One of the questions I receive most often from students is, "What yoga can I do from home?" Without hesitation, my answer is always one of two things: 1) Do what you love. Practice what feels good. Whatever will get you to the mat, that's what you should do. When you climb out of bed in the morning and raise your arms overhead with a deep breath in, that counts! Add a stretch to the right and to the left, then bend over towards your toes (Uttanasana) and you have a yourself a

Printed in Sweat Equity Magazine June/July Issue Utkatana Konasana This pose is said to invoke the powerful energy of the Hindu goddess, Tara. The name derives from the Sanskrit root syllable that means “protection,” thereby designating Goddess Tara as being “one who protects.” Physically, Utkatana Konasana is an accessible pose that offers tremendous health benefits, especially for women. The obvious hip-opening effects of this wide-legged squat can help to prepare women for

Last Friday a student in my seniors’ class asked if yoga could help prevent osteoporosis. I’d researched this subject before, so I didn’t hesitate to respond: The answer is both yes and no. Let me explain. Osteoporosis Defined Osteoporosis is a medical condition that causes bone tissue to deteriorate, resulting in brittle and fragile bones (not to be confused with osteoarthritis, which affects the surrounding joints and tissues). The increase of fractures escalates dramatical

Published in the February/ March 2016 issue of Sweat Equity Magazine. Nobody can argue the benefits of a consistent yoga practice. Increased strength and flexibility, peace of mind and mental calm, and less angst over the “little things” that once were so bothersome are just a few. The more people that experience what yoga has to offer, the more mainstream it becomes. The more mainstream it becomes, the larger the class sizes and (quite often) the less personal attention avai

Published in Sweat Equity Magazine August/September 2016 Last Friday a student in my seniors’ class asked if yoga could help prevent osteoporosis. I’d researched this subject before, so I didn’t hesitate to respond: The answer is both yes and no. Let me explain. Osteoporosis Defined Osteoporosis is a medical condition that causes bone tissue to deteriorate, resulting in brittle and fragile bones (not to be confused with osteoarthritis, which affects the surrounding joints and

Published in Sweat Equity Magazine November Issue Bakasana is often translated as Crow Pose, but baka is actually the Sanskrit word for crane and kak for crow. While the two are used interchangeably in many yoga classes, some yogis consider Bakasana the bent-arm variation, while Kakasana has the arms straight. To keep it simple, we’ll go with the more commonly cited Parsva Bakasana, for our Side Crow Pose. Surprisingly, the twisting variation of Bakasana is not necessarily th

Printed in Sweat Equity Magazine Dec/Jan Issue Parivrtta Parsvakonasana is one of the standing postures in the traditional Ashtanga Yoga sequence. Variations of this pose, (i.e., palms together at the heart centre) are often used in Power Yoga, but the classical version, with the back foot planted, lower hand pressing into the mat, and upper arm extending along the cheek, is an advanced spinal twist that should be entered into slowly. Many experienced students and teachers c

Printed in Sweat Equity Magazine Dec/Jan 2018 As challenging and refreshing as it is to enjoy classes offered at a studio, the benefits of establishing a home practice are unmatched. For me, what strengthened the spiritual bent of this ancient art form was rolling out the mat at home. That’s not to say it doesn’t come without effort! Even as a seasoned student and teacher, mustering up the energy to get moving can be easier said than done. In this article, I hope to inspire y

Printed in Sweat Equity Magazine Dec/Jan 2017 Cold and flu season (if you want to call it a season) is here. But don’t surrender just yet! You have your own personal defense team, designed to protect you against external and environmental attacks, such as colds and flus: Your immune system. The stronger your immune system is, the less likely you are to get sick. As the colder months roll in (and settle in, unfortunately), it’s important to support our body’s innate healing ca

Ingredients I.5 cup chopped cauliflower (into pearls or grated [just with a cheese grater!]) 1 cup chopped broccoli florettes ½ pepper, any colour, chopped into small pieces One large carrot, chopped into small pieces 6 salad olives ½ cup tri-coloured quinoa handful of sprouts as a topper handful cherry tomatoes 3 tablespoons salad dressing of choice (this one was a vegan lemon poppyseed dressing) 2 tbsp raw pumpkin seeds 2-3 tbsp dried cranberries ½ avocado, cut into small c

Printed in Sweat Equity Magazine No-Bake Peanut Butter Cookies [gluten-free, raw, & vegan!] Makes 18- 24 mini cookies 1 cup raw cashews ½ cup medjool dates [pitted] 2 heaping spoonfuls of natural peanut butter ½ tsp pure vanilla extract 1/8 tsp sea salt Handful of dark chocolate chips (I use dairy-free Enjoy Life brand) Instructions 1 - In food processor, add cashews and pulse. 2 - Add dates to processor and pulse. 3 - Add rest of ingredients to processor, except

Printed in Sweat Equity Magazine August/Sept 2017 Upward Facing Staff Pose is considered an advanced backbend. One should be proficient in practicing Chakrasana (Full Wheel or Upward Bow Pose) and also Sirsasana (Headstand) before attempting Dwi Pada Viparita Dandasana, which, from a technical standpoint, is a combination of these two. In Light on Yoga, B.K.S. Iyengar says, “Action is movement with intelligence.” This comment is especially relevant to Upward Facing Staff Pose

Alongside Padmasana (Lotus Pose) Headstand may be considered the exemplar archetype of yoga. Perhaps it seemed simple and even “fun”when you were a kid, but a graceful entry into and exit from this dignified pose might prove to be more challenging than expected. However, it’s well worth practicing, so stick with it! A headstand practice (or any inverted posture) should be a routine part of your practice. Here five reasons why: 1. Reversing the flow of blood by raising the

If you’re reading this article, chances are you already know that pasta and “lean, clean, weight-loss machine” go about as well together as water and cooking oil. For some, giving up pasta is a notable sacrifice to make, especially if you’re new to the world of bodybuilding or weight training. And especially if your taste buds haven’t yet acquired a liking for restriction or deprivation. Abs are made in the kitchen, you know. That’s exactly why I’ve pulled together 3 noodle-f