FitSugar

Ashtanga Yoga: Why Avoid Drinking Water?

FitSugar — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 09:30:00 -0700

If you've ever walked into an Ashtanga Yoga class, I'm sure you've noticed that it's warm in the room, but not even close to as hot as Bikram. The warmth helps your muscles to loosen up slightly, but the quick-paced and strength building vinyasas between poses is what really heats up your body. Think of it as creating an inner fire that heats your body from the inside out, which helps you loosen up tight muscles. It also makes you sweat a lot, which helps in detoxification.

Drinking water during the practice prevents that heat and puts that internal fire out. Not only that, but if you stop every 10 minutes to take a sip of water, you interrupt your breathing and the flow of the sequence, which in turn will disrupt the moving meditation you've got going on.

It is very important to drink 10-12 glasses of water throughout the day so that you are well hydrated by the time you arrive at class. If you've been drinking all day, you shouldn't need to drink during class, however, if you are feeling nauseous, overheated, or dizzy - definitely listen to your body and drink water if necessary.

Fit's Tips: Depending on the class you go to, some Ashtanga Yoga instructors are very strict about this, which I personally don't agree with. As an instructor myself, I trust that my students are better able to make decisions about their own bodies. If an instructor you take class from makes you feel uncomfortable about your need for water (or anything else for that matter), talk to them after class about it. I'm sure they'd want to know how you feel.

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Class Act: Mysore

FitSugar — Fri, 20 Apr 2007 03:30:00 -0700

If you're checking out classes at an Ashtanga yoga studio, you may come across a class called Mysore.

In a Mysore style yoga class, you lead yourself, following your own breath and a series of memorized poses, either First Series or Second Series. If you are an advanced practitioner, you may even do Third Series.

No one speaks - they only breathe. Sometimes the instructor may whisper to someone to give them help, but for the most part, there is only the ebb and flow of the breath. It's really powerful.

Want to know more about Mysore? Then read more

As you move at your own pace, moving from one pose to the next in First, Second, or Third series, the instructor walks around and adjusts or assists you. She or he may gently fix your shoulders or your hips in Warrior 1, they may press on you in Downward Dog (which feels so good), or they may help you drop back into Wheel pose from standing. The assists you get in a Mysore class really help you to improve your yoga practice tremendously.

The class is usually open for 2-3 hours, so people will walk in and start whenever they want. This may seem a little weird, but it's actually nice not to have the pressure of following the instructor's breath count. For me, it's easier to bring my awareness inward when everyone is doing their own thing.

The reason it's called Mysore, is because Mysore, India is where Sri K. Pattabhi Jois (the creator of Ashtanga Yoga) originally taught this practice. Traditionally, students would learn a pose and master it before moving on to the next pose in the series. That way, the student would memorize the entire sequence and would be able to practice them on their own.

Fit's Tips: If you can find a Mysore class or workshop, I highly recommend taking it. You'll learn a lot about your body and your personality. It will also help you to begin a home yoga practice, so you won't have to rely on going to a studio to do yoga. Since you've memorized an hour and a half of yoga postures, you can lead yourself in your own living room!

Thinking of Getting Inked?

FitSugar — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 08:00:09 -0800

I have never gotten a tattoo unless you count the temporary henna kind, but it looks like I might be in the minority. About 25 percent of 18- to 30-year-olds have been inked, and 65 percent of them are women. If you've always wanted to get your fave butterfly etched onto your ankle, here are some things WebMD wants you to know before anyone puts a needle to your skin.

Pay the money and go to a shop that has licensed tattoo artists. Since getting a tattoo involves breaking the skin with a metal object and coming into contact with blood, you want to make sure the studio is clean, so there's the lowest risk possible for infection.
There are serious risks involved, such as contracting life-threatening HIV or hepatitis C from unclean equipment. You could also get other infections including impetigo, MRSA, or cellulitis. It's OK if you don't know what these are, just know you don't want them.
It's also possible to have an allergic reaction to the tattoo ink, so before getting an enormous fairy imprinted across your back, you probably want to do a small patch test on your skin first.

To find out what else you should know, read more.

Also note that your skin will look a lot different at age 25 than it will at 65, so keep that in mind when choosing the design, size of tattoo, and area of your body.
The artist should thoroughly wash his or her hands before they begin, and wear gloves to prevent the spread of infection.
Be sure all needles are removed from a sterile, single-use package, and all equipment is sterilized after each use.
Make sure you don't drink alcohol or take drugs (including aspirin) the night before or while getting a tattoo.
If you're sick, wait until you're healthy to get your tattoo, since you'll need energy to heal.
Follow the after-care instructions so your skin heals quickly and without any complications.
After you've had a tattoo, you can change your mind and have it removed by a doctor, but know that your skin most likely won't look like it did pre-tattoo. The procedure tends to require a series of visits, it's expensive, and often the tattoo can't be completely removed.

Do you have a tattoo? Did you have any complications? Tell me in the comments section below.

Source: Flickr User geishaboy500

Crave Worthy: Jill Malek Yoga Mats

FitSugar — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 12:00:51 -0700

Sometimes I want to feel pretty when I'm sweating it out at my Pilates mat class. Since I usually keep my workout clothes pretty basic, I'm always on the lookout for a unique bag or mat. I was excited to find out that Brooklyn-based designer Jill Malek teamed up with the eco-friendly company YogaMatic for a new line of mats. Like all YogaMatic mats, the Jill Malek series is made from sustainable, recycled rubber that is 100 percent biodegradable, and a percentage of the price ($85) goes to Global Green, a nonprofit focused on preventing climate change.

This is the first time YogaMatic has teamed with an independent designer, and it's easy to see why they picked Malek. The designs are based from Malek's Frequencies wallpaper collection - nature-inspired designs with repetitive patterns. I know it sounds silly, but the designs get me excited about taking a yoga or Pilates class.

The mats measure 72-by-24 inches with a thickness of 1/4-inch and also come with a tote bag.

Are You On the Twilight Diet?

FitSugar — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 10:00:27 -0700

Have you heard about the Twilight diet? At first I thought it was a term Twilighters - aka die-hard Twilight fans - used to describe their voracious appetites for all things Edward and Bella - books, movies, pictures, life-size Robert Pattinson cutouts - but it's actually related to food. Twilight vernacular is everywhere, even in the world of health and fitness.

I've written a little about Taylor Lautner's quest to bulk up for New Moon. In order to be a believable Jacob the werewolf, the young star was in the gym every day for two hours to put on the needed 30 pounds of muscle. "I had to eat every two hours," says Lautner. "At one point, my trainer said, 'Put anything in your mouth. Go to McDonalds get the biggest shake possible. I just need to get calories in you.' Because my body fat at the time was only, like, 7.5 percent"

Lautner's fitness routine is what the urban dictionary calls the Twilight diet:

Person A: Yo man, I wanna get ripped.
Person B: Yeah man, follow the Twilight diet!

I wonder what Michael Phelps and Venus Williams would think if they knew they were on the Twilight diet while training, and didn't even know it?

To hear about the "other" Twilight diet read more.

I was curious if the Twilight diet was actually being followed, and not only did I find out that it is, I also discovered that there is another diet with the same name - and it seemed to be at odds with the already mentioned Twilight diet! What's a fan to do?

In the first movie we are introduced to the Cullens, a family of vampires who resist their natural desire to feed on humans. This desire becomes even more exasperated when Edward Cullen falls in love with Bella, a human. Some Twilighters are using this narrative as a model of self-control in their own lives. If Edward and the rest of the Cullens can resist eating humans then they, the fans, can resist eating chocolate cake.

There are tons of posts on Twilight boards and blogs affirming that Twilight has been a catalyst for lifestyle changes. Apparently fans are so busy consuming everything Twilight, they have less time to eat. On top of this they are also adopting the Cullen's method of self-control. This combo has led to some serious weight loss - some fans have lost six pounds, while others claim 25.

I admit that the Twilight diet is an easy target, but you can also look at it as inspiration coming in many different forms. For some it's a vampire series that spawns a lifestyle change. Odd? Perhaps. But it's great to see people making choices for the better, whatever the reason.

Have you ever found inspiration from an unlikely source?

Choking first aid - infant under 1 year - series

admin — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 19:45:04 -0700

Back

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Part 1

The danger signs of true choking are:

Inability to cry or make much sound
Weak, ineffective coughing
Soft or high-pitched sounds while inhaling
Difficulty breathing - ribs and chest retract
Bluish skin color
Loss of consciousness if blockage is not cleared

FIRST AID

1. DO NOT perform these steps if the infant is coughing forcefully or has a strong cry – either of which can dislodge the object on its own.

2. Lay the infant face down, along your forearm. Use your thigh or lap for support. Hold the infant’s chest in your hand and jaw with your fingers. Point the infant’s head downward, lower than the body.

3. Give up to 5 quick, forceful blows between the infant’s shoulder blades. Use the heel of your free hand.

Part 2

IF OBJECT ISN’T FREE AFTER 5 BLOWS

1. Turn the infant face up. Use your thigh or lap for support. Support the head.

2. Place 2 fingers on the middle of his breastbone just below the nipples.

3. Give up to 5 quick thrusts down, compressing the chest 1/3 to 1/2 the depth of the chest.

4. Continue this series of 5 back blows and 5 chest thrusts until the object is dislodged or the infant loses consciousness.

Part 3

IF THE INFANT LOSES CONSCIOUSNESS

If the child becomes unresponsive, stops breathing, or turns blue:

Shout for help.
Give infant CPR. Call 911 after one minute of CPR.
Try to remove an object blocking the airway ONLY if you can see it.

DO NOT:

DO NOT interfere if the infant is coughing forcefully, has a strong cry, or is breathing adequately. However, be ready to act if the symptoms worsen.
DO NOT try to grasp and pull out the object if the infant is conscious.
DO NOT perform these steps if the infant stops breathing for other reasons, such as asthma, infection, swelling, or a blow to the head.

Review Date: 7/17/2006

Reviewed By: Eric Perez, MD, Department of Emergency Medicine, St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is an independent audit to verify that A.D.A.M. follows rigorous standards of quality and accountability. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial policy, editorial process and privacy policy. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).

A.D.A.M. Copyright

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997-2009 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

adam.com

Source Doc: 3_100221

Just Released: Three Fitness Video Games For the Wii

FitSugar — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 03:00:47 -0700

Confession: I love playing video games - I especially love them on the Wii because I get to move, jump, and shake myself into a tizzy. Three fitness games were released for the Wii this last week and even though it's not like doing the real deal outside, the games are a fun way to burn calories and whip your bod into shape.

Nintendo Wii Fit Plus ($20) Wii Fit Plus is Nintendo's follow-up to the popular Wii Fit. There are new exercises, balance board games, and strength and yoga activities, as well as targeted exercise routines for things like reducing tummy fat and toning your figure. A great improvement is the addition of a calorie counter - after you complete each exercise the game tells you how many calories you've burned.

To hear about the other two games, continue reading.

New Exercise Trend: Masala Bhangra

FitSugar — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 12:00:20 -0700

Last week we talked about the new workouts you wanted to try and today we're adding another to the list: Masala Bhangra. For those of you not familiar with Masala Bhangra, it's similar to the energetic dance numbers seen in Bollywood cinema and the worldwide hit Slumdog Millionaire.

Created by expat Sarina Jain, the hour-long cardio workout incorporates sliding steps, squats, jumps, turns, and lots of hand and wrist movement set against upbeat modern Bhangra music - a percussion-based genre that sounds like a mash-up of hip-hop and classical Indian music. The instructors are extremely motivating and the class environment feels more like a fun party than a workout regimen.

Jain first introduced the workout through a series of tapes in the 1990s but as she sensed the growing interest in Indian culture, she decided to teach classes as well. If you are a fan of dance workouts, give Masala Bhangra a try. It's a great way to burn 500 calories.

If you have done this workout, I'd love to hear what you think of it . . .

Natalie Coughlin: From the Olympics to DWTS

FitSugar — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 05:50:41 -0700

Last season on Dancing With the Stars, we saw gold medal gymnast Shawn Johnson win gold, and this year we're watching Olympic swimmer Natalie Coughlin compete on land.

She made it through the first week, dancing a salsa with Alec Mazo and wowed us last night with her quick step. Although busy dancing and rehearsing, Natalie took time out of her day to answer a few questions on topics ranging from Pilates to her opinion on the ban on high-tech swimsuits.

To learn what Natalie has to say, just read more.

FitSugar: I have read that you do Pilates. How does this method of exercise help your swimming? Since it is somewhat dance-based, do you think it will help you on DWTS?
Natalie Coughlin: Pilates is an awesome cross-training exercise for any sport because it focuses on functional movement. It relies on strength along with flexibility, which is perfect for both swimming and dance. My two favorite pieces of equipment are the Balanced Body Exo Chair and Pilates Arc. I personally own both, and they make a nice addition to my home gym.

FS: I loved your "I'm a runner" piece in Runner's World. Do you still run regularly? Do you ever participate in road races? Were you able to run before your wedding ceremony?
NC: My first and only road race was the H2O Audio Surf Monkey last month, which was a 5K run on a mixture of sand, cobbled rock, and pier. It was so much fun, although I had no idea how to run on sand or cobbled rock! A few days before my wedding, I got a little overzealous with my running and ended up straining my right obliques, which forced me to take a bit of a break. Oops! I still love running, but I'm currently spending five to six-plus hours dancing every day, so I'm taking a break. I don't think it would be a good idea to add any unnecessary stress to my feet or legs.

FS:Your swimming career has spanned two Olympics, and you're planning to compete in 2012 - how do you maintain focus in training over those four-year periods?
NC: My focus is constantly evolving. I took three months off immediately following the Athens Games and returned to competition with a series of two-day meets throughout the world. The short format of the meets along with the world travel kept me motivated and interested in swimming. After Beijing, I needed a much longer break both mentally and physically because I have been competing for 21 years now! Dancing With the Stars is providing me with an amazing competitive outlet in something so different than my sport.

FSWhat's your favorite core exercise?
NC: I use the TRX suspension system for strength training and I absolutely love the atomic push-up because it's a killer exercise that works your entire core and upper body.

FS: Is your running playlist different from your swimming playlist? If so, how?
NC: Nope! They're usually the same, but it changes depending on my mood. It can be anything from pop, rock, alternative, to hip-hop . . . and H2O Audio's new Interval lets me listen to multiple playlists in the water or while I'm out on a run.

FS: Swimming can be hard on the skin and hair. What are your go-to beauty products postswim?
NC: Oh dear! I love products . . . Pureology for my hair, Kinesys sunscreen for my face/body preswimming, Palmer's Cocoa Butter for my body post-swimming, and Oil of Olay SPF 15 for my face.

FS: How do you feel about the ban on high-tech swimsuits?
NC: I think it's a good idea because our sport can now get back to the swimming and eliminate the distraction of "who are you wearing?" Eliminating zippers and legs is strange because both have been a part of many of the suits for over a decade. Either way, I'm happy.

Coming Soon to a Theater Near You: Reel Rock

FitSugar — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 11:00:23 -0700

I was lucky enough to hit the Reel Rock Film Tour - an annual showcase of the best new films about climbing - when it passed through San Francisco this weekend. Highlights of the festival include the world premiere of Progression and a preview of First Ascent, a new series for the Nat Geo Adventure Channel.

Climber or not, the Reel Rock festival is a must see for adrenaline junkies, outdoor enthusiasts, film lovers, and those seeking some kick ass motivation. Beautifully shot in locations around the world like Patagonia and Yosemite, the films follow the emotional and physical journeys of the sports' top athletes as they push themselves to the extreme. There were definitely more than a few heart stopping moments where I stared at the screen mouth gaping in disbelief of what I was watching.

To see clips from the films, read more.

One of the crazier stories chronicles Alex Honnold's free solo (meaning no ropes or gear) of Half Dome in Yosemite. Honnold climbed about 2200 feet alone and unprotected in just a matter of hours. I'm sure many will view Honnold's feat as being just plain careless but watching his story was an incredible look at the intense mental aspect of the sport and just how far these athletes will take themselves in the name of progression.

Reel Rock is just underway and chances are it's coming to a city near you - don't miss it! The films highlight some of the strongest athletes you'll ever see and brings to light a relatively unknown sport in an accessible way. Check out the preview below.

Photo courtesy of Reel Rock