Give The Squish A Shot: Forward Fold Is More Complicated Than You Think
One of my regular clients asked me about a cue I use on the reg . . . a little squish in the knees. The forward fold is the go-to yoga pose and possibly the easiest, most complex pose of the bunch. Forward folding is the neutral gear of the yoga canon. Done well, it releases hamstring tension, lower back tightness, and on perfect days, I can feel my entire spine crack up the line. Indeed, I cue it over and over and over. It might be the first time or the hundredth time, but eventually, one of my clients approaches me and asks for clarification. …
No, I Don’t Namaste
Last week, I finished up a yoga class that I covered for a sick colleague. It was great to see some of my regular clients, and of course, I love shaking up new yoga peeps. After savasana, I thanked everyone for participating in the yoga program at the recreation center because a couple of new yoga studios (THOSE kinds of studios) have opened locally. “I know you have choices and we’re glad you come here. That’s all I have to say.” One of the newer clients said, “How about Namaste?” I may have sounded a bit short when I replied, “No, I don’t Namaste.” In a world where…
OMG! I Can Do Yoga!
I teach a beginning yoga class. An actual for beginners never stepped onto a yoga mat class. I’ve done the comps. I’m the only beginning yoga class for miles. A lot of yoga class descriptions say, “We welcome all levels of students.” It’s bullshit. Many of my beginning yoga clients have experienced the unspoken rejection of their newbie presence. It takes a while, but some of them finally work up the courage to try yoga again. When they do they discover my beginning class.
Slow Your Roll, Bitches: My Yoga IS Healthy Yoga
It happens all of the time. New people attend my class, and they are experienced yoga practitioners. You know the type, usually younger, lithe, and so full of yogi zen you just want to slap the yoga off of their fucking faces. They have no idea the yoga they’ve been practicing isn’t healthy yoga. I always frontload these people with my background in Viniyoga, my atypical cueing, and my history with yoga as a kinder way of saying, “Slow your roll, bitches. This is healthy yoga.” Yoga (modern transnational physical yoga, MTPY for short) as typically taught can cause serious injuries. Yes, yoga is the bomb diggity, and I wish…
Let Your Voice Be Heard!
Ain’t no secret, I’ve written a yoga book. Yes, the yoga company is called The F*cking Yoga Company. Blame it on the hubby irritating me. Maybe it was the three glasses of wine. Possibly, I’m just sick of perfect, chichi, hippy yoga companies and perfect, chichi hippy yogis. Take your pick. I may not be considered marketable, but I am accessible.