TresSugar

RX For Sore Feet: Rubz Massage Ball

FitSugar — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 14:30:00 PDT

When my feet are dog tired, I like to give them a Rubz down. This little ball, just under two inches in diameter, gives the perfect foot massage.

While standing, place your foot on the ball and roll; the 172 "stimulating fingers" work the soles of your feet. If you want more pressure, you simply put more of your body weight onto the ball. My feet crave a little rub after a long hike or run. Giving your feet a little love can help prevent plantar fasciitis, an overuse foot injury that can sideline runners. The massage brings blood to the stiff fascia, making it more pliable and responsive to preventative stretching. You can pick up a Rubz at REI for $5. A cheap and easy foot rub, however, is truly priceless.

Fit Tip: Massage Your Feet and Lower Legs Before a Run

FitSugar — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 12:00:00 PDT

As you may well know, running is really tough on your feet and the muscles in your lower legs. These often neglected body parts do a lot of the work and absorb most of the shock of your run. Ignore them and you can end up with cramped, achy, throbbing, or even numb feet, shins, or calves from running, which not only sucks due to the pain, but can prevent you from getting in a good workout.

So before you slip on your socks and sneakers, give your feet and lower legs a good rub down. Spend a few minutes on each leg's foot, shin, and calf. Knead your fingertips and the heel of your palm firmly into your muscles to bring blood to those areas, which will warm the muscles up. If the muscles are warmed up, they'll be less likely to ache or get injured while running.

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November Must Haves

DearSugar — Thu, 01 Nov 2007 13:00:00 PDT

It's that time again, believe it or not, for my monthly Must Haves! For November, it's all about embracing the change of seasons and preparing for the holidays, so check out what I've picked out for you!

Treat yourself to nice bed linens. Now that it's cold outside, spend a little extra time in bed with some luxurious Italian 1000-Thread-Count Sateen Sheets.
You can't sleep in new sheets without a new nightie. This great Hanky Panky Lace Applique Vintage Sleeper is sexy yet tasteful.
Stay in shape this Winter while also learning some new tips for between the sheets with the Better Sex Through Yoga Video. You can work out in the comfort of your own home, so there are no excuses!
No matter how wonderful your family is, it's stressful when everyone gets together for the holidays, so treat yourself to a pedicure and a long foot massage after your Thanksgiving celebration.
Finally, rent a good, heart-warming chick flick like The Waitress, which comes out on DVD Nov. 27.

What's MORE Relaxing?

DearSugar — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 08:00:00 PDT

I love any and every kind of massage. There is something so satisfying about closing your eyes and letting somebody touch you, and not having to do a thing but enjoy it.

When it comes to intimacy with a boyfriend, getting touched in a loving and nurturing way is both a huge turn-on and a way to get me completely relaxed. While I have a hard time choosing between a foot massage and a back massage, what I want to know is which do you find more relaxing?

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Foot Massage Anyone?

DearSugar — Thu, 23 Aug 2007 11:00:00 PDT

Spicing things up in your love life doesn't always have to involve taking off your clothes - you may just need to take off your shoes and socks.

Whether you are the giver or the receiver, both people benefit from a foot massage. Of course the receiver will experience less stress and pain relief, increased circulation, and unexplainable pleasure, but the giver reaps the benefits too. It's a very caring, and nurturing act that's sure to deepen the connection you feel with the other person.

Want to know how to give an incredible foot massage? Then

I like to begin my foot massages with a bubble bath. Take a few minutes to scrub every part, paying close attention to the heels and in between the toes.
Remove their feet one at a time and softly dry them off.

Now we're ready for the good part. Pour some scented lotion or massage oil into your palms and rub them together. Do one foot at a time, holding your partner's foot with both hands. Using your thumbs, begin long, slow, firm strokes from the toes all the way to the heel. If you don't apply enough pressure (or way too much) you'll end up tickling your partner, so communicate with them about what feels good. Repeat several times, rubbing every part of the bottom of their foot. Then do the same to the top of your partner's foot.
Now cup one hand under your partner's heel, and grasp the ball of their foot (just below the toes) with your other hand. Begin doing ankle rotations in one direction and then the other, to loosen up the joints and relax the muscles in the feet. The ankles bear the pressure of the whole body weight and helping to ease tension here is tremendously relaxing for the spine, hips and shoulders.
Next grasp your partner's arch with one hand, and with the other, begin massaging each toe individually. You can also carefully "pull" the toes. Beginning with the big toe, grasp it between your thumb and first finger, and grab onto it at the base and begin sliding your fingers down to the top of the toe. Repeat this again, but this time with a rolling motion.
After that, your partner will love arch presses. Hold the heel of their foot with one hand, and with the other hand, using the heel of your palm, push hard as you slide along the arch from the ball of their foot to the heel and back up again. Repeat this exploring the entire sole of the foot.
You can end the massage with the same stroking motions on the sole and top of their foot that you did at the beginning.
Gently place your partner's foot down, pick up the other foot and repeat all the previous steps.

Dear's Advice: I prefer using lotion infused with essential oils instead of oil since it's a lot less mess and grease.

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Pillow Talk: Sweet Feet

DearSugar — Mon, 19 Feb 2007 14:00:00 PST

Our physical and emotional health depend a great deal on the experience and quality of touching in our lives. Intimacy can be conveyed verbally, sexually or through many kinds of physical touching, like hugging, kissing, or holding hands. Long, lingering touch, the kind you experience during massage, takes time and attention, but it can create real feelings of connectedness and closeness.

It can be gratifying to give. A slow and thoughtful foot massage communicates a willingness to help calm, soothe and please a partner. Because it takes time and attention, it also communicates that your partner is a priority and a pleasure. It's also a way of being close that communicates an understanding that your partner works hard, has his own burdens, and deserves to be nurtured. Besides, our sensual lives too often take a backseat to our work lives, domestic lives, and our sexual lives.

Because feet are often neglected, paying special attention to them creates a sensual experience for both the mind and the body. We forget that the foot has many thousands of nerve endings and contains 28 small bones and long tendons running down from the leg muscles to the toes. If you're interested in a few quick tips for a relaxing and effective foot massage,

Begin by dimming the lights and playing some calming music. Use lotion or a nice oil (rose, peppermint or lavender are nice choices). Warm the oil in your hands, then start by slowly needing his feet all over. Remember to rub his calves and ankles, too. The ankles bear the pressure of the whole body weight and helping to ease tension here tremendously relaxing for the spine, hips and shoulders.

Place the first two fingers of each hand on the inner and outer ankle bones of one of his feet. Using medium pressure, rub circles around those areas simultaneously. Pressure points on the outer ankles are connected by nerves to his testicles and the inner ankles to his prostate, so this might be erotic for him. For something more arousing, gently press your fingertips firmly into the fleshier parts around his ankle bones.

Rub the oil into the soles of each foot, using your thumbs to massage the arches and balls of the feet. Alternate with soft strokes, which reduce anxiety and promote good sleep. Don't forget the toes; spend time rubbing and rolling each one, from the largest to the smallest. Then knead his heel with your thumbs for a few minutes. Finish with giving the big toes a good squeeze; applying pressure there will create an even more relaxed state of mind. Then switch feet.

Any other tips you'd like to share with us about good massages, please feel free!

Video: Jason Derulo and Jordin Sparks's Idol Wager - "Give Me a Foot Massage"

Karli Bulnes — Wed, 23 May 2012 14:10:49 PDT

Backstage at part one of the season 11 American Idol finale on Tuesday, Jason Derulo revealed his bet with girlfriend Jordin Sparks to reporters, saying he's hoping Jessica Sanchez wins so he'll receive a foot massage. Plus, Scotty McCreery shares his thoughts on Jennifer Lopez's possible exit from the show. Hear from Jason, Scotty, and the top two contestants in today's PopSugar Rush.

3 Easy Steps For Treating Dry, Cracked Heels

Jaime Richards — Sun, 13 May 2012 03:30:00 PDT

Cracked heels can be a problem, especially coming out of the colder months when the air lends itself to dry skin. On top of that, these fissures can worsen as a result of the pressure put on your heels throughout the day - particularly if you're a fan of foot-imbalancing stilettos. Along with being less-than-aethestically-pleasing, untreated cracked heels can split even further, causing pain (and in some cases, infection). Prevention is key: moisturize daily, get pedicures as needed, and drink plenty of water to save your feet. But what do you do when your cracks are already out of whack? Find out how to do your own at-home treatment when you read more.

Get to Know Your Iliotibial Band

Susi May — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 15:04:32 PDT

Many a runner has been sidelined by knee pain caused by the iliotibial band (aka the ITB). But knowing how to deal with this long band of fascia, which runs down the outside of the thigh from the pelvis to just below the shin, can help keep an injury at bay. Knowledge is power, and we want to help keep you on the road.

First off, fascia is a stiff connective tissue (like tendons and ligaments) that surrounds muscles, bones, and joints, providing both support and protection. It's like shrink-wrap; once fascia becomes tight it tends to stay tight, causing pain and injuries. When the ITB shortens, usually due to poor biomechanics (like losing your running technique when tired), it can pull the knee cap out of alignment. The faulty alignment creates inflammation in the joint and pain when bending the knee. This injury, known as iliotibial band syndrome, occurs more in women than men, most likely due to the wider female pelvis.

To avoid overuse injuries, it's important to keep this thick band of fascia flexible, especially if you're training for a race and upping your weekly mileage. Keep reading to learn how.

5 Ways to Show Your Running Feet Some Love

Jenny Sugar — Fri, 09 Mar 2012 11:35:45 PST

A runner's feet take quite the beating with all the repetitive pounding, sweating, and muscle exertion. Here are five ways to help ease soreness and prevent foot injuries that could sideline your running routine.

Grab a tennis ball: If you have a loving friend who's offering to rub your feet regularly, that's great, but most of us don't have that luxury. Instead, perform a little self-massage with a tennis ball or racquetball. Sit or stand and place the ball under the arch of your foot, roll it along your arch, and shift to whatever part of your foot needs attention. You'll be surprised at how sore your feet really are.
Trim your toenails: Seems like a simple task that doesn't need mentioning, but since feet are covered most of the time, you may not pay as much attention to your toenails as you do your fingernails. Long toenails can rub against the inside of your shoe or cut the adjacent toes, making it painful to run. When giving yourself a minipedicure, cut or file nails straight since rounded edges can cause ingrown toenails.

Keep reading for more ways to care for your runner's feet.