Announcing the Sponsored Yogis for 2011!

 

The decision was hard. The applications were incredible. A big thanks to all who entered!

And now, Alive in the Fire would like to introduce the blog's sponsored yogis for this year...

Emily Berna,

Nicole Crist,

and

Hans Park!

along with an extraordinarily awesome guest post team: 

Dana Almdale

Richard Krzyzanowski

Beth Morey

Annie Sullivan

 Emily Taggart

This is me, shouting a much deserved: CONGRAAAAAAATS!

In the weeks and months to come, you'll be hearing from these yogis who are located all around the country and who practice a variety of yoga styles ranging from Bikram to Vinyasa to Anusara and Yin, and more.

They are teachers and students.

Men and women with compassion.

Brilliant writers, designers and thinkers who are ready to share their reflections on life as it's lived both on and off the mat.

I couldn't be more excited to have them on board!

I'd also like to send out a personal thank you to every blog reader who entered the sponsorship program. I hope the application process was fulfilling and helped you learn more about yourself and your yoga practice.


I couldn't be more stoked to share some of your stories in the weeks to come, too. I value and appreciate your feedback and your ideas about the blog.


Thanks to you and your honest input, you can expect to see some exciting changes around here at Alive in the Fire, including:

• new design
• more continuity 
• a new series or two
• some new personal posts
• advice on specific postures, plus a comprehensive guide to every Bikram asana in the 26-posture series
• more info for yogis who don't practice Bikram
• more info for guys who yoga

Thanks to you, the blog is better and it's growing. I hope you'll stay tuned for some lovely input from the sponsored team, starting with their bios next week (plus the cutest bio video ever!).


And once again, a big fat congrats to the sponsored yogis, guest bloggers, and to every applicant who submitted. You are amazing!

A new day, a new dawn (on the blog). Beautiful! Photo via One Love Photography.

Run, Yoga, Run: The Bikram Athlete

Photo illustration via Blow Up Studios and their ad campaign for Pure Yoga. 

Hey yogis. How is your week going? Are you busy shoveling snow?


Perhaps you've had to mix up your workout this week because of inclement weather. Just this morning the Hubs and I helped push a neighbor's car over a pile of snow, and it got me thinking about those muscles we don't usually use in the Bikram room. By engaging in other core-building or stamina-enhancing exercise, we can improve our yoga practice. 


Sometimes we need to mix it up in order to improve not only our physical health, but our mental health, too. The repetitive nature of Bikram yoga (as a result of the dialogue and our familiarity with the 26-posture sequence) makes it tempting to zone out during class -- to disengage, stop listening, and go with what we know.


At those moments, we risk injury.


Often it can be great to mix up your work out routine by adding different styles of yoga or different cardio activities to your schedule.


Do any of you readers do Bikram on the side? Maybe you are into cross training, running, swimming, or biking -- but you find yoga to be a great complement to your other athletic endeavors.


No matter what your first fitness love is, Bikram can help you build the strength and flexibility you need to perform at your best, and live your healthiest life.

Photo illustration via Blow Up Studios.

One reader of the blog recently contacted me about her work as a personal trainer. Jeozette of MVP Personal Fitness Consulting recommends that athletes balance their cardio with Bikram, as the two can inform each other and provide awesome balance. The rest of this post is adapted from Joezette's article here.

You Gotta Have: Total-Body Conditioning 
(not simply strong quads) 

Consistent running can lead to a lot of tightness and strain in the spine, shoulders, hamstrings, and hips. This is why it is so important to condition and stretch those areas to develop more strength and movement to your body.


Try the following cross-training exercise to build arm strength and flexibility.


EXERCISE: Push-up; one of the best exercise for muscles of the chest (pectorals), arms (bicep and triceps) and core development.


Start face down on the floor with your feet together curled slightly so you rise on the ball of your feet. Place you hands close together so your thumbs and index fingers form a triangle on the floor. Keep your stomach contracted.
Inhale as you raise your body up till your arms are straight. Keep your head and neck level with your body and back straight. Exhale out as you lower your body back to the ground.

Photo via mewall82 on Flickr.

You Gotta Be: Pain Free!

Bikram Yoga will put an end to the tightness that leads to pain by opening up your joints and stretching all your ligaments, tendons, and muscles. Remember that running doesn't use ALL your muscles. You need a pose that will utilize your whole body.


Try the following Bikram Yoga pose to help straighten rounded spines and relieve backaches. This pose will also increase circulation to the spine and strengthen the abs, arms, thighs, and hips.It will improve the flexibility of the scapula, deltoids, and traps.


POSE: Bow Pose; Start lying on your stomach, bend your knees and bring your feet down towards your glutes. Reach back with your arms, take hold of each foot from the outside, grasping about two inches below the toes. Keep your feet and knees six inches apart throughout the pose. Take a deep breathe, look up towards the ceiling and lift thighs and upper body off the floor. Kick back lifting legs higher off the floor. The main goal is to balance on your abdomen. Hold pose for 20 seconds while breathing in and out through the nose.

Photo via creativENERGYoga on Flickr.

You Gotta Have: Agility, Coordination, and Balance

Agility, coordination, and balance are also important factors in day-to-day activities, such as standing and walking or (running). Try the following Cross-training exercise to improve these basic functions.


EXERCISE: Jump Rope; Holding the jump rope handles, one in each hand, the rope should be resting on the ground directly behind your feet. Your head should be up, eyes looking forward, not down at your feet. Your elbows should be positioned in close to your body. During the jump, your body should be erect. A basic jump is straight up and down and about 1 inch high. The rope gets its momentum with a basic swing of the wrist and forearms. The knees should flex and extend slightly with each jump. As you jump, try to develop a rhythm (the speed at which the rope turns).

Photo via kait.rich on Flickr.

Bottom line? Mix up your work out and balance it out with some hot yoga! You'll be happy you did when the winter storm hits and you don't have to pull any muscles while shoveling snow. 

Have any other advice on how to adapt to Bikram as an athlete? I'd love to hear from you, runners, swimmers, bikers, and tri-athletes! Leave a comment below.

Photo illustration via Blow Up Studios.

All the News That's Fit to Print

Photo via my new favorite blog find: Fashion Toast!

It is most definitely Monday. Buzzing around the office (on tea, not coffee!) catching up on weekends, the big game, and trying to sort through my Google Reader.

Lots of yoga news in the mix today! If you haven't already, check out the story on Tara Stiles via the New York Times. Interesting stuff. I'm curious to hear your thoughts.

I had to agree with YogaDork's review in saying that "It's yoga. Yoga is as yoga does." I'm all for creating community around yoga that's open, welcoming, and true to the heart (not the ego). Let's all avoid the snobbery and do our backbends, OK? :)

Photo via Google.

I'd also encourage you guys to check out OMB Yoga's open letter to a new Bikram student. There are some great reflections on why the teacher speaks loudly, why we require silence and stillness in between postures, and why wearing short shorts is the way to go (and here's a hint: none of it has to do with your ego!).

Photo of Coby Grant via PrAna's blog.

 PrAna also has some great posts on the upcoming Wanderlust trifecta as well as a lovely review from Coby Grant (a favorite up-and-coming artist of mine!) on the wonderful PrAna line of yoga gear.


Yoga blogger Julia Yee has some wonderful advice on sticking with your yoga routine. Don't miss this post!

Photo of Joslyn Chandler of Miss Fit Bliss by Mechelle Lavelle of Bryant/Lavelle Photography.

Finally, one of my favorite hot yoga bloggers, Joslyn over at Miss Fit Bliss, featured awesome advice on the top 14 things she's learned from Bikram (plus photos of her rockin' the yoga at an advanced class and in competition). Amazing stuff, Jos!


What are you guys up to this week? What are you reading?


I hope all is well and I'm wishing you the best.

Photo of Joslyn Chandler and yogi competitors by Mechelle Lavelle of Bryant/Lavelle Photography.

Wanted: Crazy Awesome Yogis (Get Sponsored by Alive in the Fire!)

Photo by Ron Sombilon. View his amazing photography here, or check him out on Flickr.

Readers, I have some exciting news!


This year, I am going to sponsor two or three yogis of any type of yoga and help them get started on a life-changing year of detox, relaxation, meditation, and incredible confidence-boosting yoga.


Are you a new yogi with an interest in yoga but you need help getting started?


Perhaps you need help finding a studio, a mat, some yoga wear, and the motivation to try the heat. Maybe you are feeling low, in need of self-esteem, or out of shape but don't know how to make a change.

Photo by Mika Yoga Wear.

Do you fear yoga because you are inflexible? Or because you feel judged in a room full of other more practiced yogis?


Or maybe you are an active biker or runner who wants to expand your fitness to include yoga. You might be a full-time parent that struggles to fit in a workout, and you want an incentive to treat your body better. 


Like a lot of us, you could be looking to lose weight in the new year or simply turn your body around from blah to rockin' so you feel great when you look in the mirror each day.


Finally, experienced yogis who have been practicing for awhile: I haven't forgotten about you! Maybe you are ready to step up your practice to the next level, or you are preparing for any type of Teacher Training this year. Are you ready to track your progress in each posture more clearly, or add other changes to your life to improve your yoga? I'm talking better nutrition, hydration, wellness, mental health, and overall practices for your ultimate health.

Photo by Ron Sombilon.

If you're interested, please apply to be a sponsored yogi of Alive in the Fire and email me at aliveinthefire at gmail dot com for the application. 


The process will be simple: I'll require you to write a short bio and a couple paragraphs on why you would be a great fit for the blog. You are free to send along photos, too. Whatever helps you express and communicate your strong interest in yoga and your willingness to dedicate your year to it, I want to hear it!


I will also ask that you commit to writing for the blog at various points in your journey as well as promoting the blog to others in your yoga community and your life. Our relationship will be one that is collaborative, creative and ongoing.


The rewards will be great: I will sponsor some of your yoga practice for the year; I will provide you consistent support, advice, and quick feedback on your questions and concerns; I will offer you perks and promotional yoga-related products to try; I will check in with you and hold you accountable; I will put you in touch with some of the most talented and experienced yogis and studios in the nation; and I will push you to do your best, both on and off the mat.


Together, our mantra will be what Bikram says: "If you can, you must!" (But again, this is open to any type of yoga, just for clarification!)


We will also adopt the philosophy of starting small and keeping it simple. We'll keep your personal goals, my goals, and our collective goals in mind as we move forward.


Sound like an amazing deal? (It is!) Go for it. Apply to be a sponsored yogi of the blog. Email me at aliveinthefire at gmail dot com and we'll get started.


Namaste,
Rachel and the Alive in the Fire community
Note: accepting applications through the end of the month. Apply today!

Photo by Ron Sombilon.

Winter Yoga, Wing Night & The Greatest Feeling

A crowded class reminds you to find your private practice. Photo via Coffee and Yoga.

Class was super crowded last night at the studio. Lots of beginners around. Looks like a lot of New Year's resolutions have been set!


The mats were lined up in neat rows, lots of yogis packed into the room. All the commotion and bustle really pumped me up. I warmed up with big smiles, and energy coursing through me. I love a good crowded class.

Breathe together, move together. That's the yoga. Photo via Lululemon's Flickr photostream.

What's funny is I arrived there with my good friend Lindsay, who's a Bikram teacher and massage therapist at the studio, and we both entered the Hot Room separately to set up our mats. Little did I know, I had plopped my stuff down right next to hers!

The close quarters made for an inspiring class. Linds is a super yogi and having her next to me during the postures gave me the motivation to push a little harder, focus a little stronger, and let go of the crazy energy from the beginners in the room.

That's Lindsay at her Teacher Training in Acapulco. She is an incredible yogi!

Being close to other yogis in the room also brought my thoughts to Teacher Training. I seriously can't wait to be there!


On some days it feels like I've got a lot of preparing to do before I go. I want to have at least the first four  postures down before Training, plus I could really use a challenge or two before I kill myself for 90 minutes... twice a day, for three months! Ha.


On other days, though, I feel ready to pack up a little suitcase and get my ass to the Big Tent right away. I've got my wardrobe of tiny shorts and sports bras, my set of yoga mats, my Bengal tiger strength and English Bulldog determination. I've got my open mind and willingness to let go. I'm ready, right?


And especially after crowded classes like last night's, I just can't help but imagine the energy in the room with Bikram up front and a bunch of advanced, eager trainees lining the floor from wall to wall. It has to be electric!

Standing Bow next to Standing Bow. Gotta love a crowded class! Photo via Lululemon's Flickr photostream.

Regardless of when I get to Training, I am very grateful to know that it is a goal I will turn to reality. It's not a "new year's resolution." It's a life goal. It will happen... "eventually or in the future." (And for those who are curious, it's looking like Fall 2011 is going to be my time, but nothing is set yet. I will keep you posted for sure!)


After class was super fun, too. The Hubs, the Professional Best Man, and I have a tradition of enjoying all-you-can-eat wings at Merle's Barbecue in Evanston on Wednesday nights. I mean, how can you pass up high-quality wings at only $4.50?! Plus, they have just about the tastiest lemonade around town.

Delicious wings and great company made for a lovely Wednesday wing night!

It was super busy at Merle's last night, so we sort of made an evening of it. I was so happy and content as we sat munching chips and guac and discussing our favorite types of dogs and where we want to live when we grow up.


In both the hot room and at the restaurant, I felt surrounded by love and friends. A sense of community inspires me. There seemed to be a living pulse in the air. It really energized me!


I can't wait to get back to class -- both at Bikram Yoga Evanston and other studios in the area. One of my goals this year is to expand my practice into new forms. I am hoping to buy a few DVDs for at-home practice (to meet my budget), as well as review some local studios on the blog (and hopefully score a few free classes here and there). There are plenty of cheap or free community classes as well!


The greatest feeling of all is to be surrounded by your fellow yogis as you work through class.


The surrender, the energy, the love in the room: it's overwhelming and wonderful. All at once. All together. All you need: your yoga!

New Years Extravagance

Photo via angelaandithyle.

Who's ready for New Year's?

Here are some fun ideas for you and your love to spend the last few hours of 2010. Celebrate as you ring in the new year!

Make a bonfire with some friends.

Photo via Most Beautiful Darling.

Stay up late enough to make a sunrise breakfast. 

Photo via For Me, For You.

Dye your hair a bold red for the big party.

Photo via Life as an Artistpreneur.

Dress up and get fancy with your beau.

Photo via Jose Villa.

Paint your nails so they'll sparkle.

Photo via For Me, For You.

Wear a backless dress. Ooh la la!

Photo via Tales of a Junkaholic.

Escape for a private dance on the dock.

Photo via W. Scott Chester Photo.

Party somewhere extravagant.

Photo via CKCK.

 Make a toast!

Photo via For Me, For You.

Bake brownies for you and your friends. 

Photo via For Me, For You.

Smooch!  

Photo via Kissssing.

The Hubs and I will be sailing out on San Francisco Bay if the weather holds. My dad and stepmom are super excited to show us the awesome fireworks from the water once we're docked near Pier 39. I'm hoping we'll also get to walk around the city a bit, and if it's warm enough I'll put on my party dress!

Lots of love and namaste.

Yoga Time

Photo via That Bikram Guy.

Are you hitting the hot room today? I did a little at-home Bikram but I'll be back in class tomorrow. 

Just wanted to share this fun picture to inspire you to get back to your yoga. Namaste!

Real Men Do Yoga: Joseph Barilla

Photo by my talented friend Emily.

Remember a long, long time ago when I mentioned an upcoming series about guys who rock their yoga practice? The time has come for our first post! I'm excited to introduce our first yogi in the Real Men Do Yoga series: Joseph Barilla.

Joe is a Bikram yogi who started his practice at the studio in Carle Place, NY and who now attends classes at Rockville Centre, NY. You can find him on Facebook here. This is his story.

Quite a tall Triangle Pose!

I have been practicing Bikram yoga on and off for four years. It is the first yoga I tried and I was immediately hooked on the heat, the challenge, and the unique perspective on life that the yoga provides. My favorite postures are Standing Bow Pose and Camel Pose.

I never felt it was an issue to do yoga as a man. I just did it. Liked it. Did it more. Hated it for making me feel stupid or terrible sometimes. Did it more. Liked it more for making me feel terrible, realizing I had stuff to clean up inside my body and in my life as well. 

I don't feel any more or less manly practicing yoga. To all the guys who mock the yoga dudes, I say, "I will out-dance and out-live you!"

I do some of the poses at home, but its not the same thing. Besides, I get a kick out of watching people that are about to pass out.  I will admit, though, I usually have that look on my face. Working on it. Have been for four years. I feel as if I just started yesterday.

I will attend the training soon. It's been on my mind for a couple of years now. I'm not sure how I feel about Bikram's rule about not wearing green at the training because it's his least favorite color. (It happens to be my favorite color.) But...I can deal, I suppose. Nine weeks of doing Bikram yoga twice a day will most likely make me focus on other things, like trying to stay alive. ;)

I'm at a transition phase of my life. I wish, I pray, I yell, I dream about attending the training in California. I'm not really sure of anything right now and it's a little scary not knowing what my future will look like. But the training is something I would like to attend within the next year. 

Namaste,

Joseph

Be a man. Do yoga. And then submit to Alive in the Fire about it. Photo by Steven Brahms.

Guys, submit your yoga story to be part of the series! Whether you do Bikram or any other style, I'd love to hear from you. Email aliveinthefire @ gmail [dot] com today!

Exciting note: I'm not positive yet, but I'm hoping to do special giveaways for the guys who submit, so get yours in early. :)