Real Men Do Yoga!

Did you know Yoga was developed by Spiritual Leaders for the Male Royalty of India?

Calling all boxers, bikers, golfers, and lovers - the time for Man Yoga is at hand. This is not your girlfriend’s yoga! Man yoga is a carefully crafted practiced designed to build strength and improve flexibility by working the entire Human Machine. It will also help reduce soreness of stiff muscles, prevent injuries, aid recovery and develop superior concentration. From the board room to the basketball court, Man Yoga’s disciplined approach to proper breathing, alignment and mental focus will condition you to perform at your highest level, at ANY activity (wink wink).

Most importantly, Man Yoga will help reduce stress and alleviate tension while improving your immune system. There’s no better way to create the happy, healthy, relaxed life you’ve always wanted. It is true, yogis do it best. ;0)

Prerequisite Notes
Open Level, no previous experience required. Dress comfortable in workout pants or shorts, T-shirt and willingness to learn.

Prerequisite(s):
Male

Join me every Thursday at Shakti Mind Body Studio. MAN YOGA starts at 6:30pm. Check the website for info and directions.

Playboy Yoga - You knew it was coming...

Sex sells. Like it or not, it's a truth that can not be denied. If you want to get people's attention you've got to meet them where they are, a tactic that I've used on more than one occasion. I suppose this is why I can't say I was surprised when my friend and sistaguru, Karen, hipped me to a new yoga video she read about on Huffington Post, called Playboy Yoga.

Move over Bikram, Hef is in town.

The video features 2007 Playmate of the Year Sarah Jean Underwood, a self proclaimed "yoga enthusiast" turned yoga teacher (but not really) demonstrating some of "the poses that keep her body in such good shape". O.K?

As someone who's made it my mission to spread the yoga gospel to as many people as possible, I applaud any effort to bring yoga resistant folk, especially men-folk, into the fold, but Playboy Yoga? Really?

For one, let's be honest, this video was obviously created for the enjoyment of men, which is cool. But, I can't imagine watching it is going to motivate men to pull out a mat and reach for their toes, other parts maybe, but not their toes. Secondly, this woman is not a yoga instructor. As someone who spent months studying asana, Sanskrit, anatomy, meditation, and the Sutras I know how important knowledge of the practice is in explaining how to properly execute poses so as to not injure yourself physically and how to properly breath and meditate so as to not drive yourself loony. Again, this is assuming that someone watching the video is actually interested in practicing yoga. Now before you call me a hater, I'm not saying that you can't be a pretty, blond and boobish and be a darn good yoga teacher, there are plenty out there, but at least let your physical appearance be the icing on the cake not the whole dang pie...Not hating, just saying.

As we enter the new decade yoga is continuing to become one of the fastest growing industries in America, but let's never loose sight of what's really important here, yoga is about the mind, body, spirit connection. Yoga is a tool to help navigate this crazy world with grace, balance and ease. While there's nothing wrong with making a little (or a lot) of money doing and teaching what you love, if that's all that's motivating you, you're missing the point entirely. That said, I'd love to know what you think.

Coming soon: Nude Yoga.

Got Yoga?

Yoga Can Improve Test Scores

25 years ago my physical education teacher laid us out on our mats for what would become a weekly ritual. Yoga. The class was nothing more than a few simple stretches, breathing exercises and guided relaxation. I can't speak for anyone else, but that class stuck with me and is part of the reason I became a Yoga instructor. Kudos to those who despite the dwindling number of schools offering P.E. and the pressure from people who refuse to listen, are spreading the word that offering yoga to students will benefit them in so many different ways. If you're interested in learning more about how yoga can help your child, check out this book and then drop me a line, perhaps I can direct you to a children's yoga instructor in your area.

Never thought I'd be quoting Ashley Simpson but....

“Your body is changing, and it’s such an amazing time to feel that connection. I did prenatal yoga, which was a nice way to mellow down and focus on me and Bronx. Being pregnant was the healthiest I’ve ever been in my life. Except for the cupcakes!” (Source)

She's right, there's nothing like yoga to help a mom-to-be make peace with her changing body. Not only that, the breathing exercises are perfect for controlling those killer mood swings that come with pregnancy as well as helping manage those killer contractions that come later. I encourage every budding mama to check with her doctor to see if pre-natal yoga is an option. Even if you can't practice the asanas, meditation and pranayama (breathing exercises) are sure to do you and the little one some good. Once the baby arrives I recommend you continue your practice, because trust me you'll need it. I always say, if you're looking for a teacher, look for one that's a mother, cause that's one lady that is sure to be LIVING her yoga. Don't I know it.

Shawna Renee on BAP Living Radio

In honor of National Yoga Month, I'll be joining Ananda Leeke for tonight's episode of BAP Living Radio. I am excited and honored to be sitting down with Ananda once again to discuss my journey as a yoga student, teacher and entrepreneur as well as unveiling my latest project designed to bring the Cocoa Om experience direct to you. Tune in tonight (Sept 13) at 7:00pm ET. Log on to BAP Living Radio for the details.

See you on the radio.

Encouraging News for Corporate Wellness Programs

The World Economic Forum Touts Wellness Programs:

“Employers, for example, should put less focus on approaching health care tactically with programs that address health issues as they arise, and begin thinking strategically by promoting healthy behaviors. For example, they should provide practical incentives for employees to engage in physical activity, subsidize healthy eating options in workplace dining facilities and vending machines, and ensure that working practices and environments are conducive to long-term health.

Many employers, of course, have taken steps in those directions, although the report clearly implies that more should be done.” (Read full story - source)

It should be no surprise that I am a huge supporter of corporate wellness programs. With all the attention being given to health care reform, it is surprising that we don't hear more discussion about the benefits of wellness programs as a step in the direction of preventive care. Some of the most well-intentioned corporations are still hesitant to fund workforce wellness programs out of fear that the return on their investment will come too late to make a real difference in this economy. When in fact, this is the perfect time to look into into implementing a program. It doesn't take a lot of money, just time, creativity and dedication to creating healthy and happy workforce.

For example, corporate yoga is a growing trend in the high stress world of finance. Folks are trading suits and ties for t-shirts and shorts as they bend, breathe and stretch their way to a happier and healthier existence at work and at home. Other companies are taking the first step to improving the eating habits of employees by filling vending machines with healthy food options that help keep weight low and energy high. Those with a slightly larger budget are opting to reward employees who make a commitment to better health by proving on-site massage and spa treatments. The possibilities are endless and the outcome immeasurable. From fewer sick days taken to decreased turnover, business owners would do well to look beyond next quarter's bottom line and recognize that an investment in the health and well-being of one's workforce has the potential to pay incredible dividends for many years to come.

Yoga is...

"Evolution is the only form of perfection I've ever encountered"

Welcome to National Yoga Month. All this month yogis around the country will be celebrating this practice and the spirit that has called us each to make yoga a part of our lives. Hopefully during this time many of you who've been afraid to try yoga will uncover your courage and take at least one class. As I prepare myself for what I HOPE will be a month of interesting, entertaining and enlightening blogs on yoga, health and wellness, I can't help but to reflect on my own journey, one that started just about a year ago when I made the commitment to deepen my practice by becoming a yoga teacher. Rather than write an entire essay on the way yoga has changed my life, I will share with you my thoughts on what I believe Yoga is....

Yoga is evolution
Yoga is freedom
Yoga is light
Yoga is love
Yoga is balance
Yoga is peace
Yoga is purpose
Yoga is beauty
Yoga is strength
Yoga is family
Yoga is community
Yoga is what I do, what I teach and what I aspire to achieve.

Namaste.