3 Leg Stretches Runners Should Do Daily


Updated 04/20/12 11:09 AM · Posted by · 0 comments

Running Stretches For Tight Hamstrings and Hips

I don't think I've ever met a runner who doesn't suffer from tight hips, hamstrings, or a lower back. The receptive movements and strengthening aspect of running can cause tight muscles that need extra attention. Of course you should never skip the stretching session after a run, but here are three lower-body stretches you should do every day — even on the days you don't run. Open Lizard What Read more

Stretch Those Tight Hips and Lower Back


Updated 05/21/12 10:19 AM · Posted by FitSugar · 9 comments

Stretches to Relieve Lower Back Pain and Open Tight Hips

If you have the ever popular office job that involves sitting at a desk for eight hours a day, it can wreak havoc on your precious body creating tight hips and lower back pain. Many stretches for your hips also stretch out your lower back, so these poses are like two for the price of one. Butterfly Sit on the floor, bend both knees, and bring your feet together. Using your hands, open your feet Read more

Essential Stretches For Tight Hips


Updated 03/30/12 11:23 AM · Posted by FitSugar · 4 comments

Basic Stretches For Tight Hips

Tight hips seem to be a common problem for almost everybody — from runners to cyclists, from deskbound bloggers to triathletes. Give this area a little extra love with this sequence of nine hip-opening stretches to increase your flexibility, reduce discomfort, and prevent injury. Try the series in the order listed here, or pick your faves to incorporate into your workout routine. Read more

Leg-Strengthening Yoga Sequence For Skiers and Riders


Updated 05/22/12 12:49 PM · Posted by · 2 comments

Yoga Sequence to Strengthen the Legs and Core

Whether you click into skis or a snowboard, a strong yet flexible lower body will allow you to cruise down the mountain with control, helping you stay balanced rather than wiping out. This eight-posture lower body sequence focuses on strengthening the core, quads, and glutes, while opening the hamstrings and hips. Photos taken at Evolution Physical Therapy and Yoga Studio, Burlington, VT Read more

Tara Stiles Shows Us the Best Yoga Pose For Stress Relief


Updated 11/08/11 11:25 AM · Posted by · 1 comment

Tara Stiles Says Pigeon Is Her Favorite Pose For Destressing

After a coast-to-coast flight, relief came in the form of Strala Yoga's class, Relax. The class is a staple at the New York-based studio, owned by well-known yogini Tara Stiles and her husband, Michael Taylor. Still feeling wound up after class from traveling and lack of sleep, I asked Tara what her go-to yoga pose is for releasing stress and finding calm. Tara didn't hesitate to say that Pigeon Read more

3 Must-Do Yoga Poses For Tight Hips


Updated 11/02/11 3:10 AM · Posted by · 0 comments

Yoga Poses For Tight Hips

Whether you suffer from tight hips because you run, sit at a desk all day, are pregnant, or were just born with oh-so-tight hips, here are three yoga poses you can do every day to increase flexibility and reduce tension in this commonly stiff area. Mix up the sequence each time you do it to keep your muscles guessing. One of my favorite stretches after a run, Lizard will target your hips and hip Read more

Hip Stretches to Reduce Tightness and Back Pain


Updated 10/13/11 2:50 PM · Posted by FitSugar · 0 comments

The Best Hip Stretches

When stretching out the lower body, the hips often get passed over in favor of the calves, quads, and hamstrings. Bad idea! Hip flexors are what help lift the legs while running, which means they are prone to tightness. Even if you don't run, but you sit a lot during the day, you're probably tight in your hips, so get a stretching! There's also an added bonus to incorporating some Pigeon Pose Read more

Barre Workouts are Expensive! Try This At-Home Alternative Instead


Updated 05/24/12 8:43 AM · Posted by · 0 comments

At-Home Barre Workout Ideas

We are pumped to share one of our favorite stories from Self here on FitSugar! Barre classes may make you easy on the eyes, but at $20 or more a pop, they're definitely not easy on the wallet. Rather than take a second job to pay for our latest fitness addiction, we turned to Beverly Hill-based Cardio Barre instructor Stacey Bosworth to get the inside scoop on scoring a long, lean dancer's body Read more

Hip Openers and Hamstring Stretches For Expectant Moms


Updated 05/12/12 7:10 PM · Posted by · 2 comments

Prenatal Yoga Sequence For Tight Hips and Hamstrings

Yoga is the perfect exercise for expectant mommas, not only to increase strength and flexibility, but it can also ease common pregnancy woes such as a sore lower back and heartburn. It can also help you hone your sense of balance, which is ever changing as your belly expands. Here's a yoga sequence that incorporates standing poses to strengthen your lower body while increasing the flexibility in Read more

Strike a Yoga Pose: Fierce


Updated 05/22/12 12:49 PM · Posted by FitSugar · 2 comments

How to Do Fierce Pose in Yoga, Also Called Chair Pose

After learning Ashtanga Yoga's Sun Salutation A, it's time to learn the poses in Sun Salutation B. It begins with a pose called Fierce, which may look easy but is a killer move for your thighs and glutes when done correctly. It also strengthens your core and stretches your calves, so it's an essential move for runners and high-heel wearers alike. Sanskrit Name: Utkatasana English Translation: Read more