IDoSugar -- Meant to be.

Eco Tot: Yoli Poli Designs

lilsugar — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 10:00:01 -0800

Yoga enthusiasts can be really into their art so it's not surprising that many like to include their children in the practice. These adorable 100 percent organic shirts from Yoli Poli ($29) may help encourage tot participation. Cute images of babies performing yoga poses adorn the tees that are the outgrowth of their creator's desire to create the perfect yoga mat.

Following the birth of her daughters, she took her experiences from working at The Disney Store and The Children's Place to design a line of children's ware. The collection now includes clothing for babies, as well as older boys and girls, that is intended to help promote physical activity in kids of all ages.

Strike a Yoga Pose: Side Crow

FitSugar — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 09:00:09 -0700

If you've been working on mastering the arm-balancing pose Crow, then how about giving this variation, called Side Crow, a try? It may look more difficult, but some people think it's actually easier. It will strengthen your shoulders and abs, and since you're twisting to the side, it'll also increase flexibility in your lower back.

Sanskrit Name: Parsva Bakasana
English Translation: Side Crane Pose
Also Called: Side Crow

How do you get into it? To find out,

Partner Yoga Pose: Double Plow

FitSugar — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 14:30:00 -0700

If you're looking to increase flexibility in your spine and get an amazing neck stretch, Plow pose is just the thing. Sometimes doing it on your own can be a little too intense, so if you do this pose with a friend, you can help support the weight of each other's legs. There will also be less pressure on your neck so you can spend more time in this restorative position.

To find out how to do Double Plow,

Strike a Yoga Pose: Straight Legs Side Crow

FitSugar — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 05:30:00 -0800

If you had a fun time practicing the arm-balancing pose Side Crow, then you're going to love this next pose called Straight Legs Crow. It's a little bit more challenging since it requires strength, balance, and flexibility, but once you nail it, you'll feel amazing.

Sanskrit Name: Koundinyasana A or Dwi Pada Koundinyasana
English Translation: Two-Legged Sage Pose
Also Called: Straight Legs Side Crow

To learn how to get into this acrobatic-looking pose

Naked Yoga: Expose Your Asana

FitSugar — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 03:30:00 -0700

I love practicing yoga alone or in a class, with friends or strangers, indoors or outside on the grass, but I'm not so sure I'd ever strike a pose without my clothes. Naked Yoga classes aren't anything new, but lately they're becoming more acceptable.

I'm sure you all have your visions of what goes on in a Naked Yoga class, that it's one big group orgy. Just because people are naked in a room together doesn't mean that the focus has to be on sex. Believe it or not, there are many non-sexual reasons people choose to practice without their capris and halters on. Some veteran yogis are looking for a new and different experience, while others are trying to overcome weight or body image issues. Some appreciate the clarity of seeing the instructor's body, and some just like Naked Yoga because it's "taboo." Others feel that being naked is very spiritual and healing, and the physical shedding of their clothes allows them to emotionally shed negativity and judgments.

Fit's Tips: If Naked Yoga appeals to you, get info about the class ahead of time. While most classes aren't about sex, there are definitely some Naked Yoga classes offered that may be on the touchy-feely side. So if you're looking to have a spiritual experience and definitely not a sensual one, it's best to find out before you show up.

If you're interested in finding a studio that offers Naked Yoga classes

Do You Know Yoga?

FitSugar — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 09:00:00 -0700

Yoga is all about the poses, and there are hundreds you can learn and master. Some require balance, some are really relaxing, and some increase flexibility. Since many of you are yoga lovers, I thought you'd appreciate this little quiz.

Question 1

1 of 10

What is this pose commonly called?

Strike a Yoga Pose: Rotated Triangle

FitSugar — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 05:30:00 -0700

There are many poses that are staples of yoga class, like the standing pose Triangle. It is such a dynamic pose that stretches your hamstrings while lengthening your spine, which makes it perfect for after a run. While Triangle is one of my favorite poses, the twisted variation, Rotated Triangle, used to be very difficult for me. In this variation you revolve your chest to the opposite side increasing the hamstring stretch while twisting your spine. This pose is challenging but definitely worth the struggle.

Sanskrit Name: Parivrtta Trikonasana
English Translation: Revolved Triangle
Also Called: Rotated Triangle

To give it a try

Do Tell: What's Your Favorite Workout With Furry Friends?

PetSugar — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 00:30:09 -0700

Not only do they lift us up when we're feeling down, but our pets pretty much eliminate any excuse not to get at least some exercise. Rats. In addition to jogs around the park or rousing catch'n'chase games, many gyms (mine included) offer activities like this Ruff Yoga or Doga – what's your favorite workout to do with your pooches?

Source

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

Will Yoga Change Your Shoe Size?

FitSugar — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 14:30:00 -0700

When you practice yoga, your body can experience many changes from your head to your toes. Your muscles strengthen and become more defined, you become more flexible, and your posture improves so you may appear taller. What about your feet though? I've heard of people's shoe sizes changing after practicing yoga for a while. The reason this may happen is because your feet are so active when doing yoga poses. You're always working on spreading and relaxing your toes, and pressing into the little toe-side of your foot to help lift your arches. It's like a strength training workout for your tootsies, making the muscles in them stronger. This happens with dancers and gymnasts, too, and many will experience a slight increase in shoe size. This isn't a bad thing, it just means that you are working your feet, which will help improve balance and prevent injury.

Yoga may also result in a decrease in shoe size. To find out why