Yoga Practice Tips: Let’s Redefine Advanced Yoga
In 30 years of teaching, I can’t even begin to relate how many times I’ve heard people say that they can’t do yoga because they’re not flexible. Similarly, I wish I had a dollar for all the times I’ve heard a longtime student declare himself/herself to be “just” a beginner because in all these years he/she has never touched toes in a forward bend or done Upward Bow with straight arms. A few days ago I read a blog lamenting the yoga cultural emphasis on “advanced” poses and how all the social media photos of yoga practitioners in these poses is likely scaring people away from practice. This is probably true, and certainly a valid concern. But I want to take the discussion a step further and pose the question: “What is advanced yoga anyway?” Is “advanced yoga” the ability to slip easily into full Pigeon? Is it the ability to wedge your ankle behind your head? Is rocking arm balances on the beach advanced yoga?5 Stress-Busting Yoga Poses You Can Do At Your Desk
It’s hard to get away from work. It follows us everywhere. Forty-plus work weeks are the new normal. Most of us eat lunch at our desks, increasing the number of hours we put in day to day.
Working so much, it’s normal that most of us experience that mid-afternoon slump when our blood sugar drops and a nap would come in handy. Too many of us head to the vending machine or to Starbucks, when a little yoga would instead stave off those sugary cravings and boost energy levels.
5 Ways To Make Your St. Patrick’s Day Healthier
Healthy Ways to Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day
1. Make your drink green: Whip up a kale or spinach smoothie. These green leafy veggies are nutritional powerhouses: they’re both good sources of fiber, iron, magnesium, potassium and calcium. They’re also high in carotenoids, a cancer-fighting antioxidant. Make a green smoothie with avocado, kale, bananas and almond milk. This nutrient, protein and literally green smoothie will keep you feeling full and satisfied while still letting you sport your Irish pride
2. Heavy, dense foods like sausages, mashed potatoes and corned beef hash. Substitute a green salad made with fresh spinach, strawberries and a light sprinkling of feta cheese. It’s fresh, healthy and mirrors the green, red and white colors of the Irish flag!
3. If you’re planning on attending a parade or pub crawl, consider biking there or walk! (anyway city centre is closed) We all know that cycling and walking is a great workout for your heart and a super fun group activity. Decorate your bicycle with recycled and thrift decorations to stay environmentally friendly and remember to always wear your helmet!
4. If you like to put your best Irish face forward by painting yourself with the colors of the Irish flag, consider this. Most store bought face paints contain high levels of artificial colors and ingredients that are both harmful to your skin and the environment. Making your own face paints using a mixture of cornstarch, organic face lotions, and natural or homemade food colorings are good for everybody!
5. Irish dance – Hoof it for a half hour and you could burn 150 calories. New to this form of folk dance? This video will teach you the basics.
Here you can find more about Healthy ways to celebrate St. Patricks days
