Running Tip: Run From Your Pelvis


Updated 06/19/08 3:40 PM · Posted by FitSugar · 18 comments

Running Tip: Run From Your Pelvis

I am going to be honest here and confess that there comes a point in every run when I would just like to stop running altogether. Either my feet feel tired or my lungs don't feel like working that hard. I'm not alone in this, am I? I have learned that running is a mental game, so I take these moments to refocus my energy on my pelvis. Thinking of leading from my pelvis, instead of my legs or Read more

Back to Basics: Finding Neutral Spine


Updated 05/29/08 3:16 PM · Posted by FitSugar · 5 comments

Back to Basics:  Finding Neutral Spine

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

Inversion Issues: How to Remedy Common Shoulderstand Complaints


Updated 05/25/12 10:05 AM · Posted by · 0 comments

Remedies For Common Shoulderstand Complaints

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 Read more

Do You Know Your Labor and Delivery Equipment?


Updated 05/24/12 11:55 AM · Posted by LilSugar · 1 comment

Labor and Delivery Equipment

When a woman gives birth in the movies, the doctor stands at her pelvis ready to guide the baby into his arms and there is nary an electronic or piece of equipment in sight. In real life, the labor and delivery room is filled with monitors and machines ready to go at a moment's notice. Take our quiz and see just how familiar you are with these tools of the delivery trade. Take the Quiz Read more

Torch Calories and Tone With This Circuit Workout


Updated 05/25/12 2:01 PM · Posted by · 0 comments

Full-Body Circuit Workout From Equinox Trainer

What's not to love about circuit training? Combining heart-pumping elements of cardio with strength-training moves means you torch calories while toning muscles. It's just so efficient. Here's a fun yet challenging circuit workout I did recently with my Equinox trainer Lauren. The workout has you performing each exercise for a minute, which means you need to keep a stopwatch handy, but you have Read more

A Body Check That Won't Hurt: Tips For Proper Running Form


Updated 04/23/12 10:50 AM · Posted by · 0 comments

Running Form Tips

Running is all about stepping one foot in front of the other. Sounds easy enough, right? But if your running form is incorrect, you'll end up with aches, strains, and injuries that could prevent you from lacing up your sneaks at all. Make sure to avoid these running-form mistakes the next time you hit the treadmill, trail, or pavement. Head: It sometimes feels good to close your eyes and relax Read more

3 Leg Stretches Runners Should Do Daily


Updated 04/20/12 11:09 AM · Posted by · 0 comments

Running Stretches For Tight Hamstrings and Hips

I don't think I've ever met a runner who doesn't suffer from tight hips, hamstrings, or a lower back. The receptive movements and strengthening aspect of running can cause tight muscles that need extra attention. Of course you should never skip the stretching session after a run, but here are three lower-body stretches you should do every day — even on the days you don't run. Open Lizard What Read more

Get to Know Your Iliotibial Band


Updated 04/18/12 9:27 AM · Posted by · 7 comments

What Is the Iliotibial Band and Why Does It Cause Me Pain?

Many a runner has been sidelined by knee pain caused by the iliotibial band (aka the ITB). But knowing how to deal with this long band of fascia, which runs down the outside of the thigh from the pelvis to just below the shin, can help keep an injury at bay. Knowledge is power, and we want to help keep you on the road. First off, fascia is a stiff connective tissue (like tendons and ligaments) Read more

Prego and on the Run: Round Ligament Pain


Updated 04/13/12 7:15 PM · Posted by FitSugar · 1 comment

Prego and on the Run: Round Ligament Pain

If you used to run regularly before there was a little bundle of joy growing inside you, doctors think it's safe to continue with your running routine while pregnant. You should def get the OK from your OB though, and once you do, you may find it helps with some common pregnancy symptoms such as constipation, leg cramps, lower back pain, and fatigue. Yeah, being with child is fun! Running with a Read more

Squat Walk This Way: A Tush-Toning Thera-Band Exercise


Updated 05/22/12 12:49 PM · Posted by · 0 comments

Squat Walks With a Resistance Band

When exercising, it's crucial to concentrate on your glutes. These muscles help stabilize and support your legs, back, and pelvis, and if you slack on working this area, you will begin to feel it in your back. To get you on your way, try this squat walking exercise with a Thera-Band. (The exercise can easily be done without the use of a Thera-Band, but the resistance helps to really target the Read more