Pilates Tip: Avoid the Head Rush


Updated 05/02/09 7:16 PM · Posted by FitSugar · 4 comments

Pilates Tip: Avoid the Head Rush

When I am gardening and move from a deep squat to standing, I get a little lightheaded. It is not really disconcerting, but when it happens when I'm doing Pilates, well that is a different story. Exercises where you move from horizontal to vertical quickly can create a sudden lowering of blood pressure, which can make you dizzy. The most simple way to avoid the head rush is to move more slowly. Read more

No Headphones? 5 Ways to Entertain Yourself on the Treadmill


Updated 02/28/12 9:33 AM · Posted by · 4 comments

How to Not Be Bored on the Treadmill

I love running on the treadmill, but let's be honest: it's not the most entertaining workout. I usually distract myself from counting down the minutes with a good playlist, audiobook, or tuning in to the gym's TVs. When I forget to take my running headphones, however, I have to entertain myself in an entirely different way. Here are some ways to keep yourself entertained (not to mention Read more

5 Things Not to Bring to the Gym


Updated 01/10/12 2:26 PM · Posted by FitSugar · 7 comments

What Not to Take to Gym

If you want to make the most of your gym time, there are certain things you shouldn't take with you. To stay healthy and centered during your workout, leave these five items at home: Reading material. It's important to stay focused while you're at the gym, not only for safety reasons, but also to maximize the benefits of your workout. If you're focusing on the latest issue of your favorite Read more

Yoga Class Fears (and How to Overcome Them)


Updated 11/18/11 3:10 AM · Posted by · 0 comments

How to Deal With Yoga Class Fears

As one of yoga's biggest fans, I'm always trying to persuade newbies to try a class. Whether you suffer from pain, stress, or you just want to get in shape for ski season, I'm convinced yoga is the answer. The problem is, some people are afraid to try yoga. Here are some popular yoga class fears and how to get over them. "I'm worried I'll pass gas in class" A valid fear, but at some point, all Read more

3 Ways to Deepen Your Yoga Practice


Updated 11/15/11 9:20 PM · Posted by · 2 comments

How to Deepen Your Yoga Practice

After you've had a few yoga classes under your capris, it's easy to get so caught up in the actual postures that you forget about other important details that can deepen your practice. While the physical aspect of yoga is important, not being aware of the mistakes you're making on your mat may hold you back from the emotional and spiritual benefits. During your next yoga class, focus on these Read more

Tempo Runs: How to Push Yourself Past Your Comfortable Running Pace


Updated 03/16/12 7:21 AM · Posted by FitSugar · 3 comments

How to Run Faster

When you first start running, it's important to think of yourself as a tortoise and not a hare, slowly easing yourself into running two to three miles a day, three to five days a week for about five weeks at a comfortable pace. This way, you can cover a lot of ground, yet still build endurance while minimizing injuries. Once you're in a comfortable pace zone, you'll notice that you're getting in Read more

Beginner Tips For Hot Yoga


Updated 10/11/11 6:24 PM · Posted by · 0 comments

Beginner Tips For Hot Yoga

Hot yoga, aka bikram yoga, can be quite intimidating for those who are either new to yoga in general, or haven't been to a hot yoga class before. If the 105ºF temperatures aren't enough to scare you away, the thought of getting sticky and sweating with a group of strangers can be enough to turn you off of it. But, once you get past the heat and the sweat factor, hot yoga classes can provide you Read more

Hunger: Is It Your Brain or Your Stomach?


Updated 09/20/11 6:02 AM · Posted by · 3 comments

How to Know If You Are Emotionally Eating

Feel hunger pangs, find food, eat food — sounds simple, right? Unfortunately, there's a long list of reasons as to why we eat in addition to just physiological hunger pangs. With obesity rates in the United States continuing to climb, it's important for people to not only be conscious about what they are eating, but the motives behind their eating habits. Here's how to know if you're eating to Read more

Tips For Surviving Sweaty Summer Yoga Classes


Updated 07/14/11 10:40 AM · Posted by · 2 comments

Tips For Enduring Hot Yoga Class

Summertime heat means practicing yoga in an extremely hot and humid room that can make breathing unbearable — especially when the guy next to you forgot his deodorant. Who can focus on their drishti when sweat is pooling in their eyes? If you're not used to practicing in super high temps, you'll need to take some precautions to get through the 60- to 90-minute class without passing out. First, Read more

Yoga Styles Decoded


Updated 04/16/12 6:25 PM · Posted by · 6 comments

Different Types of Yoga Classes Explained

We are excited to share one of our fave stories from Shape here on FitSugar. Hatha Yoga Origin: Introduced in 15th-century India by Hindu sage, Yogi Swatmarama, Hatha poses — Downward Facing Dog, Cobra, Eagle, and Wheel, for example — make up most yoga sequences practiced today. Philosophy: The goal of Hatha yoga is to bridge the body and mind with the breath in a series of physical poses Read more