FitSugar

Reese Witherspoon Strikes Midfoot

FitSugar — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 14:55:00 PDT

We have seen a many photos recently of Reese Witherspoon playing softball, and it looks like she will be running in her upcoming film, too.

It's nice to have a job that keeps you active. It also looks Reese is midfoot striker, which is good running technique. Although unnatural for some folks (like me), striking the ground with your midfoot provides greater shock absorption than heel striking, and it puts less strain on your calf muscle and Achilles tendon. A couple of years ago, I changed my foot strike and it has kept shin splints at bay. On another technical note, Reese could use a little more control in her arm swing to keep them moving more in the front back direction than swinging side to side.

To see which running celeb is a heel striker and why she should consider altering her gait,

read more.
Jessica Biel is no slouch when it comes to fitness, but as sugar user syako pointed out, Jess is a heel striker. While we may be singling her out here, many people are. It feels natural for most people, especially since most of us wear very padded shoes when running. Hitting the pavement with your heel can puts you at greater risk for injury, especially to your knees. This gait pattern also sets you up for shin splints and hamstring injuries. Do you run? Do you know where your foot strikes?
INF Daily and Bauer-Griffin Online

There Really Is Not One Right Way to Run

FitSugar — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 11:00:00 PDT

When it comes to endurance, long-distance running as opposed to sprinting short distances like Jamaican gold medalist and record breaker Usain Bolt (100m, 200m), there is not just one way to run.

There are many techniques out there and almost as many variations as there are runners. When watching the men's marathon (yes, I watched the men's marathon, which I guess establishes me as a running geek even if my weekly mileage doesn't), I kept using my DVR to pause the action and try to figure out where these elite runners strike: heel, midfoot, or toe. The answer is all three. The same goes for arm motion and torso placement - the variations are endless. I have been experimenting with where my foot strikes and I shared this information with a running-shoe specialist. I was surprised to hear him say that I would just be trading one type of injury for another as I transitioned from heel strike to hitting the pavement with my midfoot. Ahhhh, I thought, so there really isn't one way to run.

The New York Times broke down some of the pros and cons of different running patterns and for the highlights just

SAG Awards: Amber Riley

FabSugar — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 18:43:18 PST

Amber Riley upped the flirt factor in a bow-adorned Badgley Mischka halter gown with a retro pinup feel. The feminine shape and pretty lace and peplum details feel Old Hollywood glam, as do her striking bouffant and classic ankle-strap heels. What do you think of the Glee star's sweet look?

Vote on all of our SAG Awards polls here!

How to Get Rihanna's Rock-Hard Abs

Shape — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 04:32:58 PST

We are excited to share one of our fave stories from Shape here on FitSugar.

Rihanna is one hot singing sensation. Having recently been named the best-selling digital artist of all time - thanks to a whopping 47.5 million downloads of her hits - the sexy songstress is also a top contender for album of the year at this year’s Grammy Awards.

But not only does the Barbadian beauty know how to rock a stage, she also rocks a bikini, too! No stranger to showin’ off some skin, getting that taut and tight tummy definitely takes work.

The Top 10 Best-Dressed Stars at the Golden Globes

That’s where inspirational fitness expert extraordinaire Ary Nuñez comes in; she’s been training the artist hard for almost four years. “We focus on the core muscles and we do a ton of repetitions,” Nuñez says.

See Rihanna's ab workout after the break.

Check Yourself: Running Form To-Do List

FitSugar — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 14:59:26 PST

Whether you're new to running since Jan. 1 or just trying to find your fitness groove, running can be difficult to love 24/7. When my affection for running wanes, one thing that helps bring back the love is technique. When out for a run, I go through this simple list to check my form. It makes me a mindful runner, which helps not only avoid injury but also helps me find my stride once again.

Before you head out to put this checklist to work, be sure to enter to win a year supply of running shoes from Asics. Nothing motivates more than a new pair of sneaks!

Here's my form checklist, starting with the feet.

Land midfoot, not on the heel. Striking the pavement with your heel naturally puts on the brakes, which slows you down and leaves you prone to injury since it's jarring. Not convinced? Read more about heel striking here.
Keep your ankles relaxed and pick your feet up. Bringing the heel toward the bum to activate the hamstrings - a good thing - while pushing the ground away causes muscles to fatigue more quickly, especially the calf.
Shorten your stride. It's nicer for your knees. Really, it is.
Lean slightly forward. The lean should start at your ankles, not your waist, since bending in the middle can hurt your back and it's also inefficient.

To see what you should be doing with your upper body while running, just keep reading.

From Beginner to Expert: 4 Ways to Become a Better Runner

Leta Shy — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 17:42:26 PST

Have you got the running bug? If you've recently committed to a running program, it may seem like there's not much prep involved, except downloading your favorite playlist. Running is a popular pastime because it doesn't require much know-how to start - just pick out your shoes and go. But that doesn't mean that there isn't technique. Whether you're starting out or never thought twice about your regular runs, read on for tips on how to become a better runner.

Learn the basics: The barriers to entry may be low, but that doesn't mean running isn't a skill. If you are a beginner runner, pay attention to how you run. Listen to your gait - you shouldn't be running unevenly or hitting the ground hard. Read more tips on analyzing your running style here. And remember that mid- or forefoot-striking is best (as opposed to heel striking) for helping prevent injuries.

Read more tips on proper running after the break.

What Not to Do in Chair Pose

Jenny Sugar — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 15:55:28 PST

Whether you have five or 50 yoga classes under your capris, Chair pose (aka Fierce) is one of the many basic postures you'll strike just about as often as Down Dog since it's the first pose in Sun Salutation B. As a yoga instructor, I've noticed some major no-nos that you'll want to avoid to prevent discomfort and to make sure you're getting the most out of the pose.

Weight too far forward: When you bend your knees and lower your hips into the pose, pretend you're about to sit down in an imaginary chair. This will remind you to keep your body weight back into your heels. Give your toes a little wiggle to make sure you're shifting toward the back of your feet and to release tension in your forefoot. Shifting back into your heels works your glutes and thighs more and will also prevent strain on the knees.

Keep reading to find out other mistakes you're making doing Chair pose.

Shoe Review: Fila Skele-Toes Voltage

Jenny Sugar — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 01:18:41 PST

Sneakers with articulated toes have been all the rage since barefoot running came onto the scene. It wasn't until Fila sent me a pair of Skele-Toes Voltage sneakers ($75) that I finally tried them out for myself. Like most minimalist running shoes, they're extremely lightweight (6 oz.), but unlike shoes designed with barefoot running in mind, these have a thick, hard sole. Intriguing design, no?

Keep reading to find out the pros and cons of these Fila sneaks.

Zara's Latest Evening Looks Are Here - Just in Time For the Party Season

Hannah Weil — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 14:39:24 PST

Adding to its crop of covetable Winter looks, Zara's latest batch of evening styles arrived just in time for holiday party season. Styling up a worthy look for your next cocktail hour will be easy enough with this collection of sharp blazers and blouses, chic trousers, sweet dresses, and a hint of sparkle. As you're plotting what to wear for Christmas, Hanukkah, your office soiree, and New Year's Eve, these pieces will serve you well beyond the holidays. Striking a perfect balance between statement pieces and wardrobe essentials, these are pieces you'll wear again and again (and rake in the compliments each time you do!). Read on for our must-have items, then click through to see and shop the collection.

You'll never regret having a little black dress, like this one, in your arsenal. Whenever in doubt, add jewelry and heels and you're out the door without the I-have-nothing-to-wear outfit drama.
This sequined blazer just went to the top of our wish lists. What an easy way to dress up practically anything under pressure - add it to jeans, skirts, trousers, and dresses for a hint of glamour whenever you need it.
A special find like this printed asymmetrical dress will be just as gorgeous in the Spring with sandals as it is now with tights and ankle boots.

Karl Lagerfeld Launches a Color Cosmetics Line (and Snow Globes) at Sephora

Miriam Lacey — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 11:30:00 PDT

The Kaiser strikes again, this time with a holiday capsule collection for Sephora. Unfortunately, this one's only going to be available in Europe and Singapore, although it certainly bodes well for a future stateside collaboration. The line, which launches this Sunday, includes makeup, nail polishes, a Lagerfeld doll, and this extremely cool snow globe with Karl in silhouette. Chanel's head designer has been extremely busy of late. In fact, this news comes on the heels of a just-released fragrance, Karleidescope (mellifluous name, that), which launched in Europe last month. Clearly, there's plenty of interest in what the designer has to offer, but do you think your friends and loved ones would be excited to get Karl-covered merchandise for the holidays?