FitSugar

De-Stress With The Massage Deck

DearSugar — Mon, 06 Aug 2007 11:00:00 PDT

When I get stressed out, my body responds in a physical way. I can't sit still, my muscles get tense and I get a major headache. It's times like these when my mind and body screams, "I Need a Massage!"

Most of the time, I can't get an appointment with my favorite massage therapist and that's where the The Massage Deck ($14.95) comes in handy.

It features 50 easy-to-follow, artfully illustrated methods for giving and receiving the perfect massage. Each card gives detailed instructions on massage techniques (so it's okay if you don't know what you're doing), and tips for when to use essential oils and lotions. They suggest specific sequences for 10 and 20 minute massages so you and your partner can take turns massaging the other into a state of calmness and learning the important language of touch. Then who knows ... the massages may lead to other much more fun stress-relieving activities!!

Get Physical: Massage Deck

FitSugar — Sat, 03 Feb 2007 05:45:00 PST

It's the weekend and we're all looking for a way to relax. Most of us also use the weekends to catch up with the significant other in our life, which is not always as relaxing as one would hope. This weekend, get physical (and relaxed) by giving each other massages. Worried that your massage skills are a little rusty?

Then you need to get The Massage Deck ($14.95) which features 50 easy to follow, beautifully illustrated methods for giving and receiving the perfect massage. Color coded by body region this portable deck includes detailed instructions for each technique, a reflexology card and suggested sequences for 20 and 60 minute massages. Learn how to soothe away stress and tension, relieve headaches and muscle pain as well as enjoy complete relaxation.

Also, you'll burn calories giving a massage as an 150 lb person who gives a 15 minute massage (while standing) will burn around 68 calories. Buy The Massage Deck online from Vickerey.

5 Interesting Facts About Titanic's Luxurious Turkish Baths

Jaime Richards — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 03:00:00 PDT

From a squash racquet court, state-of-the-art gymnasium (complete with an electric horse for simulated riding), and heated pool, first-class passengers aboard the Titanic were the recipients of some of the ship's finest perks. It was the elaborate Turkish baths, located on the middle deck, though, that were one of the most impressive amenities of all.

A popular activity during the Victorian era, Turkish baths provided a place for rest, relaxation, and plenty of perspiration. While the baths were among the first areas to flood before the vessel went down, thanks to well-kept records and a 2005 search by remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), we have a sense of what it was really like to sit and soak aboard the Ship of Dreams. So in remembrance of the 100-year anniversary of the passenger liner's tragic ending, let's take a closer look at Titanic's Turkish baths.

Did Justin Bieber Treat Himself to an $11 Million Real Estate Birthday Present?

Elka Karl — Mon, 05 Mar 2012 16:15:36 PST

According to an article in The Daily Mail, Justin Bieber has purchased a $10.8 million, three-story mansion above Lake Hollywood. This property is accustomed to housing celebs - Ashton Kutcher has been renting it for $50,000 a month since splitting with Demi Moore.

According to the real estate listing,

The home features a large living room with walls of glass that fully retract to invite the outdoors in; a floating dining room area that opens to stunning views; two gathering rooms; a state-of-the-art gourmet kitchen; a private movie theater; a bar area; and a gym and massage room. In addition, the master suite is striking with ample use of glass and wood, magnificent views, and a spalike master bath with views. A variety of outdoor spaces from enclosed gardens and outdoor rooms to cantilevered decks and an open sky terrace are integral parts of the home's experience. A cutting-edge architectural lifestyle with all of today's required amenities.

Keep clicking to take a full tour! Update: According to Real Estalker, although Bieber toured the house, he has not yet made an offer on it.

Source

5 Festive Ways to Find Intimacy During the Holidays

Annie Scudder — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 14:55:56 PST

"Getting through the holidays isn't always easy, especially when it comes to your relationship," admits sexual health expert Dr. Hilda Hutcherson. Despite the challenges, the director of the Center for Sexual Health at Columbia University and co-author of the new Seasons of Love ebook believes the holidays actually provide an opportunity to improve your relationship. We caught up with Dr. Hutcherson, and she gave us five tips for turning the stressful season into a sensual one. Here they are:

Make time for date nights. "Just as you set aside time on your calendar for a cookie swap and office party, reserve at least two nights just for you and your partner," advises Dr. Hutcherson. And she suggests letting Winter inspire your date ideas. "Take a walk to admire the decorations in your neighborhood and keep warm with a cup of hot chocolate," she says, or "grab an hour or two and go ice-skating at a local rink."
Use sexy stocking stuffers. "Who says toys are just for kids?" Dr. Hutcherson asked us. She thinks we should spice up our stockings. "For the more tame, grab massage oil and some candles; they will not only set the mood for more romance, but a soothing rubdown can ease even the most tense of partners." As for the adventurous givers, "a vibrator is sure to get her engine revving and rid her mind of any Yuletide blues. Looking to fall somewhere in between? Take it up a notch with an arousal gel to heighten sexual pleasure and sensitivity, like the new K-Y Date Night Packs."
Make sexolutions. "We take the time to focus on our finances, waistline, and jobs come Jan. 1," says Dr. Hutcherson, "but why not our relationships?" Her tip for making them last: "Take small steps and gradually build up to a great result. For instance, don't make a promise to have more or better sex, be more specific - have sex once a week, try out a new position once a month, enjoy a date night twice per month."

Keep reading for two more sensual suggestions from Dr. Hutcherson.

4 Ways to Avoid Icky Gym Germs (and Look Cute!)

Self — Wed, 11 May 2011 04:49:14 PDT

We are pumped to share one of our fave stories from Self here on FitSugar!

Let's face it; it's tough to avoid germs when you're breaking a sweat. And it's even harder to keep bacteria at bay if you're sharing space with hundreds of other fitness fans at the gym or in the studio. What's an exerciser to do to stay healthy and safe? Clean up your act with the help of these antimicrobial tools that will make your workouts anything but a dirty job.

Carry your own gym towel. Your hands aren't the only ones reaching for a towel from the stack at the front desk. Toss your own in your bag instead. A good choice, Silver Sport's antimicrobial eco-friendly bamboo towel ($34.99). It's amazingly soft and it uses Terra Silver antimicrobial technology that mitigates 99.9% of surface bacteria. That means if your towel touches down on a dirty surface and then touches your hands/face you're still safe from the germs. Mine also went unwashed for days (oops left it in my gym bag) and remained surprisingly odor-free.
Bring your own equipment. Gym mats and props are dirty, so skip the shared equipment and bring your own. Go with Silver Sport's Silver Mat ($49.99). The nanosilver incorporated in the plush light-weight mat makes it the perfect companion for hot yoga or ab moves at the end of class. I love the Silver Shaper Pilates Roller Cover ($39.99) too. It's latex-free, protects from germs, and covers any standard foam roller. Great for massaging post-workout also. And thanks to their natural antimicrobial technology, a quick wipe down with a damp cloth keeps bacteria and odor in check on both. You can skip the harsh chemicals and sprays!

Check out more germ-busting finds after the break!

Catherine Zeta-Jones Lounges in Her Tiny Bikini With Shirtless Michael Douglas

Lauren Turner — Fri, 22 Jul 2011 14:14:49 PDT

Catherine Zeta-Jones hit the deck of a yacht in her bikini off the coast of Italy today. She and shirtless Michael Douglas soaked up the sun and Catherine even got a massage as they continued their relaxing couple's getaway. The couple have been all over the Mediterranean enjoying time off, and Catherine and Michael even met up with fellow vacationers Jon Bon Jovi and his wife Dorothea. The foursome was spotted lunching at the beachside restaurant Club 55 and met up again later for dinner at Tetou in the South of France. Catherine's overseas stint comes after she filmed her part in Rock of Ages, which her costars Tom Cruise and Julianne Hough have been busy shooting in Miami. We already got our first look at Catherine Zeta-Jones in Rock of Ages, though the movie still had her much more covered up than she was during her bikini day.