In the last post, I demonstrated corrective exercises to strengthen weak, underused back muscles associated with poor posture. In this post, I’ll show you the best stretches and yoga poses to lengthen tight muscles in neck, chest, and shoulders. These will help alleviate tension and improve your posture. Neck Stretch: From seated or standing, reach arms behind […]
Poor posture in the upper body is characterized by a forward head, slumped shoulders and a rounded upper back. This happens as a result of our lifestyle and habits: We spend too much time slouching over our desks, computers, tablets, and smartphones and too little time strengthening our back and stretching the front of the […]
I am in a serious relationship . . . with the barbell. And like every successful relationship, it takes work, though mostly on my part. I schedule our time together and I make it a priority. I can’t stand being away from the barbell for more than two days. The barbell will not agree to […]
Does your gym have a TRX? Do you have one in your home gym? It’s a great piece of equipment. Make use of it with my top 10 favorite TRX exercises. Bridge & Hamstring Curl: You can perform this exercise as a bridge only, hamstring curls only, or as a combination of a bridge and a curl. […]
When I attend yoga classes, I like to set myself up in a corner. I do this because it helps me focus my drishiti, or gaze. As an instructor, I’m in the habit of looking around. As a practitioner, however, I want to incorporate pratyahara (withdrawal from the senses) and dharana (concentration) with asana […]
The Eight Limbs of Ashtanga Yoga: Yamas: Non-harming, Truthfulness, Non-stealing, Moderation, Non-attachment Niyamas: Cleanliness, Contentment, Self-discipline, Self-study, Surrender Asanas: Postures Pranayama: Expansion of vital life force a.k.a. breathing practices Pratyahara: Withdrawal from the senses Dharana: Concentration Dhyana: Meditation Samadhi: Nirvana According to yogic philosophy, the true self, the soul, is surrounded by five koshas, or […]
Is your enthusiasm for exercise fizzling out? Are there more excuses than workouts lately? If you feel your routine slipping and you want to do something about it, here is my best advice to avoid completing falling off the fitness wagon. Evaluate your current stats: Record your weight, body fat percentage, resting heart […]
Thinking about yoga for your back pain? Here are my favorite flows and stretches to take care of an achy back. You can practice these everyday. Try them in morning, before bed, or after a workout. Alternating Spinal Balance: If you don’t have a dowel, imagine you’re balancing a pot of hot green tea on […]
Did you start exercising to lose weight? How’s it going? Chances are, you’re looking more “toned,” you have more energy, you’re sleeping better a night, aches and pains have subsided, you have more confidence, and maybe your clothes fit better. But the scale hasn’t budged. Don’t cancel your gym membership or fire your trainer, blame […]
I don’t have visions or hear voices when I meditate. I can’t really say I’ve felt a “sense of oneness.” I’m not striving for enlightenment or trying to achieve a state of perpetual euphoria. And I’ve yet to empty my mind (my favorite misconception about meditation). My reason for meditating is much more practical: I […]
