Yoga Stretch and Tell Group

Yoga Bags

slamglam — Sun, 21 Mar 2010 08:04:38 -0700

SlamGlam has the hottest bag on the market. The Buddha Babe Yoga bag.
One Life ~ One Life.
Carry your best self.
www.SlamGlam.com

Yoga Bags

slamglam — Sun, 21 Mar 2010 08:04:35 -0700

SlamGlam has the hottest bag on the market. The Buddha Babe Yoga bag.
One Life ~ One Life.
Carry your best self.
www.SlamGlam.com

Check It Out: Downloadable Yoga Videos

FitSugar — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 03:00:23 -0800

We can't always get to a yoga class because of our busy schedules, plus hitting up a studio every week can get pricey, so Yoga Journal has a new solution. The company known for its amazing magazine, calendar, and yoga conferences just launched the Yoga Journal Download Center. You can choose from hundreds of yoga videos, download them to your computer or MP3 player, and practice anywhere your yogic heart desires. These aren't dinky little five minute videos we're talking about. The site offers 20- to 60-minute videos designed by Yoga Journal, as well as mainstream yoga DVDs led by well-known yoga instructors.

Here's a list of a few I think you'd like:

These videos are reasonably priced at about $6 to $20 a download. You can bring your iPod to the gym or on a trip, or follow along on your computer at home. It's a simple way to ensure that yoga is a part of your life without breaking the bank.

To see a video clip of the Shiva Rea video mentioned above, read more.

Gear Review: Beyond Yoga Spring Line

FitSugar — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 10:00:42 -0800

Although it may still be chilly or snowy in your neck of the woods, it's March, and that means Spring is not too far away. You can celebrate with some new Spring-inspired fitness gear in bright colors and uniquely fresh designs, like these from Beyond Yoga. The company sent me some pieces from its new Spring Collection: a Supplex Shirred Cami ($73) in Blue Ice, a Supplex Long Curve Jacket ($124), also in Blue Ice, and a pair of Supplex Knee Length Leggings ($66) in Graphite. My new outfit looks so adorable, and it feels so supportive and easy to move in. I was instantly inspired to exercise the minute I slipped it on.

I know these items seem pricey, but the Supplex fabric feels so much more luxurious than less expensive fitness gear. It's unbelievably soft and on the thicker side, so it's not at all see-through and is very durable. I've had clothes from Beyond Yoga for a while, and even with frequent sweat sessions and washings, the colors and material look exactly the same as the first day I wore them - really! These are the kinds of clothes you'll enjoy for years, and that makes it worth the dough. Check out the other new items in the Spring line when you read more.

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Tried any new fitness gear or clothes lately? Share your thoughts about it in the Good Gear/Bad Gear community group.

Strike a Yoga Pose: Camel

FitSugar — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 09:00:41 -0800

After hunching forward blogging all day my body craves backbends. Luckily for me, Camel pose is a staple in a yoga practice. Do this pose regularly to increase flexibility in your lower back, shoulders, and hip flexors but to also strengthen your quads and abs.

Sanskrit Name: Ustrasasana
English Translation: Camel Pose

Curious to know how to get into this pose? Then read more.

Kneel at the front of your mat, keeping your knees under your hips. Look back and make sure your shins, ankles, and feet are parallel to each other.
Put both hands on your hips, and gently arch back, just beginning to warm up your lower back and quads.
When you're ready, reach your right hand back toward your right heel, and then your left toward your left heel. Your hands are there for balancing support, so don't lean all your weight into them. Try to shift weight forward into your knees, which will also increase the stretch you feel in your belly and chest.
Lower your head behind you and stay here for five breaths.
Come up slowly and sit on your heels. Lean forward, releasing your lower back into Child's Pose.

Do you love talking about all things yoga? Then you'll definitely want to check out the Yoga Stretch and Tell group.

Strike a Yoga Pose: Arching Low Lunge

FitSugar — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 13:30:23 -0800

My hip flexors are one area of my body that could always use some extra attention. Here's a lunge variation, similar to Warrior 1, but with your back knee resting on the floor, you can really increase the stretch for the muscles on the front part of your back thigh. Arching your spine backward also offers a great stretch for the abs and shoulders; not to mention it strengthens your core and increases flexibility in your spine.

Sanskrit Name: Anjaneyasana
English Translation: Low Lunge Pose
Also Called: Arching Low Lunge or Grounded Warrior 1

Curious to know how to get into this pose? Then read more.

Begin in Downward Facing Dog. Step your right foot forward between your hands, making sure your knee is directly above your ankle. Lower your left knee to the floor.
Lift your torso and raise your arms straight into the air. Allow your hips to press down toward the floor to increase the stretch in your right hip and left hip flexor. From here, arch back, gazing at the ceiling or toward your hands.
Stay here for five deep breaths and then repeat this pose with the left knee forward.

Do you love talking about all things yoga? Then you'll definitely want to check out the Yoga Stretch and Tell group.

Gear Review: Gaiam All-Grip Yoga Brick

FitSugar — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 09:00:26 -0800

One great thing about going to a studio for a yoga class is that there are so many great props you can use, like straps, bolsters, blankets, chairs, and blocks. I've seen and used just about every kind of yoga prop out there and love that they help assist me in correct alignment, or help me to get a deeper stretch. Then Gaiam sent me this unique All-Grip Yoga Brick (price reduced to $12) and I thought, "Now that's something I've never seen before."

The hole, shaped liked an infinity symbol, in the center is a brilliant idea. Not only does it make the block lighter than a regular foam or cork block, but the opening is actually ergonomically shaped, making it easier to hold on to. I felt more stable and in control when using this purple brick, which meant I could hold poses longer and go deeper into my practice. I also noticed that sometimes when I place my palm flat on a regular block, and put pressure down, I feel pain in my wrist. Gripping this block completely alleviated that discomfort and was very comfortable to use. If you love working with props while doing yoga, you'll definitely want to try this innovatively designed block. I bet it will change the way you practice.

Speak Up: Has Doing Yoga Made You More Emotional?

FitSugar — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 12:00:17 -0800

Stop the presses! Spencer Pratt has traded in his bad boy image for prayer beads, crystals, and is joining his wife for some Kundalini yoga. Whether he's had a true Kundalini awakening is up for debate, but something is going on with his chakras - the once angry man has shared with the Twitterverse that he's crying every day.

"I have proven that Kundalini yoga taps your feminine power in your body because I find myself crying now at least once a day!"

While many people look to yoga as their mainstay exercise, the practice is rooted in the philosophical idea that our body movement, breathing, and meditative state can bring us closer to enlightenment. Compared to other practices, Kundalini does fall into the more spiritual realm of yoga and could explain why Spencer is crying so much. Kundalini is said to be untapped energy that sits at the base of our spine - the poses are done in conjunction with a specific breath to awaken the energy, which then rises upward through the body awakening the seven chakras.

I have several friends who say yoga has changed their lives for the better - they feel more open and vulnerable, have a new self awareness, and don't seem to sweat the small stuff. Although I'm dubious of anyone that shows up to a Las Vegas club holding onto a huge crystal (ahem, see picture . . .), I'm all for anyone using yoga to better themselves.

Have you also tapped into your emotional side since practicing yoga?

Open Your Heart

FitSugar — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 08:00:54 -0800

I can hear Madonna in my head singing "Open Your Heart" and in my mind's eye see her doing her yoga moves on stage. Why not celebrate V-Day with a little bit of yogic love? Physically stretching the muscles in your chest, shoulders, and belly allows for a deep emotional release, appreciation and honor of yourself and those you care about, and a feeling of lightness and contentment. To celebrate love, try these 10 heart-opening stretches. They will make you feel positively blissful.

View Slideshow ›

The Grammy 2010 : Best & Worst Dress

greenapple12 — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 13:34:38 -0800

Taylor looked ok but she could have looked better.

Miley looks really good, she has the sleeves & it's still shot. I give u 5 stars Miley. Keep Rockin. I love those shoes.
Imma tell u 1 time Justin U look Hot.
Fergie U look ok looks kind like Sammie from the Jersey Shore.
Worst
It's not Cute And shorts on a dressey dress is not fatering.
It looks like one of those dresses that be on a barbie doll well I think a barbie dolmwould look better.
She is probably the only one who dreesed like it's winter so 2 stars 4 u knowing what season it is i like her boots but it dosent look right its a wrong.
Now she looks crazy first when she startd singing she was tryin2 bel like Beoncye now she tryin 2 like Lady Gaga . She cant get that Lady Gaga swager only lady gaga can .
THE OMG
Lady gaga has some kind of spell she sngs so good & dresses crazy but yet we still love her. Go lady gaga. Lady Gaga is special in a very good way.