Home Fitness Test: Quad Strength and Endurance


Updated 01/15/10 12:43 PM · Posted by FitSugar · 16 comments

Home Fitness Test: Quad Strength and Endurance

Ski season is rapidly approaching and with it means sore quads. That is if you don't do any preseason conditioning. I would start with the simple assessment of the your quad endurance, which is also a great exercise to add into your routine. Wall Sit Test Assesses: Quad strength and endurance Place your back against the wall, and walk your feet out and away from the wall about 3 ft. Bend your Read more

Race Up the Empire State Building Is Tonight!


Updated 02/08/12 5:28 PM · Posted by · 2 comments

Empire State Building Run-Up Is February 8, 2012

I'm all for jogging up stairs to warm up before a run, and I've even come to love running hills. But running straight up the 86 flights of stairs it takes to get to the top of the Empire State building seems grueling. That's just what the 650 brave souls who are entered in the 35th Annual Empire State Building Run-Up Race are doing tonight. Keep reading to find out how long it took last year's Read more

Cardio Workout: Elliptical Full Body Workout


Updated 02/06/12 2:57 PM · Posted by · 8 comments

Beginning Elliptical Workout

Love it or hate it, a major plus to sweating it out on the elliptical is that you can work your body in a variety of ways using this machine. Pedaling forward works your quads while going backward targets the hamstrings and booty. Focus on pushing the handles gets your chest, and pulling them focuses the work in your upper back. And letting go of the handles while keeping your pace steady Read more

What Not to Do in Wheel Pose


Updated 01/25/12 1:35 PM · Posted by · 0 comments

Tips For Backbend Wheel Pose

Doing Full Backbend, also known as Wheel pose, isn't exactly on the list of beginner moves. It's demanding both from a flexibility as well as a strength standpoint, so it's best to stick to Half Wheel, Camel, and other easier variations before trying your hand at Full Backbend. When you are ready, here are some things to keep in mind to ensure you're doing this heart-opening pose safely and Read more

From Beginner to Expert: 4 Ways to Become a Better Runner


Updated 01/10/12 12:37 PM · Posted by · 4 comments

How to Become a Better Runner

Have you got the running bug? If you've recently committed to a running program, it may seem like there's not much prep involved, except downloading your favorite playlist. Running is a popular pastime because it doesn't require much know-how to start — just pick out your shoes and go. But that doesn't mean that there isn't technique. Whether you're starting out or never thought twice about Read more

Show Your Running Knees Some Love


Updated 12/06/11 11:19 AM · Posted by FitSugar · 4 comments

How Runners Prevent Knee Pain

Running as a convenient form of cardio may be the bee's knees, but it can leave my knees aching. Although studies have found there is no connection between running and an increased risk for arthritis, here are some easy ways to show your knees some love. Stay flexible: Tight hamstrings or quads can prevent the knee from going through its full range of motion, which can negatively impact the Read more

How to Run a Faster 5K


Updated 11/09/11 1:25 PM · Posted by · 0 comments

How to Run a Faster 5K

You've been running regularly for some time and have completed a few 5K fun runs. But now it's time to step it up and take this distance seriously. Here are some tips to help you beat your personal record when running 3.1 miles. During Training Add speedwork: If you want to run a faster 5K, you have to practice running faster. Coach Andrew Kastor recommends adding 80-meter sprints into your Read more

Strike a Yoga Pose: Warrior 2


Updated 07/14/11 6:29 AM · Posted by FitSugar · 5 comments

You can't go to a yoga class and NOT do this pose. It's called Warrior 2 and it's great for opening tight hips and shoulders and strengthening quads, calves, and shins. It also works your core muscles, because when you're in this pose, you really have to concentrate on elongating your spine and drawing your belly in. You can get into this pose from Downward Facing Dog. Step your right foot Read more

The Lowdown on Warming Up For Workouts and Races


Updated 09/21/11 9:13 PM · Posted by · 0 comments

How to Warm Up Before Running, Racing, and Strength Training

A proper warmup starts your workout on the right foot, prepping both your muscles and lungs for what's to come. Once the staple of readying the body for exercise, stretching has fallen under scrutiny of late. Studies have found that static stretching, holding the stretch for 30 seconds to two minutes, is basically a wash as it neither causes nor prevents injury. And if your workout involves Read more

5 Reasons to Love the Incline


Updated 09/15/11 10:50 AM · Posted by · 4 comments

The Benefits of Running on an Incline

I know that I should embrace the incline while I'm running, but most of the time the thought of running hills and trudging along an angled treadmill fills me with unease. The more I think about it, though, the more I realize I should be loving the hills — and why you should, too. Here's why: You'll burn more calories. There's a pretty big difference between a totally flat treadmill and one Read more