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Strike a Yoga Pose: Standing Hand to Big Toe D

FitSugar — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 03:00:00 -0700

We've made it to the last of the four Standing Hand to Big Toe poses in Ashtanga Yoga. This series is perfect if you're a runner or biker because not only does it increase flexibility in your hips and hamstrings, but it also strengthens your quads and core, and challenges your sense of balance.

Sanskrit name: Utthita Hasta Padangusthasana D
English translation: Extended Hand to Big Toe Pose D
Also called: Standing Hand to Big Toe D

To give it a try read more.

Stand with your big toes touching. Put all your weight into your left foot, and lift your right knee up. Bring your hands to your hips.
Now straighten out your leg in front of you, pointing your toe, and making sure to keep your torso in line with your left leg (don't lean back). Try to lengthen through your spine, balancing with both legs straight. This can feel really intense on your quad or lower back, so it's OK to bend your right knee slightly (like in the picture to the right). Just try to keep your thigh lifted.
Hold for five deep breaths, then release your right foot back to the ground. Try this pose on the other side.

Fit's Tips: Traditionally you do A, B, C, and D all in a row without letting your foot touch the ground, so give it a try.

Marni Peep-Toe Ankle Boots: Love It or Hate It?

FabSugar — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 10:00:22 -0700

I have mixed feelings about these Marni Peep-Toe Ankle Boots ($920). I love the cut and color, but I have an issue with the peep-toe. I wish the "peep" was a little bigger because no matter how skinny my toes may be, they'll never show through that tiny hole. Are you feeling these?

Take all of my Love It or Hate It Polls here! To post your selections go to the Love It or Hate It? group. And if you want to learn how to do a blog post click here.

Just Say No to Toe!

GiggleSugar — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 11:00:00 -0700

We've followed the infamous camel toe throughout the ages and last December, Marc Jacobs took the toe to the next level at his Arabian Nights Christmas Party. Jacobs had the right message, but his delivery was all wrong. Since when does a mascot rally against the cause it stands for?

(The photo's old, but I couldn't resist. Who doesn't love a good camel toe joke every now and then?)

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Product of the Day: Camel Toe Cup

GiggleSugar — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 11:05:30 -0700

Ever have that feeling that you aren't showing enough camel toe? (Yeah, me neither.) But these folks thought it would be hilarious to make a prosthetic cup that will reveal your lady contours for all the world to see, preferably underneath spandex leggings. Hey, silicone nipples that you can affix to your own to give you that permanent "walking down the frozen food aisle" look you so desperately desire already exist, why not this?

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You Asked: My Toes Go Numb on the Elliptical?

FitSugar — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 05:50:00 -0700

Hey FitSugar,
When I use the elliptical machine, my toes go numb at about the 10-minute mark of my half-hour workout. Could this be caused be my stance? Or possibly my shoes? I don't get the same sensation when I ride a stationary bike or run outside. Help!
- Walking on Egg Shells

You are not alone in experiencing this problem, and fortunately there are a few easy fixes for bringing sensation back to your numb toes. To learn my suggestions, read more.

I think the problems could be both shoe- and stance-related, so I would approach the issue with changes to both. First, try loosening the laces on your sneakers to give your toes some wiggle room. Experiment with loosening the lower laces, closer to your toes, while keeping the laces tight near the top to maintain arch support. You also want to make sure your shoes are sized correctly. My toes used to go numb when I ran, and after getting fitted by an experienced runner at my local running store, I moved up a half size in my sneaks and opted for a wide shoe. What a difference! My toes no longer go numb. I wholeheartedly recommend getting fitted by someone who knows athletic shoes to ensure that your sneakers fit properly.

As for stance, don't work out just on your toes. It is easy to focus all your weight onto your toes when using the elliptical. This pressure on the front of your foot can disrupt blood flow to your toes. Your foot should roll through each step, heel striking first, roll through the middle, and push off with the toes. Try alternating where you focus the pressure of your foot when on the elliptical and press through your toes for two minutes, then focus on keeping your heel down for the next two. Additionally, pressing primarily with your toes will work the front of your thigh more while pressing through the heel will fire up the back of your leg. So revamping your chance will affect more than your toes.

If you try these solutions and your toes are still going numb, make an appointment with your doc or a podiatrist since it may be something more serious than too small shoes.

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Best Places to Visit For Cyber Monday Deals

GeekSugar — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 13:46:58 -0800

Now that Black Friday is over, we can focus on the online sales of Cyber Monday! If you didn't dare venture out to your favorite store in the wee morning hours after Thanksgiving, the good news is that you can still score a killer deal today online. Trust me, there are a lot of us that won't dip our toes into the 4 a.m. shopping waters.

New to the Cyber Monday game? Check out my shopping tips from last year, then see where I'd point my browser today to cash in on the deep discounts and amazing savings below.

Amazon - Offering up great deals on gadgets and accessories, Amazon's Cyber Monday deals are totally worth the wait.
Buy.com - Buy.com has great deals year-round, but has some special prices on everything you need for your shopping list just for the holidays.
Overstock - There's Cyber Monday deals aplenty at Overstock that will satisfy all your shopping needs.

To see four more virtual stops you must make on Cyber Monday, just read more.

Offers.com - If you're looking for free shipping, or discounts for other retail sites, check out Offers for coupon codes.
Apple - Apple is offering up free shipping for any order over $50 for the holidays.
Expedia - Don't just buy trinkets and gadgets, get some cash off of your next vacation and no booking fees if you book on Cyber Monday!
Hotels.com - Get up to a $100 rebate when you book a hotel by Dec. 31.

This Week's Fab Faves

FabSugar — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 13:31:22 -0800

Where there's a holiday, there's festive frocks. And, black jumpsuits and pantsuits, bold outerwear, ladylike silhouettes, hosiery, and color. From a pantless performing Rihanna to a pretty-in-pink January Jones, this week provides a nice array of eye candy. Eva Mendes best sums up Thanksgiving with her gold embellished J.Mendel dress and satin peep toe Loubs. Absolutely lovely. Source: Getty

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Does a Broken Toe Require a Doc?

FitSugar — Fri, 07 Sep 2007 09:30:00 -0700

The other night, my husband accidentally kicked the wall and did a doozy on his toe. Normally I don't fall for it when he over dramatizes these things, but we all know that nothing hurts worse than knocking your toe on the door jamb. His toe quickly turned black and blue and he claimed it was broken.

I, being FitSugar and all, said that he would just have to deal with it because doctors don't fix broken toes. A broken toe can set you back in your fitness goals and now he's bummed because he can't go for his morning jogs.

After stating my case, I decided to do my research, and it turns out I was wrong (not something that happens all the time, mind you) -- Apparently doctors do fix broken toes! (I blame my mom for implanting this myth in my head.) Here's more:

Nineteen of the 26 bones in the foot are toe bones. There are things a foot and ankle surgeon can do to make a broken toe heal better and prevent problems later on, such as arthritis or toe deformities.

Broken toes that aren’t treated correctly can also make walking and wearing shoes difficult. A foot and ankle surgeon will x-ray the toe to learn more about the fracture. If the broken toe is out of alignment, the surgeon may have to insert a pin, screw or plate to reposition the bone.

But not all hurt toes are broken. To learn when to go see a doc, just read more

EMedicineHealth recommends calling a doctor if any of the following occur to the injured area:

Worsening or new pain not relieved by pain medication and the measures described in the treatment section.
Sores, redness, or open wounds near the injured toe.
Cold, numb, or tingling toes.
Blue or gray colored skin

Source

Prevent Shin Splints With Toe Lifts

FitSugar — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 12:30:05 -0800

Since the weather is getting chillier, many of you might be moving your runs indoors. From my experience, switching running surfaces always takes some time to get used to, and shin splint pain has often been a symptom of adjustment. To prevent soreness in the front of your lower leg, here's an exercise recommended by Runner's World you can do any time you're sitting to strengthen your shins and increase flexibility.

The photo just demonstrates one exercise so to see a variation of the toe lift read more.

Sit tall in a chair with knees bent 90 degrees, and your feet flat on the floor.
Keep your right heel on the ground, and gently raise your right forefoot up. Lift it back toward your shin as far as you can, and then lower it back to the ground. Repeat 10 times with each foot.
Here's another variation. From the same position, lift your right forefoot up and trace the letter "J" in the air with your foot. Return it back to the ground. Complete 10 lifts with each foot.

Tips For a Kid-Friendly but Impressive Snack and Treat Spread

LilSugar — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 06:00:56 -0800

Creating a tasty Thanksgiving spread that's nutritious and kid-friendly can require planning and creative presentation. While grown-ups are thrilled to nosh on decadent glazed carrots or Maryland-Style crab dip, the kiddos probably couldn't care less. You can whip up an impressive, but simple kid-friendly spread of snacks and treats using items from your cupboard and Thanksgiving groceries. Don't be surprised if your taller guests want a taste too!

Don't Forget to Dish up "Kid" and "Adult" Versions	Let Em Play with Mini Tic-Tac-Toe Sliders	Pop Up Some Popcorn Balls
Celery Isn't Just For Dressing: Make Ants on a Log	Everyone Loves Sugar Cookie Cut-Outs	No Bake Almond Brownie Bite "Cupcakes"

Share your holiday recipes for children at The Children's Table group over in the LilSugar Community. Your dishes could be featured on LilSugar!