Doing Full Backbend, also known as Wheel pose, isn't exactly on the list of beginner moves. It's demanding both from a flexibility as well as a strength standpoint, so it's best to stick to Half Wheel, Camel, and other easier variations before trying your hand at Full Backbend. When you are ready, here are some things to keep in mind to ensure you're doing this heart-opening pose safely and Read more

If you run, bike, ski, or sit at a desk all day, chances are your hamstrings are screaming for some attention. Get on the floor and give them what they crave — a seated forward bend. This pose looks simple enough, but here are some ways to increase that deep stretch in the backs of your legs. Before folding forward, sit with your legs straight out in front of you. Take your right fingertips Read more

We are pumped to share one of our favorite stories from Self here on FitSugar! Pumpkin pie, Christmas cookies, potato latkes, mashed potatoes and gravy . . . We're all guilty of overindulging in December but getting back on track doesn't have to be as difficult as it sounds. It may take weeks to melt away those post-holiday pounds but it's easy to create the illusion you haven't gained an ounce Read more

If you live for the mountains during the Winter, your gym time probably includes exercises to strengthen your lower-body muscles and challenge your balance. Aspen Ascent, a new class at Sports Club LA locations, offers such a workout for skiers and snowboarders alike. Like many strength-training cardio classes, Aspen Ascent focuses on circuit training with supersets grouped by muscle area, to Read more

Whether you have five or 50 yoga classes under your capris, Chair pose (aka Fierce) is one of the many basic postures you'll strike just about as often as Down Dog since it's the first pose in Sun Salutation B. As a yoga instructor, I've noticed some major no-nos that you'll want to avoid to prevent discomfort and to make sure you're getting the most out of the pose. Weight too far forward: Read more

Aside from toned and sculpted muscles, strength training can also make you a better runner, cyclist, or swimmer. Increasing your muscle mass also increases your metabolism since muscles burn calories at a higher rate than fat. These are all great reasons to include strength training in your routine. If you're new to the scene, here are some helpful tips for beginners. Start off nice and easy: Read more

Some days you're just feeling out of sorts. And while you may not be super sick or nursing a serious injury, that feeling can be the perfect excuse when you want to skip your workout in favor of something less strenuous — like, say, a DVR session on the couch. Before you use those excuses, here are some ways to keep those minor daily annoyances from affecting your routine. You're constantly Read more

I'm always looking for ways to squeeze bits of exercise into my busy day. Even if doing push-ups on the bathroom counter after brushing my teeth only takes a couple minutes, it still takes some effort. Here are some ways you can tone up without even trying. Take the stairs every time and skip the elevators since stepping up strengthens your lower body. When walking or running on the treadmill, Read more