FitSugar

You Asked: Ouch! I Pulled My Groin

FitSugar — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 03:30:00 PDT

Hey FitSugar,

I'm usually really good about warming up and stretching before a workout, but last week at the gym, I did something stupid. I excitedly hopped on a weight machine I don't usually use, and while trying to work my hamstrings, I pulled my groin. Ouch!

Now it just won't seem to get well. How can I treat it? Do I have to stop exercising all together? I hope not, because I'd hate to stop working out.
- Groaning About My Groin

Ouch is right. A strained muscle in the groin is very painful, and it's a hard one to avoid using - it can smart every time you walk. This is a very common injury, so for some tips on treating it,

A pulled groin is actually a strain in the muscles known as the adductor group, which connects the pelvis to the femur. The injury occurs when you overstretch a muscle and can result in small tears in the tissue. It usually happens if you haven't warmed up properly or if you're attempting to lift more than you're accustomed to - both of which sound like culprits in your case.

To treat it, try the good, old-fashioned combination of rest and ice. Initially, you should ice the muscle for about 20 minutes at a time. Yes, that means sitting with an icepack on your crotch, but don't worry: After 48 hours, you can transition to heating pads or similar warming treatments. Anti-inflammatory medications can also help with any pain or swelling.

You don't have to stop exercising entirely, but do listen to the muscle, and don't do anything that makes it hurt more. It's especially important to avoid strength training the adductors or stretching them until the pain has subsided. When it does, probably after a week or two, don't forget to try these inner thigh stretches after your are warmed up before resuming your next activity. Hope you feel better soon!

Source

IT IS THIGH TIME: Inner Thigh Work

FitSugar — Wed, 20 Dec 2006 11:15:00 PST

Here is another IT IS THIGH TIME video. To slim down muscular thighs you need to strengthen the inner thigh after releasing your quads and IT band. This exercise series might remind you of Jane Fonda's work out videos from the 80's, but they've been staples of the Pilates mat repertoire for many decades.

Make sure you are lying on something soft like a thick rug or exercise mat to cushion your hips.

Stayed tuned for more It is Thigh Time exercise videos.

Work it Girl!

FitSugar — Fri, 03 Nov 2006 07:00:00 PST

Almost everyone is trying to find out ways to stay active at work. We've seen everything from jumping jacks on the hour every hour, to offices with treadmills placed right in front of computers.

For some less embarrassing ideas try any or all of the following:

The easiest way to get an extra workout at work: Take the stairs! Everyone should know where the nearest stairs are in your office building anyway, so use them.
Wrist work: Stretch a rubber band using all of your fingers, then over 2 or 3 fingers.
Inner thigh work: Place full water bottle (or anything similar that is not breakable) between your knees and, keeping abs in, squeeze bottle gently. Repeat several times throughout the day.

Beyond the Basics: Inner Thigh Stretches

Michele Foley — Thu, 19 May 2011 01:15:43 PDT

After a weekend spent doing Pilates and ballet-inspired workouts, I experienced a type of muscle soreness that was entirely new to me - my inner thighs (aka adductors) were on fire. While I have a series of stretches that I do after every workout, I now realize that none of them really target this often overlooked area. If you've also been neglecting your inner thighs the way I have, here are a few stretches to get you started!

Basic Inner Thigh Stretch - Here's a favorite stretch of ours, especially for after a run since you can do it anywhere. This basic stretch will lengthen tight inner thighs safely and effectively.
Butterfly Pose - Also referred to as Baddha Konasana or Bound Angle pose, Butterly pose is one of my favorite ways to end a challenging yoga class. Not only does it get into the upper thigh area, but it's also a great hip-opener that stretches out the lower back, too.
Wide-Legged Forward Bend E - In ashtanga yoga, although there are technically four Wide-Legged Forward Bend poses, sometimes an instructor throws in a fifth, Wide-Legged Forward Bend E. This deep pose is great for stretching your hips, hamstrings, and inner thighs.
Frogger - Imagine how you'd look sprawled out like a frog, and you basically have the gist of this stretch. What's great about Frogger is that you can hang out in the pose for as long as you want to really give your inner thighs a good, deep stretch.
Wall Straddle - The wall is a great prop to use when stretching because it can either support the weight of your body or add resistance. Wall straddle is a great stretch that you can do at home, and it's easy to make the stretch as easy or intense as your body can handle. Just make sure to take your shoes off!
Side Lunge For Inner Thigh - It's always best to stretch warm muscles, but you can't always be in a place where it's easy to stretch on the ground. That's why this inner thigh stretch is awesome - you can stand up and do it anywhere.

Suffer from tight adductors? What's your favorite stretch?

Stretch It: Inner Thigh

FitSugar — Thu, 07 Jun 2007 03:00:00 PDT

I have received many requests from inflexible readers for stretches. So here is one of my favorites, especially for after a run since you can do it anywhere and you don't have to lie down to do it. It stretches the inner thighs (aka adductors) safely and effectively, and those inner thighs are often forgotten in a workout as well as stretching.

Inner Thigh Stretch hold stretch for 20 seconds or 5 long, slow breaths

Start in squat with your knees open, heels up and hands on the ground in front of you.
Put more weight on your right foot and straighten your left out to the side.
Don't jam your left knee, keep it slightly soft so you don't hyper-extend the joint.

Then switch sides. Stretch each side twice.

Don't forget to breathe while you are stretching and remember you should warm up for at least five minutes before doing any deep stretching.

Yoga Sequence For Slimmer, Sculpted Inner Thighs

Jenny Sugar — Wed, 04 Apr 2012 20:47:38 PDT

Warmer weather means wearing less and ditching the long pants for shorts - are you ready to bare your legs? Here's a yoga sequence specifically designed to tone the inner thighs so you'll feel confident slipping on those short skirts and bikini bottoms.

5 Ways to Tone Your Inner Thighs

FitSugar — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 12:30:18 PST

Your inner thighs might not see much of the sun, but that doesn't mean you should let those muscle waste away. A toned inner thigh is a healthy inner thigh - attractive and strong. And as Jackie Warner says, "Would you rather have fat under those jeans or a little bit of tone?" So show your adductors some love by trying these five inner thigh exercises next time you workout. These moves will surely help you rock your bikini next time you're at the beach.

Source: Thinkstock

Stretch It: Wall Straddle

FitSugar — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 13:00:00 PST

The wall is a great prop to use when stretching because it can either support the weight of your body, as in Shoulder Wall Roll, or add resistance like with this Chest Opener. If you liked the relaxing Legs up the Wall Stretch, here's a variation that will stretch your inner thighs.

To find out how to do this

Place a folded bolster, blanket, or pillow against a wall.
Sit down as close as you can to the wall, next to the pillow. Lie down on your back, place your feet on the wall with your knees bent, and scoot your body over so that your bottom and lower back are on the pillow.
You want to adjust your body so that your bum is touching the wall, and then place your feet straight up, resting your heels on the wall. Now separate your feet and slide your legs down the wall toward the ground, coming into a straddle position.
You can keep your arms by your sides, or by your head (this position will stretch your shoulders).
Close your eyes and allow your entire body to relax, feeling gravity pulling your feet down and opening your inner thighs. If it becomes too intense, place your hands on the outside of your thighs for a little support.
Hold like this for several minutes or longer. Once you've had enough, slide your feet up the wall toward each other. Then walk your feet down the wall, draw your knees into your chest and roll your body over to one side. Rest your head on the inside of your arm, staying like this in fetal position for a minute or so. Then you can roll up onto your knees and come to stand up.

Torch Calories and Tone With This Circuit Workout

Susi May — Mon, 14 May 2012 02:40:46 PDT

What's not to love about circuit training? Combining heart-pumping elements of cardio with strength-training moves means you torch calories while toning muscles. It's just so efficient.

Here's a fun yet challenging circuit workout I did recently with my Equinox trainer Lauren. The workout has you performing each exercise for a minute, which means you need to keep a stopwatch handy, but you have the luxury of not needing to count.

Get the details of this circuit after the break.

4 Ways to Get Your Legs Ready For Summer

Leta Shy — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 02:14:22 PDT

Sunny days are here again, which means a long season of shorts, bikinis, and skirts. Showcase your gams with these lower-body workouts that'll have your legs looking toned and strong.

The basics: Simple, everyday lower-body exercises that you can do anywhere are the keys to your success. Once you've got the moves down, you can add lunges, squats, and deadlifts to your everyday routine, or even stop and do them when you have a minute to spare throughout your day. Read our tips on how to do the most effective basic lower-body exercises here.

Inner thighs: Strut your stuff in your bikini with strong, toned inner thighs. Classic moves like side lunges and pliés help to really target this area; find more ways to tone your inner thighs here.

Outer thighs: Target saddlebags with moves that tone and whittle your outer thighs. Check out our video on how to do a clam series to work your core, glutes, and outer thighs, and try these killer toning moves to help slim away your saddlebags.

Glute exercises: Target your derriere with moves that will tone and lift your backside just in time for beach weather. Try our 10-minute video glute workout or try these butt exercises that are straight from celebrity trainers.