Yoga Paparazzi

It's nice to see gossip with great intentions!

Found a super positive alternative to celebrity drama in my Inbox the other day from Yoga Paparazzi, an e-newsletter with the tagline, "Good News about Good People doing Good Things." Pictured are the founders, Moses, Zeina and Bella.

YES! I love it!! Spread the love energy ... our world sure needs it right now.

Crammed with a recipe, a joke, plenty of spotlights on yoga happenings and profiles of well, good people doing good things, Yoga Paparazzi is a great way to get a dose of good mojo.

Read the latest issue here:

http://myemail.constantcontact.com/Yoga-Paparazzi-Magazine--Issue-1.html?soid=1101048613584&aid=6alYRwtBDH8

(image from: yoga paparazzi issue 1)

Buddha Babe

Obsessed!
I am completely obsessed with Buddha Babe bags and mats!
Toting your yoga mat around town has never looked so hip, stylish and fashionable!

Made from "kind" polyvinyl, the totes have a leather look, with the signature Buddha Babe flower motif impression for texture. The bags are weather proof and wipe clean.

They come in three crazy cool colors - black for the yoganista who prefers to be on the down low, pewter for the active gal who chooses stealth neutrals and orange for the statement making gym/yoga/pilates rat!

The Buddha Babe bag will hold everything you need for your entire day between its zippered compartments, including a spot for your laptop and a cozy bottom opening to house your yoga mat!

Shop Buddha Bag totes and more here: http://buddhababeinc.com/index.php

(image from: buddhababeinc.com)

Tabata Brutality

How about a workout that takes just four minutes?

But, these four minutes are the toughest bouts of :20 seconds of intense work followed by only :10 seconds of recovery repeated eight times.

Let me spell that out:
:20 intense work
:10 recovery
:20 intense work
:10 recovery
:20 intense work
:10 recovery
:20 intense work
:10 recovery
:20 intense work
:10 recovery
:20 intense work
:10 recovery
:20 intense work
:10 recovery
:20 intense work
:10 recovery

Now ... apply these intervals to whatever exercise modality you like ...

Spinning
Jogging
Strength Training
Plyometrics
Yoga
Stepmill

And voila! You have four minutes of intense activity that translates to cardiovascular and strength gains!

I challenge you to repeat your tabata intervals up to four times for a twenty minute killer workout!

Be sure to follow with a long, deep stretch, lots of water, an ice bath, epsom salts or whatever else you need to recover from TABATA BRUTALITY!!

(image from: istockphoto.com)

The Pursuit of Happy Hips

I never win contests. There are people who always win contests. I am not one of them.

Well, I used to not be! That all changed when I won Eoin Finn's "The Pursuit of Happy Hips" yoga DVD from http://fitceleb.com!

I was super excited not only from the thrill of winning, but from the prize itself!

Eoin Finn was one of my first VHS Yoga Teachers. His "Power Yoga" (2002) tape (yes, I typed tape - because that's what it was) was on heavy rotation because it was a wonderful riff on the Ashtanga Primary Series. Plus, Eoin is this groovy Canadian Surfer Yogi - and I totally dig that.

Eoin's newest offering was released in December 2009 and is a stunningly filmed collection of four practices designed to open the hips.

From a short and sweet 43 minute sequence, to a 51 minute more chill practice... all the way to a movin' and groovin' 80 minute flow, there is a practice for every yogi on this dvd.

Eoin's instruction is detailed, filled with wonderful yogic and Asian wisdom tidbits and totally laid back with a beachy, "hang loose" vibe.
You will feel transported to the gorgeous Candadian locales Eoin and his athletic co-yogis are practicing in.

There are great DVD features such as a preview of each practice and an anatomy tutorial from Eoin (in which he wears a "Bliss Army" tee-shirt that I must have!)

This DVD has a ton of bang for your yogic buck and is sure to become one of your juicy, tasty, flowy favorites.

Learn more about Eoin Finn and purchase his DVD's here: http://blissology.com

(image from: amazon.com)

Plum Pretty Sugar

The name of this handmade clothing company available on Etsy befits this feminine, soft line of "loungerie."

The prints on the simple, chic, loungey garments are simply stunning. A mix of soft pastels and vibrant hues the line has an ethnic, bohemian feel perfect for throwing on to go to and from yoga class or the gym.

I am obsessed with the Darling Jardin Fitted Caftan pictured above. I am considering it as my dress for my sister's wedding. The fabric is from India, so this garment would have more than just fashion meaning for me, as I hope to journey there in 2011!

The line also includes bedding and accessories.

Check out the entire Plum Pretty Sugar line and shop here: http://www.etsy.com/shop/plumprettysugar
(image from: http://www.etsy.com/shop/plumprettysugar)

Bootie Lift

This exercise is not really for the rear end as the name suggests.

Instead, it is an exercise where clearing your bum from the ground is essential to develop upper body and core strength.

Do this exercise progressively in combination with a clean diet and you will have more sculpted shoulders, flatter abs and a stronger core.

1. Sit on the floor with legs together, extended out in front of you with feet flexed. Place your hands next to your hips with fingers pointing towards toes. This is called "dandasana" or staff pose in yoga.

2. From here pull your belly button into your spine. Depress your shoulders and make firm contact into the ground with your hands. Using your upper body and lower abs - lift your seat ONLY off the floor. Lower with control. This is progression one. Build to repeating up to 10 reps for as many as 3 sets.

3. When lifting your bottom is easy ... progress to lifting the entire lower body off the floor. To do this, depress your shoulders and make firm contact into the ground with your hands. Using your upper body and lower abs lift your seat and then bring your chest slightly forward toward the floor. Continue tightening the core to lift the legs. Lower with control. Don't worry if nothing happens at first. Just keep working with the movement, strengthening the muscles and eventually you will be able to press your lower body up off the floor. Build to 10 reps for up to 3 sets.

(image from a2zyoga.com)

Ruah Mind Body Movement

I stumbled upon Ruah Mind Body Movement while researching LucyPro Ambassador Suzanne Bowen.

After admiring her phenomenal assets in the new Lucy Perfect Core ads, I discovered Suzanne owns a "barre" studio and co-created Ruah Mind Body Movement with Leah Sarago. Leah has her own set of admirable curves and resume credits.

Ruah Mind Body Movement fuses the best of pilates, Lotte Berk, yoga, cardio and body sculpting into a fluid, creative, fun workout. If you want a long, lean, firm, sculpted physique - Ruah is for you.

I was drawn to the method because my grandmother used to tell me I was full of "Ruach." (She said it with the Yiddish ccchhhhhhuuuhhhhh.) Ruah means "spirit" in Hebrew and what a perfect moniker for a fitness modality created by two women obviously full of excellent mojo.

Ruah generously sent me both DVDs in the series: "Release" and "Warrior"

I experienced "Release" first. There is an adorable introduction by the two ladies, explaining Suzanne being pregnant in the video - apparently she found out she was expecting during pre-production, so she is showing in the video. They give an excellent disclaimer stating that this is not a pre-natal workout, but because Suzanne was in such great shape before her pregancy, it is ok for her to demonstrate modifications. I found this absolutely endearing and motivating to women who are either pregnant or want to get pregnant ... STAY ACTIVE whether with child or not!

The "Release" workout is a great balance of 15 minutes of Lower Body/Cardio movements like chair pose and lunge variations, but that are dynamic and flow with breath and movement.
The next segment is a 25 minute two part floor workout that consists of upper body work - again using moves like planks and push ups that flow and an ab section that uses pilates "c" curve movements.
The final segment is a 10 minute stretch and relaxation.

The "Release" DVD is great place to start for beginners, to learn the movements and to enjoy a lovely, mellow - yet energizing addition to your current fitness regime to add new rotations and movments that will surprise your muscles.

I then tackled, "Warrior." "Warrior" definitely takes Ruah up a notch.
The DVD begins with a 25 minute standing lower body sequence that is sure to have you sore in places you may not have realized even existed. Variations on squats, lunges and plies are fused with upper body movements and done at a quick pace, providing both cardiovascular and muscular work. The leg sequence is repeated twice, so you have double the chance to work hard and change your body!
Next is a 13 minute upper body and core floor series. Planks and push ups work your entire body, but emphasize a strong, flat tummy and supportive lower back.
The DVD concludes with an excellent stretch and relaxation segment that mainly focuses on the hips. This segment alone is a standout and would be beneficial to practice daily.

Give Ruah a try if you are looking for a fresh, creative, energizing addition to your fitness program. The instruction is top notch with Suzanne and Leah performing the workout to a comforting voice over detailing the movements. Do the workout three to four times a week combined with a good nutrition program for optimal results or add it in once or twice a week to your current program to shake things up.

You can learn more and purchase Ruah Mind Body Movement DVDs here:
http://ruahmovement.com

(image from: ruahmovement.com)

LifeBoard Portable Yoga Floor

Developing a home practice is an important part of the yoga experience.

Finding the time, space and discipline to practice on your own is an integral step in the journey.

But, let's face it, we're not all lucky enough to have a dedicated room in our house with hard wood floors to accommodate a safe, productive practice.

I know this challenge first hand, as someone who has had a home yoga practice since 2001 and now lives in a mostly carpeted home.

Once you find the space to lay out your mat, the surface beneath you often becomes problematic.

A yoga mat on top of carpeted floors is an unstable surface, making standing and balancing poses more challenging. The softness of the carpet becomes a further hassle if practicing a vinyasa, power or ashtanga type of yoga with many chaturanga push ups and arm balances. The carpet beneath your mat takes a toll on the wrists, compressing the joint.

I started researching alternatives for a surface to place underneath my mat.

Thankfully, an innovative company has come up with an economical, space efficient, environmentally friendly solution.

Welcome the LifeBoard (http://getlifeboard.com) into your home and under your yoga mat, for a yoga studio - like experience wherever you practice.

The LifeBoard comes in two pieces that you slide together to create a solid surface just a bit larger than a standard yoga mat (yes - the Manduka Black Mat fits perfectly on top of the LifeBoard.) The LifeBoard can be used on top of any soft, unstable surface like carpet or outdoors on grass or sand for a rigid, secure floor beneath your mat.

Thoughtfully constructed of "recyclable high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and shipped in boxes made of 100% recycled material," this is a yoga product that fits in with the Yogic lifestyle. In addition, "several dollars from each purchase goes to a nonprofit organization called Skyline Center in Clinton, IA. They provide rehabilitation services and work programs for disabled adults. They do the shipping and handling for (LifeBoard.)" Attention to details like these makes LifeBoard a stand out in yoga product commerce.

LifeBoard was extremely generous in sending me a Green (UV protected for use outdoors) LifeBoard to give a go.
In the week I've been using it, my practice has transformed. My poses are more deeply rooted and I am able to focus further on my breath, bandhas and drishti without worrying about instability or wrist pain.

I feel like I am assembling my own private yoga studio when I snap the panels together.

The LifeBoard has also made me more conscious of engaging my core in the transition between upward and downward facing dog and during jump throughs and jump backs because if I get lazy, my heavy movements slide my mat forward or backward on the LifeBoard. By making the conscious effort to engage my energy thereby strengthening and lightening my more powerful movements, my mat stays squarely on the LifeBoard. It's almost like getting silent feedback on the quality of your movements.

The LifeBoard is a must have addition to any yoga lover's collection. The value of this prop is undeniable and can be used for more than just yoga.
The LifeBoard is a solid surface that can be used for any type of workout you engage in at home or outside like P90X, Insanity, The Firm or whatever your fitness poison.

Plus - there is no risk. LifeBoard offers a 30 day money back guarantee.

Learn more and purchase the LifeBoard here: http://getlifeboard.com

Noah Maze Yoga Workshop

I took an "active rest day" in the most literal sense of the phrase on Saturday in Truckee, CA at an Anusara Back Bending Workshop presented by Noah Maze at Tahoe Yoga.

The four hour workshop was part of an immersion being presented by Noah to about thirty area yogis who packed into the intimate studio.

The workshop began with Noah playing the harmonium - a sort of Indian version of the accordian, chating OM three times followed by the Anusara invocation three times. Basking in the sound of thirty voices singing words I am not familiar with - as I am not a regular Anusara practitioner, it really struck me at that moment how closely knit the Anusara community is. There was a feeling of familiarity and comfort between these yogis that was absolutely lovely to observe and be a part of.

Noah then spoke for about a half an hour about "kleshas" and "lakshmis" as they appear in Patanjali's Yoga Sutra and in the Tantra.

I am going to briefly summarize what he so eloquetly discusssed: He explained kleshas as "afflictions/stains and/or the absence of something that should be there" on the character. "Lakshmi" are "beautiful, auspicious, helpful traits." He related the two by inviting us to turn our kleshas into lakshmi. The idea of turning our liabilities into our strengths completely resonated with me.

We then put this lecture into our bodies ... for the next three and a half hours. No FOOLIN'!! There were no breaks ... just three and half hours of thick, focused yoga practice.

We began with a slow, standing series to warm up the body for the forecoming backbends.
Noah is a gentle, yet precise technician with the way he presents anatomy, making yogis able to adjust themselves with his specific cueing. He uses much Anusara verbage like, "inner spiral," "outter spiral," but he puts his own spin on the language and demonstartes with such anatomical clarity in his own body that it makes the words translate extremely clearly.

We moved on to just about every backbend imaginable from an early focus on Bhujangasana (cobra,) to Ardha Bhekasana (half frog,) to Setu Bandha Sarvangasana (bridge) and Urdhva Dhanurasana (wheel.) We then took a moment to work laying supine with a block on it's wide side placed under the shoulder blades and on the tall edge between the shoulder blades while working the arms over the head for an almost restorative, heart opening, relaxing back bend.

A huge lightbulb went off for me in this workshop during Noah's instruction of wheel. He was very specific about plugging the arm bones back and opening the upper chest which created more room in my upper body than I have ever experienced in back bending.

Then the real meat of the workshop came ... working Two legged inverted staff pose (Dwi Pada Viparita Dandasana,) by itself then transitioning into headstand and the inverse - head stand into Dwi Pada Viparita Dandasana. Intense.

Continuing with dissecting Vrschikasana(Scorpion Pose,) using the wall and a chair to walk the legs over.

Culminating with Lord of the Dance Pose (Natarajasana)we played with opening both shoulders with a strap and without.

Thouroughly "cooked" as Noah (a former pastry chef) likes to liken a yummy, deep practice, he concluded the workshop with seated postures than included forward bends (paschimottana,) twists, wide leg forward bends and twists and finally a deep shavasana (corpse pose) during which Noah once again played his harmonium.

The chest holds quite a lot of emotion and therefore backbending practices can release pent up feelings. I actually found myself a bit agitated afterwards, but in a good way, like something had been released and stirred within me.

I expected to wake up on Sunday morning sore in unlikely places, but Noah's instruction was so spot on, I experienced no residual discomfort at all (at least upon writing this), just a refreshed, energized more open body. The "agitation" I experienced had totally disappated and left behind a more open, newly sculpted upper body that I will continue to cultivate.

Learn more about Noah Maze here: http://www.noahmazeyoga.com/

And be sure to visit Tahoe Yoga: http://tahoeyoga.com/

(image from: istockphoto.com)

MeSheeky

"Damn ... those booties look good wearing MeSheeky!!"

That is the precise thought that has rolled through my nut-tastic head every time I've glanced at the adorable MeSheeky ads.

You've seen 'em ... in your yoga and fitness magazines for the past couple of months.
Cheeky "sheeky" ads for a darling and useful product.

MeSheeky makes very clever studio to street wear in the form of hip hugging skirts you throw on over your yoga/workout pants.

Who hasn't wished for these when exiting a vigorous vinyasa class with a sweaty crotch as a souvenir?

MeSheeky is the BRAZILLLIANT brain child of acclaimed yoga teacher Sarah Tomson Beyer. (Billed as Chief Executive Sheekynista on the website - how much do we love her?)
I feel a trend coming, folks ... good bye leggings and Uggs ... hello MeSheeky!

Be sure to browse their selection of chic, hip, sexy layering pieces here:
http://mesheeky.com

Yoga Journal Live Mag

Have you ever opened your glossy edition of Yoga Journal Magazine and contemplated the the editorials of seemingly impossible poses?
I know you've stared at the beautiful images and not had the patience to read through the endless accompanying text to learn how to perform the sequences.
Let's face it, many of us are visual learners when it comes to physical activity.
Yoga Journal Magazine has finally addressed this with their new Live Mag feature on their website.
The Live Mag tool allows readers to access video versions of each story on their website.
For example March 2010 master class on Parivrttaikapada Sirsasana (Revolved Split-Legged Headstand) is available in video format online.
The 18:38 video visually and auditorally explains each asana progression to achieve this advanced pose.
It's like getting a private session from Yoga Journal's master teachers.
Click here to experience Live Mag:
http://www.yogajournal.com/livemag/

Our Love Yoga Wear

Our Love Yoga has filled a much needed void in the yoga wear market - affordable, hip, well made clothes to rock during yoga practice.

I love the look, feel and durability of $100 yoga pants ... but, $100 yoga pants?? Come on?? Doesn't that somehow conflict with one of the eight limbs of yoga??

Our Love Yoga has created a line to fill that void. The line is touted as "accessible & practical, where most of the line can be thrown in the wash and the dryer and all of the items have refreshingly low price points."

That got my attention!! Plus $1.08 of every Our Love purchase from the Y Catalog ( http://www.theycatalog.com/category-s/404.htm)is donated to The Challenged Athletes Foundation. Now that sounds like yoga to me!

The line consists of pants and tops made from comfy fabrics and embellished with cool yoga themed prints.

I especially like the Budha Zen Capri ($47.00) and the Ganesh Super Soft Sweatshirt($34.00) pictured above.

See the entire line here: http://www.ourloveyoga.com/

Pure Yoga NYC

I love to try new classes when I travel.

It's a departure from my usual, regimented ashtanga practice and always reinvigorates my practice.

While in NYC, I enjoyed several classes at Pure Yoga.

The service at this swanky studio is unmatched. Pure offers a one week pass for $70 - a bargain in my opinion, especially if you practice all seven days of the week, making each class $10.

I feel so lucky to have stumbled upon Scott Harig's classes right at the start of my week. I noticed a led Ashtanga class on Friday morning and wanted to take advantage of this, since traditionally on Fridays in Mysore, India - everyone does led primary series.

The class was full of friendly, chatty yogis ready to rock the primary series.

Scott came in, with no pretentious airs, just a calm, open hearted, friendly energy.

He led the class gently through the challenging series, adjusting and assisting students without missing a beat.

I was completely blown away by Scott's intuitive adjustments, warmth and knowledge of ways for his students to achieve their ultimate expression of each pose, while simultaneously respecting the boundries of everyone's bodies.

I immediately trusted Scott and rightly so. He took me farther and taught me more in one single class than I have learned in a quite a while. I am so grateful for the experience of his class.

After class, one of his lovely students urged me to go to Scott's vinyasa classes!

Thank you Jane ... what an EPIC vinyasa series Scott teaches!!

I took two of Scott's vinyasa classes and they did not disappoint. This was by far the most challenging 90 minutes I have ever yoga-ed!!

Set to an eclectic mix of tunes, Scott's gift for teaching flowing, creative sequences was in full effect. Once again, he demonstrated his ability to instruct students individually while inspiring the class to stay strong through each pose.

To learn more about Scott Harig click here: http://intouchyoga.com

I also ventured to their 8am Hot Ki-Yoga class on a freezing cold Saturday morning.

Yes ... this was Ki-Yoga with the addition of heat. Pure has a heated studio that they conduct many styles of yoga class in. The led Ashtanga class was also taught in the heated room. Needless to say ... the sweat poured.

Created and taught by Isauro Fernandez, Ki-Yoga fuses martial arts and vinyasa yoga. Ki is defined as "life force" and the word yoga means "union." According to the Ki-Yoga website (http://ki-yoga.com/,) the combination of the two helps to " tap into the unlimited source of energy that is available to all of us."


Pure furnishes special mats in the hot yoga studio, to prevent the inevitable slip and slide. I truly appreciated this as a traveler and someone who is basically fused to my Manduka by the soles of my feet. But, as experienced practitioners know, even the Rolls Royce of yoga mats doesn't cut it with the addition of an external heat source.

The class was packed with New York Yogis ready to sweat and engage their Ki.

Thunderous, powerful music filled the studio as Isauro led the class through a flowing series of postures injected with hints of martial arts breathing techniques, hand positions and forms.

The 75 minute class was a fun challenge and ended in the darkened studio with a deep shavasana.

Learn more about Ki-Yoga here: www.ki-yoga.com

Check out Pure Yoga in NYC and Asia: www.pureyoga.com

(image from: ki-yoga.com)

Exercise

A healthy, fit body translates directly into looking and feeling damn good!

Breath and movement are essential to the body's proper function, maintenence of health and essential to sculpt strong, flexible muscle.

Be sure to include well rounded, varied modalities of exercise to keep your body from adjusting to the exercise routine you practice.

Include elements for strength, cardio vascular fitness and flexibility.

If you only have a short period of time to work out each day, say twenty minutes ... be sure to rotate your choice of exercise each day. If you have more extended period of time, up to one hour, be sure to mix modalties within each workout.

It is important that your body be constantly surprised with the challenges you present it with. This keeps your brain interested and your muscles constantly adapting to new activities.

Here is a great 30 minute mixed modality workout to try:

5 min warm up: Standing knees into chest, jog in place, high knees, butt kicks, side lunges and squats

10 min strength: Do the following exercises back to back as a circuit for 10 minutes
Body weight squats 20 reps
Push Ups (regular) 15 reps
Bridgeing - (hip lifts - alternate single legs for more difficulty)
Push Ups (close grip)- 10 reps
Side plank lifts - 15 each side (lifting and lowering hip to ground)
5 min cardio: Jump rope, jog in place with high knees and butt kicks, or jacks for 5 minutes no rest

5 min yoga: Practice Ashtanga Sun Salute A for five minutes without stopping
Click here to see it: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9P5PSqmnu88

5 min stretch: Stretch your whole body from head to toe. Hold each stretch for at least 30 seconds

YAS Venice, CA

Fitness fiends - I have found mecca.

I was so extremely lucky to be able to take two classes this morning at YAS (Yoga and Spin) in Venice, CA.

Located on the very hip, Abbot Kinney Blvd, YAS is a concept, boutique fitness studio created by Kimberly Fowler.

Clean and modern, decked out in grey, lime green and white, the studio feels exclusive and yet is extremely inviting.

I was greeted by Mindi, working the front desk who was friendly, knowledgeable and helpful. She even made stylish recommendations for combining pieces of the YAS workout wear line. All of which - I purchased. I will be sporting my skull sports bra and white YAS baby doll tank proudly!

Spin class was first ... taught by the regal, strong and confident Julie. Her instruction was precise, motivating and provided a great ride. Her self made music mix was inspiring and creative. I complemented her on her class and music after the ride, to which she responded by giving me her CD!! I was absolutely taken by her generosity ... very cool.

Next was Yoga for Athletes, taught by the lovely Gina. The YAS yoga studio has deep, richly pigmented floors, raw brick walls and stenciled, tinted windows of Kimberly in yoga poses. Gina's class flowed beautifully through a lovely sequence that first focused on standing poses, then balance, back bends, flexibility and inversions. Gina spoke in a perfect tone, with grace and presence. She played mostly mellow, classic rock that made the class fly by.

Needless to say, I could have stayed and taken classes all day. YAS is a studio full of good mojo. No pretentious, exclusive attitudes here! Just beautiful, fit, positive people.

Find out more and purchase Kimberly Fowler's DVD's to experience YAS at home here: http://www.go2yas.com/

(picture from: www.go2yas.com)

Yogaglo

The end of our European travels were met with almost a foot of snow piled up in our driveway. Yes, winter wonderland is pretty and appropriate for the time of year, but sometimes it makes you just want to hole up in the house and not go out!

That's how I was feeling yesterday morning ... but, I also wanted a change of pace from my usual solitary ashtanga yoga practice. I wanted a great yoga class without the hassle of leaving home.

So, I logged on to http://yogaglo.com, signed up and received a free, 15 day trial of the online yoga class service.

Yogaglo is actually a yoga studio in Santa Monica, CA that has a live web feed of their classes. If you take class there ... the whole Internet can witness it! The camera is positioned in the back of the classroom, so you see the front of the teacher and the back of the students.

I was immediately impressed with the range of classes they offer. From Ashtanga "improv" to Anusara to Vinyasa , there is truly a style for every yogi of every level. You can search classes by style, level, duration, teacher or category -making Yogaglo user friendly.

I chose a level 3 vinyasa class taught by Jo Tastula from October 27, 2009. The class was 90 minutes of innovative, challenging poses linked together in a beautiful flow. There is actually music playing during the class as well, which I was impressed did not distract me from Jo's instruction. The playlist is listed on the right side of the screen as a bonus for Muso yogis!!

I felt like I was right there in the class and got a great workout. My abs and shoulders are talkin' to me today! YEAH! I also really enjoyed watching the students in the class and got some great ideas for modifications by observing them.

Yogaglo is only $18 a month after the 15 day trial. How can you beat that? Live yoga classes - including workshops and lectures from premiere instructors out of a beautiful Santa Monica, CA yoga studio cost at least that PER class in person!!

Give Yogaglo a shot today! It's a wonderful way to enrich your current yoga practice or workout regime from the comfort of your own home without any travel time, wasted gas or worry about what outfit to wear to class.

Log on here to start now: http://yogaglo.com

Uth Pluthi - arm and core strength

It is not impossible to do this pose - so don't even go there!!

Uth Pluthi is an amazing yoga pose to add into your fitness routine.

It simultaneously strengthens and tones the arms and core, while making the practioner stay calm and focused in a challenging position.

Pictured above, you fold your legs into lotus (or half lotus or just cross legged) and place your hands flat on the ground a little forward of your hips. Spread your fingers wide and press your entire palm into the ground.

Depress your shoulders, tighten your core, pull your navel into your spine and lift your thighs, shins and feet upwards. Try holding this for five breaths.

Then lower down and take five breaths.

Repeat five times, taking more rest in between lifts if needed.

Work up to holding uth pluthi for 10 full breaths.

Your abs and arms will be ripped and thank you for it.

(photo from: purpleyoga.com)

Full Moon Rest Day

Today is a full moon day.

It is traditional in Ashtanga yoga to rest on new and full moons. I have always relished these opportunities as a day off to regenerate from my hard work outs and yoga practice.
If I have to teach class on full or new moon days, I often make it a restorative practice.
But, why do we take the full and new moons off??

There is a great explanation at http://www.ashtangayogacenter.com/moon.html which I have paraphrased below:

The human body is about 70% water and water is affected by the gravitational pull exerted by the relative position of the sun and moon.

During the full moon, our energy is at it's strongest point. Conversely, during new moon our energy is more mellow and not suited for vigorous activity.

Yoga practitioners are very tuned into to the energetic forces of the universe, making both full and new moons undesirable practice days.

So, indulge in the tradition of taking rest on these days. The regenerative effect on your body will be noticed immediately. Even just the discipline of being able to step back from routine and take rest is good practice of unattachment. Get a massage, take a hot bath and take the time to cook a nourishing meal.

Enjoy the full moon day today!

(photo from: freedigitalphotos.net)

Shakti Activewear

I have a new obsession.

Shakti Activewear. http://shaktiactivewear.com

Finding comfortable, flattering yoga, cycling or workout clothes that look great and function well can be challenging.

How about the ultimate struggle of finding yoga shorts that don't ride up during a vigorous practice. Look no further than Shakti Activewear.

Their roll down and side tie shorts (pictured above) are where it's at if you are looking for a pair of shorts to add into your yoga wardrobe. Shorts are often necessary as advanced postures are added requiring bare legs and arms to achieve positions.

Be sure to check out their great collection of after yoga wear as well.
Loving the new "belt dress" pictured above.
How fabulous to throw on after a sweaty workout ... or to wear out for a casual evening. Pair it with jeans or leggings in cold weather.

(pictures from: shaktiactivewear.com)

Toe Sox

This blog aims to show you how to look your best from head to toe and this post takes that quite literally.
Your feet are the root of all stability for your body. If you aren't plugged into your soles, chances are your balance is questionable, you may suffer from back pain and are missing out on a key area of your body to work on.
Toe Sox address these issues by gently spreading the toes, hence the separate sheath for each individual "piggy."
Finding the articulation of the toes stretches and strengthens the muscles of the feet and starts to make you aware of the movement in each foot phalange. I couldn't resist ... say it ... FA LAN GEEEEEEEEEEE!!

Additionally these socks are a great yoga/pilates/workout tool in many ways:

1. Wear them to classes that use communal mats ... no more risk of toe rot!! YAY!

2. Use them to facilitate sliding movements where your feet need to drag through a pose or movement, such as learning the jump through/back used in Ashtanga yoga. Or to work your legs with sliding lunges; instead of picking up the foot to lunge, slide the moving foot along the floor to move from standing to lunge position.

3. Relax in them after a long day strutting the streets in the ridiculously high, yet fabuolous heels I know you were rocking at the office today. Seriously, Toe Sox are like a martini for your tootsies - and they will probably inspire you to roll out your yoga mat and practice!

4. You can hide your unpedicured feet from the hottie in your Thursday night class.

You can buy Toe Sox at www.toesox.com
They come in full coverage and half toe versions, with or without grip.
I have the full coverage version with grip, but my next purchase will be the half toe sox.
And ... I know we're a bit early on this ... but, since the music and decorations are reering their FA LA LA heads earlier each year ...
Check out the Holiday Collection - you can pre-order now!! The Holiday Toe Sox make a unique, affordable gift for your yogi, work out junkie and general "on their feet all the time" giftee.

(photo from: toesox.com)