Aspire Pilates

Aspire Pilates in Riverton is offering a 50% discount on a reformer class, and they're throwing in a facial as well!

Woo!

For only $35 you can get a great workout on the Reformer at Aspire, plus a facial (and $5 off a pedicure when you use this Groupon!!). Use of the Groupon is by appointment only, so once you buy, be sure to either schedule online or call Aspire to book a time slot.

I wish I could have a facial after every class I teach.

Unlimited Yoga

For only $49, you can enjoy one month of unlimited Yoga at Shiva Centre, which is located in Sugar House.


Shiva offers classes throughout the day, starting at 6am and concluding with a 7pm class. Their classes range from beginning to those that focus on mediatation. Even if you only went to one class a week, you'd still only pay about $12 per class, which is an awesome deal (their regular drop in rate is $14)!

Head over to Living Social's deal for today only and pick up your unlimited pass to Shiva for only $49!

Pranayama

Pranayama is the practice of breathing in Yoga. There is a certain breath that is recommended, and it sounds like you're whispering with your mouth closed.

It is helpful to concentrate on pranayama while practicing because it can draw the focus inward. It can be tempting to peek at your neighbor while practicing Yoga, but that contradicts the point of practicing! Yoga is about what is happening with your mind and body on your mat.

I found an article that details the purpose and benefits of pranayama that is helpful for even veteran practitioners of Yoga. It comes from ABCs of Yoga's website.

■Pranayama teaches us the proper way to breathe. We become used to breathing from our chest, using only a fraction of the lungs, not knowing that this unhealthy and unnatural way of inhaling may lead to several complications. With yoga breathing, we increase the capacity of our lungs, bringing more oxygen supply to the body to function well. We learn how to breathe slowly and deeply - the right way.
■Pranayama reduces the toxins and body wastes from within our body. It prevents one from acquiring diseases.
■Pranayama helps in one's digestion. With the proper way of breathing, one's metabolism and health condition will start to improve.
■Pranayama develops our concentration and focus. It fights away stress and relaxes the body. Controlling one's breathing also results in serenity and peace of mind.
■Pranayama offers a better self-control. Through concentration, one can better handle temper and reactions. Mind can function clearly, avoiding arguments and wrong decisions. Moreover, self-control also involves control over one's physical body.
■Pranayama leads to spiritual journey through a relaxed body and mind.

If you'd like to know more, head over to read the full article here.

Aaaaaand we're back.

Tomorrow at 9:30a I'll be instructing Yoga at WSU. It's free for those with active wildcards, and only $6 for community drop in. Some mats are provided, but it's best to bring your own so you're not trying to practice on the dance floor (my spine hurts just thinking about it!).

If you'd like to get your Yoga and Pilates classes lined up for the week, check out the sampling of what's available in Ogden and North Ogden for you:

Monday:
8:45-10:15a Yoga at Yoga Jos
12-12:45p Lunch Express Yoga at Borrowed Earth Emporium
4:30-5:30p Pilates at Wasatch Therapy
8:45-9:45p Yoga at WSU

Tuesday:
12-12:45p Lunch Express Yoga at Borrowed Earth Emporium
4:30-5:30p Yoga at WSU
8-9p Yoga at Farr West Tumblers

Wednesday:
9:30a Yoga at Borrowed Earth Emporium
5:45-7p Yoga at Yoga Jos
8:45-9:45p Yoga at WSU

Thursday:
9a Bikram Yoga at Bikram Yoga Ogden
12-12:45p Yoga at Borrowed Earth Emporium
5:30-6:30p Pilates at Wasatch Therapy
8:45-9:45p Pilates at WSU

Friday:
10-11a Yoga at Farr West Tumblers
4:30p Bikram Yoga at Bikram Yoga Ogden

Saturday:
9:30-10:30a Yoga at WSU
11:15a Kids' Yoga at Borrowed Earth Emporium

For information regarding pricing and other available times, be sure to visit the websites for the various studios.

Namaste.

Farr West Yoga

I know I sound like a broken record, but I can't shout it loud enough that Friday Flow Yoga is free this month at Farr West Tumblers.

Class is at 10am, and childcare is still a free bonus! I bring Aspen, and she's not even six months old. Another participant has both a toddler and a four-month old and it works out great. There are movies, books, puzzles and even a window so you can peek in on your wee one while you work out.


Don't let your job as a mama keep you from having some free "me" time! We've got just the thing to give you a break from your responsibilities and help you feel great about yourself. The kids will love Annette, and you'll love the workout.

And you know what else? If you don't have kids, you're still invited! We have a great group of Yogis attending Friday Flow and you'll fit right in.

In February, Friday Flow will resume it's regular rates: $5 if paid 24-hours in advance, or $10 at the door. If you bring a new friend, you're eligible for a FREE class. Yoga is offered Tuesday night at 8p, Thursday night at 8p, and of course, Friday mornings at 10a. Childcare is free for each of the scheduled times, so pick the ones that work best for you and I'll see you there!

Yoga books

The Language of Yoga by Nicolai Bachman

I bought this book when I started getting serious about my Yoga practice. I had one instructor who regularly used both Sanskrit and English names for poses, and I wanted to get better at knowing what she was cueing when she used Sanskrit. It's a very helpful book, with CDS that offer pronunciation guides.

Living Yoga by Christy Turlington

This book was recommended to me by my favorite Yoga instructor as a good read for someone who wants to understand how to make Yoga a daily part of life.

Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert

Gilbert's autobiography-ish book is more than just Yoga, but it's a huge part of her self-discovery. She almost makes me want to visit an Ashram and go hardcore... but I don't think I could handle sitting crosslegged for that long.

Free Yoga in Farr West

Fridays are free during January, or you can bring a new friend to class and practice for free whether it's the Tuesday, Thursday or Friday class you attend.

Bring the kids so they can play with Annette while you work out. Give yourself an hour of "me" time- because you're worth it!

Saturday Yoga

Once again, Weber State is a go-to for your workout needs.

There are FIVE Yoga classes on the schedule for the main campus in Ogden, plus FOUR MORE held at the Davis Campus. You really can't beat that kind of availability.

I'm fortunate enough to be on the rotation for the Saturday morning classes at 9:30 at the Swenson Gym. I'm really excited because I'll be teaching in the mix with the instructors who guided me through my own practice when I was a student. Last year I only got to sub the class once, but this year I'm actually on the schedule. Woo!

To participate, just bring your mat and drop on in! You only need your Wildcard or $6 to attend. Community passes are available as well; just check the website for more info!

Water aerobics for adults and kids

I had a (LONG) informative meeting at Weber State on Saturday that made me aware of more opportunities available to the community and students. So I suppose that makes it worth the sacrifice... giving up sleep when you're up all night with a 5-month-old is definitely a challenge.

But forget about my fatigue. Did you know that swim lessons start up this month? For only $40, you can sign you kid(s) up for an 8-week class. It's a great time to get the kiddos ready for summer swimming, and it's a price you really can't beat. It's only $40 for the entire course! You can even sign up kids under three, provided they wear the appropriate protection in the pool (yes, please!).

The pool at WSU also has a drop-in water aerobics class twice each week. As usual, it's free for anyone with an active Wildcard, and only $6 to drop in. If you want a community pass, it's only $50. Classes are on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 5:30pm, and no swimming is required.

I'm thisclose to taking Aspen with me and strapping her on my chest for some pool time. She has the cutest swim suits she might not fit into by the time summer comes around!

Yoga and Pilates in Ogden

This is going to be a busy week! There are the usual classes at Wasatch Therapy, WSU and Farr West, PLUS the free Health Fair on Saturday at Wasatch Therapy.

Monday 4:30p Wasatch Therapy Pilates
Tuesday 8:00p Farr West Yoga
Thursday 8:45p WSU Pilates
Friday 10:00a Farr West Yoga
Saturday 10-2 Wasatch Therapy Health Fair (all mini classes are free!)

As a reminder, all classes at WSU are free with an active ID card. For the entire month of January, Yoga classes on Friday at Farr West are free, with free childcare.

To drop in at Wasatch, it's only $10, and your first class is free if you haven't yet been to check it out! Classes at Farr West are $5 if paid in advance, and are also only $10 at the door.

Namaste.

$5 Friday Flow

$5 Friday Yoga is back at Farr West Tumblers! Only, this month it's FREE!! For the entire month of January you can practice Yoga in Farr West for free on Fridays.

I hope you had a great Holiday, but now it's time to get back in gear, say goodbye to 2010 and HELLO to 2011.

I know I'm looking forward to a great workout every Friday morning at Tumblers, and I hope to see you there. If you need to bring the kids, childcare is free and they'll have a great time while you work out.

It's a great way to start the weekend, so I'll see you Friday!

Have any weight-loss related resolutions?

If you're hoping to tone up and lose some weight in 2011, then join me tomorrow night at WSU for Pilates. It'll be a blast and since it's super cheap it won't hurt your budget!

Pilates focuses on strengthening the core and lengthening all the muscles throughout your body. It will also give you more energy and improve your posture. You don't need to bring a mat so just slip on your comfy clothes and meet me at WSU!

Students and Faculty may attend for free with an active Wildcard. Members of the community may attend for only $6. Don't miss this awesome opportunity!

Farr West Yoga

Mondays are horrible, aren't they? I always feel like I need an extra boost at the beginning of the week since I'm so bummed the lazy weekend days are gone. That's why I'm thrilled to be able to teach a Yoga class on Tuesday evenings. I need those endorphins to help me keep going for the rest of the week.

Join me for a chance to tone your body, refresh your mind and let the kids play for an hour on Tuesday evenings at Farr West Tumblers. As usual, childcare is free and the practice is only $5 if you pay 24 hours in advance.

See you at 8!

This week:

Welcome to a new year! I'm so happy to have a couple more classes on my schedule to share with you! These inexpensive classes are a great way to maintain your health and reach your fitness goals.

Monday = Pilates at Wasatch Therapy
Tuesday = Yoga at Farr West Tumblers
Thursday = Pilates at Weber State University
Friday = Yoga at Farr West Tumblers

Check the Schedule page for details regarding times and locations.