Founded in 2000, Yoga Center of Minneapolis has become an important fixture in the city’s yoga community. Their mission is “to make yoga accessible to everyone at every stage of life,” and they truly deliver on this goal by offering classes ranging from their Absolute Beginner Class to advanced teacher training.

They have a number of specialty programs, including a class for plus-size men and women which was created by Yoga Center’s founder, Jennifer Gray. The class promotes the idea that “Every Body is a Yoga Body,” and helps students to gain confidence and reduce anxiety. Another fun and popular class is Happy Hour Yoga, a one hour slow flow Vinyasa class for only $8.00!

Yoga Center of Minneapolis gives back to their community through the Karma Yoga Fund, which raises money via weekly donation-based classes. These funds go towards providing yoga classes to those facing life-threatening illness and economic disadvantage. They also encourage their teacher trainees to make it a priority to donate their time and energy to bring yoga to those who need it.

Barefoot Yoga has been proud to call Yoga Center of Minneapolis a valued customer for over a decade, and you can find a number of our products at Yoga Center’s boutique, including our Hybrid Eco Mats, Yoga Mat Bags and Zafus.

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

Feeling a bit achy in the knees, perhaps paired with a twitch in the lower back? Not to worry! We’ve compiled five of our favorite yoga poses below that can help to relax and rejuvenate those areas that tend to be a little touchier than others.

1. Cat/Cow Pose

This is a great pose for strengthening and stretching the back and spine – it helps to relieve tension in a noticeable, yet gentle, way while also helping to calm the mind. This is an ideal pose to do at home after a long day to help work out the kinks (and we mean for both body and mind). And, if you find that your knees feel a bit too much pressure during this pose, try it out using our ¼” Hybrid Eco Mat. This thick and supportive mat will provide a great surface to keep your joints at ease during any pose.

2. Butterfly Pose

This pose works wonderfully for opening up the hips to give them, as well as your inner thighs, a satisfying stretch. However, if you’re finding that this pose is a bit harsh on the knees or you have limited hip flexibility, try out a couple of blankets or foam blocks underneath the outside of your knee/leg area for added support. For a bonus neck stretch, try gently lowering your chin to your chest (but don’t strain or force anything!)

3. Marichi’s Pose

This is an awesome pose for relieving not only shoulder pain, but back and hip pain, too! Sit on a comfortable surface (such as a mat or blanket) and gently cross one leg over the other as shown above. Then, try twisting the opposite side of your body towards your upright knee to bring your arm over your knee for a lovely stretch that’s great for opening up multiple areas at once!

 4. Salutation Seal

A supremely relaxing pose, salutation seal helps not only to calm and free stress from the mind, but it’s also a great pose to aid with hand and wrist flexibility – the areas affected by carpal tunnel syndrome. Whether you’re at the office or relaxing at home, if you notice that your hands and/or wrists are feeling a little stiff or numb, try taking a few moments to sit in this meditative pose with your hands together for a calming wrist and hand stretch.

5. Bound Angle Pose

Feeling the need to stretch your knees? Try out Bound Angle pose! Sitting comfortably on a mat, or Zafu for added support, bring your legs straight out in front of you. Then, while holding your feet together, gently bring both feet (soles together) towards yourself while bringing your knees outward. Don’t feel the need to strain by bringing your feet as far in as possible – wherever they feel comfortable is a good place to stop. Then, bring your chin slightly down to stretch it out (again, don’t strain). For added support, try adding blocks or blankets under your outer knees if needed.

Come visit us at Barefoot Yoga today to stock up on any and all props you need to begin, or continue, your healing journey of yoga.

Posted under Eco-Friendly Yoga Products, Health and Fitness, Meditation, Styles of Yoga, Yoga Mats

Sound Healing is a practice that has been gaining popularity in the yoga community for some time. This type of therapy is based on Nada Yoga, an ancient metaphysical system that incorporates philosophy, medicine and yoga. Nada Yoga means “union through sound,” and practitioners believe that the entire cosmos – including humans – is made up of sound energy. Everything in the universe has its own unique vibration, or sonic footprint.

In a Sound Healing session, there is often a healing attunement performed with specially pitched tuning forks. The tuning forks are struck and then held near the body, to heal and promote relaxation. You can also enjoy therapeutic concerts played on a variety of instruments, especially singing bowls, bells, gongs and shakers.

This type of therapy is said to have many benefits, including stress reduction, improved sleep and pain management. The use of sound can also deepen meditation practice – many yogis would be most familiar with chanting the mantra “OM,” which focuses our intention and connects us with the universe.

Sound Healing treatments are available at yoga centers and alternative medicine clinics around the world, and there are many resources for exploring its benefits on your own, as well! For meditation supplies to aid your Sound Healing practice, visit barefootyoga.com!

Posted under Health and Fitness, Meditation, Styles of Yoga, Yoga News