FitSugar

Get Your Butt in Gear: Joe's Pila-T-Shop

FitSugar — Thu, 01 Mar 2007 11:00:03 PST

If you've been reading FitSugar, you know that I am mildly obsessed with finding functional (and cute) gear. I am not always loving the straight tank and crop pants look [boring] so when I find something fun, I like to let you guys know about it.

Joe's Pila-T-Shop makes these great shirts (tanks, tees, long sleeved, etc.) that really make a statement. No seriously, they make statements like, "Flow Like Joe" or "got powerhouse?" or "Welcome to Joe's Torture Chamber". For those of you wondering who this crazy Joe is, the shirts are referring to Joe aka Joseph Pilates, the father of Pilates (not cuppa', schmoe or husband of Mary as you may have been thinking). Anyone who has done Pilates can tell you that at times the reformer may truly seem like a torture chamber. Prices range from $25-$35, depending on which style you get and they're all quite soft, making them great to wear while doing Pilates and beyond. Buy directly from Joe's Pila-T-Shop online. To see the cute styles,

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No More Pudge! 5 Tips For Rocking That Cropped Top

Self — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 05:10:01 PDT

If you're anything like me, back in the day - before exercise seemed like an issue - you rocked cropped tops everywhere. Circa 1994, was there something else worth wearing? In recent years, though, I've generally kept a little fabric between my belly and the world. Until now. Cropped tops are a must wear again. Luckily, Pilates instructor Natalie Ridley of The Sports Club/LA (where the likes of Katie Holmes, Victoria Beckham, Britney Spears and Nicole Kidman have been known to work out) offered up these toning tips, so we can bare (at least a tasteful bit of) our bellies without fear.

SELF's style team loves this American Apparel ($26.90) top. Get their picks for classy, not trashy cropped tops.

If exposing your stomach sends shivers down your spine, don't let the above picture scare you. To rock this style, there's no need to wear skirts this low or show your entire stomach. But, should a little tummy be revealed above high-waisted pants, skirts, or
shorts, you don't want to have to feel embarrassed by pudge either. According to Ridley, these five Pilates moves will tone your mid-section:

1. Roll Up:
"This exercise is intended to strengthen abdominal muscles and inner thighs. Begin lying on your back with the arms straight up toward the ceiling, legs sealed together, and feet stretched forward. Engage your belly and use your arms to pull yourself forward. Roll up. To advance this exercise, you can roll up with a straight single leg (then change to the second leg)."

See the rest of this ab-centric workout after the break!

Miley Cyrus and Liam Hemsworth Round Out Their Weekend With Big Movie News

Lauren Turner — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 10:59:40 PDT

Miley Cyrus and Liam Hemsworth stopped by a Whole Foods in LA on Saturday. The duo got together for the grocery run after Miley spent much of last week focusing on her fitness routine. Miley showed skin in her workout gear as she went to and from a Winsor Pilates class multiple times. She had a chance to relax this weekend, and tweeted about watching old episodes of Prison Break and painting her nails with friends. Liam may have a had a few days off, but he was still working hard on the big screen since The Hunger Games held onto its top spot at the box office for the fourth weekend in a row. Liam will get to work on the movie's sequel, Catching Fire, later this year, but first it looks like he'll film Paranoia alongside Harrison Ford and Gary Oldman this Summer.

The Crop Top Trend Gains Steam - Are You Ready to Try It?

Marisa Tom — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 08:53:23 PDT

While our first foray into crop top territory came courtesy of Flashdance, we're loving the fun, flirty resurgence of midriff-baring wares this Spring. After spotting the cutoff look on the Spring runways at Dolce & Gabbana, Prada, Emilio Pucci, and Versace, we knew it was only a matter of time before daring celebrities sported it. Most recently, Dree Hemingway donned a chili-printed, bustier-style Dolce & Gabbana version at Coachella, singer Lana Del Rey paired a sportier mesh-infused iteration with a polka-dotted maxi skirt in London, and Selena Gomez also wore a playful Dolce & Gabbana combo at the Kids' Choice Awards. We love that the crop top can be dressed up with a full, feminine circle skirt and sandals or pared down with denim shorts and Chucks. Of course, wearing this trend means hitting a Pilates studio stat. If you're not into showing off too much skin via cropped lengths, try layering a sheer top over it. Convinced yet? Good. We've culled some pretty versions below - shop the trend now.

Miley Cyrus Shows Skin on Her Way Out of Pilates

Lauren Turner — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 10:49:09 PDT

Miley Cyrus left a Winsor Pilates class in LA yesterday. She showed off her fit frame in black tights and a see-through white top. Her figure has been the subject of attention lately, with fans questioning her eating habits. Miley defended her weight by tweeting, "For everyone calling me anorexic, I have a gluten and lactose allergy. It's not about weight - it's about health."

Miley's been sticking to her workout routine and also making time for her boyfriend, Liam Hemsworth. Miley and Liam held hands during a stroll with their dogs earlier this month and were also recently spotted riding around town in a classic car. The couple sparked rumors of an engagement when Miley wore a giant gem on her ring finger during a public appearance, though Miley quickly refuted the news on Twitter. Liam's brother, Chris, also addressed their relationship status on the red carpet at The Avengers premiere last night, saying, "I can't see that happening."

Emma Stone's Amazing Ab Workout

Self — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 04:13:44 PDT

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

She played a frumpy reporter in The Help, but in real life, Emma Stone is the epitome of young Hollywood glamour. The 24-year-old made the transition from child actor to leading lady look effortless, but Stone puts plenty of hard work into every project she tackles, including her Pilates workout. "There's not much to chisel away at on her body, but she enjoys the feeling of flexibility and well-being," says LA-based Pilates instructor Mari Winsor, who has worked with Stone for the past year. "Whenever she's in town, she tries to come in every day."

During their hour-long sessions, the actress likes to focus her energy on firming her thighs and glutes and especially her core. "She was excited about the little lines that were created in her abs," says Winsor. "Pilates is great for creating long, sexy muscles, and we all want to feel sexy!"

Incorporate these three moves into your regular routine to get sculpted abs like Emma Stone. (Note: Oscar nomination not included!)

Get the moves after the break.

The Biggest Reasons Your Ab Exercises Aren't Working

Prevention — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 04:25:40 PDT

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

If you're struggling to see your six-pack, you could be making one of these mistakes.

By Jenna Bergen, Prevention

As the weather warms and Spring break approaches, we're all forced to do that same rather scary thing: unearth the bathing suit and take a good, hard look in the mirror. I did it just last week and was relieved to see that my job as the fitness editor at Prevention had kept my abs from going too far south. Still, given all the hours I clock at the gym, I wouldn't mind seeing a little more definition. That's when I realized I needed to fine-tune my game. If you've been putting in the effort and still don't have the abs you're after, take heart - you're not alone. Here are four top slipups that mess with your six-pack - plus expert fixes to get you back on track.

Your Form Is Sloppy
"The wrong form can turn an effective move into one that won't do anything for you," says personal trainer Jessica Smith Gomez, costar of the 10 Minute Solution: Best Belly Blasters. A few of the most common mistakes: pulling on your neck (which allows your abs to slack off), using momentum rather than muscle strength (again, a freebie pass for the abs), sagging your hips in plank, and not keeping them pulled in during every move. "You must control your abdominal wall to get any real benefit," says Erin O'Brien, creator of Kristi Yamaguchi: Power Workout and Strong Body Ageless Body. Not sure how you're doing? Check your form in a mirror.

Keep reading for two more reasons your ab exercises aren't working!

Get the Look: Miley and Miranda's Studio Workout Style

Leta Shy — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 13:27:29 PDT

Victoria's Secret model Miranda Kerr and singer Miley Cyrus recently stepped into the studio (yoga and Pilates, respectively) wearing basic black yoga leggings (like these Zobha Hi-rise foldover leggings, $84), dressed up two ways. Whether your workout style is laid-back polished or look-at-me bohemian, get both looks below.

From top: Coldwater Creek Lightweight tank ($10, on sale); Pendleton City tote ($101, on sale); Moving Comfort Aurora sports bra ($42); Alternative Apparel Meegs Eco Heather racerback ($24); H&M Leather tote ($129).

How Roberto Cavalli's New Face Stays Gorgeous

BellaSugar — Wed, 14 Mar 2012 06:00:34 PDT

You may not know her by name yet, but Elisa Sednaoui is changing that. The face of the latest Roberto Cavalli fragrance, this multilingual model portrays one head-turning tigress in the spot above. She's something of a renaissance woman, too; this 24-year-old with Italian, Egyptian, and French heritage has used her modeling career to catapult her to other opportunities like acting and directing a music video. And on top of that, hello - she's gorgeous. She's sharing her best beauty advice (it's refreshingly down-to-earth!), so read more

5 Signs You Should Cancel Your Gym Membership

Leta Shy — Wed, 14 Mar 2012 02:03:04 PDT

I love my gym for many reasons: it adds structure to my workouts and motivates me, the class selection is amazing, and the people - both trainers and members - can be very inspiring. But I know that many times a gym membership isn't the most cost-effective solution for getting fit, and going isn't for everyone. Are you wasting your money? Here are five signs it may be time to cancel your gym membership.

You'd rather be outdoors: The thought of being cooped up indoors has you dreading - and then skipping - your workout, but you continue to hold onto that gym membership "just in case." Some people find gym workouts boring, so if you're one of them, start getting creative outdoors. Even if you're not a runner, you can still have an effective workout outside; find an open space where you can do your circuit workout, invest in a bike, or grab your yoga mat and seek out an inspiring place to stretch.
You only use one piece of equipment: Take a look at your gym workout. Do you just make a beeline for the treadmill and leave? If you're not utilizing your gym's classes or equipment or asking trainers for help, you may be wasting your money. Instead of paying $50 a month just to use a treadmill, save the money to buy a piece of gym equipment for your home or just go for a run or walk outside.
You waste time once you get there: The hardest part about going to the gym may be getting there, but that shouldn't be the part of your workout that burns the most calories. Whether you find the gym uninspiring or whether you use it as social hour to catch up with friends, if you're not dedicated to your workout once you're there, you're wasting your money along with your time. Take a look at your gym workouts; if you can't find any type of exercise at the gym that inspires you, try something else.

Read on for more reasons you may want to cancel your membership.