Thought you knew everything there was to know about yoga? Think again! Check out the five fascinating facts even we didn’t know below!

1. According to a 2008 study, around 16 million Americans regularly practice yoga.

Yogis on June 21, 2013, practicing in New York City’s Times Square

2. One of the first Westerners to practice yoga was Carl Jung, a renowned Swiss psychiatrist known for founding analytical psychology and his friendship with well-known neurologist Sigmund Freud.

Carl Jung

3. The Rig Veda is one of the oldest Hindu scriptures, as well as one of the oldest texts in the world. It documents the first mention of yoga, specifically Veda yoga, which is the oldest known form of yoga.

The Rig Veda

4. Om is part of both Hindu and Buddhist philosophy, and in Hinduism the three major sounds of OM (A-U-M) are representative of the three major Hindu deities (called Trimurti). They are: Brahma the creator, Vishnu the maintainer or preserver, and Shiva the destroyer or transformer.

5. The Sanskrit definition of the word yoga is simple but powerful. It means unity. This reflects yoga’s power to positively influence the body, mind and spirit, integrating them into the whole and harmonious person that is uniquely You! Once we have achieved unity in ourselves, we can create more unity in the world around us.

Yogis practicing on the beach

Looking to expand your practice?
Come visit us at BarefootYoga.com today!

Posted under Health and Fitness, Styles of Yoga

As summer approaches, there are lots of outdoor yoga classes throughout the country that offer instruction for a variety of skill levels – many of them for free! Consider stopping by your local park for some yoga fun in the sun.

1. New York City – Bryant Park
   Tuesdays at 10:00am, Thursdays at 6:00pm
   Admission: FREE!
   Vinyasa Flow under the trees with YogaWorks instructor Lindsay Ashmun. These athletic classes focus on alignment and graceful flow.
2. Seattle – Seattle Center
   Wednesdays at 11:30am
   Admission: FREE!
   Have fun learning the basics of Hatha Yoga as you gently stretch and breathe your stress away.
3. Boston – Boston Common
   Thursdays at 6:00pm
   Admission: FREE!
   Enjoy the beauty of trees, grass, and water found at historic Boston Common while practicing power Vinyasa flow. Classes are geared towards students of all levels.
4. Chicago – Millennium Park
   Saturdays at 8:00am
   Admission: FREE!
   A variety of area instructors offer classes throughout the summer on Millennium Park’s Great Lawn.
5. Miami – Bayfront Park
   Mondays and Wednesdays at 6:00pm, Saturdays at 9:00am
   Admission: FREE!
   These classes offer a unique atmosphere to relax and invigorate, with a stunning view of the bay!
6. San Francisco – Golden Gate Park
   Saturdays at 11:00am
   Admission: By donation.
   Enjoy rejuvinating flows and meditation for your mind, body, and spirit in one of San Francisco’s most beautiful parks.
7. Los Angeles – Runyon Canyon
   Daily at various times
   Admission: By donation.
   These classes have been held at Runyon Canyon for over a decade, with a casual vibe that is welcoming to yogis of all ages and fitness levels.

For yoga supplies to maximize your practice indoors and out, visit www.barefootyoga.com!

Posted under Styles of Yoga, Yoga Events

Who’s that practicing yoga on the go? None other than talented actress Rosario Dawson! The Rent star looked happy and healthy as she and her friend held a pose in sunny Venice Beach. Dawson keeps in shape (mentally, physically and emotionally) by attending yoga, spin, and Pilates classes. For sustenance to fuel her busy life, Dawson enjoys a mix of fresh fruit, veggies, lean protein and complex carbs (think whole grain) while enjoying the less healthy stuff in moderation. All we can say is, we’ll have what she’s having!

Looking for some yoga props of your own to strike a pose in style? Visit us at BarefootYoga.com to find star-quality props at prices that will leave you starry eyed!

Posted under Styles of Yoga