FitSugar

Relax Anywhere: Achy Feet

FitSugar — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 11:41:04 PDT

I've been way into hiking and running lately, and my feet are taking the burden. My achy tootsies could use daily foot massages, but unfortunately my hubby doesn't agree. If you're suffering from sore feet, whether it be from exercising or being on you feet all day, give this technique a try. All you need is a tennis ball or racquetball.

Here's what you do: While seated, place a tennis ball under the ball of your foot. Roll the ball back and forth under the arch of your foot several times. Pay special attention to the areas that hurt, and don't forget to massage your heel and the ball of your foot. Use as much or as little pressure as is comfortable for you. I usually do about a minute under each foot.

That's it. I promise it will ease those tired feet. Also, if you know you're going to be walking a lot on your next vacation, throw a tennis ball in your suitcase. Feet ache after a long day at work? Keep a tennis ball in your desk for a mid-day massage. Try it and let me know what you think.

Mario Batali Talks Hot Ingredients, Eataly, and Tony Bourdain

Susannah Chen — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 14:38:01 PDT

An expansive restaurant empire, a talk show, and a children's foundation aren't enough to keep Mario Batali busy; the chef also released his ninth cookbook, Molto Batali: Simple Family Meals From My Home to Yours, in the past week. Yet surprisingly, when we caught up with him, what we discovered was an underlying theme to his life philosophy: that of simplicity. Whether it's the return of the family meal, his healthy eating philosophy, or his plans for the holidays, everything in this chef's life seems to reflect his inclination toward a pared-down, rustic lifestyle.

We checked in with America's foremost Italian chef for an update on Eataly, his growing food emporium; the hottest ingredient in Italian cooking right now; and, his thoughts on the always-controversial Anthony Bourdain.

YumSugar: Family meal cookbooks seem to be a big thing right now. Why do you think that is, and what's the point of view of your cookbook?
Mario Batali: The family meal has always been an important part of the American psyche; it's just been on hiatus for a few decades. It all comes back to my belief that it's all about family, children, and confidence through the guise of deliciousness. Entertaining at home for family and friends rounds out the equation.

YS: What are your plans for the holidays this year?
MB: We'll be at our house in northern Michigan for Christmas. I bake the ham in my wood-burning oven.

YS: Porchetta has certainly had its moment in the spotlight. What's going to be the next big Italian ingredient?

Find out his answer when you keep reading.

Bliss Now Offers a Facial For the Lips

Jaime Richards — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 03:10:04 PDT

You can get spa services for your face, feet, and just about anywhere else on your body, but have you ever had a facial for your lips? Now you essentially can, with Bliss's new Fabulips Treatment ($35).

The service, which can be performed on its own or as an addition to a facial, starts with am impurity-removing foamy cleanser. A walnut-and-sugar exfoliating scrub helps slough away dead skin, a collagen mask firms, and mushroom enzyme product helps to revitalize. You can even get a quick fuzz-busting lip wax with the treatment, which finishes with a hydrating lip balm and lip plumper. I tried the Fabulips service out at the San Francisco Bliss location, so read on for the review.

Beyond the Basics: 5 Helpful Quad Stretches

Michele Foley — Thu, 26 May 2011 09:48:37 PDT

After a series of outdoor runs this week, I wasn't prepared for how on fire my quads would feel during today's yoga class. Going through the Warrior poses proved difficult, and by the time we moved into a variation of pigeon pose, I was breathing deeper than ever before. It was a good reminder that even though I always stretch after working out, I don't give enough attention to my quads - a much overworked and overlooked muscle group. Whether a runner, hiker, or cyclist, everyone can benefit from giving their quads a little extra love. Here are five stretches to get you started.

Standing Quad Stretch. This basic quad stretch is probably one you're already familiar with. It's great because you can do it almost anywhere - you don't need a lot of space or equipment because you can do it right where you're already standing. Make sure your knees are touching when you do this stretch and hold on each side for 20-30 seconds. And, if you can't balance, don't worry - just use the wall to support yourself.
Lying Side Quad Stretch. Sometimes during my yoga practice, or while I'm in bed, I'll do this stretch. It's a bit more relaxing, and you don't have to worry about falling over! Try it the next time you're watching TV.
Kneeling Quad Stretch. This stretch is a variation of the basic standing stretch, but the support of the wall will give it a bit more intensity. If you have bad knees this might not be the stretch for you - I recommend making a knee pad out of a small towel.
Double Quad Stretch. Take that kneeling stretch to the floor, and by doing so makes things a little more intense! The upside is that you'll be lying down, which is pretty relaxing.
Half Frog Pose. While many yoga poses challenge your muscles to work harder, many offer relief. Half Frog pose is a great one to do after a series of challenging standing poses like the Warrior Triangle sequence. It will be a deeper quad stretch than you might be used to, but it's well worth it. If Half Frog pose still feels like kid stuff, challenge yourself with Frog pose instead, which stretches both quads simultaneously.

Basic Stretches For Your Couch-Weary Body

Leta Shy — Tue, 26 Jul 2011 12:19:33 PDT

Sometimes, weekends or after-work evenings are made for time on the couch. Whether it's because you've had an exhausting day of meetings and workouts or because you're indulging in a marathon of your favorite TV show, the couch can beckon in just the right way.

Unfortunately, the cuddly couch can be the opposite of comfort. Spending too much time sitting or lying on the couch can cause more pain than relaxation. First, there's the fact that your body won't be supported correctly while you're slumped in the cushions. Then there's the fact that sitting for too long causes the supporting muscles around the spine and pelvis to deactivate, which leads to chronic back pain.

If you spent too long getting acquainted with your couch last night, check out five easy types of stretches that will help relieve back pain, release shoulder tension, and remedy a stiff neck.

Want to Look Young Forever? Here's What It Might Cost

Miriam Lacey — Tue, 19 Jul 2011 03:00:02 PDT

When it comes to the pursuit of beauty, women in the US put a disproportionate emphasis on looking young. It's far less expensive (and often more attractive) to simply age gracefully and take care of yourself. But just as a thought experiment, we wanted to see just how much you'd spend over a lifetime if you were to try and look 25 forever. We did the math, so to find out, just keep reading.

A Guide to Wedding Festivities

Katie Sweeney — Sat, 09 Jul 2011 03:03:57 PDT

When a couple decides to get married, they aren't just signing up to host a wedding, they are also committing themselves to a lot of parties that happen along the way. An engagement party, shower, and bachelorette are all commonly associated with weddings. But with so many parties, it's hard to keep them all straight! That's why I've created this handy guide that explains everything you need to know - from the proper time to host a shower to the first person to toast at the wedding. Read on for all the details.

11 Signs You're a Fitness Freak

Susi May — Tue, 15 Mar 2011 17:15:43 PDT

At some point in my tenure here at FitSugar, the term fitness freak went from being kind of a knockdown ( with the emphasis more on "freak)" to quite a compliment. These days I embrace the label and wear it, along with my colorful sneakers, with pride. Here are 10 signs that you too might be flying the fitness freak flag.

You wear your heart rate monitor watch more than that classy analog watch with a leather band and crystal face.
You own more sports bras than regular bras. And you know that the supportive bra you wear for running is just not necessary for Pilates.
You think of chocolate milk as a recovery drink rather than a treat.
You feel a little off if you’re not sore from your last workout.
Your closet if full of multiple types of sneakers, all with specific purposes: at least two pairs of running shoes (one for outside and one for the treadmill), training shoes for strength training, cycling shoes for bike time, and tennis shoes for your time on the court - perhaps you have even more.

There are five more signs, so keep on reading!

Think of Your Kegels as an Apartment Building

FitSugar — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 09:00:16 PDT

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 muscles - but once you learn to control them, get ready for some major pleasure in the bedroom.

If you're unfamiliar with where your pelvic floor muscles are, or how to engage them, you're not alone. Here's a simple trick I learned from my Ashtanga Yoga instructor (since mula bandha is another name for these muscles). Pretend you're in the bathroom, and the guy you just started seeing walks in. Faster than you can scream "I'm in here!," you'll automatically engage your muscles and stop peeing midstream. Those are your pelvic floor muscles. While sitting at your computer reading this, practice squeezing those muscles. Be certain you're not just clenching your glutes or engaging your abs. It may take some practice to find your pelvic floor.

Once you do, here's an exercise you can do anytime, anywhere, to strengthen those muscles. It involves thinking of your Kegels as an apartment building. To find out what I mean,

Meditate Your Way to Good Health

FitSugar — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 15:00:02 PST

This year Gwyneth Paltrow is going to clear her mind and give meditation a try. Before you write this off as another one of Gwyneth's questionable health practices or categorize meditation as something hippies, Buddhists, and the new agey do in incense filled rooms, hear me out. Meditation is an easy way to alleviate stress and anxiety and it doesn't cost a dime. Also, it can be done anywhere in as little as five minutes.

In her latest GOOP newsletter, Gwyneth writes that she's not exactly sure how to meditate but she hears it's "freakin' brilliant." Well, she's right to say that - it is brilliant and it's so easy to do. Whenever I meditate, I always feel refreshed, energized, and less anxious. While there are many different types of meditation, here are some basic guidelines if you'd like to give meditation a try.

First find a quiet place to relax, and then put your body into a comfortable position - I usually lie down in my room with the lights dimmed. Close your eyes and concentrate on your breath going in and out of your body. The action of concentrating on your breath is what helps you let go of worries and stress. Instead of focusing on life's little problems, you clear your mind and instead focus on the present moment.

At first go, some people might have a hard time letting go to just be in the moment. If that's the case, try and do it for only a few minutes the first couple of times. As you become more comfortable with the practice give yourself 20 minutes of escape time. And don't worry if your mind starts to wander, just refocus on your breath. It always comes back to the breath.