Stretch It: Shoulder and Neck Stretching Backbend


Updated 11/23/10 2:35 PM · Posted by FitSugar · 0 comments

How to Stretch Your Neck and Shoulders

This stretch may look familiar if you've taken a yoga class. It's the prep pose you learn before doing Wheel pose. Also called Half Wheel, this stretch will increase flexibility in your spine and also stretch out your shoulders and the back of your neck. Because it doesn't require a lot of energy, it has both a calming and energetic effect on the body and mind. Learn the finer details of this Read more

Strike a Yoga Pose: Bound Half Wheel


Updated 08/12/10 8:16 AM · Posted by FitSugar · 0 comments

Increase Flexibility in Your Spine With Bound Half Wheel Pose

If you want to open your heart, both figuratively and literally, backbends are the way to go. There's no need to spring yourself into a challenging variation like Full Wheel when you can do a much more gentle variation like this one. Not only does it increase flexibility in your spine, but holding on to your ankles also allows you to deeply stretch your chest, shoulders, and the back of your Read more

You Asked: How Can I Do the Wheel Pose?


Updated 02/20/08 11:47 AM · Posted by FitSugar · 3 comments

How To Do The Wheel Pose in Yoga

You're asking and I'm answering . . . "Hi Fit!! I'm taking a yoga class at the university gym. Once every class, the teacher will ask us to do the wheel and everybody either can or can't do it. I can't but would love to learn how. How can I build up to be able to do the wheel? Thanks!!" - Tiny Bubble Read more

Strike a Yoga Pose: Half Wheel


Updated 07/16/10 5:37 AM · Posted by FitSugar · 6 comments

Strike a Yoga Pose:  Half Wheel

Backbending poses are great for opening your heart and chest, both figuratively and literally. I love this particular backbend because not only does it increase flexibility in your spine, but it also stretches out your shoulders and the back of your neck. Because it doesn't require a lot of energy, it has both a calming and energetic effect on the body and mind. Sanskrit Name: Setu Read more

Strike a Yoga Pose: One-Legged Half Wheel


Updated 03/28/12 5:40 AM · Posted by FitSugar · 1 comment

Strike a Yoga Pose: One-Legged Half Wheel

Backbending poses open your heart, both figuratively and literally. While Full Wheel is probably the most well-known backbend, it's also one of the most challenging. This variation of Half Wheel will increase flexibility in your spine and shoulders while also toning your thighs. Sanskrit Name: Eka Pada Setu Bandha Sarvangasana English Translation: One-Legged Half Wheel Keep reading to Read more

Strike a Yoga Pose: One-Legged Half Wheel


Updated 03/28/12 5:40 AM · Posted by FitSugar · 1 comment

How to Do One-Legged Half Wheel Pose, Also Called Bridge

Backbending poses open your heart, both figuratively and literally. While Full Wheel is probably the most well-known backbend, it's also one of the most challenging. This variation of Half Wheel will increase flexibility in your spine and shoulders while also toning your thighs. Sanskrit Name: Eka Pada Setu Bandha Sarvangasana English Translation: One-Legged Half Wheel Keep reading to Read more

7 Reasons Your Yoga Instructor Might Yell at You (and How to Handle It)


Updated 04/06/12 4:09 AM · Posted by · 1 comment

What Yoga Instructors Don't Like

Yoga instructors are often the calmest people you'll meet, but when their beliefs are grounded in strict yoga principle and technique, they may sometimes put their foot down during practice. Here are some reasons your yoga teacher might reprimand you during class. Drinking water: Practicing yoga is about building your energy or prana, otherwise known as your fire. Some by-the-book instructors Read more

The Five Best Races For Women


Updated 02/15/12 6:52 AM · Posted by · 0 comments

Best Races For Women From Marathons to 5Ks

We are excited to share one of our fave stories from espnW here on FitSugar! By Dimity McDowell and Sarah Bowen Shea Sage Steele, SportsCenter anchor, is preparing to run the Disney Princess Half Marathon at Walt Disney World on Feb. 26 and hoping to fall in love with running in the process. Follow Sage’s journey on espnW.com. Women's races offer a decidedly different vibe than their coed 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

7 Ways to Organize and Beautify Your Entryway This Weekend


Updated 01/06/12 1:25 PM · Posted by · 1 comment

Winter Entryway Organizing Tips

Winter is often the most challenging season for your entryway or mudroom. Boots, heavy jackets, umbrellas, hats, and mittens are a few of the items that may grace this area during the Winter months, depending on your climate. Chances are inclement weather forces you to store more of these items at close reach — and your floors and rugs may suffer from salt stains or muddy bootprints. Read more