes and gear, post questions, and share your yoga moments like being able to hold Crow pose for the first time!

Get in Gear: Must Have Gadget for Hiking

FitSugar — Tue, 24 Apr 2007 04:00:00 -0700

Seriously, sometimes I think I am MacGyver. Especially when I am out in the woods on a hike but the truth is that while I love the occasional hike in the woods (or along the coastline) I am no outdoorsy guru.

That being said, I like to feel prepared at all times, especially when playing in the great outdoors. Many day hikes may not require the AdventurePlus ($20.00), but it never hurts to be prepared, now does it? This one little gadget includes a compass, a mirror, a magnifying glass, a whistle, a thermometer, a flashlight and a tiny little compartment to keep things (like matches) dry. Buy it online from Highgear.com.

Hiking will be even more fun now that you're prepared to take on any situation so you can concentrate on getting that heart rate going. Now all you need is a good trail to explore -- Check out this listing of free trails.

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What's the Deal with Rogaining?

FitSugar — Fri, 16 Mar 2007 02:00:00 -0700

Recently I have been hearing a lot about people who are really into rogaining. I am relatively unfamiliar with this sport so I thought I'd look into it and you know what? It sounds like fun, especially since I dream about being on The Amazing Race!

Rogaining, once a sport practiced only in Austrailia, is gaining popularity worldwide. Basically rogaining is for teams (2-5 members) to go running or hiking cross-country, who have to navigate to controlled locations using only a map, compass and a watch. Most rogaines are 24-hour events (though some can be less) where the object is to score points by finding checkpoints located in the rogaine area within the race time. If you're wondering why people would want to do such a game? Well teamwork, endurance, competition and an appreciation of the natural environment are to be gained from rogaining. Plus it's generally open to all levels, so families can do it together. Since rogaining does not require specialized equipment, and the navigation is not particularly tricky, even novices can do well enough to feel proud of themselves at the end of the day.

To find a rogaining event near you, and for more information on the sport, visit the American Bushwhacking Club online.

Get in Gear: Trekking Poles

FitSugar — Sat, 25 Nov 2006 03:00:00 -0800

When you're hiking up or down a steep trail, it would be nice to have "Go Go Gadget Extendo-Arms." Try this on for size.
Trekking Poles or Walking Sticks will help keep your balance, help you maneuver through tricky trails, and reduce stress on your back, knees, legs, and feet. Plus, your poles can serve other purposes like pushing aside spider webs and brush - very important to me.

Trekking poles now come in combinations with other cool gadgets. The Kaito hiking pole is not only light weight but comes with a compass and a thermometer attached, for the low price of $24.95.

Or if you like finding your own natural wooden walking stick on the trail, you can attach this Gorillapod to it and voilà- instant tripod for your digital camera. They attach to anything so you can get a sweet shot anywhere you want.

See you on the trail.

Get in Gear: Jeep Compass Folding Bike

FitSugar — Thu, 25 Jan 2007 04:00:00 -0800

Bikes are a great way to get out and explore while burning a few (hundred) calories. Problem is that many of us don't have room for a bike in our small city apartments, or that we don't have bike racks on our cars, and we can't fit them inside. You want to bike but what is a girl to do?

With a Jeep folding bike, those problems finally become things of the past! The Jeep Compass 20" folding bike ($299) takes less than 8 cubic feet of cargo space, that's less than 1/5th of the cargo space in a typical mid-size SUV -- It even fits easily in the trunk of a mid-size sedan with plenty of room for all your stuff. The Jeep folding bike has 6-speed indexed gear shifting to ease the hills, and the rear rack can carry your gear for you. This bike has quality construction throughout, including an aluminum folding frame, mudguards and a kickstand.

Now you can keep a bike in your small apartment or even in your dorm room. How cool is that? Buy one on ABikeStore.com.

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Fit's Tip: If you are an avid biker, this may not be the bike for you as it is meant for people who want to bike but can't due to space restrictions, not for people who clock 200 miles a week on their bike.

Label Able: Corporate Standard for Compassion for Animals

FitSugar — Tue, 05 Dec 2006 16:30:00 -0800

We see the Leaping Bunny logo a lot when buying cosmetics and household cleaners, is it better or just good marketing?

The Corporate Standard of Compassion for Animals is a pledge by a company not to conduct or commission animal testing of their product/ingredients.

The Leaping Bunny logo means that the company has pledged and offers its assurance that they are in compliance with the only internationally-recognized “cruelty-free” standard and logo. This label has been recognized as highly meaningful and would be a great source to look for when buying cruelty free products.

Fit's Tip: Many companies continue to use bunnies, or similar natural icons, trying to imply they have a policy on animal testing. The appearance of a rabbit offers insufficient assurance about a company's actual policies or practices - so make sure it's the Leaping Bunny!

Is America's Antifat Rhetoric Out of Hand?

FitSugar — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 12:00:18 -0700

Being obese is unhealthy for many reasons - most recently, we learned it could lead to brain degeneration - but does that mean we should demonize overweight people?

A recent story on Newsweek.com questions whether this antifat rhetoric is totally out of control. From the "real" sized model featured in Glamour to outrage over President Obama's nomination of a heavyset woman, Regina M. Benjamin, as surgeon general, the story posits:

Virtually any news article about weight that is posted online garners a slew of comments from readers expressing disgust that people let their weight get so out of control.

As fashionistas like Anna Wintour say the media focuses too much on anorexia, Newsweek sites an endless parade of pundits who openly express a fat bias. Many of the haters seem to believe that overweight people should do something about their condition, but who's to say they aren't? Why don't we have more compassion for people who are trying to change?

Not to mention that some research suggests that it's possible to be both overweight and fit, and many of our country's unhealthy habits are the result of widespread cultural and dietary changes that go far beyond individual lifestyle choices.

Do you think the antifat criticism in this country has gotten out of hand in our culture? Or do you think it's a necessary step toward changing our habits?

Hiking Etiquette 101

FitSugar — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 09:00:00 -0700

If you're looking for a way to get some exercise while soaking in the Summer weather, take a hike. Grab a friend or two and hike through forests or trek up a mountainside. Before you head out, here are some rules to keep in mind.

Stick to the dirt trail. It'll keep you safe and protect the natural environment. If everyone trampled wherever they wanted, there wouldn't be much plant life to enjoy.
Don't disturb animals or their homes. If you see a beaver dam, just be an observer, and take a few pics if you want.
Along the same lines, don't pick flowers or plants. Leave them for others to enjoy. It's also not a smart idea to touch plants since you don't know which might be poison ivy, or its West Coast cousin poison oak.
Pack a small garbage bag so you can keep track of your trash, and pick up after other messy hikers.
If you bring your dog, there may be a rule about keeping him or her on a leash. Follow this rule, as there may be fellow hikers on the trail who have other dogs or who are afraid of them. Be sure to clean up after your dog too.

There's more you should know before hitting the trail. To find out, read more.

If it's a hike you're not too familiar with, pack a map of the trail, a GPS device, and a compass. Getting lost is no fun. Also be considerate to your friends and family and let them know where you're going and when you'll be back. I know it's a morbid thought, but if anything happens, you want people to know where to look for you.
Be one with nature. This means to keep your voice down and don't blare any loud music. If you scare off the wildlife, you won't have any amazing sounds to hear.
If you need to go number one, do so far away from the trail and any natural water sources. If you need to go number two, dig a hole first. Use nature's toilet paper (dead leaves) and bury it all when you're done.
If you see any damage to the trail or trail signs, note the exact location, and be sure to contact the proper authorities.

Healthy Dose Link Time

FitSugar — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 12:00:00 -0800

On The Biggest Loser, Chef Rocco takes on fast food - That's Fit
Celeb trainer David Kirsch places breakfast orders for fast food - Vital Juice Daily
Self compassion is a necessary ingredient for weight loss - Margarita Shapes Up
Clean out your closet to refresh your workouts - Fresh Fitness Tips
Paddling with dolphins is reason enough to stay fit - Mark's Daily Apple
Climb a stairway to create your bikini body - Shape
Amy Winehouse works out with Scary Spice - FitCeleb
Confessions of a step aerobics dropout - Daily Spark

Have You Ever Tried to Be a Vegetarian?

FitSugar — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 04:30:00 -0800

For many food-conscious diners, eating flesh doesn't mesh with their ideological standards, and their values lead them to vegetarianism. For others, going meatless has more to do with health than compassion for animals, a distaste for meat, or a combination of these reasons.

Whether they've adopted vegetarian diets for health reasons or animal rights, several celebrities have made their dietary choices publicly known. Famous vegetarian and vegan ladies like Carrie Underwood, Natalie Portman, Alicia Silverstone, and Alanis Morissette haven't been shy about the fact that they say no to meat. They've been vocal about their personal choices, so tell me, have you ever tried to be a vegetarian?

Source