Who doesn't want to make her time under the sheets even better? When in search of the Big O, you may need to look a little deeper, as in deep inside. I'm not talking about touching your heart here — I'm talking about getting in touch with your pelvic floor muscles. I agree that doesn't sound too sexy, and neither does the word Kegels — the name of the exercises used to strengthen those Read more

Being in the last few weeks of my pregnancy, I have to confess that I haven't been keeping up with my kegels. Early in my pregnancy, new moms urged me to keep my pelvic floor strong, but distracted by the impending appearance of my new little one, exercising this area has not been a top priority. That is until now. Helping a fellow instructor out at a postnatal yoga class over the weekend, I Read more

One moment of overextending yourself can lead to years of physical therapy and doctors visits to help keep your sports-related back pain at bay. Trainers and physical therapists constantly remind us to keep the abs engaged when completing any exercise, but to really strengthen your entire trunk, you must work it beyond the gym. Since most of us sit at a desk most hours of our waking day, our Read more

We are pumped to share one of our fave stories from Self here on FitSugar! Mom may have been setting you up for success when she told you to "Stand up straight!" as a kid. According to new research from Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management, people who have better posture are more likely to think and act in a powerful way, and take an in-charge role — whether they are a 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

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

If you're a runner, cyclist, skier, rider, climber, swimmer, or have a Type A, high-energy, can't-sit-still kind of personality, sign yourself up for Ashtanga yoga. This type of yoga is challenging, quick-paced, and just the thing to open your tight hamstrings, hips, and shoulders. Before heading to your first class, here are some things you should know. It's Hot I'm not talking Bikram-yoga hot, Read more

After pregnancy and giving birth, I now understand what all the fuss is about kegel exercises. I thought strengthening my pelvic floor muscles was about improving my sex life (which isn't top on your to-do list when your belly is expanding), but when I laughed and more came out of me than roaring giggles, I started doing kegels right then and there. Moms and mothers-to-be aren't the only ones Read more

Pregnancy gives you the green light to eat whatever you want because you're eating for two, right? Wrong. A pregnant woman still wants to eat healthy in order to nourish her growing baby and prevent excessive weight gain. Gaining up to 40 pounds is normal, but if a woman ends up gaining much more, she could have a more difficult time delivering her baby, develop gestational diabetes, and have a Read more