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Christian Perspective: Is Yoga a Conflict?

Yoga is a controversial issue among Christians. Some say it is simply a form of exercise while others say it is a physical representation of worship to another god. As an exercise separated from the roots of its spiritual beginnings there should be nothing wrong with the poses. However, many say the separation of spirituality and exercise is not possible based on what yoga means. Since yoga is thought of as just another aerobics class many have laughed at the idea that yoga could somehow conflict with their spiritual beliefs. It would be like saying a treadmill conflicts with your … Continue reading →

Home Based Business Idea – Yoga Studio

Do you love yoga? Many people enjoy the way that yoga benefits their body, mind and spirit. Although you can do yoga by yourself at home either in front of a yoga video on TV or from memory by creating your own sequence of poses, many people prefer to go to yoga classes. Yoga instructors can help both beginners and advanced yoga students to ensure that they are performing the movements safely in addition to teaching new poses and sequences. The group atmosphere in a yoga class also helps with motivation – it is easier to push yourself to make … Continue reading →

Yoga Poses: Warrior I

There are actually three variations of Warrior pose (Virabhadrasana in Sanskrit). The warrior poses are strengthening poses and benefit many areas of the body. The muscles of the thighs, calves, arms, shoulders, back and buttocks are strengthened and toned in this asana. The three warrior poses are numbered Warrior I, II and II. In this blog, I’ll describe Warrior I and the others in a future blog. To move into Warrior I, begin in Mountain Pose or in downward facing dog. On the exhalation breath, move the feet four feet apart. Turn the front foot out to a 90 degree … Continue reading →

Prenatal Fitness Classes

Exercise offers many benefits to both mother and baby. Prenatal exercise helps improve circulation, keeps weight gain under control, reduces the risk of some pregnancy complications, prepares the body for labor and may help with weight loss after the baby is born. For many women, a lack of motivation or not knowing what exercises are safe and effective during pregnancy keeps them from working out. A prenatal fitness class can be the perfect remedy for both these problems. A regular class will keep you motivated and on track. A class designed specifically for pregnant women takes the uncertainty out of … Continue reading →

The Perfect Yoga Mat

I’m one of those people who get an idea about something that they need and then spend way too much time searching for exactly what I want. This habit is much better suited for house hunting or buying a car than it is for small purchases. Maybe I justify this because I spend almost as much time with my yoga mat as I do in my car. Honestly, my mat has a lot of life left in it. After a nice cleaning, it is almost as good as new. So what, that it is a subdued, olive green and it … Continue reading →

Top Ten Yoga Class Tips

Without getting too serious about ourselves, I wanted to discuss some common, perhaps amusing, bits of etiquette to watch out for in yoga classes. Hopefully, you’ll know when I’m intending to humor rather than dictate. 1. Make a controlled effort to get there on time. When I say “controlled,” it’s because I don’t want people stressing themselves out just to get to class. I can get past people walking in while I’m taking people into opening meditation, but I know that it can be distracting for the other students. Late or not, we all have the same intention – let’s … Continue reading →

Valentine’s Day Ideas: Partner Yoga

I was excited to find out that my gym would be offering a Partner Yoga class the week of St. Valentine’s Day. Basically, you can bring your significant other, a friend or be paired up when you get there, unless the class specifies “couples only.” The main idea of partner yoga is to enjoy the regular poses from a new perspective. If you go with your significant other, then you’ll be able to create closeness in a challenging, but fun way. Don’t be scared away by preconceptions that anything risqué will occur; this is intimacy without the sexuality. If you’re … Continue reading →

My Family Meltdown at Family Yoga

I thought I would share my teaching struggle with other parents who teach their children. Although, I’m not usually teaching my child because he goes to public school, I did have him in the Family Yoga class that I taught yesterday. I’ll start by saying that I truly respect parents who can patiently teach, coach or lead a group of kids that includes one of their own. If anyone knows what the behavioral meltdown that occurs in this situation is called, I would love to know. Something about being a yoga teacher makes me superimpose this idea that I’m supposed … Continue reading →

Rushing to Get to a Yoga Class

Countless times I have rushed myself and my son through the house trying to get to a yoga class. Unfortunately, when I’m on my way to teach the class, I have been known to get even more intense about the time. Everyone who knows me knows that I hate to be late. Sitting downstairs on a quiet Sunday morning I can laugh at the entire concept of being frantic about getting to do something which is supposed to help me unwind and make my mind and body stronger. My hysteria about being on time shows either how very much I … Continue reading →

Don’t Be Surprised If Your Yoga Teacher Asks You This

Although we never imagine ourselves admitting in front of an entire room that we have any kind of limiting physical condition (except maybe pregnancy), it may be the key to your yoga instructor delivering a safe class for you. When I first started teaching, it was in a close-knit YMCA, so I would open the class by asking if anyone had anything that might require them to modify their practice. I have since tweaked the timing of this question to better suit people’s privacy, but nonetheless, I still ask it. If I didn’t, then there’s always a chance that someone … Continue reading →