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Yoga and Running: Opposites Attract

FitSugar — Thu, 20 Sep 2007 11:45:00 -0700

Yoga is great for stretching and toning your muscles, and increasing flexibility, but as far as a great cardio workout for your heart, it doesn't quite cut it.

That's why running is the perfect complement to yoga. It's practically the opposite of yoga on the exercise scale. Nothing gets the blood flowing and your heart pumping like a good run. On an average mile run, your foot will hit the ground 1,000 times. The force of impact can be 3 to 4 times your weight, so it's no wonder that many runners complain of lower back and knee pain, tight hips and hamstrings, and sore feet.

Running works your lower body brilliantly, but it leaves your upper body in the dust. This imbalance is what can cause so many problems for runners, so that's where yoga comes in. Yoga works your upper body (another reason I love vinyasas) and stretches out tight muscles. It also increases flexibility, which can prevent injury, so you'll be able to run for many years to come. Running and yoga can work as a team to keep your muscles strong and supple, and your bones in alignment.

Although both can be quite meditative and relaxing, neither one is a substitute for the other. Whether you focus more on running or yoga, try to strike a balance since the two compliment each other so well.

Fit's Tips: If you are a die-hard runner, try to remember to make time for stretching before or after your runs. You might even want to throw a weekly yoga class into your routine. On the other hand, if you are more into gentle exercise like yoga and stretching, you've got to remember to work your heart too. Add 20 minutes of heart pumping exercise (it doesn't have to be running), 2-3 times a week. Incorporating cardio and yoga will make your body and mind stronger and more balanced.

Wed, 31 Dec 1969 16:00:00 -0800

DVD Review: Yoga for Runners

FitSugar — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 03:30:00 -0700

At this stage of the game, I don't think I could keep running if I didn't do yoga on a regular basis. Running makes me tight and yoga unwinds my muscles and prepares me for my next run. So I was happy to check out Christine Felstead's Yoga For Runners: The Essentials ($30), hoping to learn something new or to reinforce good habits. This DVD is not a taped yoga class for you to follow, but rather a primer on why and how yoga can help keep you on the road.

Felstead began as a runner who found yoga later in life, but was moved enough by the practice to become a yoga instructor and spread the message of the power of yoga for runners. I must say the visual aspects of this DVD are a little austere as are the student demonstrators; none of them look like they are enjoying their practice. The narrative is done in voice over fashion, which has an alienating affect as well, but the information given is incredibly helpful to any runner or yogi. I learned a lot from the program, and felt great after doing all the recommended poses.

To see how the DVD is organized, just read more.

The DVD is broken up by areas of the body commonly strained and tight in runners, and it focuses on the low back, hamstrings and hips. The progression is slow and more encyclopedic than flowing. My husband, not a flexible man, really enjoyed the DVD, an indication that it is great for yoga beginners. If you run, or exercise regularly and have a difficult time understanding how to increase your flexibility this DVD is for you. Ultimately the goal of the DVD is to help you create an understanding of what stretches your body needs and to create a yoga series for yourself. You can purchase the DVD directly from the Yoga for Runners website.

Felstead holds workshops regularly in her hometown of Toronto and has certified teachers all over Canada to teach her methods. If possible, you should take a class from her or one of her instructors because live classes offer even more information and insight into the practice of yoga.

Healthy Dose Link Time!!!!!

FitSugar — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 11:00:00 -0700

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Healthy Dose Link Time!!!!!!

FitSugar — Mon, 21 May 2007 11:45:00 -0700

Complete Running shares an amazing tale of running through adversity - the adversity being chemotherapy!!!

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Healthy Dose!!!!!

FitSugar — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 13:38:20 -0800

While surfing the web I am always on the look out for stories I think you all might like. Here is what I have found for you - a healthy dose of the web.

Diet Detective tell us that Oprah is not the only celeb who stops eating early in the evening.

About.yoga teaches you the hows and whys of seated straddle.

Fitness asks and answers the question are there any benefits to fitness training other than losing weight?

Complete Running gives you the details on running through the pain.

Clarissa at families.com has a few yoga flows to get your home practice going.

that's fit serves up some ideas on how to cut 100 calories out of your day.

Vitabeat explains that there is no proof that human growth hormone extends life.

geeksugar tells us all about Reebok's Digital Jumprope. I want one!!!!!

Gear Review: slotRadio by Sansa

FitSugar — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 11:20:25 -0800

I love my iPod, but there is a new music player vying for my heart: the slotRadio ($79) by Sansa.

The two-inch-by-two-inch clip-on music player comes with a data card with 1,000 songs from the Billboard music charts, with prearranged playlists by music genre. I tried the additional Health and Fitness mix, which includes the mixes for warmup, cardio, roadwork (cycling), power (lifting), yoga, cooldown, and the even more mellow spa mix.

To see what I thought of this music player, just read more.

I must admit I am a bit technically challenged - ironic since I am a blogger, I know. Even with my latent Luddite ways, I found the slotRadio super easy to use. The instruction manual was simply written with helpful graphics. Open the box, charge the radio, which took about an hour, put in your music card, and go. My inaugural run with the slotRadio was great. It clips onto your clothes and is so small and light you don't even notice it. The volume button is easy to find, as is the skip button. You can easily skip genres, too. I warmed up with Lady Gaga and Nelly and moved onto cardio with a few bands I have never heard of, like VHS or Beta. The slotRadio feels like a pop music education in a good way. This little player is a great way to introduce yourself to new music. However, I had to remove the foam covers from the earbuds to keep them from falling out of my ears.

The video screen features graphics of exercises and lets you know the next song up on the playlist so you can advance easily to find motivational music. The slotRadio is also a real radio. As an NPR junkie, I love that I can switch over to radio and catch up on news or Fresh Air while working out.

I enjoyed the Health and Fitness music card much more than the standard Billboard artist music card. Thankfully, the data cards are easy to change, and there are many options to choose from, including Christmas tunes, '80s and '90s music, Latin, and classical. The extra data cards cost $40. The slotRadio bundle comes with headphones, charger, and Billboard music card. These make a great gift for the musically impaired fitness fanatic in your life.

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Pilates Makes Everything Better

FitSugar — Wed, 27 Dec 2006 14:03:27 -0800

I love Pilates and really don't think I can sing praise for it enough. The main reason I love Pilates is that it makes everything better - running, sitting, standing, yoga, swimming and even sex.

A major focus of Pilates is posture. When the body is in alignment it works more efficiently which is important when you exercise. For instance take running. When running upright, instead of leaning forward, with the low abs pulled up and in the shoulder blades sliding down the back, your legs can really do their thing - propel you forward.

On the opposite end of the spectrum of physical activities, Pilates also works the pelvic floor muscles along with the deep abs. This focus helps with pelvic stability, incontinence and, yes, sex. I've had clients tell me their husbands really appreciate the pelvic floor work.

I like thinking of the Pilates studio as a laboratory of controlled movement. You stretch and work your body into extreme ranges of motion and then in the real world you are ready for almost anything.

So if you haven't tried Pilates - do. I think you will love it. If you have any questions about Pilates - ask them by sending me a private message. I am all ears.

Healthy Dose Link Time!!!!!!

FitSugar — Mon, 25 Jun 2007 11:00:09 -0700

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Healthy Dose Link Time!!!!!!!

FitSugar — Fri, 16 Mar 2007 12:15:00 -0700

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