THE ESSENTIAL GUIDE TO PREPPING FOR YOGA #yogaforbeginners

My recent quest for a healthier existence took me to a yoga school recently. Where I realised (much to my horror) that it’s quite different from simply strolling into a gym, water bottle and towel in hand. Yoga requires a certain amount of prep-work even before you step into the class and starting a new program can be intimidating. So, I spent the days frantically phoning yoga experts to put together a checklist that will ensure one gets the best out of every session.

1. Don’t eat right before class: Refrain from eating at least two hours prior and 30 minutes after your practice.

2. Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water before, during and after class. Better yet, drink plenty of warm water with fresh squeezed lemon juice, which is a terrific detoxifier!

Yoga: 10 Reasons to Catch a Class Today!

Just Do Yoga: The Complete Yoga Guide To The Best Yoga Poses For Total Mind And Body Bliss

I've never been much of a sporty person... always hated team sports. I could never get into stuff like baseball, hockey, or anything team related. That goes for both watching and playing sports. I was more of a jazz and tap kind of dancer, a swimmer, and a skater. The last couple years or so I started getting into yoga. I've never been one for the gym and was quite shy when it came to joining a class. I did however, join a yoga class at one point, but found I was more comfortable in doing yoga at home. Being new to it, there were quite a number of moves that I tried... the helpful part of being in a class, is to have someone help you with your poses.


If you're someone who's somewhat shy like me, and would like to learn about yoga and all the different poses available... you could take a look at the book: Just Do Yoga! It's a complete guide to yoga with all the different poses for total mind and body bliss. I've read the book a few times already, and it's a very easy read. I've accomplished a third of the poses, with two thirds to still try.

Would I recommend this book? Sure... the only thing that I would suggest to the creator (Julie Schoen), is to create the book with a ring type binding, so that you can follow the pages while you're actually doing the yoga. Currently with the way that the book is constructed, it's difficult to hold it open while trying different poses. Other than that, it's an awesome book.

Interested in getting a copy today? Of course you are... click here!

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Just Do Yoga: The Complete Yoga Guide To The Best Yoga Poses For Total Mind And Body Bliss

I've never been much of a sporty person... always hated team sports. I could never get into stuff like baseball, hockey, or anything team related. That goes for both watching and playing sports. I was more of a jazz and tap kind of dancer, a swimmer, and a skater. The last couple years or so I started getting into yoga. I've never been one for the gym and was quite shy when it came to joining a class. I did however, join a yoga class at one point, but found I was more comfortable in doing yoga at home. Being new to it, there were quite a number of moves that I tried... the helpful part of being in a class, is to have someone help you with your poses.

Day 11: 12 Days of Christmas Giveaways - Win An Aurorae Bag, Color of Choice!

Are you someone who likes to workout on a regular basis? Or maybe you're someone who works out once in a while, or even someone who goes for daily walks. I have always been fascinated with yoga, and have always wanted to get into the groove. I've been doing yoga for a short time now,  but want to incorporate it more on a regular basis in the new year. What else do I like about yoga? I love the comfortable, yet stylish clothes! I recently came across an awesome company called Aurorae. They sell everything that you could ever need when it comes to yoga... yoga mats, apparel, accessories, value packages and spa stuff.

Aurorae prides itself on offering a wide variety of products that are both environmentally friendly and safe for humans and animals.

I received an item for review: their Yoga Mat Sport Bag/Multi Purpose Cross Body Sling Backpack in the color blue. It comes in other colors: red, green, black, and purple. The bag is perfect for a trip to the office, gym, school, hiking, biking, and so much more.

Specialized Mat-Locker System securely holds all Aurorae Yoga Mats and Most dense rubber mats effectively.

Bag Features:

• 2 Main Large Individual Compartments easily stores your yoga block, straps, towels, and clothes.
• Main compartment fits most 15.4 inch notebook computers.
• Wide, Easy Adjustable, Double Reinforced shoulder strap with Built-in cell phone pocket comfortably fits over your Right shoulder.
• Small front zippered pocket Securely holds Your Valuables.
• Front flap pocket has specialized wet liner to store your clothes after your workout.
• Built in side water bottle pocket to help you stay refreshed during your day.

I LOVE my Aurorae bag, and have been using it for a few months now. It goes with me to the gym, as well as when I'm spending the day outside. I can't wait until the spring and summer rolls around again, because this bag will be coming with me everywhere. I used to hate lugging a big ugly backpack around, but this is trendy, small yet big enough, and lightweight.

Interested in getting something from Aurorae? Of course you do... it would make for the perfect gift this holiday season... click here! Interested in checking out their Facebook and Twitter? Of course you do... you never know when you may come across a deal!

Thanks to Aurorae one lucky reader has a chance to win an Aurorae bag, color of choice. To qualify you must be 18+, and be a resident of US ONLY.


a Rafflecopter giveaway

I received an item(s), in exchange for my honest opinion, and a review of my experience. I did not receive any other compensation or incentive nor was I required to write a positive review. Individual results or experiences may vary.

Day 11: 12 Days of Christmas Giveaways - Win An Aurorae Bag, Color of Choice!

Are you someone who likes to workout on a regular basis? Or maybe you're someone who works out once in a while, or even someone who goes for daily walks. I have always been fascinated with yoga, and have always wanted to get into the groove. I've been doing yoga for a short time now,  but want to incorporate it more on a regular basis in the new year. What else do I like about yoga? I love the comfortable, yet stylish clothes! I recently came across an awesome company called Aurorae. They sell everything that you could ever need when it comes to yoga... yoga mats, apparel, accessories, value packages and spa stuff.

Aurorae prides itself on offering a wide variety of products that are both environmentally friendly and safe for humans and animals.

10 Health Benefits of Yoga

10 Health Benefits of Yoga

A New Inner Bliss!

INNER BLISS @ OneTaste Urban Retreat Center

The brainchild of founder, Nicole Daedone, the OneTaste Urban Retreat Center, located in San Francisco, is a unique foray into the study and practice of female-centered spirituality and sexuality. The center, which is home to 38 men and women, focuses on the use of yoga and meditation to empower women and encourage spiritual freedom using a combination of Eastern spirituality and feminism. One technique used by the residents, which is called “morning practice” on the website calendar, is known as orgasmic meditation. This ritual focuses solely on female orgasm and sexuality, although participants claim that the practice is not sexual in nature.


Daedone Influences



Ms. Daedone’s mentor was Ray Vetterlein, a sex therapist who claimed to lengthen the female orgasm to 20 minutes. He was inspired by Lafayette Morehouse, who operated a community that still exists in California where women are publicly brought to orgasm. The community has been in existence since 1976, and its founder, Victor Baranco, called the process “responsible hedonism,” but was often controversial as many who lived in the community said he used coercive mind control techniques. Ms. Daedone studied semantics at San Francisco State University, and eventually opened an art gallery. When she learned her father was dying of cancer in prison, where he was sent after being convicted of molesting two young girls, caused her to seek self-awareness. Ms. Daiedone delved into Buddhism, intending to live in a Zen community, until, at a party, she met a Buddhist who practiced what he called “contemplative sexuality.” That was her first experience with the process she now calls orgasmic meditation.

Orgasmic Meditation

Ms. Daedone says that she was asked to lie, unclothed, while the gentleman set a timer and began stroking her, narrating in detail the beauty he saw in her feminine region. She says that she just “broke open” and at that moment, “decided to live.” At the retreat center, the residents have an oddly clinical relationship. Eye contact during the sessions is not permitted, and the focus is to extend sensation and share it publicly before climaxing. Only women are touched during the process, yet the men say they also experience satiation, likening the process to the hydration of the body.

Ms. Daedone hopes to create mainstream urban centers throughout the country, and offers weekend workshops and private training sessions in orgasmic meditation, as well as mindful sexuality. She says that the American culture is that women are to have open feelings and closed sexuality, while men are to have open sexuality and closed feelings. She hopes to open men up to feelings while opening women up to sexuality to eliminate the resistance and shame that come with sexuality.

A New Inner Bliss!

INNER BLISS @ OneTaste Urban Retreat Center

The brainchild of founder, Nicole Daedone, the OneTaste Urban Retreat Center, located in San Francisco, is a unique foray into the study and practice of female-centered spirituality and sexuality. The center, which is home to 38 men and women, focuses on the use of yoga and meditation to empower women and encourage spiritual freedom using a combination of Eastern spirituality and feminism. One technique used by the residents, which is called “morning practice” on the website calendar, is known as orgasmic meditation. This ritual focuses solely on female orgasm and sexuality, although participants claim that the practice is not sexual in nature.


Daedone Influences

THE ESSENTIAL GUIDE TO PREPPING FOR YOGA

My recent quest for a healthier existence has brought me to yoga. Yoga requires a certain amount of prep-work even before you step into the class and starting a new program can be intimidating. So, I spent the days frantically phoning yoga experts to put together a checklist that will ensure one gets the best out of every session.

1. Don’t eat right before class: Refrain from eating at least two hours prior and 30 minutes after your practice.

2. Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water before, during and after class. Better yet, drink plenty of warm water with fresh squeezed lemon juice, which is a terrific detoxifier!

3. Dress correctly: Wear whatever feels comfortable, preferably in soft cotton and Lycra spandex blends, with soothing colors and dry-fast weaves. That said, big baggy clothing does a disservice because you can’t see what’s going on with the body. Tighter fitting clothes, with the ankles showing, let the teachers see your true alignment and make it easier for them to help you with adjustments. Also avoid pockets, zippers, buckles or buttons on the back or abdomen.

4. Do not wear shoes: You could try yoga socks that help prevent slipping, but practicing barefoot is highly encouraged.

5. Bring water, a hand towel and a mat: While you can rent or borrow them at most studios, it’s more hygienic to have your own. Your mat = your germs. Simple!

6. Bring a large towel: Sweat + yoga mats = slip and slide. Draping a large towel over your mat will help you gain traction in poses like downward dog.

7. Avoid “noise”: Go easy on perfumes and don’t be loud or chatty. The yoga space is intended to be a sanctuary where one may go to decompress from the day and as such it’s best to keep it in a neutral, relaxed state.

8. Be on time: You don’t want to miss the warm-up. This is not just a matter of respect but also of safety.

9. Practice common sense: Know your limits and listen to your body. Ask questions if you’re unsure about a pose or movement. Beginners should start slowly and learn the basics (like proper breathing) rather than how far you can stretch. If you have any medical conditions or injuries, talk to your doctor – poses can be modified once the instructor knows your problem areas. And always remember – pain is not good. Don’t push into it, don’t hold your breath. Just get out of the pose.

10. Accept your feelings: It’s normal (and healthy) to sometimes feel emotionally upset during or after a yoga session… releasing tension in the body releases emotions as well.

Finally, don’t give up too quickly. There are many styles of yoga, not to mention different studios and instructors you might prefer if one doesn't work out.

Namaste.

THE ESSENTIAL GUIDE TO PREPPING FOR YOGA

My recent quest for a healthier existence has brought me to yoga. Yoga requires a certain amount of prep-work even before you step into the class and starting a new program can be intimidating. So, I spent the days frantically phoning yoga experts to put together a checklist that will ensure one gets the best out of every session.

1. Don’t eat right before class: Refrain from eating at least two hours prior and 30 minutes after your practice.

2. Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water before, during and after class. Better yet, drink plenty of warm water with fresh squeezed lemon juice, which is a terrific detoxifier!

Good Morning Yoga!

Good Morning Yoga!

mbody: Yoga Clothing for Men... Shorts Giveaway!

Are you someone who likes to workout on a regular basis? Or maybe you're someone who works out once in a while, or even someone who goes for daily walks. I have always been fascinated with yoga, and have always wanted to get into the groove. I've never taken a professional class, however, I love the yoga with the Wii balance board. What else do I like about yoga? I love the comfortable, yet stylish clothes! I recently came across an awesome company called mbody, which is yoga clothing for men. Actually what originally caught my eye before the clothing, was the buff men wearing it in the company photos!

No this isn't my fiance!

Yes ladies, there's plenty of male models on their website, modeling their awesome clothing. The company offers all kinds of items: tank tops, t-shirts, hoodies, shorts, and yoga pants. And the good news... they will soon be offering woman's wear. As much as I love giving a pair of shorts to my fiance, I want my own yoga stuff! As soon as he saw the Warrior Shorts in navy, he snatched them out of my hands. I have to admit, they do look pretty hot on him. Not only are they sexy, they're super comfortable, and the best quality in workout wear that I've seen to date. When he's not around, I secretly steal them and wear them around the house.

One thing that I really liked about the design, the drawstring was on the inside. I hate anything with a drawstring on the outside, as once it's tied, you end up with a funky stomach bulge. I personally don't like anything that makes me look like I'm packing on a few extra pounds, more then I already do. So these fit nice and flush against the waist. I also like that it's nicely lined, and contain pockets on both sides. Why I need pockets for working out, I don't know, but it makes it great to wear outside of the yoga studio.

Interested in grabbing your own top quality yoga wear? Click here to get yours today!

Thanks to mbody, one lucky person will get a chance to win their own Warrior shorts. You must be a resident of Canada or the USA to qualify.




a Rafflecopter giveaway

Product(s) were provided for the purpose of review. I am not paid to write this review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.

mbody: Yoga Clothing for Men... Shorts Giveaway!

Are you someone who likes to workout on a regular basis? Or maybe you're someone who works out once in a while, or even someone who goes for daily walks. I have always been fascinated with yoga, and have always wanted to get into the groove. I've never taken a professional class, however, I love the yoga with the Wii balance board. What else do I like about yoga? I love the comfortable, yet stylish clothes! I recently came across an awesome company called mbody, which is yoga clothing for men. Actually what originally caught my eye before the clothing, was the buff men wearing it in the company photos!

Playful Planet Storyland Yoga Giveaway!

Storyland Yoga from Playful Planet (Award-winning Kid's Yoga DVD) is a playful kid’s yoga DVD that engages children’s imaginations through storytelling. Certified Children’s Yoga Instructor Ahmed Fahmy takes little yogis on two fun-filled adventures, Save the Whale and Condor Trek, in which they learn yoga poses by imitating animals and gain interest in the planet by helping endangered species.

A wonderful way for families to enjoy “organic” time together, the video connects kids and nature while providing them with the benefits of yoga: health, clarity, and calmness. Get ready to play – the planet-friendly way!