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Folded arms are usually associated with nonchalance and/or moodiness. While it was somewhat surprising at first glance, it's not entirely shocking that Karl Lagerfeld had the models for his Fall '08 collection walk down the runway with folded arms. It's ironic that the robot-like designer was the one to encourage human qualities in his models. You will see cue cards backstage telling models to Read more
You're loving your yoga class from Half Moon to Pigeon Pose, but as soon as you get to Shoulderstand, you're less than psyched. Although a basic — challenging, but basic — pose, Shoulderstand can put you at risk of strain and injury when done incorrectly. Turn this pose into your favorite by checking out these common complaints and ways to remedy them. "I Can't Breathe" If you're well Read more
Just about as common as Downward Facing Dog, Upward Facing Dog pose, or Up Dog as I like to call it, not only elongates and increases flexibility in your spine, but it's a great pose for opening your chest, throat, shoulders, and the front of your thighs. When doing this pose, try not to tense your glutes or crunch your lower back. If it hurts your wrists to have so much weight in your palms, Read more
I don't think I've ever met a runner who doesn't suffer from tight hips, hamstrings, or a lower back. The receptive movements and strengthening aspect of running can cause tight muscles that need extra attention. Of course you should never skip the stretching session after a run, but here are three lower-body stretches you should do every day — even on the days you don't run. Open Lizard What Read more
Fun issues like nausea, fatigue, shortness of breath, and the need to hit the ladies' room — three different times during a workout! — makes it difficult to keep up with a regular exercise routine when pregnant. If you're expecting, taking up yoga (or continuing to go) is wonderful because not only does it alleviate some of these annoying discomforts, your body will stay strong and flexible. Read more
If you have the ever popular office job that involves sitting at a desk for eight hours a day, it can wreak havoc on your precious body creating tight hips and lower back pain. Many stretches for your hips also stretch out your lower back, so these poses are like two for the price of one. Butterfly Sit on the floor, bend both knees, and bring your feet together. Using your hands, open your feet Read more
We are pumped to share one of our favorite stories from Self here on FitSugar! Do you still fantasize about your 15-year-old butt? If things have gone south (literally!) since high school, you can rest assured there's an easier way to reclaim your perky backside than wrestling that old cheerleader uniform out of storage. So put down your pom-poms, pull on your favorite pair of sneakers, and get Read more
Yoga is about self-acceptance and embracing little quirks in others, but let's face it — we've probably all found someone in our yoga class annoying. You may smile at them and even throw out a polite "namaste," but on the inside, you're rolling your third eye. 1. The Show-Off Oh, you can do a handstand? Wow. Oh, you can do Scorpion Handstand with your feet on your head. Impressive. Wait, now Read more
I always look forward to Sweet Paul's Crafty Friday posts, but I flipped when I saw his cozy little knit vase. As Paul points out, practically everyone has an old sweater with some sort of defect and a vase laying around the house. Instead of wasting money and time hunting for all of the necessary bits, just take a look through your sweater bins and cabinets to prep for this ridiculously easy Read more
Yoga is supposed to be all about serenity and bliss, but there's no way you'll feel relaxed and at peace with the world if you're making these major no-nos on the mat. Not connecting breath with movements: For every movement in your yoga practice, there is a breath pattern that goes along with it. For example, to start a Sun Salutation, you inhale to raise your arms up, and exhale to fold Read more
