Strike a Yoga Pose: Foot to Hand


Updated 02/15/11 5:05 AM · Posted by FitSugar · 0 comments

How to Stretch Your Hamstrings and Lower Back

What's not to love about a forward bend? These poses feel so good after a run to lengthen the lower back and hamstrings — just the tight places that need a good stretch. If you liked the variation of the pose known as Big Toe Standing Forward Bend, since you hold your toes to pull yourself more deeply into the pose, then you're going to love this variation for the deeper stretch it provides Read more

Stretch It: Forward Bend Against a Wall


Updated 01/30/10 3:34 PM · Posted by FitSugar · 3 comments

How to Stretch Your Hamstrings and Lower Back 2010-01-29 09:15:44

Take time out of your busy day and do this relaxing forward bend. All you need is a wall and a few minutes, and you'll feel an amazing stretch for your tight hamstrings and lower back. To learn how to get into this stretch, read more Read more

Strike a Yoga Pose: Big Toe Standing Forward Bend


Updated 01/08/10 5:19 AM · Posted by FitSugar · 2 comments

How to Stretch Your Hamstrings 2009-12-21 08:00:58

Chances are high if you have taken a yoga class, you have done a forward bend. This variation of the pose is a wonderful stretch for the hamstrings and spine — I love to do it in the shower (I just hold my nose) after a long run. It looks simple enough, but if the backs of your legs are tight, this pose will be quite challenging. And of course, if you find the pose challenging that is the very Read more

Strike a Yoga Pose: Head to Knee A


Updated 03/30/12 11:15 AM · Posted by FitSugar · 2 comments

How to Do Hip Opening Head to Knee Pose

Looking to loosen up inflexible hips and hamstrings? Here's a yoga pose that's a popular stretch among runners because it'll target the oh-so-tight backs of the legs. Sanskrit Name: Janu Sirsasana A English Translation: Head to Knee Pose A Also Called: Flag Begin in a seated position with both legs straight out in front of you. Bend your right knee and place the sole of your foot Read more

Strike a Yoga Pose: Seated Half Bound Lotus


Updated 08/03/09 11:00 AM · Posted by FitSugar · 1 comment

Yoga Pose of the Week: Seated Half Bound Lotus

Most of us suffer from stiff hamstrings and hips, so here's a pose that will increase flexibility in both. It's one of the seated postures in Ashtanga Yoga's Primary Series, and although it looks pretty basic, being in half lotus can be very challenging for those with tight hips. Sanskrit Name: Ardha Baddha Padma Paschimottanasana English Translation: Half Bound Lotus Western Intense Read more

Which Way Do You Like to Bend?


Updated 02/15/08 8:48 PM · Posted by FitSugar · 28 comments

Which Way Do You Like to Bend?

Some people like to bend forward and some like to bend backward. I guess it takes all kinds, right? For me it feels great to fold in my spine forward and rest my forehead on my shins. I must say though, that I am learning to love arching my spine backwards and opening my chest. I am curious to know when it comes to stretching your spine . . . Source Which Way Do You Like to Bend? Read more

Strike a Yoga Pose: Head to Knee


Updated 07/22/09 6:52 AM · Posted by FitSugar · 1 comment

Strike a Yoga Pose:  Head to Knee

Since I run and bike, I'm always looking for poses that stretch out my hips, lower back and hamstrings. This pose does all that and is also very relaxing, so it's great to do if you have a headache or are feeling stressed. Sanskrit Name: Janu Sirsasana English Translation: Knee Head Pose Also Called: Head to Knee Pose Start off sitting on the ground with your legs out in front of you Read more

Yoga Video: Sun Salutation B


Updated 06/13/08 10:32 AM · Posted by FitSugar · 3 comments

Yoga Video: Sun Salutation B

In honor of the summer solstice and the first day of Summer, let's do Sun Salutation B. This video will walk you through the entire sequence once, but I definitely recommend doing it about 5 times. That way you'll give your body a chance to warm up and stretch out. Music: Solar Spirit by Asiatronic Fit's Tips If you don't have much time, but still want to do a short yoga session, do 5 Sun Read more

Strike a Yoga Pose: Seated Forward Bend


Updated 01/11/12 12:15 PM · Posted by FitSugar · 2 comments

Strike a Yoga Pose:  Seated Forward Bend

Ahh, the Seated Forward Bend. You either love it or you hate it, but we can all agree that it's great for stretching out our hamstrings and lower back like no other pose. It's great to do before and after a run or bike ride, or if you've been standing for a long time. Sit on your mat with your legs extended straight in front of you. Reach your hands underneath your tush and pull the fleshy Read more

Yogini Kristin McGee Dishes on Bethenny Frankel's Fave Pose and Getting Ready For Beach Season


Updated 05/23/12 12:40 AM · Posted by · 0 comments

Kristin McGee Interview About Vinyasa Vibes

I was lucky enough to take a class taught by Manhattan-based yoga teacher Kristin McGee right here in San Francisco! Although one busy lady, Kristin traveled across the country to teach Vinyasa Vibes (a new offering at The Sports Club/LA), a flow-based, powerful yoga sequence enhanced by music. The most musical part of the practice? During Savasana, the class culminated in a live sax solo by Read more