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Strike a Yoga Pose: Locust Prep

FitSugar — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 08:00:00 -0800

If you're looking for a unique way to increase flexibility in your spine, then you'll want to try Locust. The full pose is rather Cirque du Soleil-ish, with both feet extended in the air. It's extremely challenging since it requires both flexibility in the back and upper body strength, so let's ease into Locust with a relaxing prep pose.

Sanskrit Name: Viparita Salabhasana
English Translation: Inverted Locust
Also Called: Locust Prep

To learn how to do this

Fit Gift Guide: Yoga Lady

FitSugar — Sat, 29 Nov 2008 03:00:00 -0800

Whether you have a friend or family member who's been doing yoga for years or is just starting out, here are some great gift ideas she's sure to appreciate. Every time she practices, she'll think of you.

Manduka Black Mat PRO: Pricey, yes, but this will be the last yoga mat your yoga loving friend will ever need. It's thick, dense, and cushiony; it will protect her bones from the hard floor.
Zobha Grace Tank: The high neckline and long torso of this tank keep any woman covered. It's feminine, flattering, and stylish. If she's not a fan of purple, this tank comes in many color combinations.
Together: The Art of Partnered Yoga: Often considered a singular form of exercise, yoga is even more fun with a partner. This DVD is an essential for experimenting with partner yoga. The demonstrations and descriptions are detailed and easy to follow.

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Yoga to Help You Digest on T-Day

FitSugar — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 05:30:00 -0800

With Thanksgiving coming up, I'm sure many of you are looking forward to chowing down. You may end up eating more than usual, and many of the foods may be richer or sweeter than you're used to having. Unfortunately that means you may have some discomfort in the tummy department. Here are some gentle stretches you can do to get some relief.

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Yoga Sequence to Relieve Tension Headaches

FitSugar — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 05:30:00 -0800

When you're suffering from a dull tension headache, try these yoga poses before reaching for medication. They're a series of forward bends and reclining poses that will soothe your head and release tension from your neck. They'll also improve circulation, slow down your breath, and calm your mind.

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Eco Tot: Yoli Poli Designs

lilsugar — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 10:00:01 -0800

Yoga enthusiasts can be really into their art so it's not surprising that many like to include their children in the practice. These adorable 100 percent organic shirts from Yoli Poli ($29) may help encourage tot participation. Cute images of babies performing yoga poses adorn the tees that are the outgrowth of their creator's desire to create the perfect yoga mat.

Following the birth of her daughters, she took her experiences from working at The Disney Store and The Children's Place to design a line of children's ware. The collection now includes clothing for babies, as well as older boys and girls, that is intended to help promote physical activity in kids of all ages.

Strike a Yoga Pose: Straight Legs Side Crow

FitSugar — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 05:30:00 -0800

If you had a fun time practicing the arm-balancing pose Side Crow, then you're going to love this next pose called Straight Legs Crow. It's a little bit more challenging since it requires strength, balance, and flexibility, but once you nail it, you'll feel amazing.

Sanskrit Name: Koundinyasana A or Dwi Pada Koundinyasana
English Translation: Two-Legged Sage Pose
Also Called: Straight Legs Side Crow

To learn how to get into this acrobatic-looking pose

Strike a Yoga Pose: Palms Up Headstand

FitSugar — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 07:00:00 -0800

One of the reasons I'm a huge fan of Ashtanga Yoga is the many variations of headstand involved in the practice — seven to be exact. Palms Up Headstand is the sixth in the Ashtanga headstand series. I'm not going to lie to you; this one is pretty tough. As with all things though, practice makes perfect, so keep trying until you can stay balanced. If you have a sensitive head, you may want to fold your mat in half to add some extra cushioning.

Sanskrit Name: Mukta Hasta Sirsana B
English Translation: Free Hands Headstand Posture B
Also Called: Palms Up Headstand

How do you get into it? To find out

Strike a Yoga Pose: Side Crow

FitSugar — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 09:00:09 -0700

If you've been working on mastering the arm-balancing pose Crow, then how about giving this variation, called Side Crow, a try? It may look more difficult, but some people think it's actually easier. It will strengthen your shoulders and abs, and since you're twisting to the side, it'll also increase flexibility in your lower back.

Sanskrit Name: Parsva Bakasana
English Translation: Side Crane Pose
Also Called: Side Crow

How do you get into it? To find out,

Partner Yoga: Flying Whale

FitSugar — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 14:27:32 -0700

If you tried Forward Flying with a partner and loved it, then give this a try. It's a version of backwards flying called Flying Whale. The key is to move slowly to help the person on top stay balanced.

To learn how to do this partner yoga pose,

Strike a Yoga Pose: Tripod Headstand

FitSugar — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 14:30:00 -0700

Yoga is full of variety. One pose can offer many variations — even something as simple as standing on your head. I have introduced you all to the four variations of headstand found in Ashtanga Yoga. The first one is Bound Headstand, followed by Double Arm Headstand. The third is Forearm Headstand, and the fourth is Pinching Shoulders Headstand. We have three more to go, and the next one up is Tripod Headstand. I happen to think this is one of the easier ones because your hands can help you stay balanced, but it can also hurt your head, so make sure you do this on a thick mat. Fold your mat in thirds if you need more cushioning.

Sanskrit Name: Mukta Hasta Sirsana A
English Translation: Free Hands Headstand Posture A
Also Called: Tripod Headstand

How do you get into it? To find out