Healthy happy you.
While teaching a Vinyasa Yoga class Saturday morning, I noticed three of my students shifting around while in Savasana (aka corpse pose), the relaxation pose done at the end of class where you lie on your back and just breathe. Afterward I asked if they were uncomfortable, and they all complained of an aching lower back. It seems like an oxymoron that a resting pose would be so unbearable, but Read more
The final resting pose in a yoga class known as Savasana is so relaxing, but FitSugar reader bigestivediscuit shared an especially relaxing experience in the Yoga Stretch and Tell community group. Last night I had a nearly orgasmic moment on the train ride home when the breeze coming through the hot subway carriage's window made the China gel my yoga instructor had massaged into my neck during Read more
Dear Fit, I've been taking a yoga class for about a year with this amazing instructor. We're always trying new poses and I'm soaked with sweat by the end from moving around so much. Plus the next day, I'm really sore so I know I'm working hard. I've been leaving class a little early since the last 10 minutes we just lie on the floor. The last class I went to, the instructor came up to me as I was Read more
We're finally up to the last posture in the closing sequence of Ashtanga Yoga called Savasana. Everyone looks forward to this pose because you've worked so hard up until that point, you're sweaty and physically exhausted, and this allows your body and mind to let go completely. Savasana is a time for you to be quiet and still, to revitalize your energy, and calm your mind. It feels like pure Read more
When I take a yoga class, especially in the evening, I guess I'm pretty tired by then after waking up early and working all day. So a little yawning here and there is pretty common for me, and I'm sure it is for you too, but what about falling asleep? The final resting pose at the end of class called Savasana (Corpse pose) can last two minutes or 15 minutes or more. If it's dark, and there's Read more
Whether you're planning on going to your first yoga class or you've been to a million, there are some things every good yogini needs to know. This way, you'll be able to respect the teacher, and respect yourself as well. Wear clean clothes: Some teachers assist you in postures, and you wouldn't want them to have to smell your stinky previously sweat in outfit. How embarrassing. Don't be late: 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
Fun issues like nausea, fatigue, shortness of breath, and the need to hit the ladies' room — three different times during a workout! — makes it difficult to keep up with a regular exercise routine when pregnant. If you're expecting, taking up yoga (or continuing to go) is wonderful because not only does it alleviate some of these annoying discomforts, your body will stay strong and flexible. Read more
Yoga instructors are often the calmest people you'll meet, but when their beliefs are grounded in strict yoga principle and technique, they may sometimes put their foot down during practice. Here are some reasons your yoga teacher might reprimand you during class. Drinking water: Practicing yoga is about building your energy or prana, otherwise known as your fire. Some by-the-book instructors Read more
Yoga instructors are some of the kindest, most caring, most forgiving people on the planet, but that doesn't mean they can't get bothered by a student's behavior in class. Here are seven things you don't want to do in front of your yoga instructor. Talking during class: It's disruptive and inconsiderate to the other students in class trying to focus and relax, but it also means you're not Read more
