Yoga for Beginners

I will not lie, this summer yoga has gone on the back burner and my body has been in serious need of a refresher course. Sure, I had done the Jillian Michaels Yoga Mealtdown or quick flow, but power yoga or a few poses is not the same as a good ole' fashioned yoga flow. If you are in need of some nice, beginner yoga, this fifteen minute flow is for you. It is a slower flow that focuses on balance and beginner poses that will break that yoga ice without breaking any pride. Most of the poses use balance and help increase flexibility, although some will also help with strength- especially in the back! 

I did this flow in the morning before one of our longer road trip days. It was perfect! This Slow Flow comes highly recommended for those with stiff joints or swollen limbs... It will also help increase flexibility and stamina to withstand whatever the day may bring! 

Workout Round-Up

We are currently staying in Michigan for a few more weeks this summer. So far, it has been true Michigan weather this summer with spurts of super warm and super cold weather... This week is one of those warm ones. 

One of my favorite parts about summers in Michigan is the night yoga we get to do. Yoga outside under the massive starry sky is incredible. If you have a chance to do some stargazing yoga, I highly recommend it! For last night's yoga we did a Casey Ho warm-up followed by a newer Yogamazing yoga flow. This total workout was great. Each workout was about ten to fifteen minutes long and beginner level. Whether you are a beginner or not, you will get something out of these.

The Casey Ho workout is about six months old and ten minutes long. This Bubble Butt workout obviously focuses on the butt. Casey says that these exercises will help lift and tone the bum. The moves are super simple, but you will be feeling it. I recommend doing this first as your pre-yoga warm-up.  

Next, we did one of the newer Yogamazing yoga flows. This EZ flow is simple and beginner oriented, but also has a lot of moves the focus on the legs and lower back. Again, beginners to advanced fitness gurus can enjoy this workout. The flow is simple and relaxing but will do a number to those muscles. Try to have a star gazing Savasana at the end. It is so relaxing to look up at those infinite little lights... Enjoy!  

Things the New Yogi Should Have

We have talked a lot about yoga here at P+K. Yoga can do wonders for our shape, health, flexibility, and peace of mind; just a few of the reasons there are about a billion classes being held right, now. Whether you are new to yoga, or a yogi extraordinaire, there are a few things that will make your experience all the better. Here are my top products a yogi should never be without. 

A Machine Washable Bag

There are going to be a lot of things in your bag: shoes, keys, sweat towels, water bottles, and all your new yoga accessories. With all these goodies, your bag is bound to get a little dirty. Best to carry something that can be washed so there is no concern about hidden bacteria or odor.

A yoga bag can be as simple as a drawstring nylon back pack, or as extravagent as one of the $100+ dids. The options really are endless depending on the desired look and expense. This polyester Gaiam is a great introductory yoga bag because it is inexpensive and will keep everything you need in one place. There are tons of pockets for little things like keys and chapstick, along with a drawstring for your mat and an extra compartment for your water bottle. Best of all, you will not be going into class with a duffel.

Spandex

This may surprise a few people, but looser is not better for yoga. Loose clothing tends to shift and can, actually, restrict movement due to bunching. Spandex is great for yoga because it does not move around too much and you do not need to worry about any accidental down dog exposures. When it comes to the bottoms, I prefer longer shorts or capris for yoga. No sense in being worried about what is or is not showing in any certain pose.

Be sure to get the right fitting spandex. If you are between sizes, go to the larger option. Spandex that is too tight tends to bunch and ride up, no thank you.

A Yoga Mat

Surprise! I know, this is very obvious, but sometimes we overlook the most obvious things. Hopefully, listing this out will stop any girls (or guys) who have brains like mine from arriving to a class matt-less... Not the greatest feeling in the world, trust me.

If you do not have a mat, or are in the market for a new one, this mat is fantastic!  We have talked about this mat before on P+K, but that is because it is awesome! the mat is free of phthalates, silicone, and latex. Those with sensitive skin will love it! Our feet house the largest pores in our body, no sense going to yoga for a cleanse and ending up with added on chemicals from our mats. 

Yoga Brick

If you are just getting into yoga, this will be your favorite accessory for class. Muscles take some time to warm up and get loose. Whether you are needing a few minutes before touching the ground, or a few weeks, yoga bricks will help you maintain balance on your way to completing the pose.

This brick is made of cork and is latex free, like the mat. Cork is a renewable resource since we only use the tree bark, which grows back in 3 years. I have seen bamboo bricks as well, but the cork is a bit softer and lighter- that means better in my yoga brick book.