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The concept of neutral spine may sound simple, but this important Pilates concept can be elusive. To keep a neutral shade of spine, you maintain the natural curves of your back while doing an exercise, such as an upper abdominal curl (aka crunches). Keeping neutral means the muscles in your back are working in conjunction with your abs, and when you get your abs and back to fire together, you are Read more
The concept of neutral spine sounds easy. You maintain the natural curves of your spine while doing an exercise – like an upper abdominal curl. Keeping neutral means the muscles in your back will be working along with your abs and when you get your abs and back to fire together you are working your core. Also, it is more difficult to recruit your leg muscles to help you cheat when you Read more
If you are curious about Pilates but want to know a little bit more about what to expect at your first class - here's a list of five concepts you will likely learn early on in your first session or group class. Finding your deep abs, aka transverse abdominis. You work your deep abs in every Pilates exercise, so chances are you will start here. These deep muscles can be hard to isolate without Read more
We all want to have some neutral shoes and neutral pants in our wardrobes. But what about a neutral spine? If you have heard an instructor use the term neutral spine in a fitness class, but didn't have a chance to clarify its meaning - I'm here to give you the skinny on it. Neutral spine means maintaining the natural curves of your spine. If you are lying on your back, the lowest 5 vertebrae Read more
We are excited to share one of our fave stories from Shape here on FitSugar. Rihanna is one hot singing sensation. Having recently been named the best-selling digital artist of all time — thanks to a whopping 47.5 million downloads of her hits — the sexy songstress is also a top contender for album of the year at this year’s Grammy Awards. But not only does the Barbadian beauty know how to Read more
We are pumped to share one of our favorite stories from Self here on FitSugar! Pumpkin pie, Christmas cookies, potato latkes, mashed potatoes and gravy . . . We're all guilty of overindulging in December but getting back on track doesn't have to be as difficult as it sounds. It may take weeks to melt away those post-holiday pounds but it's easy to create the illusion you haven't gained an ounce Read more
You may think it's all fun and games sitting on a stability ball while you work, but you should implement these important guidelines to help protect yourself from accidental injury. While the stability ball has its advantages, you should avoid using one if you have an acute back injury, especially if your quadratus lumborum, the major back muscle that runs from your 12th rib to the top of your Read more
My Crunch trainer recently introduced me to the assisted pull-up machine, and it might be my new favorite exercise. The machine uses counterbalance weights, which means the higher the weight you set the machine, the easier the exercise becomes. Set the weight to 20 pounds less than your weight, complete three to five reps, and then adjust the weight accordingly. For instance, if you weigh 130 Read more
Pilates has a rep as a girly exercise form that attracts ladies who lunch. Private sessions can be pricey, but mat classes will work your entire body. Originally called Contrology, the practice was actually developed to rehab injured soldiers after WW I — talk about functional fitness! After teaching the method for years (and rehabbing my own chronic back injury with it), I have decided Pilates Read more
Hi Fit! I've been going to the gym regularly for some time now. I do cardio and some strength training and I thought I was fit. Then I started a part-time job gardening. Now I'm wrangling hoses, hauling wheelbarrows and plants all over the place, digging, and squatting while weeding and planting. It is kicking my ass. Yesterday my back was just killing me after just three hours of planting fifty Read more
