Do you have neck and shoulder issues? If so, it might be caused by tight chest and shoulder muscles. Stretch & Strengthen the Upper Body is designed to loosen the muscles of the chest, shoulders and upper back. At the same time, working the muscles of the arms to develop tone and definition. Here is a link to the class Next Level Yoga Upper Body Class
If you want “yoga arms” or are already buff but need some definition to really prime your entry to the “gun show,” this is the class for you. It starts out slow and easy, then builds some mobility in the shoulders with some gentle flow work.
Then on to some deep upper body stretches to really loosen the chest and upper back. Finally, a smooth landing on the mat with some reclined stretching and a nice, long final relaxation.
If you tried this class and liked it, please show your support by subscribing to the channel so you will receive an email message whenever a new video is posted.
Shameful confession #1, I have no fashion sense. Apparently I am not alone, which is why Yoga Club exists and is thriving. Yoga Club is like Stitch Fix, but for workout clothes. If you don’t know what Stitch Fix is, you may find my post about my Stitch Fix adventure interesting, or not, no pressure, but aren’t you a tiny bit curious now, here’s the link just in case you want to take a peek, I’ll wait. June Stitch Fix Review
You may remember my last Yoga Club installment (Yoga Club Review Take 2) included a top that was not to my liking and I was going to check out their exchange program. I discovered I had two options; I could join a Facebook group exclusively for selling and exchanging Yoga Club items, or I could choose a replacement from some options on their website. I chose the latter and picked an MPG Sport t-shirt in a color called “fiery coral” Let’s see how that turned out.
MPG Sport Link Seamless T-Shirt retail price $38
WOW! Needless to say, Fiery Coral is such a retina searing color, sunglasses are required. I don’t think this one is going to work for me, the fit is great but the color is shall we say, a bit garish. So, I went back in and traded this out for another shirt in a more soothing palate which will come with next month’s box.
Next, was this…
Kenneth Cole Reaction Cosmic Singlet retail price $44
There is just no way around it, I am not a bubble gum pink tank top kinda gal. To be fair, this top is really cute and it fits well, but it’s just not me, so it will be going back and will hopefully find a home with someone who can pull off this color.
The next item in the bright pink box was this..
Glyder Moxie Vest retail price $76
Now we’re talking. This vest is more my style. It’s a nice length, the fabric is super soft and there are big pockets to hide my Skittles. These Threads for Thought leggings were also included, they are great, the fabric is really soft, they have a cute bandage strap detail on the leg (which looks a little bondage-y), but, I have so many pairs of black pants I think I will try to exchange these as well.
Threads for Thought Zaria Legging retail price $98
So what have we learned, first Tara can’t wear pink, second it is possible to have too many pairs of black pants, and finally I eat too many Skittles.
Want to give Yoga Club a try? Here are the details on how to get started and save 25%?
How it works: YogaClub is a subscription service, when you join you will choose a commitment level. The Mantra (a pair of leggings), the Karma (leggings and a top), and the Guru (leggings, a top and a layering piece). Prices range from $45-$79, and you choose monthly or seasonal shipments.
If you use my referral code, ( Yoga Club Referral Link ) you will get 25% off your first box. Full disclosure, I will get “Lotus Bucks” in return, but frankly you need a ton of them to just to get a 10% discount, so if you use someone else’s link I won’t be upset. But please use a referral code, don’t be a chump like me and pay full price the first time.
When you click through that link, you will take a little style quiz and; yes, you do have to give them your credit card information. Shortly thereafter you will get a bright pink YogaClub box full of goodies just for you. It’s like your birthday every month.
If you liked the short tribute to Yin Yoga video, take some time and check out my Yin Yang Flow Yoga video which is now available on YouTube. If you haven’t already, subscribe to the channel to receive notice when a new video is posted. Or, you can always follow this link to the class: Yin Yang Flow by Next Level Yoga
Seek Balance in all Things.
This Yin Yang yoga video is designed to balance the sweet ease of a yin yoga class, with the spicy effort of a yang flow class. The first twenty minutes are slow paced, gentle poses. The middle 20 minutes are a slow easy flow designed to loosen the joints and get your energy moving. The class finishes with 20 more minutes of quiet yin postures for a soft landing into final relaxation.
Bring a blanket or big towel for some extra padding. The class is a little longer, but it will be worth the time. Put on some quiet music, take some time for yourself, you deserve it. Enjoy.
If you tried this class and liked it, please subscribe to the channel so you will receive an email message when a new video is posted.
Recently my husband hurt his back, and as he limped around someone sarcastically asked him, “what, the magic of yoga couldn’t fix you?” Well no Ian, it couldn’t, but thanks for your sincere and heartfelt concern. When yoga isn’t enough, you need a little help in the pain relief area.
Everyone suffers from some kind of malady at one time or another, and no matter how much you stretch, massage, ice or elevate it, the pain persists. In those cases I have two all natural pain relief products I recommend to clients.
The first is Myo-Med Pro Pain Relief creme. I was introduced to this product by my phenomenal massage therapist and I love it. It’s not greasy, works really fast and does not smell as strong as other similar products. Here is a link if you want to check it out: https://amzn.to/2JuqmsG
The second is DoTerra’s Deep Blue Rub. Like Myo-Med, this product is formulated with essential oils, but along with the standard camphor and wintergreen for pain reief, Deep Blue has helichrysum which is known for its healing properties. Unfortunately, it’s also for it’s price which runs about $100.00 for 5 ml. YIKES!
This is why this product is markedly more expensive. My clients who have issues with arthritis and other chronic inflammation disorders have had really good results with Deep Blue. Here’s a link if this seems like something you would like to try: https://amzn.to/2HiDBYB
The next time you find yourself in pain, and the “magic of yoga” has failed you as well, you can give one of these natural pain relief products a try and hopefully find some comfort.
This post is not a paid endorsement although it does contain affiliate links. If you are concerned about this blog receiving a small commission for using the link, you can simply use a search engine to find products elsewhere on the internet.
If I intend to teach a class that uses a prop (yoga block, strap, blanket or bolster) I usually have to provide said prop. Therefore, if I am going to lug 35 blocks to class, you better believe I plan to use it for more than one pose.
In a great stand-up bit by Tyler Fischer, he talks about yoga class and says there is always some mystery prop. The teacher will say something like, you are going to need to get yourself a blanket, two blocks and a live turtle. He’s spot on hilarious. Here is a link if you want to check out the whole bit. Tyler Fisher on Yoga Props
Blocks are probably the most versatile of the props. Think of them as a way to bring the ground closer, or, alternatively, make your arms longer. If you don’t have a block you really should consider getting one. They come in 3 and 4 inch versions, I recommend the 4-inch, here are two good ones. Four Inch Block or Three Inch Block
Once you have procured yourself block here are five of my favorite ways to use them.
Five Poses with a Yoga Block
Runner’s Lunge- Use the block to lengthen the arms by placing it under the hands; or, lower down onto the forearms to drop into the middle-ground between hands on the floor and forearms on the floor. Try them both to see what your body responds to.
Elevated Runner’s Lunge
Supported Runner’s Lunge
2. Revolved Lunge- use the block to get a little height and allow the ribs to more fully rotate towards the inner knee.
Elevated Revolved Lunge
3. Bridge. Placing the block between the knees balances out the strength of the outer leg, which tends to pull the knees apart. The block between the knees engages those inner leg muscles and forces you to distribute the work between the inner and outer leg more equally.
Aligned Bridge Pose
4. Supported Bridge- This is a great way to release the hip flexors, align the SI joint and relieve low back pain. Place the block under the sacrum (the bony area above the tailbone, below the L5 vertebrae). For a more intense experience, try straightening out one or both legs.
Supported Bridge Pose
Pigeon. Slide the block under the elevated hip, and allow the block to fill in the space between the hip and the floor. Stay for a minimum of one minute best results.
