Net Yogi's

I love yoga. After a few years of studio practice with some amazing teachers I now pratice on my own at home. I prefer the solitude and the opportunity to stay in poses as long as I like or can. I have no desire to achieve perfection. I just enjoy being able to silence myself and be in the moment. I try to mix it up and keep my practice as fresh and challenging as possible. I read books and magazines about yoga but like all constants in our lives lately I have been having the blahs about my time on the matte, that is until a friend turned me onto Yogaglo. A mimum monthly fee gives you access to a variety of yoga sessions that can be accessed based on teacher, style, level and/or length of session. They even offer a trial membership that gives you enough access to truly enjoy the site.

click on title to go to site.

Namaste

Yoga in the Summer Solstice

Join 100s of Yoga practioners at the intersections of Broadway and 46th Streets on June 21 to welcome Summer.  From dawn to dusk there will be free Yoga talks, classes and give aways in celebration of the pending sun filled days

For more information click on title

Namaste!

Yoga IPractice Special

Yoga Journal is offerring a great specal for those of us who practice yoga and are addicted to our iphone.

$2.99 for 15 classes!

Check out http://www.yogajournal.com/ipractice/ for details.

Limited time only - so hurry!

Under Pressure...

I recently read an article claiming that Japanese women have fewer wrinkles than most women. Much of what was shared reinforced the idea of exfoliation, sun protection and skin care.

I am not certain if the article shared a truth or continued to perpetuate a stereotype of Asian beauty but I found the suggestion that a daily facial massage at night helped keep the faces of those who practiced it toned and almost wrinkle free interesting. Years ago I was introduced to such a practice by a Japanese woman I worked with. She had clear and even skin years younger than her biological age, so perhaps there is some truth to the attention needed to preserve your skin.

If you're interested in exploring this practice try Shiseido's instructions at http://sca.shiseido.com/index.cfm?select=skinMassageDetail

Almost Free

For those New Yorkers that need the routine of the gym to stay in shape or crave other physical activities but can't afford or justify the rates gyms and studios are asking I hope that you will consider joining the local New York City Department of Parks & Recreation Centers and Facilities in your area.
Depending on the location and facitility options for between $10-$75 a year you can have the use of weightrooms, basketball & tennis courts, dance and work out studios and classes, boxing rings, game rooms, libraries, art studios and pools without the heavy gym or studio fees.

Worth the investigation -

http://nycgovparks.org/facilities/recreationcenters

An Oldie But A Goodie

Like most women I struggle with my weight and changing body. I have already mentioned I walk daily and do yoga every other day. I also enjoy working out with weights but struggle with the idea of investing $100s in a gym membership that might not be utilized enough because of my other activities and current goals to justify the cost.

About a month ago I ran across a copy of Workouts for Women: Circuit Shaping by Joni Hyde. This 2005 edition is an amazing resource book for those of us that want to train without stepping foot in a gym. The book contains 10 circuit routines that can be done with hand and leg weights, a chair and work out matte.

I purchased a used copy from Amazon.com for 1 cents!

Yoga for the People

Like most New Yorkers I know I have done and still do yoga. Unfortunately the cost for maintaining a studio practice was straining my budget so I began do the work at home. Practicing in solitude actually deepened my experience, but on the occassion I need to be part of a group and want to flow with an instructor I make my way to Yoga For the People at 12 St. Marks Pl. between 2nd and 3rd Ave( http://www.yogatothepeople.com/schedule.shtml) .

One can not help but be a little fascinated by this places mission statement -

There will be no correct clothes

There will be no proper payment

There will be no right answers

No glorified teachers

No ego no scrit no pedestals

Please be warned that people go here to practice yoga. The daily classes fill up quickly so get there early. Payment is considered a donation and though the suggested donation is $10 they will accept what you can afford to pay. Check out their site for more details before heading over.

Check our this Youtube video for laughs ;) ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qtWcb0bcA-A )

Fit New Year!

It's the first week in January and I bet most of us have made a New Year's Resolution to improve our diet and exercise. In order to help you accomplish this resolution I am sharing one of the things I love, love, love.

Attached is an image of the BodyMinder Workout & Exercise Journal. This 6" x 8-1/2" copyrighted fitness diary by MemoryMinder Journals, http://www.memoryminder.com/ , is an amazing yet simple tool that offers tips and daily journaling support to help you sort and reach those fitness and eating goals.

By first establishing your over all intents and breaking them down into weekly and monthly milestones the journal provides enough daily pages for you to track 3 months worth of customized work outs and dietary details. In the past I have gone directly to the publisher but you can also buy the journal at select GNC stores and at http://www.amazon.com/ .

Happening - Afro Cuban Dance in New York

On Tuesdays and Thursday evenings Yesenia Fernandez-Seiler offers New Yorker's an amazing opportunity to experience Afro Cuban Dance.

Just East of Broadway and a block above Union Square at 18th you can experience a high energy class that focuses on a range of Afro-Cuban traditions, such as Rumba, Orisha, Arara and Congo dance styles. On Tuesday evenings from 6:00-7:30Pm  live musicians and singers help you to learn, hear and feel the rhythms of the drum and Yesenia's instruction teaches you to connect to the music.

On Thursday evenings from 7:00-9:00PM come experience Salsa and Son (Old School Salsa) partner dancing. Learn to spin and turn and use the rhythm and the clave to enhance your dance floor skills. This class is recommended for those who have salsa'd before.

Djoniba Dance and Drum Center

37th East 18th Street, 7th Floor

212 477 3464

$15.00