FitSugar

Aerial Yoga: Om My!

FitSugar — Fri, 09 Feb 2007 12:30:00 PST

Bored with your yoga classes recently?

Then maybe you should try Aerial Yoga. It is a new type of Yoga that combines Yoga Asanas with movements done on a trapeze like apparatus. The physicality of training on any aerial apparatus complements the physicality of the Yoga Asanas - shoulders are stabilized while being stretched, core abdominal muscles can be strengthened and spinal flexibility becomes comfortable to explore.

Why? Michelle Dortignac, the person behind aerial yoga, believes that your body will have no choice but to learn proper alignment thanks to the effects of gravity since (like it or not) gravity always works, and it always works in one direction. The best part? No previous aerial or Yoga experience is necessary.

Right now you can only take Michelle's Aerial Yoga in Brooklyn, NY but it is only $15 per class, which in my opinion is not bad at all. For more information visit the Aerial Yoga site or call (917) 312-4339 to set up a class reservation.

Don't live in NYC, well Triangle Yoga in North Carolina has its own version of Aerial Yoga.

Inversion Issues: How to Remedy Common Shoulderstand Complaints

Jenny Sugar — Fri, 25 May 2012 00:14:27 PDT

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 endowed or carry extra weight in your belly, then gravity causes added pressure on the lungs and throat, making it tough to take in a deep breath. A supportive bra and fitted top can help, but if you still have trouble breathing, then changing how you do the pose will make a huge improvement. Instead of stacking your pelvis and feet directly over your shoulders, hinge at your hips slightly, pressing them away from your face so your feet extend slightly behind your head.

Still can't breathe? Try the Legs Up the Wall variation; rest your lower back on your mat or, to give your hips a little lift, rest your lower back on a folded-up blanket or flat bolster.

Continue reading to learn how to alleviate neck pain and feelings of imbalance while in Shoulderstand.

Yogini Kristin McGee Dishes on Bethenny Frankel's Fave Pose and Getting Ready For Beach Season

Lizzie Fuhr — Wed, 23 May 2012 00:36:21 PDT

I was lucky enough to take a class taught by Manhattan-based yoga teacher Kristin McGee right here in San Francisco! Although one busy lady, Kristin traveled across the country to teach Vinyasa Vibes (a new offering at The Sports Club/LA), a flow-based, powerful yoga sequence enhanced by music. The most musical part of the practice? During Savasana, the class culminated in a live sax solo by Grammy-nominated musician Dave Koz. After class, Kristin and I chatted about her yoga journey, getting ready for bikini season, and what it's like working with one of her famous clients, Bethenny Frankel.

FitSugar: Some of the moves in Vinyasa Vibes are Ashtanga-influenced. Is that what your yoga teacher training background was in?
Kristin McGee: My original background was really eclectic because I started in the early '90s. I started taking [yoga] at NYU; some of my very early teachers were Jivamukti teachers who did study Ashtanga. Then I did study with Richard Freedman for a while, who is pure Ashtanga, and Cyndi Lee at OM Yoga. I wanted to get deeper into Iyengar classes and get into the alignment and the detail. Now in my practice I want to get more into Pranayama, more of the breathing, and maybe take some more Kundalini classes. I just feel like it constantly evolves.

FS: The Vinyasa Vibes class has live music during final relaxation. Can you elaborate on the experience of live music and yoga combined?
KM: In yoga practice, it’s a very intimate, immediate place. It's almost like live theater or live music where it brings you right into the moment. Music is a universal language, just like our breath is a universal breath. I think the second we're in this surrounding, in this environment with that live music and the intimacy of a live class, it brings it all together in one beautiful experience.

FS: You’ve collaborated with Bethenny Frankel on some projects. What's her favorite pose?
KM: Bethenny’s all-time favorite pose is Straddle Forward Bend because she says it feels like the weight of the world is falling off of her shoulders. Someone like Bethenny Frankel has a million things going on, and I don’t know how she does it! But I think you also noticed it in the practice tonight. Right when we finally got to that Straddle Forward Hang, it was kind of just like, "Ugh! Such a release!" You feel like you could stay there for quite a while.

Keep reading for Kristin's favorite snack before class and how to get your body ready for Summer.

Healthy Dose Link Time: Chia Seed Strawberry Jam Recipe

Michele Foley — Wed, 09 May 2012 11:06:21 PDT

Your new Summer standby: strawberry chia jam - Eating Bird Food
When your short on time, grab these healthy packaged foods - Prevention
Why slowing down your workout may be the secret to skinny - Shape
Get inside the head of Olympic volleyball player Misty May Treanor - Fit Bottomed Girls
Reusable shopping bags linked to food virus - are yours at risk? - Blisstree
Celeb trainer Harley Pasternak's tips for slimming down before bikini season - FabFitFun
You know the pros of yoga, now learn the cons - Mind Body Green
Do you feel like chicken tonight? Try this Greek-inspired recipe - The Fitnessista

Fit Tip: Take Your Strength Training Routine Outside

Leta Shy — Tue, 08 May 2012 14:17:28 PDT

As soon as the hint of Summer comes along, I'm all about taking my workout outside. I'll admit, however, that for me, forgoing the gym for the great outdoors usually means I'm out for a run. Luckily, there are many ways I can take more than my cardio outside. Here are some ideas for enjoying the fresh air while you tone up and stretch out.

Take a bootcamp class: Ready to get whipped into shape before most people are even awake? Take advantage of mild Spring mornings by enrolling in an outdoor butt-busting boot camp in your city. You'll learn new moves and blaze through your workouts to see results by Summer.
Create your own workout club: If you feel a little bit self-conscious or unmotivated to do a circuit workout outside when you're by yourself, then gather a few workout buddies to join. You'll have fun creating your own workouts (or try this circuit workout) and helping each other keep correct form, all while ditching the dark gym for a sunnier setting.
Use the playground: Watching the kids at the playground? Take a few minutes to tone your entire body with these simple one-minute playground exercises.
Find a bench: If there's no playground near you, don't worry - all you need is a sturdy bench for an insanely effective workout. Watch our bench workout video here.
Relax with yoga: Stake out a quiet spot, tune into your Sun Salutations playlist on your iPod, and spend some time stretching and toning in the sun.

How do you exercise outside?

Healthy Dose Link Time: Cleansing Before Pregnancy - Yay or Nay?

Michele Foley — Mon, 07 May 2012 10:40:02 PDT

Lil asks: should you prep your body for pregnancy with a cleanse? - LilSugar
How to eat healthy when Indian is your takeout of choice - Fab Fit Fun
New workout alert! Learn the ins and outs of SLT yoga - Vital Juice
Everything you need to know to achieve a bod like Jen Aniston - InStyle
12 healthy (and homemade) alternatives to the ice-cream truck - Shape
Choose your own workout! Mix and match with these seven moves - Health
Fight Alzheimer's with these omega-3-rich foods - HuffPost Healthy Living
Say om with your co-workers: tips for finding corporate yoga retreats - Mind Body Green

How to Avoid Gaining Weight While Dating

FitSugar — Fri, 04 May 2012 17:41:52 PDT

Being in a relationship is so exciting that spending so much time together can cause your healthy lifestyle to fly out the window. You may even adopt some of your partner's unhealthy habits. That can add up to some extra pounds on the scale, so here are some tips to prevent weight gain while dating.

Remember that eating an extra 500 calories a day will make you gain a pound in one week, so be conscious of how much you're eating. Just because your guy has three slices of pizza, that doesn't mean you should too. Guys need more calories, so remember to eat appropriate sized portions, even when dining together.
You don't have to eat just because your partner is. Guys tend to inhale their meal, and then an hour later they're eating again. It can be tempting to join in if food is in front of you, but don't nosh unless you're truly hungry.

Keep up with your regular exercise schedule. When you're in a relationship, you don't want to sacrifice the things that are important to your own well-being, so make time for your 20 to 60 minutes of exercise a day. Get up early before work or steal away during lunchtime so you don't feel like it's taking away from time spent with your loved one.
Or better yet, exercise together. Meet at the gym after work, play tennis or racquetball, take salsa dance lessons or a Vinyasa yoga class, or join a dodgeball team.
Spend more time being active together instead of sitting on the couch. You don't have to be really athletic, but you can tour a museum, take a walk in the park, hike in the woods, or go for a bike ride.
Sign up for a healthy cooking class together so you can both learn new ways to make delicious dishes that are full of nutrients but not full of saturated fat, cholesterol, and empty calories.

Things You Should Never Do With Your Yoga Mat

Jenny Sugar — Thu, 03 May 2012 11:55:14 PDT

No matter how much moola you dropped on your yoga mat, you want it to last and offer you a smooth and injury-free yoga practice. There's not a whole lot that goes into caring for your mat, but here are three things you should never do.

Lather up: New mats often come with a rubbery or plastic-y odor, so of course your first instinct is to give it a thorough cleaning. Using too much soap can leave a slippery film, so the next time you hop on your mat, it might be dangerously slick, putting you at risk for ~~falling on your asana~~ injury. Use this technique instead: dip a washcloth in a solution of two cups of warm water and four drops of dish soap, and lightly rub the mat. Don't scrub it with a rough sponge as this can cause nicks in the smooth surface and lead to holes. Then hang the wet mat over your shower rod to air dry.
Leave it rolled up: After a sweaty yoga class, you wouldn't ball up your wet outfit, store it in your yoga bag, and then slip it on for your next class, so why is it any different with your yoga mat? It's never a good idea to keep your mat rolled up after a sweat session. The moist, dark environment is bacteria and mold's favorite hangout spot and I doubt you want to practice on a mat covered in that kind of unhealthy growth. It's OK to roll it up right after class, but as soon as you get home, hang it over a door or banister and allow it to fully dry out before rolling it up again.
Lend it out: You're such a kind and thoughtful yogi, you're even willing to let someone borrow your mat. Stop right there. While it's good karma to share with others, I'm sure sharing germs isn't what you had in mind. Even your dearest friend can give you a cold, so it's best to encourage others to buy their own mat to ensure everyone keeps their germs to themselves.

Source: Flickr User mikecpeck

How to Combat That Afternoon Slump

Leta Shy — Thu, 03 May 2012 13:40:46 PDT

Sometimes, you just can't beat that afternoon slump. Sitting at a desk all day can leave you feeling the opposite of energetic, especially around those postlunch hours when our bodies expend more energy digesting or we crash from the effects of our morning cup of coffee - and when that happens, don't think you can always rely on energy drinks. Besides their long list of unpronounceable ingredients, a new study has found that energy drinks contain high levels of citric acid, which can cause major tooth enamel erosion.

Luckily, even without the energy drinks you don't have to spend your nine-to-five dreading the inevitable urge to nap. Here are some ways for combating that afternoon slump.

Exercise in the morning. A good day begins with a good start. Exercising in the morning is beneficial for many reasons: you don't have to worry about scheduling a time later, and it's nice to be able to check something off your list before the day really begins. A morning sweat session is also good for keeping your energy levels up throughout the day, so if you find yourself hitting a wall in the afternoon, try moving your workout session to before work and see how you feel.
Take an afternoon walk. If you find yourself spending more time dozing and daydreaming than working in the afternoon, take a 10-minute break to rev up your body. Just walking around the office, chatting with co-workers, or taking a break to enjoy the sunshine outside can be all you need to give your body a recharge.

Still tired? Read on for more tips that'll keep you from taking a nap at your desk!

Sugar Shout Out: Your Guide to Summer Concerts

Brittney Stephens — Wed, 02 May 2012 23:55:09 PDT