Control Your Mat


Updated 03/21/07 4:45 PM · Posted by FitSugar · 1 comment

Control Your Mat

After a yoga or Pilates class, I always throw my mat in my car and when I go to get it the next time - it's totally unraveled. It's so annoying - but not anymore. Check out this Saka Matbelt for only $8.00. It buckles easily and is made of strong seatbelt material. It's adjustable, so it can hold a regular size Pilates or yoga mat, or even a thick black mat. If you're a fan of using a rug or Read more

Strike a Yoga Pose: Upward Facing Dog


Updated 04/27/12 10:31 PM · Posted by FitSugar · 0 comments

How to Do Upward Facing Dog Pose

Just about as common as Downward Facing Dog, Upward Facing Dog pose, or Up Dog as I like to call it, not only elongates and increases flexibility in your spine, but it's a great pose for opening your chest, throat, shoulders, and the front of your thighs. When doing this pose, try not to tense your glutes or crunch your lower back. If it hurts your wrists to have so much weight in your palms, Read more

Headstand? Ugh. How to Stop Hating Inversions


Updated 04/25/12 3:20 PM · Posted by · 0 comments

Tips For Doing Inversions in Yoga

As beings who walk with their heads stacked over their feet, it's no surprise that going upside down in your yoga class scares the om out of you. Fear of falling, neck or other pains, and the sheer oddness of seeing the world from a whole new perspective can make inversions lowest on your list of faves. If you get upset whenever your teacher suggests headstands, forearm stands, or handstands, Read more

Emma Stone's Amazing Ab Workout


Updated 04/11/12 4:15 AM · Posted by · 0 comments

Emma Stone's Pilates Workout Routine

We are pumped to share one of our favorite stories from Self here on FitSugar! She played a frumpy reporter in The Help, but in real life, Emma Stone is the epitome of young Hollywood glamour. The 24-year-old made the transition from child actor to leading lady look effortless, but Stone puts plenty of hard work into every project she tackles, including her Pilates workout. "There's not much to Read more

Cleaning Schedule For Apartment Dwellers


Updated 05/10/12 9:19 AM · Posted by · 3 comments

Cleaning Schedule For Apartments

Cleaning can become a time-consuming task if you leave it until the very last minute, but a little a day goes a long way, and soon you won't find yourself cringing about setting aside a few hours of your time on the weekend to put your apartment in order. I've seen a lot of checklists for people who live in houses, but not a lot for those who reside in apartments, so here's a quick schedule for Read more

Become a Crow Master: 5 Steps to Get You There


Updated 03/15/12 10:56 AM · Posted by · 1 comment

How to Do Crow Pose

No doubt about it, Crow pose is a challenge, but definitely one you can master. If conquering Crow is on your yoga agenda, here are some tips to get you balancing on your hands. Another Round of Push-Ups Arm balances like Crow are all about upper body strength. You can strengthen your arms and shoulders with all the vinyasas you do in class, but if you're itching to do Crow, do upper body work Read more

Yoga Poses For Strength and Stability


Updated 03/09/12 9:16 PM · Posted by · 1 comment

Yoga Poses to Improve Balance

When I think of balancing poses in yoga, I immediately picture someone standing serenely on one leg in Tree Pose, but there are so many other poses that help improve your balance. A strong sense of balance encourages stillness in yoga poses, as well as stillness in your mind. Improve your balance and you'll also strengthen your muscles and improve flexibility and muscular control, as well as Read more

4 Moves to Say Goodbye to Saddlebags


Updated 02/09/12 11:39 AM · Posted by · 1 comment

Exercise Routine For Getting Rid of Saddlebags

We are pumped to share one of our favorite stories from Self here on FitSugar! If you're saddled with saddlebags, you probably think you got the short end of the family gene pool stick. But, lucky for you, those pesky fat deposits surrounding your hips, thighs, and butt are far easier to banish than, say, Great Aunt Hilda or your bossy big sister. "Saddlebags are largely determined by genetics, Read more

Mistakes You're Making on the Pilates Mat


Updated 02/07/12 5:16 AM · Posted by · 2 comments

Common Mistakes in Pilates Mat Classes

Mat classes are the most affordable way to reap the benefits of Pilates. Taught across the country at gyms and private studios, group classes mean you don't have an instructor cuing and correcting your every move. Make the most of your time on the mat and be mindful of these common mistakes I've seen in classes over the years. Not Going Deep There are many benefits to Pilates, but getting in Read more

Trying Nonslip Toesox On For Size


Updated 09/01/11 10:00 AM · Posted by · 2 comments

Toesox Keep You Slipping on Yoga Mat [REVIEW]

There are two reasons I take a special gripping towel with me to hot yoga classes — it soaks up sweat during class, and when I do become overly sweaty, it prevents me from sliding all over my mat. But there are days when my towel feels like too much bulk on my mat, and I'd rather slip around than feel like there's a lot going on underneath me. Something I never considered wearing are socks, Read more