FitSugar

Fit Tip: Try Pilates at Least Once

FitSugar — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 11:00:00 PDT

While I was doing bicep curls at the gym yesterday, I was reminded of how great Pilates is. Why, you may ask? Because so many Pilates fundamentals extend to other activities, so you can exercise better no matter what you're doing.

If you've never taken a Pilates class, I urge you to try it at least once so that you can apply the lessons to the rest of your fitness routine. For instance, Pilates focuses a great deal on breathing and control, both of which come in handy when strength training. The more you control your movements, the less prone you are to injury.

Even more useful is learning to suck in your abs (engage your deep abs), concentate on your core, and keep your spine neutral. This not only protects your back and improves posture but also helps build your ab muscles. After dabbling in Pilates, you'll learn that sucking in your abs during just about any activity - from weightlifting to canoing - can help you tighten your tummy and protect your back.

So give it a shot and see what you learn. Who knows? You may even find a new workout you love. Are you a Pilates fan? If so, tell me what it's taught you.

One Awesome Thing: A Swimsuit to Make You Feel Like a Bond Girl

Noria Morales — Mon, 28 May 2012 04:00:15 PDT

In my quest to find a swimsuit that gives my post-baby body plenty of coverage and curves, I've found two solutions: neoprene and nonstop Pilates. Let's go with neoprene for now. The lightweight rubber material, used in scuba gear, helps suck you in and smooth over dimples and rolls, curing you from a case of the jiggles. A wetsuit, however, is not the answer.
Enter Lisa Marie Fernandez, the fashion-stylist-cum-swimsuit-designer who made neoprene fashionable with her line of sleek and, yes, sporty (but mostly sleek) suits. This season, she partnered with British designer Peter Pilotto (and prints master) to create a collection of gorgeous printed swimwear. My favorite is the Farrah ($495). The maillot features curved seam details to add some shape to the midsection, cap sleeves to make arms look thinner, and a sexy front zip to show off decolletage à la a classic Bond girl. At $495, it's not a guilt-free buy, but after trying on so many suits that don't help, it's worth it to find one that does. Plus, I'm totally obsessed with the artful print.

Peter Pilotto/Lisa Marie Fernandez Farrah swimsuit ($495)

The Crop Top Trend Gains Steam - Are You Ready to Try It?

Marisa Tom — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 08:53:23 PDT

While our first foray into crop top territory came courtesy of Flashdance, we're loving the fun, flirty resurgence of midriff-baring wares this Spring. After spotting the cutoff look on the Spring runways at Dolce & Gabbana, Prada, Emilio Pucci, and Versace, we knew it was only a matter of time before daring celebrities sported it. Most recently, Dree Hemingway donned a chili-printed, bustier-style Dolce & Gabbana version at Coachella, singer Lana Del Rey paired a sportier mesh-infused iteration with a polka-dotted maxi skirt in London, and Selena Gomez also wore a playful Dolce & Gabbana combo at the Kids' Choice Awards. We love that the crop top can be dressed up with a full, feminine circle skirt and sandals or pared down with denim shorts and Chucks. Of course, wearing this trend means hitting a Pilates studio stat. If you're not into showing off too much skin via cropped lengths, try layering a sheer top over it. Convinced yet? Good. We've culled some pretty versions below - shop the trend now.

One Leg Is Less Flexible, Is This Normal?

Jenny Sugar — Sat, 14 Apr 2012 19:34:36 PDT

Is one of your legs always stiffer and won't stretch or move as far as the other one? You're not alone. Flexibility and range of motion differences between the sides of our bodies is very common. The problem is, this can set you up for an injury.

In general, we all have a dominant leg just as most folks have a dominant hand. If you notice one leg is more flexible than the other, it means you're overusing it, putting extra stress on that leg's muscles, joints, and the soft tissues surrounding them. This leads to tight muscles and a postural imbalance that can cause pain or a repetitive stress injury, aka an overuse injury.

Being aware of the discrepancy is the best way to start. Practicing yoga and Pilates are great tools, as they will encourage you focus on strengthening and stretching each side of your body. None of us are symmetrical, but these two forms of exercise help correct faulty alignment and posture. If you can spring for it, see a yoga or Pilates instructor for a few private sessions. A good instructor will help you understand where you're tight and where you're weak, and suggest moves to target those areas.

In the gym, one-legged strengthening exercises can help your weaker leg catch up with the one that's stronger. Try One-Legged Balancing Windmill to even out your legs, and if one of your arms is stronger, try these variations of Side Plank. Rolling out tight muscles with a foam roller might also help. And don't forget about your core. Do exercises that target the sides of your torso, like the basic Bicycle Crunch, to ensure your abdominal muscles are as balanced as possible.

Emma Stone's Amazing Ab Workout

Self — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 04:13:44 PDT

We are pumped to share one of our favorite stories from Self here on FitSugar!

She played a frumpy reporter in The Help, but in real life, Emma Stone is the epitome of young Hollywood glamour. The 24-year-old made the transition from child actor to leading lady look effortless, but Stone puts plenty of hard work into every project she tackles, including her Pilates workout. "There's not much to chisel away at on her body, but she enjoys the feeling of flexibility and well-being," says LA-based Pilates instructor Mari Winsor, who has worked with Stone for the past year. "Whenever she's in town, she tries to come in every day."

During their hour-long sessions, the actress likes to focus her energy on firming her thighs and glutes and especially her core. "She was excited about the little lines that were created in her abs," says Winsor. "Pilates is great for creating long, sexy muscles, and we all want to feel sexy!"

Incorporate these three moves into your regular routine to get sculpted abs like Emma Stone. (Note: Oscar nomination not included!)

Get the moves after the break.

The Biggest Reasons Your Ab Exercises Aren't Working

Prevention — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 04:25:40 PDT

We are pumped to share one of our fave stories from Prevention here on FitSugar!

If you're struggling to see your six-pack, you could be making one of these mistakes.

By Jenna Bergen, Prevention

As the weather warms and Spring break approaches, we're all forced to do that same rather scary thing: unearth the bathing suit and take a good, hard look in the mirror. I did it just last week and was relieved to see that my job as the fitness editor at Prevention had kept my abs from going too far south. Still, given all the hours I clock at the gym, I wouldn't mind seeing a little more definition. That's when I realized I needed to fine-tune my game. If you've been putting in the effort and still don't have the abs you're after, take heart - you're not alone. Here are four top slipups that mess with your six-pack - plus expert fixes to get you back on track.

Your Form Is Sloppy
"The wrong form can turn an effective move into one that won't do anything for you," says personal trainer Jessica Smith Gomez, costar of the 10 Minute Solution: Best Belly Blasters. A few of the most common mistakes: pulling on your neck (which allows your abs to slack off), using momentum rather than muscle strength (again, a freebie pass for the abs), sagging your hips in plank, and not keeping them pulled in during every move. "You must control your abdominal wall to get any real benefit," says Erin O'Brien, creator of Kristi Yamaguchi: Power Workout and Strong Body Ageless Body. Not sure how you're doing? Check your form in a mirror.

Keep reading for two more reasons your ab exercises aren't working!

Miley and Liam Take a Romantic Stroll With Their Best Friend

Katie Henry — Wed, 04 Apr 2012 10:48:10 PDT

Miley Cyrus and Liam Hemsworth teamed up in LA yesterday for a walk around their neighborhood. The loved-up couple held hands and were joined by her miniature Husky, Floyd, though their other pups, Ziggy and Lila, skipped the cardio. Miley's serious about staying fit, and she's been spotted taking Winsor Pilates classes on a regular basis. She's even trying out a new brand of footwear to kick up her workouts - Miley stepped out wearing a pink and black pair of Skechers Shape-Ups.

It's likely Liam will stick with a strict fitness regime as well in the coming months, as Catching Fire, the second film in the Hunger Games trilogy, is expected to begin production this Fall. So far, the first film has grossed more than $368 million worldwide, and it's still the reigning box office champ.

How Roberto Cavalli's New Face Stays Gorgeous

BellaSugar — Wed, 14 Mar 2012 06:00:34 PDT

You may not know her by name yet, but Elisa Sednaoui is changing that. The face of the latest Roberto Cavalli fragrance, this multilingual model portrays one head-turning tigress in the spot above. She's something of a renaissance woman, too; this 24-year-old with Italian, Egyptian, and French heritage has used her modeling career to catapult her to other opportunities like acting and directing a music video. And on top of that, hello - she's gorgeous. She's sharing her best beauty advice (it's refreshingly down-to-earth!), so read more

5 Signs You Should Cancel Your Gym Membership

Leta Shy — Wed, 14 Mar 2012 02:03:04 PDT

I love my gym for many reasons: it adds structure to my workouts and motivates me, the class selection is amazing, and the people - both trainers and members - can be very inspiring. But I know that many times a gym membership isn't the most cost-effective solution for getting fit, and going isn't for everyone. Are you wasting your money? Here are five signs it may be time to cancel your gym membership.

You'd rather be outdoors: The thought of being cooped up indoors has you dreading - and then skipping - your workout, but you continue to hold onto that gym membership "just in case." Some people find gym workouts boring, so if you're one of them, start getting creative outdoors. Even if you're not a runner, you can still have an effective workout outside; find an open space where you can do your circuit workout, invest in a bike, or grab your yoga mat and seek out an inspiring place to stretch.
You only use one piece of equipment: Take a look at your gym workout. Do you just make a beeline for the treadmill and leave? If you're not utilizing your gym's classes or equipment or asking trainers for help, you may be wasting your money. Instead of paying $50 a month just to use a treadmill, save the money to buy a piece of gym equipment for your home or just go for a run or walk outside.
You waste time once you get there: The hardest part about going to the gym may be getting there, but that shouldn't be the part of your workout that burns the most calories. Whether you find the gym uninspiring or whether you use it as social hour to catch up with friends, if you're not dedicated to your workout once you're there, you're wasting your money along with your time. Take a look at your gym workouts; if you can't find any type of exercise at the gym that inspires you, try something else.

Read on for more reasons you may want to cancel your membership.

Healthy Dose Link Time: Meatless Monday Comfort Foods

Susi May — Mon, 05 Mar 2012 11:40:44 PST

Comfort foods go vegetarian for Meatless Monday - Blisstree
Hidden food sensitivity can lead to weight gain; yep, we're talking gluten - HuffPost Healthy Living
Try this easy Pilates move to beat back fat - Prevention
Find the juice for what ails you and sip on it - Shape
To prop or not to prop? Answers to yogi's eternal question - Yoga Journal
Make your lunges more productive! Add a BOSU - Peanut Butter Fingers
If you're deskbound, here's how to relieve tight hips - Self
Do you think of yoga as a form of strength training? - Mind Body Green