DrSugar Answers: Exercising and Leg Pain?


Updated 03/16/09 11:09 AM · Posted by DrSugar · 2 comments

DrSugar Answers: Exercising and Leg Pain?

DrSugar is in the house and he's answering your health questions. Dear DrSugar, I am 20 years old and I have been exercising regularly for about a year and a half. Although I don't belong to a gym or use a personal trainer, I run around my neighborhood, use my stationary bike, do workout videos, and occasionally go to a yoga class. My question is this: Recently I have started having a lot of Read more

What's the Deal With: Sciatica


Updated 07/14/09 12:53 PM · Posted by FitSugar · 6 comments

What's the Deal With:  Sciatica

Did you know that the sciatic nerve is the longest nerve in your body? It runs from your lower back, through your glutes, and down the back of each leg. No wonder it causes so many long lingering problems. This long nerve controls many of the muscles and sensations in your legs. Sciatica refers to the pain you feel along this nerve. It can be described as shooting pain, tingling, burning, Read more

Inversion Issues: How to Remedy Common Shoulderstand Complaints


Updated 05/25/12 10:05 AM · Posted by · 0 comments

Remedies For Common Shoulderstand Complaints

You're loving your yoga class from Half Moon to Pigeon Pose, but as soon as you get to Shoulderstand, you're less than psyched. Although a basic — challenging, but basic — pose, Shoulderstand can put you at risk of strain and injury when done incorrectly. Turn this pose into your favorite by checking out these common complaints and ways to remedy them. "I Can't Breathe" If you're well Read more

4 Reasons to Add an Exercise Ball to Your Home Gym


Updated 05/22/12 2:00 PM · Posted by · 0 comments

Ways to Use an Exercise Ball

The exercise ball may occupy a lot of room in your home gym, but it's one versatile piece of equipment. Find out how to get the most out of your exercise ball below. A healthier seat: Ditch your normal seat on the couch and sit on an exercise ball instead. Using a ball to sit helps correct your posture, tones your abs, and encourages you to stretch, all of which sounds a lot better than the Read more

5 Tricks to Get the Most Out of Your Outdoor Run


Updated 05/03/12 4:15 AM · Posted by · 0 comments

Tips For Outdoor Running

We are pumped to share one of our fave stories from Shape here on FitSugar. This week Shape turns to celebrity trainer Jay Cardiello for some help! The weather is getting nice and you may have been bitten by the "run bug." To make the transition from indoor runs to the great outdoors seamless and safe, I compiled a list of my top five tricks to get the most out of your outdoor run. Whether you Read more

Know Your Basics: How to Do a Lunge


Updated 05/01/12 3:10 AM · Posted by · 0 comments

How to Do a Lunge

Lunges are a quintessential exercise; you can do them anywhere and the effects can be seen in no time, in the form of shapely, toned legs and backside (just in time for bikini season!). If you're planning on incorporating lunges into your routine, however, make sure you're not doing more harm than good. Find out how to do lunges correctly below. The basics: It's important to do lunges properly Read more

Headstand? Ugh. How to Stop Hating Inversions


Updated 04/25/12 3:20 PM · Posted by · 0 comments

Tips For Doing Inversions in Yoga

As beings who walk with their heads stacked over their feet, it's no surprise that going upside down in your yoga class scares the om out of you. Fear of falling, neck or other pains, and the sheer oddness of seeing the world from a whole new perspective can make inversions lowest on your list of faves. If you get upset whenever your teacher suggests headstands, forearm stands, or handstands, Read more

6 Things to Expect During a Facial


Updated 04/24/12 3:05 AM · Posted by · 0 comments

What to Expect at a Facial

Going to the dermatologist's office can be quite intimate, but so can a trip to the esthetician, as well. While a doctor's office is more stark and sterile by design, a spa room is dark and soothing, making for an entirely different experience. So whether you're apprehensive about getting a facial or you're just looking for tips to get in the facial mindset, just keep reading to see how you can Read more

Get to Know Your Iliotibial Band


Updated 04/18/12 9:27 AM · Posted by · 7 comments

What Is the Iliotibial Band and Why Does It Cause Me Pain?

Many a runner has been sidelined by knee pain caused by the iliotibial band (aka the ITB). But knowing how to deal with this long band of fascia, which runs down the outside of the thigh from the pelvis to just below the shin, can help keep an injury at bay. Knowledge is power, and we want to help keep you on the road. First off, fascia is a stiff connective tissue (like tendons and ligaments) Read more

One Leg Is Less Flexible, Is This Normal?


Updated 04/15/12 2:17 PM · Posted by · 4 comments

Muscle Imbalances Can Lead to Overuse Injuries

Is one of your legs always stiffer and won't stretch or move as far as the other one? You're not alone. Flexibility and range of motion differences between the sides of our bodies is very common. The problem is, this can set you up for an injury. In general, we all have a dominant leg just as most folks have a dominant hand. If you notice one leg is more flexible than the other, it means you're Read more