FitSugar

You Asked: How Can I Do the Wheel Pose?

FitSugar — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 03:00:00 PST

You're asking and I'm answering . . .

"Hi Fit!! I'm taking a yoga class at the university gym. Once every class, the teacher will ask us to do the wheel and everybody either can or can't do it. I can't but would love to learn how. How can I build up to be able to do the wheel? Thanks!!"
- Tiny Bubble

Strike a Yoga Pose: Wheel

FitSugar — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 04:00:00 PST

In Ashtanga yoga, right before you go into the closing sequence, you do the Wheel, aka backbend. This is one of my favorite poses because not only does it increase flexibility in your spine, but it also opens up your shoulders and strengthens your upper back and thighs.

Sanskrit Name: Urdhva Dhanurasana
English Translation: Upward Bow Pose
Also Called: Wheel or Full Backbend

Want to know a great trick for getting into this pose? Then

Lie on your back, bend your knees, and place your feet flat on the ground (heels as close as possible to your booty).
Bend your elbows and place your palms flat on the ground above your shoulders, fingertips facing your feet.
Inhale, press into your palms and lift your head and shoulders off the ground, placing the crown (top) of your head on the mat.
Check to make sure your hands and feet are parallel. You can stay here, getting used to being upside down, or take a deep inhale as you straighten your arms and lift your head off the ground. Once you're fully in the pose, try to walk your hands and feet a little closer together.
Stay here for five deep breaths and then slowly lower your body down. Eventually you want to do this pose for a total of three times.
Hug your knees into your chest to release your lower back. Then roll up to a sitting position and do a Seated Forward Bend as a counter pose.

Fit's Tips: If you want to try this pose but feel you need a little support then try Wheel pose with an exercise ball.

Chakras 101

FitSugar — Mon, 08 Jan 2007 02:15:00 PST

In Sanskrit the word Chakra means "wheel" or "circle." There are 7 chakras connected to major nerve ganglia from the base of the spine to the crown of your head.

It is believed that God, Divine Energy, Spirit, Jesus - whatever you choose to call it,
creates prana or energy. As you breathe, you take in this prana, and it is distributed through the chakras. Each chakra represents different emotional and physical properties. The goal is to "open" your chakras (through yoga and meditation), so that your entire being will be balanced.

Chakra 7 - The Crown chakra relates to consciousness and connection to the greater world beyond. When developed, this chakra brings not only wisdom, understanding, spiritual connection, but also bliss.

Chakra 6 - The Third Eye chakra is related to the act of seeing - both physically and intuitively. When healthy, it allows us to see "the big picture."

Chakra 5 - The Throat Chakra is related to self expression, communication, and creativity.

Chakra 4 - The Heart chakra allows us to love deeply, feel compassion, and have a deep sense of peace and feeling centered.

Chakra 3 - Located in the solar plexus, the Navel chakra helps us to have personal power, good self-esteem, and a feeling of being in control.

Chakra 2 - Located in the abdomen, lower back, and sexual organs, the Sacral chakra connects us to others and allows us to feel freely. It brings us strong emotional identity and the ability to accept change.

Chakra 1 - Located in the base of the spine, this chakra forms our foundation. It's related to our survival instincts and our sense of feeling grounded. This chakra brings us health, security, and dynamic presence.

The function of the chakras is to spin and draw in energy to keep the spiritual, mental, emotional and physical health of the body in balance.

Want to see some beautiful chakra art? Then

View 5 Photos ›

Favorite Wheel

FitSugar — Tue, 12 Dec 2006 02:15:00 PST

I truly appreciate the few brave backbenders who shared their photos in the 2nd Yoga challenge in the YOGA CHALLENGE Group. They were awesome.

I really loved Scratch5's blog entry because she said it was "oddly exhilarating and hard." It's true. Yoga is hard. People who do yoga don't just sit around "Om-ing." There's so much more to it.

Can't wait to see more of your photos.

So Sweet! Candies iPhone Cases at Opening Ceremony

Kelly Schwarze — Sun, 12 Feb 2012 14:12:07 PST

Purveyors of all things chic and of-the-moment, Opening Ceremony has released its latest Spring import, and we're already craving more! iPhone cases from Japanese company Candies are making their adorable US debut. Candies creates all their cases from 100 percent natural silicone, free of nasty chemicals - good for you and Mother Earth.

Check out the range of cases including wheeled skate decks, cuddly cartoons, and bright graphics in the gallery.

One-Minute Makeover Tip: Kick Up Your Colorblocking Quotient

Marisa Tom — Sun, 12 Feb 2012 03:00:08 PST

We're constantly looking to reinvent the way in which we style our most beloved items of clothing - that is, without having to endure the consequences of a costly shopping spree. By combing through the arsenal of chic Fab community looks and tapping into our editors' fashion prowess, we've whipped up an easy way to soup up your wardrobe with just a quick trip to the back of your closet. Today, let's go bold and vibrant: mix-and-match cool color combos.

The best part about colorblocking is, hands down, its endless potential for fun, playful, and totally unexpected color matchups. This may be a good time to brush up on the ol' color wheel. Some of our favorite complementary pairings are: minty green with bright tangerine, deep violet with saffron yellow, and neon pink with crimson red.
Use these color combos to emphasize your shape and your strong knowledge of silhouette proportions. We love seeing contrasted hues against a long-short hem or in the mix of soft vs. hard structural edges.
To execute this look, it takes almost no effort at all. Find your favorite colorful pieces and pair 'em up. The effect is striking, but super simple to achieve. Whether it's a colorblocked sweater-and-jeans combo or a sweet juxtaposition of a bold dress over opaque tights, it's a zippy way to spice up a look.

Photos courtesy of Smileforstyle, BrittandWhit, and Erikets

The Five Best Races For Women

espnW — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 04:09:19 PST

We are excited to share one of our fave stories from espnW here on FitSugar!

By Dimity McDowell and Sarah Bowen Shea

Sage Steele, SportsCenter anchor, is preparing to run the Disney Princess Half Marathon at Walt Disney World on Feb. 26 and hoping to fall in love with running in the process. Follow Sage’s journey on espnW.com

Women's races offer a decidedly different vibe than their coed cousins': more camaraderie, a sole sister atmosphere that welcomes all runners and walkers, and lots more running skirts. Here are five of the top women's races and series in the country. Sign up then train like Sage.

Disney Tinker Bell and Princess half marathons
Sage picked a winner. Let your inner child run free through the Magic Kingdom at these festival race weekends. Tinker Bell is in Disneyland, while Princess is in Disney World, but both allow thousands of runners to mix and mingle with Disney characters on courses that wind through each park. Racers put almost as much effort into costumes - Snow White, Belle, or Minnie, anyone? - as training. Bonus: your kids will be especially psyched to cheer you on.

Sage Steele gets some training advice from Disney runMom Lori Lovell

Nike Women's Marathon
Yeah, it's tough to snag an entry, but if you can, this race is so worth it. (Psst: Go through Team in Training.) This 26.2-mile race, and its half-marathon companion, traverses San Francisco with sweeping vistas of the Golden Gate Bridge and Pacific Ocean to take your mind off the killer hills in the first 10 miles of the race. Tuxedo-clad firefighters bestow each finisher with a Tiffany & Co. pendant.

Run fast by fueling up smart

Three more great races after the break.

What Not to Do in Wheel Pose

Jenny Sugar — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 13:33:14 PST

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 comfortably.

Clenching your tush: It takes lower body strength to hold yourself up in Wheel, but that doesn't mean you need to clench your glutes. Focus on engaging your quads and calves to release tension in your bum, allowing your lower spine to relax and fully extend.

Keep reading to find out other mistakes you might be making in Full Backbend.

One-Minute Makeover Tip: Add Shades of Valentine's Day Into the Mix

Marisa Tom — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 04:00:37 PST

Get the look of love just by reinventing your personal wardrobe wheel. Sure, you can splurge on lacy lingerie or a skintight cocktail dress, but for an everyday spruce-up, utilizing what you already have in the back of your closet will certainly make do. We've tapped our stylish community and chic editors to breathe new life into well-loved pieces - and this time around, we're making a serious case for shades of pink and red. With Valentine's Day just around the corner, we're in a sweet state-of-mind: just up your pink (and red) lady quotient.

Don't go the cheesy route with your pretty pinks - make them pop in subtle ways. Try a pastel-hued peplum skirt, dusty salmon pink skinny jean, or a soft pleated maxi skirt.
'Tis the season to accentuate your shape. Opt for form-flattering cuts in even sexier hues of crimson red. Whether it be a zippered pencil skirt or a fiery sheer blouse, it's easy to create a sexy mood just with the right attention to detail and color.
If you're not a total girlie girl, that's OK. Go ultra-feminine with sweet accessories: fuchsia platform heels, rich magenta earrings, a pale pink clutch, or a bold red fedora. Never underestimate the aphrodisiac effect of a well-executed element of style.

Photos courtesy of JustPatience, Megan Zietz, and Style Extraordinaire

6 Places You Should Fight the Urge to Use Your Cell

Kristy Korcz — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 13:34:33 PST

A new survey says that 75 percent of Americans use their smartphone while on the toilet. No wonder 16 percent of cell phones have poop on them. Gross. Not only is talking, texting, or web surfing on the John a disgusting habit that encourages the spreading of germs and bacteria, but it can also cause awkward moments for others around you. But the loo isn't the only place you should consider a tech-free zone. Check out the list below for five other locations you should keep your phone under wraps and on silent.

At the movies - We all paid to get into the theater, so please keep your cell phone on silent and don't answer it if it rings; you'll be ruining the experience for the rest of us!
At the gym - Talking on your cell at the gym is a no-no according to FitSugar, and I'd have to agree. Getting distracted and walking away from equipment slows the rest of the gym-goers down, and no one really needs to hear you go into detail about last night's date, your annoying coworker, or your mother-in-law's upcoming visit while we're trying to run.
At the dinner table - If you've gone out of your way to meet with friends, family, or heck, even a date over dinner, the least you can do is keep your cell phone off the table. Placing your phone next to your plate just makes it seem like you're waiting for someone to call, or worse, looking for something better to do.
Behind the wheel - This one seems obvious, but 56 percent of people have seen someone use their mobile phone behind the wheel. Even scarier? Almost 25 percent of Americans have seen someone using a laptop behind the wheel.
In the bedroom - This is a no-brainer, right? Maybe not. A 2010 study showed that 10 percent of people would check texts during sex. Are we so preoccupied with staying connected that we can't even enjoy a little unplugged "business time"!?