My goal for yoga practitioners is that they are pain free. In movement, in yoga and hopefully in life. One way we can work around pain and limited mobility issues is by using props. There are so many props to choose from but one I want to focus on today is a chair. Specifically seven ways to use a chair in your yoga practice. Using a chair in your yoga practice is a fantastic way to support your body, your practice and encourage mindfulness. The best thing is, that most of us have a chair …
Search Results for: savasana
Tennis Ball Glute Release – the somatic yoga way
If you've ever had pain in the lower back, hip, or glutes you know just how debilitating it can be. Anatomically this area is referred to as the lumbo-pelvic-hip-complex, or LPHC. I often joke it's called that because pinpointing the cause of the pain around there is so complex. Personally, my go-to for any issues in the LPHC is a somatic yoga tennis ball glute release. 9/10 this is what helps my pain, and that's what I want to share in case it helps you. If you've ever done self …
Dancer Pose Yoga Flow 15-Min Class
When people think of yoga as a movement practice they seem to focus on flexibility. However, a yoga practice incorporates so much more. Things like strength, stamina, stability, mobility, core, and balance. All of these can be explored in this dancer pose yoga flow. Dancers pose is a common, yet challenging yoga pose. It requires being open and flexible in the hips. While also needing strength and stability in the standing leg. Core strength, and endurance. In this 15-minute class we'll …
7 Common yoga mistakes or misconceptions
Sometimes I hear comments about yoga that make me wonder where the heck people get these crazy ideas. It's a game of telephone gone awry. Frankly, there are so many misconceptions about yoga that I could probably write a thesis. However, today I want to address 7 common yoga mistakes because they are totally wrong, or outdated. In a previous post I covered the big mistake that most people assume about yoga in that it's just stretching, and all about the poses. When that's actually just a …
5-minute body scan lying down
Many times when we step on the mat we can find that we're in our practice in body only. Our minds have this tendency to hold onto the millions of things on our to-do list. And this is exacerbated by the distractions of a busy household during home yoga practice. This is why one thing I always do at the beginning, and end of a yoga session is grounding myself into the practice. Occasionally I will do this seated, or with the breath, but the majority of the time it's with a body scan lying …
Yoga for ankles and calves – 30 min class
In January I started running again, after a 3 year break. As I get fitter, I'm starting to run further, and quicker. While I'm not nearly as fit as I was years ago (yet) I am making progress. One thing that I know is that this 30 min hatha yoga for ankles and calves class has been a life saver! Seriously, my calves have been SUPER tight since running again. If you're a runner, or have mobility issues in your ankles, I highly recommend following along with this 30-min class. If you …
Yoga to sleep well at night – 25-minute class
For the longest time, I was a super sound sleeper, and an early bird. Since the pandemic hit my sleep has been sporadic with periods of insomnia. During these times of unrest, I learn heavily on my yoga practice to relax. Specifically, the poses included in this yoga to sleep well at night routine. Whether you are doing this before bed, or even IN bed it's a great way to relax, restore, and renew. On the days where I've had little sleep, this class can give me a much-needed mid-afternoon …
When is the best time to practice yoga?
As many of us settle into a new normal, we are having our routines constantly challenged. The one thing that should remain resolute is your dedication to a spiritual and movement practice. Yoga is great, in that it encompasses both in one. But, I often get asked "when is the best time to practice yoga?". The answer can be simple, or complex. It really depends on what we're classifying as "yoga". For some yoga is a workout, or a way to relax. But for many of us it's actually a lifestyle …
10 Min Standing Yoga Sequence – wrist free class
Recently, a class member and friend has been having wrist issues. Doing poses like plank and downward facing dog have been painful. Therefore, I've been playing with not using my hands in my own yoga practice. And thus, this 10 minute standing yoga sequence was created. Doing your own yoga practice at home can be a challenge at times. Especially, if you are dealing with any physical limitations. Above all, it's important to listen to your own body. Only you know what hurts and what …