What's the Deal With: Airplane Ear?


Updated 05/22/09 11:30 AM · Posted by FitSugar · 14 comments

What's the Deal With: Airplane Ear?

Have you ever been on a flight and experienced pressure or pain in your ear where your ear felt full or sounds were kind of muffled? There is a name for this condition and it is fittingly called airplane ear. More scientifically, it's known as barotrauma or barotitis media, but however you call it, the pain can be really intense and can even cause ringing or bleeding in your ear, dizziness, or Read more

A Different Dinner Roll For the Table


Updated 05/17/12 4:49 PM · Posted by · 4 comments

Pain d'Epi Bread

If you've never had a pain d'epi, this pull-apart baguette is intended to mimic the appearance of the flower of the wheat stalk, or "epi" in French. Each little ear of wheat can be easily pulled apart, which makes this bread shape ideal to pass around the table at dinner parties or picnics. If you don't have time to create a sourdough bread starter, this overnight dough is the next best thing. Read more

Common Treadmill Woe: How to Avoid a Stiff Neck While Running


Updated 05/14/12 12:15 PM · Posted by · 0 comments

Proper Running Form on the Treadmill

Many people prefer hitting the treadmill to running outdoors, but if you're not careful, along with that toned tush you might end up with a stiff neck, resulting in a nagging headache. Follow these tips the next time you hop on the treadmill to prevent this common running woe. Keep Your Gaze Forward One gym perk is its televisions, which allow you to catch up on the news or your favorite TV Read more

5 Tricks to Get the Most Out of Your Outdoor Run


Updated 05/03/12 4:15 AM · Posted by · 0 comments

Tips For Outdoor Running

We are pumped to share one of our fave stories from Shape here on FitSugar. This week Shape turns to celebrity trainer Jay Cardiello for some help! The weather is getting nice and you may have been bitten by the "run bug." To make the transition from indoor runs to the great outdoors seamless and safe, I compiled a list of my top five tricks to get the most out of your outdoor run. Whether you Read more

A Body Check That Won't Hurt: Tips For Proper Running Form


Updated 04/23/12 10:50 AM · Posted by · 0 comments

Running Form Tips

Running is all about stepping one foot in front of the other. Sounds easy enough, right? But if your running form is incorrect, you'll end up with aches, strains, and injuries that could prevent you from lacing up your sneaks at all. Make sure to avoid these running-form mistakes the next time you hit the treadmill, trail, or pavement. Head: It sometimes feels good to close your eyes and relax Read more

What Not to Do in Warrior 1


Updated 03/30/12 4:45 PM · Posted by · 0 comments

Tips For Warrior 1 Yoga Pose

If you practice yoga, you've probably spent a decent amount of time holding the majestic standing pose Warrior 1. The pose tones the legs and tush, opens tight hip flexors, and strengthens the shoulders. The next time you step onto your mat, make sure you're avoiding these Warrior 1 mistakes that could lead to pain or injury. Short Stance Why it's bad: Doing Warrior 1 with a short stance places Read more

What Not to Do in Wheel Pose


Updated 01/25/12 1:35 PM · Posted by · 0 comments

Tips For Backbend Wheel Pose

Doing Full Backbend, also known as Wheel pose, isn't exactly on the list of beginner moves. It's demanding both from a flexibility as well as a strength standpoint, so it's best to stick to Half Wheel, Camel, and other easier variations before trying your hand at Full Backbend. When you are ready, here are some things to keep in mind to ensure you're doing this heart-opening pose safely and 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

Flying With a Cold? Survival Tips While in the Air


Updated 01/03/12 10:32 AM · Posted by · 1 comment

Tips For Traveling With a Cold

I started the New Year with a cold that has knocked me right off my feet. I was fine staying home for the midnight countdown, but what I'm not looking forward to is having to board a plane with this bad bug — traveling when you're sick is the worst! If you need to fly and are suffering from a cold, here are some survival tips to help alleviate the annoying symptoms associated with being Read more

What Not to Do in Downward Facing Dog


Updated 01/26/12 4:45 PM · Posted by · 4 comments

How to Do Downward-Facing Dog Properly

From your first class to your 100th, Downward Facing Dog is probably the pose you do most often. That's why it's important to do the pose correctly; not only to avoid injury, but to also make it as comfortable and effective as possible. Here are four don'ts when it comes to Down Dogging. Tense shoulders: It doesn't look like it, but this pose is all about upper-body strength. If your arms and Read more