Shin splints are the bane of many new runners. The tight calves that accompany mileage increases can spell pain for the lower leg. If running causes any discomfort, take time off to allow your shin splints to heal. But you need not sit idle on the sidelines while you recuperate: ice massages help, too. A serious runner, my Equinox trainer reminded me of the healing combo of ice and massage to Read more

We are pumped to share one of our fave stories from Self here on FitSugar! If you aren't seeing the results you want and you know you're putting in the effort, it might be because you're not getting the most from your strength training workouts. Tempo is an oft overlooked, but pivotal aspect to toning and strengthening muscles. Tempo is the pace or speed at which you move through the reps of the Read more

You might avoid certain workouts because you are fearful of injury. Or if you are like me, you might migrate toward certain classes or equipment because you are trying to maintain some fitness level while recovering from an injury. I'm currently working through back and leg injuries, so when it comes to protecting my body from further damage, I've learned that proper alignment is absolutely key Read more

While working out at Crunch gym, I heard a woman hiyahing and turned to find her mightily kicking and punching her (padded) trainer. Her toes were taped, her mouthguard was in, and boy, her sweat glands were working. A rush of adrenaline combined with visions of Million Dollar Baby inspired me to talk to Crunch trainer Casey Mallo about what to expect as a beginner boxer and why you should Read more

We are pumped to share one of our fave stories from Self here on FitSugar! If you're anything like me, your workout waves come in (short) fits and starts. At least you're doing something — that's how I rationalize it. On the downside, that may mean that you get overzealous during exercise phases.  It's great to keep moving, but overshooting your fitness level — or even hitting the gym Read more

It hits you quick, usually at 3 p.m. on the dot. You become fidgety, your brain starts to lose focus, and your eyes begin to droop. Sometimes, caffeine isn't enough to ward off the afternoon slump, so here are some quick ways you can regain your energy and focus, depending on how intense of a boost you need. Small: Using an acupressure technique, squeeze the webbed skin in between your thumb Read more

Welcome to the club! Pink-elephant asks our readers for some prenatal exercise advice in The Mommy Club group. I recently discovered that I am pregnant with our first child, so I am a little new on the best health care and fitness techniques. I have heard that moderate exercise and eating small healthy meals throughout the day is key, as well as taking my prenatal vitamins, however I am a bit Read more

We rely on our eyes so much when we exercise that if you take your sight away briefly, it forces your body to tap into its senses of hearing and touch, which can help you become more aware of your body and how it's moving. Doing certain exercises with your eyes closed is also more difficult when it comes to balance, not to mention a little scary, so it can bring new life to boring exercises Read more

We all have our moments of weakness at the gym. And by weakness, I don't mean that you suddenly lose the ability to lift 12-pound dumbbells over your head; I mean mental weakness, loss of motivation, and neglect of proper technique. Let's face it, we tend to go easier on ourselves than a personal trainer would. Since we all cannot afford to shell out the big bucks to have a personal trainer push Read more