An Energizing Yoga Flow

I had kind of a rough day yesterday at the lyme doctor. Something is off and they don't know what it is. All I know is that I'm still having trouble walking, and various joints, including my elbows, are giving me problems which is why in this video I only did one chaturanga. I think this flow still works, though, and if you miss the chaturanga you can throw it in there between plank pose and downward dog to make the flow a little more traditional. This is a good sequence for the middle of the afternoon to combat the afternoon slump. It's suitable for all levels, just be sure you warm up first, and always work within a pain-free range. Have a great weekend!​

PS- More videos here (please subscribe!), ​how to dress for yoga, and a seriously intense ab workout.

Yoga for Tight Hips

Some of my least favorite poses are the ones that work the hamstrings. I have really tight hamstrings, so the poses are pretty uncomfortable for me. They don't hurt- they're just uncomfortable- and there is a difference. I think sometimes we gloss over the distinction between pain and discomfort, so for today's video I'd like to encourage you to find your "edge"- that place where you know your body is really working, it's a little uncomfortable, but it is definitely NOT painful. Always come out of a pose if you ever feel pain. But before writing it off as pain, ask yourself if it's simply discomfort. 

A lot of us have tight hips from constantly sitting- at the dinner table, at the computer, on the couch, while driving- so the hips are good to focus on when you're trying to find your edge. ​Tight hips can contribute to back issues, so I hope this vid helps to loosen up the hips and also challenge you to make the distinction between discomfort and pain. 

Have a wonderful weekend! As always, if there's something you have a question about, or you'd like to see something specific in a yoga video, please get in touch or leave a comment below. xo

An afternoon vinyasa sequence & giveaway winner

​Hello! Today I've got a five minute vinyasa sequence that'll work the core, shoulders, and stretch the piriformis which is that area of the hips that is perpetually sore on people who have to sit all day. The sequence is suitable for all levels so give it a try and let me know how it goes.

In other news, I've got a winner for the Dr. Hauschka and Sante giveaway...

​Tanya, send me your address and I'll ship your goodies out to you asap. 

Have a great weekend, everyone.​

Yoga Tips for Absolute Beginners

The other day a friend asked if I would make a video for absolute beginners. For this video I combine what to expect from most yoga classes with pointers on the poses that show up often like tadasana, downward dog, tree pose, etc. I hope this helps! If you have any suggestions or want to see something specific in a yoga video, please let me know! 

Don't forget about the Dr. Hauschka & Sante giveaway going on! Be sure that you comment in the blog post so your entries are counted!! ​

Have a wonderful weekend.​

Yoga Tip: How to do Side Crow Pose

When making videos for this blog I always gravitated toward recording myself silently doing yoga and then in editing, going in and recording the instructions and now I know why. Speaking while doing the poses is hard! I forgot a couple things but after five takes I was spent, so I'll add the things I wanted to say below. Hope this helps!! 

​side crow with hips on both triceps

There are a couple different ways to do side crow pose. The first is to balance on both of the triceps as shown above. ​

​side crow pose

Another way is to balance on one tricep as shown above via my instagram.​

This video is a how to on the second way. I prefer this way to the first because I think it challenges you to use the core and upper arm strength more. But that's just my humble opinion. :) ​

A couple things I wanted to mention: ​

-Spread your toes once you're up. This will tell the leg muscles they need to work rather than just hang out up there. ​

-Push into mostly the thumb and first fingers.​

-Envision a pushing down motion from the armpits down, and a lifting motion in the rest of your body.​

-BREATHE!​

PS- How to do Dancer's Pose, a recipe for avocado chocolate pudding, and 7 easy ways to clean up your diet.

Yoga Tip: How to do Dancer's Pose

While I have mentally packed what I need for this weekend's awesome getaway, I haven't physically done it yet so I am sort of scrambling a bit before I need to take off. I am looking forward to the yoga workshops but I am feeling a bit bummed because my shoulder and elbows are giving me problems...maybe I spoke too soon about that manuka honey. It is so very frustrating to have these joint issues. One day I feel great, and the next day I am sore and aching all over. Ah well, it is what it is. 

For today's yoga tip I put together a short instructional video on how to do natarajasana- dancer's pose. It is one of my favorite poses, and is great for the hip flexors, hamstrings, and shoulders. Its full expression is really beautiful, too- maybe I'll make a how to on that sometime, too. ​

I hope you have a wonderful weekend. ​