Try this: Put one hand on your chest and the other on your abdomen. Take a deeeeeeep breath in. Which hand did you feel moving? If it was the hand on your chest, keep reading… The fact is, many of us tend to breathe into our chest, resulting in shallow and more restricted breaths. However,...
As a yoga and fitness instructor, I feel my biggest and most important job is to motivate. I want to inspire others to move their bodies, build strength and stability, and get their hearts pumping! Ultimately, what I’m really trying to do is to help people care for their bodies and feel their best. However,...
Aerobic activities that get your heart pumping are essential, especially as we age. It is common for fitness classes to include aerobics (also known as cardio), and many of these exercises are high-impact, meaning there is a moment where both feet leave the ground, such as with running or jumping. However, these activities can strain...
If you’ve ever rolled your ankle, you understand what a pain it can be! Not only the physical pain it causes but the practical inconvenience it brings to your daily life. Similarly, stumbling and losing your balance can lead to scrapes and bruises (including a bruised ego!) or even more severe injuries. One effective way...
Getting started with something new can often feel overwhelming, and yoga is no exception. For one thing, there are so many options, from online to in-person classes and various styles.. where do you even begin?! In addition to this, there’s often a perception of exclusivity with yoga—poses with unfamiliar names and the notion that extreme...
Finding time to exercise and stretch can be hard enough with busy schedules and other responsibilities. However, there are often mental barriers that hold us back as well, which makes it almost impossible to fully commit to a yoga or fitness routine, let alone enjoy it. Let’s take a look at these limiting beliefs so...
Strong hips are crucial for a balanced and mobile body, yet weakness in this area is a common issue. There are two main reasons for this: Sedentary Lifestyles: Spending prolonged hours sitting at a computer, driving, or watching TV Limited Hip Movement: Even for those who maintain a regular walking routine, this generally lacks hip...
“Motion is Lotion” is such a great phrase because even if you haven’t heard it before, right away the meaning is clear: You need to move! It is good for you! But what if you feel so stiff that moving feels uncomfortable – is this still the case? YES! YES! A thousand times, YES! When...
Planks are one of the most ubiquitous exercises- you are just as likely to find them in a yoga class as at a fitness boot camp. It’s not surprising they are so popular since planks are one of the best exercises- they are extremely effective and target muscle groups throughout your whole body, particularly the...
