Feb 4, 2013 |
I’m not a fan of all-you-can-eat buffets. Don’t get me wrong, I have a big appetite, but I just don’t like gorging myself on what is affectionately known as trough food, and for the most part, I have yet to find a buffet that is vegetarian friendly or reasonably healthy.
But, when it comes to all-you-can-eat (AYCE) yoga, I am a huge honking fan. What do I mean by that? AYCE yoga is that coveted unlimited monthly pass at a yoga studio where you get to take as many yoga classes as you like for one set fee. Granted that fee can be exorbitant depending on the studio, but if you can afford it, it is so, so worth it and the cost per class goes way down if you use your pass as much as I do!
And, I have a little secret confession to make. Once you finally give up paying for drop-in classes or something like a 10-class pass and go for that AYCE pass, it will change your life.
It changed my life!
Back in the day, I was a regular 10-class pass purchaser, applying self-imposed limits on just how much yoga I could do per week in order to extend out the life of my class pass. Even though my body and mind was craving more yoga, my schedule and my wallet weren’t quite ready to commit to the AYCE concept. And then it happened: the studio I was attending at the time ran a special on unlimited monthly yoga that I couldn’t resist, and I finally hunkered down and purchased my very first unlimited monthly pass. It was love at first taste. At this buffet, I could go to class as many times per week as I wanted, try new and different styles and levels of yoga, and try classes with each of the instructors. I could go in the morning, I could go in the evening, I could go two days in a row, and if I really got a little crazy, I could go twice in one day.
All of a sudden, my yoga practice took flight. I got stronger and more flexible, I learned how to meditate, I started doing asanas I never thought I’d do, I became part of an incredible community of yogis, and I grew deeper into the spiritual side of yoga. Once I bought that AYCE pass, my love of yoga grew into what I like to call a healthy addiction. Yep, once that AYCE pass was activated, there was no stopping my craving for more yoga, and I knew I would never go back to the restrictive 10-class pass.
I have students ask me all the time, “How many times per week they should practice yoga?” My answer is never the same because it really depends on what the student is seeking from their practice. However, I like to recommend that, when ready, everyone should go for the AYCE yoga pass so they can practice more than just 1–2 times per week. I can’t tell you how many times I have had these same students come up to me later with a big grin on their faces telling me I was right, that the AYCE pass is what got them totally hooked on yoga and what made their practice blossom.
I guess what I’m trying to say is that yoga can become very addicting, but I can’t think of a better (more natural) high that I’d like to have than a yoga high.
Do yourself a favor if you can and try out your very own AYCE yoga pass and get ready to enjoy endless helpings of yogaliciousness.
Have you had a similar experience with the AYCE yoga pass? If so, please leave a comment below and share your experience at the yoga buffet.
AYCE Yoga Pass Suggestions
Yoga Bliss Akron offers a new student special of $50 for one month of unlimited yoga and also has unlimited monthly yoga passes. I teach a lot of yoga classes at Yoga Bliss, and I highly recommend the new student special it is a great way to get that first taste of all you can eat yoga!
If you don’t live near a studio or need a more cost-effective method for buying an AYCE yoga pass, try out these online video services that offer unlimited yoga for free or for monthly fees starting at $9.99.
My Yoga Online by Gaiam TV provides a wide variety of class videos and offers support groups and forums for their students.
Yoga Download offers a ton of classes you can try for free and has a variety of pricing options (order a class à la carte, or get unlimited streaming on a monthly or yearly basis). Sound good? Read my full review here.
Do Yoga With Me One word: FREE! Do Yoga With Me offers yoga online for all levels, hundreds of streaming videos absolutely free of charge with high quality video and sound. Read my review of this awesome service!
Jan 30, 2013 |
I got chills – they’re multiplying
And I’m losing control
‘Cause the power you’re supplying
It’s ELECTRIFYING….
Come on, sing it with me the way Danny (John Travolta) sings to Sandy in Grease!
[youtube]http://youtu.be/pYQltuvKCD4?t=34s[/youtube]
I couldn’t get the visual of John Travolta shaking his booty and his ELECTRIFYING declaration out of my mind the whole time I was trying out my new yogawear from Electric Yoga. This company has some of the brightest, boldest, and most electrifying yoga clothes I’ve seen, and I couldn’t wait to amp up my yoga wardrobe and practice with these styles.
Electric Yoga sent me a fantastic surge of energy in the form of their Enlightened Print Tank. Check out how pretty and unique this tank design is – then click on this link to see it in three different colors! All of the vibrant shades in the Electric Yoga line were selected to resonate internal energy and charge the wearer with positivity. That is exactly what happened when I saw the way the thunderbolt graphics and white lines running down my belly provided an optical illusion of ripped abs (LOL – hey, a girl can dream). The back of the tank is super cute too!
This tank is made with an ultra soft stretch material called ELOY™. It has wicking performance that kept me dry and comfortable when I wore it in a hot yoga class. The length of the tank is extra long to cover the belly and does not ride up when reaching your arms up overhead in urdhva hastasana (upward salute). Although I would prefer a little more padding in the bra, the tank does include a shelf bra for support. I will caution you that the sizes run small. I originally ordered the small and had to return it for the medium/large. I’m also happy to report that the tank passed my wash test, and I can tell it is going to hold up for many years of high voltage yoga practices!
One of the reasons I wanted to promote Electric Yoga is that the company focuses on creating wellness by offering clothing that encourages people to lead happier, healthier, energetic, and well-balanced lives. Michele Bohbot – the owner of Electric Yoga, a top fashion designer, and mom to seven kids – found balance and happiness through yoga. Her hope is that the colorful designs will inspire women to embrace their electricity within and then share it with the world.
I also got the opportunity to try their patent-pending Anti-Slip Yoga Pant, which has a rubberized anti-slip grip on the foot that allows you to practice yoga without a mat. You can pair it with their Anti-Slip Glove for a totally mat-less experience. I loved the thickness of the material in these pants, the way they felt against my skin, and they definitely kept me warm. They are made with a moisture wicking material called DRYFLEX that absorbs sweat (88% Micropoly, 12% Spandex). I wore these pants to teach yoga, and instead of being completely barefoot, it was great to have that extra protection under my feet on cold studio floors. I live in Ohio, so it is a big deal to find something that keeps my feet and legs warmer during these frigid winter months.
I’m not a big fan of flip-flops or having anything in between my toes, so the fabric that rests there was a little uncomfortable for me at first. If you don’t like wearing flip-flops, these pants probably are not for you.
How to Get Your Electric Turned On!
Wanna tap into all this energy? Here are three simple ways…
1) Charge on over to www.electricyoga.com and check out their Spring 2013 styles. You’ll SAVE 10% at checkout with coupon code DDD.
2) Connect with Electric Yoga on Facebook and Twitter.
3) Grab your very own thunderbolt by entering to win either a free Electric Yoga top or bottom by leaving a comment below sharing what you do to bring more fun, energy, and positivity to your yoga practice. One winner will be randomly selected on Monday, February 4th at 11:11 AM EST. This giveaway is only open to residents of the United States. Please help spread the electricity by tweeting about the giveaway or sharing it on Facebook using the “share it” links below or using this copy:
Tweet or Share on Facebook (just copy and paste): Embrace your electricity & share it with the world! Electrify your yoga with the @ElectricYogaMB @downwarddog giveaway http://bit.ly/14rboq2
“Having fun and being happy are the best ingredients to better your life. It is important to learn to ‘hit the pause button’ on your busy life and make some time for YOU! I encourage each of you to get up and add endorphins to your life. No matter where I am, I aim to be present and find joy in my practice. I wish the same for you.” – Michele Bohbot
![Yoga Anatomy, Alignment, and Kinesiology]()
Jan 23, 2013 |
Can I just tell you how excited I am for Kreg Weiss to come to Richfield, Ohio? You heard that right – not Cleveland, not Columbus, but my very own ’hood! Kreg is one of the founders of MyYogaOnline, a certified and highly experienced Hatha yoga instructor, international presenter, super nice guy, the teacher of one of my favorite yoga videos “Siesta for the Spine”, and kinesiologist.
Say what? You had me until kinesiologist.
Kinesiology is the branch of physiology that studies the mechanics and anatomy of the body in relation to human movement – or, in simpler terms, it is the science of movement.
Kreg is coming to Nirvana Yoga in February to lead a series of workshops that will take students on a journey through the fundamental elements of anatomy and kinesiology that will enhance their yoga practices. If that seems a little intimidating or heady for some yoga practitioners, Kreg has promised me that the material will be presented in a fun, user-friendly manner that is accessible to all (regardless of previous experience with anatomical concepts). Now we’re talking!
Kreg showed off his one-handed peacock pose for me when we met up at the New York Yoga Journal Conference in 2012.
I’m a big fan of Kreg’s classes on MyYogaOnline because of his unique style of teaching that combines asanas, pranayama, and meditation to create a peaceful yet powerful yoga practice. It’s not easy to do, but Kreg has the ability to deliver classes that provide a challenge, but in a way that not only keeps you safe but leaves you feeling full of peace. If you want to check out his style, Kreg has posted excerpts from quite a few of his videos on his website.
Wanna geek out with me and get a good fix of yoga anatomy? Here’s the deets (what, where, when) on Kreg’s upcoming workshops in Richfield, Ohio.
Friday, February 22, 2013
Exploring Core Elements of Vinyasa
Enjoy exploring the foundational elements of vinyasa as we break down key poses and transitions of this classic flow. This yoga anatomy workshop will offer an integrative approach, providing insights and tips on how to enhance integrity and functional form so that vinyasa practices retain a therapeutic, nurturing intention.
*6:30 – 9 PM $45 / $35 before Feb. 1
Saturday, February 23, 2013
Enhanced Steadiness and Integrity for the Knees
Delve into the world of kinesiology and yoga anatomy as we examine functional elements for maintaining strength and awareness in our knees. From how we stand to how we sit, we will look at how we can best manipulate the entire chain of joints and muscles in key poses in order to keep the knees safe while acquiring the optimum benefits of each pose. Following this 2.5-hour workshop, we will integrate these concepts into an energizing Hatha yoga flow.
12:30 – 4:30 PM $55 / $45 before Feb. 1
Hatha class level will be moderate to intermediate.
Sunday, February 24, 2013
Practicing Yoga with Functionality and Relevance
Our daily health is greatly determined by how we settle into our posture. This yoga anatomy workshop will look at posture-related issues including Upper/Lower Cross Syndrome, Forward Head Syndrome, Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, open locked/closed lock principles, kinetic chain effects, and other similar conditions affecting postural health. We will explore how to address this from a restoration perspective and cover the necessary modifications in our practice to enhance recovery and rebalancing of our musculoskeletal and energetic systems. We will follow this workshop with a Hatha yoga practice that will interlace these concepts into the flow.
10:00 AM – 2:30 PM $55 / $45 before Feb. 1
Hatha class level will be moderate.
Follow Kreg Weiss Yoga on Facebook and on Twitter.
One last plug for Kreg, if you run a yoga teacher training program and are looking for someone to come in to cover the anatomy portions, please get in touch with Kreg.
If you’ve done one of Kreg’s online video classes, please leave a comment below and let me know which one you’ve tried and would like to recommend to other yogis.
Jan 15, 2013 |
If you want my short concise answer to this – absa-effing-lutly, YES!
I teach a lot of students who are brand new to yoga, including in beginners’ workshops, and I always stress that questions are welcome and encouraged. I let students know that if they have a question, it is 100 percent likely that the majority of the room is going to have the exact same question, so there’s no reason to be shy. And, I have to admit that their questions are always great! They prompt me to cover areas that I haven’t addressed yet and help me illustrate real-life scenarios for proper alignment and breathing.
Imagine my delight when a hand immediately darted up as I launched into my introduction and prompt for questions. This never happens, and I was excited about the enthusiasm and energy already bubbling up in the room. I was even more thrilled when I heard what the question was:
“Are we allowed to laugh in class?”
The question was posed in all sincerity and with a little bit of concern. I quickly put the student at ease by letting her know that not only is laughter allowed, it‘s highly encouraged! If you lose your balance in a pose, laugh at yourself. If you go to the left when cued to go to the right, laugh at yourself.
We take ourselves way too seriously all week long. Why not let the time on your yoga mat
be as stress-free and FUN as possible?
This question prompted me to go into an explanation that yoga is not a competition (and for that I am eternally grateful). Therefore, it’s best to leave the egos at the door, not worry if you can’t do everything right away, not judge yourself or anyone in the class, and instead focus on what is happening in your own body. I basically tell my students that the yoga studio is a “no-judgment zone,” that we are all here to support one another on our yoga journeys. This is my user-friendly way of letting them know that while laughing at themselves is encouraged, laughing at others – not so much.
I could immediately feel the anxiety levels drop in the room, shoulders got a little lighter, smiles drifted up on a few faces, and this same student later remarked, “This yoga stuff is so much better than aerobics!” And to that I say, “Amen, sister!”
Image Courtesy of: A. Feldmann
As a teacher, I can’t tell you how much joy it brings me to hear a student laugh during class. There is scientific proof that when we laugh it releases endorphins in our bodies that make us happier (and healthier), and who doesn’t want to be happy?!
No matter where you are in your yoga practice, remember to smile and laugh on your yoga mat. Don’t take it all so seriously. Let the shoulders drop, be open to being a little more playful in your practice, try new things, and explore how you feel when you let go of the ego and when you let go of fear. Open up to these opportunities, and if you lose your balance, don’t beat yourself up. Laugh and know that you gave it your best shot. Laugh because you have the opportunity to learn, grow, and have fun each time you come to your yoga mat.
Like laughing on your yoga mat? Like doing yoga on the beach? Join me for an inspirational week of beach yoga bliss in Aruba this coming April 6-13, 2013!
“Your body cannot heal without play. Your mind cannot heal without laughter. Your soul cannot heal without joy.” – Catherine Rippenger Fenwick
Time spent laughing is time spent with the Gods.
— Japanese Proverb
“When you realize how perfect everything is you will tilt your head back and laugh at the sky.” – Buddha
“Enjoy belly laughter without restraint, without inhibition and finding your buddha will be the easiest job because you will be free of all seriousness, tension, inhibition and suppression.” — Osho, Indian mystic
Thanks to the lovely Christa Scalies of Giggle On for sharing these awesome quotes about laughter!
Smiling Buddha Image: Tony Williams
New to yoga? Check out the Yoga 101 page on the Daily Downward Dog.
Jan 7, 2013 |
Who doesn’t like getting a gift? Yes, it’s gratifying when someone gives you that gift, but there’s something incredibly indulgent when you give yourself a gift all on your own.
This week as I went to practice yoga with a bit of a head cold, I couldn’t help but think that I was giving myself a gift of health and recovery. In fact, each time I step on my yoga mat, in essence I am giving myself the gift of good health for tomorrow. (Thank you Jennifer Bishop for reminding me of this in your beautiful Vinyasa class.) Each stretch, each twist, each breath prepares my body for the future, a future that for me will hopefully not involve walkers or hip replacements.
Beyond just the health benefits, there is the gift of spiritual growth and the joy that my yoga practice provides me. So many days as I sit at my desk working, all I can think about is that hour to come when I get to drop my shoulders, deepen my breath, and find a quiet, peaceful place. No iPhone, no interruptions, just time for me to let go, time for me to open up and receive the gift of yoga. No guilt here – I indulge in this luxury as often as I can.
This year on New Year’s Eve as I counted down to midnight I couldn’t help but think that in addition to saying goodbye to 2012, I was also saying goodbye to my forties. All in all, I have to say it was a pretty awesome decade, and I enjoyed every single part of being in my forties – even the gray hair – and especially starting a whole new career path as a yoga teacher. I have to admit that had I not been so busy the last decade endowing myself with the gift of yoga, I don’t think I would be feeling so damn exuberant about turning 50.
A few years ago I never thought I’d be doing a headstand! Or leading a yoga retreat in Aruba!
Where are you dreaming about taking your life and your yoga practice?
I plan on celebrating my 50th birthday all year and want to spread the news that yoga really can be your fountain of youth. Got one of those big birthdays coming up soon? Give yourself a gift and come celebrate the fact that you are getting more beautiful, more flexible, and more full of life each and every day. I’m hosting a big honking birthday celebration this coming April in Aruba. Join me for a week of beach yoga bliss, April 6–13, 2013, at the stunning Manchebo Beach Resort and Spa, where you can do yoga overlooking the crystal clear blue Caribbean waters and pristine white sand beach. The trip includes daily inspirational yoga classes, meditation, and the opportunity to try stand-up paddleboard yoga (SUP yoga).
Bestow yourself with a beautiful gift. Better yet, gather up a bunch of your gal pals or broginis, and you can all dip your toes into the sand and share in the fantastic gift of a week of nirvana, finding your bliss discovering the gift of yoga on the beach in Aruba!
