Want a great stretch that focuses on the feet?
It’s easy, quick and effective, and if you run or walk a lot, it’s a wonderful way to stretch your heels.
Downward Facing Dog–Heels Down
-With your back facing the wall, bend from the Downward Facing Dog, bringing your heels up against the wall
-Adjust your feet so your heels press into the wall, and your toes remain on the floor
-Don’t worry if your feet don’t completely touch the floor at first, they will get there over time
-Press your pelvis and tailbone up into the air and towards the wall
-Make sure your weight is evenly distributed between …read more

We all have heroes. 
For me, it’s yoga, meditation and my faithful Starbucks barista, who will not let me have coffee no matter how snarly I get in the morning.  She’s tough.  You gotta respect that.
But lately as I’ve been tuning up my running, I have been experiencing a lot of tightness in my hips.  Not too surprisingly, I’ve found a yoga pose that helps with that, too.
It’s the Virasana, or Hero Pose. Here’s how it works:
-Kneel on the floor with a folded blanket or towel underneath you, to pad your knees, shins and feet
-Make sure your thighs are perpendicular to the …read more

Looking for a great way to stretch your legs and spine in the morning?
One of my favorite yoga poses to get me stretched and ready for my practice is Janu Sirsasana or the Head-to-Knee Forward Bend.  It’s pretty simple.  Here’s how it works:

I love my ab crunches.  But more often than not, they leave my back a little stiff after I finish.
But once again, yoga to the rescue!  Here’s a pose that will tighten your tummy as it strengthens your spine.  And it makes you feel sooo good.
Plank Pose:
-Start from Downward-Facing Dog
-Inhale and draw your torso forward until your arms are perpendicular to the floor, and your shoulders are lined-up directly over your wrists
-Press your outer arms inward, and the bases of your index fingers firmly into the floor
-Firm your shoulder blades against your back, then spread them away from your spine.  As you …read more

Well I didn’t know there was actually a name for it, but I guess everyone has their own way of doing things.
With all of the yoga methods out there, I never thought I’d see this.  Couch Yoga.  Don’t get too excited, I don’t think it is an actual practice, but I suppose it does have its place.  When I make these moves on the couch I’m normally just stretching, but now I guess I get credit for an actual workout, too .  Who knew?
The “instructor’s” name is Tara Stiles.  You can check out her YouTube video here.  Now don’t get …read more

Finally, after two weeks of complete and total stress and frustration, I was able to relax today.  After spending what seemed like an eternity worrying about work and the future, while simultaneously working about 70 hours a week, I was given a reprieve. 
What’s that you say?  My boss, a woman known for having literally dozens of new ideas each day that she shares and then delegates to others is going on vacation for a week.  Thank the universe. 
But now that the tension is easing, I am starting to creak and crack, and experience more precise physical pain in my shoulders, jaws and …read more

When I started this blog a few weeks ago, I solicited your questions about yoga, Pilates and meditation. You’ve got a question, I’ll provide the answer—as best I can J
The first question comes from Amanda:
“Ok, I’d like to know more about bikram yoga..can it really burn 800 calories? Is it right for everyone?”
Bikram yoga can be practiced at all levels, from beginner to advanced. Bikram classes last about 90 minutes on average, and are performed in a heated room, from approximately 105 degrees up.
The purpose of the heat is to promote detoxification, and improve the performance of your immune system …read more

I am always on the lookout for new trends, twists and turns to add to my practice.  But when I read about this one, I said “Wow,” out loud, to myself.
It’s called “chocolate yoga,” and yes, it does involve eating the good stuff
The session begins with a chocolate tasting, with an emphasis on how chocolate relates to different parts of the body.  The session then turns to the instructor, who reads quotes to help students focus on their emotions.  Then it’s on to the poses and the exercise portion of class. 
Throughout each “chocolate yoga” class, the music relates …read more