Healthy happy you.
In yoga, breath is just as important as the postures. Linking your breath with your movement creates complete awareness. These breathing exercises are called Pranayama, which means breath control. A while back I wrote about two different types of Pranayama. Ujayii (Ocean Breath) is used in Ashtanga Yoga throughout the entire 90 minute practice to keep your movements and your mind calm, steady Read more
We are all looking for ways to keep ourselves cool this summer, especially when we are working out in the hot sun. I learned a type of Pranayama (yogic breath) that has cooling effects on the body called Sitali (tongue hissing). You've probably done this without even knowing it, when you eat something really hot to cool off your mouth. Here's what you do: If you can't make a tube with your Read more
Several studies have shown Yoga to be a powerful therapy in reducing the frequency and intensity of asthma attacks. I also found that when I'm practicing Yoga regularly, I can decrease my prescription meds. Yoga is all about pranayama (breathing), which is great for meditation, but it's also good for your lungs. It increases the lung’s airflow, air capacity, stamina, and efficiency. You can Read more
If you are a Type A person, someone who can't sit still, or if you are slightly (or completely) ADD, you've got to try Ashtanga Yoga. It's fast paced and follows the same sequence every class, no joke, so you always know what's coming next. The room is heated (not as brutally hot as Bikram), so your body feels more open and motivated to move. The mats are set up in neat little rows, kind of Read more
I was lucky enough to take a class taught by Manhattan-based yoga teacher Kristin McGee right here in San Francisco! Although one busy lady, Kristin traveled across the country to teach Vinyasa Vibes (a new offering at The Sports Club/LA), a flow-based, powerful yoga sequence enhanced by music. The most musical part of the practice? During Savasana, the class culminated in a live sax solo by Read more
In yoga, pranayama is considered the art of breathing, and knowing different pranyama techniques will help support a strong practice and get you feeling all kinds of awesome. Because the Sanskrit can be a little confusing, here are explanations of four pranayama techniques to help you on your way to better breathing. Ujjayi pranayama: Integral to Ashtanga and many a Vinyasa class, ujjayi Read more
Child's Pose (Sanskrit: Balasana) is a comforting and rejuvenating asana that sometimes gets a bad rap. I am here to set the record straight: there is absolutely nothing weak about taking Child's Pose when you need to take a break — there is great strength in knowing exactly what your body needs. If you've ever had a strange internal dialogue where you wouldn't allow yourself to take Child's Read more
After you've had a few yoga classes under your capris, it's easy to get so caught up in the actual postures that you forget about other important details that can deepen your practice. While the physical aspect of yoga is important, not being aware of the mistakes you're making on your mat may hold you back from the emotional and spiritual benefits. During your next yoga class, focus on these Read more
I know that breathing is an essential part of yoga, but is there such a thing as too loud? During my last yoga class, I was next to someone who was breathing so loud that it distracted me from my own practice. I wondered initially if I was being overly sensitive, until I noticed students in the row ahead of me were also distracted while looking back at her during the seated twist pose. Adding to Read more
Your first yoga classes can be pretty overwhelming. There's a different vibe than other exercise regimens, and there's literally a whole new language talking you through the experience. While you're contorting your body into a new crazy pretzel, or trying to focus inward to calm your mind, the last thing you want to worry about is the definition of a word your teacher keeps on throwing out Read more
