FitSugar

Get in Gear: Plank Mats

FitSugar — Thu, 13 Dec 2007 11:00:00 -0800

Say goodbye to plain, boring yoga mats, and hello to sassy and unique Plank Mats. This company brings humor into the yoga studio, and it's apparent when you see their two collections of mats. The Text Series ($65) has three styles to choose from. They say either "Bling," "Chocolate," or "Me." They're printed in metallic colors to bring a touch of sparkle to your yoga class.

If seeing words all over your mat might be a little too distracting, then check out the digital photo mats ($80). The one called Shag makes you feel like you're doing yoga on your living-room carpet. Now you'll always know where to put your hands. Want to check it out and see all the other unique designs? Then read more

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Techno Yoga Mat

FitSugar — Thu, 06 Sep 2007 15:45:00 -0700

You know something is cutting edge when it comes to your attention twice in less than 12 hours. Both geeksugar and sugar user tdamji are into this blending of uber contemporary technology and the ancient practice of yoga.

Designer Hui-Zong Chen has conceived of a yoga mat, made of an electronic paper screen that unfurls from a metal tube that is a stereo with cute little speakers housed at each end. The yoga mat can play streaming videos at the top of the mat, so you can follow a virtual yoga instructor through a series of poses. Better yet, you could “conference” in your friends and create a group class situation with participants in different parts of the globe.

Alas, this hi tech mat is still in the conceptual stage, but cool nonetheless. I love the idea of my Warrior I riding the technology wave, how about you?

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Yoga Props Explained: Blocks

FitSugar — Mon, 23 Jul 2007 02:30:00 -0700

When I walked into my first few yoga classes, I was intrigued by all the blocks neatly stacked against the wall next to the perfectly rolled-up mats. I soon came to realize that those different sized blocks had many useful purposes.

Blocks are often used by beginners and those with injuries to help them modify certain postures, but they are also used by experienced and flexible yogis as tools to get deeper into poses. I'm a huge fan of blocks, and here's why:

Blocks can be used when doing standing poses to bring the ground closer to your hands if you can't quite reach yet.
Blocks can also be used in restorative poses to support your bones and the weight of your body. Iyengar and Kripalu classes often use blocks to deeply open certain parts of the body, or for relaxation poses.

Want to see how else you can use yoga blocks? Then read more

Blocks can also make poses more comfortable, especially in seated poses. Sitting on a block will bring your hips above your knees, reducing pain if there is too much pressure on a certain muscle or joint.
Placing a block beyond your reach can help you stretch your muscles even further, increasing flexibility.
You can also use blocks to makes poses more challenging. I like to work on more advanced poses such as inversions, and the blocks help to keep my hands (my base) steady.

Source, Source, and Source

Fit Find for Yoga Props for Home Practice

FitSugar — Mon, 15 Jan 2007 13:00:00 -0800

I don't know about you, but since the new year I have definitely been increasing my home yoga practice. I have realized I need a few props to help me out with some of the more difficult poses. So let's go Fit Finding for a new yoga mat, block and a strap.

Here are a few online stores that might just have what we're looking for:
Yoga.com
Half Moon Yoga Props
Mat Mats Mats

Be sure to tag your finds with the phrase yoga props for home practice.

If you've never done a Fit Find, let me tell you it is so easy and fun. Just read geeksugar's bookmarking explanation and you'll be all set.

Namaste.

Fit Find Follow Up: Yoga Props for Home Practice

FitSugar — Fri, 19 Jan 2007 14:05:00 -0800

A couple of days ago I asked you all to help me Fit Find yoga props for my home practice. Since I need a block, a strap and a new mat I thought you all could help.

Here's my favorites, from Moni B. She found some soothing sage green props and threw in a matching bag for the mat. Love that.

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If you are looking for some yoga props yourself, you should check out all the props.

If you want to know more about Fit Finds you should read geeksugar's excellent explanation of our bookmarking system.

Ways to Stay Injury Free in Yoga Class

FitSugar — Thu, 02 Aug 2007 11:00:00 -0700

I've taught and taken many a yoga class, and unfortunately I have seen (and experienced) one too many injuries (did someone say torn rotator cuff?). It seems like an oxymoron - yoga is supposed to increase your flexibility, make you stronger while helping you heal and prevent injuries. It is not supposed to make new ones, right?

The next time you pop into a yoga class, keep these helpful hints in mind:

Drop the ego. Don't compare yourself to Polly Pretzel or Seventeen-year-old Suzie over there. Every body is different and you don't want to attempt advanced poses if you're not ready. Nobody is watching you anyway, so who are you trying to impress?

Don't compare yourself to yourself either - since your body changes everyday too. Maybe last week you pressed all the way up into full backbend, but this week, your back may not be thinking that's such a good idea. Concentrate on how your body feels at that moment.
Don't push yourself too hard. Yoga is supposed to feel good to your body. It should never hurt or cause strain, so don't force your muscles to stretch to the point of agony since this is a great way to pull a muscle.
Move slowly and with complete awareness. Every time you move any part of your body, do it calmly and with intention. Be aware of where your body is and what it's doing at all times.
Learn to use and love props. Blocks, straps, bolsters, and even walls are great support tools to help you modify poses so you don't strain your muscles.

Want to see the other tips? Then read more

Listen to your body. Sometimes the order or types of poses an instructor is doing doesn't fit with what your body needs. If your back wants to do a forward bend, and the entire class is doing handstands, well, then do a forward bend. Also be sure to rest your body when you need to - Child's pose is a wonderful thing.
Don't slip. Heated rooms may help keep your muscles warm, they can also make you sweat, making your mat really slick. Use a regular towel or a Yogitoes Skidless Yoga Mat to absorb any puddles.
Don't be afraid to ask for help. If you're not sure how to get into a pose, don't be afraid to ask the teacher (that's what they're there for). Sometimes the format of classes makes it feel awkward to talk or ask questions, so if that's the case, just skip the pose, and ask the teacher about it after class.

If you have any other tips, share them below.

Yoga Block Can Be More Than Just Blocks

FitSugar — Wed, 08 Aug 2007 14:30:00 -0700

I am a huge fan of using blocks when practicing yoga. They are often used by beginners and those with injuries to help them modify certain postures, but they are also used by experienced and flexible yogis as tools to get deeper into poses.

Blocks come in many shapes, sizes, and they can be made out of many different materials including cork, foam and bamboo. If you're not sure where to begin, get a 4 inch yoga block and start with that. Once you learn ways to use it, you can figure out of you need to add more blocks to your home studio.

Here's a basic list of the different kinds you can get.

Hugger Mugger Foam Wedge	1 Inch Foam Yoga Bricks
2 Inch Foam Yoga Bricks	3 inch Yoga Bricks
4 Inch Yoga Blocks	Shoulder Stand Foam Block
Hugger Mugger Cork Block	Hugger Mugger Bamboo Block

Yoga With Biggest Loser Trainer Bob Harper

FitSugar — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 03:47:23 -0700

I gaze out past the middle finger of my left hand into the Hollywood Hills as my right quad quivers holding Warrior 2. This is when Bob Harper, trainer from The Biggest Loser, says, "You might be feeling a bit of heat in your thigh right about now." He's teaching a yoga class to a few bloggers and ladies of the press, and we all laugh as our legs burn.

You can hear Bob's charming smile even in his calm instructions leading us from pose to pose. He's a thoughtful teacher, with smart sensitive hands that gently mold you into correct positions. I've had a bit of a TV crush on him for years, and now after meeting him in person, I'm smitten. This yoga class and round table discussion were produced by Go With the Grain, and although carbs did come up (as well as protein, which Bob thinks is overrated), we mostly talked about the show, yoga, and a dash of musical theater. He mentioned the contestant Shay more than a few times; she was clearly on his mind. Having lived through each moment during filming, Bob doesn't watch the show but checks the ratings the following morning. He's also learned to avoid the online community boards: "They're so mean." He addresses the recent criticism about all the screaming on the show and shakes his head in dismay and bemusement about the clip of a tirade used on the Emmys.

Bob said there is so much of the action at the ranch that ends on the cutting room floor because it doesn't make for good TV. Which brings us to yoga. Quiet, slow yoga. He actually does a fair bit with his contestants because it's meditative. "It helps them own their bodies," he explains. Working with people that weigh over 300 pounds, Bob gets creative with props, using benches to help support Shay in Chaturanga. Ten minutes of sun salutations is often part of the exercise homework he gives his team.

To see if Bob and Jillian, his rival trainer on the show, are buddies, just read more.

Bob still teaches a Saturday spin class at a Crunch in LA and has participated in the SF to LA AIDS ride, so I asked him if he rides a road bike much. "I spin four to five days a week and get my cycle time there. Mostly, I like to ride my motorcycle." Who taught him to ride? Jillian. They hang out all the time. Cute.

As a personal trainer, we know Bob is into fitness, but food is a major part of the health picture. Growing up on a cattle farm, with "two coffin freezers full of meat," Bob is not into animal protein and believes in a plant-based diet. He feels too much emphasis has been placed on protein. He really wants people to focus on fruits and veggies, and of course grains. On the show, he tell contestants that life on the ranch is the little picture. It's extreme. Going forward with their lives after The Biggest Loser they're going to need to find balance. Which is what we all need, especially when doing the standing splits to end a series of standing poses he taught in his class.

Obviously, I am big fan of Bob's - are you? How was your last yoga class? Ever taken one with a celebrity yogi? Share the details in my Yoga Stretch and Tell group.

Say Om Not Ow: Injury-Free Yoga Tips

FitSugar — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 08:00:36 -0700

The main reason many of us practice yoga is to increase our flexibility, and the last thing you'd expect is to pull a muscle. Unfortunately yoga injuries can and do happen just as easily as they do in other types of workouts, so keep these tips in mind to prevent yourself from getting hurt.

Spy before you try. Check out the class the week before you take it to make sure the level is right for your ability and needs.
Drop the ego. Don't compare yourself to Polly Pretzel or 17-year-old Sally over there. Everyone's body is different, and you don't want to attempt advanced poses if you're not ready. Nobody's watching you anyway, so who are you trying to impress?
Don't compare yourself to yourself either. Your body changes every day. Maybe last week you pressed all the way up into full backbend, but this week, your back may not be thinking that's such a good idea. Concentrate on how your body feels at that moment.
Move slowly and with complete awareness. Every time you move any part of your body, do it calmly and with intention. Be aware of where your body is and what it's doing at all times.
Learn to use and love props. Blocks, straps, bolsters, and even walls are great support tools to help you modify poses so you don't strain your muscles.

Want to see the other tips? Then read more

Don't push yourself too hard. Yoga is supposed to feel good. It should never hurt or cause strain, so don't force your muscles to stretch to the point of agony, since this is a great way to pull a muscle.
Listen to your body. Sometimes the order or types of poses an instructor is doing won't fit with what your body needs. If your tight hips need to do Pigeon and the entire class is doing handstands, well, then do Pigeon. Also be sure to rest your body when you need to - child's pose is a wonderful thing.
Don't slip. Heated rooms may help keep your muscles warm, but they can also make you sweat, making your mat really slick. Use a regular towel or a Yogitoes Skidless Yoga Mat to absorb any puddles.
Don't be afraid to ask for help. If you're not sure how to get into a pose, don't be afraid to ask the teacher. Sometimes the format of classes makes it feel awkward to talk or ask questions, so if that's the case, just skip the pose and ask the teacher about it after class.

Class Act: AntiGravity Yoga "Wings"

FitSugar — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 05:30:00 -0800

Inspired by the list of the upcoming fitness trends generated by the American College of Sports Medicine, I have started my own list of how working out will evolve in 2009.

The ancient practice of yoga is flexible enough (bad pun, I know) to mix with almost any other form of exercise or prop. The folks over at Crunch have been dreaming up trend-setting classes for years now, and their latest yoga hybrid is AntiGravity Yoga "Wings." The class blends traditional yoga poses with circus arts to create 60 minutes of good fun in the form of strength and flexibility training. You often forget you're exercising, but your muscles will remind you the next day. The class is centered around a soft fabric hammock, which supports you in basic yoga poses but also allows you to swing.

For details and images of the class, read more.

The hour-long class starts with simple motions not only to warm up your body, but also to give yourself a chance to warm up to the idea of working with a piece of fabric hanging from the ceiling. As you stretch, move, and explore the hammock, it is essential to keep tension in the prop at all times. You push into the hammock to gain more control over its swinging nature. There is no way to get through this class, from the light aerobic dance moves in the beginning of class to the supported yoga poses, without using your deep abs. So your belly gets worked with zero sit-ups. The class combines elements of challenge, like swinging in a superman position with the hammock on your pelvis, and relaxation, found in many of the supported stretches. The class ends using the hammock to create many inversions, which feel divine for the spine. I especially like how the traditional closing pose of a yoga class, savasana, has been replaced with "cocoon," which involves completely wrapping yourself in the hammock and gently swaying in the breeze.

The class also really works your arms. Pushing down into the fabric of the hammock targets the lats and triceps. At the moment, these classes are taught exclusively at Crunch gyms, but I predict that more classes mixing yoga with different circus-like elements will be popping up all over.

If you live in the SF Bay Area, you should take advantage of the free 45-minute workshop being offered at Crunch 1000 Van Ness on Saturday, Nov. 22. The three workshops run from 1:15-4:15 p.m. and are open to the public. Arrive early; space is limited and is first come, first served. I suggest you wear tight-fitting clothes and leave your jewelry at home.

Check out the moves below to see how versatile the hammocks are.

View 3 Photos ›

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