Category Archives: Yoga

Jun13

In The Groove

Posted on by
Standard

Ya’ll know I love yoga.  There is nothing like a class where the mood is right, the flow feels so good in your body and the music just helps you find your groove.  It can really change your day and your mood.   I love teaching yoga and I love it when I can give my students the class I just described above.  I love seeing my students leave with a smile on their face and I love hearing that a class felt so good.

Lately, I feel like I’ve really hit a stride with my yoga teaching.  Many of my students are beginners to yoga but are strong and fit from spinning, running and weight lifting.  It’s always challenging to create a class that caters to the beginner, challenges them so they get a good workout, gives them just a taste of the more advanced poses they can work towards if they keep with yoga and really lengthens and releases their tight, overused muscles. I feel like I’ve finally figured out what stretches they really need and what kind of poses they like to be challenged with.  It’s fun to create these classes!

Now that I’ve been teaching for a few months consistently I’m feeling more and more comfortable with my voice as the instructor and striking that balance between authority and relaxation.  I’ve really figured out how to cue specific poses and love seeing a student hear a cue and completely transform a pose.  And now that I’ve mixed up my rights and lefts enough I’m really getting those down and am able to mirror so much more easily now.  The space makes more sense to me too and can really help me lead the class. It feels good to be confident in my teaching.

To help my students find the groove and relax I like to incorporate music into my classes.  I keep it low so the focus is on the breath and they can easily hear me.  I just love how it can set the mood for a class.   I’ve made a ton of playlists in the last few months but I really like this one that I’ve been using as of late.  It’s a 45 minute playlist-my class immediately follows a spin class so we keep it short so students will be more apt to get stick around for yoga too.  Check out the playlist and if you know of similar music I might like please share it in the comments!  And don’t be afraid to re-create the playlist so you can flow and groove on your own!

FitYoga Playlist!

FitYoga Playlist!

If you are in the Boston area come check out FitYoga at FitHouse in Woburn!  I teach Tuesday and Thursdays from 6:15am to 7am.  Also be sure to check the schedule…I’m often teaching the Saturday 10am class!

Do you like music while you practice?  Are you a fan of any of the songs on this playlist?

May10

Time, Hobbies and Getting What You Need

Posted on by
Standard

Time is a funny thing isn’t? We never seem to have enough of it but are completely in control of how we spend our time.  I’m blessed and cursed at the same time because I have so many things I enjoy doing in this life and quite honestly there just isn’t enough time to do them all.

When I was in college I used to road bike all spring and summer.  I loved getting on the bike and riding for hours, exploring new roads and getting in some sunshine and fresh air.  I still have my bike and have been wanting to take it in to get tuned so I can start riding again.  But part of me wondered if it would be worth it, when would I ride?!

Then there are the list of races that go on and on that I want to train for and run.  The Marine Corp Marathon, the Nike Women’s Marathon, London and Berlin Marathons,  and so many more.  But committing to train for a marathon is just that, a commitment.  And right now it seems like I don’t have the time to train with the dedication I’d like to put into my next marathon.

And yoga? Oh yoga.  Luckily I teach every Tuesday and Thursday morning so I always seem to stay in touch with it and find my way to the mat.  But teaching is certainly not the same as practicing and it’s certainly not helping me strengthen my practice and move into the challenge poses I hope to some day attain.  And my home practice isn’t the same as getting to a studio and taking other teachers classes.  Yesterday I realized I hadn’t made it to a studio to take a class since March 25th.  Yes, you read that right.  March 25th.  It’s equal parts embarrassing and equal parts sad.  How could I go so long without doing something I love so much?!  And no wondering I’ve been wanting and needing to get to a class!  Saturday morning I’ll be getting to the studio I can assure you.

By now your probably wondering when I do the things I enjoy that don’t involve exercise. You know, the things like reading and cooking?  Yeah, I’ve been reading the same book since July.  Yes, July.  I read a page or two a day but I’m now determined to finish said book by this July.

The type A in me really wants to do ALL the things I love ALL the time and be really good at them but that is SO not realistic when I work full time in a demanding job, have a relationship, friends and family and a home that I’d like to keep clean.  I’ve learned  I’m learning to be a B+ kind of person and actually enjoy all of the things in this life that I love so much and accept that I don’t need to be great at everything I do.

Lately my runs have been for the fun of it, because getting out and running feels good.  It’s not about a race or a time or a specific workout.  It’s about moving my body, de-stressing, feeling the wind in my hair and enjoying something I love so much.  And maybe I haven’t been practicing yoga as much as I’d like but that’s ok.  What I have been giving to yoga is enough because I’m happy and content with my yoga practice right now. And that bike?  I think I am going to get it tuned up.  If I ride once or twice this summer and enjoy it…then it was all worth it.  That book?  I’ve been disconnecting to sit and read each night before bed.  It’s heavenly and it’s so nice…even if I read only 3 pages before falling asleep.

The funny thing about time and hobbies is that we always seem to get exactly what we need.  Sometimes that is working more and playing less, focusing more on family and hobbies less or sometimes it’s just doing a little bit of this and a little bit of that to keep you happy and interested in all the things you love.

How do you balance time and all the things you love to do?

May9

Product Review: Ahnu Karma for Women Footwear

Posted on by
Standard

Remember a month or so ago when I posted this to Instagram?

Screen shot 2013-05-08 at 6.54.23 PM

photo 1 (2)

The awesome people over at Ahnu Footwear sent me a pair of their yoga inspired shoes to test out and review.  I’ve seen the ads for these shoes in Yoga Journal every month and was definitely curious.  I picked out the silver-colored ones so I could wear them with just about anything and anxiously awaited for the box to show up at my door.

Ahnu Karma

When the box came I found a cute pair of flats made with high quality, supple and soft leather and a micro-fiber suede sole that was so soft.  I immediately slipped them on and was pleasantly surprised and impressed with how comfortable the shoes were!  The footbed is sculpted and my foot felt supported and cushioned.  I love that the heel is stretchy and soft.  The shoes pack so nicely and the stretchy heel ensures that I won’t get any blisters.  It also makes them incredibly comfortable to drive in.  The elastic in the heel and the criss-cross straps help to keep the shoe securely on my foot.  The toe box is nice and wide which I think makes them more comfortable.  I also love how open the shoes are, it makes them the perfect shoe for spring!

Ahnu Karma

Ahnu Karma

I’ve been wearing my Karma’s every where.  They are perfect to wear to the yoga studio since they are so comfortable and slip on and off so easily. I’ve been wearing on the weekends a ton too.  I wear them at home as I run up and down the stairs to do laundry or clean the house because they are so comfortable and supportive.  I’m always wearing them with my jeans to head to the grocery store, or run errands since they keep me comfortable when I’m on my feet for hours.  I’ve even mixed them with dress pants and worn them to work when I just want to be comfortable.  I didn’t take them with me when I went to DC and I wished I had more than once! I’ll definitely be wearing them when I head to San Diego at the end of this month…they are perfect for walking around and sightseeing but will also make going through security that much easier!

Ahnu Karma

Be sure to check out Ahnu footwear in Yoga Journal, online at http://www.ahnu.com and on Facebook and Twitter!

Disclaimer:  I was given a pair of Ahnu Karma’s in exchange for an honest review.  All opinions are my own and may or may not reflect those of Ahnu Footwear.  

Tell me, do you own Ahnu shoes? Do you love them?

Apr25

Races, Running and Buddhas

Posted on by
Standard

Can you believe it’s Thursday already?  This week has flow by!  Tomorrow morning I leave for Washington D.C. to support my team who is running the Nike Women’s Marathon Half.  I’m a little bit nervous but also kind of excited since I’ve never been there before.  I’m planning to fit in a little bit of sight-seeing in my down time. You all need to recommend some good things to check out!  On my list is the mall, the Smithsonian and possibly the Holocaust Museum. 

It’s a bit strange to be heading to another race so quickly after Boston.  I’m definitely nervous but this will be a good step to take in terms of moving on.  I’m just hoping everything goes smoothly, my team has a ton of fun and it’s an easy weekend.  Fingers crossed.

Speaking of races let’s talk running for a minute shall we?  My running has never felt better! I’ve been pushing my pace and increasing my mileage slowly over the past couple weeks. I’m starting to see my pace drop even on my easy runs and I’m wanting to run farther and push harder. It feels good.  The weather has been helping too, there is just something about running in shorts and short-sleeve shirt that feels so good after a long weekend!  Next week I plan to add in some speed work again and some hill workouts.  Hills seem to be where I can really increase my cardio and build my strength.  I’m looking forward to some more variety in my runs!

I’m starting to think about my fall racing plan.  I was considering doing a marathon but I realized I was looking forward to traveling this summer and not having to fit in my log runs.  Last summer I missed a couple of weekend trips because of teacher training and the summer before that Michael and I were training for Chicago.  I just really want to be able to go away, enjoy sleeping in, savoring my coffee and the cool summer mornings we get here.  I am excited to run a couple of half marathons.  Last year I ran the BAA Half Marathon and I plan to run that one again but I’m looking to add in one more.  I’m considering the Maine Half Marathon.  I’ve heard good things about the race and after our summer vacation there last year I’m pretty much in love with Maine.  It’d be fun to spend a weekend in Portland too.  Michael might even run the half too which would be awesome!  I still have plenty of time to make up my mind.  Any suggestions for other good half marathons to consider for the fall?

This is completely random but it made my day and I wanted to share! The other day Michael told me there was a package waiting for me when I got home.  He said it was a long overdue present.  I was pretty curious as to what it could be but I had a few ideas.  I was so excited to get home and see that he had so carefully picked out a Buddha for me!

My New Buddha!

My New Buddha!

I’ve been wanting a buddha since the fall when I was immersed in yoga teacher training.  I always thought it would be a good reminder of all the yoga means to me.  Think about it, your rushing in the morning to get out the door and head to work on time but you see the Buddha and it’s reminder to breathe and be more peaceful in the situation. It also just makes me feel like a real yoga teacher! It was exciting and I love the one he picked it out, it’s very me.

I’ll be back on Tuesday to share my experiences in Washington, D.C. and at the inaugural Nike Women’s Marathon Half! 

What are your suggestions for sights to see and visit in Washington D.C.? What fall half marathons do you love? Do you have a buddha?

Apr9

In the Kitchen

Posted on by
Standard

One of my favorite things to do on the weekend is to spend time in the kitchen.  I love preparing meals for the week ahead and find the time very relaxing.  When I was taking yoga teacher training we learned a lot about meditation.  Prior to teacher training I’d never meditated.  I always felt that if I was going to a studio for a class I’d rather just take a yoga class.  But through our meditations in teacher training I learned that meditation comes in many forms.

Walking meditation is very popular.  In walking meditation you focus on the world surrounding you and your breath.  You tune into the movements in your body and the sounds around you.  In the process you tune out your internal thoughts.  I’ve always thought that running is similar.  And quite honestly I consider running my form of meditation.  It’s quiet time, time to focus on my breath and to observe my thoughts without judgement.

While I was in the kitchen on Sunday I felt myself relaxing completely.  There is something peaceful about the sound of the knife hitting the cutting board, the water running in the sink, the feeling of warm water on your hands as you wash the dishes.  I love just staring out the kitchen window to the back yard as I wash veggies or do the dishes.  My mind started to quiet and was able to completely focus on the recipes.

Banana Nut Muffins

Banana Nut Muffins

Cooking not only helps me relax but it’s a way to spend time taking care of myself. I always love heading into a busy week with healthy food already prepared.  On Sunday I prepared a salsa avocado chicken salad (recipe coming on Wednesday!) and then went on to make homemade banana nut muffins.  I love cooking when I have the entire day to get lost in it.  I have no reason to rush or hurry my way through and somehow that makes me enjoy the food more.  I know when I’m busy this week and grabbing my chicken salad for lunch I’ll be reminded of how peaceful it was to prepare the meal and undoubtedly it will make me slow down while I eat.

So next time you are in the kitchen with some free time, preparing your favorite meal I urge you to slow down and relax.  Focus on the process of chopping the veggies, preparing the meat or mixing the flour and sugar before combining the wet ingredients.  You may find that you like the time in the kitchen a bit more…

Have you ever experienced meditation in the kitchen?  Do you find cooking relaxing?