10 tips for New Yogis

Being new at Yoga can Be intimidating, Here are some simple tips to make you a little more comfortable.

I've been teaching for over 10 years now and practiced Yoga myself for many years before I decided to guide others on their Yoga journey. I remember feeling intimidated, unsure, uncomfortable and downright scared to attend classes.

We are bombarded today of what yoga "should" look like...when in reality, it should look and feel like whatever feels good to your body/mind at the particular moment.

Here are my tips to get you through your first yoga class and beyond: 

1. Don't eat a Large Meal before class : a little snack is fine, but it you eat a large meal before class, you will regret it. 

Tip : eat  at least 2 hours before class

2. Modify the poses as needed : If you have wrist pain, modify any pose by using a closed fist instead of an open hand, or even go down onto your forearms

Tip: If at any time you feel fatigued or light headed, go into childs pose until you're ready to join the class again

3. Gas happens! You heard me right and don't be embarrased about it. You are literally twisting and moving in ways that you don't normall move...and well, you may pass gas or burp.

Tip: It happens to the best of us, say "excuse me" and keep on moving

4. Don't compare yourself to anyone else in the room. A yoga class is a Judgement Free Zone. Stay "present" in your body and own space.

Tip: If you find your mind or eyes wondering, deepen your breath, re-focus your attention and listen to your body

5.  Don't be fooled into thingking yoga isn't a workout! You will break a sweat and get an amazing workout from Yoga.

Tip: Your body will be sore in places you can't imagine, yet you will see your body tone up quickly

6. You didn't like your yoga class now what?  There are several types of yoga classes and teaching styllles. Just beacause one class didn't fit the bill, doesn't mean you should give up.

Tip: try several different teachers in order to find a teaching style and class you like.

7. I won't be able to do yoga as I'm not suer bendy or flexible. This is exactly WHY you should begin a yoga practice. You would be amazed that no matter your body size or flexiblity, you will enjoy the mind/body connection that yoga brings

Tip: don't quit! do what feels right for your body in that moment and go from there

8. You may fall asleep during savasana (the end of yoga class) and thats ok!

Tip: As a teacher, I love when somone is so intune and relaxed that they fall asleep, let's me know that their body is in deep recovery mode

9. Don't wear loose fitting shirts to class. You will do a lot of inversions (aka being upside down) and well, your shirt will end up over your face

Tip: wear fitted clothing

10. When entering a yoga class...it's a quiet zone. It's a time for you to quiet your mind and reconnect.

Tip: If you need to make a phone call, chat with a friend etc....do it before or after class.

Practicing Yoga is an amazing journey. Although it may seem a bit intimidating at first, once you get out of your head and focus on the mind/body connection, the transformation will be amazing.

Have any tips of your own for a new yogi? Leave me a comment below.

How To Use Social Media to Grow Your Yoga Business

Yoga and Social Media

How I use Social Media to Build My Yoga Practice

I became a Lucy Brand Ambassador through IG interaction

I've never advertised. In fact , 99% of all of my business has come from one of the Social Media Platforms. I've used Twitter since the beginning, and eventually added Facebook and then Instagram. 

I have acquired both private and corporate clients through Instagram. I have obtained corporate wellness clients through Facebook and several companies have reached out to me to partner or sponsor events for my brand through Instagram.

Social Media is here to stay. If you aren't using social media to grow your business, you are definitely missing the boat. One social media post can go viral in an instant. It's an easy way, to talk about who you are and what you do, while also sharing valuable and shareable information.  Social Media opens the door to companies and connections that you wouldn't otherwise have access to. 

I recently did a guest blog post for Aidan Booth. If you haven't heard of Aidan, you should definitely check out his website for other ways to grow your business or brand. He has tons of valuable information to offer .

Here's a little exerpt from my blog post, 

"Social Media levels the playing field. What exactly does that mean?  It means, that whether you are a large nationally known brand, or a small local brand, you’re in the same space on social media. This is why your message and content is so important, it’s why one tweet or share can go viral and send your sales skyrocketing.  What sets you apart is YOUR MESSAGE, not what you spend, that is HUGE! "

I go on to talk about :

• Which Platforms are best for which content
• How to find Influencers/Bloggers to work with
• The Importance of Hashtags
• How to define your Message

.......and more. You can read the full blog post HERE

I'd love to know how you use Social Media to enhance your business. Leave me a comment below.

In Gratitude and Wellness,

-A

On-Guard Essential Oil, Yoga Retreats and Chicago Yoga Classes

I can't believe It's already the End of August. Where has the time gone? We've got some great upcoming FREE yoga classes, as well as a couple of retreats in the works. Stop by and check out our latest newsletter by clicking on the link below.  (get a little glimpse below)



Read Our Latest Newsletter Here

Schedule Aug 28th 9:30-10:30am FREE Yoga Class with Lucy click HERE for more info  Sept 10th 10:30-12:30 Ogden Field Day Join us for FREE Yoga For more Info Check out Ogden's Website Essential Oil Spotlight - On Guard  On Guard, a proprietary essential oil blend, provides a natural and effective alternative for immune support.* As one of the best-selling blends, On Guard protects against environmental and seasonal threats with essential oils known for their positive effects on the immune system.* Uses Add two to three drops in a veggie capsule for an immune boost.* Add to water for an effective all-purpose surface cleaner. Soak sliced apples in water and a few drops for a healthy, immune-boosting snack.* Combine a few drops of doTERRA On Guard with Fractionated Coconut Oil for a natural hand cleanser. Yoga We are Chicago's premier work place yoga provider. We offer lunchtime Yoga as well as provide Wellness talks for your employees. We take the hassle out of going to a gym and bring everything to you...mats, straps, blocks and more, contact us for details and pricing. Want to create a yoga/meditation space in your home? Let us help walk you through the process of creating a tranquil space in your home. Retreats We are so excited to be able to offer Yoga and Wellness Retreats. We are planning 5 day/4 night retreats to luxurious resorts. all meals transfers to/from airport all taxes, tips and fees excursions Daily Yoga and more! Be on the look out for an email with dates, locations etc....

FREE Yoga class with Lucy Active Wear and City Yoga Chicago

Please join us for a relaxing Sunday morning yoga class in lucy Activewear, located in Water Tower Place!

Bring your mat and get ready for an hour of peaceful yoga followed by discounted shopping and snacks!

We will be teaching this class inside the lucy store, so space will be limited to 10 guests. Reserve your spot today!

lucy.com #LucyLetsGo @lucy

cityyogachicago.com @city_yoga_chicago

RSVP HERE

WHEN

Sunday, August 28, 2016 from 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM (CDT) - Add to Calendar

WHERE

Water Tower Place 3rd Floor - 835 North Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611 - View Map

TAGS

Fight Seasonal Allergies with a Venta Airwasher : Improve your air quality with this Air Humidifier and Purifier

It's finally warming up here in Chicago, and with warm weather comes seasonal allergies.  Since I have a daughter with extreme allergies, having Clean Air is very important to me.

Constant Sneezing, Itchy Eyes and a runny nose are rampant for my daughter during the Spring and Summer months and I had been looking for natural ways to reduce her symptoms. We had been using essential oils the past year for her allergies but also needed something to clean and purify the air in our home since that's where most of her time is spent.

Having a Venta Airwasher in our home has been wonderful! The Airwasher is simple to use , in fact my 11 year old set ours up. The unit comes in 3 different sizes, depending on the size of your space. Venta also has  their own line Essential Oils that are to be used with the unit.   Pet Dander, Dust and Pollen allergens are everywhere and the Venta Airwasher uses cold water evaporation that traps the airborne allergens .

Since using the Venta Airwasher for the past 2 months, my daughters allergy symptoms have lessened dramatically. Our home doesn't feel as dry and the air quality is much better. Stop by Venta's website and see what they have to offer!

Venta YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/VentaAirwasherInc

Venta Twitter: https://twitter.com/ventaairwasher

Venta Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VentaAirwasherInc

My beautiful heart

There are times when my heart and head are in disagreement , at odds with one another . My mind makes logical decisions but my Heart, my sweet and brave heart make choices based IN love .

Which one do I follow? Which one is the correct one ? The thinking  logical mind or the wild, carefree ,bursting at the seams heart ? 

Today , right here and right now , on my current journey , I listen to my heart and only my heart.. For she is the one filled with compassion , passion, trust and faith.. She is the one that has hope for something better , she is the one that guides me in the darkest of times and heals me. She is without walls or barriers , she is the purest of pure .. And is oh so vulnerable . 

My beautiful heart. 

How I Stay Balanced With thinkThin® / City Yoga Chicago

This post is a sponsored conversation for thinkThin®. All opinions are my own. 

Photo Credit: Instagram/WomensForum

Yoga has been an important part of my life for over 10 years now. It keeps me grounded, focused and calm. It is an important part of my balanced lifestyle and is an integral part of my mind, body and spirit routine.

My goal is to live each day with intention. I am mindful about the foods I eat, getting enough exercise and keeping a positive mindset. I have a very active lifestyle.  I teach multiple corporate yoga classes weekly, am training for a half marathon, am a Girl Scout Leader and volunteer with cancer patients: all while being a single mom of three. With this schedule, it’s important to me to focus on championing weight wellness by eating things that nourish my body and keep me full.

Beautiful moves!

I recently attended a Sunrise Yoga Event in Chicago taught by Andrea Metcalf. It was such a wonderful way to start my morning while being surrounded by amazing, beautiful and empowered women! Nutrition and wellness are important to me and thinkThin® provided us with breakfast for the event. The thinkThin® bars are high in protein, low in sugar and great for women who care about quality like I do. We even got to try the thinkThin Oatmeal®, which is high in fiber and protein, non-GMO and only 200 calories per serving. Their products are great for my active lifestyle as I can throw one in my bag and go on about my day .

Yoga centers us and brings us back to the present. By starting my day and week at the Sunrise Yoga Event hosted by thinkThin® and Womensforum.com, I was given a jumpstart on a positive and productive week. With each sun salutation, through my breath I became centered and grounded in purpose. Each asana was not just a pose but a metaphor for where I was in my life at that point, and through each one I exhaled and let go of what no longer served me. Each of us is unique and amazing, and when we quiet the mind and reconnect with ourselves, we are able to live our life at its fullest.

Start each day with a positive mind, open heart and thinkPositive!

Andrea Metcalf, myself, and fellow Chicago blogger Jasmine!