Rowve Yoga Bags: Perfect for the Hot Yogi

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If you're like me, you know having the right bag for your yoga gear makes a world of difference -- especially if you're practicing in the heat. Once you leave the studio, you've got sweaty clothes to bring home and that can quickly turn into a stinky mess.

Hot yogis, I've found the perfect solution: Rowve bags! Rowve has a collection of designer bags in a variety of sizes that are perfect for carrying your sweaty stuff around. The best part? You won't end up with a smelly bag, because they're made with cotton-backed laminate which is easy to clean.


I also love that Rowve's bag collection includes stylish designs that you can utilize as purses or travel bags, too! Each piece is eco-friendly, attractive, useful, and affordable.


The Rowve website includes a variety of small, medium, and large yoga bags. I encourage all you Bikram yogis and hot vinyasa flow yogis to check out the brand!
 
Photos via Rowve.

Yoga Champs

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Photo via YogaDork.

Over the weekend, some seriously stellar yogis competed in the annual USA Yoga Asana Championship in New York City.

Photo via New York Daily News.

I'm always amazed and inspired seeing what the human body can do. I always wonder: how many hours did these yogis spend preparing for the competition? How many backbends a day did it take to get to that point?

Photo via USA Yoga Federation.

Every year there's a debate about whether yoga should be competitive. Some say that goes against the nature of yoga, but I have to say I agree with USA Yoga Federation founder Rajashree Choudhury. I think it's inspiring and encouraging to see yogis like this in the spotlight. As Rajashree wrote in a recent Huffington Post article about yoga competitions:

It is human nature to feel challenged; to be self empowered. The competition aspect of Yoga Asana comes from within; from striving to achieve one's personal best at any given moment. Carefully defined judging criteria are based on rules and structure that follows the Hatha Yoga tradition; championship judges are educated by counterparts in India on how to award marks based on a points system. Ultimately though, it comes down to the competitor's ability to master their sensory control; to execute postures to their fullest potential while holding them in stillness.

Photos via USA Yoga Federation.

You can watch a video stream of the championship here. Or check out more about USA Yoga on their Facebook page.

 
 Photo via USA Yoga Federation.

Huge props to all you amazing yogis who participated!

Yoga Pants You Can Dance In

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Photos of me by Cara Brostrom. Other photos and yoga bottoms I'm wearing by American Flora.

When you practice yoga, being comfortable is key...and that is determined in part by what you're wearing. I recently fell in love with one of my absolute favorite pairs of yoga pants, which also serve as perfect bottoms for hip hop class: American Flora Iris cropped pants.

Yogis, dancers, beautiful people -- I can't say this loud enough: American Flora rocks!




I love that the pants are not full-length. That means they're perfect for a hot vinyasa flow or Bikram class when I don't feel like wearing short shorts. Plus they don't ride up during postures, and they're fashionable enough to wear under a skirt, too.

They're one of the most versatile bottoms I have because I use them for hula hooping and biking, too. Now that's the kind of yoga wear that I can get behind: fully functional, fun-to-wear, and comfy before, during, and after class. (And the company is green!)


If you're in the mood for some new athletic wear, I highly recommend checking out American Flora. They market to dancers, mostly, but their stuff is beautiful and works well for keeping cool during any workout.

Thanks, American Flora, for introducing me to your line of yoga and dance wear. Keep sharing your light. Namaste.

Returning to the Heat: My Recent Bikram Adventure

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 Photos via Pinterest.

Last weekend I took a Bikram class, my first in quite a few months. I arrived a little later than I wanted to, and rushed in to find a spot.


Sweaty yogis lined the room, familiar faces I have missed. I set up on the hot side, feeling brave, wiggling into my hips a few times before class started.


The teacher pushed us hard. Pranayama lit me up inside; I could feel the glow of fresh oxygen in my lungs. I felt strong through Half Moon, Hands to Feet, Awkward and Eagle. I took my tiny sip of water during "Party Time" and smiled, thinking about all the systems in my body working together to create the sweaty magic that Bikram brings.



The balancing poses of the standing series kicked my butt. I hadn't done Balancing Stick in months! My knees wobbled, the arches of my feet felt weak and achy.


But I listened. I kept going. I let go instead of resisting.


I felt stronger in Triangle than I ever used to, even way back when I was at the Bikram studio up to 5 times a week. I realized it's because I've branched out -- because I've done Vinyasa and Hatha and yin classes -- that other parts of my body have grown stronger than they could only taking Bikram yoga.


I finished class smiling, dripping sweat, wanting more. I'll be back to the Torture Chamber soon :)



I believe in balance. I'm so glad yoga found me, and that I've been blessed to get involved with a number of local Evanston studios. I hope to continue switching up the style of yoga I practice, and I know I'll always come back to Bikram and the healing those 26 postures and 2 breathing exercises have to offer.


What kinds of classes have you been taking lately, yogis?

Yoga & Anxiety: My Guest Post on The Greatist

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Photos by me.

Hey all, happy Tuesday! I hope you're having a beautiful day. I wanted to share some exciting news: I have a guest post up on The Greatist! (I am so honored to share my thoughts on their site; if you haven't checked them out before, you definitely should. They post on a variety of health, wellness and fitness topics.)

For a long time now, I've been thinking about the relationship between yoga and anxiety. Not too long ago, I discovered that yoga was actually causing me some anxiety instead of helping me feel more calm and at peace.

Has this ever happened to you? Will you please visit my guest post and share your comments? I would love to hear from you. XO

Iluka Activewear

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Are you guys in need of some awesome yoga wear? 

With spring just around the corner, now is a great time to stock up on clothing for your yoga retreat trips, summer conferences, festivals, and favorite hot classes. I recommend you check out Iluka Activewear -- they sell bandeau tops, short shorts, tanks, capris, onesies and pants in tons of fun and colorful prints.

 

       
All photos via Iluka Activewear.

Have fun shopping!

Yoga at Home: My Favorite DVDs

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Are you new to yoga and unsure where to start in the expansive, wild world of yoga DVDs? 

I'll admit: between Barnes and Noble, Amazon and all of the teacher blogs and websites out there, it's hard to know who's at-home practice routine is worth trying.

This post is for all of you yogis who want to keep your practice going at home, but don't know which DVDs are worthy of your time. This list includes all of the ones I'm a fan of, plus a few I've never tried but which look amazing. Hope it brings you many great hours at home on your mat!

Kundalini Yoga to Detox and Destress with Maya Fiennes

Rodney Yee: Yoga Burn

Seane Corn: Detox Flow Yoga or Vinyasa Flow

Morning Kundalini with Tommy Rosen via Gaiam TV

Fit Body Yoga with Gwen Lawrence via Gaiam TV

AM/PM Yoga for Beginners with Barbara Benagh

Core Strength Vinyasa Yoga Total Body Transformation (which I recently reviewed in detail)

As far as online resources/ subscription services go, I highly recommend GaiamTV.com. I want to try Yogis Anonymous  out sometime soon too. Any of you ever used it?

Here are three other DVDs on my must-try list:

Power Flow Yoga with Shiva Rea

Budokon  with Jason Olive

Yin Yoga  with Paul Grilley

Which yoga DVDs are your favorite? Please share your recommendations in the comments below. Happy living room yoga-ing! :)

Your Own Sweat Box: How to Set Up a Bikram Yoga Hot Room at Home

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Photo via Bikram Yoga Redmond.

Have you ever considered setting up an at-home space to practice Bikram yoga in the heat?

If you've been practicing Bikram's beginning series for a while, this could be a great step to deepen your practice. Setting up your at home "Torture Chamber" does take a little planning, but it's well worth it.

Photos via Berries and Bikinis and  Christina Earl.

So, where do you start? Here's a list of what you'll need to get your hot room ready.

  • Adequate space (large enough for your mat plus a little extra space around the edges; make sure you can extend your arms at full reach in all directions).
  • A heat source (space heaters seem to be the trend), plus a thermometer to measure the temperature and keep it regulated.
  • A humidity source (optional - some people go without this at home; also keep in mind that certain heaters offer better humidity than others).
  • Yoga mat and towel, plus some yoga wear you're willing to sweat in. I recommend K. Deer bumbum bottoms, Onzie, and Iluka Activewear. 
  
Photos via Iluka Activewear, K. Deer, and Onzie.
  • A mirror (preferably full-length) so you can monitor your alignment in each posture.
  • Studio experience with the postures for a basic understanding of Bikram yoga. Warning: if you don't know the series, don't practice it at home! At least until you've had some practice in a studio under the guidance of a certified teacher.
  • The Bikram class on CD (sold on Amazon).
  • I also highly recommend you check out the book Bikram's Beginning Yoga Class to increase your knowledge of each posture.

Photo illustration by me.

Here are some space heater options, listed from cheapest to most expensive:

       
*Note: I haven't tried any of these and I don't have my own Bikram space set up at home, but in my online research these seem to be popular choices among the Bikram yogi crowd!

Additional tips for a safe and rewarding at-home Bikram practice:
  • If you have a large bathroom, you might consider setting up in there. I've read that many people turn on their shower or fill a bathtub to increase humidity. This sounds like it might work well, but keep in mind it's not the most eco-friendly approach!
  • Insulate: consider adding carpeting to hardwood or tile floors to add heat. You might also want to look into plastic treatment over windows so that warm air is held in and cold drafts can't enter the room. A door snake can also help keep the room contained; learn how to make one here.
  • Fans can help circulate air inside the room, so heat isn't concentrated in one spot.
  • Hydrate! As when you practice in a studio, be sure to drink lots of water before your Bikram class. Drink 16-32 ounces at least 2 hours prior to practicing, and double that after you shower.
  • Remember to be safe. Keep water in the room in case you feel overheated. Especially if you're fairly new to Bikram, include emergency props in your home space as well: a cushion or chair to elevate your legs after laying down, and a washcloth so you can wipe down your mat and keep it from being a slipping hazard. Sit down if you feel lightheaded, dizzy or faint -- you are your own teacher at home, so don't risk injury.
   Photos via Bikram Yoga Dallas and Sierra Sun.

A few final things to keep in mind... as an intermediate to advanced Bikram practitioner, starting your home practice can lead you to improve your yoga. You'll learn the valuable skill of self-correction by monitoring your own practice closely in private. This also means each posture will be better for you because it's more precise.

You'll also experience deeper focus than in a crowded class. At home on your own, there are no distractions to keep you from your yoga, so your monkey mind will quiet down.

That's perhaps the greatest benefit of experiencing Bikram yoga in a quiet, peaceful place: the meditation that follows.

Yoga Retreats

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Photos by Christine Hewitt of www.yogicphotos.com.

Have you guys ever been on a yoga retreat? I've always dreamed of going on one.


I've done a few day-long silent retreats, but nothing longer or faraway. Wouldn't it be amazing to escape to northern California for a week of relaxation, yoga, meditation and spa treatments?


Or spend a few days at Kripalu in western Massachusetts for a healthy living immersion program? They do weight-loss, nutrition, Ayurveda and stress-relief workshops that look amazing. They even offer programs for people who need to heal from cancer, heart disease or diabetes! Talk about taking the time to take your life back.


A Bikram retreat would also be amazing. Rajashree Choudhury and Emmy Cleaves hold an annual Bikram Women's Retreat that I've heard great things about. It sure would be inspiring to be in the hot room with a few hundred women pushing through class together!


If you've done a yoga retreat or have any recommendations, I'd love to hear about it! 



Speaking Bikram in All Languages (A Guest Post from a Bikram Yogini)

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Photo courtesy of Noa.

Bikram Yoga knows no borders. It's a style that can be found across the globe, whether the dialogue is being spoken in English or another language, or not at all.

Have you ever taken a Bikram class in another country? Or tried a silent class?

Today I bring you the story of one culturally-savvy yogini and her reflections on the Bikram dialogue, language barriers, and the beauty of silence. I especially love her videos at the end, too. Enjoy!


Y-Lingual
by Noa Glow

I’m one lucky yogi. The roster at my home studio – Bikram Yoga Vancouver – includes instructors from far beyond Canada’s borders: Spain, Germany, South Africa, the U.S. … the list goes on and on.

Last night, Jerome “from Pareee” led the class. When it came time for salabhasana (locust pose), he counted us down in English on the right side and “en Français” on the left.

“Very good,” he said as we lowered our left legs down. “Much better in French.” I started thinking about the Bikram Yoga language barrier – or lack thereof.

I never did take a Bikram Yoga class when I traveled throughout Spain several summers ago; my guess is it would have been taught in Spanish. I’m almost certain this would not have been a problem. 

Once you know the series by heart you don’t necessarily need an instructor’s words to guide you. But wouldn’t something be lost across the language barrier? Isn’t the reason I keep attending class each day because I learn something new every time I go – no matter how many times I hear the dialogue?



I recently had the privilege of attending a near-silent class. Instead of constant direction, the teacher gave only a few instructions (particularly the all-important "change!" to signal the end of each posture).

For the better part of the session the room was eerily quiet; the only sound was the gurgling of the humidifier. It was brilliant. I love hearing the dialogue, but being able to work it out myself (for the most part) was refreshing – more time observe my own thoughts and associations during the Bikram series.

Class literally flew by that day, and the silence made me realize the true meditative value of yoga. Forcing my focus on my practice and my breath helped me push beyond my limits and experience something new. I'd recommend a silent class to anyone who has the opportunity to try. It never hurts to get out of your comfort zone once in a while; you can only grow from it.



Check out this video on how to say “Lock the knee” in many different languages. It sends shivers up and down my spine for the sheer fact that it demonstrates the true universality of Bikram Yoga, which really does make for common ground between us all. If you are human, you lock your knee!



Thanks, Noa, for your awesome post. Also, Bikram fanatics: be sure to check out Noa's incredible practice in this video. She's a rockstar for sure!

Sultry Yoga

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This lady's got a stunning Ashtanga practice, and there's something so sultry about the video and song. Would you ever practice in your underwear at home? (I suppose during a Bikram class, you're not wearing much more...)


And what do you think -- is this video too much? Too sexy to be a true representation of what yoga's about? Even though I think it's a bit over the top, there is something mesmerizing about her.

This Just In: Yoga Poses Can't be Copyrighted

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Photo via 365 Days Yoga on Tumblr.

Last week I posted about the lawsuit by Bikram against Yoga to the People and was pleasantly surprised to hear your comments on the controversy. I heard a resounding shout from readers to protect the integrity of the Bikram yoga 26 & 2 series... but it looks like that shout has not been held up in court.


Photo via Pinterest.


Regulators have announced that "yoga poses such as head-to-knee stretches and the sequences of the moves are 'exercises' rather than 'choreography' and can’t be copyrighted in the United States."


The new U.S. Copyright Office decision does not acknowledge exercises (including yoga movements) as able to be protected choreography.

Photo via Pinterest.


I guess this means NYC yogis will be able to take their $8 hot yoga class after all.


For further reading, check out:


What do you guys think?

Stories from a Bikram Yoga Teacher

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Photos courtesy of Shavon Hutchinson.

One of my favorite Bikram bloggers recently returned from Bikram Teacher Training. Congrats, Shavon! You are rockin' the hot room already :)

I couldn't resist sharing Shavon's story about how Bikram yoga has changed her life for the better. Even in the few weeks since Shavon returned from the Yoga Bubble, she says she's noticed a difference in the way she feels and how people perceive her. Plus, she's started to make the world a better place, one person at a time. How amazing is that?!



People Talk to Me
By Shavon Hutchinson

It is interesting. People, even strangers, talk to me now. I've noticed this since being back from training. 

 As I was reminded by a fellow trainee Facebook friend, Boss told us our friends, families and relatives will see us differently after training. I think this is true, especially since I feel so different after training. 

 I still can't quite put my finger on it, but there is something different about me now and I like it. I feel softer, calmer, more at peace with me, flaws and all.

So I am back to a day job now. A coworker of mine came to talk to me about stuff and it got me thinking. She was saying how she wants to be a better woman so those characteristics would reflect in her children. 

I immediately thought of yoga of course and then also about my negative world views. See, I think there is a lot of change that our society can benefit from. 

If we were a closer knit community of people rather than a bunch of individuals then I think we would treat others and the earth differently. When people have a regular yoga practice they often take the principles they learn in class off the mat and into the real world. 

That's what so cool about yoga is that it makes you better so you can go out into the world and treat others better.

Qualities like patience, acceptance, tolerance and focus can't help but foster and spill over into our everyday lives. We could all benefit from a little dose of those qualities from time to time. It is nice to see I am possibly projecting those qualities outward. Making the world a better place one person at a time.



Namaste to you, beautiful lady. Keep it up!

Do you have a story about Bikram yoga teacher training you'd like to share? Email me at aliveinthefire at
gmail dot com today!

Curious Yoga Beginners (What Questions Are You Asking on the Mat?)

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Photos via Urban Yoga Girl on Tumblr. 

As a beginner, yoga leaves you asking a lot of questions.


They can range from questions about your physical practice to deeper emotional or mental insights.

Photo via Urban Yoga Girl on Tumblr.


Am I doing this right?
How's my alignment in this posture?
Why does it hurt? Does this hurt too much?
Am I capable of trying this posture? How can I do yoga if I am not flexible?
Will I lose weight if I keep up with yoga?
Are there other people staring at me?


Photo via Miss Fit Bliss.

Why am I here?
What is my intention for practicing yoga today?
What can I let go of?


Introspection is at the heart of yoga. The key is learning how to question without judgment, and remembering to enjoy the journey, the process of yoga, instead of focusing on any difficulty within a present moment. 


You begin to learn that as you are patient with yourself and your body, and as you are open to what is true for you in the present, the answers will come.


Photo via Hearts Expanding. 

Which questions have you found yourself asking on the mat?


Do you have questions about a specific style of yoga? Here are a few links to some FAQ and general info pages to help you find answers:

Simple Home Practice

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If you only have time to spend 10 minutes on your mat tonight, try this practice.


First, ask yourself: which asana embodies how I am feeling right now? What posture does my body need?




Take five minutes to be with yourself, the way you are in this moment.


Next, do a posture that lets you live out a way you'd like to be, asking: how would I like to become?


End your practice with a deep falling out breath.




Photos via Liliezencoach, Flickr and my lovely lady Elizabeth Grothe.

The Body In Space

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Photo via Lilie Zen Coach.

I have a deep connection to physical space. It's almost like some form of kinetic synesthesia -- I associate places with emotions or thoughts, memories or dreams. I am acutely aware of my presence within a space, the presence of others around me, the arrangement of things.


I think part of the reason I love yoga so much is that it places a heavy focus on the body within space. We practice careful alignment of the muscles and bones in the postures. We shape the breath within the body. Every movement is a conscious act -- the focus of the eyes, the way the palm faces, the pull inward or outward of a ligament.


When I practice yoga, I know just where I am.


Photo via Lilie Zen Coach.

The organization of a yoga room makes all the difference, too. In Bikram classes, the order and alignment of the mats is precise and rigid, just like the posture sequence and dialogue-driven style of teaching. (At my studio, the teachers even demand that mats are placed half-way over the stripes in the carpeting. This is so that the room is neat and tidy and can squeeze in as many sardine yogis as possible, and also so that cleaning crews can focus their energy on the spots where people sweat the most!)


In vinyasa flow and Hatha classes, we settle in lines but aren't as hyper-conscious of lining everything up perfectly. Ashtanga classes generally separate yogis into two groups which face each other throughout class.


Photo via Pinterest.

I've even seen some studios where they practice on circular mats, or line up their mats in a circle. I think that set-up would be inspiring, and a wonderful yet subtle way to share your practice with others. A circle certainly denotes unity, and promotes a sense of equality throughout the group. Check out this video (toward the end) for a beautiful example of this set up. 


Do you notice the spaces where you live and practice yoga?


Photo via Lilie Zen Coach.

Balancing Stick and Celery Sticks

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Photo via Flickr.

I strolled back into the hot room last night, excited to take class with one of my favorite teachers. She greeted me happily at the front desk when I walked in. "Hey, how have you been?!" As the answer, "Great!" came out my mouth, the thought that crossed my mind was: "And about to get better!"


I know it's been a while since I've Bikramed when I set up my mat and can't help but look around the room. I found it funny last night, observing all of the little pre-class rituals people have. I watched an older guy hold a headstand, his legs swaying off to the left like the undercurrent of a stream. I was surprised how well he could balance there, slightly off-center.


A lady in front of me who always parks in the front row performed her little dance/stretch routine, bending in deep squats, pushing her joints around to align the muscle groups, rolling into a quick plough pose. I wonder how she would survive class without her little warm up routine; I don't think I've ever seen her come in and meditate in stillness before class.


I watched ladies in the back push into down dog, relieved that I'm not the only one to bring non-Bikram poses into the room.


Photo via Flickr.


I was pleased that I could do every posture in the series, and even happier to find that I actually enjoyed every pose! Standing Forehead to Knee proved an enjoyable challenge. I loved that our teacher demonstrated step one -- leaning forward to grab the foot -- since this seemed to motivate all of us to move more quickly into the posture. She also did this with Balancing Stick, joining in with the movement of the arms overhead and the bending forward at the waist to take the shape of a capital letter "T."


We floated in and out of the postures, growing stronger with every series.


Complete side note: celery sticks make an awesome post-Bikram snack! I was happily surprised to find how much I enjoyed them. They're watery, with a pleasant crunch, and they satisfy that side of you that's longing for pure, natural hydration after class. Normally I'm not so fond of celery, but now I know when to eat it. I also highly recommend salt and vinegar chips and YogaEarth Purity coconut water. Refreshing!

Back to Bikram!

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All photos via Threading in the Choirs.

I walked in empty, excited to renew, cleanse and energize my body. After several months out of the hot room, it felt wonderful to return to my Bikram yoga practice. Our studio owner welcomed me back and I smiled all the way through pranayama.


About half way through class, lying in savasana, I could feel my entire body buzzing with delight. Every muscle, system, fiber glowing with life.


After class, my spine thanked me. Today, all of my muscle groups are thanking me (especially my wonderfully sore mid-back). I can't wait to roll out my mat again soon!

Yoga for Healthy Knees

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Above photo via Liztan on Flickr. Below photo via I_Need_Coffee on Flickr.

Do you have tight knees?


Have you suffered from prior injuries playing sports or running? 


Yoga can help. It's important to remember to go slow and be patient. You must give your body time to heal.


Listen to your body as you enter a posture. If you feel sharp pain, back off. A little discomfort is OK, but you don't want to go past your edge to sharp or excruciating pain.


Ideally, you want to practice at a studio under the guidance of an experienced teacher. If you can't make it to a studio, you can practice at home. All you need is a little floor space, some patience, and permission to give yourself time to slow down and release tension.


Try these poses to start.
Wind removing pose
 Photos via Bikram Yoga Bethesda.

Standing separate leg forward fold

 Photo via B_Keith88 on Flickr.

Triangle 
(remember to engage the quadriceps!)

 Photo via Dietnesstea on Flickr.
 Photo via Yo-Fi on Flickr.
 Photo via B_Keith88 on Flickr.

Cobra

 Photo via Lila_Yoga on Flickr.

Locust

 Photo via OldMoonYoga on Flickr.


Warrior I & II
(be sure the knee is lined up directly over the ankle!)
 Photo via iyogalife.
 Photo via Yoga Dudes on Tumblr.

Be especially careful when doing reclining hero pose, cow face pose, and lotus pose. You may want to skip these for a while, until you gain more flexibility in your knees.

  
 Photos via Yoga One on One PM on Flickr, Yoga by Melissa, and Ulrika Laan.


I also highly recommend epsom salt baths to ease tension. Supplementing for your joints, with vitamin D and maybe even glucosamine, is a great way to improve your bone and joint health from the inside out, too. YogaEarth is another great superfood supplement for overall health. Just mix it with juice or water for on-the-go nutrition.


Namaste.

On Break

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Photo via Hearts Expanding, my new favorite yoga blog.

Hey readers, hope you're having a great week! What are you up to?

I wanted to let you know I'm taking a little blogging break. 

As hard as it is sometimes to set our priorities in order, I'm realizing right now I need my yoga more than I need my writing about it :)


In the meantime, I encourage you to check out this yoga blog I just discovered (where all these beautiful photos are from), and to:
  • practice your headstands and handstands
  • look forward to my post about the Mr. Yoga workshop I took at TruHarmony (where I conquered my fear of headstands and arm balances!)
  • let go while you're in Camel pose and see how it can transform your practice, and any fear you carry in your life
  • look forward to some posts about yoga wear and meditation CDs that are rocking my world and the way positive tools are helping me learn compassion for myself & others
  • eat home-grown or organic, healthy, wholesome foods that you've bought at the farmer's market (and be grateful for springtime!)
  • celebrate your blessings!
Namaste.




PS As always, feel free to reach me at aliveinthefire@gmail.com and thanks for reading!