I recently noticed that I had fallen into a bad habit with my
ardha chandrasana. In my hurry to reach my arm up to the sky, I was neglecting to get my hips in the correct position first, making it difficult to get the full expanse of chest opening this pose can offer. My suggestion is to pause after configuring your legs and let the back side of your hand rest of your sacrum. You may be surprised to discover that your back is turned at a slight angle toward the floor. Continue to open up until your sacrum is perpendicular to the floor. You can then either raise your arm or keep it on your back.
I recently had the chance to check out the new yoga bag from perennial rUNIVERSE is made from a very cool fabric created out of recycled plastic bottles. Unfortunately, the design of the bag didn't suit me, but your mileage certainly may vary. If it does, you can always post your own review (see the link at the top of this page to do so.)
Uncomfortable situations often give rise to funny stories! If you have a partner yoga story, be it positive, negative, or just plain hilarious, share it here.
Do those words strike fear into your heart? Yoga with a partner freaks a lot of people out because it forces us to cross the social boundaries we've constructed around ourselves. This can be uncomfortable, but ultimately very healthy. Learn more about the benefits and risks of partner yoga.
Has shoulderstand gone out of style recently? Maybe I'm just going to the wrong classes, but it seems like no one is teaching the mother of all asanas (according to Iyengar in Light on Yoga, where he also calls it a panacea). Poses do seem to trend in and out of favor, but what do you say we start a movement to bring shoulderstand back? Maybe to replace some of those down dog splits you can't seem to get away from these days? I miss my sarvangasanas!
Resolutions are all well and good, but don't think that just because you didn't make changes in your life on January first that you missed your chance. Every day offers the same opportunity for a new beginning, so feel free to start in on your new yoga regimen any old day you like. If you don't know how to begin, take a look at the plan for the first day of my 30-Day Quick Start Yoga Guide for Beginners. Totally manageable, right? Don't even worry about Day 2, it's all laid out for you. All you have to do is decide to get started.
I first wrote about the YogaKids video when my older child was a toddler. The torch has now been passed to the current preschooler in residence, and it's like reconnecting with an old friend. On winter mornings when it's too cold to do our customary fair-weather walk, I've been breaking out the YogaKids, to much acclaim. Best of all, in the time that your child tumbling around on their own mat barking like a dog and hissing like a snake...
With so many health apps available, how can you figure out which ones are worth the download? Well, About.com health guides have evaluated apps on subjects like food allergies, IBS, pregnancy, first aid, vaccines and many more. Check out the full list for lots more health app advice, and don't forget to weigh in on your picks for best yoga apps.
Lululemon has been the undisputed (and wildly successful) queen of the yoga retailers for the past few years, but it looks like the Gap is ready to step up their game as they recently opened the first bricks-and-mortar outlet of Athleta, a brand they acquired in 2008. The new Athleta store is in San Francisco. I like the prospect of more local stores, since you can only tell so much from the pictures and descriptions on a website. If Lululemon hadn't opened a store near me, I never would have known that wearing a pair of Luon pants feels a lot like an anaconda is having you for breakfast.
Although all you really need for savasana is a space where you can lie down on the floor, there are a few props that can help you make this pose more comfortable and relaxing. Even if you just do a short practice at home, try to get in the habit of taking a few minutes in corpse pose to let your body absorb the benefits of your practice before going on with your day. Check out my tips on using props during savasana.