Healthy happy you.
The thing I love about Ashtanga yoga classes is that they are the same every time you go. Same poses, same order, same amount of breaths in each pose, and the class is always an hour and a half. There are no surprises, so you always know what to expect. The teacher keeps everyone at the same pace by counting out loud. Many Ashtanga yoga instructors count in Sanskrit, the original language of Read more
If you've ever walked into an Ashtanga Yoga class, I'm sure you've noticed that it's warm in the room, but not even close to as hot as Bikram. The warmth helps your muscles to loosen up slightly, but the quick-paced and strength building vinyasas between poses is what really heats up your body. Think of it as creating an inner fire that heats your body from the inside out, which helps you Read more
David Swenson is an incredibly well-known yoga instructor and practitioner. He began practicing when he was 13 and was introduced to Ashtanga at 19 by David Williams and Nancy Gilgoff (also very well known). Plus he studied with K. Pattabhi Jois, the master of Ashtanga. His DVD, Ashtanga Yoga: First Series, available through Amazon for $24.95, is wonderful whether you are first learning or have Read more
When you go to an Ashtanga Yoga class for the first time, you'll probably be learning Primary Series. In Sanskrit it is known as "Yoga Chikitsa" which means Yoga Therapy. Its purpose is to re-align the spine, detoxify the body, build strength, and increase flexibility. The room is about 80°F, so your muscles can easily warm up. The instructor talks you though each pose and counts the 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
Alec Baldwin made an appearance backstage in the press room at tonight's SAG Awards just after snagging the honor for outstanding performance by a male actor in a comedy series. True to form, the 30 Rock star wasn't shy about discussing his current political views, and he also made light of his recent in-flight Words With Friends flap. Here are the highlights: On his opinion of the 2012 primary: Read more
We're thrilled to present this smart Kiplinger story here on Savvy! You’ll face a higher tax bill next spring if Congress doesn’t act to revive a series of tax breaks that expired Dec. 31, 2011. Among the breaks that Congress didn’t extend in all the Sturm und Drang over the payroll tax holiday are: Alternative minimum tax patch The AMT is a parallel tax system created more than 40 years Read more
We are pumped to share one of our fave stories from Self here on FitSugar! Between infomercial-style ads for Pajama Pants and Ab Rollers, perhaps you've seen advertisements for P90X DVDs. Or maybe you have a friend who suddenly looked a bit more taut and toned, who casually referenced the muscle confusion-based fitness craze. The point is P90X is undeniably a major exercise movement. Read more
Ashtanga is one of my favorite forms of yoga because it's fast-paced, fluid, and each class follows the same sequence, so you always know what to expect once you have a few classes under your capris. It's also really intense, and some aspects of it can be a real turn-off to people. Before you head to your first ashtanga class, here are some things you'll be glad you know. 1. You'll Probably Be Read more
If you haven't heard of the Spirit Junkie Gabrielle Bernstein yet, get used to hearing this girl's name a lot more. Dubbed the new Carrie Bradshaw for go-getting thirtysomethings, Gabrielle is a best-selling author, life coach, and all-around inspirational chick. After becoming disenchanted by a world where she looked outward for all her happiness, Gabrielle made the shift to turn in and get Read more
