Category: Intro to Yoga

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A FEW OF MY FAVORITE (YOGA) THINGS!

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We all have some favorite yoga things that we cannot live without.

As a yoga teacher, I have a few extras that the average student probably isn’t hauling around: business cards, a QR code to my latest retreat (Vino & Vinyasa on January 27th, 2024), and an iPad for my yoga class notes and music.

But some of the other things I’ve got rolling around in there are indispensable for every yogi.

*Check out the links to my faves in the sidebar 👉

Favorite First

Actually, it’s my bag itself. The Uhawi Yoga Mat Tote is pretty awesome. I primarily love it because it is BIG! I carry around a lot of stuff and I can fit it all in there without too much difficulty. This is a big deal to me since I have gone through several yoga bags already. I just couldn’t get it all in! Or if I did it was a wrestling match to get there.

It comes in a few colors – black, grey, blue, and purple. So you have choices! It may not be as “cute” as some of my past bags, but seriously, the functionality beats the form on this one.

Second Favorite

I LOVE MY MAT! I am obsessed! My Manduka Pro mat is ahhhh-mazing. I have been through quite a few mats and this one truly is the end all be all, IMHO.

I’ve bought the $8-$12 mats at a discount store. Notice I said mats, plural. You get what you pay for. Lots of cute designs BUT no longevity! The mats flaked and stretched out. Additionally, they didn’t really have enough cushion for my joints.

Next up, I tried mats with more cushion. The problem was too much cushion. There wasn’t enough stability in balance poses and they were too stretchy. My down dog turned into a plank without me moving a muscle.

Then I got serious and got my first Manduka Pro. They are not inexpensive ($100+). BUT they have a lifetime guarantee. So if you add up what you would spend on the inexpensive mats, you will pretty quickly surpass the cost of a Manduka mat.

To make it even better, they are made to give high-density cushion. Ultra-dense, 6 mm cushioning provides superior support, stability, and joint protection, along with comfort on any surface. This does make them a bit heavier than the average mat.

Plus they are responsibly made. Each mat is meticulously handmade in an emissions-free German facility with 100% latex-free PVC that has been certified STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX.

I now have had 2 of these mats for 8+ years – and they still look and perform like new.

Fave #3

The number 3 spot goes to my cork Gaiam yoga blocks.

One of the number one reasons people give for not trying yoga is that they are not flexible enough. Answer: BLOCKS! They remove that excuse because they allow you to safely reach the floor and maintain proper alignment.

I believe blocks should be a non-negotiable in your practice. They bring the floor closer to you. Blocks allow you to begin to master positions that you might otherwise compromise your safety to achieve. You can start with the block in its tallest position and gradually work your way to lower positions. Eventually, you may be able to reach without the block!

I chose cork blocks even though they are a bit heavy to lug around. The heaviness speaks to their stability, something I feel is a bit lacking in a foam block. I will admit, foam is a little more comfortable if you are lying on the block though.

Final Favorite

Last but not least is my yoga strap. I like to think of them as making my arms longer.

Similar to your blocks, the strap allows you to reach without jeopardizing your form. You get assistance in a stretch or a position. Over time, you will be able to increase your flexibility in that position.

I don’t have a specific brand that I am hooked on; any will usually do the trick. You can even use your towel in some cases. You just need something you can wrap around the area you are trying to reach, like a foot or shin.

Favorites Thoughts

At the end of the day, the items you choose to include in your yoga repertoire may differ. These are the ones that I can’t do without.

Of course, your budget will come into play. Keep in mind, if you love yoga and practice frequently, VALUE and COST are two different things. If you buy items that don’t hold up over time, you may save a few dollars initially (cost) but spend more over time (value). You will want to weigh out what makes the most sense for you.

I would love to hear about some of your favorite items and/or brands. Let’s share the love with the rest of the LAYLO Shala! 💕

laylo yoga and wellness

P.S. Let’s be besties!! Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest, and join the LAYLO Shala to get the latest news and insider goodies 😍

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NO HEADSTANDS, PLEASE!

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I promise I am not opposed to headstands. BUT, hear me out on this. As a yoga teacher, I don’t practice headstands. Or legs behind the head pose. Or scorpion pose. Any posture that requires advanced flexibility is not for me and I don’t teach them in my classes or on my retreats.

And that’s okay.

No. Really.

I believe yoga is for everyone.

That means each person can take it where they want to go. You may wish to continuously increase your flexibility and mobility. You may want to practice in advanced movement. I am happy to refer any of my students who are interested in those things to the right teachers for them.

There are so many facets to yoga, and so many ways you can approach it.

There is a lot of controversy around this philosophy. Many yoga teachers are yoga purists who feel that the practice is part of an overall spiritual journey. They aren’t too happy about yoga being a physical practice for some people. Or a social and community bonding experience. Or basically anything other than a full spiritual experience.

If your approach focuses on the physicality of advanced movement – go for it! Conversely, if you are seeking a spiritual path and yoga is part of that; awesome! If you aren’t quite sure what your approach is, find out by taking this quick quiz.

I want to participate in and create a different experience.

For me, yoga is about enhancing your life. Yes, creating the flexibility and mobility needed to continue to do things you want to do in your everyday life. Headstands, not so much a part of daily life.

I love the physicality of yoga! The strength I feel when I practice, the challenge of movement. In addition, I am really drawn to the mind/body connection it creates.

Look, if you read the series My Journey to Yoga Retreat Specialist, you also know that my entire career has been in the fitness industry. So it is natural for me to find focus in the physical action of yoga.

Fitness, for me, also created a strong mind/body connection. A hard ride in a cycle class really let me blow off some steam! The intricate movements and high cardio output of a good old-fashioned step class helped me appreciate how my body moves through space. And boxing? Please – talk about building a feeling of mental and physical strength!

Yoga takes that mind/body connection to the next level.

Literally.

Fitness is the broad strokes: blowing off steam, building spatial awareness, and increasing mental strength.

Yoga gets down to the cellular level. Connecting your brain to your breath so you can self-regulate your nervous system. Speeding up the messages from your foot to your brain so you can maintain balance. Finding awareness of your thoughts and learning to allow them to pass on by.

This is the juicy stuff people!

Focus on making your life better.

Just to reiterate, I think advanced poses are pretty cool. Many would argue that those postures really do enhance your life – greater control, overcoming your body’s objections, and some pretty impressive flexibility/mobility. I don’t doubt it.

My personal mission, though, is to meet people where they are.

My tribe are people in the midst of juggling kids, careers, aging parents, and their own aging bodies. The crowd that resonates with my style wants to slow down, master, and enjoy each posture. They want to leave their practice feeling calmer, stronger, and accomplished.

Life is pretty crazy for a lot of us. Our schedules are packed, our laptops are always on, and we have instant knowledge, connectivity, and comparison in our purses, buzzing for attention all day long.

Personally, I don’t want to add legs behind my head to my to do list.

Calm, peace, and improved sleep and mental health mean more to me.

Studies show that participants who practiced yoga three times a week for eight weeks reported significant reductions in depression, anxiety, and neurotic symptoms, as well as mood improvements at the end of each class.

Yes, please!

Stepping into an advanced class might be a turn-off.

Part of meeting people where they are, for me, is making classes accessible. If you have never taken a yoga class before, you will be able to get through mine! I teach every class as if there is a brand-new participant in the room. I teach to them.

Those that have been practicing for a while, are able to hone their skills and dig in a little deeper with each practice.

If you have mastered advanced movement? You can still benefit from reviewing some of the more basic postures AND you will have the opportunity to level up to where you are at with a pose at any time.

I’m not everybody’s cup of tea, but I am somebody’s double martini!

Every yoga teacher has their own style, approach, and focus. That is what makes it so incredible!

It is important that you: A) understand what YOUR approach is so you know what kind of teacher will resonate with you B) aren’t afraid to hunt around for the right fit and C) realize that your approach may broaden and/or change over time.

It’s all good!

P.S. Let’s be besties!! Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest, and join the LAYLO Shala to get the latest news and insider goodies 😍

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MY JOURNEY TO YOGA RETREAT SPECIALIST PART 3: YOGA

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Let the yoga begin!

Or not. My path to becoming a yoga teacher was not exactly paved with cushy yoga mats!

Fitness took me pretty far in life. If you read part 2 of my story, you know it got me through being a somewhat lost stay-at-home mom, through a rough divorce, and on to a real career in an industry I loved.

As my career progressed and led me to management roles in my company, it also brought me to becoming a yoga teacher. Sort of.

Yoga had begun to expand out of the studio environment and into mainstream big-box gyms, with increasing popularity. It was my job to decide what to put on all my gym schedules and I felt like it was important to really know what each class was about. The best way to explain something to someone else is to have done it yourself!

So I took classes.

Lots of them. I took classes with well-known very popular teachers. I took classes at my gym, at other gyms, at studios, and at industry conferences.

And I really hated it!

I felt like the classes went too fast. There was not much time to get into and out of each asana and then we were on to the next one.

I found it challenging because I didn’t know what the asanas were, especially since many of the teachers used the Sanskrit names for the poses and I had no idea what they were talking about.

There was also very little instruction on proper form and execution, allowing for some really atrocious postures. In my case, as a chronic migraine sufferer, this lack of information led to me coming away with a migraine almost every time I took a class!

I had given up on ever really enjoying yoga.

I’d basically written it off as one of those forms of movement that were just not for me.

Eventually, one of my colleagues and longtime friends in fitness invited me to come to her class. Doris Thews and I shared a lot of similarities in both our personal and professional lives. What I knew about Doris is that her background in teaching mirrored my own. If anyone could make yoga make sense to me, it would be her. What did I have to lose?

What I learned changed my mind about yoga forever.

The approach that Doris took in teaching the class was different than what I had experienced so far. She acknowledged that she wasn’t the most flexible person in the world, but that yoga didn’t care. She noted that some people may be more or less flexible than her and that was okay; each of us should work to our own ability.

As we dove into the class, Doris took time to explain how to move into, hold, and transition out of each asana. Suddenly I didn’t feel like my shoulders were up in my ears during every down dog! Her simple explanation of how to perform the movement (in English!) made all the difference in whether I got a migraine or not.

Having the right teacher makes all the difference.

After that experience, I began to get the yoga fever. Practicing yoga in a way that made sense to me made all the difference.

As a matter of fact, the whole reason I created the What Kind of Yogi Are YOU quiz was to help other people take a shortcut to finding that right fit. It’s not about what style of yoga might like. It’s all about finding a teacher with an approach to yoga that matches your vibe.

My next step was to learn more about it. I read up on it. I took more classes. Eventually, I decided to become a certified yoga teacher.

I even used it in coaching people to work through stress, anxiety, and trauma. One of the principles of yoga is service. If you want to know where you can best serve people, you look at your own wounds. Well, I had quite a background in divorce, parental alienation, and religious trauma. Yoga has helped me and helped me to support others in working through these issues.

Now we are up to speed!

Well, almost.

In the fourth and final part of this series, I will share how I went from a successful fitness executive to a yoga retreat specialist.

See you in part 4!

P.S. Let’s be besties!! Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest, and join the LAYLO Shala to get the latest news and insider goodies 😍

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I’M GOING ON A YOGA RETREAT: NOW WHAT?

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Yoga retreats offer a unique opportunity to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life and immerse oneself in a tranquil and rejuvenating experience.

These retreats provide participants with a chance to deepen their yoga practice, connect with like-minded individuals, and find inner peace.

If you’re considering attending a yoga retreat for the first time, here’s what you can expect from this transformative journey.

Immersive Yoga Practice

At the heart of any yoga retreat lies the daily practice of yoga. Expect to indulge in multiple sessions of various yoga styles, ranging from Hatha and Vinyasa to Kundalini and Yin. Seasoned instructors will guide you through each session, focusing on proper alignment, breathing techniques, and mindfulness. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced yogi, you’ll find classes catered to your skill level.

Serene and Scenic Location

Yoga retreats are typically held in picturesque locations, often surrounded by nature’s beauty. You might find yourself nestled in the mountains, near the ocean, or in a tranquil forest setting. The serene ambiance enhances the experience, helping you disconnect from everyday stress and distractions, and fostering a sense of tranquility and harmony with the environment.

Mindfulness and Meditation

Beyond the physical aspects of yoga, retreats emphasize mindfulness and meditation. Practice mindfulness throughout the day, savor each moment, and be fully present. You will likely take part in guided meditation sessions. Meditation will help you quiet your mind, reduce anxiety, and foster a deeper connection with yourself.

Delicious and Nourishing Cuisine

Most yoga retreats prioritize healthy and nourishing cuisine to support the participants’ well-being. Expect to enjoy delicious vegetarian or vegan meals, often made from locally sourced and organic ingredients. Meals are usually served in a communal setting, providing an opportunity to bond with fellow attendees over shared food experiences.

Community and Connection

Yoga retreats foster a strong sense of community and camaraderie among participants. As you embark on this journey with like-minded individuals, you’ll likely form meaningful connections and build lasting friendships. The supportive and inclusive environment allows you to be yourself and embrace personal growth without judgment.

Free Time for Relaxation and Exploration

While the retreat schedule may be structured, there is also designated free time for relaxation and personal exploration. You can use this time to read a book, take a leisurely stroll, or simply sit in quiet contemplation. Additionally, some retreats may offer excursions to nearby attractions, giving you the chance to explore the local culture and natural beauty.

Emotional Release and Healing

Yoga retreats often provide a safe space for emotional release and healing. The combination of yoga, mindfulness, and a nurturing environment can help participants process emotions, release tension, and find inner peace. Many attendees report feeling more centered, emotionally balanced, and empowered after their retreat experience.

Attending a yoga retreat is a transformative journey that offers a unique opportunity to rejuvenate your mind, body, and soul. With immersive yoga practices, serene surroundings, mindful meditation, nourishing cuisine, and a supportive community, these retreats provide an enriching experience. Expect to return home with a renewed sense of self, a deeper understanding of yoga, and a profound connection to your inner being. If you’re ready to embark on a journey of self-discovery and growth, a yoga retreat may be just what your soul needs.

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MAKE YOGA YOUR OWN

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Make Yoga Your Own!

Yoga is a transformative practice that has been embraced by millions around the world for its physical, mental, and spiritual benefits.

Diving into a yoga practice doesn’t have to be scary though! Although it has ancient roots, it continues to evolve as it finds its way into various cultures and communities.

There is something anyone and everyone, at any stage of life, can benefit from!

One of the most beautiful aspects of yoga is that it can be adapted to suit the unique needs, preferences, and goals of each practitioner. Let’s explore how you can make yoga your own and create a personalized practice that resonates with your individuality.

Discover Your Intention

The first step in making yoga your own is to identify your intention. Ask yourself why you want to start a practice and what you hope to achieve through it. Your intention could be anything from improving flexibility, reducing stress, finding inner peace, building strength, or enhancing mindfulness. Understanding your purpose will help you choose the right style of practice and guide you on your journey. Still not sure? Take this quiz to find out what your approach to yoga is.

Explore Different Yoga Styles

Yoga offers a diverse range of styles, each with its own unique approach and focus. Experiment with various styles, such as Hatha, Vinyasa, Ashtanga, Yin, Kundalini, or Restorative yoga. Attend different classes or explore online tutorials to experience the essence of each style. This exploration will help you discover which style aligns best with your intentions and resonates with your body and mind.

Listen to Your Body

Your body is unique, and your yoga practice should reflect that. Pay close attention to how your body responds to different poses and movements. Be mindful of your limitations, but also challenge yourself to grow. Modify poses as needed to suit your flexibility and strength levels, and don’t push yourself into discomfort or injury. Yoga is about embracing and celebrating your body’s capabilities rather than forcing it into unnatural shapes.

Create a Personal Space

Designate a special space for your practice. It doesn’t have to be large or elaborate; it can be a corner of your room or a spot in the park. Make this space inviting and inspiring by adding elements that resonate with you, such as candles, plants, or meaningful objects. Having a dedicated space will make your practice feel more personal and help you establish a consistent routine.

Embrace Mindfulness and Meditation

Yoga extends beyond the physical postures; it includes mindfulness and meditation practices as well. Embrace these aspects and incorporate them into your routine. Meditation can be as simple as focusing on your breath or practicing gratitude. These practices will deepen your connection to your practice and offer additional benefits for your mental well-being.

Use Props and Accessories

Yoga props, such as blocks, straps, bolsters, and blankets, can enhance your practice and make it more accessible. Props can help you maintain proper alignment, support your body in challenging poses, and deepen your stretches. Experiment with various props to find what works best for you and don’t hesitate to use them whenever needed.

Be Patient with Yourself

Remember that yoga is a journey, not a destination. Be patient with yourself and avoid comparing your progress to others. Every individual’s journey is unique, and progress may be slow at times. Celebrate your successes, no matter how small, and acknowledge that setbacks are a natural part of growth.

Making yoga your own is a beautiful process of self-discovery and self-expression. By setting intentions, exploring different styles, listening to your body, creating a personal space, embracing mindfulness, using props, and practicing patience, you can craft a yoga practice that resonates with your individuality.

Remember that the most authentic and fulfilling yoga experience is the one that aligns with your heart and soul. Embrace the journey and let yoga enrich your life in ways beyond the physical realm.

Want to Immerse Yourself?

A yoga retreat is just the thing to reboot yourself, mind, body, and soul. Not sure what to expect? Check out this article or visit our retreat page!