Why Feel The "Y": Core Concepts


Updated 04/05/07 8:30 PM · Posted by FitSugar · 0 comments

Why Feel The "Y": Core Concepts

Do you work your "Y"? Well you should...it is an easy way to feel connected to your "core." The "Y" connects your armpits to your belly button, and then your pelvic floor (like a kagel) pulling up toward your navel. Feeling these points connected gets your external obliques to work so your rib cage stays aligned over your pelvis. Engaging the pelvic floor stabilizes the lower part of the Read more

Hilary Duff's High-Energy Prenatal Piloxing Workout


Updated 01/25/12 12:33 PM · Posted by Self · 1 comment

Hilary Duff Pregnancy Piloxing Workout Routine

We are pumped to share one of our favorite stories from Self here on FitSugar! Some women may take it easy during their last trimester, but Hilary Duff isn't the type to let her workouts slide just because she's eating for two. The singer-actress may be seven months pregnant, but according to her trainer of eight years, Vivica Jensen, she's still staying fit with biweekly Piloxing sessions. 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

Go Deep Into Your Forward Bend


Updated 01/16/12 12:15 AM · Posted by · 0 comments

Tips For a Deeper Seated Forward Bend

If you run, bike, ski, or sit at a desk all day, chances are your hamstrings are screaming for some attention. Get on the floor and give them what they crave — a seated forward bend. This pose looks simple enough, but here are some ways to increase that deep stretch in the backs of your legs. Before folding forward, sit with your legs straight out in front of you. Take your right fingertips Read more

Check Yourself: Running Form To-Do List


Updated 01/19/12 4:30 PM · Posted by FitSugar · 15 comments

Simple Tips to Improve Your Running Form

Whether you're new to running since Jan. 1 or just trying to find your fitness groove, running can be difficult to love 24/7. When my affection for running wanes, one thing that helps bring back the love is technique. When out for a run, I go through this simple list to check my form. It makes me a mindful runner, which helps not only avoid injury but also helps me find my stride once 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

Best of Yoga: Hybrid Classes


Updated 09/14/11 4:30 AM · Posted by Self · 0 comments

The Best Hybrid Yoga Classes

We are pumped to share one of our fave stories from Self here on FitSugar! Still think yoga is for hippies? Think again! Instead of chanting, there are lots of yoga styles that fuse elements of other workouts to make a killer two-for-one workout for any exercise personality. Since you've never been one to play by the rules, why should your yoga practice? Think of this as your yogi cheat sheet of Read more

Work Out With Lady Gaga


Updated 05/25/11 5:05 AM · Posted by Self · 0 comments

Lady Gaga's Born This Way Workout Playlist

We are pumped to share one of our fave stories from Self here on FitSugar! Lady Gaga has finally dropped her latest masterpiece, and Born This Way was born to inspire our workouts. The '80s-inspired opus is full of gym-ready grooves, from Eurodisco to Latin rhythms. Let's get moving! Gaga training sessions with Harley Pasternak consist of a 25-minute routine combining strength and cardio. The Read more

10 Sneaky Toning Moves You Can Do at Work


Updated 06/21/11 6:50 AM · Posted by Self · 5 comments

Toning Exercises You Can Do at Your Desk

We are pumped to share one of our fave stories from Self here on FitSugar! Your office nemesis isn't that know-it-all in the cubicle over, it's lurking right beneath you: your chair! The more you're sitting, the less calories you're burning... not the ideal bikini body plan. Picture this: when sitting, your activity in your muscles drops and the calorie-burning rate decreases to just about one Read more

5 Pilates Moves That Will Get You Ready For Bikini Season


Updated 05/24/11 8:45 AM · Posted by · 0 comments

Pilates Moves That Will Tone You For Bikini Season

Whether you're dancing your way to dropped pounds or making like a ballerina on the barre, there's no end of trendy workouts to try. But one workout that's shown the test of time is Pilates: the exercises are great for toning and targeting muscle groups, which is perfect for upcoming bikini season. And don't be fooled; these exercises will have you sweating! Here are 5-targeted moves to start Read more