Yoga lingo can be intimidating to the beginner yogi: yoga seems like a whole new language at first. In a sense, it is. Many of the terms you’ll hear in yoga class come from Sanskrit, an ancient Indian language that is also the language of Hindu scriptures, and from which modern Indian languages are derived….
Pilates for Weight Loss: How Pilates Can Support Your Health Journey
Pilates has numerous health benefits, but what about for trying to lose weight: does Pilates for weight loss really work? Pilates is a full-body, low-impact exercise that strengthens muscles while improving both postural alignment and flexibility. The practice focuses largely on the core, with precise movements and breath control. It strengthens and stabilizes your core,…
Yoga Mat Buyer’s Guide: How to Pick the Best Mat for Your Practice
It’s time to buy a yoga mat when you’ve decided to show up consistently for your practice. Or, maybe you or one of your friends or family have been practicing on the same yoga mat for years, and it’s time for a new one. The options are endless. The price points can go way up…
Is Core Strength Important?
Having core strength is essential to much more than those six-pack abs (which, hey, can be a pretty nice bonus). Your core is the center of who you are. The core muscles are the central link in a chain connecting your upper and lower body. Whether you’re hitting a volleyball or sweeping the floor, the…
5 Reasons Why Yoga Is So Good For College Students
Many college students find that their first year of college can carry high expectations and challenges. It’s rare to hear of anyone making a seamless transition – whether you find yourself struggling socially (and believe me, everyone is, at some level!), feeling overwhelmed with homework deadlines, or missing home, the first year of college is…
Yoga Props vs. Your Ego
Some say there are two generations of yoga: one before the widespread use of yoga props, and and one after. Before props hit the mainstream, yoga was less about perfecting asana and instead focused heavily on the spiritual and communal aspects of yoga. Then, therapeutic and restorative yoga became more popular and Iyengar invented some…
What is the True Meaning of Yoga?
What is the meaning of yoga, beyond its sometimes narrow presentation in today’s modern world? What is yoga really all about? Yoga is becoming increasingly mainstream (and we’re trying to make it that way!). Most people see yoga as yoga postures, breathing exercises, and meditation. While popular and powerful, these disciplines are only a few…
6 Stress Relieving Strategies for Moms (or Anyone Feeling Overwhelmed!)
How many moms out there have experienced overwhelm? As a yoga teacher and mom of three, I can say with relative certainty that at some point or another any mother reaches a tipping point. I often feel it rise in my body, starting slowly at my feet. If I leave it unchecked, it feels like…
The Surprising Benefits of Good Posture
Stand up straight! We’ve all been on the receiving end of that comment (hi mom!). Yes, good posture helps us appear put together and confident, but does it offer more? The answer is yes. Good posture is important to balance: by standing up straight, you center your weight over your feet. This also helps you…
Top Ten Reasons to Practice Pilates
If you’ve ever wondered the reasons to practice Pilates, even if you already have a yoga practice or exercise routine, you may be surprised to find out its many benefits. Pilates is a form of full-body, low-impact exercise that strengthens muscles while improving both postural alignment and flexibility. Pilates typically focuses largely on the core,…