How to do Wide Legged Forward Fold

January 29, 2014

One of the most profound things yoga has taught me is that everything in our bodies is connected. For example, if the upper back hurts, it may be due to tight chest muscles. If the low back is in pain, it is often due to tight hamstrings. This was such a huge revelation for me, even though I guess it's pretty obvious. I became a bit more aware of my body, and how certain things I was doing was affecting how I felt. (For example, pay attention to how you sit. I used to always...

Wearing: Lululemon wonder unders, stirrup leg warmers, F 21 basic tank, F 21 crop top. Using manduka travel mat.

How to do Pigeon Pose

January 28, 2014

I received an email last week asking how to get into pigeon pose, and figured it'd be easier to explain in person, so I shot this short video. If you're a beginner, just work on getting into the pose and breathing there. If you've got a bit more flexibility, try the variations shown.

How to do Bow Pose

January 14, 2014

This is a really intense back bending posture, and while it looks like it's really working the spine, it's actually a...

Pin it! Great pose for the shoulders and chest.Wearing: lululemon pants (similar, and supposedly equal quality at a smaller price), Ann Taylor tank, lululemon bra (similar) — Pin it! Great pose for the shoulders and chest.
Wearing: lululemon pants (similar, and supposedly equal quality at a smaller price), Ann Taylor tank, lululemon bra (similar)

Warrior 1 Variation for Chest and Shoulders

January 8, 2014

This warrior 1 variation is something I like to throw into the middle of a vinyasa to get deep in the hips and to open up the chest and shoulders. It's particularly beneficial for people who slouch, or are constantly in a seated position, as their shoulders tend to round. It's also really good for guys who go hard with upper body lifting, as they tend to have really tight shoulders and chest muscles as well.

Pin it! A great stretch after a long day. (Click to enlarge)Wearing: Teeki pants. — Pin it! A great stretch after a long day. (Click to enlarge)
Wearing: Teeki pants.

How to do Ragdoll Pose

September 25, 2013

Do you ever find yourself feeling creaky at the end of a long day? This pose is for you.

No matter where I'm teaching, whether it's California or Ibiza, this pose is always a class favorite. I recommend it for everyone, but especially those who suffer from low back pain, since the stretch lengthens the hamstrings to relieve tension in the low back. It's really important to keep a micro-bend in the knees to protect the hamstrings, and as always work within a pain-free range.

PS- How to do crow pose, 3 healing yoga poses, and 7 easy ways to clean up your diet.

How to do Balancing Stick Pose

July 19, 2013

This is one of my favorite yoga poses. It strengthens the back, abs, arms and legs, and even though it's a static pose, it really gets the heart pumping. I like adding this in the middle or beginning of vinyasanas. I'll start in this pose and then slowwwwwwwly lower the back leg down to high lunge. That's great for core strength! (Actually, the exact move I'm talking about is featured in this Slow, Sweaty YouTube video I did.)

The trick here is to make sure the kneecaps are lifted to engage the quads and protect hyperextension of the hamstring. Also, try to keep that lifted leg hip even with the standing leg hip. Reach back and feel your hips are even if you need to. Another trick for this is to point the toes of the lifted leg down to the mat. It looks like mine are a bit off here, but I think it was the angle of the camera...I hope so, anyway. :)

Hope this was helpful to you!