No matter what stage of life you’re in, you can benefit from adding exercise and yoga to your routine. In this 3-part series, I’ll highlight the benefits for every decade of life, from 20’s and 30’s through 60’s and beyond. First up, 20-somethings: Maybe you never lost the freshman 15 you picked up at college. […]
Do you have an over-arching theme for this year? I summed up my goals and resolutions in one word: ENERGY. This is the year of ENERGY. For me energy means mental focus and attention, physical strength and endurance, and prana or vital life force. My resolutions are centered around cultivating, protecting, and healing […]
Balance is the ability to maintain the body’s center of gravity over its base of support. Balance is both static (standing still or holding a yoga pose) and dynamic (walking, getting up out of a chair, dancing, or flowing in Vinyasa Yoga). Balance is achieved as the brain receives sensory input from three […]
What is flexibility? The dictionary says it best: Flexibility is the ability to bend easily without breaking. Is Mobility the same thing? Perhaps you’ve heard the term mobility at the gym or on social media lately. This is not the same as flexibility. Mobility refers to ability to move safely and effectively through exercises, […]
Q: How do I get my heels down in downward facing dog? A: Here’s the big secret: Your heels never have to touch the ground in downward facing dog. In fact, there’s a very good chance that if your heels are touching the floor, your back is out of alignment. Unless you are very flexible […]
Q: Why do my wrists hurt in yoga? A: If you’re experiencing joint pain, it’s always a good idea to have it checked out by your doctor first. Provided there are no major issues, here are some reasons you could be experiencing pain in your wrists in yoga poses such as plank, quadruped, and chatarunga: First, […]
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 […]
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 […]
Q: Does practicing Yoga make you a Hindu? A: Great question! You can subscribe to any religion, philosophy, or spiritual practice or to none at all and experience the healing benefits of Yoga. Yoga now mostly means a class we attend or a series or flow of postures (asanas). The word Yoga comes from yoke, […]