FitSugar

Yoga Poses for Dysmenorrhea

FitSugar — Tue, 08 May 2007 03:30:00 PDT

Dysmenorrhea. A big word meaning severe aching and throbbing menstrual cramps. About 50% of women have painful periods (no wonder we're all so unhappy). These cramps can be sharp, constant, intermittent, or dull, and women feel them in their lower abdomen and back. They are caused by uterine contractions, and can be aggravated by emotional stress. These piercing pains may come right before you get your period or during, and usual go away after Aunt Flo leaves you.

Now everyone has cramps, but when I say dysmenorrhea - I'm talking about crippling, can't get through your normal day kind of pain. Some women get awful headaches and severely nauseas (I had a friend who used to throw up from the pain). Another thing - people with dysmenorrhea usually have really heavy periods. Twice the fun.

Some women take pain meds to deal, but you may want to give these yoga poses a try. For me, sometimes getting my body moving (and out of fetal position on the couch) really helps with cramps.

Ahh, Wide Squat pose. Hip pain can be part of the whole cramp scene, so stretching them out feels really good.

Want to see the other poses that might help? Then

Pigeon pose also opens your hips, but sometimes it feels better to work one side at a time. If you keep your torso lifted, it stretches out your lower back, but if you lie your torso down on your front leg, it's really relaxing. It feels great to hang out in this pose for a few minutes on each side.

Stretching out your lower and upper back can also relieve cramps. This one called Camel also stretches out the front of the hips, belly, chest and shoulders.

If you don't feel like moving your body much, sitting in this pose called Hero is a great way to relax the body and calm your thoughts.

Class Act: Ashtanga Yoga's Second Series

FitSugar — Thu, 29 Mar 2007 11:00:00 PDT

Do you remember this pose? It was one of the yoga challenges called Crow pose. It's part of Second Series in Ashtanga yoga, known as Nadi Shodina, which means nerve purification. It involves a lot of hip openers, backbends, and arm balancing poses.

Just as in Primary Series, you'll do Sun Salutations A and B, standing poses like Triangle, and then move onto the poses in Second Series. It takes 1 1/2 hours to complete and by the end, you'll feel amazing.

Depending on who you talk to, some Ashtanga yoga instructors think you need to master Primary Series before moving onto Second Series. I don't agree. Primary Series is all about forward bending, and Second Series has a lot to do with back bending. I am a firm believer that your body can benefit from all yoga postures, and you shouldn't be restricted from doing any - you should be encouraged to try them all.

Also, if you are constantly bending forward and stretching the back of your body, you'll need to strengthen those muscles too. You need the poses in Second Series to counterbalance the poses in First Series and vice versa. The two Series' complement each other brilliantly.

Want to know more about Second Series? Then

read more Second Series is so much fun. You get a chance to try out some more advanced poses like Crow, Forearm Stand, Bow, and Leg Behind the Head. You never know what your body is capable of doing unless you try. After you finish a Second Series class, your body will feel different. Since it involves a ton of backbending poses, you'll feel a sense of lightness and love from stretching through and opening your chest. Fit's Tips: I recommend trying Second Series 100%. It's challenging and you'll strengthen and increase flexibility in the muscles of your entire body. Locate an Ashtanga Yoga studio near you and find out if they offer Second Series classes or workshops. You can also check out David Swenson's Ashtanga Yoga Second and Third Series DVD for $24.95. Check out some pictures of poses from Second Series. Just so you know, these aren't in order.

View 7 Photos ›

Class Act: Bikram Yoga – It's Hot

FitSugar — Thu, 01 Feb 2007 03:30:00 PST

Bikram yoga is hot - and that's an understatement. The room is heated to 100 sizzling degrees, to help your body warm up quickly, so you can get deeper into the poses.

Bikram is named after its founder, Bikram Choudhury, and it is a series of 26 postures. They are usually repeated twice and held for a certain amount of time.

Class begins with Standing Postures, and then moves onto Backbends, Forward Bends, and Twists. The poses are accompanied by Kapalabhati Breath or the "breath of fire" which helps to warm up the body even more.

I took a Bikram Yoga class and when I walked in the room, I was NOT pleased to see that the entire front wall was one huge mirror. I'm more into feeling the poses and having the mirror there was too much of a distraction - I found myself sneaking a peak of myself and making negative judgments, which is the opposite of how you should feel in a yoga class.

And because your body warms up so much, you'll tend to go deeper into poses than you normally would, so you've got to be careful not to push yourself past your edge. You sweat like a pig during the class, so bring a towel and make sure to drink a lot of water a few hours before you go to a class, otherwise you can risk getting dizzy from dehydration.

For some people, Bikram is the only way to do yoga, so give it a try if you love the heat. Already a fan? Tell me about it at Stretch and Tell.

Want to see all 26 postures? Then

Take on Bowser in New Super Mario Converse Kicks

Kelly Schwarze — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 06:12:00 PST

Get ready to battle Koopas in style as Converse Japan is planning another Super Mario Bros. shoe collaboration. The One Star Super Mario Bros. OX low-top sneaker is slated to hit Japanese retail stores this March.

Available in black or white leather, the shoe looks similar to the original design at first glance, ideal for people who aren't looking to take their video game fanaticism to the extreme. On closer inspection, you can see the Converse star logo is the star from Super Mario Bros. and the characters themselves appear in familiar midgame poses at the shoe's heel. Hit up the Converse Japan website for nostalgic eight-bit Spring gear.

Home Improvement: Why Don't Men Notice Decorating Changes?

Stylelist Home — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 03:00:58 PST

I'm happy to present a post from Stylelist Home!

Turns out there's a slight difference when it comes to how women and men approach home improvements and decorating at home. According to a recent study by retailer TK Maxx - not to be confused with TJ Maxx - a poll of 2,000 women reported that men don't notice the decorating changes they make to the household more than 50 percent of the time. Worse yet, two-thirds of the women also said that they had to literally let their partners know what the actual changes in the home were.

While it may be said that this depends on the scale of decorating change that has been made, it appears that this is besides the point. The same group of women claim to have done projects as big as "painted a room and got no reaction from their husband at all" to switching out "curtains to wallpaper and even moved furniture without their partner noticing." On the contrary, mother-in-laws and friends are quick to pick up on home additions such as new cushions and color palettes.

We can definitely understand the argument posed by this study. But while it's often suggested that men are less likely to turn their attention to small details in the home as women do, is it really an indication that they don't care about their domestic environment? We're curious to know what you think. Let us know in comments below.

To read the full article, click here.

Source

Donna Karan Fall 2012

FabSugar — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 18:37:06 PST

Somewhere, Marlene Dietrich is smiling. Donna Karan's Fall 2012 collection gave menswear a seductive turn, somehow making the double-breasted suit look just as sexy as the fitted dresses. Whereas past collections felt as loose and languid as a yoga pose, this latest collection was all about sharp tailoring and even sharper edges. Blazers had pointed shoulders, tops had extra wide, stiff cuffs, and skirts and dresses were folded and gathered like the face of a Frank Gehry building. There was lots of structure, and it seemed that Karan is making a strong argument for the '90s power suit. Models were adorned with miniature fedoras - thank you, Stephen Jones - giving the show a slightly playful and sexy undertone, as if they were Vegas dancers playing businesswomen. That said, Donna Karan also paid tribute to Whitney Houston, and the show closed with the late singer's rendition of "I'm Every Woman." No one knows that better than Karan. Side note: the show opened with a preview of her Casual Luxe line, which could be summed up as tartan-loving biker chick. Those looks follow the collection photos.

Trends: power suits, menswear, architectural details, sculptural.
Colors: Red, black, gray, olive.
Key Piece: The fitted menswear blazers, a sexy red cocktail dress.
Accessories:The miniature hats were amazing.
Who Would Wear It: Women who can pull off the menswear look - think Evan Rachel Wood.

The Artist Has a Big Night at the BAFTAs With Brad, George, Penelope, and More

Lauren Turner — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 14:55:48 PST

London's Royal Opera House was buzzing with stars as the BAFTAs kicked off last night. Brad Pitt popped up on the UK red carpet after attending the Berlin Film Festival premiere of In the Land of Blood and Honey with Angelina Jolie on Saturday. He was up for best actor, as was his pal George Clooney, who mingled with Colin Firth and his wife, Livia Giuggioli, on their way into the show. Presenter Penelope Cruz got glamorous in red while nominees Jessica Chastain, Viola Davis, and Meryl Streep followed suit in gorgeous gowns. Michael Fassbender was back in front of the cameras following a win at yesterday's Irish Film and Television Awards in Dublin. Other guys to suit up for the event included Jon Hamm, Jonah Hill, Gary Oldman, and Jean Dujardin. Chris Hemsworth, who is up for the rising star award, also went with black-tie and posed alongside his pregnant wife, Elsa Pataky. What did you think of all the BAFTA red-carpet looks?

Brad, who wore a coat by Dolce & Gabbana over his tuxedo, didn't end up taking home BAFTA gold, since The Artist's Jean Dujardin was declared best actor. Meryl Streep added to her trophy collection with a best actress accolade for The Iron Lady. Octavia Spencer from The Help won best supporting actress, and the corresponding male honor went to Christopher Plummer for Beginners. The Artist also won best picture and best director. Whether they won or lost, many celebs were in a happy mood following the show. Meryl, Octavia, Chris, Elsa, and more went to the official afterparty, and the Weinstein Company hosted another of their famous bashes.

Open Your Heart: 10 Heart-Opening Stretches

Jenny Sugar — Sun, 12 Feb 2012 22:15:17 PST

I can hear Madonna in my head singing "Open Your Heart," and in my mind's eye see her doing her yoga moves on stage. Why not celebrate Valentine's Day and American Heart Month with a little bit of yogic love? Physically stretching the muscles in your chest, shoulders, and belly can create a deep emotional release helping you to appreciate and honor of yourself and your loved ones. These poses also bring a feeling of lightness and contentment. Try these 10 heart-opening stretches to make you feel positively blissful.

Source: Thinkstock

Carrie, Rihanna, Katy, Fergie, and More Get Sexy on the Grammys Red Carpet

Lauren Turner — Sun, 12 Feb 2012 22:12:26 PST

Music's leading ladies and more famous faces brought their best looks to the Grammys red carpet in LA tonight. Julianne Hough posed in a strapless Kaufman Franco gown while Alicia Keys chose a simple black dress and arrived on the arm of husband Swizz Beatz. Adele, who is nominated for six awards, wore a custom Giorgio Armani gown. She's taking the stage at this evening's show to perform for the first time since undergoing surgery to repair damaged vocal cords late last year. Fellow performer, Rihanna, brought the sexiness in a backless Armani number, which she helped design.

Neutrals were a big trend on the carpet with Kate Beckinsale stepping out in a cream Zuhair Murad mini and country star Miranda Lambert in a similarly hued lace Pivoni gown. Miranda joined her husband, Blake Shelton, on the carpet. Kelly Osbourne sparkled in Tony Ward with her light purple hair. Best country song and best country solo performance winner Taylor Swift rocked a high-neck Zuhair Murad as she awaits the news on her third nomination.

Nominee Carrie Underwood kept the sparkle coming in a long sleeve white gown by Gomez-Gracia. She'll hit the stage for a duet with Tony Bennett at tonight's show. Katy Perry, who is nominated for two Grammys, switched up her usually edgy appearance with a subtle blue Elie Saab that matched her bright hair, while Fergie showed skin in a hot orange lace Jean Paul Gaultier that revealed her black undergarments. Lady Antebellum's Hillary Scott brought a touch of color with her purple Monique Lhuillier gown.

There were more fashionable moments with Nicki Minaj stepping out in a dramatic Versace cape, and Malin Akerman wearing white, among others, so be sure to click through to see all the looks and make sure to vote on Fab and Bella's red carpet polls!

See ALL the Grammys red carpet ladies when you read more!

Kate Beckinsale Goes Short and Sexy at the Grammys

Lauren Turner — Sun, 12 Feb 2012 17:18:02 PST

Kate Beckinsale chose a white mini dress with a black bow accent by Zuhair Murad for tonight's Grammy Awards in LA. She brought her daughter, Lily Sheen, to the musical show, though the duo didn't pose on the red carpet together. Kate's just one of many glamorous ladies at the Grammys tonight including Rihanna, Julianne Hough, Carrie Underwood, and Katy Perry. Let us know what you think about all the lovely looks when you vote on Fab and Bella's red carpet polls!