FitSugar

Home Work: Toe Breaker Triceps Stretch

FitSugar — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 09:30:00 PDT

If you are a runner, I'm sure your feet could use a little TLC. I like to stretch my feet with this stretch intimidatingly called the Toe Breaker because it can feel really intense on your toes. Pain and discomfort aside, this is an awesome stretch for the muscles in the soles of your feet. I like to add the triceps stretch along with it, but feel free to just focus on your feet. Just rest your palms on your knees and focus on stretching your soles.

To see how to do this stretch

Kneel on a mat or carpet. Tuck your toes toward your knees and then slowly lower your pelvis to your heels.
If this is intense just stay here, but if you want to add the triceps stretch then reach your right arm overhead and your left arm behind your lower back. Bend both elbows and try to touch your fingers together. If it's easy, you can clasp your fingers together (like in Cow Face pose).
Stay like this for at least 30 seconds (or release when you've had enough), and then slowly lift your hips off your heels, point your toes away from your knees, and sit back down on you heels to stretch the tops of your feet.
Repeat for a second time and if you did the triceps stretch on the right side, now switch and do it on the left.

3 Leg Stretches Runners Should Do Daily

Jenny Sugar — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 10:41:42 PDT

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 it stretches: sides of the hips and hip flexors

How to do it:

Come into a lunge position with the right foot forward and the left leg extended behind you, toes relaxed. Make sure there's enough distance between your feet so your front knee is at a 90-degree angle. Lower your hands to the floor to the left of your right foot.
Keep your front foot where it is and slowly lower your right knee outward, so you're resting on the outside of your right flexed foot. Keep your arms straight, pressing your chest forward just like in Upward Facing Dog; this will help encourage your hips to lower, increasing the stretch.
Gaze forward and enjoy Open Lizard for 30 seconds and then switch sides.

Keep reading to find out how to do the above stretch and one more that will target your hamstrings.

5 Reasons to Skip the New iPad

Kristy Korcz — Wed, 07 Mar 2012 11:53:36 PST

Should I buy a new iPad? That's the question on everyone's mind after Apple announced the new iPad today in San Francisco. We've already touched on four reasons to splurge on the new iPad, but what if you're on the fence? Here, five reasons why you might want to skip the new iPad altogether.

You don't consume a lot of media - The biggest upgrade to the new iPad is its Retina display. With a 2048 x 1536 screen resolution and 246 pixels per inch, this iPad is a stunner. As Apple puts it, it's "resolutionary." But if you aren't into watching movies, checking out photos, videos, catalogs, and magazines on a tablet, the new iPad might not impress you enough for a purchase.
You've tried tablets, but prefer your laptop - If you've tried using a tablet before but always find yourself picking up your laptop to work, you can probably skip the new iPad and all other tablets for that matter. Some folks just aren't "tablet people," and find them harder to navigate, use, and work on. If that's the case for you, just skip it.
You never use your iPad camera - The new iPad comes with a 5MP rear-facing iSight camera that is capable of shooting 1080p video with some cool footage stabilization features that kick shaky vids to the curb. Unfortunately, the forward-facing camera is still VGA-quality. How many times have you actually shot some video (or took photos for that matter) with your iPad camera? If you can't recall the last time you fired up your iPad's cam, this feature might not be worth your dollars.
You don't have a ton of cash to spend - On a budget? The new iPad starts at $499, which is competitively priced based on its competition, but isn't a price tag to scoff at. If you really want to dip your toes into the tablet scene, consider picking up an iPad 2, which just got a price reduction to $399 for WiFi-only, and $529 for WiFi + 3G.
You already have an iPad 2 - While the upgrades to the new iPad are impressive, they may not be worth your cash if you already have, and love, an iPad 2. Sure, better screen resolution would be nice, but it's not a deal breaker. 4G LTE speeds would be a great addition, but your 3G is working just fine for you. I'd say, if you're totally happy with your iPad 2, stick with it for now. And if you just have to buy it (even though you don't need it), sell your iPad 2 on Ebay and put that cash towards an upgrade.

Will you be buying the new iPad? Check out four reasons why you might want to splurge.

Strike a Yoga Pose: Balancing Butterfly

FitSugar — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 10:00:16 PDT

If you're a runner, chances are your feet could use some extra love. Here's a tranquil pose that will stretch your arches and toes like Toe Breaker stretch, but will also open your hips and challenge your sense of balance.

To learn how to do this pose and see another variation

Begin standing on your mat with both feet together. Bend your knees and squat down, placing your hands on the floor in front of your feet.
Turn your knees out to the sides, keeping the balls and heels of your feet together. When you're ready, bring your hands to your knees as shown below.

You can stay here, or bring your hands together in front of your heart in prayer position. Hold here, balancing for five deep breaths. To release, bring your knees together and stand up.

This is one of my favorite balancing poses. What's yours? Share it in FitSugar's Yoga Stretch and Tell Group.