FitSugar

Strike a Yoga Pose: Handstand Scorpion

FitSugar — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 08:00:57 PDT

There are so many variations of scorpion pose like Locust Scorpion and Forearm Stand Scorpion, but Handstand Scorpion is my favorite. It's one of the most challenging poses you can try because it requires the three zingers - balance, strength, and flexibility.

Sanskrit Name: Vrschikasana B
English Translation: Scorpion B Pose
Also Called: Handstand Scorpion

To learn how to do this pose

Strike a Yoga Pose: Forearm Stand Scorpion

FitSugar — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 05:30:00 PDT

I know this pose looks extremely difficult, but if you've practice doing it with a ball and in front of a couch, then you're ready to try it on your own. Scorpion pose will strengthen your shoulders, abs, back muscles, and improve your balance.

Sanskrit Name: Vrschikasana
English Translation: Scorpion Pose
Also Called: Forearm Stand Scorpion

To learn how to get into this pose

Couch Time: Scorpion

FitSugar — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 04:30:00 PDT

Since I run a lot, my hip flexors and lower back get really tight, so I love stretches that focus on opening these areas, such as Scorpion. This is actually a yoga pose that's a balancing backbend. It feels amazing on the front of your body and your spine, but it's a really difficult pose to get into, let alone hold long enough to get a good stretch. You can do it using a ball, but here's another way using a couch.

Music: "Field of Green," by Careless

To give it a try

Would You Eat a Scorpion?

YumSugar — Thu, 13 Dec 2007 08:57:18 PST

I recently went to China, and while in Beijing I stopped at the infamous street food market. I wasn't sure what to snack on, but since I'll try anything once, and had a slight obsession with Survivorman, I eventually settled for a deep fried scorpion. It was warm and crunchy, with a little tender meaty morsel in the center. And, most surprisingly, it wasn't that bad. In fact, I'd eat it again. How about you, would you ever eat a scorpion?

Get on the Ball: Forearm Stand into Scorpion

FitSugar — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 15:15:00 PDT

Getting into Scorpion pose from Forearm Stand requires incredible upper body strength, a flexible back and good balance. If you use an exercise ball, it makes this pose so much easier to get into.

Music: "Deva Loka" by Drala

If you want a more detailed description

Lay your belly on the ball and walk your hands out so they're directly under your shoulders in plank position.
Drop your forearms down to the ground so your elbows are under your shoulders and keep your gaze forward between your hands.
Let the weight of your body fall into the ball and keep your upper body stable and strong. When you're ready, lift your legs up and work on bending your knees.
Continue lifting your head and dropping your feet. Stay for as many breaths as you want and then kick your legs back towards the floor. Walk your hands in towards the ball and drop your feet down.

Fit's Tip: Really concentrate on keeping your forearms parallel because if your elbows start to slight out passed your hands, you may end up with a face plant on the floor (which I can tell you from experience does not feel good).

Ryan Gosling and His Drive Director Break From Filming For a Thai Red Carpet

Lauren Turner — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 08:52:57 PST

Ryan Gosling made the most of his time in Thailand with an appearance at the Hua Hin International Film Festival last night. Ryan, director Nicolas Winding Refn, and Nicolas's wife Liv Corfixen were there to support the action film, Drive, which is screening at the event. Ryan's girlfriend, Eva Mendes, didn't make it since she's in LA taking care of Ryan's dog, George. As the group headed inside, Ryan even stopped to pose with popular Thai actress Krystal Vee.

Ryan is overseas working on his next project with Nicolas, Only God Forgives, which means he's missing out on award season in the US. Ryan isn't up for any honors at this weekend's SAG Awards, but he will still have a presence at the big show. A signed version of the white scorpion jacket Ryan wore in Drive is up for auction, along with other items and experiences related to the year's biggest movies - you can bid in the online SAG Awards auction until Feb. 2 at 6 p.m. PT! Also, make sure to tune in to PopSugar this Sunday, when we'll be LIVE from the SAG Awards red carpet starting at 6 p.m. EST/3 p.m. PST, and then watch the SAG Awards show at 8 p.m. EST/5 p.m. PST on TNT and TBS. For more SAG Awards updates, follow PopSugar and SAG Awards on Twitter.

Drive Director Nicolas Winding Refn Says Ryan Gosling "Is the Only Guy Who Can Wear a Satin Jacket"

Shannon Vestal — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 11:56:14 PST

Nicolas Winding Refn directed this Fall's critical hit Drive, starring Ryan Gosling as a stunt driver who gets involved in a messy situation trying to protect his neighbor and crush, played by Carey Mulligan. The film has had audiences buzzing over Gosling's performance, the movie's soundtrack, and the brutal but creative violence. I had a chance to talk to Refn this week about the film, and the director talked up his "hero" Gosling and their fruitful creative relationship (Refn and Gosling have two other films in development: Only God Forgives, currently in production, and the remake of Logan's Run). Check out the interview for Refn's thoughts about Gosling, and other elements of Drive, like the music, the casting of Mulligan, and the driver's unique wardrobe.

BuzzSugar: How did you feel about Ryan's performance in Drive?
Nicolas Winding Refn: I think that he's one of those rare actors that has this gift that very few movie stars have ever had, which is that he can say a thousand words without saying a line. He has this talent that's so unique that only maybe Alain Delon and James Stewart had. You can shoot him from all angles; you can almost place him behind a door and you still sense his presence, and his vulnerability and his strength, and so forth. He's the kind of guy who makes acting look really easy.

Buzz: How did you choose the distinctive jacket for Driver to wear?
NWR: I always wanted him to wear a satin jacket, that would illuminate him at night like a knight. It would illuminate his aura. And Ryan Gosling is the only guy who can wear a satin jacket. And then we came up with this scorpion on his back, because it would give him a symbol.

Read more of my interview with Refn to find out how he chose the soundtrack and Carey Mulligan after the jump.

Lazy Boyfriend? How to Stay Healthy When He's Not

Michele Foley — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 03:06:39 PDT

Being in love is a fun way to pass the time. Dates, kisses, and cuddles - who doesn't like that kind of stuff? But what if your boyfriend is more into Cheetos than crunches? Before picking up his habits, follow these tips so you'll stay healthy even when he's not.

He's a Cuddle Monster
There's absolutely nothing wrong with time spent under the covers, as long as you remember to come up for air! The more time you're spending cuddling on the couch watching TV and movies probably means you have less time for yourself. Often the first thing that goes when you're in a relationship are your daily visits to the gym, Sunday morning yoga classes, or Saturday evening runs. Instead of sacrificing your entire fitness regimen, schedule it into your life the same way you treat your time together. Fit in a yoga class before you meet for dinner or use these tips to squeeze in a workout during a lunch break. Wake up a little early to hit the trail for a run, or let your partner know that you're dedicating a few hours of each week to your fitness regimen.

More tips on dealing with his junk food habit and those fun, fattening dates after the break!

Stay Stress-Free When Trying New Yoga Poses

Lizzie Fuhr — Sat, 24 Sep 2011 02:24:12 PDT

No matter where you are in your yoga practice, you should always strive to push yourself. When a new pose doesn't come naturally, it's so easy to worry about what we look like, who's around us, why we can't balance, why we're so bad at yoga, etc. It's time to check your ego at the door and be kind to your yogini self!

Yoga is a practice that strives to connect the body and mind. When you're beating up on yourself, do you think you're going to finally land that crazy Crow? No way! When you release those thoughts and just go for it, you're much more likely to make it happen. Here are four things to remind yourself if you start head tripping about a new yoga posture:

The beginner's mind in yoga is sacred. Yoga teachers often say that we should all try to have a "beginner's mind." A beginner's mind is an attitude of openness, eagerness, and lack of preconceived notions about yoga. It has no expectations and goes through the movements without worry. If you want to nail a pose you've never tried before, keeping - or attempting to keep - a beginner's mind is a great concept to consider.
There's always an alternative. After practicing for years, I still fall out of standing postures that normally feel like no biggie. After trying a few times, instead of stressing out, take an alternate route. I promise you when a teacher says, "If you need a breather, just go hang in child's pose for a bit," they mean it. If you're coming off a super stressful day, you might need a little more time to get acquainted and connect with your breath than someone who's just been hanging at home. A sweet, juicy child's pose always makes me reconnect with my breath, or a strong, solid mountain pose always makes me feel grounded.

Keep reading for two more ways not to stress about new poses.

11 Things Your Yoga Instructor Wants You to Know

Jenny Sugar — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 10:54:34 PDT

You see them smiling at you as they walk around the room or demonstrate poses, but do you ever wonder what your yoga teachers are thinking? Here are some things yoga instructors want newbies to know about their class.

They're not checking you out to see how flexible you are (or aren't): If your teacher is looking at you, it's not to judge whether or not you can straighten your legs in Down Dog (so don't quickly press your heels to the floor if you catch a glimpse your way!). He or she wants to make sure you're doing a pose safely and comfortably.
They don't like when you push yourself too hard: I always encourage my students to try new poses, but not if it means they're struggling in pain. When working on backbends, trust that you know whether it's better for you to do a beginner version like Cobra versus an advanced version like Scorpion.
They wish you'd ask questions or for assistance: Yoga classes tend to be pretty quiet with only the instructor's voice heard, but if you have a question, please ask! Chances are the other students are wondering the same thing. Also, don't be shy about asking for help - they'd much rather stand next to you and help you lift into headstand than to hear you crash to the floor after trying it on your own.
They don't care if you pass gas: Yoga instructors are human too, and they of all people know that certain poses can make tooting happen. Why? Because it's probably happened to them! I know it's a little embarrassing, but if you accidentally have a loud outburst from your tush, just pretend like it didn't happen.

Continue reading to find out what else your yoga instructor wants you to know.