Thanks to yogi Sarah Calandro for sharing!
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Yoga in the Art World
People sometimes forget that yoga is an art form, but luckily artists like Katie Grinnan and Meghan Currie are here to remind us. Take a look at Grinnan's sand sculpture and Currie's timelapse video on the Colossal design blog and we guarantee you'll have a newfound appreciation for the practice.
Thanks to yogi Sarah Calandro for sharing!
Thanks to yogi Sarah Calandro for sharing!
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Cats are the Most Helpful Yogis
There's no point in denying it: here at New York Yoga, we love a good cat video. Especially when it's a yoga cat video. Check this adorable video and you may soon start to teach your own cat to do yoga! After all, who doesn't love a little company in their practice?
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Boutique Blowout, Holiday Style!
Hey New York Yogis, check out the sweet sale happening in our boutiques right now!
Thursday, December 15, 2011
Our Top 5 Yoga Holiday Gifts
The holiday countdown has begun, and with mere days until we're exchanging gifts, why not shower your yoga friends and loved ones with yoga gifties? We've chosen some of our favorite for the season, all of which are available at our Hot Studio and York Studio boutiques.
1. Jade Yoga Mats
Eco-friendly and skidless, these yoga mats last a long time. In a variety of colors and thicknesses, you can't go wrong!
2. Indego Africa Yoga Mat Bag
These fair-trade yoga bags from Indego Africa come in a variety of patterns, and are perfect for the yogi on the go. All bags are made by the Cocoki women's cooperative in Rwanda.
3. Toesox
Strengthen foot muscles, increase circulation and improve posture with Toesox for yoga! "Toed" and "un-toed" Toesox with grips are available in a variety of colors, too.
4. Happy Yoga by Steve Ross
Master Yogi Steve Ross traveled the world to better his practice, and found along the way that a lot of the humor the Eastern masters used was missing from Western yogic culture. In this book, though, he instructs us on how to find it again.
5. New York Yoga Bandanna
Beat the heat and snag a cotton New York Yoga Bandanna for your favorite New York Yogi, also in a variety of colors.
Happy holidays!
1. Jade Yoga Mats
2. Indego Africa Yoga Mat Bag
These fair-trade yoga bags from Indego Africa come in a variety of patterns, and are perfect for the yogi on the go. All bags are made by the Cocoki women's cooperative in Rwanda. 3. Toesox
Strengthen foot muscles, increase circulation and improve posture with Toesox for yoga! "Toed" and "un-toed" Toesox with grips are available in a variety of colors, too. 4. Happy Yoga by Steve Ross
Master Yogi Steve Ross traveled the world to better his practice, and found along the way that a lot of the humor the Eastern masters used was missing from Western yogic culture. In this book, though, he instructs us on how to find it again.5. New York Yoga Bandanna
Beat the heat and snag a cotton New York Yoga Bandanna for your favorite New York Yogi, also in a variety of colors. Happy holidays!
Teacher of the Month: Linda Winnick
Linda Winnick has had a very blessed, busy decade. She has been teaching yoga constantly over the past ten years. She is apprentice to Glenn Black, a multiple studio owner, a Teacher Training Director, has a Master of Arts in Ayurvedic Medicine and Yoga Philosophy, and has developed her own style called Shakti Yoga… and that’s just to name a few of her accomplishments.
Linda is also directing the next 200 hour Teacher Training course here at New York Yoga! If you are interested in becoming a teacher you can not go wrong in the loving hands of such an experienced yogi. She will help your practice grow, encourage your creativity, and shape you to be the yoga teacher you are meant to be. Linda’s teachings are based on her commitment to the discipline of yoga, with a focus on form, alignment, philosophy, and the cultivation of Shakti (Inner Power).
Linda, when did you first discover yoga?
Besides satisfying my bizarre interest at a young age by reading books at the library about yoga and martial arts when I was in elementary school, I was introduced to Sivananda at FIT. We did it in the gym with dimmed lights in a circle on gym mats. I remember visiting the ashram center in NYC and knew one day I would be ‘one of them’. I just had to burn off some necessary karma. I became a more dedicated student after I studied Oyama Karate with the founder of that school. I needed to learn respect and how to bow first. Then I dove into Jivamukti when it was on Second Avenue. That was when Sharon and David would teach morning classes almost every day! I was in love with the philosophy, the smells of incense, the colors and images of the deities. I probably had no clue about doing asana properly. It was all about this mystical experience.
Besides satisfying my bizarre interest at a young age by reading books at the library about yoga and martial arts when I was in elementary school, I was introduced to Sivananda at FIT. We did it in the gym with dimmed lights in a circle on gym mats. I remember visiting the ashram center in NYC and knew one day I would be ‘one of them’. I just had to burn off some necessary karma. I became a more dedicated student after I studied Oyama Karate with the founder of that school. I needed to learn respect and how to bow first. Then I dove into Jivamukti when it was on Second Avenue. That was when Sharon and David would teach morning classes almost every day! I was in love with the philosophy, the smells of incense, the colors and images of the deities. I probably had no clue about doing asana properly. It was all about this mystical experience.
How long have you been teaching?
I have been teaching since 2000. I graduated from Sivananda as all the teachers I respected had this as one of their first certifications. I had just completed my Master of Arts in Ayurvedic Medicine and Yoga Philosophy and I gave myself the gift of going to an ashram for a month. I had a three-year-old son, so being on the ashram and its rigid schedule was refreshing in comparison to the incredible responsibilities of mothering a young child and completing a 225-page Master’s thesis. I began teaching in a hospital where I was doing my research on using ayurveda and yoga to treat addiction. The patients of the detox/rehab at the hospital were my first yoga students/victims. I taught them on gym mats in their dining hall in scrubs (very much like the Sivananda deal I was used to!). I can say I have had an amazing teaching streak ever since it took off. I would teach 25 classes a week and privates between classes for 8 years. In my first year of teaching I got offered a faculty position at the Omega Institute, which I still enjoy. They have offered a variety of my workshops for 10 years in Rhinebeck. I taught for them in Costa Rica for four years as well.
Most of my experience has come from the thousands of hours of teaching (over 10k at this point). I have had a lot of students who have give me the opportunity to really understand asana and the body. I don’t have a large collection of certificates, but I have been studying with Glenn Black who has such a unique approach to yoga that it has morphed away from what we commonly know as “yoga asana.” I really like the pioneers who were brave enough to believe in what they see and not have blinders on because tradition dictates consistency and conformity to the tradition (aka dogma). I am very Aquarian in my inability to conform to a particular style. As an Ayurvedist, I need a lot of freedom to manipulate the variables in teaching asana in order to make an effective and hopefully intelligent sequence. I am also a bit of an anatomy and physiology nerd.
I have been teaching since 2000. I graduated from Sivananda as all the teachers I respected had this as one of their first certifications. I had just completed my Master of Arts in Ayurvedic Medicine and Yoga Philosophy and I gave myself the gift of going to an ashram for a month. I had a three-year-old son, so being on the ashram and its rigid schedule was refreshing in comparison to the incredible responsibilities of mothering a young child and completing a 225-page Master’s thesis. I began teaching in a hospital where I was doing my research on using ayurveda and yoga to treat addiction. The patients of the detox/rehab at the hospital were my first yoga students/victims. I taught them on gym mats in their dining hall in scrubs (very much like the Sivananda deal I was used to!). I can say I have had an amazing teaching streak ever since it took off. I would teach 25 classes a week and privates between classes for 8 years. In my first year of teaching I got offered a faculty position at the Omega Institute, which I still enjoy. They have offered a variety of my workshops for 10 years in Rhinebeck. I taught for them in Costa Rica for four years as well.
Most of my experience has come from the thousands of hours of teaching (over 10k at this point). I have had a lot of students who have give me the opportunity to really understand asana and the body. I don’t have a large collection of certificates, but I have been studying with Glenn Black who has such a unique approach to yoga that it has morphed away from what we commonly know as “yoga asana.” I really like the pioneers who were brave enough to believe in what they see and not have blinders on because tradition dictates consistency and conformity to the tradition (aka dogma). I am very Aquarian in my inability to conform to a particular style. As an Ayurvedist, I need a lot of freedom to manipulate the variables in teaching asana in order to make an effective and hopefully intelligent sequence. I am also a bit of an anatomy and physiology nerd.
I have recently been offered to take over another yoga studio in Woodstock, NY making it my fourth studio. Besides being offered the Director’s position for New York Yoga’s Spring Teacher Training, I was also asked to be the East Coast Director of an Ayurvedic Certification Program. I have been bestowed with some wonderful gifts in my decade year of teaching!
What makes your class unique?
I am really about fun and creativity. I enjoy being entertaining as well as educational. I am incredibly enthusiastic about Yoga and Ayurveda, freeing ourselves from our own and self-inflicted pain, making the philosophy and Ayurveda accessible, and self-empowerment. I try to bring this to every class because having a really good time while we get healthy will encourage and motivate us to practice. My classes are improvised. I have worked so closely with asana for so many hours that I really like creating new patterns. I also like to go beyond the “normal” asanas. This is a skill I have developed by studying with Glenn Black. He has “given” me the freedom to work like this because of the freedom he has for himself as a non-conformist yogi.
I am really about fun and creativity. I enjoy being entertaining as well as educational. I am incredibly enthusiastic about Yoga and Ayurveda, freeing ourselves from our own and self-inflicted pain, making the philosophy and Ayurveda accessible, and self-empowerment. I try to bring this to every class because having a really good time while we get healthy will encourage and motivate us to practice. My classes are improvised. I have worked so closely with asana for so many hours that I really like creating new patterns. I also like to go beyond the “normal” asanas. This is a skill I have developed by studying with Glenn Black. He has “given” me the freedom to work like this because of the freedom he has for himself as a non-conformist yogi.
What is your favorite pose to teach?
Strangely enough, bhujangasana - Cobra. I think I have seen the most postural breakthroughs with understanding the placement of shoulders, arms and sternum for students that reduce back pain.
Strangely enough, bhujangasana - Cobra. I think I have seen the most postural breakthroughs with understanding the placement of shoulders, arms and sternum for students that reduce back pain.
What is you favorite pose to practice?
Anything that is upside down, on my hands balancing, combined with a twist!
Anything that is upside down, on my hands balancing, combined with a twist!
Best advice for beginners?
Make it your business to find an experienced, loving, safe teacher who is patient and really knows how to teach you about yoga. Stick with them once you find him/or her!
Make it your business to find an experienced, loving, safe teacher who is patient and really knows how to teach you about yoga. Stick with them once you find him/or her!
Best advice for more advanced yogis?
Keep keeping it real.
Keep keeping it real.
What is your biggest yoga pet peeve?
“Yogatude”. We try to get freed up and then we get trapped in another box. Our egos get wrapped up in our views of false superiority by aligning to a particular way. I believe in intelligence and correctly introducing all aspects of yoga, but nobody has any ownership or a specific angle. I think the trade marking is so wild. Aparigraha in its "parigraha" form (Non Grasping in Grasping) is so ironic and so un-revolutionary. Though, I do also believe it shouldn’t be a free for all and we should respect each other’s efforts and not say we are from lineages that we truly don’t have rights to claim. I guess we need legal protection until we all become enlightened!
“Yogatude”. We try to get freed up and then we get trapped in another box. Our egos get wrapped up in our views of false superiority by aligning to a particular way. I believe in intelligence and correctly introducing all aspects of yoga, but nobody has any ownership or a specific angle. I think the trade marking is so wild. Aparigraha in its "parigraha" form (Non Grasping in Grasping) is so ironic and so un-revolutionary. Though, I do also believe it shouldn’t be a free for all and we should respect each other’s efforts and not say we are from lineages that we truly don’t have rights to claim. I guess we need legal protection until we all become enlightened!
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Holiday Specials at New York Yoga!
Still need something for that special someone this holiday season? Try a New York Yoga gift card or stocking stuffer special and give the gift of Om!
Yoga in New York, featuring New York Yoga!
Check out this beautiful video by Wari Om, featuring yoga teachers from (and practicing) all across New York. Can you spot the New York Yoga teachers?? : )
Thursday, December 8, 2011
Yoga Gets into Med School
In this fascinating article from BU Today, the Boston University student newspaper, writer Leslie Friday profiles a new yoga class for medical students in her article "Yoga Gets into Med School." So far, the class has shown the students have not only reduced stress levels but increased positive thinking. All you med students on the Upper East Side, this one's for you! Come to class and let it all go.
Crumpled and Uncrumpled
By Elyssa Goodman
New York Yoga Social Media Manager
If you've been at New York Yoga for more than a year, then you know you get a lovely little message celebrating your yearly anniversary with the studio. I recently got my own message for the first time (yay, one year at New York Yoga!) and it made me reflect about the first time I went to the studio. It was such a great experience that I actually wrote about it on my blog, Miss Manhattan, in a post entitled "Crumpled and Uncrumpled." To celebrate my one year anniversary with New York Yoga, I wanted to share it with you here, so take a look and enjoy! Have you had a similar experience at the studio?
New York Yoga Social Media Manager
If you've been at New York Yoga for more than a year, then you know you get a lovely little message celebrating your yearly anniversary with the studio. I recently got my own message for the first time (yay, one year at New York Yoga!) and it made me reflect about the first time I went to the studio. It was such a great experience that I actually wrote about it on my blog, Miss Manhattan, in a post entitled "Crumpled and Uncrumpled." To celebrate my one year anniversary with New York Yoga, I wanted to share it with you here, so take a look and enjoy! Have you had a similar experience at the studio?
Holiday Lovin'
Hey New York Yogis! We're so glad so many of you were able to join us at our Holiday Party last week. Here are some photos from the event, so be sure to check them out. A big shoutout to our Hot Studio Manager Ryan Lile for throwing such a great party. Happy holidays!
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
New York Yoga Goes International!
Saskia Slaaf is not only an avid New York Yogi, but also a model. Dutch television program Niveau TV featured Saskia in a recent "Day in the Life" segment, featuring her practice at New York Yoga (starting at 6:05)! Check out the video here.
Finding a Home to Practice
We all know how important it is to feel at home at a yoga studio because the practice is so personal. Personal trainer and blogger Michael Baptiste writes about this experience in his blog, Scales on Fire, in regard to his new home at New York Yoga. Thank you so much, Michael, for the lovely review, and we look forward to seeing you again! Click here to view the post.
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Sounds Like Yoga, Volume 13
Our Holiday Party is Tomorrow!
Hey New York Yogis,
Don't forget our annual Holiday Party is tomorrow! Stop by from 7pm-10pm at our York Studio for delicious food from Candle 79, a membership raffle, music, fun, and much more. We hope to see you there!
Don't forget our annual Holiday Party is tomorrow! Stop by from 7pm-10pm at our York Studio for delicious food from Candle 79, a membership raffle, music, fun, and much more. We hope to see you there!
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