Back to Basics: Keeping Your Shoulders Down


Updated 03/24/09 1:07 AM · Posted by FitSugar · 11 comments

Back to Basics: Keeping Your Shoulders Down

When teaching Pilates, I am always telling clients to keep their shoulders away from their ears. Raised shoulders is a sign of serious tension in the neck and upper back and over time it will create pain. Not only that but it wastes energy and can make surrounding areas not function correctly. Pilates clients aren't the only folks with tense necks and raised shoulders. I see this posture all the Read more

Inversion Issues: How to Remedy Common Shoulderstand Complaints


Updated 05/25/12 10:05 AM · Posted by · 0 comments

Remedies For Common Shoulderstand Complaints

You're loving your yoga class from Half Moon to Pigeon Pose, but as soon as you get to Shoulderstand, you're less than psyched. Although a basic — challenging, but basic — pose, Shoulderstand can put you at risk of strain and injury when done incorrectly. Turn this pose into your favorite by checking out these common complaints and ways to remedy them. "I Can't Breathe" If you're well Read more

Dealing With the Descent: Tips For Riding Downhill


Updated 05/18/12 11:21 AM · Posted by · 0 comments

Tips For Biking Downhill

While many people love the thrill of biking fast downhill, I am not one of them. I love biking uphill. Call me crazy, but I crave the burn in my lungs and legs. But once you've climbed a hill — and in my neck of the woods, hills can be miles long — you have to get yourself down the other side. Aside from just getting out there and riding, having a few tricks up your sleeve can help. Here are Read more

6 Best Ways to Flatten Your Belly By Summer


Updated 05/11/12 3:00 PM · Posted by · 0 comments

How to Get a Flat Belly For Summer

We are pumped to share one of our fave stories from Prevention here on FitSugar! By the Editors of Prevention A toned, flat tummy is a goal many of us strive to achieve in time for bathing suit season, but endless crunches and ditching all your favorite foods until July 4th isn’t the right—or fun—way to do it. A sculpted core and trim tummy can be attained by incorporating small changes Read more

3 Reasons to Work Your Back in Time For Summer


Updated 05/02/12 1:20 AM · Posted by · 0 comments

Back Exercises For Posture

When it comes to looking your best on the beach, it's not all about how to build a six-pack or which exercises make your backside look the best in a bikini. In fact, having a healthy and strong back can make you feel your best on the beach in more ways than one. Here are some essential back exercises and why they will help you rock a swimsuit with confidence. Stand tall and slim: Wanna look five Read more

Posture Perfect: Standing Reverse Fly With Exercise Band


Updated 05/25/12 2:07 PM · Posted by · 0 comments

Improve Your Posture and Look Thinner With the Reverse Fly

Rounded shoulders and bad posture have the unfortunate effect of making us all look heavier than we really are, especially in the midsection. If you spend hours hunched over a computer, you need to combat the inevitable slouch so you can rock your bikini at the beach or wow your wedding guests as you walk down the aisle. Having good posture can really make you look 10 pounds thinner! So try this Read more

Squat Walk This Way: A Tush-Toning Thera-Band Exercise


Updated 05/22/12 12:49 PM · Posted by · 0 comments

Squat Walks With a Resistance Band

When exercising, it's crucial to concentrate on your glutes. These muscles help stabilize and support your legs, back, and pelvis, and if you slack on working this area, you will begin to feel it in your back. To get you on your way, try this squat walking exercise with a Thera-Band. (The exercise can easily be done without the use of a Thera-Band, but the resistance helps to really target the Read more

What Not to Do in Warrior 1


Updated 03/30/12 4:45 PM · Posted by · 0 comments

Tips For Warrior 1 Yoga Pose

If you practice yoga, you've probably spent a decent amount of time holding the majestic standing pose Warrior 1. The pose tones the legs and tush, opens tight hip flexors, and strengthens the shoulders. The next time you step onto your mat, make sure you're avoiding these Warrior 1 mistakes that could lead to pain or injury. Short Stance Why it's bad: Doing Warrior 1 with a short stance places Read more

Last Chance! An End-of-Season Workout to Up Your Ski Game


Updated 03/05/12 8:43 PM · Posted by · 0 comments

Plank Lunge and Box Jump Circuit Workout For Skiers

Even with this mild Winter, we've still seen our fair share of snow in the mountains. And while Spring is just around the corner, late-season storms around the country have given us the gift of fresh powder. If you're planning a snowy mountain weekend anytime soon, here's a circuit workout that works your core, lower body, and balance — courtesy of Erick Northrup, a district fitness manager at Read more

Tighten Up! Engage Your Core to Alleviate a Nagging Back Injury


Updated 02/16/12 8:09 PM · Posted by · 0 comments

How to Alleviate Chronic Back Pain

One moment of overextending yourself can lead to years of physical therapy and doctors visits to help keep your sports-related back pain at bay. Trainers and physical therapists constantly remind us to keep the abs engaged when completing any exercise, but to really strengthen your entire trunk, you must work it beyond the gym. Since most of us sit at a desk most hours of our waking day, our Read more