Stress?

Q: How can I relieve stress? I have so many things to do and not enough time to do them!

I think we have all had a cluttered mind at one time or another.  I think its important to live a clutter free life and mind.  Is your house cluttered?  Simplify.  For me this means once a year I donate used items and de-clutter the house.  This can also make shopping a mindful experience.  I can think to myself, “Do I really need this or do I just want it.” Can I see myself using it in the future? or will it just make the ‘junk pile’ in a year.  This means all areas of ones life: the car, the house, the purse or wallet, and the workplace.

Keep a to-do list and choose your 6 most important things to complete each day.  If you finish all six then you can always advance to more.  If you have such a list put it away at least 30 minutes before bed.  Allow the items to just 'be' and realize you can always start them again tomorrow. To start winding down for bed, try dimming the lights and lowering noise volumes about an hour before bedtime.  Try reading before bedtime or some pranayama breathing.  For example, try equal breathing while lying down on your back with your eyes closed.  If it feels natural, allow your right hand to rest on your heart, and your left hand on your abdomen.  As you inhale count to 5 and exhale count to five; concentrating on making each breath easy, smooth, and equal.  You may find that this may be difficult at first, just keep practicing and remind yourself that with each breath you are releasing negative and gaining peacefulness.  

From the Dr. Oz Website: 10 Years Younger in 60 Days

America, it's up to you to stop the aging crisis facing our country. Dr. Oz is hitting the road to bring health, happiness and longevity to your town.

 

Meet 4 viewers who are kickstarting our challenge:

 

• Deborah: Setting an example for her family
• Rod: A cook who needs a new relationship with food
• LeAnn: A mom with a serious soda addiction
• Amanda: Needs to reclaim her self image

Are you taking the 10 Years Younger Challenge? Share your story now!

Confessions of a Yoga Instructor: The Winter Blues

By Erica Harris

In a few months we will once agin be looking out our windows to notice a clean white blanket of snow neatly laid on the earth.  The first snowfall seems like an exciting novelty: my husband and I run around the house seeing if we can guess how many inches of snow there is.  A few weeks pass, the novelty may have worn off, and some find themselves feeling blue.  Some people describe this as seasonal depression, since the winter months keeps more people indoors and away from their regular activities.  Reason number #101 to do yoga is to fight depression.  Depression is an unusual state: starting gradual, then sudden.  Some people experience mild forms such as with seasonal depression, and others live with depression for months, or years at a time.  Depression is stereotypically pronounced more in women, since women usually seek help for depression or vocalize their physiological state more with others.  However, this does not mean men are immune.  Some doctors believe depression can be inherited or be cause by imbalance in the brain due to outside variables such as stress.  There are signs of depression, that if lasting more than a month, or that seem to just not go away, it may be time to let your doctor know.  Some of these signs are:

Sleeping too much or difficulty sleeping.

Difficulty concentrating, especially on activities that used to be easy.

 Feeling hopeless or helpless

Negative thoughts consume your thought process, no matter how much you try to rid them.

You have lost your appetite or you can’t stop eating.

You become much more irritable and short-tempered (perhaps friends and family have noticed this).

You have thoughts that life is not worth living, or even contemplating ending it yourself (seek help immediately if this is the case).* If you feel like you need someone to talk to or just to listen, contact your local crisis line.  For Tompkins County you can call 607-272-1616 day or night.

Yoga for the Body

Here are some practical yoga poses you can do to feel more energy and feel happier.  Please note that there are some contradictions for these poses.  If you have any neck, shoulder, or back injuries, modify as needed.  Before starting any excerise plan consult your doctor.  You can learn how to do these poses by searching for them by name or by visiting a local yoga instructor.

Downward-Facing Dog: the benefits of this pose is promoting blood flow, arm strengthening, and hamstring stretch.

Legs-Up-The-Wall: the benefits of this pose is promoting blood flow, increase energy, quiets the mind, stimulates the thyroid, and releases the back.

Bow Pose-the benefits of this pose is strengthening the back, reducing lower back pain, strengthening the shoulders, promoting digestion, and elevated mind.

Fish Pose-the benefits of this pose is elevated mind, stimulated the thyroid, straightens the shoulders, breaks up congestion, relief for allergies, and openness through the chest and nasal passageways.

Child’s Pose-the benefits for this pose is promoting calmness, peacefulness, stretching the lower back and arms.

Warrior I & II-the benefits of this pose is the sense of powerfulness, grounding, gaining balance and equilibrium both mentally and physically.

Yoga for the Mind

Yoga helps some of these symptoms of the winter time blues, depression, or just general stress. Excerise releases feel-good endorphins or can even promote balance in serotonin levels.  When serotonin levels are out of balance a person can experience fatigue, irritability, and just overall ‘blah’ feeling.  Another aspect in yoga that is reconditioned is in the mind.  Our mind is so powerful and influential.  Many times we feed our mind negativity, “I’ll never be good enough to get that promotion”, “I’m too fat and I should just give up”, and many more negative (and even untrue) thoughts we give yourselves.  Yoga encourages positive thinking and mantras (also known as affirmations).  A mantra is something positive we tell ourselves.  In the previous examples its simple, just make our statements positive: “I am an excellent employee and I will get the next upcoming promotion”, “I’m motivated to loose weight so that I can be healthy and feel great”.  

For more information of this subject and for some practical yoga poses you can try: www.yogajournal.com/lifestyle/2562

Erica Harris has been practicing yoga for 5 years.  If you have a question for me I can be reached at mrs.ericaharris@gmail.com.  For past “Confessions of a Yoga Instructor” check out my blog:  http://EricaHarrisYoga.blogspot.com

The Ultimate Guide to Yoga: 100 Blogs, Tutorials, and Resources

The Ultimate Guide to Yoga: 100 Blogs, Tutorials, and Resources

GREAT yoga resource!

......what was that, er-noise?

Confessions of a Yoga Instructor: Inversions, Detox, and Passing Gas?

By Erica Harris

This issue I will be answering some of my frequently asked questions by my students.  If you have a question, let me know and I will do my best to answer it!

Q: What is an inversion?

A: One of the most liberating poses in yoga is the inversion.  An inversion can be thought of as going upside down and broken into two categories: passive inversion and full inversion.  A passive inversion are positions in which the heart is higher than the head, such as Downward Facing-Dog.  A full inversion are positions in which the feet are above the head, such as headstand, shoulder stand, and legs-up-the-wall.  My advice is trying a passive inversion first. Downward Facing-Dog is a frequency used pose in yoga.  Starting by sitting on your knees begin reaching your hands in front of you.  Next, curl your toes and begin allowing your hips to float up to the ceiling.  Allow your heels to fall (doesn’t matter if your heels can touch the ground here), your head remains floating between your shoulder blades, and actively push the ground away with your hands.  Your body should resemble an inverted -V.  In this pose you are allowing your heart to be higher than the head.  You may feel the sensation of blood rushing out of the head.  You may also modify this pose by dropping to the knees.   If you don’t have a current shoulder stand practice, or if you have neck injuries, recent stroke, pregnancy or glaucoma that may prevent this pose, a good way to still get an inversion is Legs-Up-The-Wall*(Always check with your doctor before staring any excerise program) Almost anyone can do this pose and reap its many benefits!  Simply come close to a wall, bring your legs up the wall (trying to keep your tail-end close to the wall).  So, why is it beneficial to invert?  Some yogis (those that practice yoga) report better sleep, focus, digestion, or elevated spirit.  In an inversion the movement reverses the normal flow of blood, pulling fluid out of your feet and legs, a special gift to yourself if you stand or sit all day.  Some people ask me if its okay to do an inversion while menstruating.  The answer is different from one yoga instructor to another.  It also may differ from one woman to another.  I personally, avoid or limit my time in inversions while menstruating.  Some women may experience cramping in inversions while menstrating-so as always, listen to your body and honor it.

Can yoga detox? What positions can I do?

A. Yoga, sweat, and vigorous excerise is detoxing your body.  I love to do twists.  Twists can release tension in the spine, relieve back aches, menstrual cramping, and massage our internal organs.  My favorite is the supine spinal twist.  Start by lying on your back.  Next, allow your hands to come to a ‘T’ position (palms facing down).  Next, allow both knees to bend and fall towards the right side of the body.    If it feels good, you may also want to look over the opposite shoulder.  Hold for at least 10 breaths and repeat on the opposite side.  For other twisting postures try searching for “Yoga twisting poses”.

What do I do if I pass gas in yoga class?

A.  It is unavoidable.  At one point you will find yourself needed to release a body gas in class.  I remember the first time: we had just finished doing many different types of twisting positions and our instructor slowed things down by having us come into Shoulder Stand. My feet were straight up above my head, my abdomen was engaged, and I felt it coming on.  I struggled to hold it hoping it would go away.  As the room became uncomfortable silent a surprising sound came from my rear-end!  I started to turn red and couldn’t think of anything to say but ‘sorry’!  No one laughed, made me feel embarrassed, and class moved on.  So what to do if you find yourself in this situation?  Its up to you.  Its a very natural process that has somehow become taboo.  Yoga will stimulate and detox your body, inside and out.  This can happen through sweat (yep, you can work a sweat in yoga), passing gas, or eliminating.  So feel free to giggle, apologize (although you don’t need to!), or just pretend the most natural of things occurred and do nothing.

Yoga Etiquette

Confessions of a Yoga Instructor: Yoga Etiquette

By Erica Harris

Imagine you are sitting in a tranquil sitting posture in your local studio.  Your mind starts to drift form the days errands, deadlines, and chores back at home.  For a few moments you experience a tiny glimpse of bliss: thinking only of your smooth, calming, breath.  Suddenly, your awareness comes back to where you are as you are jolted out of your zen state: someone talking loudly on their cell phone enters the room, voice echoing through the small studio.  “She said what? What? Really.... And what did he say? Well that is just unacceptable.  Hey I better get going I’m at my yoga class. Oh yeah, I come here about twice per week now.  Its right off of main street.  Remember that old pizza shop where we saw Jim last week?.....” 

Have you ever been in this situation? So what is yoga etiquette? Keep these 3 Yoga Etiquette tips in mind:

Be on time, be present

Usually you want to show up to class about 10 minutes before the start of class.  This allows time to get settled, use the bathroom, or ask questions.  Turn off all cellphones during class to silent.  Sometimes it can be just as distracting to hear a vibrating phone on a wooden floor in a silent room.  Try to take care of all cell phone conversations before you enter class.  Be respectful of those yogis that come to class early to unwind.  Sometimes students may need to leave early.  Although, “Savasana”, or final relaxation is an important component to any yoga practice, it is understandable if you have to leave early.  It might be a good idea to let your instructor know that you need to leave early.

 Talking during class

Many times I am asked if its okay to ask questions during class.  Since many yoga class rely on a flow format questions should be reserved till the end of class. Many instructors are more than happy to clarify poses or find a good modification pose.

What do you do if you think you are doing a pose wrong during class?  Many instructors follow a similar technique on how to correct students.  First, instructors will correct a student(s) verbally.  The best thing you can do is listen.  Listen to suggestions the instructor is giving on how to do a pose.  Next, if spoken communication is unsuccessful, an instructor may demonstrate a pose.  This provides further clarity to the students.  Lastly, if even further clarity is needed, an instructor may ask a student if its okay to touch them.  This allows the instructor to slightly touch the student and how them exactly where their arms should be in Warrior II for example.  Many times I find that even without touch many students follow the lead with my hands.

 Personal Hygiene 

It is respectful to not wear any perfume or cologne when practicing yoga with others.  Also, being respectful in good personal hygiene habits and clothing.  for example, concealing body order is appreciated by others around you especially since there is opportunity for sweating during class.  Clothing should be respectful and not too revealing.  Many people enjoy wearing workout pants that are easy to move in and a shirt.  Its also a good idea to bring a towel to class to help with any sweat cleanup.

Yoga for the Common Cold

By Erica Harris

With all the talk of the flu and and colds starting to rear its ugly head in the workplace and at school, what can the healthy conscious do?  Even after taking vitamins, eating healthy, and exercising, we still might contract a virus.  For many years I used to suffer with the "strep throat" virus, or Streptococcus bacteria.  Common symptoms are: difficulty shallowing, general discomfort in the throat area, swelling or reddening in the throat, or fever that begins suddenly.  One of the purest ways to temporarily relieve pain is by ingesting honey or hot tea with honey.  A woman I used to work with swore by Organic Throat Coat ®.  Its a little thicker than most teas and has a licorice flavor.  The tea is a soothing blend of organic licorice root  [PhEur] 760 mg, Organic slippery elm bark  [USP] 80 mg, Organic licorice root dry aqueous extract (8:1) 60 mg, Organic marshmallow root  [PhEur] 60 mg. Another way to alleviate throat discomfort is through yoga. For example, go to a quiet place and come into lion pose (see below). You can sit with legs crossed if this is more comfortable, or on the back of the heels. Place the hands on the knees (palms down) and fingers outstretched.  Imagine that all the new breath is flowing through the crown of your head, down the throat, into the belly, and shooting out the fingertips.  Open the mouth nice and wide, sticking out the tongue and say "haaaaaaaaaa" (just like at the doctor's office).  Try looking upwards or between the eyes (but without crossed eyes)  Why does it work?  Not only does this pose prevent the signs of aging by tightening the neck and sliming the facial muscles, it also releases the muscle in the throat.  Many professional singers use this pose to preserve their voices and to literally exercise their vocal cords. In ancient tests, it is said that lion pose destroys diseases and promotes immediate well-being.  Its best to perform this pose at the first onset of a sore throat (but it can be down later too).

A Healthy Journey by Erica Harris

So, I've been going to my local watering hole, Coffee Mania, for the last 2 years. I have completely abandoned my grande skinny latte from the big chain store Starbucks and am full heartedly embracing good local businesses.  This business is unique since they roast their own beans.  The owners Craig and Michelle are absolutely obsessed with quality and freshness.  Their kids work behind the register, they drink and breathe coffee--people with a true passion for their work and passion for their coffee.  They established their own artisan-roasted coffee in Cortland to meet the demand for roasted coffee.  Tiny drive thru Coffee Mania stands were placed in the Cortland and central NY area for connivence.  In 2008 the owners opened their local shop called "Origins" by Coffee Mania.  This is a cozy, modern-styled cafe situated between route 281 and route 90. A warm electric fireplace, small tv to keep up with the news is nestled in a small corner.  There are also bar seating that overlooks traffic with large open windows.  There is even a small private table to conduct business meetings or share a tea pot service with friends.  The selection of fresh roasted coffee, (that can often be seen delivered by Michelle, a busy mom and roaster), and various coffee accessories makes this cafe more than just a cafe.  What keeps me coming back week after week?  Sure, anyone can make coffee at home. I even own my own espresso machine to make lattes.  The smiles on the baristas faces keeps me coming.  They are always quick to recognize me (even by name) and even offer suggestions to try a new drink or pastry.  They take the conversation slow with that good old "southern hospitality" (I know, I'm in the north now) yet, still being poised and professional.

So, the newest drink I am trying, (besides a cold chai with 2 shots of espresso) is Mona-Vie.  It caught my eye in its sleek wine bottle and bright foil-colored neck (ok, so I thought it WAS wine!)  When I asked what this intriguing drink was the staff was quite knowledgeable about its contents and to my surprise health benefits.  Mona-Vie: the premier Açaí (ah-sigh-ee) blend (look for the purple top) is packed with a blend of 19 fruits, including the Açaí berry. So, what is the Açaí berry? The Açaí berry is a superfood-which is a high phytonutrient content said to have high nutritional benefits.  The berry has been described as an explosion of berry flavors and chocolate undertones. The berry is picked in the rain forests of Brazil. It was mentioned as the number 1 superfood on Oparh's top picks.  The pulp contains a concentration of antioxidants that help with premature aging, and 10 times more antioxidants than red grapes, blueberries, and even red wine.  As a result many people have claimed weight loss, better health, and over all sense of well-being.

Mona-Vie comes in 3 different varieties: purple (original blend), green (targets healthy joints) and red (targets cholesterol).  My husband and I are taking a 90 day challenge this flu season.  At the end of our day (along with a daily multi-vitamin and excerise) we are consuming a 4-oz shot of Mona-Vie. In just 4 oz of Mona-Vie, this delicious juice has "the equivalent antioxidant capability to 13 servings of fruits and vegetables!" (from the approved claims list from www.monavie.com)

So, if you see Brad and I out in town--ask us how we are feeling! Its been 7 days of our challenge and we both feel great.  It tastes good and its a nice after dinner treat. We hope that you also take the challenge to reduce your chances of getting the flu this season.  Salut and bottoms up!

Confessions of a Yoga Instructor: A New Approach to Homework and Finals

By Erica Harris

It wasn’t too long ago that I was writing 14-page research papers or memorizing the conjugations of French verbs.  During these times of little sleep and high levels of stress, myself and many students found it helpful to take a break.  Some reconnected with the world by going to bars or parties. However, a new growing trend of students found harmony through yoga.

Why practice yoga? Weather you already have a workout routine or are just looking for something new yoga has the perfect balance of cardio (raising the heart rate), stretching, and mindfulness.  Some athletes find yoga a helpful way to stretch and build arm, leg, and abdominal strength.  Some of the many benefits include: back pain relief, weight loss, improvements of flexibility, detoxification (great after a night out or one too many bags of potato chips!), toning of muscles, improved balance, improved posture, reduced stress, increased strength and energy, and much more! (find more reasons at   www.YogaJournal.com

Never practice yoga before? Yoga can be done by anyone.  If you can sit down and stand back up you can do yoga.  Check out Mighty Yoga where there are all levels and all ages classes in a Power Yoga format.  Power Yoga is a vigorous, fitness-based approach to vinyasa-style yoga (or literally “constant flow” from one pose to another).  Power Yoga is as challenging as you want it to be and will leave you feeling both energized and relaxed.  

Erica Harris teaches Yoga at various studios in Cortland, Ithaca, and Dryden.  Check her website for all class schedules:  HYPERLINK "http://www.EricaHarrisYoga.com" www.EricaHarrisYoga.com and for past “Confessions of a Yoga Instructor” check out my blog http://EricaHarrisYoga.blogspot.com

Jade Yoga Mat: Purple!

Today was my first class with my new Jade Yoga mat and Yogi Toes I purchased at Mighty Yoga in Ithaca.  I am already impressed!  I wasn't thrilled to dish out the amount it would cost to buy at least 5 plastic mats--but now I can see and feel the quality.  I sweat-a lot--and this mat and towel soaked it all up (yuck!).  My mat never slipped and I even felt better comfort and support in any poses on my knees or back.  

I look forward to using my mat and I encourage anyone else who is looking for a no-slip mat to choose a Jade mat.

Confessions of a Yoga Instructor: Too much of a good thing?

Confessions of a Yoga Instructor: Too much of a good thing?

By Erica Harris

A lot of times I am asked, "How many times should I practice yoga per week?"  Of course, this is my own personal opinion, and should yours differ, we can still be yogi friends :)  I believe in doing some form of yoga every day: even if its just a few sun salutations in the morning to wake up the body (search "Amazing Yoga" via iTunes for a great example of a sun salutations warm up).  The American Heart Association recommends 30 minutes of physical activity at least 5 times per week.  Walking the dogs, house cleaning, or anything that gets you moving counts!

I, personally, wake every morning with a few forward folds and sun salutations (about 4-8 times will do it).  During snow boarding season I increase my warm-ups in the morning and evenings.  By moving the body we can prevent future injury.  Currently, I teach 5 classes per week.  Most classes I do very little demonstration (but I might sneak in a satisfying downward facing dog) and I usually participate in the classes abdominal work.  However, as an instructor I still require myself to attend class.  I like to attend class at least twice per week.

If you're brand new to yoga I recommend 2-3 times per week in  a group format and daily warm-ups (such as sun salutations or other forms of stretching/cardio).  With this said, it is always important to listen to your body.  If you need to rest, rest. If you need to be challenged, challenge yourself in a way that you feel energized and not pushed to injury.  My oldest rule is if it hurts don't do it (or do the modification pose). If you feel challenge, accept it and breathe into it.  

Finally, if you need a place to practice yoga in a group, check out Mighty Yoga in Ithaca: Yoga every day of the week!

Yogi Toes

As a second part of my challenge I will also try out Yogi Toes: a super absorbent towel that can be placed right on the yoga mat.  I'll be the first to admit that when I practice yoga, I sweat like a pig! Yogi Toes have been seen in such publications as: Fit Yoga, Self, Flare,Shape, and Vouge magazines (just to name a few!)  Yogi Toes come in many colors, including a Chakra Collection-

SKIDLESS® PREMIUM

 .  Once you select your unique color ( I think I will go with the blue chakra, emphasizing life and yes, sexuality ;), you're ready to use!  Place the Yogi Toes towel on your mat (towels will fit the width of the mat and about half of the length).  Yogi Toes towels are unique in that they have tiny silicone nubs or grips on the back of the towel (

SKIDLESS® PREMIUM

)

--providing optimum grip to the mat.

So, if you should happen to look over at me in one of our classes at Mighty Yoga, perhaps I won't be slipping around my mat and there will be more sweat on my towel than dripping off my face!

Confessions of a Yoga Instructor: Jade Yoga Mats

Confessions of a Yoga Instructor: Jade Yoga Mats

By Erica Harris

The Jade Yoga Mat challenge!  I have been using a plastic-based yoga mat for my entire yoga practice.  Some mats were thicker like Wai Lana, and others were beautiful designed such as Gaiam (my mat boasts of a stretched out white tree and soft green hues).  Still, if you have ever done yoga in a heated studio (or in your basement) you may find yourself slipping and sliding.  This seems to be a common question among students: how to stop sliding around or reduce mat bunching.  

I had heard of Jade mats but had never felt one or tried it.  To make such a $60 investment (sold at Mighty Yoga) I had to investigate.  Jade boasts of being "Nature's best yoga mat".  Why you ask?  Jade mats are environmentally friendly-"made in the U.S. of natural rubber containing no PVC or other synthetic rubber". Because of Jade's unusual ingredient, rubber, Jade's mat's won't slip and guarantees maximum grip when you're standing in the powerful warrior pose or hovering over the mat in crow pose.  Jade mats will also be comfortable--the optimum amount of cushion making it easier on the knees or feet in standing positions.

On the Jade website, the company boasts of Jade mat users such as Shiva Rea, Baron Baptiste, Seane Corn, and other famous yogis.  And to top icing on this rubber cake, Jade Yoga company will plant a tree for each mat purchased.

During the month of September I am going to take the Jade Yoga mat challenge.  Starting September 1st, this yogi is going to switch to Jade!  I'm thinking the purple mat is calling my name!

Ommmmmmmmmmmm....

Confessions of a Yoga Instructor: Join us in chanting: Ommmmmmmmmmmmmmmm.....

By Erica Harris

I remember the first time I was in a yoga class and the class chanted om.  The sound took me by surprise as it echoed in the tiny studio.  The thought wasn't too unfamiliar.  I think as a kid I saw a cartoon character, like Donald or Daffy Duck, sit in a lotus position and sing out "oooooommm" has he looked like he was about to go into a deep trance (or hover off the ground).  But other than this, I had no idea what it meant or what it was for.

It wasn't until I really started getting serious about my practice that the meaning of om came up again.  "Om" most accurately means "to sound loudly".  It can be found in many different cultures and languages: in Chinese as 唵 and of course, in the ancient Sanskrit writings known as praṇava प्रणव.  The act of chanting om can be of spiritual nature, such as before reading sacred texts, used in personal mantras, or even a symbol of one's spirituality (or God).

As you can see, there is no clear answer of what om means--since it can mean many different things to different people. Sometimes I have students that ask me if yoga is a religion or "Do you have to be Hindu" to properly practice yoga.  I heard another instructor answer this question perfectly, "Yoga can be a spiritual practice, but its not a religion, because it does not dictate the nature of a God to be worshipped". 

You'll find that instructors will chant om at the end of our practice.  This is a nice way to bring an end to class and to focus on the harmonic vibrations that this powerful sounds makes.  So, on the next inhalation, chant om once, if you choose, or just sit and listen to the beautiful sound it makes, noticing how you feel.

Shanti & Om,

Erica

(Studio: mandarin orange and beautiful wooden floors!)

Ithaca's New Power Yoga Studio
Grand Opening

Join us on Sunday, August 16th for our opening day.

Come visit the bright new studio, take a class, or stop by to learn

about the benefits of yoga!

There will be 75-minute classes at:

10 am

12 pm

5 pm

Stop by to chat before or after a class. 

Come meet our teachers from 9:30-2 and 4-7pm.

We also have a survey on our website that you can take to get $5 off your next class

Hope to see you there!

Find our full schedule online at www.mightyyoga.com.

 

Confessions from a Yoga Instructor

By Erica Harris, Instructor at Mighty Yoga

If you think about it, it makes sense.

Any exercise program focuses on warming up our bodies before vigorous activity. The temperature of the yoga room is similar to our body's own temperature. This accelerates improvement in many of the benefits of your yoga practice.

Regular exercisers recognize that peak performance occurs when fully warmed up and your body generates heat from the inside radiating out and into your muscles.

On a personal experience I have noticed my students are able to get into poses they don’t general have the flexibility for.  When I do yoga in a heated room, especially a hot yoga room, I sweat a lot! Its probably a good idea to bring a towel and defiantly drink water before class, a little during, and a lot afterwards.  During class, I feel challenged by all the sweating and rewarded by the poses.  After class there is a sense of rejuvenation and detox.  When we sweat we are cleansing our bodies-I’ve even noticed healthier skin!

For my regular hatha style classes (Spark! Studio, TC3, and private yoga) I use the space to my advantage.  For example, the first 15 min. are crucial for warm up. So, don’t be surprised if we sweat a lot during that time.  Once we get to the balancing poses (about mid-way through the class) our bodies will natural start to cool themselves.  Another extremely important time to have a warm body is during our back posing sequences (bow, locus, wheel, bridge, etc.)  By the time we hit the floor in savasana our bodies are cooler and the fans or outside air comes on: and it feel AMAZING!

Mighty Yoga studio is unique in which we are able to control the temperature more accurately.  So when you arrive to your first class we are ready to go!  Be prepared to be challenged and amazed with what your body can do! How do you know if you can do power yoga at Mighty Yoga? "If you can sit down on the floor and get back up, then you can do Power Yoga!"

Take a short Survey!

For a limited time: Take a short survey and we'll send you a coupon for $5 your next class. Limit, one per person.

Mighty Yoga OPENING DAY!

August 16 Special!

Classes are only $5 on our first day. We'll have classes at 10:00 am, 12:00 pm, and 5:00 pm.