We are pumped to share one of our favorite stories from Self here on FitSugar! If you're anything like me, Zumba has always held a certain allure, but the very idea of dancing in front of a roomful of people sounds about as appealing as doing my taxes or making a spur-of-the-moment appointment at the DMV. I'm not just painfully shy about busting a move but hopelessly uncoordinated in the Read more

Mat classes are the most affordable way to reap the benefits of Pilates. Taught across the country at gyms and private studios, group classes mean you don't have an instructor cuing and correcting your every move. Make the most of your time on the mat and be mindful of these common mistakes I've seen in classes over the years. Not Going Deep There are many benefits to Pilates, but getting in Read more

We are pumped to share one of our favorite stories from Self here on FitSugar! There are lots (and I mean, lots) of reasons why my motivation to work out during the Winter plummets — from the snowy commute to freezing cold winds to the cold, dry air that hits my chest with such force that it becomes hard to breathe. (Ahem, there's a reason I sign up for races that are after September — this Read more

If you run, bike, ski, or sit at a desk all day, chances are your hamstrings are screaming for some attention. Get on the floor and give them what they crave — a seated forward bend. This pose looks simple enough, but here are some ways to increase that deep stretch in the backs of your legs. Before folding forward, sit with your legs straight out in front of you. Take your right fingertips Read more

If you live for the mountains during the Winter, your gym time probably includes exercises to strengthen your lower-body muscles and challenge your balance. Aspen Ascent, a new class at Sports Club LA locations, offers such a workout for skiers and snowboarders alike. Like many strength-training cardio classes, Aspen Ascent focuses on circuit training with supersets grouped by muscle area, to Read more

If you woke up with an achy back, have a stiff back from sitting for an extended period of time, or have tense shoulders and a tight neck from a day in the office — well then I have a simple cure for what pains you. The Cat and Cow stretch is an oldie but goodie that doubles as a great warmup for your spine before just about any activity. The photo above only shows half of this stretch, so to Read more

Get a visual on what 100 calories of your fave salty snack actually looks like. It might not be bikini weather, but here are ab exercises to do all Winter long. Learn how to separate out weight loss fact from fiction. Things you shouldn't do in the gym locker room — especially if you want to stay well. Yoga poses to stretch out tight hips from sitting or cycling. Joy Bauer has food fixes Read more

We are excited to share one of our fave stories from Shape here on FitSugar. We all want a toned, flat stomach. No surprise there. But since many women are still relying on crunches to get it, we want to make one thing clear: crunching is not the most effective abs workout. "Crunches work only the muscles on the front and sides of your abdomen, but it's important to target all the muscles of the Read more

During Aunt Flo's monthly visit, feeling crampy, fatigued, or bloated may make it hard to stick to your normal fitness routine. Instead of skipping out on exercise completely, swap high-intensity workouts with something less intense — light exercise can actually help alleviate symptoms associated with PMS and your period. Here are some low-impact workout ideas to send your period's symptoms Read more