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In Honor of Yoga Month: Talk About Inspiration!

FitSugar — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 03:30:00 -0700

OK, OK, I know what you're thinking. This is some patchouli-smelling, long-haired, hippie-yoga dude who loves to practice shirtless. Try not to focus on that but watch what this amazingly strong and flexible man can do. See how he does Eight Crooked Limbs without even touching the ground, and then later gets himself into Hummingbird? This is two minutes of supreme yoga.

Tell me, does this inspire you to do more yoga, or do you feel like this is only possible for someone with a contortionist-like body?

Partner Yoga Pose: The Fountain

FitSugar — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 14:45:00 -0800

Many of the Partner Yoga poses I've posted recently focus on opening up the hamstrings and hips, so let's try one that increases flexibility in your spine. This pose called The Fountain will also challenge your ability to trust your partner.

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Music: "Silence" by Delerium

I know this pose doesn't look like much, but once you give it a try, your back will be loving it. To see a detailed description of how to get into this pose with a partner,

Yoga Video: Warrior Triangle Sequence

FitSugar — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 14:30:00 -0800

Want to strengthen your quads and increase flexibility in your hamstrings and hips? Try this sequence of standing postures. It's great for runners, skiers, riders, and cyclists as a warm up. Hold each posture for longer than five breaths to open and strengthen even further.

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Want to know the names of the postures in the sequence? Then

Flying Partner Yoga Routine

FitSugar — Sat, 19 Jan 2008 04:00:00 -0800

You know I'm a huge fan of partner yoga poses. They allow you to support and be supported while stretching so you can deepen your practice both physically and emotionally. Just about all the yoga poses you do on your own can be done with a partner, but this routine can only be done as a pair. It's based on the airplane game you've probably played as a child, but it's much more involved. I know it looks difficult, but with practice and constant communication with your partner, you can do this fluid routine and it feels amazing.

Looking to do some easier poses? Check out these Partner Yoga poses.

Move It at Home: Viniyoga Therapy For the Upper Back, Neck, and Shoulders

FitSugar — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 11:00:00 -0800

If you suffer from pain or tightness in your back, neck, or shoulders, then you might really benefit from using the Viniyoga Therapy For the Upper Back, Neck, and Shoulders DVD. The first part of the video explains why so many people have these pains in the first place and how yoga can be integral in healing these areas. The second part breaks down some simple exercises and poses to warm up and stretch the spine, neck, and shoulders.

If learning about the causes of your discomfort and working on basic exercises is boring, and you want to get right to alleviating the pain, then skip to the third part where you are led through 20-, 30-, and 40-minute sessions of yoga. Just so you know, this video doesn't involve a whole lot of moving around. The three practices involve physical-therapy exercises based on yoga poses, and a lot of slow movements to stretch and strengthen weak and painful areas. This DVD will be perfect for you if you are injured or dealing with chronic pain in your neck, shoulders, or back. It's also a great video if you are a beginner yogi who wants to do a low-impact practice to reduce stress.

Partner Yoga Pose: Seated Straddle Lounge

FitSugar — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 03:00:00 -0800

Doing Seated Straddle on your own definitely gives you a great stretch in your hamstrings and lower back, but it feels so much better when someone can add a little weight to your torso. That's why I love the partner yoga pose called Seated Straddle Lounge. Not only does the person on the bottom get an unbelievable stretch, but when the person on top lounges back, she also gets a great relaxing stretch in her spine. Check out this video to see how to get into it.

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Music: "Quiet 8" by Sheila Chandra

Want more detailed instructions? Then

You Asked: How Can I Start Getting Into Yoga?

FitSugar — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 11:45:00 -0800

You're asking and I'm answering.

Dear FitSugar,

I recently decided that yoga would be something I'd like to try. I understand that taking a class to learn the basics is important and a good way to see if I would like it or not, but I am just terribly shy and would much rather start this practice at home. How should I go about starting my own practice? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

—Yogini in the Making Margaret

I totally understand being a little apprehensive about walking into a yoga class for the first time. So before you jump right in, I recommend renting or buying some beginner yoga DVDs. Try a couple different styles to see which one appeals to your needs.

To see a short list of my favorites and a few more pieces of advice just

Partner Yoga Pose: Backpack

FitSugar — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 09:30:00 -0800

Got a tight back? Here's a fun way to open your spine and stretch your hamstrings too. I call this Backpack.

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Music: "Lazy Days" by Enya

Stand back to back with your partner. Lock elbows and Partner #1 bends her knees and places her bum under Partner #2's bum.
Then Partner #1 slowly folds forward, lifting Partner #2 off the ground and onto her back. Stay like this until either partner is ready to come down. To release, Partner #1 slowly stands back up and then you can switch roles.
After you both have a turn, take a step apart and fold forward. Reach for each other's hands or legs and hang here for a few deep breaths, releasing your lower back and stretching through the backs of the legs. Stand up when you're ready.

Yoga Video: Fierce Sequence

FitSugar — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 10:15:00 -0800

If you love squats, hiking, climbing stairs, and other exercises that make your thighs and buns burn, then this is the sequence for you. It starts with Fierce pose, which you'll recognize from Sun Salutation B, and moves on to some variations that are sure to strengthen your lower body.

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Music: "Devata" by Material

Yoga Video: Stretch Those Hips and Hamstrings

FitSugar — Fri, 02 Nov 2007 09:30:00 -0700

Need to open up and stretch those tight hips and hamstrings? Not only is this a wonderful sequence to start out with before moving onto deeper poses like backbends, but it's also a great way to warm up before or after a run, hike, or bike ride.

Music: "Om Namo Narayana" by Deva Premal

By the way, I'm wearing the Simplicity Pants made by be present. I love the way they feel when I practice. They allow me to move freely and they wick moisture from my skin so I stay dry.

Get on the Ball: Forearm Stand into Scorpion

FitSugar — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 15:15:00 -0700

Getting into Scorpion pose from Forearm Stand requires incredible upper body strength, a flexible back and good balance. If you use an exercise ball, it makes this pose so much easier to get into.

Music: "Deva Loka" by Drala

If you want a more detailed description

Yoga Video: Jump Through With Blocks

FitSugar — Wed, 10 Oct 2007 04:00:00 -0700

The jump through vinyasa is one of the toughest moves to master in Yoga, but it's an important move to learn since it brings an amazing sense of fluidity to your practice. If you've tried it a million times, and are constantly kicking your hands or crashing your booty into the ground, then you are probably frustrated.

Here's a trick to make your attempts successful and to strengthen your core muscles, which are vital for mastering the jump through. Check out the video.

Want a detailed explanation of how to do this? Then

Yoga Video: Sun Salutation B

FitSugar — Thu, 21 Jun 2007 12:30:00 -0700

In honor of the summer solstice and the first day of Summer, let's do Sun Salutation B. This video will walk you through the entire sequence once, but I definitely recommend doing it about 5 times. That way you'll give your body a chance to warm up and stretch out.

Music: Solar Spirit by Asiatronic

Fit's Tips If you don't have much time, but still want to do a short yoga session, do 5 Sun Salutations A's and 5 Sun Salutation B's. It's the perfect warm up to begin your day or before a run.

Yoga Video: Sun Salutation A

FitSugar — Mon, 07 May 2007 04:00:00 -0700

I know I've already described Sun Salutation A to you, but seeing it in action makes it much easier to learn, so follow along with me.

It's a great warm-up for running or biking, or a gentle way to wake up in the morning so you can ditch your usual cup of coffee (OK, well, maybe not, but it's worth a shot).

Music: Transform by T.J. Rehmi

Name That Asana - Want to play?

FitSugar — Fri, 08 Dec 2006 13:00:00 -0800

Want to play Name That Asana? It's the latest game show on Fitsugar. While it's not exactly Deal or No Deal, it is hilarious. Plus, you get to flex your mental muscle as you guess the names of different yoga poses - asana is the Sanskrit word for "pose."

There may not be prize money involved, but it is good for a few laughs. Be on the look out for more FitSugar videos. They're coming your way soon.