Posted on

3 tips for your first partner yoga class

2016Mar14_Yoga_AWhen you’re in yoga class, balancing in scorpion pose, focusing on your breath and pondering the greater mysteries of the universe, have you ever felt like there was something missing? No, we’re not talking about that special someone who magically completes your life…okay, actually we might be, but in a more literal sense. To be more clear, we’re talking about partner yoga. A type of yoga where you bring a significant other or friend to class to practice with you. If you have yet to hear about partner yoga, here’s what it’s all about.

What is partner yoga?

Partner yoga is exactly what it sounds like: doing yoga together with a partner in class, instead of solo. Expect to get physically close to your partner as you will be maneuvering into poses, hands-on with him or her. Sometimes the two of you will form into poses you never thought possible, as your bodies take the shape of some crazy, elevated jigsaw puzzle. Other times you will simply tumble over. Whatever happens, it will be all in good fun, as long as you follow these simple rules.

1. Bring the right partner

Your partner can make or break your experience. Don’t just choose some random acquaintance or new friend. Choose someone you can trust. You will have your hands on each other, be in each other’s personal space, and need to clearly communicate with him or her. And you’ll be doing this for an entire, hour long class. A good partner choice is likely your boyfriend or girlfriend, or a spouse. However, a close friend can also do the trick…especially if you’re simply looking to share a few laughs and some fun.

2. Come prepared

When you come to partner yoga, you need to bring the same items you would to your normal class. That includes a yoga mat, towel and water bottle. Also, like your normal yoga class, make sure to wear comfortable clothes. Lastly, (and probably most importantly) ensure your partner brings the above items too, minus the yoga mat as you only need one for the both of you. If your partner is new to yoga, they will likely be clueless as to what to bring. Make it your mission to fill them in.

3. Have an open mind

If you’re considering partner yoga, you likely already follow this guideline. Regardless, get ready for a yoga experience that is a bit more carefree than your typical Vinyasa class, and much more loose than a Bikram session. There will be plenty of playful opportunities and laughter in class, so be prepared to have fun while helping support your partner in various poses.

If you follow these three guidelines, you are sure to have a blast in your first partner yoga class. For more information on different yoga varieties or class times at our studio, give us a call today.

Published with permission from FitnessAdvisory. Source.

Posted on

Improve your poses with vibrating yoga pants

164_A_YogaThere’s no doubt, yoga pants are in style these days. While they have a practical use in the studio to add additional comfort to your practice, what if they could do more? The fashion tech company known as Wearable Experiments believes they can. Later this year, they plan to release vibrating yoga pants that will help guide you into postures correctly. Here’s what you need to know about these radical new yoga pants.

If you’ve dabbled in yoga or are a beginner, you know firsthand just how difficult it can be to get into the right position. When you’re just starting out doing yoga, getting hung up on and over-thinking your poses can be a distraction. Instead of focusing on your breathing, stretching and enjoying your new practice, you’re worried about whether or not your posture is correct. This is obviously frustrating. And Billie Whitehouse, the CEO of the company that is making the new yoga pants, understands the need to get your posture right. “As someone who doesn’t always know the correct form or alignment in poses, I find having that proper guidance is crucial.”

How vibrating yoga pants work

Named Nadi Smart fitness pants, the tights use haptic vibrations to ensure you nail your yoga poses. These vibrations vary in intensity and frequency depending on your body position and mimic the sense of touch, providing an experience similar to a teacher guiding you in your pose. The only difference is that your pants are doing it instead!

To be used in tandem with the pants is an app that will be compatible with both Google Android and Apple iOS devices. This app monitors your form and flow as you move from one pose to the next, and shows you the correct pose as well as where you need to make adjustments.

Because these pants vibrate and obviously use technology, you may think they’ll look awkward and clunky. However, this does not appear to be the case at all. Reportedly, the technology is subtle and unobtrusive. And judging from images on the company’s website, technology is nowhere in sight. The tights look like a normal, yet fashionable pair of yoga pants.

However, when it comes to yoga, we understand that many people will still prefer the guidance of an instructor. That’s why the teachers in our studio will not only guide you in your poses, but will also provide support and be there to answer all your questions. So until a pair of pants can do that, we recommend you swing by our fitness center for all the assistance you need in developing your yoga technique. Get in touch with us today.

 

Published with permission from FitnessAdvisory. Source.

Posted on

Tips for yoga newbies

164 Yoga_AYou can see it now. You’re in a graceful one-handed tree pose as your now lean body glistens with sweat. No one in the class is saying it, but they’re all mesmerized by your form. And the few men in the class have even started to take notice, exchanging smiles with you between poses. Then suddenly, you snap out of your fantasy. As you lie on your back in shavasana panting, you begin to wonder how anyone ever sticks with yoga. If you’re new and frustrated that you can’t nail a scorpion pose like the top student, not to worry. Here are a few things to keep in mind as a beginner.

Don’t overexert yourself

Just because yoga is a low impact exercise doesn’t mean you can’t injure yourself. If you push your body too hard attempting a pose that’s beyond your skill and stretch level, you’re likely to get hurt.

Yoga teachers give variations of different poses for a reason. They recognize that there are different levels in each class, and not everyone can do a full scorpion pose. So stick with the beginner version until your body is ready to take it up a notch. You’ll likely enjoy it more and gain more of a sense of accomplishment.

Remember, you’re not here to impress anyone

Go to a yoga class suitable for you, for the health benefits and the increased mental and emotional balance it can bring to your life. Many students, especially new ones, will fall into the trap of constantly comparing themselves to their peers. If you start doing this, ask yourself what the point of it is. Again, if you push yourself too hard too soon, you’re more likely to hurt yourself and give up on an amazing yoga practice that can benefit your health in the long run.

Yoga workouts don’t have to be intense

From Bikram to Vinyasa to Gentle Flow, the intensity of a yoga workout can vary widely. While some classes will leave you dripping with sweat, others will be more of a light workout that’ll loosen up your body. The point is that if you’re not after an intense workout, you needn’t go for an intense yoga class. Instead, find something gentle or light that you’ll really enjoy. You’ll still gain the benefits of increased flexibility and some calorie burn, and you’ll be more likely to stick with the practice for the long haul.

You don’t have to be a new age hippy to enjoy yoga

Yes, you can drink coffee and wine or enjoy a steak outside of class. Not all yoga students are vegan meditators who shop at Whole Foods. Most are normal people like you, who just happen to like yoga as their exercise of choice. When it comes down to it, that’s what yoga is – an exercise. It doesn’t have to be anything more than that if you don’t want it to be. And saying ‘namaste’ at the end of class is optional.

Remember, you’re a beginner

You’re new. No one expects you to be doing a wounded peacock pose the first week, or even the first couple months. If there’s one tip you should take away from this article, this is the most important one. With any new sport or skill, there’s always going to be a learning curve, and you’re likely to struggle at first. The students who end up doing the advanced poses and have lean physiques are the ones that stuck around when they struggled as a beginner.

Want to learn more about yoga and its health benefits? Contact us today.

Published with permission from FitnessAdvisory. Source.