FitSugar

Strike a Yoga Pose: Sleeping Yogi

FitSugar — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 08:00:42 PDT

I know what you're thinking. But before you start the snickers and jokes about the Kama Sutra and such, let me say that this pose isn't just a prep for some crazy tantric sex technique designed to help you achieve the best orgasm of your life. It is an actual yoga pose that you'd find in the second series of Ashtanga yoga. Its purpose is not to turn you into a pretzel, but rather to deeply stretch your lower back and hamstrings. I'm not expecting the average Joe to be able to get into it, since it requires extreme flexibility in the hips and backs of the legs, but just attempting this pose, and taking it as far as you can will do wonders for a tight lower back.

Sanskrit Name: Yoga Nidrasana
English Translation: Yogic Sleep Pose
Also Called: Sleeping Yogi

To learn a much easier version of this pose

Strike a Yoga Pose: Noose

FitSugar — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 05:50:38 PDT

This majestic and stable looking pose is a great way to open your shoulders, work the muscles in your feet and lower legs, and also challenges your sense of balance.

Sanskrit Name: Pasasana
English Translation: Noose Pose
Also Called: Twisting Bound Squat

This is a tough pose so to learn an easier modification

A Little Sanskrit Lesson: Counting

FitSugar — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 02:30:00 PDT

The thing I love about Ashtanga yoga classes is that they are the same every time you go. Same poses, same order, same amount of breaths in each pose, and the class is always an hour and a half. There are no surprises, so you always know what to expect.

The teacher keeps everyone at the same pace by counting out loud. Many Ashtanga yoga instructors count in Sanskrit, the original language of yoga. Here are the numbers 1-10 written out, and what kind of breath you do for each one.

1: ekam (yekum) - Inhale
2: dve (dway) - Exhale
3: trini (treeny) - Inhale
4: catvari (chatwary) - Exhale
5: panca (pancha) - Inhale
6: sat (sut) - Exhale
7: sapta (supta) - Inhale
8: astau (ashtow) - Exhale
9: nava (nawa) - Inhale
10: dasa (dasha) - Exhale

Here is Pattabhi Jois (the father of Ashtanga Yoga) teaching Second Series with 6 students following. You can here him count in Sanskrit to get in and out of poses, but he counts the 5 breaths in English during the pose. Check it out.

Fit's Tips: Second Series is very challenging, and traditionally taught after mastering Primary Series, so don't be turned off by these difficult poses. If you've never tried an Ashtanga yoga class, take Primary Series first. You'll start off slow and build your way up when your body is ready.

Class Act: Mysore

FitSugar — Fri, 20 Apr 2007 03:30:00 PDT

If you're checking out classes at an Ashtanga yoga studio, you may come across a class called Mysore.

In a Mysore style yoga class, you lead yourself, following your own breath and a series of memorized poses, either First Series or Second Series. If you are an advanced practitioner, you may even do Third Series.

No one speaks - they only breathe. Sometimes the instructor may whisper to someone to give them help, but for the most part, there is only the ebb and flow of the breath. It's really powerful.

Want to know more about Mysore? Then

read more As you move at your own pace, moving from one pose to the next in First, Second, or Third series, the instructor walks around and adjusts or assists you. She or he may gently fix your shoulders or your hips in Warrior 1, they may press on you in Downward Dog (which feels so good), or they may help you drop back into Wheel pose from standing. The assists you get in a Mysore class really help you to improve your yoga practice tremendously. The class is usually open for 2-3 hours, so people will walk in and start whenever they want. This may seem a little weird, but it's actually nice not to have the pressure of following the instructor's breath count. For me, it's easier to bring my awareness inward when everyone is doing their own thing. The reason it's called Mysore, is because Mysore, India is where Sri K. Pattabhi Jois (the creator of Ashtanga Yoga) originally taught this practice. Traditionally, students would learn a pose and master it before moving on to the next pose in the series. That way, the student would memorize the entire sequence and would be able to practice them on their own. Fit's Tips: If you can find a Mysore class or workshop, I highly recommend taking it. You'll learn a lot about your body and your personality. It will also help you to begin a home yoga practice, so you won't have to rely on going to a studio to do yoga. Since you've memorized an hour and a half of yoga postures, you can lead yourself in your own living room!

Move it at Home: David Swenson's Ashtanga Yoga - Second and Third Series

FitSugar — Fri, 06 Apr 2007 11:00:00 PDT

You know how much I love David Swenson's Ashtanga Yoga First Series DVD, but I love his Second and Third Series DVD even more.

Many Ashtanga yoga teachers have made First Series videos, but it's tough to find a video that explains Second Series.

David Swenson takes you through this ancient and challenging series of yoga poses. While First Series involves tons of variations on forward bends that really work the back of your body, Second Series involves backbends that stretch and strengthen the front of your body. You'll also do hip openers and balancing poses like forearm stand. He moves slowly, explaining what each pose is called, the health benefits they offer, and modifications if you need them.

It can be tough to find a Second Series class at a yoga studio, so this DVD can give you a wonderful taste of the entire Series. You can practice along with David, and learn at your own pace. As you learn how to do each of the poses, and memorize the order, you'll be able to lead yourself.

This video also includes the complete Third Series. Most of these poses are extremely advanced, but there's no reason why you can't try them out. It's inspirational to watch David and see what a body is capable of doing through many years of practicing yoga.

Fit's Tips: The fact that Second and Third Series involve such challenging poses is what makes them so much fun. I'm a firm believer in trying every pose because you never know what your body can do unless you give it a try. Order the DVD for $24.95 and you'll be standing on your head in no time.

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 ›

Beyoncé Knowles Wears Sequins For Jay-Z's Second NYC Show

Lauren Turner — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 20:53:30 PST

Beyoncé Knowles was back out in NYC this evening to catch the second night of Jay-Z's Carnegie Hall charity concert series. She shared pictures on her website of her sparkly Monique Lhuillier dress, Chanel purse, and Lorraine Schwartz jewels, which she accented with blue nail polish. Beyoncé's nail color and huge ring in the same hue seem to be in honor of her baby daughter, Blue Ivy. She gave birth to Blue one month ago and stepped out for the first time just yesterday. Beyoncé wore red to attend Jay-Z's first show, and the couple celebrated the big event with an afterparty at Jay-Z's 40/40 Club.

A Reader Answers: Can Exercise Help With Migraines?

Fit Community — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 01:52:16 PST

FitSugar reader JessicaSmithTV wanted to know: can exercise help with migraines? She asked an expert and posted the answer in our Fit Community.

Today's post comes to us from special guest contributor and medical expert Paul Rizzoli, MD, Assistant Professor of Neurology at Harvard Medical School:

When you’re prone to migraines you’re forced to think through whether or not something you do will invite a headache into your life. Exercise is definitely one of those things. Should you skip a workout because you feel a migraine coming on? Or is it better to push through in the hopes a little sweat will make you feel better?

Most headache specialists recommend exercise and an increase in overall physical activity to their patients. However, to date, there’s skimpy evidence to support the idea that working out actually guards against migraine attacks. A few studies have shown that taking regular exercise can reduce the severity, though not the number of headaches.

Keep reading to see what studies say about exercise and migraine relief after the break!

Buzz Blabber: The Chuck Finale Divides Fans

BuzzSugar — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 03:05:00 PST

Popular TV shows brought mixed emotions to commenters this week. From saying goodbye to Chuck to the new episodes of Grey's Anatomy and The Vampire Diaries, we pulled together some of your reactions to get the full scoop. It's time to get caught up on the talk of the town this week!

The end of Chuck brought mixed reviews

"I am satisfied with the episode in general, but as a finale not so much. Seems more like a season finale that begs for more. I think the producers left the door open for possible other projects with Chuck. I certainly hope so. Chuck was pretty much the few show I have been watching on NBC these days. Chuck is one of few bright spots in a sea of vampire shows and comedies." - txcheng
"Nope, it sucked as a finale. Very disappointed." - Miss Senorita
"I actually really liked the finale - the second half, at least. I feel like loose ends were tied up in a way that was not final (hopefully leaving it open for a movie/comic book series/web series/SOMETHING!) - Morgan and Alex together, Casey going after Gertrude (but not until he hugged Chuck like a brother!), Ellie and Awesome leaving to start the next chapter in their lives in Chicago, and Chuck and Sarah well on their way to being together again." - limelindsey

To see more buzzed-about topics, just

"Great episode, as usual! I hope the mother is worse than Klaus, it will bring more action to the show. He was like a little boy in front of her, a boy who just behaved and is waiting for punishment. And please dear writers, don't kill him now, I love Joseph Morgan." - shaimas

"I still think it's Tyler who's killing all those people. Didn't Klaus mention at one episode that he will kill everyone that Elena loves if he didn't get what he wanted? And he's mysteriously absent in this episode." - CiaoBella01

"I did not like the 'I forgive you' act, I hope there is more to the story regarding the original witch. Damon should have answered Elena's phone call in the woods scene. I love this show!" - fashionaza

Grey's Anatomy delights some fans but disappoints others in the alternate reality

"I wasn't expecting to like this episode as much as I did. I actually kinda loved it. I also loved the mentions of Preston Burke, Izzie and George. It was kinda implied that George still died, but was just the John Doe to everyone (since Alex said he failed the boards and then was never heard of again)." - dreamalittledream
"I was very disappointed. . ." -Brandy R.
"This episode was so trippy. That's the only thing I can think of! Cristina's hair was awful (straight hair and bangs on her face just does not look right!) Some of the pairings made sense, but Owen and Callie? That didn't make any sense to me. Bailey made sense as, if you remember, she had to learn how to speak up before Grey's started; Ellis was so strong when she was a doctor (from what we do know from flashbacks), so I imagine Bailey would have stayed the way she was (with the hair to boot.)" - ellenora

Photo courtesy of NBC

Are You Satisfied With the Chuck Series Finale?

Shannon Vestal — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 04:30:33 PST

That's a wrap for Chuck, the funny, moving spy series that we loved for five seasons. The two-hour finale has the entire gang working on the two last missions - first, to destroy the Intersect once and for all, and the second is more emotional: to help Chuck get Sarah back after she lost most of her memories. In the end, everyone gets pretty close to a happy ending: Devon and Ellie wrestle with a fresh start in the Midwest, Morgan and Alex move in together, Jeff and Lester get a record deal (believe it) and Casey goes to see about a girl.

Things are a little bittersweet for Chuck and Sarah, since they don't pick up exactly where their love story left off before Sarah's memory was wiped, but their final kiss implies that they'll get there again someday. We also get a nostalgic montage of the best Chuck and Sarah moments, which felt emotionally satisfying in a different way. The final image of the spy couple on the beach gave me goose bumps, but I wanted to know how other fans felt about the finale. Weigh in now - are you happy with Chuck's series finale?

Photo courtesy of NBC