FitSugar

Get Your Butt in Gear: Everlast Energy Studio Pant

FitSugar — Wed, 07 Nov 2007 14:30:00 PST

If you're looking for a good workout pant that will work for basically any activity you're trying, the Everlast Energy Studio Pant ($32.99) is a good buy. They're cute and sporty with a little additional flare, but not over the top like some other fitness clothes I've seen recently.

I wore them to the gym and the little bits of color (ruby and purple) spiced up my outfit, especially since most of my workout clothes tend to be black, gray or navy. The pants were very comfortable, moved well and breathed well, so I was overall very happy wearing them. An added bonus is that they have a cute little pocket perfect for most lightweight and small mp3 players. The price is not bad at $33 and I would definitely recommend them if you're looking for something simple but cute to add to your collection.

What to Expect From an Ashtanga Yoga Class

Jenny Sugar — Thu, 11 Aug 2011 14:34:53 PDT

If you're a runner, cyclist, skier, rider, climber, swimmer, or have a Type A, high-energy, can't-sit-still kind of personality, sign yourself up for Ashtanga yoga. This type of yoga is challenging, quick-paced, and just the thing to open your tight hamstrings, hips, and shoulders. Before heading to your first class, here are some things you should know.

It's Hot
I'm not talking Bikram-yoga hot, but it's pretty darn hot. Most studios turn on the heat, so expect to be in a room that's about 80 to 90 degrees. This means you'll probably get pretty sweaty, so it's best to wear long pants to absorb your sweat and to prevent drips of sweat from puddling on your mat, making it dangerously slick. Pants will also add traction for poses where you're touching your legs, as in Crow, so you don't slip out of the pose and hurt yourself. A rug or yoga towel placed on your regular sticky mat is also a must. You might want to bring a hand towel to class as well to wipe the perspiration off your face and arms.

Depending on how strict the instructor is, they might encourage you not to drink water during the practice, since you're working so hard to build the fire inside you, and the water will "put the fire out." So make sure you drink throughout the day before you practice to prevent dehydration.

It's Repetitive
Ashtanga yoga has been taught by the late Pattabhi Jois since 1948, and it involves a set sequence of poses that a practitioner follows in the exact same order every time. Most studios offer Primary Series or Intermediate Series classes. Most ashtanga yogis are practicing Primary Series, which follows this sequence: Five Sun Salutation As, Five Sun Salutation Bs, the Standing Sequence, the Primary Series (Seated Postures), and the Closing Sequence. The beauty of the repetition is that since each class is the same, you can visit any studio in the world, and you'll be able to do the exact same class you do at home. Or once you memorize the sequence, you can practice on your own at home. Some people love the repetition since it can act as a form of moving meditation, while others may see it as boring.

I'm just getting started, so keep reading to hear more about what to expect from your first Ashtanga class.

Tips For Surviving Sweaty Summer Yoga Classes

Jenny Sugar — Wed, 13 Jul 2011 14:01:12 PDT

Summertime heat means practicing yoga in an extremely hot and humid room that can make breathing unbearable - especially when the guy next to you forgot his deodorant. Who can focus on their drishti when sweat is pooling in their eyes? If you're not used to practicing in super high temps, you'll need to take some precautions to get through the 60- to 90-minute class without passing out. First, make sure to drink water throughout the day to prevent dehydration and bring an insulated water bottle with ice water with you to class. Sip your chilled water every 15 minutes or so to cool yourself down and prevent overheating.

Make your yoga outfit work for you and wear clothes made of lightweight, breathable material designed to wick moisture away from your skin. You'd think sporting less clothes, like spandex shorts and a sports bra, would be the perfect outfit for a sweaty practice, but you actually want material to cover your body. Slip on your regular tank top, but wear leggings on the bottom that cover your calves. Loose shorts or pants tend to trap heat, so make sure they're skintight. Pants or capris won't make you feel that much hotter than shorts, and they'll help absorb your perspiration, keeping puddles of sweat off your mat.

Speaking of your mat, some types become dangerously slick when wet. When it's really hot and humid, sweat may pour off your body like a leaky faucet, so invest in a rug or towel designed to go on top of your mat. It'll absorb dripping perspiration and offer a stable surface you can grip without slipping. Don't forget to bring along a hand towel to wipe sweat off your face and arms.

For more tips on enduring your hot and sweaty Summer yoga class, keep reading.