The Traveling Yogi Gets Her Butt Kicked

Heidi & Angie from Harbor Yoga 

Heidi & Angie from Harbor Yoga 

The one on the right doesn't look mean (and she's not) but man is she tough, and motivating! It's always a joy in our business to experience new studios, instructors, and styles of yoga when we travel, and our Wednesday night class with Angie at Harbor Yoga was no exception. The studio was filled with beginner and advanced yogis alike, the music was up and so was the energy...and so it began. 

"Sometimes we're traditional in class, sometimes we're not. Just do what's right for you." Angie says. It's this philosophy and two wonderful instructors that helped found Harbor Yoga, and what continues to draw people back to the specific Vinyasa based "hip and hot" heated flow and to the studio itself. 

Although this and most of their classes from beginner to advanced are heated, they also offer a Slow Flow non-heated, as well as some pretty cool monthly Children's Yoga Workshops. If you're in the Columbus area be sure to check them out! 

Thank you so much for the warm reception and yogic love Harbor Yoga!

 

Harbor Yoga | 4325 W Dublin Granville Rd, Dublin OH | 614-799-2434 | www.harboryogastudio.com

KARMA MATS MAT OF THE MONTH: AUTISM AWARENESS

APRIL IS AUTISM AWARENESS MONTH!

ASD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, affects over 2 million individuals in the U.S. and tens of millions worldwide. Statistics suggest that prevalence rates have increased in recent years. Your gift will help support autism education, awareness, advocacy, research, and help organizations enable families living with autism.

$5.00 of the proceeds of the Autism Awareness Karma Mat (seen here) will be donated to your choice of Autism Speaks or the National Autism Association.

To view more information on these organizations you can click on the links below:

http://www.autismspeaks.org

http://nationalautismassociation.org

Seeing the Forrest (Yoga) for the trees...

So on our recent trip to Asheville we fell in love with The Little Volcano. It's a wife and wife run yoga studio that specializes in the practice of Forrest Yoga.

If you're not familiar with Forrest Yoga it was designed by west coast teacher, Ana Forrest. By incorporating elements of Native American healing into yoga, it encourages students to go deep within and use their practice as therapy. The postures are intended to build internal heat to sweat out toxins and release emotions stored deep in the body. There is also a focus on releasing tension in the neck, which helps clear the paths for the intelligence of our brain to flow freely with the wisdom of our body. 

As for the studio... well, straight from their website: 

"The idea to start a yoga studio was born on a full moon. After we completed our Forrest Yoga 200 hour Foundation Teacher Training in May 2013, We knew we wanted to help Ana Forrest with her mission of "mending the hoop of the people." We also knew we wanted to live somewhere with warmth and beautiful nature, and lots of weirdos."

Sound like a fun place? It is.

Full of good vibes and great yoga, if you're near Asheville you have to stop in and check them out! Thanks, Aho, and Namaste Rosie & Kara!

 

The Little Volcano | 62 Wall St. Asheville NC 28801 | (828) 552.4713 | www.thelittlevolcano.com

Join us at YogaFest NC 2015! | Saturday, April 11 | McKimmon Center, Raleigh NC

http://youcallthisyoga.org/yogafest-nc-2015/

Nicole Nichols, owner of Republic of Yoga, giving a participant an adjustment.

Nicole Nichols, owner of Republic of Yoga, giving a participant an adjustment.

Hosted by You Call This Yoga, YogaFest NC 2015 will bring together people of all levels of mobility and yoga experience from the Triangle and beyond to practice accessible and diverse styles of yoga.  Throughout the day sponsors, exhibitors and teachers will provide information and healing practices to improve health, mobility, and well being. The joy, energy, inspiration, healing and volumes of mellowness will be evident throughout the whole building and zen garden at the McKimmon Center. New this year, YogaFest NC will offer seminar classes for teachers looking for continued education. 

How To Buy The right Yoga Mat - by Laura Schwecherl

(*Note* - Pravacana's ECO Mat is 100% MADE in the USA, to US environmental standards, creating jobs and reducing the eco footprint of transportation. Our mats are also FREE of harmful BPAs and Phthalates.)

Source of the below article: http://greatist.com/fitness/how-buy-right-yoga-mat#

Whether a dabbler in down-dog or a daily yogi, investing in a good yoga mat is essential. That trusty mat provides comfort between the body and floor, cushioning hips, elbows, and knees when flowing through the poses. The mat also creates a boundary for personal space. (Do not enter, person next to me in half-moon!). So forget rentals, which can be a hot spot for germs, and learn what to look for when in the market for a solid mat.

Mat Mania — Your Action Plan

  • Material. Most mats are made with a type of plastic called PVC, or polyvinyl chloride, which keeps slippage at a minimum and tends to be the most affordable. Alas, PVC is also considered a toxic plastic that’s difficult (and costly) to recycle. So for the environmentally conscious, go the green route when in tree pose and choose a material like recycled rubber, jute, cotton, or even bamboo!
  • Thickness. The standard mat is 1/8 inches thick, offering support to the body, but still allowing the user to feel connected to the ground. Travel mats (a lighter weight option) are usually about 1/16 inch thick, making them a suitcase’s best friend. For those who want some extra cushion (whether sporting bad knees or always falling out of crow pose) a thicker mat — closer to 1/4 inch — may be the best bet.
  • Length. A typical yoga mat is 68 inches long, though they do make super-stretched mats for the Johnny Long Legs out there. (Don’t want those palms on the hard floor in down-dog!)
  • Stickiness. A sticky yoga mat is key to prevent slippin’ and sliding when making moves. (Now that’s a sticky situation.) PVC mats are usually super sticky, and some are even made with a fabric-like surface on top and a patterned bottom to help hands (and the mat itself) stay put. But many eco-friendly mats often add a raised texture to keep sliding at a minimum, too, or are made with naturally slip-resistant rubber. A yoga mat’s texture will also determine how much slippage occurs. PVC mats are naturally softer (extra-long savasana, anyone?), while other materials (like jute!) have a roughness to them. 
  • Price. A no-frills, 1/8 inch thick PVC mat will often be cheapest option. The price tags increase when design, brand name, thickness, and eco-materials are part of the purchasing process. (Some mats come in at more than $100!) Just remember not to fall for the cheap stuff (that $10 mat may not be the best choice). Investing in a reliable mat is important, but that savings account surely shouldn’t be sacrificed!
  • Test it out. If still unsure what mat is best for the body, no need to splurge right away. Go the “measure twice, cut once” route and test out some high-quality mats at various studios or do some research before buying.
  • Extra, Extra! It may be worth investing in a no-slip towel that lays right on top of the mat (especially for hot yoga!). Mats with straps and harnesses are also great to help make transportation a breeze. And definitely don’t forget to keep the mat clean, too. (Gross!) A good sign the mat needs a wipe-down is if it loses its stickiness or if that nose is not happy in child’s pose. Purchase some cleaning spray or go the DIY route for a squeaky-clean yoga experience.