I came home from a GREAT Bikram Yoga class last night and took a shower immediately when I got home. As I sat down to check my email, I noticed that I was creating beads of sweat only from my shoulders and neck. In fact, the sweat was beading up so quickly that it began dripping down and eventually completely soaking the upper half of the shirt I was wearing.
"I must be cold," I thought, and threw a sweatshirt on. About an hour and a half later, though my body felt cool, I continued to sweat right through the sweatshirt! Why a person would sweat for 2 long hours only out of their shoulders and neck (which were giving off HEAT when I put my hand near)?
I am still not sure, but about 2 hours after I had started sweating, it all stopped. Like my body was finally done releasing something. The only thing I could think of was maybe the Yin Yoga class I took the night before had stirred something up inside me, so when I took the Bikram Yoga class my body felt like it needed to just sweat it out?
I have no idea! Has this ever happened to anyone else before? I am going to go to another Bikram class tonight. If anything else weird happens, I will keep you posted!
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Less Dancing...More Yoga!
I got back from a week long dance residency in Miami, Oklahoma with Soma Dance Company on June 14th, and haven't done one bit of dancing since then! I am sure rehearsals will start up again soon, but I have instead been filling my time up with Yoga classes!
One of my Facebook friends always talks about going to Yin Yoga class. I read up about Yin Yoga, and it is a special kind of Yoga where you hold the postures anywhere from 3-5 minutes at a time. I really wanted to give it a try. So yesterday after work, one of my co-workers Emily and I ended up taking a Yin Class being offered at West Hartford Yoga.
The class was packed and I was a little nervous because I didn't know how I would react holding each pose for a longer time than I am used to, but after a brief explanation, the teacher led us into our first pose - butterfly. I actually had no problems sinking deeper and deeper into the poses and just focusing on breathing.
I really liked how the instructor described Yin Yoga as going to that point where your body says "stop" and then just hanging out and acknowledging that sensation. In Bikram Yoga I am used to going past that point and stretching further, but being able to just hang out where my body didn't feel exerted really left me feeling relaxed.
The instructor also gave us mantras to breathe in and out during each posture. I found them to be especially helpful as my mind did try to wander during some of the postures. All in all it was an hour of breathing and stretching that made me feel absolutely fabulous afterward! I am VERY ready for the two hour Yin Class I signed up for this Saturday at Fuller Movement Center.
One thing I loved about West Hartford Yoga is that they offer $5 classes and free classes, which in this economy is an unbeatable price. Especially if you'd like to try yoga or meditation for the first time, you won't have to break the bank to try it out.
One of my Facebook friends always talks about going to Yin Yoga class. I read up about Yin Yoga, and it is a special kind of Yoga where you hold the postures anywhere from 3-5 minutes at a time. I really wanted to give it a try. So yesterday after work, one of my co-workers Emily and I ended up taking a Yin Class being offered at West Hartford Yoga.
The class was packed and I was a little nervous because I didn't know how I would react holding each pose for a longer time than I am used to, but after a brief explanation, the teacher led us into our first pose - butterfly. I actually had no problems sinking deeper and deeper into the poses and just focusing on breathing.
I really liked how the instructor described Yin Yoga as going to that point where your body says "stop" and then just hanging out and acknowledging that sensation. In Bikram Yoga I am used to going past that point and stretching further, but being able to just hang out where my body didn't feel exerted really left me feeling relaxed.
The instructor also gave us mantras to breathe in and out during each posture. I found them to be especially helpful as my mind did try to wander during some of the postures. All in all it was an hour of breathing and stretching that made me feel absolutely fabulous afterward! I am VERY ready for the two hour Yin Class I signed up for this Saturday at Fuller Movement Center.
One thing I loved about West Hartford Yoga is that they offer $5 classes and free classes, which in this economy is an unbeatable price. Especially if you'd like to try yoga or meditation for the first time, you won't have to break the bank to try it out.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
New Maendy Mat and Microban Yoga Mats - Reviewed by Me!
So the new Maendy Yoga Mat finally came in and I bought one yesterday. For those of you who aren't familiar with the "Maendy Mat" it is a 6ft x 6ft square yoga mat...and it's named after yours truly :) I brought it home and laid it down in the center of my designated dance room in my apartment. Let me tell you, the mat is HUGE! It's really not the type of mat you'd want to bring to class (unless you want your own personal bubble...I mean cube in class), but it is perfect for home if you've got your own personal Yoga space.
Because the mat is so big, it took up a good portion of my room. And you literally have to walk around it to get to my living room, or my kitchen on the other side now. But because the mat is inescapable, I couldn't help but to do a few yoga postures on the Maendy Mat each time I ventured through the room. One thing I really loved about the Maendy Mat is that I could do a number of different types of postures in sequence without worrying about falling off the mat. I felt like I had this HUGE space for asanas and totally used all of it. I even did 100 crunches, flipped over and cobra stretched it out and never fell off the mat once. My fiance even joined me on the mat for a few stretches.
The Maendy Mat is definitely a great investment if you've got the room for it at home. I'd also recommend the Maendy Mat for Partner Yoga classes. It's definitely large enough to keep two people on the mat at the same time! You can get your own Maendy Mat by clicking here.
Yesterday I also purchased one of our new Microban Yoga Mats. At YogaDirect.com, we are very excited about these new mats because they literally repel bacteria and fungus, making it the cleanest and freshest yoga mat on the market today. Microban uses Zinc Antimicrobial technology to prevent bacteria and germs from even attaching themselves to the yoga mat. It's all natural, and is not a chemical, so it is completely safe. Also, Microban is put into the yoga mat during its manufacturing, so it protects that mat for life. Because the mat repels bacteria and germs, it actually last longer than most mats that tend to deteriorate over time because of all the washings. Now I am not saying you'll never need to wash the Microban Yoga Mat, but I think it is a great mat to use in any class or studio that makes you sweat your butt off!
I brought the Microban Mat to Bikram Yoga last night and was pleasantly surprised. Though the rug in class smells of old sweat, my yoga mat didn't pick up the scent of it by the end of class, which is something I noticed that my other yoga mats did. The Microban Mat did, however get very slippery once I started sweating. But with a towel over the mat, it wasn't really a problem. After class, I rolled my mat back up tightly without letting it air dry, so today when I unravel it at class, I will see if it smells stinky or not. I will keep you posted!
In the meantime, you can get your own Microban Mat from YogaDirect.com by clicking here, or if you'd like to learn more about Microban, click here.
Because the mat is so big, it took up a good portion of my room. And you literally have to walk around it to get to my living room, or my kitchen on the other side now. But because the mat is inescapable, I couldn't help but to do a few yoga postures on the Maendy Mat each time I ventured through the room. One thing I really loved about the Maendy Mat is that I could do a number of different types of postures in sequence without worrying about falling off the mat. I felt like I had this HUGE space for asanas and totally used all of it. I even did 100 crunches, flipped over and cobra stretched it out and never fell off the mat once. My fiance even joined me on the mat for a few stretches.
The Maendy Mat is definitely a great investment if you've got the room for it at home. I'd also recommend the Maendy Mat for Partner Yoga classes. It's definitely large enough to keep two people on the mat at the same time! You can get your own Maendy Mat by clicking here.
Yesterday I also purchased one of our new Microban Yoga Mats. At YogaDirect.com, we are very excited about these new mats because they literally repel bacteria and fungus, making it the cleanest and freshest yoga mat on the market today. Microban uses Zinc Antimicrobial technology to prevent bacteria and germs from even attaching themselves to the yoga mat. It's all natural, and is not a chemical, so it is completely safe. Also, Microban is put into the yoga mat during its manufacturing, so it protects that mat for life. Because the mat repels bacteria and germs, it actually last longer than most mats that tend to deteriorate over time because of all the washings. Now I am not saying you'll never need to wash the Microban Yoga Mat, but I think it is a great mat to use in any class or studio that makes you sweat your butt off!
I brought the Microban Mat to Bikram Yoga last night and was pleasantly surprised. Though the rug in class smells of old sweat, my yoga mat didn't pick up the scent of it by the end of class, which is something I noticed that my other yoga mats did. The Microban Mat did, however get very slippery once I started sweating. But with a towel over the mat, it wasn't really a problem. After class, I rolled my mat back up tightly without letting it air dry, so today when I unravel it at class, I will see if it smells stinky or not. I will keep you posted!
In the meantime, you can get your own Microban Mat from YogaDirect.com by clicking here, or if you'd like to learn more about Microban, click here.
Monday, June 15, 2009
Microban Protected Yoga Mats are here! Say goodbye to bacteria!
I am really excited about our new Microban Yoga Mats!!! Keeping yoga mats clean and sanitary is always a big concern in yoga studios...especially if you are renting a mat. But with the new Microban Yoga Mats, you don't have to worry about your yoga mat being spoiled ever again!
Read our latest press release about them below...or get your own mat by clicking here: Microban Protected Yoga Mats from YogaDirect.com
YogaDirect Launches New Yoga Mats with Microban® Zinc Antimicrobial Technology
Hartford, CT, June 5, 2009 --- YogaDirect.com, the largest direct importer and manufacturer of quality yoga equipment in the United States, is pleased to announce their partnership agreement with Microban International, Ltd. The new line of Yoga Mats from YogaDirect feature a Microban® zinc based antimicrobial technology that helps to protect mats against bacteria and fungus that can cause stains and odors.
On an unprotected mat, bacteria and fungus can quickly multiply and grow. Microban antimicrobial protection works continuously keeping YogaDirect mats cleaner between cleanings. Microban zinc-based antimicrobial technology is infused into YogaDirect mats during the manufacturing process, providing 24/7 antimicrobial protection that won’t wash off or wear away for the lifetime of the yoga mat.
Microban antimicrobial technologies are currently being used by over 150 leading companies around the globe, and the new Yoga Mat with Microban protection is another addition to the growing list of over 750 products now available with Microban protection.
“We are very pleased to partner with Microban to bring to market the first line of Yoga Mats featuring Microban antimicrobial protection. The new mats bring a new and important cleanliness benefit to the yoga mat market that both consumers and gym owners will appreciate,” says YogaDirect’s President and CEO, Steve Wampold.
Microban International, Ltd. is a global technology and marketing company dedicated to enhancing high quality consumer, industrial and medical products with branded built-in protection from microbes. Microban International licenses the Microban® global brand name, sells custom-engineered compounds, and provides a range of services, including regulatory and marketing support. The Microban® brand promises continuous and durable antimicrobial product protection, built-in during manufacture to not wear out for the useful life of the product. Microban International is headquartered in North Carolina with operations in North America, Europe and Asia. For more information on Microban, please contact (704) 875-0806 or visit www.microban.com.
YogaDirect.com is the largest direct importer and manufacturer of quality yoga equipment in the United States. Since launching in 1999, YogaDirect has taken great pride in its’ outstanding customer service, 100% satisfaction money back guarantee policy, low prices, and high quality. For more information, please contact Emily Nichols at 1-800-331-8233 or visit www.YogaDirect.com.
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Read our latest press release about them below...or get your own mat by clicking here: Microban Protected Yoga Mats from YogaDirect.com
YogaDirect Launches New Yoga Mats with Microban® Zinc Antimicrobial Technology
Hartford, CT, June 5, 2009 --- YogaDirect.com, the largest direct importer and manufacturer of quality yoga equipment in the United States, is pleased to announce their partnership agreement with Microban International, Ltd. The new line of Yoga Mats from YogaDirect feature a Microban® zinc based antimicrobial technology that helps to protect mats against bacteria and fungus that can cause stains and odors.
On an unprotected mat, bacteria and fungus can quickly multiply and grow. Microban antimicrobial protection works continuously keeping YogaDirect mats cleaner between cleanings. Microban zinc-based antimicrobial technology is infused into YogaDirect mats during the manufacturing process, providing 24/7 antimicrobial protection that won’t wash off or wear away for the lifetime of the yoga mat.
Microban antimicrobial technologies are currently being used by over 150 leading companies around the globe, and the new Yoga Mat with Microban protection is another addition to the growing list of over 750 products now available with Microban protection.
“We are very pleased to partner with Microban to bring to market the first line of Yoga Mats featuring Microban antimicrobial protection. The new mats bring a new and important cleanliness benefit to the yoga mat market that both consumers and gym owners will appreciate,” says YogaDirect’s President and CEO, Steve Wampold.
Microban International, Ltd. is a global technology and marketing company dedicated to enhancing high quality consumer, industrial and medical products with branded built-in protection from microbes. Microban International licenses the Microban® global brand name, sells custom-engineered compounds, and provides a range of services, including regulatory and marketing support. The Microban® brand promises continuous and durable antimicrobial product protection, built-in during manufacture to not wear out for the useful life of the product. Microban International is headquartered in North Carolina with operations in North America, Europe and Asia. For more information on Microban, please contact (704) 875-0806 or visit www.microban.com.
YogaDirect.com is the largest direct importer and manufacturer of quality yoga equipment in the United States. Since launching in 1999, YogaDirect has taken great pride in its’ outstanding customer service, 100% satisfaction money back guarantee policy, low prices, and high quality. For more information, please contact Emily Nichols at 1-800-331-8233 or visit www.YogaDirect.com.
###
Friday, June 5, 2009
I Signed Up for a Year of Bikram Yoga!
After the Kripalu class I took on Monday, I really started thinking about Yoga and how good it feels. So last night I went to Bikram Yoga and signed up for a year! Sure, I signed up for the year before I took the class, and of course I regretted it just a bit after the second set of half moon pose. But by the end of the class, I felt like I had accomplished a lot, and was not as out of shape as I thought I was. Hopefully the year will be like a class - at first it will look like a long, hard time, but after it is over, you can't wait for the next one :)
One, funny thing about Bikram Yoga last night was that my friend Cate came along to take her first Hot Yoga class. Unfortunately, I suppose I wasn't as specific as I thought I was when I told her it was a "Hot" Yoga class. Later, I found out that she thought I meant "hot" like "sexy new and modern" yoga! What a mistake! Well, her first class was a bit harder than she had expected, and like all newbies to Bikram, she spent most of the class laying on her mat just trying to experience the room. But I am really proud of her for making it through :) She even said she'd be back to try class again!
I am leaving for Miami, Oklahoma on Saturday night with Soma Dance Company. We will be spending a week there at NEO Performing Arts School running dance workshops and teaching children Cunningham and Ailey Modern Dance. At the end of the week, the kids will be performing with us in 2 concerts. This is the second year we have been invited back, so we are all very excited!
One, funny thing about Bikram Yoga last night was that my friend Cate came along to take her first Hot Yoga class. Unfortunately, I suppose I wasn't as specific as I thought I was when I told her it was a "Hot" Yoga class. Later, I found out that she thought I meant "hot" like "sexy new and modern" yoga! What a mistake! Well, her first class was a bit harder than she had expected, and like all newbies to Bikram, she spent most of the class laying on her mat just trying to experience the room. But I am really proud of her for making it through :) She even said she'd be back to try class again!
I am leaving for Miami, Oklahoma on Saturday night with Soma Dance Company. We will be spending a week there at NEO Performing Arts School running dance workshops and teaching children Cunningham and Ailey Modern Dance. At the end of the week, the kids will be performing with us in 2 concerts. This is the second year we have been invited back, so we are all very excited!
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Why Did I Ever Stop Doing Yoga???
I cannot believe it has been almost a year since I have stepped into a Yoga studio! I went to a Beginner Kripalu class on Monday with a bunch of co-workers here at YogaDirect and halfway through class I started feeling REALLY strong. Why did I ever stop going? I know I have been very busy with dancing (Soma Dance Company is leaving for their residency in Oklahoma on Sunday!!!), but the Yoga Class made me feel so good that I decided I need to find the time to include it into my weekly routine.
While the Kripalu class was a good class to take to get me back into the swing of things, I am still a big fan of Bikram Yoga, so as soon as I come home from Oklahoma, I am signing up for classes in Farmington. One of my co-workers, Emily goes to Bikram every Monday so I am going to go with her :)
At YogaDirect, we've been brainstorming about new types of Yoga Mats. One of the great new mats we will be offering is the Microban Yoga Mat. We are really excited about these mats because they are not only antimicrobial and anti-fungal, but they also resist bacteria, making the mats last longer. Microban is a safe, green way to make products safer for use because it reduces the spread of illnesses. Those mats should be in later this week!
Another mat idea we have is 6ft x 6ft square yoga mat. This mat is perfect for home use because it allows you to designate a special area in your home just for Yoga, so your practice area is more comfortable. The square mat lets you go from pose to pose without worrying about stepping off the mat! My favorite part about the mat is what we are calling it - The Maendy Mat! I will edit this post before the end of the day to add the link to the pages for the Microban Mats, but we are pre-selling our Maendy Mat - Click Here to purchase your own, and it will be shipped June 15th!
While the Kripalu class was a good class to take to get me back into the swing of things, I am still a big fan of Bikram Yoga, so as soon as I come home from Oklahoma, I am signing up for classes in Farmington. One of my co-workers, Emily goes to Bikram every Monday so I am going to go with her :)
At YogaDirect, we've been brainstorming about new types of Yoga Mats. One of the great new mats we will be offering is the Microban Yoga Mat. We are really excited about these mats because they are not only antimicrobial and anti-fungal, but they also resist bacteria, making the mats last longer. Microban is a safe, green way to make products safer for use because it reduces the spread of illnesses. Those mats should be in later this week!
Another mat idea we have is 6ft x 6ft square yoga mat. This mat is perfect for home use because it allows you to designate a special area in your home just for Yoga, so your practice area is more comfortable. The square mat lets you go from pose to pose without worrying about stepping off the mat! My favorite part about the mat is what we are calling it - The Maendy Mat! I will edit this post before the end of the day to add the link to the pages for the Microban Mats, but we are pre-selling our Maendy Mat - Click Here to purchase your own, and it will be shipped June 15th!
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