Healthy happy you.
Some of my favorite activities, like running and biking, really make my hamstrings and the muscles of my lower back tight, so I love doing forward bends to stretch them out. Sometimes, I need a little help in order to get a really deep stretch. Here is one of my favorite partner yoga poses that really provides a serious stretch for the back of my body. Partner #1 gets the hamstring and lower Read more
I am curious: What are the 5 exercises you can't live without. Speak Up and tell me - leave your comment to enter a drawing for a FitSugar tee shirt or baseball hat. We all know that Madonna is into fitness. Interested in learning what she's up to these days? Read this post and see. Do you think doctors should point out obesity to their patients? Vote on the poll and let me know what you Read more
Nothing feels better than stretching out your hips, hamstrings, and lower back after a long run or bike ride. Although my body feels tight at first, when I get into a pose like this, I could just melt into it. Sanskrit Name: Upavishta Konasana English Translation: Seated Angle Pose Also Called: Seated Straddle Sit down with your feet about 3-4 feet apart (not as wide as you can Read more
I don't think I've ever met a runner who doesn't suffer from tight hips, hamstrings, or a lower back. The receptive movements and strengthening aspect of running can cause tight muscles that need extra attention. Of course you should never skip the stretching session after a run, but here are three lower-body stretches you should do every day — even on the days you don't run. Open Lizard What Read more
After a run, this is one of the poses I always do to stretch out my lower back, shoulders, and hamstrings. I stay in this pose for a good 5 minutes, allowing the backs of my legs to slowly relax and loosen up. It's easy to do, but can be really intense, so ease into it in the beginning. Sit on the floor with your legs in a straddle position with about three to four feet between your heels. Read more
We're absolutely smitten with the look of Wes Anderson's new film Moonrise Kingdom. Retro-inspired scout gear, ranging from Davy Crockett hats to fishing creel purses, has us longing to recreate a quirky outdoor adventure of our own. We have our eye on inventive accessories like corkscrew wine glass holders ($14 for a set of two) that can easily be staked into soft soil. Or a portable seat ($60) Read more
Yoga is associated with feeling joyful, open, and calm, but as with all types of movement, there are risks involved that make you go from "om" to "ow" in the blink of your third eye. Here are three common dangers you're at risk for when taking a yoga class and how to prevent them from happening. Slipping Depending on their type of material, some yoga mats may be extremely slippery when wet. Read more
Recently, I took a crowded yoga class, where we all had to situate our mats close to each other to make room for everyone. The closeness meant we all had to be aware of our neighbors (especially during Sun Salutations), but the space issue didn't really bother me until we began a series of poses that required more lateral space, starting with Seated Straddle. That's when my extremely flexible Read more
If if you eat a healthy diet, exercise regularly, get enough sleep, and wash your hands a bazillion times a day, you can still find yourself reaching for the tissues and cough drops. Luckily cold symptoms don't last too long, but here are some ways to get relief from your ails without popping pills or swallowing gross liquid. Heat and Water Before slipping into bed, take a hot shower. Make sure Read more
Indoor cycling offers an hour of sweaty cardio goodness. Your legs power this workout, so it’s best to stretch those tired muscles as soon as you hop off your stationary bike. In fact, that stable bike makes for a great stretching partner. If you only have two minutes to spare on flexibility training, you should focus on your hamstrings and quads. Start with your hamstrings by resting one heel Read more
