Tuesday, July 9, 2013

Top 3 Yoga Retreats

Once in awhile, everyone needs to get away. When you have a relaxing vacation, yoga is something that I think is a must have. I am here to tell you the top three yoga retreats in America. My top three are: Stowe Mountain Ranch Resort, Esalen Institute and Kalani Oceanside Retreat.

View from Stowe Mt. Ranch Resort
Located in Vermont, Stowe Mountain Ranch Resort is one of my favorite yoga retreats. Stowe is located up in the mountains of Vermont, and gives you a very nature and homey feel. At the resort, they either offer indoor yoga, or outdoor yoga looking over the amazing Stowe mountains. Rates for the Resort do vary, so if you are interested click here.

Esalen Institute
If you need a spiritual trip anytime of the year, the Esalen Institute is the perfect place for you. Located in Big Sur, California the Institute overlooks the coast of California. The Esalen Institute offers workshops on reflecting, but if you are looking for alone time, you can have that. Prices range from $130-$725 depending on which program you choose to do. If you are interested in going to Esalen Institute, click here.
Kalani Oceanside Retreat

I doubt there is more of a perfect place than Hawaii. Located on the Big Island, Kalani Oceanside Retreat is a premier yoga retreat place. Whether you want to do individual yoga, or group yoga you can choose to do any while over looking the beautiful Hawaiian ocean. At Kalani Oceanside Retreat, prices start at $95 a night. Click here if you are interested.

No matter where you live or what you do, alone time is so crucial. No matter how you like to spend your alone time, you should be able to find your zen. That is why yoga retreats can be so good for you own mind.

Namaste.

Top 3 Yoga DVDs

In our world today, we all have busy schedules, and can't get to the yoga studio. That is why there are yoga DVDs. Whenever I am not able to make it to a yoga studio, I always pop one of these DVDs in, and yoga away. My top 3 favorite DVDs to use are: Marisa Tomei: Core & Curves, Yoga for Every Body and Jillian Michaels' Yoga Meltdown

Marisa Tomei: Core & Curves
Lets start off with Marisa Tomei: Core & Curves. First, I think having a celebrity leading you in a workout is pretty cool, even if it is through a video. Tomei works you hard in this DVD. You work on body definition, leg workouts and finally ten moves in ten minutes. This is more workout than yoga, but I still get a yoga feel from the video. You might be a little sore the next day, but it is worth it. If you are interested in working out with Marisa Tomei, click here to purchase the DVD. 

Yoga for Every Body
If you are looking for a traditional yoga video, Yoga for Every Body is for you. Led by J.J. Gormley, she takes her time in making sure you can understand the pose, and the DVD moves at a slow pace. If you are just starting out yoga, this video will be perfect for you, since it grows with you and gets challenging as it proceeds. If you are interested in this video, click here

Jillian Michaels' Yoga Meltdown
Lastly, I had to add Jillian Michaels' Yoga Meltdown. I am sure no yoga DVD can get as intense as this one. This DVD comes with two 30 minute workouts. In the video, there is traditional yoga, but Michaels' adds her cliche hardcore training to yoga, which really makes this a workout. If you are interested in working your butt off with Jillian Michaels, click here

Missing one of your yoga classes is no fun. That is why these DVDs are available so no matter where you are, you can always practice yoga. 
Namaste.  

Monday, July 8, 2013

Top 3 Yoga Mat Bags

Lily Tote Bag
Having a yoga bag is not a necessity, but it can always be helpful to have. Personally, after a long yoga class it is nice to put all of your materials into a bag, instead of having to carry everything and be all over the place. My personal three favorite yoga mat bags have to be: Lolë Lily Tote Bag, Hotdog Rollback and Manduka Seeker Mat Bag.

There is not a bag that can do more than Lily Tote Bag. This bag can fit a 13 inch laptop, a pair of shoes, plus your yoga mat! Not only can that bag do all of that, but you can also take part of the bag off and carry it as a cosmetic bag. Lastly, this bag can also turn into a backpack. This backpack can be used for nearly anything, but it is perfect for yoga. If you are interested in purchasing one of these do it all bags, click here.

Hotdog Rollback
The Hotdog Rollback has to be one of the most unique bags there are. With many small compartments, this bag can fit nearly everything. It can fit any size yoga mat, plus nice work clothes since it has a hanger. Even though this bag looks very bulky, it is one of the lightest weight bags out there. The bag can hold anything from your water bottle, wallet and car keys and they all won't get lost deep in the bag. If you are interested in purchasing this unique style bag, click here.




Manduka's Seeker Mat Bag
Lastly, there is Manduka's Seeker Mat Bag. This bag offers a unique feature that no other bag offers. You can carry this bag in any way you'd like because of the one strap the bag offers. This bag doesn't have a wow factor, but it can do everything you need a bag to do. This bag can fit any size yoga mat, and all of your personal needs easily. If you are looking for a traditional yoga mat, this is the one for you. Click here if you are interested in buying.

All yoga mats are made to do the same thing. What you want to find in a yoga mat is the easiest way for you to walk around with all of your yoga materials.

Namaste.

Thursday, June 27, 2013

I'm Finally on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram!

Hello my fellow yoga goers!

I have finally gotten a Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

If you want to see to see what yoga materials are the best and are on the run, like and follow my Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages!

Namaste.




How to Prepare Yourself for Hot Yoga

Hot yoga may be one of the most exhilarating and exhausting styles of yoga. Hot yoga, which can also be known as Bikram Yoga is when you do about twenty-six different posturers and two breathing exercises. Going into your first hot yoga class can be nerve racking (it was for me), and I'm going to tell you how to prepare yourself for the first class.

Before the class, make sure you are drinking a lot of water. You do not want to enter this class un-hydrated, since this type of yoga is quite the workout. As well as drinking a lot, I would not come to class before eating a large meal, since you will be working your body. Be sure to be relaxed as you enter the classroom. As you should know when entering the room, it will be very hot! It can be up to 105 degrees fahrenheit! During this class, you should bring a yoga mat that can handle when not getting wet. The Jade Harmony Professional Yoga Mat is perfect for this class because it does not get slippery when wet.

When you start the class, prepare to sweat. I would come to class in a tank top and shorts, so you can let your body breath easier. Your body will be working very hard in this hot temperature and your body is not used to this. If you do experience any discomfort, I would recommend getting the instructors name, and taking a break.

Finally, after the long and sweaty class you are done. First, give yourself a pat on the back for finishing the most intensive style of yoga there is out there. After the class, you will most likely be pretty tired, but you can also feel energized and if so, good for you! Make sure when you are done with the class to still drink lots of water, since you were just sweating greatly.

Overall, hot yoga is a thrilling experience that all yoga goers should have. If you do experience this, kudos to you, since it is a hard, but rewarding experience.

Namaste.

Wednesday, June 26, 2013

Top 3 Yoga Pants (Men)

Finding comfort as a man who does yoga can be hard to come by. That is why the pants a man should choose is key. The options for men's yoga pants is very limited, but they options are still great. My top three men's yoga pants are: Lululemon Smash Pants, Prana Sutra Pants and the Hyde Men's Original Fit.

Lulu Lemon Smash Pants
The Lululemon Smash Pants are not only perfect for yoga, they are also perfect for just hanging around. These pants offer great support and comfort for a man. The material used for these pants are very stretchy, so you can move around any way your body will let you.

Prana's Sutra Pants
Prana's Sutra Pants for men are extremely comfortable. Not only are they comfortable, these pants are good for the environment and were made from natural elements. Something perfect about these pants are if you don't love yoga, you can still wear the pants!

Hyde Men's Orignal Fit
Hyde Men's Original Fit pants are an one of a kind. These pants are very loose and relaxing, and have a great overall fit. The pants are weaved which makes them more stylish. If you are looking for a relaxing look at yoga, these pants are perfect.

Overall, as I've said yoga pants are a key part of yoga, especially for guys. The pants you choose are your choice, but make sure to choose the pants that fit you best.

Namaste.

Top 3 Yoga Pants (Women)

What you wear for yoga can impact your yoga experience very much. Some yoga goers prefer the loose fit pants, or some people want a tight fit. No matter what you prefer, there are many different styles out there for everyone. My personal 3 favorites are Mobility Pants, Lolë Salutation Pants or Warrior Yoga Leggings.
Mobility Pants
Mobility pants are perfect for some yoga goers. These pants are not too tight, and not too loose. The capri style pants come in multiple lively colors and and offer the most support pants can support.

Second, the Lolë Salutation Pants are great as well. If you are looking for a tighter fit than the mobility pants, but not too tight these pants are perfect. These pants also have a unique touch to them. You can cut them to your preferred length without damage. The unique pants also have pockets in them, if you like that as well.

Warrior Yoga Pants
If you are looking for very traditional yoga leggings, the Warrior Yoga Leggings are for you. These leggings fit with your body the way they are supposed to, and go a great length. If you enjoy standing out in the crowd, these leggings have three diamonds cut on the outside of the calf for design.

 No matter if you enjoy loose or tight pants, long or short you should look for      pants that comfort you. Comfort is the most important part of yoga, and that is  what you should look for in yoga pants.

Namaste.