When there’s not enough time for a full-length episode of Yoga Today, it’s still great if you can squeeze in even ten minutes for your health and well being. We’ve had many requests for a short series of exercises that target those hard-to-reach areas in the hips, thighs and bum. These muscles carry us through the world with confidence and need to be maintained and nurtured everyday.

For added intensity, this ten minute sequence can be repeated if you’ve got the time, but make sure to keep your movements slow and deliberate. Pay attention to the details. Adjustment suggestions such as “roll your inner thigh up” and “tack your hip to the floor” will significantly increase the effectiveness of the postures:)

If you’ve ever tossed and turned for series of sleepless nights, you’re not alone. Many people in the western world experience insomnia in some form. It affects nearly a third of the US population, with 20 million chronic cases reported each year. Some common causes in our society include stress, anxiety, a reliance on stimulants and a lack of exercise. We all know that our moods are correlated to the quality of our previous night’s sleep and are familiar with the irritability that comes with restlessness.

The good news is there are many things you can do to bring about a more a peaceful night, without resorting to medication. Read the rest of this entry »

hiking in gothenburg

Teaching over here has been a lovely experience! I started my journey in the beautiful city of Gothenburg. Located on the southwestern coast of Sweden, the people of Gothenburg are intelligent, gentle and open to the teachings of Anusara yoga. My week began at Yoga Buddhi, which is an up-and-coming center for yoga education in this second largest Swedish metropolis. Read the rest of this entry »

Feeling sluggish and stagnant after hours in front of your computer is completely normal. It’s important to take regular breaks to keep productivity high and prevent physical injury. Oxygenate your blood, clear your mind, and stretch & tone your muscles with this energizing office workout with Neesha. It’s quick and can be done at your desk, in business attire. Take ten minutes for yourself - you’ll be back to work in no time; feeling and working better than ever!

beautiful and inspiring

I have been so fortunate to be able to continue my growth and expansion of yoga. My most recent experience was in Park City, UT with Baron Baptiste. For those of you who are unfamiliar with Baron he is known for Baptiste Power Vinyasa Yoga. Baron’s approach is to empower and encourage the student to really expand into their fullest potential, into his or her authentic nature, dissolving that which holds us back, and actively accepting who we are and who we are not. His sense of humor and simplicity keeps you engaged and interested… the time just fly’s. His flow is accessible to anyone… with simple modifications it could be more or less intense.

angela, baron and me

Going into the training I had no expectations or even any idea as to what I was about to experience. Baron shared his passion and inspiration for yoga in a very accessible and powerful way. It is always so interesting to me to see all the different ways that yoga is being shared and taught throughout the world. People from a variety of backgrounds were present for this playful weekend adventure.
Read the rest of this entry »

I am still vibrating in the wake of 800 yogis playing together in Estes Park, CO a few weeks ago for the first ever Anusara Yoga Grand Gathering! We convened together with beloved teachers and friends from around the world to celebrate our connection, weaving our unique personalities into one colorful, creative display of living art and yoga!

At this 3-day gathering, we began each morning with a guided meditation. Sally Kempton, Douglas Brooks and Bill Mahoney led the group through profound inward journeys. After that, John Friend led all 800 of us through a yoga practice for 3 hours. His ability to extend himself to everyone is phenomenal. As he skillfully led us through masterful sequencing, he focused on embodying basic virtues of the heart.

I spent Monday afternoon with Douglas Brooks. Like a sponge, I soaked up his inspired and light filled reflections on the Bhagavad Gita. One of the most profound teachings I walked away with was an opportunity to open up the midline of my own experience- to become Read the rest of this entry »

The exercises presented in this video are intended to strengthen your deep abdominals (aka your six pack muscles!) In addition to protecting your body from everyday wear and tear, maintaining a strong core boosts self confidence and fortifies willpower. If you’ve been telling yourself that you don’t have enough time in your day for exercise, start with this short sequence and see where it leads you!

More than four million women in the US will give birth this year and two out of three will experience low back pain during late stages of pregnancy. This is caused by a couple of factors. First, as your baby grows, your abdominal wall expands and becomes less effective at supporting your lower back. Additionally, your body is producing the hormone relaxin in ten times its normal concentration. This loosens the pelvis and joints in preparation for birth but can adversely affect other joints by creating inflammation.

The simple moves presented in this video will strengthen and stretch the muscles of your low back, open your hips, and oxygenate your blood. If you’re in your third trimester, try to incorporate them into your daily routine for a healthy and happy back all the way up to the big day!

Sitting in front of your computer for hours on end is physically and mentally taxing. Take a break to pamper your mind and body, the natural way. This sequence will stimulate your circulation, stretch out your muscles and give your brain the energy boost it needs to be productive for the rest of the day. It’s particularly important as the seasons change to avoid dehydration throughout the workday. Grab a glass of water and honor yourself with this quick and relaxing sequence! It’s only 5 minutes of your day and you’ll be happier for it:)

Feeling short on energy? Try these simple stretches and jump on your bike for a quick refresher in the middle of the day. If you don’t have access to a bike path, a stationary bike has nearly the same effect, just be sure to step out for some fresh air afterwards:)

Enjoy!