It’s that wonderful time of year filled with new growth and new adventures, not to mention the beautiful summer weather fast approaching! What better time to try out some new activities? Below are 5 we love!

1. Skydiving

Many people have heard of it, but few have done it! If you’re an adrenaline junkie, this is the sport for you. Check out your local certified skydiving companies to find one that will show you the ropes so you can have a fun and safe time exploring the sky!

2. Belly Dancing

An American version of the classic Egyptian style of bellydance often referred to as Raqs sharqi, belly dancing is a great workout and a lot of fun! Its non-impact movement works to strengthen the spine and abdomen, and can even help prevent osteoporosis! There are belly dance studios all over the country that offer classes ranging from beginner to pro level to get you started!

3. Hula Hooping

Hula hooping – it’s not just for the playground anymore! Hula hooping has become even more popular with the over ten crowd because of its amazing ab-toning qualities, as well as its invigorating yet relaxing effect. Try using a weighted hoop to get that extra workout, and don’t forget to check out all the fun colors and designs available!

4. Paddle Boarding

Paddle boarding – a great way to improve your balance, get a workout, and enjoy some beautiful summer weather! Grab a group of friends and buy (or rent) some paddleboards and hit the lake! Balancing on top of a paddleboard can be trickier than it looks, so start out slow by sitting down or standing on your knees and work up to standing – you’ll get there!

5. Yoga

And last but certainly never least, yoga! If you want to experience a great activity that strengthens, tones, relaxes, and improves balance, yoga is for you! Whether it’s a sweaty hot yoga class or a relaxing restorative one, yoga can be adapted to fit exactly what your body needs (and your body will definitely thank you).

To get started on your own yoga adventure, take a look at Barefoot Yoga for all that your practice calls for.

Posted under Health and Fitness

With most of us working on computers, it’s no wonder our eyes can feel tired and strained. Here is a simple exercise to relieve that. Close your eyes and  cup up your hands over the eyes, leaving space between your palms and your eyes. Make sure there is not light seeping through. Open your eyes for a few seconds and then close them again. Do this a couple of times and as often as you need to.

For another wonderful way to soothe tired eyes, check out our lavender-scented Silk Eye Pillows at www.barefootyoga.com!

Posted under Health and Fitness

The first blooms of spring are already in sight. Everything dormant is now growing and so for the month of March, let’s set our intention for growth. What does it mean to grow? Yes, there are yoga poses to strengthen, lengthen and possibly ‘grow’ your spine. But growth also means stepping out of our comfort zone, challenging ourselves, testing and knowing our limits, and learning from our experiences, good or bad.

We all have our favorite poses that we tend to incorporate into our practice again and again. We have our favorite teachers who we think are more suited to our needs. We have our favorite style of yoga that we practice daily. If we kept to our favorites, we deprive ourselves from potential growth and learning. Can we attempt that challenging pose and be alright with the outcome, physically, mentally and emotionally? Can we push ourselves not to give up on it and attempt it again next time?

Can we be open to another teacher’s style  and take whatever he or she has to offer and incorporate into our own practice? If you like Vinyasa, why not try Restorative or Yin Yoga for a change? If you usually take a 5 count breath, try stretching it to 8 and vice versa. Expand yourself and attend that Kirtan concert or meditation workshop you’ve been curious about. Use positive re-enforcement and imagery to help you in your quest. Start your exercise with no expectations of success or failure and let the end result guide you to your next step.

Find yoga supplies for your own spring growth at www.barefootyoga.com!

Posted under Health and Fitness, Styles of Yoga