Namaste Yoga, with locations in Oakland and Berkeley, strives to live up to their name by honoring all those who walk through their doors. Their studios center around the enrichment of their students by helping them to live their lives joyfully and in the moment, resulting in a better balance of life, family, work, and wellness.

Classes at Namaste Yoga are available in a multitude of styles such as Vinyasa Flow, Power Yoga, Prenatal Yoga and Yin Yoga. One particularly exciting and unique class is Nia Dance, which incorporates wisdom from martial arts, jazz, tai chi and modern dance into an exhilarating, yoga-based workout. In addition to their variety of yoga classes, they also offer wellness services including massage, acupuncture, Ayurveda and naturopathy.

They also serve their community through their Namaste SEVA program, which focuses on a new cause or charitable organization each quarter. In the yogic tradition, Seva is the idea of selfless service, improving the lives of others without any expectation of reward. Recipients of Namaste SEVA’s support have included food banks, housing charities, and organizations helping at-risk children and teens.

Namaste Yoga has been a long-time customer of Barefoot Yoga, and offers a number of our products including yoga mats, mat bags and yoga blocks. If you’re in the Bay Area, stop by one of their three locations for a warm and welcoming experience!

Posted under Eco-Friendly Yoga Products, Health and Fitness, Styles of Yoga, Yoga Mats, Yoga News, Yoga Studios, Yoga Supplies, Yoga Teachers

I’ve discovered yoga practice can lead to feelings of elation. Endorphins are released, circulation palpably increases, and a peaceful synchronization occurs between mind and body. The cylinders are primed to fire at peak capacity.

I experienced some of this yoga elation the other day after finally dragging myself up and out for a morning hot Hatha Yoga class at YogaBliss on Mercer Island, lead by a seasoned instructor named Jonathan Bowra. His strength, lightheartedness, and insights helped push me through 90 minutes of mostly core movements, giving way to slippery sun salutations.

On the way out of my house, I grabbed my Manduka Pro yoga mat – considered by many the best of all mats. Its density provides a bouncing sensation that makes me feel like I have the strength of 10 Grinches when I practice on it. But in my hurry to get to class on time (nothing like a hurried yogi) I forgot to grab my rug – which is what I needed most – to lay on my mat and absorb all that sweat. And so I worked my core muscles hard to hold those sweat drenched downward dogs and triangles, but my feet did slip a few times, once in a way that felt dangerously close to causing a significant leg injury.

I’ve found the best surface for sweaty yoga is a thin or dense mat with a practice rug over it. So next time I won’t forget because the exhilaration of a hot yoga class is well worth it, and should be done in the safest way – on a non-slip surface.

For the rest of the day I felt heavily anchored to the ground, yet with energy surging upwards in kind of a perfect balance. Calmly elated simply to be!

Posted under Barefoot Yoga News, Eco-Friendly Yoga Products, Health and Fitness, Mysore Practice Rugs, Styles of Yoga, Yoga Mats, Yoga Studios, Yoga Supplies, Yoga Teachers

The scarves are on, the air is crisp, and fall is nearly here! Below, we’ve added our favorite tips to feel your best this season – and all year round!

1. Do some Yoga!

How could this not be at the top of our list?! Yoga is a wonderful way to stay fit, and keep your body and mind healthy. Make time for practicing regularly – whether it be once a day or a few times a week.

And, if you feel that you’re getting stuck in a rut with your routine, switch it up! Try a new class or style of yoga, a new type of exercise, or gather up your closest pals for a fun and easy way to get motivated.

As the days get shorter and darker, yoga and other forms of exercise can be especially beneficial for a healthy rush of endorphins and staying in shape over the holiday season. Try getting outdoors for a bonus kick of vitamin D!

2. Make time for your friends and family

As the weather gets chillier and the sun sets earlier, it can be particularly easy to blow off plans at the last minute. Who wants to venture out into the world when you can stay cozy indoors?! While this can be an easy route to go, resist! Bundle up in a warm jacket and go see your friends and family! They are important, you love them, go and see them. No excuses.

3. Practice mindful eating

Candy corn, anyone? (Or, perhaps a bit more realistically, sugar packed pumpkin spice latte, anyone?)

Sweet and salty foods are delicious any time of the year – but what’s important is practicing moderation. The colder months, particularly fall and holiday times, are not only filled with more unhealthy foods than usual, but are also a time of higher stress levels for many. Whether the cause is going back to school, organizing the office Halloween party, or cooking Thanksgiving dinner, stressful eating is never the answer.

Instead of nervously munching on some chewy candy or crunchy chips, try excusing yourself for a quick 5-minute meditation or walk outside. You’ll feel the benefits instantly.

Another tip? Try to surround yourself with healthy food that feels good in your body. This makes it easier to stay healthy and feel good.

4. Help out those around you

Giving back is an important thing to do, whether in big or small ways. Make a goal to give back regularly, not just during the fall and holiday season.

A few easy ways to get started? Try donating school supplies to your child’s school, offering to help your friend move, giving away some of your old yoga supplies, or even simply acknowledging something you value in another with a compliment.

5. Take care of yourself

Another thing that’s always smart to do!

Try creating a fall “first aid kit”. This can include all your essentials, such as a cozy pair of socks, some tea bags, a comfy wrap, a good book, and an eye pillow – or any of your other favorite things to create the ultimate relaxation kit!

As the weather gets cooler, also try cleaning up and revamping your home. This is a great activity for spring cleaning as well. Reorganize your house, put away the summer clothes, throw an extra blanket on the bed, and refresh your home for the new season!

For all of your fall yoga clothing and prop needs, visit us today at BarefootYoga.com!

Posted under Eco-Friendly Yoga Products, Food and Cooking, Health and Fitness, Meditation, Yoga Supplies